American Legion Auxiliary membership dues of $25 are also payable. Contact Donna Lewis at 906-863-1679 for any questions.
February 14th, 2017
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 held its February 14 meeting at the Legion Post, First Street, preceded by a potluck dinner. Anna Mae Amerman, chaplain, offered the opening prayer. Julie Erickson, president, noted the flag colors were in place, and a moment of silence to the POW-MIA veterans was observed. The ALA members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and sang the “Star Spangled Banner”.
Julie Hendrick, secretary, presented the January 17 regular meeting minutes report, and Cindy Smith, treasurer, presented the financial report. The reports were placed on file for audit.
Committee Reports: Cheer: ALA members signed and forwarded a Cheer card to member Marjorie Albert. Sherry Nutter, Education chairman, informed membership that the Unit’s $1000 Scholarship Fund applications for a 2017 graduating senior were provided to Menominee High School. Julie Hendrick, Girls State chairman, reported two MHS Junior students have applied to the 77th Girls State Session to be held at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. in June. Hendrick also reported the Unit received a monetary donation from the Menominee Kiwanis for the program. Barbara Kanyuh, Historian, reported on a membership questionnaire project to highlight individual Unit 146 members, and increase membership. Donna Lewis, Membership chairman, reported Unit 146 currently has 247 members, and a goal of 256. Lewis also reported to members how the $25 annual membership dues are divided between National, State, District, and within Unit 146. Discussion followed. Donna Lewis, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation chairman, reported adopting a veteran at the D. J. Jacobetti Veterans Home, Marquette, and how it has influenced a more positive outlook for the veteran. Lewis, also reported, Oscar G. Johnson Medical Center, Iron Mountain, extended appreciation for the Christmas gifts from Unit 146 that were presented in December. Jane Raygo, 2016 Wreaths Across America chairman, reported the pasty and Christmas wreath sales were successful, and a surplus carry-over for 2017. Jane Raygo, Poppy co-chairman, reported 2000 poppies, and 50 cans will be ordered for Poppy Days which will be held May 18, 19 and 20. Connie Kewley, Public Relations chairman, reported on the 2015 ALA Survey to members completed by Johnson, Grossnickel and Associates, regarding declining membership, and suggestions for growth. Discussion followed on membership communication, listening, lead/mentor, manage change, and recruit.
Julie Hendrick, secretary, reported receiving the following thank-you correspondence: Abundant Life Mission Homeless Shelter, Deborah Johnson Family, Mary Geniesse, DAR Boys/Girls Club, Rainbow House, Emergency Rescue Squad, and Salvation Army.
Cindy Smith, reported that the U. P. Honor Flight will be sponsoring Mission #12 on
May 17, 2017 which will leave Delta County Airport, Escanaba. Any Veteran who has served during the Korean/WWII conflicts, or Peace may sign up to participate.
Jane Raygo, reported flowers will be placed in Potter’s Field, Riverside Cemetery, Menominee on Memorial Day by the ALA; Contact Raygo – 906-863-3086 for additional information, or to donate flowers.
Donna Lewis reported for Evie Koutnik, Christmas Ball Raffle chairman, that it was a successful fundraiser for the Unit; and a surplus carry-over for 2018. A thank-you was extended to the members for their participation.
Julie Erickson, ALA District/Unit Chairman, reported on the U. P. American Legion Mid-Winter Tour, and Conference held on January 22-27th in Gladstone, Mich. The week long tour began at Sault Ste. Marie to Munising, Marquette (tour of D. J. Jacobetti Veterans Home), L’Anse, Houghton, White Pine (home of Vietnam Veterans moving wall museum), Iron Wood, Bessemer, Wakefield Post 11 (toured Stormy Kromer factory), Iron River, Iron Mountain (toured Oscar G. Johnson Medical Center/visited patients; in addition Veterans Memorial at Pine Mountain Ski Jump), Hermansville (toured Veteran museum), Gladston Post #71 (Mid-Winter Conference; included a tribute to Vietnam Veterans who served from area Legion Posts by Department Commander, Larry Money; a letter of appreciation to the Veterans from President, Barack Obama was also presented).
Margaret Hudon, ALA Conference delegate, reported on Girls State, and the Dorothy Pearl Scholarship; deadline to apply is April 1. A discussion followed on Department president, Ellen Jackson and a need to have alternates for Girl State applying also.
Julie Erickson, president, reported that a nominating committee was needed for the Unit’s upcoming 2017-2018 Slate of Officers. The following members volunteered: Connie Kewley, Donna Lewis, and Jane Raygo.
Julie Erickson reported the following awards were given to ALA Unit 146 by the Department of Michigan: Membership – (making gold-red ribbon); Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (Dorothy Pearl Certificate); UPAA Auxiliary Emergency Fund (Certificate of Appreciation); Education (Give 10 to Education); Americanism (Essay Contest -Special Needs category – First Place: Wyatt Poquette).
Julie Erickson, also informed ALA Program chairpersons that Unit reports need to be completed by March 31.
The ALA membership approved the following budgeted items: Concerts in the Park, Menominee County ISD Imaginary Library, Barb Palzewic Foundation, and Walk for Warmth.
Upcoming Events include: March 14 – ALA/Legion Anniversary/Meeting– Birthday Cake – 6:00 p.m., Meeting – 6:30 p.m.; March 18 – Celebration of Life for Diane Johnston @ Post; March 26 – CPR Training @ Murray’s – 1 p.m.; April 11 – ALA Meeting/Pizza Party – Social Hour – 4:30 p.m., Pizza Party – 5:30 p.m., Meeting – 6:30 p.m.; May 9 – ALA Meeting – 6:30 p.m. (Election of Officers); May 18, 19, 20th – Poppy Days; June 3 – Annual Family Recreation Day; June 13 – ALA/Potluck Dinner/Meeting – Social Hour – 4:30 p.m., Potluck Dinner – 5:30 p.m., Meeting – 6:30 p.m. (Installation of Officers); June 9-10 – U. P. Summer Convention in L’Anse. NOTE: The American Legion Baseball Spaghetti Dinner – TBA.
Anna Mae Amerman concluded the meeting with a Prayer for Peace.