JUNE 28, 2019
The Menominee American Legion Post 146, American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of American Legion, 818 First Street, were host to the 2019 UPAAL Centennial Summer Convention held June 14-16. Steve Fifarek, Post 146 Commander, Julie Erickson, ALA President, and Steve Van Eyck, the Sons of American Legion Commander extended a welcome to dignitaries from the surrounding district American Legion Posts, and Bill Germain 5th Zone Commander, and Gary LaMunyon, Michigan Department Commander.
The American Legion Family exhibited a team effort to enhance the Legion Post, including Liz Scholtz, ALA Greeter, distributed booklets at the convention, and John Nutter, Legionnaire, orchestrated the American Legion Post 100th Anniversary cake which was provided by Jack's Fresh Market, including floral arrangements, Menominee.
The American Legion Family has served our veterans and community for 100 years.
THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY CAKE
LIZ SCHOLTZ, ALA GREETER
WILLIAM " BILL" GERMAIN 5TH ZONE COMMANDER, GARY LAMUNYON MICHIGAN DEPTARTMENT COMMANDER. AND STEVE VAN EYCK,
JUNE 17, 2019
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 held its regular meeting at the Legion Post, First Street on June 11, and the following members were installed as new officers for 2019-20 by Julie Erickson, 2018-19 President:
(Pictured L-R): Julie Hendrick, President, Val Hallam, Vice President, Diane Ewaldt, Secretary, Judy Pier, Treasurer, Patty Violet, Chaplain, Connie Kewley, Historian, Barbara Kanyuh (stand-in) for Tina Bunting, Sergeant-at-Arms. The Executive Board will consist of Julie Erickson, Donna Lewis and Lynn Paris. The new officers will resume their duties on July 1, 2019.
MAY 30, 2019
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146, and Barbara Kanyuh (Penny) Americanism chairman, presented Sara Saber, Sweden and Anwar Awwad, Israel with the United States American Flag at the 2019 Senior Recognition Night Awards Ceremony on May 20 at Menominee High School. The two girls were Foreign Exchange students and attended MHS this past year.
JULIE HENDRICK, ALA AND MHS BOARD MEMBER, SARA SABER - SWEDEN, ANWAR AWWAD - ISRAEL, BARBARA (PENNY) KANYUH, AMERICANISM CHAIRMAN AND SHERRY NUTTER, ALA EDUCATION CHAIRMAN.
MAY 30, 2019
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 awarded a $1,000 Scholarship to Emma Lynn Hofer at the 2019 Senior Recognition Night Awards ceremony held at Menominee High School on May 20. Emma is the daughter of Tony and Lynn Hofer of Menominee, and completed eligibility requirements for the Unit's criteria through her veteran grandfather, David Hegg, who served in the United States Navy from August 1956-1977.
Since Emma Hofer is a three sport athlete, and participated in Student Council, Youth Advisory Committee, Tri-Y, National Honor Society, Healthy Youth Coalition, MHS School Musicals, and Forensics, she also found time to contribute substantial Community Service Hours. Emma plans to attend Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan to major in Special Ed-Learn Disabilities. The Menominee Sons of American Legion (SAL) also supported the Scholarship Fund.
PICTUREDL (L-R): JULIE HENDRICK, ALA MEMBER AND MHS BOARD MEMBER, EMMA HOFER, SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT, AND SHERRY NUTTER, ALA EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
MAY 30, 2019
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 recognized students entering the military at the 2019 Senior Recognition Night Ceremony on May 20 at Menominee High School (MHS). Aaron Drifka and Ashley Armbrust will be entering the United States National Guard, and were presented with an American Flag Keepsake Photo Album from Barbara Kanyuh, ALA Americanism chairman.
PICTURED (L-R) JULIE HENDRICK, ALA MEMBER AND MHS BOARD MEMBER, BARBARA KANYUH (PENNY), ALA AMERICANISM CHAIRMAN, AARON DRIFKA, MILITARY RECRUIT, ASHLEY ARMBRUST, MILITARY RECRUIT, AND SHERRY NUTTER, ALA EDUCATION CHAIRMAN.
MAY 22, 2019
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146, and Girls State chairpersons, Julie Hendrick, and Barbara (Penny) Kanyuh, report Emma Laastch and Emily Nowack from Menominee High School have been selected to attend the 79th session of Girls State to be held at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan on June 16-22.
The delegates were selected for their achievement within their own schools, community involvement, leadership ability, interest in our system of government and recommendations from teachers and administrators.
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State was established in 1941, and is an annual program designed as a practical experience in self-government based on Michigan state government at the city, county and state levels. The program emphasizes the importance of government in modern life and educates young women in the duties, privileges, right and responsibilities of American Citizenship. It awakens a sincere conviction that a well-informed, intelligent, participating sincere citizenry is vital to protect and preserve American institutions and Democracy. These goals are achieved by actual participation in a simulation of the political and governmental process throughout the week at Girls State.
In addition, Girls State is a nonpartisan and nonpolitical program in which no existing party promotes.
The delegates are sponsored by the Menominee American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146, GFWC Woman's Club, Chem Design, Fincantieri Marinette Marine, Menominee Kiwanis Club, and the 20-Year Club.
MAY 1, 2019
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146, and Poppy chairpersons, Evelyn Koutnik, and Jane Raygo announce the launch of Poppy Days in the City of Menominee. The distribution of red poppies by ALA members in exchange for a free-will donation will take place on May 16, 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jack's Fresh Market, and K-Mart.
The Poppy Story stems from the battlefields of western Belgium, and northern France during World War I. The weary soldiers brought home the memory of a barren landscape transformed by a sudden growth of wild poppies, red as the blood that had soaked the soil amid the casualties of war. It was a miracle of nature that the spirit of lost comrades lived on. The poppy became a symbol of the sacrifice of lives lost in war, and represented the hope that none had died in vain. The ALA will cherish the red poppy that grows on fields where valor led, and its petals of red crepe paper bound together for veterans by veterans, reminding America each year that the men and women who have served and died for their country deserve to be remembered.
The poppy, as a memorial flower to the war dead, can be traced to a single individual, Moina Michael, a schoolteacher, also known as the "Poppy Lady". Moina became inspired by a war poem entitled, "In Flanders Field" (1915) written by Canadian physician, Lt. Col. John McCrae. Since there was a need for financial, and occupational assistance for disabled veterans, she lobbied the American Legion to have veterans assemble poppies for distribution to raise community awareness.
The ALA adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in 1921, and in 1924 instituted the National Poppy Program as a symbol of sacrifice, and to protect the memorial poppy from becoming commercialized. The ALA Poppy Program helps our veterans in two ways: Those who make the poppies as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation to attain new movement and skills, and the disabled and hospitalized veterans benefit from the monetary donations collected. The contributions to the poppy fund supports service members, veterans, and their families through the ALA's outreach programs. Poppies are pretty - but the flower's impact is significant.
APRIL 29, 2019
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 will meet at the Legion Post, Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. There will be an election of officers for 2019-2020, and if any members are unable to attend the meeting, an Absentee Ballot Box is available at the Post for voting. Also, ALA members are encouraged to contact Jane Raygo at 863-3086 to sign-up and volunteer for Poppy Days May 16-18. All members and guests are welcome to attend the meeting.
APRIL 15, 2019
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146, and Judy Pier, Children and Youth, chairperson, report the month of April as National Children and Youth month, and its commitment to military children, and the community. The present Children and Youth program can trace its origins back to 1919. Children - They are our most valuable resource. In a society where many neglect the needs of our children and youth, the ALA embraces those needs vigorously. The American Legion Auxiliary has spent 100 years supporting our nation's youth, based on the following three basic principles: to strengthen the family unit against the forces of today's complex society; to extend support to sound organizations and facilities and services; and to maintain a well-rounded program to commensurate with the needs of today's children and youth. Since children in the military struggle with the absence of their parent/parents, and frequent location changes, the American Legion is a strong advocate on behalf of children across the country today for veterans.
JANUARY 11, 2019
Judy Pier, Children and Youth chairman, and her committee consisting of Jane Raygo, Joann Torreano, Judy Anderson, Sherry Nutter, and Barbara Kanyuh of Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 report the following projects completed for 2018: The Fall Tree was a collection of hats, mitttens, scarves and socks for children and veterans in need. A collection then followed with children books, and books for teens with a large amount of books coming from children at a Chicago Pre-School which wanted to have a giving project for Christmas. In addition, blankets and quilts for "Snuggle up with a Book" for the Rainbow House (29 children ages 2-14), and 75 books to the "Give-a-Kid Book" program sponsored by Spies Library for children in need for Menominee County was completed. Also, the Pregnancy Center in Marinette received books to moms and dads to read to newborns, blankets for the babies, along with hats and gloves for new moms, and finally St. Thomas Aquinas II Pre-School received hats, mittens and scarves along with a large box of books.
The ALA Children and Youth committee worked on making a Christmas for an adopted disabled Vietnam veteran locally for his children and grandchildren. Jane Raygo made bags for each child, which included a home-made quilt, coloring books, crayons, stuffed animals and pajamas. In addition, received hats, gloves, puzzles and 4 books each to read. Since there were several additional donations including a DAV gas card for doctor appointments to the disabled veteran, a thank you of appreciation was extended to the Menominee American Legion Auxiliary.
Note: Pictured (front) Sherry Nutter; (back L-R) Barbara Kanyuh, Joann Torreano, Judy Pier, Children and Youth Chairman, and Judy Anderson. (Absent - Jane Raygo)
DECEMBER 28, 2018
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 will meet Tuesday, January 8 at the Legion Post, 818 First Street at 6:30 p.m. All members and guests are welcome. The ALA members are reminded that 2019 membership dues are now payable ($40). Contact Donna Lewis at 906-863-1679 for additional information.
DECEMBER 3, 2018
On Saturday, December 1 in the Veterans' Memorial section at Riverside Cemetery, Menominee, Mayor Jean Stegeman issued a proclamation that it was "Wreaths Across America Day" in the City of Menominee. Jane Raygo, "Wreaths Across America" chairman for Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 spoke of its humble beginnings in 2005 with the VFW Auxiliary, Margaret Raboin, and Dick Bastien who assisted in making and placing 50 wreaths on veteran gravestones.. However, the wreath-laying memorial ceremony today involves approximately 260 wreaths and more participants: The following participated in the wreath placement: Sheriff Kenneth Marks provided procession of wreaths, Jane Raygo, Master of Ceremonies, Rev. Brian Gerber, Resurrection Church blessed wreaths, Commander Dave Thompson installed piped music, Michael Hensley recited Pledge of Allegiance, Julie Erickson, ALA president and members sang "Star Spangled Banner", 20-Year Club played Taps and provided Gun Salute. In addition, Tom Lefleur and Michelle Salter of Riverside Cemetery, Menominee Woman's Club, Veterans Council, Commander Steve Fifarek, Post 146, Commander Steve VanEyck, SAL146, and Civil Air Patrol provided assistance. Adjutant Richard Pier, Post 146 as guest speaker shared the history of "Wreaths Across America" as follows: "In 1992 Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine had an excess of wreaths on hand at the end of the holiday season and was granted permission to take 5000 wreaths, and place them on veteran grave sites in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Also, in 2006 the wreath placement gained national attention, and an annual Veterans Honor Parade to escort the wreaths to Arlington Cemetery began. The United States Congress voted unanimously on December 13, 2008 to approve "Wreaths Across America Day". In 2014, 700,000 memorial wreaths laid at 1000 various locations, and 226,525 covered Arlington National Cemetery. In summary, Remember our fallen U. S. veterans, Honor those who have served, and Teach our children the value of freedom".
MAYOR STEGEMAN, (L-R) REV. BRIAN GERBER, COMMANDER DAVE THOMPSON, DAV, JANE RAYGO, ALA UNIT 146, MICHAEL HENSLEY, ADJUTANT RICHARD PIER, POST 146
Commander Steve VanEyck, SAL Post 146 helps his grandson Brody VanEyck place a memorial wreath on a gravestone in the Veterans' Memorial section at Riverside Ceremony, Menominee on Dec. 1
NOVEMBER 26, 2018
Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 invites the community to attend the "Wreaths Across America" memorial ceremony which will take place on Saturday, December 1 at 10 a.m. in the Veterans' Memorial section, Riverside Cemetery, Menominee. The ALA will place approximately 260 Christmas wreaths on veteran gravestones to remember the fallen veterans. The wreath placing ceremony is similar to the one held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia and observed at various sites across the country.
NOVERBER 26, 2018
Menominee High School students, pictured left are Carley Kenney, Annie Bauer, Kaitlyn Black, Alexis Kaempf, Anna Magrane, and Jennifer Jones provided a visual presentation on November 13 of their experiences as Girl State delegates to the Menominee American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 at the Legion Post. The delegates attended the 78th Session of the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program which was held June 17 to 23 at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. The annual program established in 1941 provides a simulation experience in self-government at the city, county and state levels. The event educates young women in the responsibilities of American citizenship and democracy.
NOVEMBER 2, 2018
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 will meet Tuesday, November 13 at the Legion Post, 818 First Street; social hour - 5:30 p.m., meeting - 6:30 p.m.
The 2018 Girls State delegates will provide a presentation of their experiences at Michigan State to all guests and members.
ALA members are encouraged to make reservations for the Christmas dinner party ($14) to be held December 11 - 6 p.m. at the Post. In addition, 2019 membership dues ($40) are now payable. Contact: Donna Lewis at 906-863-1679 for further information.
OCTOBER 20, 2018
Julie Erickson, president of Menominee American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 presented the following awards to members while attending a Department Summer Conference:in Kalamazoo. Donna Lewis, Membership chairman received Membership Award for 100% goal reached for ALA Unit 146, UPAA District; Sherry Nutter, Education chairman, received Certificate of Participation, Give 10 to Education for school items; Connie Kewley received Public Relations - Ivy Lee Reinhardt Award-Unit with best all-around press book presented by Department of Michigan.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2018
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146, recently presented a food donation to the Abundant Life Mission Homeless Shelter. The shelter provides services for individuals, families, and veterans in need. Presenting the donation (L-R) Judy Pier, ALA Children and Youth chairman and Marian Kulwich, Board Member, Abundant Life Mission Homeless Shelter.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 will meet at the Legion Post, 818 First Street, Wednesday, September 12 (NOT TUESDAY); social hour will be at 4:30 p.m.; potluck dinner - 5:30 p.m. (bring dish to pass); meeting - 6:30 p.m.
The 2019 membership dues ($40) are now payable; contact Donna Lewis, Membership chairman at 906-863-1679 for questions, or concerns. In addition, members are reminded to bring school supplies for education which will be distributed to St. Vincent de Paul in Menominee for students in need.
All members and guests are welcome to attend the meeting
AUGUST 10, 2018
MICHIGAN STATE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT WHICH WAS HELD AT SPIES FIELD AUGUST 2-5
AUGUST 1. 2018
MENOMINEE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 146
-
NOTICE –
A PASTY SALE IS CURRENTLY IN PROCESS UNTIL OCTOBER 4
TO SUPPORT THE “WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA” PROGRAM;
DELIVERY DATE - NOVEMBER 5. A VARIETY OF PASTIES WILL BE
MADE AVAILABLE AT A COST OF $3.50 BY THE PASTY OVEN.
CONTACT: JANE RAYGO FOR ORDER FORMS, AND FOR ANY
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION @ 906-863-3086.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR UNIT.
JULY 31, 2018
ALA UNIT 146 - BAKE/RUMMAGE SALE
MENOMINEE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 146
- NOTICE -
DATE: AUGUST 17 & 18 (RAIN DATES: AUG. 24 & 25)
TIME: 8 A.M. – 2 P.M.
PLACE: 4206 3rd STREET, MENOMINEE (JANE RAYGO RESIDENCE)
ALA MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DONATE GENTLY USED CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, ETC.; DROP OFF SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15.
BAKERY ITEMS NEED TO BE PLACED IN SMALL ZIPLOCK BAGS, AND WILL BE SOLD FOR $1; DROP OFF THURSDAY, AUGUST 16.
NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE TO BE DROPPED OFF AT JANE’S RESIDENCE. CONTACT: 906-863-3086 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR UNIT, AND THIS SALE WILL HELP PROMOTE OUR PROGRAMS; VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED.
JULY 23, 2018
MENOMINEE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 146
- NOTICE -
ALA UNIT 146 - BAKE/RUMMAGE SALE
DATE: AUGUST 17 & 18 (RAIN DATES: AUG. 24 & 25)
TIME: 8 A.M. – 2 P.M.
PLACE: 4206 3rd STREET, MENOMINEE (JANE RAYGO RESIDENCE)
ALA MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DONATE GENTLY USED CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, ETC.; DROP OFF SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15.
BAKERY ITEMS NEED TO BE PLACED IN SMALL ZIPLOCK BAGS, AND WILL BE SOLD FOR $1; DROP OFF THURSDAY, AUGUST 16.
NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE TO BE DROPPED OFF AT JANE’S RESIDENCE. CONTACT: 906-863-3086 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR UNIT, AND THIS SALE WILL HELP PROMOTE OUR PROGRAMS; VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED.
JULY 23, 2018
On Friday, July 20, "Veterans Day" was declared by the Menominee County Fair. A "veteran" whether active duty, honorably discharged, retired, or reserve was honored, and the Color Guard assembled to pay tribute to all veterans. The Master of Ceremonies was Sheriff Ken Marks, Menominee and also ex-Marine; "Blessing of the Flags" ceremony was performed by Father Ronald Timoch of Precious Blood Church, Stephenson, and former military chaplain. The National Anthem, and various patriotic songs was performed by the Menominee River Chorus; Mike Delisse of Menominee County Veterans Services spoke, and answered questions on veteran services; Roy Berto, past commander of VFW Post 5966 created and donated a sign entitled "Honor and Remember". In addition, Anna Mae Amerman with 43 years as an American Legion Auxiliary member, Menominee, recited the poem "In Flanders Fields", and shared her involvement within the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146, and the contributions made to the community, veterans and their famiies. The veterans, and guests enjoyed a social with refreshments after the ceremony.
