American Legion Auxiliary membership dues of $25 are also payable. Contact Donna Lewis at 906-863-1679 for any questions.
October 10, 2017
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 10 at the Legion Post on First Street.
President, Julie Erickson noted the flag colors were in place, and a moment of silence was observed for POW-MIA veterans. The ALA members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and sang the “Star Spangled Banner”. Shelly Kanyuh, Chaplain, offered the opening prayer.
Erickson introduced Alexis Coleman, 2017 Michigan Girls State delegate as featured speaker. Coleman reported participating in the democratic government at the city, county, and state levels, and the highlight of the trip was visiting the State Capitol in East Lansing, Michigan.
Julie Hendrick, secretary, presented the September 12 regular meeting minutes report, and Cindy Smith, treasurer, detailed the financial report. The reports were placed on file for audit.
Marjorie Albert, Cheer chairman, reported cheer cards mailed to Donna Shatusky, and Joanne Rosene.
Donna Shatusky reported for Donna Lewis, membership chairman that the 2017-‘18 membership goal is 263, and membership dues of $25 are now payable; currently there are 163 paid ALA members. Shatusky also reported that the ALA catered Christmas Party Dinner is scheduled December 13 at the Post. The chicken/pork roast, mashed potatoes/gravy, California vegetable medley, pasta salad, roll, dessert and coffee will cost $13 (includes tip). Contact Lewis @ 906-863-1679 for further information.
Connie Kewley, Public Relations chairman, reported submitting seven Media Releases, and also reported on the UPAA District meeting held October 7 at Legion Post 146. Julie Erickson, District president, and ALA member, Margaret Hudon were also in attendance. Currently there are 32 units in the Upper Peninsula, but two will be dropping out due to declining membership. Julie Becker, Chaplain and Leadership chairman reported that the “ALA cannot grow, if you don’t know”, and important to mentor members within the organization. A discussion followed on materials distributed, and ALA membership dues increasing for 2018-‘19.
In the absence of Jane Raygo, Wreaths across America chairman, Connie Kewley reported November 6 (11:30 a.m.) is pasty pick up. Contact Jane Raygo at 906-863-3086 for additional information.
Julie Erickson, president, reported for Evie Koutnik, Christmas Ball Raffle chairman, that the raffle is scheduled November 16 to December 29 at the Legion Post. ALA members may bring new unwrapped gifts, or cash donation to the Post. A sign up sheet for volunteers was distributed, and posted at the Legion Post. ALA members will wrap gifts on Wednesday, November 15 at 5:00 p.m.; members may bring scissors, scotch tape, small Christmas gift bags, and wrapping paper; a lunch will be served. Members may contact Koutnik at 906-864-2904 for additional information.
Erickson reported for the Legion Post 146 Bar Committee that updates for the extended patio deck, painting project for front dining room, and new carpeting will soon begin.
Julie Erickson, Music chairman, recognized ALA member Judy Anderson with an October birthday song.
Erickson reported chairpersons are needed for the Children & Youth program, and Ice Cream/Nacho Booth for 2018 Waterfront Festival. Judy Pier volunteered for the Children and Youth chairmanship.
Cindy Smith reported receiving thank you correspondence for donation received from the U. P. Honor Flight #XI Mission program. A photograph displaying the September 21, 2016 veterans who traveled to the memorials in Washington, D.C. was presented to Unit 146.
Julie Erickson reported that the January, 2017 Mid-Winter Conference held in Gladstone, and a Certificate of Participation was awarded to Cindy Smith for taking the Senior Basics Course; also, Certificates of Leadership workshop awards were given to Liz Scholtz, Donna Lewis, Julie Erickson, and Margaret Hudon.
Erickson reported on the June 22 Department Convention held in Flint, Michigan. The following ALA Unit 146 members, and students from Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy were recognized as contest winners from the UPAA District: Americanism – Barbara Kanyuh (Very Good Americanism); Essay Contest “How does learning about government, and our America, help you become a future guardian of the liberties of our country”? – Students achieving Honorable Mention: Adam Sandahl, Nicholas Sandahl, Zoey Truesdell, Wyatt Poquette, Dominic Piasecki, Braydon Allgeyer, Spencer Odea, Maria Gardner, Jada Johnson, Alexander Mamonor, Garrett Anderson, Brock Murphy, Tyrone Gromala, and Brooklyn Albrecht; Chaplain, Anna Mae Amerman – Honorable Mention (Book of Prayers); Public Relations – Connie Kewley (Ivy Lee Reinhardt Citation – Unit with best all around press book). In addition, certificates awarded to Unit 146 –“Give 10 to Education” (Sherry Nutter, Education chairman); Membership for Unit 146 - meeting 100% goal and green ribbon - four years in a row (Donna Lewis, Membership chairman).
Julie Erickson, president, reported August 1-4, 2018 is the American Legion Baseball State Championship Tournament at Spies Field in Menominee.
ALA membership approved the following monetary donations: Bay Cliff Health Camp; Legion Post 146 toward the renovation of carpeting, deck, and painting fund at the Post. Also, a monetary donation was received from DAV Chapter 25 toward the” Wreaths across America” program.
Upcoming events include: Oct. 25 – Legion Post Potluck Dinner, 6 p.m.; Oct. 26 – Downtown Trick/Treat, 3-5 p.m.; Oct. 28 – SAL-O-Ween Party, 2 p.m. (music); Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day Breakfast @ Post; Nov. 14 – ALA meeting @ Post, 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 15 – ALA Christmas Ball Raffle wrapping @ Post, 5 p.m.; Nov. 16 – Christmas Ball Raffle begins @ Post, 4 p.m.; Nov. 17 – Downtown Christmas Parade, 6:30 p.m. (ALA distributes hot chocolate).
Chaplain, Shelly Kanyuh, concluded the meeting with a Prayer of Peace.