American Legion Auxiliary membership dues of $40 are also payable. Contact Donna Lewis at 906-863-1679 for any questions. Also, contact Jane Raygo at 906-863-3086 to submit pasty order forms.
OCTOBER 9, 2018
The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 held its regular meeting at the Legion Post. Shelly Kanyuh, chaplain, presented the opening prayer. Julie Erickson, president, extended a welcome to members. There was a moment of silence to the POW-MIA veterans. The ALA members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and sang the "Star Spangled Banner".
Julie Hendrick, secretary, presented the September 12 meeting minutes report. Evie Koutnik presented the financial report in the absence of Cindy Smith, treasurer. The reports were placed on file for audit.
Committee Reports: Marjorie Albert, Cheer chairman, mailed cards to Judy Uecke and Cindy Smith. Judy Pier, Children and Youth chairman, reported receiving donations of warm outerwear clothing for children and veterans in need that are being placed on the Gift Giving Tree located at the Post; discussion followed on purchasing Christmas gifts. In addition, Pier encouraged members to attend an auction on November 10 (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at the Pullman House, Menominee, which will support CASSA and DAV. Julie Hendrick, Girls State chairman, reported 2018 delegates will provide a presentation of their experiences at Girls State to the membership on November 13; Hendrick also reported approximately 40 letters seeking 2019 donations were mailed to businesses and organizations. Connie Kewley, Historian, informed members that Katherine Stiles Laughton, Menominee County's probate/juvenile judge in the 20th century, was a driving force behind the American Legion movement, and instrumental in the startup of the Menominee ALA Unit 146, and first woman from the Upper Peninsula to be elected president of the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary. Donna Lewis, Membership chairman, reported 2019 dues are now payable ($40), and there are 184 current members with a goal of 304. Julie Erickson, Music chairman, recognized Judy Anderson's birthday. Evie Koutnik, Christmas Ball Raffle chairman, reported the fundraiser begins November 16 and ends January 1. All members are encouraged to bring new unwrapped gifts, or monetary donations in an envelope marked Christmas Raffle to the Legion Post after 3 p.m. daily before November 13. In addition, ALA members will wrap gifts on November 14 at 4:30 p.m.; lunch served 5:30 p.m. The membership should bring gift bags, scissors, scotch tape, tissue and wrapping paper for the prizes. Jane Raygo, Wreaths Across America chairman, reported 887 pasties were sold to support the program, and decreased from the previous year. In addition, Christmas wreaths for veteran graves may be ordered for $10 each; contact Jane Raygo at 906-863-3086; discussion followed on monetary donations received. Jane Raygo reported on the August 17-18 bake/rummage sale and its proceeds, and extended appreciation to the members who supported it with donations.
Margaret Hudon, reported on the UPAA District Fall Conference held October 6 at Little Lake. The topic of conversation was increased expenses, and transportation costs for 2019 Girls State, and a decline of participation in 2018. Also, discussion followed on items needed for veterans at Oscar G. Johnson Medical Center, Iron Mountain, and D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Marquette.
Julie Erickson, president, reported on awards given to Unit 146 members at the Summer Conference as follows: Donna Lewis, Membership chairman, received Award for 100% goal reached for Unit 146, UPAA District; Sherry Nutter, Education chairman, received Certificate of Participation, Give 10 to Education for school items; Connie Kewley received Public Relations Award - Ivy Lee Reinhardt Award-Unit with best all-around press book presented by Department of Michigan.
Donna Lewis, Vice President, informed the membership that the ALA Christmas dinner party is scheduled Tuesday, December 11 at the Legion Post; Social Hour - 5:00 p.m., Dinner - 6:00, Cost: $14. The catered broasted chicken/meatballs with mashed potatoes/gravy, and trimmings dinner will be prepared by Bill Paris; contact: Donna Lewis by November 30 for reservations - 906-863-1679. In addition, members are encouraged to bring paper products, soap, shampo, etc. to the party for distribution to the Rainbow House.
ALA Unit 146 membership approved purchasing a Christmas Ball Raffle license; monetary donation to Jake and Molly Anderson for son Easton; monetary donation to Menominee Booster Blast, and budgeted item for Bay Cliff Health camp.
Upcoming events include: October 27: Post Halloween Party - 4:30 p.m.; October 31: Legion Potluck Dinner - 6 p.m.; November 11: Veteran's Day Breakfast at Post 146; November 13: ALA meeting and Girls State presentation - 6:30 p.m.; November 14: Christmas Ball wrapping of gifts - 4:30 p.m., lunch - 5:30 p.m.; November 16: ALA Christmas Ball Raffle begins and ends January 1; December 11: ALA Christmas Dinner Party at Post - Social Hour: 5 p.m., dinner - 6 p.m.
The meeting concluded with a "Prayer for Peace" by Shelly Kanyuh, chaplain.