American Legion Auxiliary meeting highlights
The Chester American Legion Auxiliary Unit 487 held its monthly meeting October 12 at the Post Home with 13 members in attendance.
Flags were posted. Chaplain Collette Powley had the dinner prayer.
Dinner meal was prepared by Carolyn Schwent and Linda Rader. President Betty Wagner called the meeting to order.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary was recited.
President Betty and Chaplain Collette conducted the Draping of the Charter in memory of Mary Montroy.
A thank you note was received from St. John Lutheran Church for a memorial for Dorothy Rednour.
President Betty reported on the 5<sup>th</sup> Division meeting held at Benton on October 11. Division officers encouraged more participation in Legion activities from the 25<sup>th</sup> District, of which Chester is a member.
She also reported that the membership goal established by the National Headquarters is 256 for 2015-16 and we have 81 senior and 11 junior members paid for the year.
Community Service
Collette reported that the Civil War History at the library was a great program. The library has started Yoga Classes.
On October 18 there will be a tour of the Evergreen Cemetery. Americanism Chairman Carolyn Schwent reported that there are 94 teachers in the Chester Schools.
Motion was made and seconded that we deliver apples to them during National Education Week. She reported sending five boxes to Florida to be forwarded to military men and women stationed in
Afghanistan. Carolyn also advised that the Red, White and Blue campaign will probably pass through Chester on Sat. on October 24.
President Betty reminded the members to pay their dues no later than December 7 to avoid paying the dues increase which will be effective January 1, 2016.
She also urged members to attend the annual Christmas party on December 14 and to make their reservations by December 7.
The cost is $10 per person and must be paid in advance. Junior members are also encouraged to attend.
There will be no gift exchange this year, but a donation will be collected for the Department President's Special Project. Reservations may be made by calling Betty Wagner at 618-826-3176.
Motion made and carried that the auxiliary will pay the gratuities.
Motions were made , seconded and carried to pay 25<sup>th</sup> District obligations, including donation of $200 to the Haven, and the annual Department donations.
Sunshine Chairman Farida sent a sympathy card to family of Mary Montroy and get well card to Linda Kessel and Darlene Vogel.
Farida won the attendance drawing. There being no further business, Chaplain Collette closed the meeting with prayer.
The next meeting will be November 9, 2015 with dinner at 6 p.m., and meeting at 6:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend.