The Callaway American Legion Auxiliary monthly meeting started at 6:30 at the Callaway Legion Hall on Oct. 4, 2024. Our President was absent, so our Vice President Cora Belew called the meeting to order. Our chaplain Joyce read the prayer. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang the Star-Spangled Banner and recited our Auxiliary Preamble. Our secretary Eileen read the minutes from the Sept. 9 meeting, and they were approved. MaryAnn Boldt presented the financial report. We have a balance of $6,243.08 so we are good so far this year.

Jo made a motion to accept the financial report and to pay MaryAnn the $5.00 she donated for us to the Custer County Convention in September. Deondra seconded this motion, and it was approved.

We checked with the school to see if there were any supplies that the elementary classes needed. We supplied 30 whiteboards and markers. We also helped out two students who were in need of backpacks and supplies to start the year. With the help of Lawrence Paulsen and the Callaway Market we were able to supply everything they needed.

The Trunk or Treat will be Oct. 31 from 4-5 p.m. downtown. MaryAnn moved that we take part in the Trunk or Treat and Joyce seconded this motion. We will use our new Auxiliary signs. We have been asked to help with the Harvest Carnival on Nov. 9. We will supply water, popcorn and treats for the Carnival and it should last from 4-6:00, at the Community Center.

At the County Convention they showed small items called prayer wallets that have a prayer for veterans on them. It was suggested that we get the kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders to color these, and they could pass them out to the Veterans that attend the Veterans Day program.

Our Veterans Soup Super will be Sunday, Nov. 10, from 5-7. The Sons of American Legion will make the chili soup and the chicken noodle soup. MaryAnn will make the oyster stew. Our supplies will have to be checked to make sure we have everything. We will use our calling tree to make sure we have desserts. Anyone wanting to help is welcome.

Essays and poppy posters are due to the Chairperson by March 15, so we will need to get them judged by the middle of February. We need to order Poppies, about 300, we need to get the forms from Jane so we can do this. MaryAnn made the motion and Deondra seconded this. It was approved.

The wreaths for Veterans need to be placed at the cemetery before Dec. 14. The first Sunday is Dec. 1 and our alternate date is Dec. 7, whichever will work out best.

We will check with our Gold Star Sister Rose Hirsch to see if she can come to a meeting to be honored.

Jo made a motion to have MaryAnn send our yearly donation in the same amount as last year to the State as we do not have the forms with us at this meeting. Deondra seconded this and it was approved.

The meeting was concluded with Joyce reading a prayer and Cora adjourning the meeting.

Sincerely, Eileen Wilson