The Callaway American Legion Auxiliary’s monthly meeting started at 6:30 p.m. at the Callaway Legion Hall on Dec. 8, 2025. Our President Cora Belew called the meeting to order. Our Chaplin Joyce Brestel started the meeting with a prayer. We then followed our President in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the Star Spangled Banner and saying the Auxiliary Preamble.

The minutes of our last meeting were read by the secretary. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mary Ann Boldt, seconded by Joyce and it was approved unanimously. Mary Ann then followed with the financial report and we are still sitting good financially. The community member that requested wreaths for her military family's graves received them. Joyce made a motion to reimburse Mary Ann for the three wreaths she purchased and the supplies for the refreshments provided for the Christmas wreath laying for veterans. Eileen seconded this motion and it received unanimous approval.

The Christmas Wreaths for Veterans took place Dec. 7, at 2:30. It was a cold afternoon but with everyone helping out we accomplished the task. The refreshments at the Legion were very welcome.

January 16, 2026, is Mid-Year Conference at the Norfolk Lodge in Norfolk. It will be at 1:00 p.m. if anyone wants to attend.

There are new rules for Americanism Essays and Scholarships pertaining to AI. Students cannot use AI to write these essays and scholarships.

The school agreed to our purchase of two books: “We also served: True stories of Brave Animals in the Military”, and “The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans”. Mary Ann motioned to buy these two books recommended by the article in the Star for the school Library. Eileen seconded the motion and it received unanimous approval.

When we called the VA Medical Center to see about centerpieces the months of February and April they were already filled, but July was open so we will make 10 centerpieces for July.

The popcorn machine has arrived and as soon as it is put together it will be used at the Legion.

Our Christmas program “Decorating the Tree” was performed by Joyce. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees comes from Germany. They decorated the tree with birds: Cardinals stand for Love, Doves stand for Peace, Oriels are for Joy, Bluebirds are for Faith, Robins are for the story of Christmas, the Star shines and brings Hope and a message of peace and good will.

Just a reminder, if you haven’t paid membership for this year, please pay because dues are delinquent. If you haven’t finished your Christmas cards please do and get them in the mail.

The meeting concluded with a prayer from our Chaplin and Cora adjourned the meeting.

Sincerely, Eileen Wilson, Secretary