SHIRLEY TROUT, AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

Cleaning of veterans’ headstones in area cemeteries, installation of officers, and a Girls State report were among the items addressed at the June meeting of the Callaway American Legion Auxiliary.

Jo Chesley led a discussion about cleaning veterans’ headstones in area cemeteries. She has sampled D/2, a Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration-approved, biodegradable product for such use, and found it to be extremely easy to use and effective. Unit members will begin this service project as milder temperatures permit.

Shirley Trout was installed as President of the unit by outgoing president, Deondra Lashley. Also installed or re-installed were: Vice President, Jane Lashley; Secretary, Elaine Wilson (in absentia); Treasurer, Mary Ann Boldt; Historian, Jo Chesley; and Chaplain, Joyce Brestel.

Members were reminded to keep track of their own volunteer community service hours, whether those involve veterans or not. These hours are reported at the state and national levels and are important to various VA funding efforts.

Notice was also given that beginning in August, meetings will be held the third Monday of each month at 5:00. This is a time change, so members are encouraged to make note and help spread the word. No meeting will be held in July.

After adjournment, Skylar Ellison provided an entertaining and educational recap of her Girls State experience from early June. She told how, in addition to learning more about how our state government is run, she participated in a number of educational activities and tours, as well as the camp’s Community Service efforts, which included making cards, wreaths, and centerpieces for the state’s VA Homes. Before being elected as Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals, Ellison ran, unsuccessfully, for Governor, using the slogan, “Sky’s the limit with Skylar as Your Governor.”

On the Court of Appeals, she got to read an actual case that the court has considered as she learned more about that court. Finally, as is typical of such recaps, Skylar admitted she slept most of the way home at the conclusion of the camp.

Skylar will be a senior at Callaway this fall and is the daughter of John Ellison and Heather Ellison. She is currently employed by Henry’s in Callaway.

Girls State is an opportunity available to high school females between their junior and senior years. Winning

Pictured on front: Skylar Ellison (right) receives recognition for her participation in this summer's Girls State, sponsored by the Callaway American Legion Auxiliary, Bryson-Booker Unit 59. Presenting the certificate is outgoing unit president Deondra Lashley.

applicants are selected and registration costs are covered by the local American Legion Auxiliary. All local junior females are encouraged to apply once application dates and criteria are announced by their school’s guidance counselor.