The Callaway American Legion Auxiliary monthly meeting started at 6:30 at the Callaway Legion Hall on Dec. 9, 2024. President Jane Lashley was not present, so our Vice President Cora Belew conducted our meeting. The meeting was called to order with our Chaplain Joyce Brestel reading the prayer. The meeting started with reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the Star Spangled Banner, and reciting our Auxiliary Preamble. Our secretary Eileen read the minutes from the Nov. 11 meeting and they were approved.

MaryAnn Boldt presented the financial report which shows a balance of $7,843.21. We had several bills, including the cans of nuts for the Legion members that attended their meetings, a variety of bills for the soup supper, and from the Sons of American Legion and the Callaway Market. This also included the cookies which we gave for Education Week.

We still have several members who have not paid their dues for this current year. Jo Chesley made a motion to have MaryAnn pay any outstanding bills for the Veterans Soup Supper. Deondra seconded this motion and it received unanimous vote of approval.

MaryAnn gave a report on County Government Days. She led a group of students to the Auditors Office and she thought the students enjoyed this visit.

On Dec. 7, we set out 205 wreaths at Rose Hill Cemetery. We first fluffed the wreaths and then we set out the wreaths, it took about 2 ½ hours to do all this. We returned to the Legion Hall to warm up and partake in refreshments.

It was discussed to appeal to Callaway families of veterans resting in other Callaway area cemeteries to apply for a wreath for their veteran's grave sites. They would be responsible for these wreaths but then they would have them to place on the grave every year. Deondra made this motion and MaryAnn seconded this and it was unanimously approved. Jo will put something in the paper to this effect.

January 17-19 is Mid-Year Conference at the Lodge in Norfolk.

Americanism essays are due to the department on March 15. This year’s theme is “What Does America Mean to Me”; cover sheets are available online. We will have to get them judged by Feb. 14.

April 15 Poppy Posters are due to Elsa Knite, so these will be judged by March 15 to be mailed. May 5-9 is Teachers Appreciation Week.

We are trying to get a report from last year's Girls Stater and whenever this can be arranged we will also try to have our Gold Sister Rose Hirsch come so we can honor her as well.

The meeting was concluded with Joyce reading our prayer and Cora concluding the meeting.

Sincerely, Eileen Wilson, Secretary