Ralph M. Noble Unit 285 - American Legion Auxiliary meets

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Steve Cheeseman, coach of the American Legion Baseball program, addressed members attending. He commended the ladies on their accomplishments and expressed his appreciation for their monetary contribution to the baseball program last year. He displayed the new jerseys purchased and stated the old uniforms were over 15 years old. He left schedules for the coming year, and presented the Unit with the gift of a composite picture of caricatures of each ball player on the 2006 team, with their respective nicknames listed. John Simpkins was the artist. This was his last year with the team. Steve called his team the "New York Yankees" of American Legion Baseball, and stated the team proudly represents the American Legion, men and women now serving our country, and all veterans. Joan Baker, treasurer, presented him with a check for $100. President Lou congratulated Steve for his outstanding work with the team.

Rowena Ginther, a 41 continuous year member with the Unit, spoke on "Organ Donations." She relayed her experiences as a kidney transplant patient. She stated 90,000 people await organ donations and stated the gift of an organ is a gift of life. She distributed gifts of organ donor cards, key-chains, and bracelets to all. She stated a transplant support group meets the second Thursday every other month.

During the business meeting, Joan Baker, Americanism chair, announced the Americanism Essay award winners will be guests at the April meeting.

Lolita Junk, Illini Girls State Chair, stated four junior students have taken applications to attend Illini Girls State. She spoke on her attendance at the Illinois Youth Commission meeting and the progress of the establishment of a monument in memory of all veterans in Knox County to be placed at Lincoln Park. Memorial bricks will be sold for $100 each, to help raise $20,000 funds needed for completion.

Nancy Larson, Community Service chair, asked members to report all volunteer hours for our yearly report.

Margaret McCullough, Scholarship chair, gave due dates on scholarships and expects many entries.

Charlotte Gaines reported 366 paid members, including new members.

Dorothy Henry reported 65 veteran residents at local nursing homes will receive $5 Easter gifts as a part of the Auxiliary Rehabilitation six-point program.

Marge Albin, Past Presidents chair, announced Joan Baker and Alice Johnson were scheduled to deliver three dozen cookies to the local VA facility this month.

President Lou announced a veterans' family member may now apply for and receive a posthumous Presidential Memorial Certification from "A grateful nation - in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration of service to our Country." This program was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, and has been continued by every subsequent President. The certificate honors the military service of the deceased Veteran. Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may apply for a certificate in person at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail. Be sure to enclose a copy of the Veterans' discharge and death certificate. Submit copies only, as they cannot return original documents. Mail to: Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-3903.

President Lou announced our military troops will be welcomed back on Saturday night at Bethel Baptist Church and asked members to attend.

She stated that a date for the presentation of the "Toby Tire" school bus safety program is being planned for local schools.

District meeting will be held in Colona on March 12, and 3rd Division meeting on March 25 in Bartonville. She stated four members will attend Patriotic Conference, in Schaumberg, on March 17, and stated other interested members may attend.

The Fifteenth District Junior Conference will be held in Galva on April 22, at the Grace Methodist Church.

Marlene Nelson, Charlotte Gaines, Lolita Junk, Helen Helvick, and Marge Albin will serve on the nominating committee, for the election of 2007 officers.

Chaplain Estelle Trask offered prayer at the close of the meeting, followed by the singing of "America" and "The Auxiliary Song."

Alta Hand and Holly Price served during the social hour. Tables were decorated in the St. Patrick's theme.