Winston-Salem Post 55


Still Serving God and Country!

POST AUXILIARY


From the desk of the Unit 55 President
by Robin Reid
President

 

November 2008

November Newsletter

 

 

The leaves are falling and everyone is getting ready for the holidays.  Can you believe this year is so rapidly coming to a close?  But our ladies of the Auxiliary have been working hard on our fundraisers and upcoming events.

 

The Fall Festival turned out to be a fun day for all.  This was an event shared by all of the groups of our Legion Post. The cold rain in the morning gave way to sunny skies and warmer temperatures and people came.  The Dunking Booth was the favorite by far and the ALR made over $200.00 in profits.  Even our own Robin and Anna got “dunked” (wait until you see the pictures!).  The SAL and the 40/8 did not fare so well, but had fun with the kids in the Moonwalk and Boxing Ring.  Inside, Rolling Thunder made some profits on their Bean Bag Toss and Balloon Darts.  The Marine Corps League made a few $$ on their Putting Green.  The Auxiliary did very well on the Bake Sale, Wacky Ring Toss and Duck Pond and after taking out for prizes and advertising costs, made a profit of $128.00.  The kitchen made over $300.00 in food sales.

Many thanks to all who cooked pinto beans and corn bread, baked delectable goodies for the bake sale, and volunteered to sell tickets and supervise the children’s games.  We had a fun day!

 

Membership update:  We are at 66% of our goal.  Joyce Stewart thanks everyone who has already paid their dues and reminds those who haven’t to please send it in.  Hopefully we can be 100% goal by the end of December.

 

Our Cookbook is coming along very well.  The prototype was at the October meeting and it looks great.  We have 120 pages with 2 – 3 recipes per page.  We have found a printer who will print 50 copies reasonably.  The Board voted to charge $20.00 per cookbook.  They should be ready by December 1.  So be sure to get one…..you won’t be sorry.  They will make great Christmas presents too!

 

Our next event will be the Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 8.  We will have a flat bed trailer that will be decorated and carry our flags.  If anyone is interested in riding on the “float”, please let Robin know or be at the Legion before 9am on Saturday morning.  Over 50 “floats” have been entered into the parade this year so it should be quite a sight to see.  But if you can’t ride the float, get the kids and/or grandkids and go down town and cheer us on.  It will be a great parade!  Meanwhile, back at the Legion, Jennie Evans and her group will be making up sandwiches for the crowd that will come back to our Legion to hear the President’s Veterans Day Proclamation.  Please tell your family and friends and encourage them to go to the parade to support our Veterans as well as our future Veterans now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  And don’t forget, on Tuesday November 11, the Golden Corral will be providing a “free” dinner to all Veterans starting at 4pm.

 

We are trying to get together with Brunson Elementary School to take the school supplies to them some time during the week of November 10 (National Education Week).  We also hope to do a flag ceremony with them.

 

Missy Craven is working on a bulletin board for the Veterans at Grace Health Care (the nursing home) right up the street from the Legion at 5 Points.  There are about 30 Veterans that reside at the home.  When it is finished, some of the ladies will deliver it and visit with the Vets.  If you are interested in going, please let Robin or Missy know.  We are also hoping to deliver “Buddy Blankets” (lap robes or bed blankets) to them.  Jo Metcalfe is our resident expert on making these blankets.  She even has instructions for “no sew” blankets (you will need about 2-3 yards of fleece material).  So give her a call and she’ll tell you how to make it or send you the instructions.  Or you can make them out of yarn (just a simple pattern is fine) if you crochet or knit. (Last year, our ladies, family and friends made 95 blankets to take to the nursing home at the VA Hospital).

 

Since the first of the year, we have been collecting “Pennies” for the Samaritan Ministries “Penny Campaign” in a big water cooler bottle in the Canteen.  Right now the bottle is a little over half full (the optimistic side).  We will turn it in sometime the first week of December.  So if you have any pennies lying around the house, bring them down to the Legion and help us help others by filling up the bottle with pennies.

 

The American Legion Riders are having a benefit ride for Billy Mitchell on Sunday, November 16.  As you may know, Billy is one of our Legionnaires who fell on some very hard times this summer.  Billy is doing fine now and is living in an assisted living home.  After the ride, everyone will meet back at the Legion (probably around 4pm).  It is also Billy’s birthday that day.  So come on out and visit with Billy and the gang and help him celebrate his birthday!

 

Speaking of the Riders, I know this may seem early to mention this, but they will be doing their

4th Annual “Christmas Ride for the Veterans at the Salisbury Hospital” on Saturday, December 13th.  They are in need of monetary donations (the monies collected goes to Volunteer Services at the Hospital to provide such things as stamps, cards, party supplies, Bingo prizes, CD’s, small radios, toiletries, etc. for the patients).  They are also in need of toiletries, new or used clothing (in good condition-all sizes), pajamas, jeans, shirts, tee shirts, sweatshirts and pants, socks and underwear and jackets for those who need clothing to go to physical therapy or who are able to go outside.  They also need some dress clothes for those who may be going on job interviews.  At the end of our yard sale in September, we packed about 4 boxes of men’s clothes for the Riders to take but they can always use more.  Let’s help our Riders fill some trucks with much needed items for our Veterans in the hospital.  Please have your donations in by December 1st.  Thank you in advance for your help.  And if you or your kids/grandkids like motorcycles, bring them down that Saturday morning.  They will ride, rain or shine, warm or freezing cold.  Last year over 100 cycles left from our parking lot in the freezing cold and this year other military rider groups want to ride with them.  These are dedicated men and women who ride for the cause…..it will truly touch your heart to see them!

 

Our November 17th Joint Dinner Meeting will be our Thanksgiving Dinner (Turkey and all the fixins’).  Anna and Wendie are also working on a Wall of Honor as a Tribute to our Veterans for Veterans Day.  Be sure to stop by the Canteen to see it.

 

We are keeping in touch with our Legionnaire Rick Hall who was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer this summer.  He has lost a lot of weight but is still in good spirits.  Our Auxiliary took on the task of providing some freezable/microwaveable meals for him.  If anyone would like to provide a meal for him, please let Robin or Anna know.

 

Last month they took Polly Parrish to Oak Summit nursing home but she developed some complications and was taken back to Forsyth Hospital.  Overcoming her stroke has been a difficult process for her.  She is now at The Oaks for physical and speech therapy.

 

Please keep Rick and Polly in your prayers as well as any of our other members who may be “under the weather”.

 

Joyce Stewart is home and doing very well after her heart attack in October.  She has a new puppy named Sylvia who is keeping her company and keeping her busy!

 

As always, if any of the ladies would like to go to the Salisbury Hospital Nursing Home to play Bingo with the residents on the Third Thursday of the month, please let Jud know.

 

 

  • Websites:

 

www.nclegion.org/auxil.htm     American Legion Auxiliary Department Website

 

www.nclegion.org/post55.htm   Legion Auxiliary Post 55 Website

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

November 8 – Veterans Day Parade

 

November 10 – 14 – American Education Week

 

November 11 – Free Dinner at Golden Corral for Veterans

 

November 16 – Benefit Ride for Billy Mitchell

 

December 4 – Christmas Tree Trimming at the Legion

 

December 13 – American Legion Riders – Christmas Ride for the Veterans to the

                                                                     Salisbury VA Hospital

 

December 14 – Santa Claus and Christmas Open House – starting at 3pm

 

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party

 

In this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas we ask that you do what you can for our Veterans. 

We know that everyone is feeling the pinch of this economy, so if nothing else, please keep our Veterans and future Veterans, who have fought and still fight for our freedoms, in your thoughts and prayers.

 

 

May you always have love to share,

Health to spare,

And friends that care!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

October 2008

October Newsletter

 

 

Cooler, crisp temperatures are coming……Fall is in the air and we are gearing up for our fall and winter events.  But first let me tell you about some things we did in September.

 

On September 14, the Legion sponsored a cookout for Homeless Veterans at the Gazebo at the Salisbury Hospital and several of our Auxiliary members helped to serve.  We were expecting 50 and served close to 80 folks.  We ran out of food and had to buy more, but everyone was very appreciative of what the Legion had done.

 

At our Joint Dinner Meeting we honored the Citizens of Boys and Girls State.  We had 4 boys (out of 9) and 2 girls (out of 3) that gave a brief talk about their experiences at Catawba College.

 

On September 17, Jennie Evans and Susan Temples brought 198 lbs. of pull tabs to the Recycle Center.  A check for $148.50 was delivered to the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem.  This will be an ongoing project for the Auxiliary (the Legion said we could have the tabs and they would collect the cans even though all proceeds are going to the same place).  So please continue to save (and have your friends and relatives save too) the tabs from, soda cans, soup cans, cat/dog food cans etc.  We already have a whole plastic container full again!

 

Billy Mitchell, (one of our Legionnaires) spent a few months this summer in Salisbury and is now back “home” and residing in Clemmons.  Odessa Rhoades has volunteered to bring him to our October Dinner Meeting.  Anna Dillard is making him an Air Force fleece throw for his bed that we will give to him that evening.  He is very glad to be back in the area!

 

Our yard sale was a GREAT success again this year.  Folks brought their items in on Thursday (and we even made sales that afternoon).  Friday and Saturday shoppers were there bright and early for the best deals.  Everyone made some money.  Many thanks to all who helped set up, sell, bargain with the shoppers and pack up.  And a special thank you to those who donated items to the Auxiliary.  In total, the Auxiliary made about $550.00.  As always, it was a lot of work, but a lot of fun too!!!!

 

We don’t have a lot going on in October because we are GEARING UP for our Fall Festival.

October 25th is the date, 12pm to 7pm.  All of the Legion units are participating in this fundraising event (the Legion, Auxiliary, American Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion, 40/8, Rolling Thunder and the Marine Corps League) We are having a Dunking Booth, Moon Walk, Boxing Ring, Games, Prizes, Music, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Pinto Beans and MORE!!!!  So get the word out, bring the kids, grandkids, family and friends and join in the FUN!  Tickets will be 50¢ (number of tickets needed will depend on the game).  Of course, we will need volunteers to help with the games, selling tickets, etc.  A sign up sheet will be posted on the Auxiliary bulletin board in the canteen.  Let’s all help to make this a GREAT EVENT!

 

Polly Parrish was moved to Whitaker Care after her recent stroke.  She is eating some (but still has the feeding tube), walking a little with a walker and making a little progress with the speech therapists.  They are talking about moving her to Oak Forest Nursing Home in the next couple of weeks to continue with physical and speech therapy.

 

Today, September 30, Jennie Evans received a call from Joyce Stewart from ICU at Forsyth Hospital.  Monday night Joyce had another heart attack (she had one a few years ago).  They replaced the original stint and when she called Jennie said she was doing very well and would probably be moved out of ICU tomorrow and if she was still doing well, she would be home by Thursday or Friday!!!

 

Please let’s keep both of these ladies and anyone else who may be under-the-weather in our thoughts and prayers.

 

We always need a couple of volunteers to go to Salisbury with the Legionnaires on the third Thursday of the month to play BINGO with the residents at the Nursing Home.  If you would like to go, please let Jud know.

 

The menu for the October Joint Dinner Meeting is Poor Man’s Supper (pinto beans, potatoes, etc., etc.).

 

  • Websites:

 

http://nclegion.org/auxil.htm     American Legion Auxiliary Department Website

 

www.nclegion.org/post55.htm   Legion Auxiliary Post 55 Website

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

October 17 – 18 – Fall Conference, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

October 25 – Fall Festival – 12p – 7p

 

November 11 – Veterans Day Parade

 

November 10 – 14 – American Education Week

 

December 4 – Christmas Tree Trimming at the Legion

 

December 13 – American Legion Riders – Christmas Ride for the Veterans to the

                                                                     Salisbury VA Hospital

 

December 14 – Santa Claus and Christmas Open House – starting at 3pm

 

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party

 

 

Fall Festival

 

October 25

 

12 pm – 7pm

 

 

September 2008



September Newsletter

 

 

Is summer really over?  Although Labor Day weekend is designated as the last official weekend of summer, I’m sure we have lots more warm temps left.

 

Although we did not meet in August, things at the Legion were still going on.  On August 16, the Legionnaires held their District Meeting at the Post.  The Auxiliary was asked again to fix breakfast for them.  This year we chose something simple; assorted bagels and cream cheeses, fruit, donuts and coffee.  The meeting went well and the men enjoyed their breakfast.  Many thanks to Jean Holt, Joyce Stewart and Susan Temples for their help in the preparation and clean-up.

 

On Sunday, August 17, Ann and Sam Dillard, Robin and Wayne Reid and Susan and Bill Temples went down to Salisbury and had a picnic lunch with Billy Mitchell (we utilized the picnic tables at the VA Hospital).  We had fried chicken, potato salad, slaw, deviled eggs and dessert and a delicious pasta salad provided by Paige Rideout (one of our new ALA members).

It was so good to see him.  He looks good and is doing well but is eager to get back to Winston. 

(Since then, he has gotten his SS benefits back and we are in the process of finding him a place to live here in Winston.)

 

Robin and Anna brought some of the frozen dinners to Rick Hall.  He was very appreciative and especially liked Missy Craven’s Chicken pies and Paige Rideouts’ Shepherds Pie.  Thanks to all who contributed. We would like to continue to bring him a few meals each week if there is anyone who would like to provide Rick a frozen dinner, please let Robin know.

 

On September 14, Jud, Larry Starling and some of the other guys will be going down to Salisbury to have a cookout with the Homeless Vets.  If anyone is interested in going, please let Jud or Larry know.

 

Don’t forget our Dinner Meeting on September 15.  We will be honoring the boys and girls who went to Boys and Girls State.  We had three girls this year.  Letters have gone out to them inviting them to dinner and to give a little talk about their experience there.

 

At our meeting, (after the Dinner meeting) the Executive Board has a few addendums to our Standing Rules that need to be voted on.  Plus Robin will be telling us all about the upcoming events.  So hope you all will be there.

 

Now that the holiday is over, it’s time to get your “stuff” together for our big YARD SALE on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27.  It was a big success last year and everyone made some money.  This is a great time of the year to clean out closets, the basement, the attic and anywhere else that you have “stuff” that you don’t remember you had and obviously don’t need anymore.  Get it together, mark your name and a price on it and bring it down on Thursday, September 25.  A $25.00 fee rents your space for the two days and you don’t even have to be there to sell your items just come back on Saturday and collect your money.  However, we do need volunteers to help “sell” the items on both days.  There is a sign up sheet in the Canteen with all of the times.  The Sale will be open to the public from 8am to 4pm on both days so tell your family and friends to come shopping with us!  If you need more information, please call Wendie at 471-9684 or Robin at 413-2237.

 

The Legionnaires are still going to Salisbury to play Bingo with the residents at the nursing home.  The guys there love to see the ladies, so if anyone is interested in going on Thursday night (September 18) or any third Thursday of the month, please let Jud know.

 

Our cookbook is coming along.  At first, recipes were coming in slow, but we are getting more and more.  Susan has typed up well over a hundred so far and still has more to go.  And we have very few duplications.  There is still time to get your favorite recipes in.  We have extended the date to our September meeting night.  Susan says, “I can’t wait until this cookbook is finished so I can try every single recipe in it!”

 

The box for school supplies is overflowing.  Thank you all so much for all that you have brought in for the kids at Brunson Elementary School.  Most kids have the supplies they need to start the school year so we are going to take these supplies the week of November 10 (American Education Week).  By then, they will be ready for more pencils, paper, crayons and glue sticks.

 

Polly Parrish is still in the hospital.  As many of you may know, she had a stroke a few weeks ago and is slowly recovering.  Her right side and her speech have been impaired.

Liz Lamphear is back home and doing very well after her surgery and is going back to teaching on Tuesday.

Charline Smith is back home after having been in the hospital with pneumonia. 

And Becky Mace is doing much better after her battle with gout. 

Please keep these ladies of our ALA (and any others that we may not know about who are under the weather) in your thoughts and prayers.

 

Our dinner menu for the September 15th Dinner Meeting is fried chicken.

 

  • Websites:

 

www.legion-aux.org     American Legion Auxiliary Department Website

 

www.nclegion.org/post55.htm   Legion Auxiliary Post 55 Website

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

September 6 – 7 – Air Show, Smith Reynolds Airport  10am-6pm both days

 

September 14 – Cookout (in Salisbury) for the Homeless Veterans

 

September 26 – 27 – Yard Sale  8am – 4pm both days

 

October 17 – 18 – Fall Conference, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

October 25 – Fall Festival – 12p – 7p

 

November 11 – Veterans Day Parade

 

November 10 – 14 – American Education Week

 

December 4 – Christmas Tree Trimming at the Legion

 

December 13 – American Legion Riders – Christmas Ride for the Veterans to the

                                                                     Salisbury VA Hospital

 

December 14 – Santa Claus and Christmas Open House – starting at 3pm

 

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party

 

 

 

Whatever you do today (and everyday), have a great time doing it!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 2008

August Newsletter

 

I apologize for not getting this newsletter out on the first of the month but at the July meeting Robin suggested that we have a “Planning Meeting” on August 2nd to discuss ideas and plans for this coming year.  So I wanted to wait until we met so we could fill you in on all of the exciting plans for this year!

 

First, let me tell you about our party for Rick Hall on July 13.  It was a terrific celebration.  We had around 120 people; Legionnaires, Riders, Auxiliary, SAL and many of Rick’s personal friends.  We had ribs and chicken and too many side dishes to mention and a whole table full of scrumptious desserts.  We made a scrapbook of “Legion Memories” and everyone who came was encouraged to write something to Rick.  Many people spoke about Rick, both funny and poignant.  It was a great celebration for a great friend.

 

Jennie and Susan packed a box of “goodies” to send to a soldier in Iraq.  We had a few more items that were needed so the box will be ready to ship after the Planning Meeting.

 

This year we are helping Brunson Elementary School with school supplies.  A box has been placed in the Game Room.  This is a great time to find many bargains on school supplies so please help us to fill the box.  Many children have what they need to begin the school year but as the months go on, supplies grow short, so we are planning to wait until the first of November to deliver our supplies.  If we have enough, we hope to make a second delivery in January.

 

Robin is having our Mystery Box again this year.  At our monthly meeting she will ask if you have a certain item.  If you do not, then you must put a certain $$ amount into the box.  At the end of the year we will decide to which charities the money will go.

 

Our Auxiliary is going to do a COOKBOOK(as a fundraiser)! 

We have soooooo many good cooks.  So get your favorite recipes together and send them or e-mail them to Wendie Lewis

                     1132 Avondale Woods Ln.

                     Kernersville, NC  27284

                     wenndoubt@traid.rr.com

 

Deadline for the recipes is AUGUST 15th.

 

And now for the rest of the story.  Our Planning Meeting!  12 of our members put their heads together and came up with some plans, ideas and suggestions for the first part of our year.

 

1.  On Saturday, August 16, we are collecting homemade frozen meals for our own Legionnaire, Rick Hall.  He is getting weaker, but needs good, wholesome, individual meals that he can pop in the micro-wave.  If you have a good freezable recipe, please label it (what it is and how to heat in the microwave) and bring it by the Legion (frozen).

 

2.  We are going to have a “picnic” for Billy Mitchell on Sunday, August 17.  Robin, Anna, Wendie and Susan (and spouses) are going to Salisbury with some goodies for Billy.

 

We are planning to do something each month for both of our own Legion Veterans, so if you can not help this time, we’ll catch you next time!

 

3.  Clean out those basements, attics and closets!  We are going to do the Yard Sale again this year!  It will be for 2 days, Friday, September 26, 8am to 8pm and Saturday, September 27, 8am to 4pm.  $25.00 will reserve space for your items and Legion/Auxiliary/SAL and Rider volunteers will sell your items for you.  We need volunteers to “sell” items and collect money for both days.  Sign up sheets on the Auxiliary Bulletin Board in the Canteen.  For more information, please contact Robin Reid at (336) 413-2237 or e-mail at rbreid87@windstream.net.

 

4.  On October 25, 12pm to 7pm we are having a Fall Festival.  Several branches of the Legion are participating (Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Riders, SAL, 40/8, MC League and FRA).  We will have food, bake sale and games (for children and adults).  This is a huge undertaking for us and our hope is to make our Community aware of our Legion as well as make a few $$.  Robin will be providing more information at the September meeting but we do need volunteers from the Auxiliary for our games and bake sale.  Check the sign up sheet in the Canteen if you can help.

 

5.  As another fundraiser, we are going to raffle a $50.00 gas card.  We should have it within the next week to sell tickets.  We will sell more tickets at the Fall Festival and will pick a winner that day (October 25).

 

6.  We will again be participating in the Veterans Day Parade.  May even have a flat bed trailer to decorate.  The parade is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11 and of course the Auxiliary will be making sandwiches for those coming back from the parade to hear the President’s Proclamation.  So please be thinking of that.

 

7.  American Education week is the week of November 11 and we have been invited to do a flag ceremony at Brunson Elementary School.  Susan Temples will be contacting the school to set a date.  Anyone who would like to participate please let Susan know.

 

Somewhere in between all of these activities, Robin’s President’s Project is to beautify the outside of the Legion.  Plant some flowers and trees.  This will be sometime in the fall……if we can find a “free” weekend.  More on that at the September meeting.

 

More activities have been planned through the remainder of the year (2008).  More information will be given at future meetings but mark your calendars for these events at the end of this newsletter.

 

As we did last year, the Auxiliary would like to assist the Legionnaires on the third Thursday of each month by going to the Salisbury Nursing Home to play Bingo with the residents.  These guys are a lot of fun to be with and they certainly do like having the ladies come to help them play…….Bingo!

 

Remember there will not be a Dinner Meeting in August. 

The dinner menu for September is fried chicken and sides and of course desserts. 

We will be having the girls and boys from Girls and Boys State at the Dinner Meeting in September.  We sent 3 girls to Girls State and 9 boys attended Boys State.

 

 

  • Websites:

 

www.legion-aux.org     American Legion Auxiliary Department Website

 

www.nclegion.org/post55.htm   Legion Auxiliary Post 55 Website

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

August 16 – Frozen dinners for Rick Hall

 

August 17 – Picnic for Billy Mitchell

 

September 26 – 27 – Yard Sale

 

October 17 – 18 – Fall Conference, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

October 25 –Fall Festival – 12p – 7p

 

November 11 – Veterans Day Parade

 

November 10 – 14 – American Education Week

 

December 4 – Christmas Tree Trimming at the Legion

 

December 13 – American Legion Riders – Christmas Ride for the Veterans to the

                                                                     Salisbury VA Hospital

 

December 14 – Santa Claus and Christmas Open House – starting at 3pm

 

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party

 

 

Our State President, Beverly Waller’s Theme for this year is:

 

Angels of Hope

 

Let’s all be Angels and remember all of our homeless Veterans and those Veterans in need

 

 

 

July 2008

Here we are beginning another Auxiliary year and already our new President, Robin Reid, and our Vice President, Wendie Lewis have come up with some ideas at the Board meeting for upcoming fundraisers to discuss with all our members at the July meeting. July is Get Acquainted month so be sure to come to the meeting with a couple of unique things about yourself and give your input and suggestions for things we can accomplish this year.

Some of the ideas that were shared are having another Yard Sale in September, a Fall Festival in October, participating in the Veterans Day Parade in November, a Tree Trimming Gathering in December and of course Santa Claus.

Each year we set aside funds for an in-house Veterans project and this year Robin would like to do some plantings in the front yard of the Post.

At the July meeting she will also be telling everyone about our Department President’s Project which has to do with homeless Veterans.

Speaking of homeless Veterans, Susan Temples and her husband Bill went to visit with Billy Mitchell. At the moment, Billy is staying at the homeless shelter in Rowan County but some time this week may be moving to Greensboro (he really wants to get back to the Winston-Salem area). He looks good, had a hair cut, clean shaven and the shelter washes the residents clothes each day. He misses everyone and sends his love and thanks to all at the Auxiliary for the things that Susan and Bill brought him……some underwear, socks, t-shirts, toiletries, a couple of packs of cigarettes, and a few $$$$$.

Last Saturday, June 28, the American Legion Riders had a benefit ride for another of our own Veterans, Rick Hall. He has incurable liver cancer as well as other health issues and the prognosis is not good. Rick has been a good friend to many of us. The ALR is also planning a “Roast” (a big party) for him on July 13. So come out and join the fun in the Celebration of Rick’s life!!!!

On Friday, July 4 the Legion is having free hot dogs and hamburgers. The Auxiliary ladies are joining in by providing home made ice creams and brownies. So if you’re in town, come and join the celebration.

• Dates to remember:

  • July 4 – 2pm – Free hot dogs and hamburgers at the Legion
  • July 11 – 12 – Legion Family College – Village Inn, Clemmons, NC


    • • Websites:

    http://legion-aux.org American Legion Auxiliary

    http://nclegion.org/auxil.htm Department Auxiliary Website

    http://nclegionpost.org/post55/aux.htm Post 55 Auxiliary Website

    http://nclegion.org/post55.htm Legion Post 55 Website

    The dinner menu for the July meeting is

    Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July

    June 2008

    Our Auxiliary year is about to come to a close in June, but we still have many upcoming events.

    We had our elections at the May meeting. Please let me introduce our new Officers to you;
    President – Robin Reid
    Vice President – Wendie Lewis
    Secretary – Anna Dillard
    Treasurer – Sandy Miller
    Asst. Treasurer – Joyce Stewart
    Chaplain – Missy Craven
    Asst. Chaplain – Virginia Drane
    Historian – Teresa Eadie
    Sergeant-At-Arms – Sherry Sanders
    Asst. Sergeant-At-Arms – Nita Lackey

    Executive Committee
    Jean Holt
    Odessa Rhoades
    Susan Temples

    I know that you will give all of these ladies the same help and support that you have given me for these last 2 years. I hope you will all come to the June meeting for the installation of our new officers and our awards ceremony.

    On Friday, May 23 we distributed Poppies at various locations. This year we made over $1100.00 (over $100.00 more than we did last year)! Many thanks to all of the Ladies (and one of our Legionnaires) for making our Poppy Program so successful.

    Saturday morning, May 24, some 35 members of the Legion, Auxiliary and Legion Riders gathered at the Legion for sausage biscuits and gravy. We then car pooled to Salem Cemetery to put a wreath on the grave of Clyde Bolling, the first Soldier killed in WWI from Winston-Salem and for whom our Post is named. Next we went to the Veteran’s section at Parklawn Cemetery and placed 300 flags on the Veteran’s graves. We had a short ceremony at both sites. Our Commander, Jud Lamphear spoke and our Auxiliary Chaplain, Missy Craven said a prayer and Willy Craven played Taps. Even the rain did not deter the spirit of our mission. It was a great way to honor and remember our fallen heroes.

    Again this year, Stacie Moore, Joyce Stewart’s niece was awarded the $500.00 Nursing Scholarship. She is a student at UNCG and these funds will help with her expenses for her Fall and Spring semesters.

    We voted to do something different for the girls going to Girls State this year. In the past, our Auxiliary has baked over 900 cookies, packaged 3 to a bag and delivered them to Catawba College for the 300 girls attending the week long session. This year because the Convention is just the weekend before, we decided to do Hersey Candy Bars (we didn’t think the girls would mind the change). Our member, Missy Craven was able to get a great deal on 350 candy bars at just over $100.00!

    Well Ladies (and gentlemen), we’re going to do it again this year!!!! Get out those grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, floppy hats and flowers. We’re having a LUAU on Saturday, June 7 at 4 pm ($5.00 per person)! If you missed last year’s Luau, you missed some great food and fun. So don’t miss out this year. Bring your family and friends and get into the spirit of the Islands! As our Auxiliary year comes to a close, I would like to sincerely thank all of you for all you have given and done for our Auxiliary. I have said it before, and mean it from the heart…... you are truly an incredible group of Ladies. I have learned so much from all of you. Together, in these last 2 years, we have done so much for our Veterans and our Children. As I pass the Gavel on to our new President, Robin, I know we will continue to do more good things in our Auxiliary. Thank you again for your support and help, I love you all……you are truly a part of my family!

    Susan

    * Dates to remember:

    Saturday, June 7, 4pm – Luau - $5.00 per person.

    June 12 – 14 – Department Convention – North Raleigh Hilton

    June 15 – 21 – Girls State – Catawba College – Salisbury, NC

    July 11 – 12 – Legion Family College – Village Inn, Clemmons, NC

    * Websites:

    http://legion-aux.org American Legion Auxiliary

    http://nclegion.org/auxil.htm Department Auxiliary Website

    http://nclegionpost.org/post55/aux.htm Post 55 Auxiliary Website

    http://nclegion.org/post55.htm Legion Post 55 Website

    The dinner menu for the June meeting will be Meat Loaf

    Luau


    May 2008

    Our Auxiliary year is about to come to a close in June, but we still have many upcoming events.

    Please remember that we will be voting for new Officers after the Joint Dinner meeting on May 19. Keep in mind those who are dedicated to and support the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. Please be there to cast your vote.

    We collected $175.00 in our Mystery Donation Box over this past year. At the April meeting we voted to send these proceeds to 5 different areas. We will send $35.00 each to the Fisher House of Fayetteville, NC, the National President’s Scholarship – “Children of Warriors”, the Auxiliary Emergency Fund, the American Legion Child Welfare Program and the Children’s Miracle Network. Thank you all for your donations each month so that we may contribute to these very worthwhile programs.

    On April 28th, Jennie, her husband Charles and I took our pull tabs to the recycle center. We had a total of 49 lbs. of pull tabs and received $.80 per pound. We received a check for $39.20 that Jennie and I delivered to the Ronald McDonald House. Thanks to all who collected the tabs for our cause. Maybe next year we can have even more.

    The week of May 4 – 10 is Teacher Appreciation Week. We are in the process of making bookmarks for the teachers at Brunson Elementary School where one of our members, Liz Lamphear is a first grade teacher. So we will deliver those some time next week.

    We are in the process of finalizing our Nursing Scholarship recipient(s). We have 2 nursing applicants that are vying for the $500.00 scholarship. This year we have done very well with our fundraisers and it may be that we could support 2 students. Please be thinking about this to vote on at the May meeting.

    We will be distributing Poppies on Friday, May 23. Please check with your favorite local business for permission to distribute the Poppies for a couple of hours on that day. You can pick up the Poppies at the May meeting. Last year we raised $1000.00 for our VA&R fund. Let’s see if we can top that this year!

    Last year one of our members suggested that we put flags on Veterans graves during Memorial Day. We are planning to do just that. We will be placing flags on 200 – 300 graves in the Veterans section of Parklawn Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, May 24 at 9 am. In addition we will visit the grave of Clyde Bolling at the Salem Cemetery to place a floral wreath there. If you are available to help, please let me know. We also need help collecting the flags on Tuesday, May 27 at 2pm.

    The State American Legion and Auxiliary Convention will be held at the North Raleigh Hilton Hotel on Thursday, June 12 through Sunday, June 15. With our membership, we are allowed 5 voting Delegates. If you are interested in attending and being a Delegate please let me know for more information.

    Girls State begins on June 15. We are sponsoring 3 girls again this year. Two are from Reagan High and 1 from Mt. Tabor. We are thinking of doing something other than baking cookies for the girls this year. The Board has suggested Hersey Candy Bars. Since there is a conflict of time because of the Convention we thought it might be easier on everyone. What do you think? Bring your thoughts and ideas to the meeting in May.

    Remember those grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts you got last year for the Luau? Well get them out of the closet because we are doing it again! Saturday, June 7 at 4pm come and join us for some great food, Island drinks and music and great fun. If you missed it last year…..don’t miss it this year!!!!!

    • Dates to remember:

    Monday, May 19 – Voting for new Auxiliary Officers

    Friday, May 23 – Poppy Distribution

    Saturday, May 24, 0900 – Wreath at grave of Clyde Bolling and Flags on Veterans’ graves at Parklawn Memorial Cemetery

    Tuesday, May 27, 2pm – Retrieve flags from Parklawn Memorial Cemetery

    Saturday, June 7, 4pm – Luau

    June 12 – 14 – Department Convention – North Raleigh Hilton

    June 15 – 21 – Girls State – Catawba College – Salisbury, NC

    July 11 – 12 – Legion Family College – Village Inn, Clemmons, NC

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for allowing me to be your Auxiliary President for these last 2 years. I thank you all for your confidence in me and for your support. We have accomplished a great deal and I am so very proud to have worked with all of you. I cannot thank you enough for all of your help. Not everyone can do everything, but together we have done many good things for our Veterans, our Children and our Legion. I know that you will be there to support and do many more great things with your new leader. It is time for my husband and me to get back on the road and see more of this great country before we get too old. But you can be sure that whenever we are in town, I will be at the Legion to offer my help and partake of future events.

    Thank you again for everything.
    You truly are family to me!!


    April 2008

    Trees are budding, flowers are blooming…..Spring is finally here. Time to rejuvenate ourselves and move forward. We have several upcoming events.

    Election time for new Auxiliary Officers is coming up in May. A slate of nominees will be presented at the April meeting. This will give you time to consider the nominees, and decide if you would like to run for an office. Nominations will also be taken from the floor on election night. Please consider all candidates carefully and vote for those who will continue to work for our Auxiliary, our Veterans, our children and our community.

    We will again be distributing Poppies on the Friday (May 23) before Memorial Day. For those that can help, please check with a local business in your area to see if they will allow you to hand out the Poppies. Last year we had problems with Wal-Mart and Food Lion but Lowe’s Foods seamed pretty receptive.

    We have a beautiful handmade blanket that we are raffling off. Tickets are $1.00 ea. or 6 for $5.00. The drawing will be held at the Joint Dinner Meeting on June 16.

    Saturday, May 24, some of the Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, and American Legion Riders will gather together at the grave of Clyde Bolling to have a short service and place a wreath on his grave. We will then go to Parklawn Cemetery to place flags on the graves of the Veterans. Anyone who would like to join us please let me know.

    We are planning another Luau on June 7. More information will be forthcoming at the April and May meetings. Last year we had a really good time, great food and made over $200.00 in profit.

    Virginia Drane and Polly Parrish have been a little under the weather lately and Elgerina Kazlo’s mother recently passed away. Let us keep these ladies in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know of any other members to whom we need to send cards.

    • Dates to remember
    • May 23 – Poppy Distribution Day – Check with a local business in your area for permission to distribute.
    • May 24 – Place a wreath at the grave of Clyde Bolling and flags at the graves of Veterans at Parklawn Memorial Gardens
    • June 7 – Luau – More information to follow
    • June 12 – 14 – Department Convention – North Raleigh Hilton
    • June 15 – 21 – Girls State – Catawba College – Salisbury, NC
    • July 11 – 12 – Legion Family College – Village Inn, Clemmons, NC

    March 2008

    While we hope that Spring is just around the corner, we have some upcoming events to fill up our March calendar.

    Please support the Legion Post by coming to the Reverse Drawing on Saturday, March 8 at 6:00 pm. The cost is $25.00 per couple and will include a catered meal from Whole Foods and a chance at a $1,000 purse. There will also be music by D.J. Tom Dunn and dancing after the drawing.

    Please remember to change your clocks on Saturday, March 8. Daylight Savings Time begins early this year. Remember to Spring Ahead one hour!

    On Sunday, March 9 at 1:30, our Unit will be hosting the Auxiliary District Meeting. Our State President, Joyce Willis, as well as our Division President, Diane Williams and District President, Jane Epperson will attend this meeting. It is open to all members of our Unit as well as members from other Units in our District. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this meeting. I would so like to have these ladies meet our ladies who are responsible for making our Unit so GREAT! A light lunch will be provided by our Auxiliary.

    Easter comes very early this year and on Saturday, March 15, the ladies are getting together to make up bags of Easter treats for the Veterans at one of our local nursing homes. Please come and join us.

    At our Joint Dinner Meeting on March 17 we will be celebrating the Legion Birthday.

    We are trying to get items ready to send another box to our Troops in Iraq. We have some books, magazines, flip flops and some sample shampoos, etc. Some of the items we need are:
    Potted meats Beef Jerky Vaseline Individual Kool Aid
    Sun Tan Lotion Toothpaste Toothbrushes Baby Wipes
    Notepads, pens, pencils Hand sanitizer Bar soaps Deodorant

    They really like those little hand held games found at Wal Mart. But please no candy. Even the hard candy will melt in the heat and they do not need the sugar. Please bring items for the box to the Joint Dinner meeting. For more information on items for the box, please check with Jennie Evans at 788-1387. Many thanks.

    Please remember to drop any pennies that you have in the jug in the Canteen for the Samaritan Ministries Penny Drive.

    We still need volunteers to go with the Legion men to the Salisbury Nursing Home on the 3rd Thursday of every month to play BINGO with the residents. They have a great time and love to see the ladies. Our VA& R fund will furnish a cake, cookies or some sort of snack for them. If you are interested, please contact Susette Westmoreland at (336) 508-4243 (or she may be contacting you!)

    • Dates to Remember:

    Saturday, March 8 – Reverse Drawing

    Sunday, March 9 – Auxiliary District Meeting – hosted by Unit 55 – 1:30 pm

    June 12 – 14 – Department Convention – North Raleigh Hilton

    June 15 – 21 – Girls State – Catawba College – Salisbury, NC

    • Websites:

    www.legion-aux.org American Legion Auxiliary Department Website

    www.nclegion.org/post55.htm American Legion Auxiliary Post 55 Website

    It is not very often we have two holidays in one month. So I would like to wish you all…..

    Happy St. Patrick’s Day

    (don’t drink too much of that green beer)

    and also

    A very happy and blessed Easter!

    February 2008

    Even though the weather has been cold and dreary, it has not deterred the efforts of our Auxiliary members who got together on Sunday, January 13 to wrap packages of notepads, envelopes, pencils, pens and stamps for the patients at the Veterans Hospital in Salisbury. Then on Wednesday, Jean Holt and Jennie Evans delivered 50 packets to the hospital staff to be distributed to patients who may want to write letters to their families or friends. Many thanks to all those who came together to help.

    We are trying to get items ready to send another box to our Troops in Iraq. We have some books, magazines, flip flops and some sample shampoos, etc. Some of the items we need are:
    Potted meats * Beef Jerky * Vaseline * Individual Kool Aid*
    Sun Tan Lotion * Chewing Gum * Toothpaste * Toothbrushes*
    Notepads, pens, pencils * Hand sanitizer * Bar soaps * Deodorant*

    They really like those little hand held games found at Wal Mart. But please no candy. Even the hard candy will melt in the heat and they do not need the sugar. For more information of items for the box, please check with Jennie Evans at 788-1387.

    In the meantime, Wendie is getting in touch with Bolton Elementary School to see if we can again get some of the children to write Notes to our Troops to include with the box we will send like we did last year. The soldiers really loved hearing from the children. If any of our members would like to include a card or note in the box, please feel free to do so.

    The box of winter clothing was delivered to the Bethesda Center by Becky Collins’ husband, John and our ALR Director, Jeff Hufford. The homeless residents at the Center greatly appreciated all that was given. Many thanks to Becky, John and Jeff for helping these folks have a warmer winter.

    We have started colleting “pennies” for the Samaritan Industries Penny Campaign. Every year in December, the pennies are delivered to the Samaritan Industries to help care for the homeless. When you are in the Canteen, please relieve your pockets and wallets of those pesky pennies and support a good cause. Hopefully we will be able to fill the water jug at least a couple of times before December!

    On Saturday, February 2, at 10:00 am, (small hall) Joe Paschal (one of our own Legionnaires-Geri’s Husband) will be giving a presentation called Refuse to be a Victim. This is an excellent power point presentation developed by the NRA (National Rifle Association) on crime prevention and public safety. Joe did this presentation a few years ago and it was certainly an education in home security and personal awareness of one’s surroundings. Although this program was originally written for women, the NRA voted to make it co-ed in 1997. So spread the word and get your spouses or significant others, family and friends and join us for this informative presentation. You can purchase a Handbook for $5.00 filled with hundreds of security tips. Please sign up on the sheet on the Auxiliary Board in the Canteen so Joe will have some idea of how many are planning to attend.
    Coffee and donuts/bagels will be furnished by the Auxiliary.

    Don’t forget Super Bowl Sunday, February 3. Come on down to the Legion and watch the Patriots and the Giants duke it out! Bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre, watch the game on the “big” screen, and root for your favorite team!

    Steak Roast ($15.00 per plate), Tuesday, February 12 will, once again, be transformed into a “Romantic” Valentine’s Dinner. Robin Reid and her husband Wayne have made all of this possible for the last 2 years and I understand that Patsy Cline will be making an appearance. So please support the Legion and come on down and enjoy a great evening!

    On Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23 the Auxiliary Mid Winter Conference will be held at the North Raleigh Hilton in Raleigh, NC. It is a great opportunity to hear what other Units in our State are doing for the Veterans and the Children in their communities. For more information, please contact Jennie Evans at 788-1387.

    On Sunday, March 9 at 1:30. our Unit will be hosting the Auxiliary District Meeting. Our State President, Joyce Willis, as well as our Division President, Diane Williams and District President, Jane Epperson will attend this meeting. It is open to all members of our Unit as well as members from other Units in our District. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this meeting. I would so like to have these ladies meet our ladies who are responsible for making our Unit so GREAT! A light lunch will be provided by our Auxiliary.

    We still need volunteers to go with the Legion men to the Salisbury Nursing Home on the 3rd Thursday of every month to play BINGO with the residents. They have a great time and love to see the ladies. Our VA& R fund will furnish a cake, cookies or some sort of snack for them. If you are interested, please contact Susette Westmoreland at (336) 508-4243 (or she may be contacting you!)

    • Dates to Remember:
      Saturday, February 2, 10:00 am – Refuse to be a Victim – Joe Paschal
      Sunday, February 3 – Super Bowl Party – Bring your favorite snack
      Tuesday, February 12 – Valentine’s Steak Roast
      Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23 – Mid-Winter Conference – North Raleigh Hilton
      Saturday, March 8 – Reverse Drawing
      Sunday, March 9 – Auxiliary District Meeting – hosted by Unit 55 – 1:30 pm
      June 12 – 14 – Department Convention – North Raleigh Hilton
      June 15 – 21 – Girls State – Catawba College – Salisbury, NC

      • Websites:

      • www.legion-aux.org American Legion Auxiliary Department Website
      www.nclegion.org/post55.htm American Legion Auxiliary Post 55 Website

      As I bask in the sun in Key West (actually the weather has not been that great…I haven’t even got a good start on a tan), my heart and mind is still at the American Legion in Winston-Salem. I am not really on vacation…..I am just out of town for awhile. I know that all of you will continue to move forward with the projects and events that we have planned for our Veterans and our Children and Youth. And I would love to hear from you with any other ideas that you might have for the upcoming months. I am only an e-mail or cell phone call away (just a local call for you). A sincere thank you, from the heart, to all or you for all you do.

      Happy Valentine’s Day


      January 2008

      Happy New Year!!!!!

      We have had a very busy December! Many thanks to everyone who came on December 2 to address Christmas Cards to our members who are unable to come to our meetings. We sent a letter in with the cards to let our members know what we have been doing so far this year. Ms. Avis Moore, who now resides in Sunset Beach, NC sent us a beautiful card and a $50.00 donation that we will use toward our Girls State Program.

      The Christmas trees and decorations went up on December 6. Again, we have a beautiful red, white and blue tree in the Canteen and multi-colored lights on the tree in the Game Room. Thanks to all the ladies who came to decorate!

      Santa Claus was a huge success! We had about 30 children (and their families) come to talk to Santa and each child received a gift. Many, many thanks to Robin Reid for coordinating the event and sending special invitation letters to each child, the Legion and the 40/8 for their generous donation to purchase the toys, Wendie Lewis for shopping and wrapping all of the toys, Alain Cashwell, our pro photographer, the Legionnaires who moved furniture, and all of the ladies who made refreshments and helped make this a very special day for our children.

      December 15, our American Legion Riders made their annual motorcycle trip to the Salisbury VA Hospital. Along with all the “goodies” they brought for the Veterans, were 95 Buddy Blankets (lap robes) that the ladies of our Auxiliary, family and friends had made for our Veterans in the Salisbury Nursing Home! And there were exactly 95 residents at the Home!
      Many thanks to Jo Metcalfe for getting us started and continuing this project throughout this coming year.

      At our Joint Dinner meeting in December we sang some Christmas Carols, and enjoyed the company of one of our senior members, Louise Coleman. Many thanks to Susette Westmoreland for transporting her to and from the meeting. We also had some fun with Twas the Night RIGHT Before Christmas, laughing as we passed our Dollar Store gifts right and left around the circle. Everyone had a little gift to open and take home!

      Our New Year’s Eve Party was a huge success! Tom Jones and even Elvis made an appearance and sang to the ladies. Plenty of music and food kept the party going and everyone toasted the New Year! Thanks to Robin and Anna for planning, decorating, shopping and cleaning up.

      Beginning with the January Newsletter, all those who have given me your e-mail address will be receiving the newsletter via e-mail. If I do not have your address, please let me know. For those who do not have e-mail, our Secretary, Anna Dillard will post a copy of the newsletter on our bulletin board in the Canteen. There is also a list of upcoming events on our bulletin board and on the bulletin board in the main hallway.

      If anyone has any warm winter clothing (sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets etc.) that you would like to donate to the HOMELESS, the Bethesda Center will accept them. We have started a box in the canteen, If you need more information please contact Becky Collins (766-1818).

      Jean Holt will be here on Sunday, January 13 at 2 pm to wrap packages of notepads, envelopes, pens and pencils to deliver to the VA Hospital in Salisbury. Please let her know if you can help (765-1095). We also need 3 or 4 ladies who would deliver them to the Hospital.

      On February 2, at 10:00 am, (small hall) Joe Paschal (one of our own Legionnaires-Geri’s Husband) will be giving a presentation called Refuse to be a Victim. This is an excellent power point presentation developed by the NRA (National Rifle Association) on crime prevention and public safety. Joe did this presentation a few years ago and it was certainly an education in home security and personal awareness of one’s surroundings. Although this program was originally written for women, the NRA voted to make it co-ed in 1997. So spread the word and get your spouses or significant others, family and friends and join us for this informative presentation. You can purchase a Handbook for $5.00 filled with hundreds of security tips. Please sign up on the sheet on the Auxiliary Board in the Canteen so Joe will have some idea of how many are planning to attend.
      Coffee and donuts/bagels will be furnished by the Auxiliary.

      I have spoken to the Principal at Bolton Elementary School, Ms. Sorenson, about doing another Flag Ceremony and more letters to “Our Troops” and she is very open to both. Wendie Lewis will be coordinating these events and will let you know the dates and times when they are set up sometime in January or February. Some of you ladies have been to the school before and I am hoping that you will once again help Wendie. There is a Legion program called Veterans in the Classroom so I have asked that a couple of the Legionnaires go with you to the school. Jud, for one, was very agreeable.

      On Sunday, March 9 at 1:30, our Unit will be hosting the Auxiliary District Meeting. Our State President, Joyce Willis, as well as our Division President, Diane Williams and District President, Jane Epperson will attend this meeting. It is open to all members of our Unit as well as members from other Units in our District. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this meeting. I would so like to have these ladies meet our ladies who are responsible for making our Unit so GREAT! A light lunch will be provided by our Auxiliary.

      We still need volunteers to go with the Legion men to the Salisbury Nursing Home on the 3rd Thursday of every month to play BINGO with the residents. They have a great time and love to see the ladies. Our VA& R fund will furnish a cake, cookies or some sort of snack for them. If you are interested, please contact Susette Westmoreland at (336) 508-4243 (or she may be contacting you!)

      Dates to Remember:

      Monday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party
      Sunday, January 13, 2:00 pm – Wrapping writing packets for the Veterans – Jean Holt
      Saturday, February 2, 10:00 am – Refuse to be a Victim – Joe Paschal
      Sunday, February 3 – Super Bowl Party – Bring your favorite snack
      Tuesday, February 12 – Valentine’s Steak Roast
      Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23 – Mid-Winter Conference – North Raleigh Hilton
      Saturday, March 8 – Reverse Drawing
      Sunday, March 9 – Auxiliary District Meeting – hosted by Unit 55 – 1:30 pm
      June 12 – 14 – Department Convention – North Raleigh Hilton
      June 15 – 21 – Girls State – Catawba College – Salisbury, NC
      Websites:

      www.nclegion.org/aux,htm American Legion Auxiliary Department Website
      www.nclegion.org/post55.htm American Legion Auxiliary Post 55 Website

      As 2007 comes to a close and a New Year begins, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone in our Auxiliary, the Legionnaires and our Riders for all that you have done for our Legion, for our Veterans, for our Children and for our Community. I have no doubt that working together in this new year that we will do many more GREAT things. We are an AWESOME FAMILY!!!!!

      May you all have a safe, happy and healthy New Year!


      December 2007

      Can you believe another year is almost over? Where does the time go? We have been so busy with our Auxiliary projects that the year has just flown by. We have done so much and we are planning more for the new year!

      First let me tell you about the Redeemer School. On Thursday, November 1, I received a call from a lady at the Redeemer School on Miller St. She was asking if we had any Poppies (about 200). The second graders were doing a Chapel Service for Veterans Day on Nov. 9. She explained that after the Service they would give out the Poppies and ask for donations. Well, on Saturday, Nov. 10, we received a card and a check for $169.20. I was in awe! I just couldn’t let this go with just a “thank you” card to the children, so on Nov. 19, Beverly Bauer and I went to the Redeemer School at 8:30 am and brought the children a thank you card, some cookies and punch and some flag pencils and personally thanked the children for what they had done for the Veterans.

      On Thursday, November 15, Sherry Sanders and I brought a box of pencils, pens, crayons, paper and other school supplies to Bolton Elementary for American Education Week. They greatly appreciated it. Let’s try to collect some more to deliver in January or February.

      Great News!! Our goal this year 2007-2008 was to raise at least $700.00 in fund-raising projects and donations to fulfill our budgeted expenses. As of date, we have over $1000.00!! My sincere thanks to all of you who have worked so hard to make the first half of this year so successful. Keep the ideas coming. I know we can have more fun events and raise more money to help Veterans, their families and our Children and Youth.
      If anyone is aware of any Veterans or children through your Church or throughout your Community, who are need of assistance, please let me know.

      Sunday, December 2 at 2 pm, we are meeting to write out Christmas cards to remember our members who cannot always make it to our meetings. Wendie Lewis has donated several boxes of cards for this project so we should have enough but if you have some extra Christmas cards that you could bring that would be great. We are asking each member to bring 5 postage stamps to help with the expense of mailing the cards to our members, if you can. If we need more stamps we will take the money from our Operating Expenses fund to buy them. Let’s have a social afternoon!

      Thursday, December 6 at 6 pm, we are having our Christmas Tree Trimming Gathering at the Post. Please come and help us decorate our Post for Christmas. Last year we had many helpers putting the lights and decorations on the tree in the Canteen and in the Game Room and had a lot of fun. This year I will remember to set up the trees in the appropriate rooms before putting them together!!!!! Refreshments will be my treat so come and get into the Christmas Spirit.

      We have to be all decorated because…………….

      Sunday, December 9 at 3 pm, Santa Claus is coming to Post 55!!!! Robin Reid has list of Post Children and Grandchildren who will be coming to visit with Santa. Each Child will receive a personal invitation and will have a gift under the tree from Santa.

      After Santa, we would like to invite everyone to stay (or come) for a Christmas Open House. Bring your favorite (heavy) hors d’oeuvres (meat balls, finger sandwiches, veggies, dips, cheeses, etc) and no one will have to cook when they go home!

      Monday, December 17 at our Joint Dinner Meeting we are really going to get into the Christmas Spirit and sing Christmas Carols!!! We have Carol Books for everyone and Joyce will be playing our favorites on the piano.

      Last year at our meeting we had Christmas with the Wright Family. We had a great time and a lot of laughs. Let’s do it again. Bring 1 wrapped gift from the Dollar Store and be ready to have some fun!

      Last but not least, Monday, December 31 at 8 pm will be our Annual New Year’s Eve Gala! This year we will have Entertainment as well as some great dancing/listening music. This event is open to all of our Members, Family and Friends. So ladies get out your dressy outfit and get your man to say WOW and ring in the New Year with us at the Legion. Tickets are only $15.00 each and will be on sale in the Canteen starting on December 1 and will include a Midnight Toast to the New Year. (The ladies of the Auxiliary are again asked to bring your favorite heavy hors d’oeuvre).

      Jean Holt would like to have some volunteers to help her at the VA Clinic. She and Dewey will be traveling the countryside to their Granddaughter’s ball games after the first of the year. If you can spare a few hours a week to help the Veterans at the VA Clinic, you know it would be greatly appreciated. You can contact Jean at (336) 765-1095.

      We are still making “lap robes” or Buddy Blankets for the Veterans at the Salisbury Hospital. We will send them with the American Legion Riders on their annual Christmas Ride for the Veterans on December 15. Those who have made them, please have them at the Legion by December 2. Anyone who wants to know how to make them or wants to donate fabric or yarn, please contact Jo Metcalfe at (336) 841-8432. Jo would like to continue making these throughout the year so we will have many more for next year’s ride or to give to Veterans throughout the year.

      Please come out and support our American Legion Riders on Saturday, December 15 for their annual Christmas Ride for the Veterans to the Salisbury Hospital. KSU (KickStands UP) at 12:30 pm. There will be close to 200 motorcycles making the trip this year from our Post, other Veterans organizations and private individuals. If you have never seen them…..it is an AWESOME display!!! They will be leading truck loads of gifts and will present a HUGE check to the VA Hospital to help make a brighter Christmas for our Veterans in the Hospital and the Nursing Home.

      On Sunday, December 16, our Riders will be taking another ride to the American Children’s Home in Lexington, NC (KSU at 1:00 pm). This is a transitional home for children who have been taken from unsafe environments and are awaiting placement in Foster Homes. Their Christmas Wish List included twin bed sheets, blankets, towels and industrial size cooking pots. We have a good start but could use more to take to them. Also, each child (approx. 32) will receive a gift card from the Riders to shop at WalMart!

      Both of the above events have been supported by the American Legion and the Auxiliary as well as the American Legion Riders. We are truly a family working together. We need volunteers to go with the Legion men to the Salisbury Nursing Home on the 3rd Thursday of every month to play BINGO with the residents. They have a great time and love to see the ladies. Our VA& R fund will furnish a cake, cookies or some sort of snack for them. If you are interested, please contact Susette Westmoreland at (336) 508-4243 (or she may be contacting you!)

      We have a “Toys for Tots” box in the Canteen. Bring a “new” toy the next time you come in!

      Mary West is back home and doing well. She and husband, Leo, stopped by the Legion Wednesday evening. She looks so good. We are so happy to have her back!

      Virginia Drane is out of the hospital and has moved to a new place. Those who have spoken to her say she loves it and is doing well. We wish her well in her new home and hope to see her at a meeting soon.

      • Dates to Remember

      Sunday, December 2 at 2 pm – Addressing Christmas Cards

      Thursday, December 6 at 6pm – Christmas Tree Trimming Gathering

      Sunday, December 9 at 3 pm – Santa Claus is coming to Post 55
      Christmas Open House after Santa

      Saturday, December 15 at 12 n – American Legion Riders – Christmas Ride for the Veterans

      Sunday, December 16 – American Legion Riders – American Children’s Home

      Monday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party

      January – Super Bowl Party – date and time to be announced

      Saturday, February 2, 10:00 am – “Refuse to be a Victim” presentation by Joe Paschal
      $5.00 charge for book/donuts and coffee will be served

      Monday, February 12 – Valentine’s Steak Roast

      Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23 – Mid-Winter Conference – North Raleigh Hilton

      Saturday, March 8, 6:00 pm – Reverse Drawing at the Legion
      $25.00 per ticket – Dinner catered by Whole Foods

      Sunday, March 9 – Auxiliary District Meeting – hosted by Unit 55 – 1:30 pm

      June 12 – 14 – Department Convention – North Raleigh Hilton

      June 15 – 21 – Girls State – Catawba College – Salisbury, NC

      • Websites:

      www.legion-aux.org American Legion Auxiliary Department Website

      www.nclegion.org/post55.htm American Legion Auxiliary Post 55 Website

      During this special time of Thanksgiving and Christmas I know we all give thanks for our many blessings. We are especially thankful for our families and loved ones. The American Legion has become an extension of my family. Not only at this special time of year, but all through the year. I am so very thankful for being a part of, knowing and working with all of you ladies of the Auxiliary. I sincerely thank you all so very much for all that you do for our American Legion Post, the Veterans, the Children and Youth and our Community.
      Please remember and pray for our Troops in Iraq, our veterans in the VA Medical Centers, Nursing Homes and in our Community and continue to pray for Peace in our World.

      Wishing you all a Christmas of contentment, peace and love and all of the best for the New Year!


      November 2007

      A thousand apologies for not getting this newsletter out on the first of November. The last few weeks have been extremely busy for the Ladies of the Auxiliary.

      First, let me tell you about our Chili Cookoff. It was GREAT! Nine people brought in pots of Chili to be judged and enjoyed. Our judges were Susette Westmoreland, Missy Craven, Bob Dancy and Jud’s brother Bob. The judges were sent to the Game Room, the pots of Chili were numbered and samples brought to the judges to be tasted. It was a difficult decision because they were all so good! The first place ribbon went to our Commander, Jud Lamphear. Second place went to Joyce Stewart and third place was to Susan Temples. Everyone enjoyed sampling the different flavors and we made some money for our General Fund!

      Then it was on to decorating and preparing for our Halloween Costume Party. We had a party for the Children in the afternoon. Princesses, vampires, pumpkins and a mini Marine, played games, popped balloons, ate snacks and brought home bags of prizes, candy and a copy of our brochure “Make Halloween a Safe and Fun Night”.
      The adult party had its share of witches, a scarecrow, a unicorn, various vampires and an angel and devil. We had music by DJ Ron Neely, snacks, cake walks, dancing and lots of fun!

      After packing up Halloween decorations, we set up for our three day Yard Sale. What an event! Folks cleaned out their attics and basements and brought their items to the Post. They “rented” space for the weekend and volunteer Legionnaires and Auxiliary members sold their items for them. Everyone made a little extra cash for Christmas and the Legion and Auxiliary made some good money as well. All items not sold and no longer wanted by their owners have been donated to the Rescue Mission. This may be a yearly event for us!!!

      Next weekend, November 10, is the Veterans Parade in Winston-Salem. We will have representation from the Legion, the 40 and 8, the Auxiliary and the American Legion Riders. Anyone interested in joining in the parade must be at the Post ready to go by 9 a.m. We will have coffee and donuts before 9 am and the Auxiliary will be preparing lunch for everyone after the parade. We will also have the reading of the President’s Veterans Day Proclamation.

      The Auxiliary is planning a special Tribute to our own Legion Veterans at our November 19 Joint Dinner Meeting. Please be sure to join us for this very special occasion. It is also our Thanksgiving Dinner night. We all have so much to be thankful for!

      We are still making “lap robes” or “buddy blankets” for the Veterans at the Salisbury Hospital. We will send them with the Legion Riders on their annual Christmas Ride for the Veterans on December 15. Anyone who wants to know how to make them or wants to donate fabric or yarn, please call Jo Metcalfe at (336) 841-8432.

      Jean Holt still needs volunteers to help her at the VA Clinic. Anyone interested, please contact her at (336) 765-1095. I know that your time is limited with the holidays coming but maybe during those long cold winter months you could spare a few hours a week to help our Vets. We need a couple of ladies each month (the third Thursday) to go with our Legion men down to the Salisbury VA Nursing Home to help the residents play BINGO. They have a great time and love to see the ladies. Our VA & R fund will furnish a cake, cookies or some sort of snack for them. If you are interested, please contact Susette Westmoreland at (336) 508-4243 (or she may be contacting you!).

      Our first “Homemade Cake” Raffle at the Wednesday night dance went well. The Red Velvet brought us $34.00! Call Joyce Stewart for more details (336) 784-5317.

      Saturday, November 17, the American Legion Riders will be hosting a Chicken Stew at the Post to raise money for the Lexington Children’s Home. This is a transitional Home for children who have been taken out of unsafe environments and waiting for foster homes and is not State funded. The Auxiliary has been asked to help with a bake sale for that day. If you would like to donate a cake, pie, cookies, etc. please contact Wendie Lewis at (336) 992-7009. The Home is also in need of twin bed sheets, towels and restaurant size cookware. They have anywhere from 25 to 50 children living there. Please let’s help these children have a good Christmas and a better future!

      Well, November is full and our December calendar is filling up as well. December 2, we are meeting at the Post at 2 pm to address Christmas Cards to remember our Auxiliary members who cannot always come to our meetings. Please bring 5 postage stamps with you and be prepared for some great fellowship.

      We will have the Legion Tree Trimming again on Thursday, December 6 at 6 pm. So many of you came last year to help and had a great time. This year we will definitely have Joyce play the piano and all sing Carols!

      Sunday, December 9 at 3 pm, Santa Claus is coming to the Post! If you have children or grandchildren who would like to see Santa, get a gift, have their picture taken and have some snacks, please contact Robin Reid at (336) 413-2237. After Santa, we are thinking of having a Family Christmas Open House. More on that later.

      We have a “Toys for Tots” box in the Canteen. Bring a “new” toy the next time you come in!

      We hope to send another box to our Troops in Iraq before Christmas. Please help us fill it up.

      The most recent information we have on Mary West is that she should be going home sometime in the next week!!!!!

      After a short stay in the hospital, Virginia Drane is recuperating and regaining her strength at the Oaks.

      The mother of one of our new members, Linda Davis, passed away recently.

      Please keep all of these ladies and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

      Our American Legion has truly become a “family” for many of us. I cannot thank the Legion enough for allowing the Auxiliary to do the things that we do. I cannot thank the Legion men enough for their support and faithful help with our endeavors. I cannot thank the Legion husbands enough for allowing their wives to spend their time planning and working at our events. And I certainly cannot thank the Ladies enough for what they do for the Auxiliary. Your ideas, hard work and dedication are just phenomenal!! There could not be a President of any organization that could be more proud of its members than I am of you! I cannot thank you enough but know that my heart and love and thanks go out to each of you who have made our Legion a part of your family!

      May God Bless Us All and Remind Us of All that We Have to be Thankful For

      May you all have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving

      October 2007

      Cooler weather is coming and we are stepping up the