Winston-Salem Post 55


Still Serving God and Country!

POST AUXILIARY


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

July 2009

 

 

Our new officers were installed at our June meeting by Past President, Susan Temples.  All officers are now ready to continue or assume their duties for the coming year.

 

Wendie and Susan went to Raleigh for the State Convention.  We received some awards, shared some ideas with other Auxiliary members, shared a room and laughed a lot.  So it served two purposes.  Next year we hope more officers and members will join us.

 

On Sunday, June 14, Paige and Susan transported 360 Hersey Candy Bars down to Catawba College for the girls at Girls State.  We met with Kay Hirst, State Chairman of Girls State and got to take some pictures with her and of the college.

 

Joyce Stewart our Membership Chairman and Robin Reid our President spoke about the importance of meeting our membership goals this year.  So we will be “gearing up” at the July meeting.

 

A 90+ year old Veteran friend of Odessa Rhoades resides at the Clemmons Nursing and Rehab Home.  As a tribute to her and the other Veterans at the Home, we are in the process of making “door tags” for their rooms.  It will say, “A United States Military Veteran Lives Here”, with the name of the Veteran on the bottom.  We hope to deliver them before the 4th of July.

 

Cathy Burroughs presented ideas and costs of adding some curb appeal to the front of the Legion.  Everything was approved and Cathy invited everyone to come and help on Friday, June 19.  Cathy and her son worked in the heat planting new flowers and shrubs.  Many thanks to you and your son for all of your hard work……..it looks GREAT!

 

Again this year the Legion will be having hot dogs and hamburgers on the 4th of July.  Please come by and support the Legion.  The Auxiliary will also be serving Ice Cream Sundaes for $2.00.  Chocolate, Caramel (or both), whipped cream, nuts and a cherry......mmmmmm.

 

Don’t forget Legion College on Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12.  The registration is only $15.00 for both days and is a great way to learn about the organization to which you belong.  Plus, they make it fun and no tests!!!!

 

The Ronald McDonald House on Hawthorne Rd. provides comfort and lodging for the families of children being treated at Baptist Hospital.  Several churches and organizations also provide meals for those staying there.  On Sunday July 19th our Auxiliary will be hosting a cook out (hot dogs and hamburgers and all the fixins) for the families.  Missy Craven is putting this all together.  She needs volunteers to help cook and serve that day. We will not have another meeting before then so if you can help, please call Missy at (336) 406-0903.  Let’s make this a

great day for everyone.

 

The ALR is doing a benefit ride for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation on Saturday, July 25.  After the ride they are having a “Slice of the Island Party” and are inviting all Parrot heads to come and join the party starting at 4 pm.

 

Get those Poodle Skirts out, roll up the tee shirt sleeves and start practicing rock and roll, the twist, the mashed potato and the swim and come out for the 50’s Dance.  Dance or listen to the music of DJ Ron Neely and his Mobile Jukebox.  Bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre and come out on Saturday, August 29 at 8:00 pm….$10.00 per person.

 

We are planning another Giant Yard Sale for Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12. Get started now…..clean out those closets, the attic and basement and make yourself some money.  We are also hoping to have a shredding company bring one of their trucks to the Post on that Saturday to shred papers and documents that cannot be thrown away.  A fee will be charged for the amount of paper to be shredded.  So clean out that file cabinet, desk etc. and get rid of that old paper.  See how in just 2 days you can get organized and make some money too!!!!!

 

The menu for the July 20th dinner meeting is  Sandwiches and Salads.

 

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

 

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

 

Dates to Remember

 

      July 4 – Hot dogs and Hamburgers and Ice Cream Sundaes at the Legion

 

July 10-11 – Legion College (Clemmons Village Inn)

 

July 19 – Cook out at the Ronald McDonald House

 

July 25 – ALR - Slice of the Island Party – 4 pm at the Legion

 

August 7-9 – Legion Camping Trip, Hillsville, VA

 

August 29 – 50’s Party

 

September 11-12 – Annual Yard Sale

 

October 31 – Halloween Party

 

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party

 

 

 

 

May you all have a safe and Happy 4th of July

 

 

 

 

  

June 2009

 

 

We had our elections at the May meeting.  Our new Officers are:

 

President                                  Robin Reid                               Historian                       Paige Rideout

Vice President                          Wendie Lewis                          Sgt. At Arms                Angela Hamby

Secretary                                  Anna Dillard                             Asst. Sgt. At Arms       Felicia Garrett

Treasurer                                  Candy Barron                           Executive Board

Asst. Treasurer             Joyce Stewart                           Jean Holt

Chaplain                                   Missy Craven                           Odessa Rhoades

Asst. Chaplain                          Sandy Miller                             Susan Temples

 

Congratulations to our Officers and Board Members.  We wish them a successful year.

 

We had our Field Service Orientation with Janice McLeod on May 2.  Seven members attended the meeting and learned a lot.  To keep up with hours for Field Service, Home Service and VA & R, Robin will pass a notebook around at each meeting for us to enter our hours for that month.  We all give some time during the year helping our Veterans and our Auxiliary should be recognized for it.

 

Friday night, May 15, we folded 300 Pocket Flags and stuffed them in 3”x 3” bags ready to take to the Convention to give to Benson Unit 109 to distribute to the troops as they deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan.  Thanks to everyone who helped (even the guys in the canteen helped fold).  We also made up Poppy plates and sold several that night.  Thanks Pam for a good idea!

 

On Saturday, May 16, the Legionnaires, ALR and Auxiliary came together at Westlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery and placed more than 300 flags on graves in the Veterans Section.  We had a full military ceremony with a 21-gun salute and Taps.  We then went to the Salem Cemetery and placed a wreath on the grave of Clyde Bolling.  Many thanks to Angela Hamby for organizing this event and to everyone who came out to help with the flags.

 

Only about 6 of our members distributed Poppies on Friday, May 22.  But it was our best year!  These 6 Ladies received over $1,100.00 in donations.  Can you imagine what we could have done if the remaining 84 members had helped?  This is a one day, once a year event and always on the Friday before Memorial Day.  So please think now about helping next year.  Even if you work during the day, we have donation cans that could be passed around at your place of business.  These monies are used exclusively in helping Veterans and their families.  This year our best place to distribute was at the K & W Restaurant and Lowe’s Foods.   

 

We finally did our Flag Ceremony for about 30 children at the Children’s Home on May 28.  Robin, Candy, Missy, Meredy and Susan gave a little history on the American Legion Auxiliary and folding the Flag.  They demonstrated the 13 folds of the flag and then had several students come to up to practice and answered questions about flag etiquette.  It was a good experience for everyone.

 

Robin’s project for this year was to add some “curb appeal” to the front of the Post.  So at our May

meeting Cathy Burroughs, chairman, shared some of her ideas on sprucing up the front yard of the Post.  Cathy needed a little more time to check out prices for shrubs and flowers so we will probably be ready to go sometime after the June meeting.

 

Only 3 of our members are going to State Convention in Raleigh this year, Wendie, Susan and one of our newest members, Felicia Garrett.  Going to the Convention and also to the fall and mid-winter conferences is a great way to learn about the Auxiliary, share ideas with the ladies of other units, get away for a weekend and have some fun!

 

Missy has purchased the 300 Hersey bars for Girls State and Paige and Susan will deliver them on Sunday, June 14 to the girls at Catawba College.

 

Legion College is coming up on July 10 and 11.  It is being held right in our own backyard……at the Clemmons Village Inn in Clemmons.  Registration is only $15.00 for both days and again is a great way to learn about the Auxiliary and share ideas with the ladies of other units.  Those who facilitate make it interesting and fun.  You do not have to be an officer to attend…..learn more about the organization which you have joined.  Please don’t be just a member on paper……get involved.  We have a great group of Ladies and we need new ideas.  Even if you work, there are still opportunities for you to help our Veterans.

 

One of our Post Legionnaires (Wayne Brown) was in a very serious motorcycle accident a few weeks ago.  His family has been staying with him around the clock.  A motion was made and carried to give the family $100.00 from our VA & R account to help his family with hotel and meal expenses. 

 

Robin opened our Mystery Box at the May meeting.  We had $57.48 inside.  A motion was made and carried that this money also go to the family of Wayne Brown.

 

The Big Hall has had a face lift!  The old radiators have been removed from around the walls, fresh white paint on the walls and ceiling, new blinds in the windows, and the floor has been scrubbed clean.  It looks great!  But all that cost money so Jud, our Legion Commander asked all the groups who meet and/or use the big hall to help with the cost of the renovation.  A motion was made and carried that the Auxiliary give $100.00.

 

The June meeting is the deadline for the Nursing Scholarship.  Anyone interested must have a letter containing personal background (schooling, clubs, organizations, etc.), grades, the school you will be (or are) attending and why you would like to be a nurse.  The scholarship is for $500.00 and we have one recipient so far, Stacie Moore (Joyce Stewart’s niece).

 

Circle you calendar on August 29!!!  We’re going to have a 50’s Dance!!  Get out the poodle skirt, roll up the jeans, roll up the t-shirt sleeves, put a scarf in your hair, grab your date (or spouse) and come on out for some good ole rock and roll.  We’ll have a DJ and refreshments…..just like at those high school dances!!!!!

 

Jean Holt had cataract surgery and is doing well.  Please keep Wayne Brown, Polly Parrish, Jean Holt, and any of our other members who may be under the weather, in your prayers.

 

Menu for the June meeting is Chicken (pies, casseroles, baked, or fried) and fixins.

 

 

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

 

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

·        Dates to Remember

 

 

June 11 – 14 – State Convention, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

June 14 – 20 – Girls State, Catawba College, Salisbury, NC

 

June 15 – Joint Dinner Meeting

 

July 10-11 – Legion College (Clemmons Village Inn)

 

August 7-9 – Legion Camping Trip, Hillsville, VA

 

August 29 – 50’s Party

 

September 11-12 – Annual Yard Sale

 

October 31 – Halloween Party

 

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party

 

 

 

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

 

                                                                Maya Angelou

 

 

Make someone you know feel special!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 2009

 

Spring has Sprung!  The trees are in bloom, flowers popping up everywhere, spirits are high and energy levels are getting into gear.  It’s time to look forward to upcoming events in our Auxiliary.

 

Did you know that we have 90 members in our Auxiliary now?  Hello!  Where are you?  I know many of you have been hiding in the warm house during those cold and messy winter months.  But now is the time to come out from hiding and join us at our next meeting!  As you know, May is our election month so it is very important that you come and vote for your choice of Officers for the year 2009-2010.  Jennie Evans, Chairman of the Nominating Committee read the slate of Officers at the April meeting.  Remember, if you are interested in holding an office, you can be nominated off the floor on the day of the election.  As in any election, your vote is very important.  So please join us for the election and to hear about our upcoming events.  Also, your participation in our events is crucial to their success.  We work hard but have a lot of fun when we are together.

 

The Easter Bunny came to visit over 30 children and grandchildren on April 4.  They died Easter eggs, colored cards for our troops and had a wonderful time searching for eggs nestled in straw out on the patio.  The kids had a wonderful time but wore our ladies out!  Many thanks to Wendie Lewis, Cathy Burroughs, Missy Craven (the Easter Bunny) Jennie Evans (our picture taker) and any others that helped bring smiles to these children’s faces!!!!!

 

The Auxiliary District Meeting was held at the King Post on April 18.  Robin Reid, Wendie Lewis, Jennie Evans, Susan Temples and one of our newest members Angela Hamby represented our Unit.  When Robin read her report, it was amazing all of the things that we have accomplished so far this year.

 

On Thursday, April 23, Robin, Susan and one of our newest members Felicia Garrett, went to the Girls State Orientation at the King Post.  It was a very informative session and we met our 3 girls, Margaret Patterson, Kamil Miller and Vivian King.  All three girls are looking forward to their time at Girls State and coming to our September meeting to share their experience with us. At our April meeting we voted to once again purchase Hersey bars (instead of baking 900 cookies) to take to the girls at Girls State.  Paige Rideout, our Girls State Chairman and Susan Temples (and anyone else who would like to go) will deliver the candy bars on Sunday morning, June 14.

 

Saturday, April 25 the American Legion Riders sponsored a benefit ride (Veterans Helping Veterans) for the future Homeless Veterans Home on Glenn Avenue.  We had 93 motorcycles that left our Post at 11 am that morning.  It was a phenomenal sight!  They raised over $3200.00 for the cause.  Once the Home gets established, our Auxiliary will surely become involved.  We will keep you posted on the progress.

 

As we mentioned last month, Janice McLeod will be coming on Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 am to conduct a Field Service Orientation program.  This is a very informative seminar on how to qualify for credit for the time we spend helping our Veterans and their families.  Please come if you can.  Coffee, bagels/cream cheese and fruit will be provided.

 

We have received the “Pocket Flags” for the troops overseas.  Robin has set Friday, May 15 at 6:00 pm to meet at the Legion to trim, fold, and put the flags in small plastic bags.  Please come and help us with them….we have 300 flags so we need all the help we can get.  Also the Canteen serves dinner every Friday night so we can eat and work at the same time.  You’d be surprised at what we learn about each other at our get-togethers!!!!!

 

Another member, Pam Taylor, has a wonderful idea for Memorial Day.  Using paper plates, we will attach Poppies to them and sell them to our members, family and friends for a donation.  They can write a message on the plate such as “In memory of my Dad, WWII Veteran”, “With love to my Mom”, “Thanks to all Veterans for our Freedoms” or whatever sentiment they wish.  Then we will hang them on the mirror in the Canteen until after Memorial Day.  We will also be working on this project on Friday night, May 15.

 

Speaking of Poppies……it is becoming more and more difficult to find a place (a business) at which to distribute our Poppies.  Wal-Mart, Food Lion and Lowe’s foods have told us that their Corporate Office will not allow us to distribute at their businesses.  Jean Holt, our Poppy Chairman has contacted K & W Restaurant and we will be allowed to distribute at any of their 3 locations in Winston-Salem.  If you know of any other business that will allow us to distribute our Poppies, please let Jean know.  Please come and help us if you can on Friday, May 22 at any time that is convenient to you.  In the last 2 years we have raised over $1000.00 for our VA&R fund to help Veterans and their families.  This is such a valuable cause and only takes an hour or two of your time.

 

Please mark your calendar for Saturday, May 16 at 9:30 am.  We are meeting at the Legion that morning to once again gather with the Legionnaires, ALR, and SAL to place flags on the graves of our Veterans.  Angela Hamby chaired this committee and has done a great job with putting the plan together.  We will first have a short ceremony at the grave of Clyde Bolling at the Salem Cemetery and place a wreath there.  Then we will travel to the Westlawn Cemetery in Clemmons on Ridgecrest Road.  There we will have a full military ceremony with the playing of Taps and possibly a 21 gun salute.  With everyone’s help, we will place some 490 flags on the graves in the Veterans section.  The Administrator of the Cemetery and his staff are very excited and grateful to us for choosing their cemetery to honor the Veterans.  It has been several years since anyone has paid tribute to our fallen heroes there.  We would love to have a huge turnout for this event…..please come and help us if you can.  We will also need a few volunteers to go back to the cemetery on Tuesday, May 26 to remove the flags from the graves.

 

Once again this year we will award a nursing scholarship.  Joyce Stewart’s niece, Stacie Moore who is attending the nursing program at UNC has been the recipient of this scholarship for the last 2 years.  If any member is interested in this scholarship for themselves or a  family member, please submit a letter of intent (including nursing school attending and a short personal write-up about yourself and your nursing goals) to be presented at the May 18th meeting.

 

Don’t forget our Mystery Box.  Robin will be opening it up to see how much money we have collected over the year.  So please be thinking of one or more Legion/Auxiliary charities that we can donate it to.  Last year we gave to 5 charities, the Fisher House, National President’s Scholarship, Auxiliary Emergency Fund, American Legion Child Welfare Program and the Children’s Miracle Network.

 

Robin would like to “spruce up” the outside front of our Post by adding some flowering trees and flowers.  Cathy Burroughs is Chairman of the Beautification Project.  So I’m sure she’ll be needing our help in the next few weeks. 

 

State Convention will again be held at the Raleigh Hilton, June 11 – 14.  We have a lot of new members and if you really want to know about all the work that is being done for our Veterans by Auxiliaries across our state please plan to go to the Convention.  We can send 7 Delegates and will pay $25.00 per night per member to help with the cost of their Hotel Room.  Please be thinking about this as names will have to be submitted to State right after our May 18th meeting.

 

We are planning some future events for the upcoming months.    Plans will be discussed further in future meetings so be sure to attend the meetings so you will be “in the know!”

 

We lost one of our long standing members, Edna Collins to Cancer on April 23.  Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

Menu for the May Dinner Meeting is Pasta Dishes (hot and cold), Salads, Breads and of course Desserts.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

 

May 2 – Field Service Orientation – 10 am

 

May 15 – Pocket Flags and Memorial Day Plates – 6:00 pm at the Legion

 

May 16 – Placing Flags on the Veterans graves at Westlawn Cemetery in Clemmons –              

                            9:30 am

 

May 18 – Joint Dinner Meeting – Auxiliary Elections

 

May 22 – Poppy Distribution Day

 

May 23 – Reverse Drawing at the Legion -  Win $1,000 – Tickets $25.00

 

May 26 -  Collect flags from Westlawn Cemetery

 

June 11 – 14 – State Convention, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

June 14 – 20 – Girls State, Catawba College, Salisbury, NC

 

To all of our mothers out there:              

Happy Mother’s Day

 

 

 


April 2009

 

 

They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.  Let’s hope this is true and that spring is just around the corner.

 

On Monday, March 9, Jennie and Missy took 684 lbs. of pop tops to the Recycle Center.  In return we received a check for $218.88 for the Ronald McDonald House. 

 

We will be raffling off the 2 March Madness Baskets on April 6 during the Championship Game.  If you haven’t purchased tickets yet, please see Robin, Wendie or Anna.  They are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.

 

The Auxiliary District meeting will be held at the King American Legion on Saturday, April 18.  We would love to have as many of our members attend the meeting that can.  Several of us will be leaving from the Legion around 12:45 pm for those who would like to car pool.  Registration begins at 1:30 and the meeting starts at 2:00 pm.  The meeting usually lasts about 1 1/2 – 2 hours. 

 

The Auxiliary has voted to purchase (and has ordered) “Pocket Flags” for the Troops overseas.  We should receive them soon.  When they arrive, they will have to be cut and folded and put in small plastic bags.  So once we receive them, Robin will set a date that we can all get together to put them together.  Once they are done, they will be given to the Benson Auxiliary (109) to distribute to the Troops as they are deployed from Camp LeJeune.

 

The American Legion Riders will once again sponsor Bike Night beginning on Tuesday, April 21.  Last year Bike Night (every Tuesday night throughout the summer) was a very successful fund raiser for the ALR.  The money is raised for the Annual Christmas Ride for the Veterans in December.  Even if you don’t “ride”, come on down and have dinner…..hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and wings.

 

Speaking of the Riders…..the North Carolina Housing Foundation is purchasing the old VFW Post 1134 building on Glenn Ave. to create a 30 bed facility for homeless veterans.  The “house” will be set up to help homeless Veterans obtain medical treatment, benefits, and other help to get them back into society.  On Saturday, April 25, the ALR, VFW, Amvets, Clubs, cars and friends will be riding for the cause.  The ride will start with Breakfast at our American Legion ($5.00).  All proceeds will go to help support this future home.  Even if you don’t ride, come and have breakfast, and give a donation to this worthy cause.

 

Well folks, it will soon be time to vote for next year’s officers.  Our May meeting will be devoted to the election.  At the March meeting we chose our Nominating Committee.  They are Jennie Evans, Chairman; Wendie Lewis and Nancy Brenske.  The Nominating Committee will put together a slate of officers that will be presented at the April meeting.  However, these are not the only folks who can run for an office.  If YOU are interested in holding an office, you can be nominated “off the floor” during the election in May.  Anyone who is interested in running for an office is encouraged to check the “duties of the officers” in the Handbook on pages 50 – 56 or talk to any of the current officers for more information about what their responsibilities are.

Anyone who needs a copy of the Auxiliary Handbook can purchase one for $11.00.  Please see Anna Dillard or Sandy Miller.

On Saturday, May 2, we will once again be having a Field Service Orientation at the Legion at 10 am.  This is a very informative seminar on how to qualify for credit for the time we spend helping our Veterans and their families.  Robin is encouraging all members to attend this seminar and will discuss it more at our April meeting. 

 

Menu for the April Dinner meeting is Ham and all the fixins.

 

 

·        Websites:

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

April 4 – Easter Egg Hunt for the Children  -  12pm to 2pm

 

April 21 – ALR Bike Night Kickoff – 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

 

April 18 – District Meeting, King – 1:30 pm

 

April 25 – Veterans Helping Veterans Breakfast and Ride – 8:30 am

 

May 2 – Field Service Orientation – 10 am

 

May 22 – Poppy Distribution Day

 

May 23 – Reverse Drawing at the Legion -  Win $1,000 – Tickets $25.00

 

June 11 – 14 – State Convention, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

June 14 – 20 – Girls State, Catawba College, Salisbury, NC

 

 

 

 

 

          May you all have a Blessed and Happy Easter Sunday


March 2009

 

 

Erin Go Braugh!!!! Top of the Mornin’ to ya all!!!!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day to ya!

And            HAPPY BIRTHDAY      to the American Legion!!!!!

 

We didn’t get a chance to get the Valentine Bags of goodies for the Veterans at Grace Health Care, but we will try to get a “treat” ready for them for St. Patrick’s Day.  Candy Barron has volunteered to decorate the bulletin board this month.

 

We have never heard back from Brunson Elementary School, so Robin has contacted the Children’s Home on Reynolda Rd. to see if they could use some school supplies and also to see if they would be interested in having us do the Flag Ceremony for them.  Linda (from the Children’s Home) recently spoke to Robin and was very excited about having us involved with them.  So Robin will be sharing more about this at the March meeting.

 

Paige Rideout, our Girls State Chairman has 2 (possibly 3) girls who are interested in going to Girls State in June.  It will soon be time to decide if we will bake cookies or bring candy bars down to the girls at Catawba College as our Auxiliary has always done.  Again this year, the State Convention will be the weekend that Girls State begins.  So be thinking about what we should do.

 

We have “tons” more pop tops that need to be turned in.  Missy and Angela will try to get together to do this.  Susan has several plastic bags full that the folks in Key West have been saving for us.  Our efforts for the Ronald McDonald House stretches all over the country!  Many thanks to everyone who saves the pop tops for this worthy cause.

 

Since April is Children and Youth month, we are planning to have an Easter party for our member’s children/grandchildren.  The committee members are Cathy, Angela, Missy, Wendie and Robin.  They will be meeting on March 5 to discuss the plans.  If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let them know.  They will present the program details at the March meeting.

 

Robin and Wendie attended the Mid-Winter Conference on February 20.  They had a good time and learned a lot.  Cathy Burroughs made 2 Poppy Hats, one that won 2nd place at the Conference.  (We love talented people don’t we……way to go Cathy!)

 

Speaking of Poppies.  We will be distributing Poppies this year on May 22.  Jean Holt has again volunteered to head up the Poppy Committee.  But she needs everyone’s help.  If you can spare an hour or two that day to distribute poppies at a local business (please get permission from the business….some are more receptive then others), please let Jean know.

 

Sherry made a motion to do a March Madness Basket to raffle off as a fund raiser.  Angela, Cathy and Wendie will work on this.  Tickets will be available soon.

 

Wendie has the name and address of a soldier in Iraq to send our next “goodie” box to.  She has posted a list of “needs” in the canteen.  If you can, please bring and item or two to the March meeting.

 

We are still about 12 members short (for renewals) to reach our membership goal.  The board members will try to contact these members to see if they will send in their dues.

 

Menu for March will be Corned Beef and Cabbage (and sides) in honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course.  If you have never tried Anna’s Corned Beef (Wendie) be sure to try it.  It is better then a “Pot o’ Gold”…..well almost!  It is delicious!  And since we will also celebrate the Legion Birthday, Sherry will pick up a birthday cake.  But of course, more desserts are always welcome.

 

 

·        Websites:

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

Tuesday, March 24 – Spaghetti Dinner - $5.00 per plate

 

May 22 – Poppy Distribution Day

 

May 23 – Reverse Drawing at the Legion -  Win $1,000 – Tickets $25.00

 

June 11 – 14 – State Convention, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

June 14 – 20 – Girls State, Catawba College, Salisbury, NC

 

 

 

 

An Irish Blessing:

 

            May the road rise to meet you

            May the wind be always at your back

            May the sun shine warm upon your face

            The rains fall soft upon your fields and,

            Until we meet again,

            May God keep you in the palm of His hand!

 

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

 


February 2009

 

 

BRRRRRRR baby it’s cold outside!!!!!  But everyone was warm and toasty at the Legion on Feb. 1 watching the Super Bowl Game on the big screen.  Hope YOUR team won!  Thanks to all who brought snacks for the event.

 

Our meeting in January was kept short because of the inclement weather.  We had about a dozen members at our meeting but a good crowd for dinner.  Our soup and sandwiches menu was the perfect choice for a cold night.

 

At the meeting we discussed and voted to do Valentine gift bags for the Veterans at Grace Health Care.

 

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, don’t forget on Tuesday, February 10, steak roast will instead be the Sweetheart Dinner.  Robin and Wayne Reid and do this for everyone each year.  Candlelight dinner, great dessert and this year’s entertainment will be a Belly Dancer.  So get your sweetheart and enjoy this dancer’s graceful moves.  Tickets are $15.00 each and must be purchased in advance (so they know how much food will be needed).

 

We also decided to hold off on our Flag Ceremony at the school until April which is Children and Youth month.

 

We still have some cookbooks left so if you didn’t get one, be sure to see Robin, Wendie or Anna. 

 

Kudos to Anna for reorganizing the bulletin board in the Canteen.  The big board has space for the Legion, SAL and Auxiliary news.  The ALR as a separate board by the ATM machine.  Looks great (and neat)!

 

Our membership is growing.  We have 14 new members already this year.  But we still have members out there who have not paid their dues.  Please take some time to send your dues to our Membership Chairman, Joyce Stewart.  Your membership and your participation is important to our organization.

 

Polly Parrish is still recovering from her stroke at the Oaks Nursing Home.  We also had one of our members, Betty Derrick, pass away the end of December.  Beverly Bauer lost her brother a couple of weeks ago.  And June Baise is having problems again with her back making it difficult for her to get out.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to these members and their families.  If there are other members who are sick or who have lost loved ones, please let our Chaplain, Missy Craven (336-406-0903) know so she can send a card.

 

Starting on the 24th of February, the Legion is going to do a monthly (every 4th Tuesday of the month) a Spaghetti Dinner with Larry Starling’s famous spaghetti sauce.  If you haven’t tried it, it is delicious.  So mark it on your calendar.  A night out that you don’t have to cook!

 

Next month’s dinner menu is Pork and all the fixings.

 

 

  • Websites:

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

Sunday, February 1 – Super Bowl Party at the Legion

 

Tuesday, February 10 – Valentine’s Sweetheart Dinner  (Steak Roast)

 

February 20 – 21 – Midwinter Conference, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

Tuesday, February 24 – Spaghetti Dinner

 

June 11 – 14 – State Convention, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

June 14 – 20 – Girls State, Catawba College, Salisbury, NC

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Valentine’s Day

 

 

 


January 2009

 

 

Happy New Year to Everyone!!!!

 

 

As always, we had a very busy December.  Many of the ladies of the Auxiliary came on December 4 to trim the Christmas Trees in the Canteen and Game room and to decorate for the Christmas Holiday.  If you haven’t had a chance to see the decorations, please come by.  They will be up until Friday, January 2.  Many thanks to all who helped add a little sparkle to the Post and thanks in advance to those who will take down and pack away the decorations for next year.

 

Anna, Missy and Susan brought the jug of pennies for the Samaritan Ministries Penny Campaign to Thruway on December 6.  Although we did not find out how many pennies were in the jug, it was more than half full when we delivered it.  It is for a good cause and so we will fill the jug again this year.

 

The American Legion Riders had another successful ride to the Salisbury Hospital on December 13 (Christmas Ride for the Veterans).  Other motorcycle groups participated this year as well as our own riders.  They presented Nancy Perry, Director of Voluntary Services with a check for over $6,800 and had 2 pickup trucks loaded with clothing, toiletries, and gifts for the patients at the hospital.  Many thanks to our many dual members (Aux./ALR) who participated and those that brought items to take to the hospital.

 

Santa Claus (our own Legionnaire, Charlie Claybourn) was a great hit again this year.  Santa personally talked to and gave a gift to almost 50 children this year ranging in age from infant to about 12 years old.  Many thanks to Wendie Lewis who battled the crowds on Black Friday to see that every child got a gift and to all the ladies who helped wrap them all.  The kids had a great time and so did Santa!

 

At our December Joint Dinner meeting we sang Christmas Carols to get everyone into the Christmas Spirit.  Many thanks to Joyce Stewart for keeping us in tune by playing the piano.

At our meeting we played “Christmas with the Wright Family” and had a great time passing our Dollar Store gifts around the circle from “Right” to “Left”.  Robin said she had as much fun reading the story and watching us as we did playing the game.

 

A huge thank you goes out to the ladies who bought and delivered gifts to 5 of our “shut-in” members for Christmas.  I’m sure they enjoyed the visit as well as the gift.

 

And of course on December 31 we had our annual New Year’s Eve Party.  We sold around 50 tickets.  Tom Dunn was our DJ and everyone enjoyed the music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres and of course the Champagne toast at midnight!  The ALR had been selling tickets for a Liquor Basket and they drew the winner at the party.  Bill Temples was the winner so they have promised to keep the basket for him until we get back from Key West!

 

Another calendar year has come to a close.  As we reflect back on this past year we can recall the good things that we have done for our Veterans, children and our community.  As we look toward our new year we have the challenge of doing more for our Veterans, children and community.    How can we get more involved with the Troops/Veterans from Iraq and their families?  Can we do more for the Veterans at the Salisbury Hospital or at the VA Clinic?  Is anyone able to volunteer their time at the VA Clinic as our own Jean Holt does?  Do we know of any Veteran’s family that might need our help that we could adopt?  Can we adopt a Vet?  Since we have not heard from Brunson Elementary School, could we maybe look at the Children’s Home (in Winston-Salem) to sponsor?  Have you ever visited another Legion Post and asked what they do for the Veterans in their community?  What are your ideas?  We have had some successful fundraisers and have the funds to help others…..that is what our great organization is all about.  We need your ideas, thoughts and opinions and of course, your help!  Thank you all for all that you have done to make our Auxiliary thrive.  We have many members but unfortunately the same few who are willing or able to make things happen.  

 

Therefore, President Reid’s challenge to all of our members is to come to the January meeting with some ideas (if necessary, she may have another “planning meeting”), and get involved.  No one person (or just a few) can do it all, but all of us working together can do GREAT things!!  And volunteering to help others is a wonderful feeling!!!!

 

Please remember that we have placed a bulletin board at the Grace Health Care.  Missy Craven has taken responsibility for keeping the board decorated but needs some help.  Please get with her to see what you can do to help her.  Missy and Anna brought Lap Robes to the veteran patients at the nursing home before Christmas.

 

Many thanks to all of you who have renewed your membership for 2009. If you haven’t already done so, please send in your membership dues to Joyce Stewart.  If your dues are not paid by the end of January your membership status will become delinquent and you will not have a voting voice at the meetings or at the election of officers in June.

 

We have sold more than half of our 50 cookbooks already.  There are over 200 great recipes in the book.  So if you haven’t purchased one yet, be sure to get one soon.  The cost is $20.00. 

 

The Auxiliary (and Legion) has each received $314.00 from the sale of the plaques in the “Hallway of Honor”.  These engraved plaques can be ordered for $50.00 each.  We now have 2 rows of plaques in the hallway and are a very impressive way of honoring Veterans.  Please give your orders and make checks out to Anna Dillard.

 

As always, the ladies are invited to go with the Legionnaires to the Salisbury Hospital on the 3rd Thursday of the month to play BINGO with the patients.  Those of us who have gone before have thoroughly enjoyed it.  It’s a fun couple of hours and the guys down there love to see the ladies.

 

Our dinner menu for January is Soups and Sandwiches.

 

  • Websites:

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

Sunday, February 1 – Super Bowl Party at the Legion

 

February 20 – 21 – Midwinter Conference, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

June 11 – 14 – State Convention, Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, NC

 

June 14 – 20 – Girls State, Catawba College, Salisbury, NC


 

December 2008

 

 

We had a great day for the Veterans Day Parade.  Several of the ladies rode on the “float” and handed out Poppies to the spectators.  Meanwhile, back at the Legion, Jennie Evans and her group of ladies fixed the sandwiches and set out the rest of lunch for the folks who came back to the Legion after the Parade.  Our small hall was overflowing with members and visitors who enjoyed lunch and listened to the President’s Proclamation.  A Super Thanks from Jennie for all of the ladies who came to help with lunch.

 

The ALR had their benefit ride for Billy Mitchell on Sunday, November 9.  They collected over $625.00 for Billy that they will keep in a separate account for any needs that he might have.  They also gave him a cell phone (some of the proceeds will pay for the monthly charges on that) and a plaque for the hallway.  Billy was a little overwhelmed, but gratefully thanked everyone for all they have done for him.  He also sent a thank you card to the Auxiliary for all we have done.  The Auxiliary also voted to give $50.00 to the ALR toward the expense for food after the ride.

 

Missy Craven and her husband Willie have put the bulletin board up at the Grace Health Care nursing home.  They decorated it for Veterans Day with the names of the Veteran residents at the home.  Then Missy and Susan Temples decorated the board for Thanksgiving.  We will decorate the board for Christmas and if anyone would like to help, please let Missy know.

 

Christmas is upon us and we have a full schedule for December.  Our cookbook is at the printers and should be ready on December 2.  Maybe we can have it ready to sell by Thursday, December 4 when we have our Tree Trimming Gathering.  Again this year, we will be decorating the Legion for Christmas; our beautiful red/white/blue tree in the Canteen and our multi-colored tree in the game room.  So please come out and help us decorate….we will meet around 6:30 pm.

 

Saturday, December 6 is the day to turn in the pennies for the Samaritan Ministries Penny campaign.  Our water jug is over half full of pennies, coin and dollar bills.  If you have any pennies around the house, please bring them down and help us fill up the jug.  Anna Dillard and Susan Temples will be bringing the jug to Thruway on Saturday.

 

Saturday evening, December 6, the “2nd Chance Band” will be playing at the Legion.  As you may know, the ALR had a Memorial Ride for the brother of one of their members, Tim Lynch in September.  Randy and Tim Lynch started this band many years ago.  As a thank you for all that the Legion and ALR did for Randy’s brother Tim and Tim’s wife, Dawn, they are playing for gratis.  Please tell your family and friends to come down and enjoy the music (they play a little bit of everything).  The kitchen and canteen will be open and the band will play from 8pm until

(probably until 1am).

 

December 13 is the ALR Christmas Ride for the Veterans at the Salisbury Hospital.  If you have anything that you would like to donate to the Hospital (toiletries, new or gently used clothing) please bring it by the Legion before the 13th.  This is their 4th year and other motorcycle groups are taking an interest in riding with them.  So bring your children/grandchildren down to see the motorcycles take off from our parking lot.  It truly touches your heart.  They will leave at 11:00 am rain or shine.  The Auxiliary voted to donate $100.00 for the ride.

 

Then on Sunday, December 14, Santa Claus is coming to the Legion at 3:00 pm.  This year we have about 45 children/grandchildren that will be receiving a present from Santa.  We will also have the Christmas Open House following Santa.  So bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre or dessert, come down and get into the Christmas Spirit.

 

The Marine Corps League is also sponsoring the Toys for Tots program.  If you have any “new” toys that you would like to donate, please bring them by the Legion by December 16.

 

A Veteran in our community passed away recently and left his wife and 10 children.  They are currently living with relatives.  The Auxiliary voted to give $10.00 gift cards to each of the children and the mother for Christmas.  Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

At the Joint Dinner Meeting on December 15, we will again be doing “Christmas with the Right Family”.  So stop by the Dollar Store and get a gift, wrap it beautifully and bring it to the meeting.  For those who have never played, this is a fun little game that will keep everyone laughing and everyone will go home with a gift.

 

Ok everyone!  Don’t forget New Year’s Eve.  We will again be having our Gala New Year’s Eve Party at the Legion on Wednesday, December 31 at 8:00 pm.  So ladies, get those glitzy clothes out of the closet and dress up for the occasion.  Bob Dunn will be our MC for the evening playing tunes for our listening and dancing enjoyment.  Tickets will be $30.00 per couple ($15.00 per individual) and will be sold in advance in the Canteen after Christmas.  Members, guests, family and friends are all welcome to help toast in the New Year!  Bring a favorite hors d’oeuvre or dessert if you’d like.

 

Polly Parrish is still at the Oaks and making some progress.

Our Legionnaire, Rick Hall, is still doing well.

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

 

Our dinner menu for the Joint Dinner Meeting on December 15 will be HAM and all the fixins’.

 

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:

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Dates to Remember

 

December 4 – Christmas Tree Trimming at the Legion 6:30 pm

 

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

                                                                     Salisbury VA Hospital – 11:00 am

 

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

 

December 15 – Joint Dinner Meeting – Ham – Christmas with the Right Family

 

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party – 8:00 pm – Bob Dunn, MC

 

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.

 

As always, the ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary have made things “happen”.  Without all of us pulling together, “things” would not get done.  A sincere thank you to all of you who have been there to help make our events work.  Thank you for all that you have done, for all that you do and for all that we will do in the future.  We are a Legion family……

 

  

 

       May you all have a blessed and merry Christmas

 

 

November 2008

 

 

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: