Chester American Legion Auxiliary holds meeting
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[CHESTER - The Chester American Legion Auxiliary Unit 487 held its monthly meeting February 14 at the Post Home with 16 members present. Following a delicious lunch prepared and served by Janet Vasquez and Rhonda Brockmeyer, the meeting was called to order by President Barbara Welge. The flags were placed by Sergeant At Arms Nell Brandon and Dorothy Rinne. A moment of silence was offered in memory of our dead. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary were recited and the National Anthem was sung.
The minutes of the January meeting were read by Secretary Betty Wagner and approved. The financial report for January was presented by Treasurer Mary Sulser and will be filed for audit.
Correspondence was received and read from the American Legion, Department of Child Welfare which thanked the Unit for their donation of $15.00 to the Child Welfare fund.
Committee Chairmen presented their reports: Americanism Chairman Carolyn Schwent reported that 147 Americanism essays had been received from the Chester High School, Home School 5, St. John's Lutheran School 7, St. Mary's Catholic School 6, and Chester Grade School 16. The essays will be judged locally and the first, second, and third place winners from each of the grade schools, and 9th, 10, 11th and 12th grades at the High School along with their parents and teachers will be invited to the Auxiliary meeting on March 14 for a buffet dinner and the presentation of awards. Mrs. Schwent also reported that six "care packages" had been sent to lst Lt. Patrick Henshaw and his Platoon, Sgt. Caleb R. Bradshaw, SSG Cody Rose, PV2 Kyle Rose, and Specialist James O'Connell. Supplies for the boxes were purchased by the Auxiliary and also donated by members of the Auxiliary. The American Legion Post 487 paid the postage of $77.50. Community Service Chairman Collette Powley reported on the mini food fair to be held by the Christian Food Pantry on the last Wednesday of the month at the Walmart parking lot. She also reported on the successful Eagle Watch on February 5 at the Kaskaskia Lock & Dam. Education Chairman Barbara Welge stated she had delivered the Department scholarship forms to the Chester High School. Illini Girls State Chairman Mary Sulser presented the names of the candidates for consideration as a Girls State Delegate to attend Girls State during the June 19-25 session at Eastern University. The members voted to send three delegates this year but if there was a tie vote, we would send four delegates. The candidates were voted on and Mrs. Sulser will contact them concerning their selection as a delegate. Legislative Chairman Betty Wagner reported on the meaning of some of the words in the Star Spangled Banner and the respectful etiquette that should be observed during the playing of our National Anthem. Hilda Fey reported on the successful gift shop for veterans conducted at the Chester Mental Health Center and a cookout would be held in the Spring at the facility for the veterans. Mrs. Welge reported that our membership stands at 89.1% and she will turn in dues to the 25th District President at the District meeting in Chester on February 19. She also reported that Juanita Bleem would continue to serve as Membership Chairman during 2011-2012.
Farida Hollaway reported that she and Betty Wagner had delivered her handmade valentines to our members at St. Ann's Healthcare, Three Springs Lodge, and the Manor at the Craig Farm. She also reported that sympathy cards had been sent to members Dorothy Rinne and Ruth Petrowske. Mrs. Welge reported that the Auxiliary Department Easter gifts would be delivered to the veterans in the nursing homes prior to Easter.
Mrs. Welge stated that due to the absence of Asst. Sergeant at Arms Rudelle Rahlfs, the flags will be posted prior to the beginning of future meetings. Motions were made, seconded, and carried to donate $100.00 to the Chester High School Musical scheduled for March, purchase a $50.00 ad in the Randolph County Herald Tribune for the Bridal Expo newspaper insert, and purchase District raffle tickets for $10.00.
The meeting closed with prayer by Chaplain Powley and the singing of God Bless America. The next meeting will be at the Post Home March 19 with dinner at 6:00 p.m. Following dinner, we will recognize the Americanism Essay winners who will read their essays and receive their awards. We urge all members to attend this meeting to witness the accomplishments of our local students.