Albert Lea Legion Auxiliary

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 56 of Albert Lea met at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Legion club room. President Bonnie Schneider opened the meeting with the usual opening, salute of flag, silence in memory of the dead, Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag and the preamble to the American Legion Auxiliary. Chaplain Jenny Torgerson offered prayer. A special memorial prayer was given for Joyce Olson’s (past district and unit president) daughter Joliene.

The secretary, Vonnie Oftedahl, read the secretary minutes of the September meeting. The minutes were approved as read. Treasurer Rita Andersen gave her report and it was put on file for audit.

Guest speakers were John Severtson and Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Dahlen on Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, which is a nonprofit organization that honors, serves and supports local veterans and military families. If you are interested in receiving services or volunteering to help Albert Lea area families, contact Beyond the Yellow Ribbon at 507-473-3480 or 373-6694. The group thinks it’s a worthwhile organization.

Education Chairman Angie Larson was scheduled to present to all area schools during Education Week, which was Nov. 11-17. National Security Chairwoman Betty Anderson advised the group that coupons can again be saved. Please turn them into the club, and she will process them. The coupons need to be within a month of their expiration date. Also a reminder to have winter safety items in your car.

There will be an Auxiliary kids Christmas party from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Recommendations made by the board for November through March and approved by the auxiliary members in attendance are as follows: November: $50 to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, $100 to Veteran’s Hospital Auxiliary Fund, $100 to community hospice tree; December: $100 to Presbyterian food shelf, $100 to Salvation Army; March: $50 to district president project, $100 to Albert Lea firefighter’s elementary education project, $50 to national president’s project. These will be sent in the month due by the treasurer.

The meeting was closed with prayer by the chaplain. Lunch was served by Larson. The Quarter Drawing was won by Lea Nolting.

The next Auxiliary meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 3, 2013, in the Legion club room.