American Legion Auxiliary

The Auxiliary of American Legion Post 56 of Albert Lea met at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Legion dining room. The meeting was opened with a hand salute to the American flag. Jenny Torgerson, chaplain, gave the opening prayer. A moment of silence was observed for the dead. The preamble to the American Legion was recited by all present.

Secretary Vonnie Oftedahl called the roll and read the minutes of the September meeting. Treasurer Deanne Adams gave the treasurer’s report.

Committee chairwoman reports were given. Children and Youth Chairwoman Karen Cibert asked that the group continue to save pop tabs, box tops, soup labels and milk tops. National Security Chairwoman Betty Anderson informed the group of what to put in a winter safety kit in a car and reminded the group to bring in coupons. Veteran Affairs and Rehab Chairwoman Togerson reminded the group to continue to bring in soaps, lotions and shampoos from hotels for the VA Hospital.

Education Chairwoman Ange Larson will be taking a certificate of thanks to school during Education Week, Nov. 18-22, that will thank teachers. Poppy Chairwoman Audrey Johannsen ordered poppies for offering to the public in May.

President Bonnie Schneider read what each sentence of the preamble means.

Executive board recommendations were approved as follows: Hospital Auxiliary Fund, Community Hospice tree, Ecumenical Food Shelf, Salvation Army food shelf, Auxiliary emergency fund, VA Hospital in St. Cloud and Mission Project for veterans with post traumatic stress disorder.

November is the 94th birthday of the American Legion Auxiliary. It was established Nov. 10, 1919, in Minneapolis when the national Legion adopted a resolution establishing the American Legion Auxiliary.

There will be a fundraiser pancake breakfast for the auxiliary at the Legion club from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 29. Mark your calendars.

The drawing was won by Karen Cibert. Lunch was served by Larson. Torgerson gave the closing prayer. Salute to the American flag was given to close the meeting. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 2, 2014, in the Legion dining room.