Dignitaries attending and speaking at the joint dinner meeting of the Gladbrook American Legion & Auxiliary were Post Commander Ron Busch, Toledo, 3rd District Legion Commander Dave Travis, Shellsburg, National American Legion Auxiliary President Nicole Clapp, Gladbrook, and Dept. Legion Commander James Kessler, Lake Park. -- Photo provided

On Monday, Jan. 18, the Gladbrook Legion Post and Unit #127 of the American Legion met at 6:30 p.m. at the Memorial Building.

Special guests invited were Nik Clapp, Nat’l Auxiliary President of Gladbrook, the Department Commander James Kessler of Lake Park and District Commander Dave Travis of Shellsburg along with new 2021 members and volunteers serving on the Fire and Ambulance Services.

Prayer for Peace was offered by Rev Ayers of PUCC as the group enjoyed a pork sandwich plate meal served by the Legion and Auxiliary.

Cmdr Ron Busch welcomed the guests and each offered insight to the activities coming up.

Nik explained that Covid had put a stop to her travels across the nation in March of 2020, but she did attend the Conference in Nebraska just recently (she drove). Most business is done through technology.

Cmdr Jim introduced us to his 2021 slogan “Rising Higher and Stronger’ and explained that Mid-Winter Conference in Des Moines will be Friday, Feb. 12-14 ending on Sunday with the State Oratorical Contest.

It will be virtual as well as actual attendance with masks and social distance precautions used. There will be no district hospitality rooms or caucuses, but the hotel café will offer meals, have free hotdogs and a cash bar. Rooms may be canceled without charges. Virtual links may be obtained through the Department office. No plans have been finalized on the District Spring Conference.

Randy Beichley, serving with the Ambulance volunteers explained that some of the local calls are being answered by the Grundy crew due to inability to staff all hours. Volunteers are welcome.

Mark Lowry said the Fire Department Volunteers had answered 16 calls this past year, some with Ambulance assist or with mutual aid of other fire departments.

Mark Fink a longtime volunteer recently retired and new people are always needed here too. As commander of the local SAL Detachment, Mark Lowry also extended their appreciation to the community for their support at their successful fish fries, explaining they had served a drive-by meal to 285 with several deliveries at the Jan. 8 supper. They donated $1500 to IVH projects, new flags for our Memorial Park and to the HVAC project.

Fish fries are scheduled for 2nd Friday evenings 5-7v p.m. on Feb. 12 and March 12 with the last one on Good Friday, April 2.

Post commander Ron told of plans to continue the fundraising and installation plans for the remaining two rooftop HVAC Units on the Memorial building. The south two Units were installed in September 2020 and working well. Grants have been applied for.

The Legion is also planning a Pork Loin drive-by dinner for Sunday noon, February 21.

Check the Legion/Auxiliary facebook page for all our information.

With each having business to complete, the Post and Unit convened to separate meetings. President Jeanne Paustian asked Chaplain Joyce Swangel to offer prayer. Five officers answered roll call.

Due to Covid, the have had just 1 meeting since last March, but we did participate in ‘Trunk or Treat’ at Halloween, served two delivery Senior Citizen dinners, furnished Christmas cookies to the IVH and helped with fruit baskets and Buddy Checks for our Veterans. They also enjoyed cards and correspondence from the past months.

The membership goal of 264 plus 1 has been met the group thanks all members and the 12 new members who have joined. Membership pins, a yearly planner and a special welcome goes to each of you.

Maya Goos, Junior member will be sent as the 2021 representative to Girls State.

Plan to attend the next joint meeting on Monday, Feb. 15 when the Auxiliary will be serving a 6:30 p.m. light supper.

The Americanism and Legislative reports will be given.

Sewing days are planned at the Memorial Building for Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 16 and 17. Bring your machine and a scissors as they have lots of materials cut and ready to sew and roll for the IVH carpet looms and don’t forget a can of soup for the pot.

With the Covid vaccination program going forward, they are hoping the residents will soon be back to making those great rugs.