The initiation service for new members were conducted by: Chaplain Joyce Swangel, V-President Trudi Scott, Secretary Jolene Denbow, Katie Chizek, new member, VA-R Co-Chr. Marilyn Carstensen, Legislative Chr. Kay Lowry, and President Jeanne Paustian.

The Gladbrook American Legion hosted their annual oyster stew/chili soup supper on Monday evening, January 20, 2020. Several members of the Volunteer Ambulance and Fire Depts were able to attend as we extended our thanks for their service to our community.

Terry Schmitz and Bob Knaack prepared the great soup and the joint session was able to listen to Kay Lowry, Aux Legislative chairman, give her report. She said federal vouchers had helped many homeless veterans, but some cities high rental costs were not helping. Legislation has been extended to off-shore naval personnel and children of veterans with spinal bifida exposed to Agent Orange to receive benefits. If you have a vehicle you no longer use, it can be donated to the American Legion and proceeds will be used for charitable causes. Remember to vote in your party caucus: the first is in Iowa on Monday, Feb 3.

Each group reconvened for separate business meetings. President Jeanne opened with the Pledge to our Flag and prayer by Chaplain, Joyce Swangel. A memorial service with the charter draped in memory of Karen Pieper. She had faithfully served as our Unit Treasurer and was a loyal and hard-working member, chairing the Kids Shopping Day project. A memorial gift has been presented to the Gladbrook Library.

Volunteer is needed to the complete term of Unit Treasurer. Please contact any officer if interested in helping.

The minutes of the December meeting was read and approved. Correspondence was read. Treasurers report was given.

Kay Lowry gave a very interesting Legislative Report!

Membership goal has been met at 262 plus 1 for 2020 by December 31. We have sent in dues for some in order to reach this goal and hopefully they will reimburse our treasury.

Jeanne reported on the 8th annual Kids Shopping Day held at PUCC in December. Approx 240 children shopped for their families from 9-noon and nearly cleared the loaded tables of gifts. Some changes in procedure are planned for 2021. We thank the over 60 ‘Santa’s helpers’ who guided, wrapped and kindly helped get the children off with their selection of family gifts. The Auxiliary donates the cost of inspiration cards/thoughts that each child receives from the ‘Ladies of Bethlehem; that it is always best to give, then to receive.

The Unit By-Laws of 2007 have been updated by Jolene, Jeanne, Trudi and Pat Oettchen. Jeanne presented the written changes for Unit members to review for the first reading. The changes will be again presented at the February meeting for the second reading and for approval.

Initiation of new members was held for Kathy Chizek, daughter of WWll/Korean War Veteran Wayne Whannel, into membership. Others unable to attend were Barbara Luethje, Jane Sass, Anna Miller, Ann Jackson, Linda Goos and Deb Osborn. We have also welcomed four Juniors to the roster, Liby Bauer, Cami Theesfeld, and Violet & Frances Jackson. with their initiation scheduled at the fall family meeting.

Units of the county are asked to display items on their history for the Auxiliary’s 100th at mid-winter. Tama County tell of Tama County Government Day, with Gladbrook telling of Memorial Day activities over the years ending with updating of Gravesite Memorial Marker project. Jeanne will have a photo display of Niks homecoming.

Upcoming activities:

Gladbrook winter sewing days scheduled for Tuesday/Wednesday 9am, Feb 4 & 5th. Bring a can of soup for the pot on Tuesday, machine or scissors and smile.

Mid-Winter convention: Feb 14-16 at Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines.

Unit meetings: Feb 17 with 6:30 meal by Auxiliary, March 16 100th anniversary celebration of Auxiliary 6:30pm hosted by Legion with special guests and program. Plan to attend.

County meeting: March 24 7pm at Toledo Post. Tama County Government Day, Wed April 8 at Reinig Center

County IVH Bingo Wednesday 15 1pm escorts.

District Spring Conference: Saturday, May 2 at Tama Post with 8am registration. Dist Hospitality on Friday, 1st from 6:30-10pm at Post also.

Meeting adjourned with all joining hands and singing ‘God Bless America’.