Greer Unit #11 American Legion Auxiliary held their monthly meeting on February 20 at the Post home with 14 members present.

The meeting was called to order by President Alyssa Mathis. Chaplain Margie Stone read the opening prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance and American Legion Auxiliary Preamble were read in unison.

Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Treasurer’s report was given and approved. Motion was made by Kathy Geiman to pay bills presented by Alyssa Mathis. Motion carried.

Membership chairman, Barb Kucera, reported that we had 88 paid members and the goal was 82.

Correspondences were read from District President 8 President, Karen Richlieu.

Community service chairman, Margie Stone, reported appropriate cards had been sent.

The Americanism Essays were judged, with the theme this year being “What America the Beautiful means to me.” The winners were 7th and 8th grade: 1st – Portlyn Jones, 2nd – Cooper Kuhlman and 3rd Peytyn Wiechmann; 9th and 10th grade: 1st – Jaycee Martin, 2nd – Hayden Knudson, and 3rd – Avery Medicine Bear; 11th and 12th grade: 1st – Lydia Yost, 2nd – Presley Slaba and 3rd Laken Edoff. There was also a second category in the 9th and 10th as well as the 11th and 12th grade that had winners. For the 9th and 10th grade division: 1st – Hannah Holzbauer, 2nd -Jazlyn Lhotak, 3rd - Radek Kotab; for the 12th grade division 1st – Jackson Rolston. Winners will receive a cash prize of $20 for first place, $15 for second place and $10 for third place. There were 48 essay submissions and we are truly thankful for every one of them and the students and teachers that all contributed this year. The winning essays will now be sent on to the district level of the competition.

Scholarship guidelines were tabled until a later meeting in the year to finalize.

Kathy Geiman made motion to pay Past President Parley dues, seconded by Shelby Mach. Motion carried.

Barbara Kucera and Kathy Geiman gave a report on the midwinter conference. One of the big focuses of the conference was suicide prevention, especially amongst our military men and women who are returning home from deployment and struggling. There was a variety of handouts that the ladies brought back to show their unit.

A revised version of the unit’s constitution and bylaws was accepted. Kathy Geiman made motion to accept the revised version and the motion was seconded. Motion carried.

Barbara Kucera was voted as our Member of the Year.

A booth at the Farm, Home and Garden show for the auxiliary was discussed. Plans were made and discussion was had on what would be at the booth for decorations and information.

Co-chairmen Dolores Kotab and Margie Stone reported on the soup and sandwich luncheon that will be held on April 3. Information and raffle tickets were handed out to the members at the meeting and the remaining will be mailed out.

Auxiliary will serve the monthly pre-meeting supper in March as it is the Legion’s Birthday. We will be providing a cake, ice cream as well as furnishing salads.

Auxiliary ladies will meet on Monday February 24th at 9:00 a.m. for the annual legion hall kitchen clean-up.

Juanita Stone won the basket and donated it back to the children and youth fund.

As there was no further business to come before the meeting, Chaplain Margie Stone read the prayer for peace and President Alyssa Mathis adjourned the meeting.