American Legion Auxiliary McDonald Ryan Unit 276 send scarves to veterans

DANBURY, Nebraska - Ten members of American Legion Auxiliary McDonald Ryan Unit 276 and one guest, Josh Hitt, were present for the noon luncheon and meeting at the McCook Senior Center on Wednesday, Dec. 12. The minutes of the November meeting were read and corrected. A treasurer's report was given and bills allowed.

Karen Hodson reported that the neck scarves, made and donated by Janice Kisker, had been mailed to the Grand Island Veteran Hospital Canteen.

The president sent 25 Christmas cards to area veterans. Cards were also sent to several out of town auxiliary members with a small gift to Karen Matheny, who is actively serving in the Nebraska National Guards. In honor of unit member Kari Shieffield, who has been in the service, a donation was made to her daughter, Megan Wilson for travel expenses as she has been selected to be a member of the "Up With People" group this summer as they visit the British Isles.

Correspondence was read from District 9 President Karen Hodson, and she stressed that units should be planning ahead for the spring convention and preparing entries for the poppy centerpiece, the history, publicity book, and prayer book contests, and should be tracking the hours and dollars spent on projects for veterans. She and Wanda Miller will attend the Mid-Winter Conference, Jan. 18-20 at Beatrice.

The unit will observe Poppy Day on May 8, 2013, and will raffle a tote with gifts when they distribute poppies. Members were urged to bring items for a patriotic themed basket for an auction fund-raiser at district convention for the campaign of Mike Helm to become the National American Legion Commander in 2014. The president shared a history moment on the life of Woodrow Wilson't first wife. There will be a business meeting and unit members will begin the Leadership Course at the next meeting on Jan. 9, 2013, 10 a.m. at the home of Wanda Miller in McCook.