American Legion Auxiliary Thomas B. Anderson Unit 515 opens 2024-25
American Legion Auxiliary Thomas B. Anderson Unit 515 of Latrobe opened its 2024-25 year with the September meeting conducted by President Janet Penrose followed by the opening rituals.
Chaplain Lois Neiderhiser led everyone in a prayer of thanksgiving for our veterans and their families.
A roll call of officers conducted by Mary Pescatore preceded the reading of the minutes from June meeting that was approved as read.
In the absence of Treasurer Carol Greenawalt, the treasury report was given by Penrose, and it was approved as read to be filed for audit. The president also read the budget for 2024-25. A motion made by Joan Tua and seconded by Lucille Knapczyk to accept the budget was approved.
Committee updates followed:
Americanism — Pescatore passed out packages containing a star removed from the American flag with this note: “I am part of our American flag that has flown over the USA. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten.”
Auxiliary Emergency Fund collected $14, according to Irene Hoyle.
Cards and Visiting — Donna Rodgers sent a get-well card to Greenawalt for “a speedy recovery from surgery.” A sympathy card was sent to Bonnie Harris “due to the loss of her son.”
Legislative — Rodgers stated the American Legion Auxiliary is not affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican Party. She also reminded everyone to observe Sept. 11, Patriot Day.
Membership — Penrose noted Unit 515 has 132 members with 36 who have their dues paid as of Sept. 17.
Memorials: Past Chaplain Kathy Roble passed away June 20, 2024, and an auxiliary service was conducted with 22 members attending. Donations from the funeral were given to Unit 515 in her memory. Greenawalt sent out 25 thank-you cards to all who donated in Kathy’s memory.
Poppy — Penrose noted she has received forms to order poppies for next year. Cheryl Ashbaugh collected $50 at the campgrounds to be deposited into the Veterans Account.
President’s Project theme this year is “Pirates HRR Matey,” and $12 was collected so far.
Public Relations — Penrose said she submitted a press book to the ALA Department of Pennsylvania with all of Unit 515’s meeting notices and pictures from the 2023-24 year, and she won an award plus $20 for her press book.
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation — Bins were placed at the Post 515 home to collect comfort items for veterans. It was noted 17 bags will be delivered to Loyalhanna Care Center as part of the Veterans Outreach Program.
Correspondence — A thank-you card was given to the auxiliary for the $50 donation for the Kids Day Out Program. Also, a donation from Mary Benvenuto of $100 was received to thank the auxiliary for the 4th of July food display following the parade for all the veterans who were in the parade. She was “very appreciative of everything members do for the veterans.” The U.S. Army sergeant recognized “Unit 515’s efforts to support all military veterans.”
The following announcements were made:
Aug. 12 was a joint installation with a dinner prepared by the Post 515 kitchen staff.
Sept. 27-28 is Fall Conference for the ALA Department of Pennsylvania. Comfort items will be collected for the veterans. Since no one from Unit 515 is attending, a motion to donate $50 was made by Ashbaugh and seconded by Rodgers; motion carried.
There is a Super Bingo Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Latrobe post home. Cost is $30. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and bingo starts at 6 p.m. Kitchen will be open.
The 3 D’s Band will perform Oct. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the post home.
A Halloween Party will be held for the children Sunday, Oct. 27. A motion to donate $50 for treats was made by Hoyle and seconded by Rodgers; motion carried.
Legion College is Nov. 2, and deadline for registration is Oct. 19.
Unit 515’s next monthly meeting is slated for the second Monday, Oct. 14, at the Latrobe post home. A grocery bingo is scheduled; each attendee is asked to “bring two nonperishable items.”
The September meeting closed with a prayer for peace led by Lois Neiderhiser.
