Traer’s American Legion Auxiliary Unit 142 met on April 11 at the Traer Memorial Building at 6 p.m.

Delicious desserts were served by Verona Staker and Dorthy Thorne to 11 members prior to the meeting. Donna Kersten, president, presided over the meeting which started with the Pledge of Allegiance. Karen Podhajsky read the minutes and Nancy Tudor gave the Treasurer’s report.

Tama County Government Day was the main topic of business. It has been moved to Wednesday, April 26 at the Reining Center in Toledo. This is the project of all the Legions and Auxiliaries in Tama County. It is the only one in the whole USA, which we have been doing for many many years. Students from the high schools come down to our county seat to see how our government works. Members Karen Podhajsky and Kathy Manful volunteered to cook the meat for the sandwiches. Four dozen cookies will be provided by Cindy Blaine and Arlene Schmidt. Nancy Tudor and Judy Zmolek will serve lunch and Arlene Schmidt will be hostess. Donna Kersten will also assist.

On April 17, members Diane Owens, Marguerite Hulme, and Zoe Ann Wignall prepared and served supper for the members of the American Legion

Members Donna Kersten and Nancy Tudor, and Dorothy Thorn will be going to the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown on Wednesday, April 19 to assist the residents playing Bingo. They will take gently used, large print books donated by our library with them.

New this year is Legion Family Day on April 29, to make suicide prevention a top priority.

Coming up in May will be Pillow Cleaning for the public on May 11 at the Memorial Building and Poppy Days. Poppies are handmade by veterans at the IVH in Marshalltown, They are a modern-day symbol of Remembrance, honoring those who have served our nation in war. This program continues to raise money for the welfare and support of veterans and their dependents. We hope everyone will want to get one to show their honor and support. There will be cans in our local stores and members will be available on the street. Funds generated will help disabled and unemployed veterans who have no other means of earning money.

We will have our Memorial Dinner on Tuesday, May 9 honoring the memory of members who have passed in 2022-23. Members are encouraged to bring guests. Dinner will be prepared and served by Donna Kersten, Nancy Tudor, Joan Schafer, Mary Jane Beecher, Judy Zmolek, and Carol Stansberry.