Weyerts American Legion Auxiliary Unit 137 releases yearly report

Weyerts American Legion Auxiliary Unit 137 of Gurley has released their yearly report.

The 2012 officers were: Phyllis Ladine – President; Chris Lind – Vice President; Adeline Frerichs – Secretary; Carol Franzen – Treasurer.

Service Committees:

Chris Lind – Girls State, Poppy Posters, and Americanism Essays

Phyllis Ladine – Children Education and Flag Etiquette

Carol Franzen – Membership, Music, and Veteran’s Affairs

Adeline Frerichs – Poppy Day and News Reporter

Betty Kurth – Chaplain

Marvel Moore – Cards

The unit held nine meetings with an average attendance of six members. In February, Morgan Dykman was elected to be the Girl’s Stater. A special “thank you” goes to Weyerts Immanuel Lutheran Church Women for their $50 donation to help with the expense.

Phyllis Ladine, who was elected Vice President, attended both County and District meetings in Sidney. At the County meeting, poppy hats were worn.

In March, the Legion and Auxiliary celebrated its ninety second birthday with lunch at the Outlaws Café.

In April, Marvel Moore sent 12 pocket flags to James Freudenberg’s buddies at Fort Riley, Kansas and she read an article about flag folding and its meaning. Also in April, constitution and bylaws were approved, and Phyllis Ladine and Chris Lind gave a flag presentation to 11 third graders. The students were given a flag and holder made by Dick Ladine.

On May eleventh, Poppy Day was held at the Outlaw’s Café. Poppy chairman, Adeline Frerichs, reported proceeds of $162.27. Thanks go out to Betty Kurth, Chris Lind and the Outlaw’s Café staff.

In June, there was a field trip to Alliance where a tour of the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery was done. The cemetery is located several miles east on Highway Two across from the airport. During World War II, the grounds were used to practice parachuting. There have been 84 people buried there since the cemetery opened in 2011. All veterans and their spouses are eligible for burial there at a cost of $700. The cemetery is supported by the state of Nebraska. Allen Pennel is the administrator and the cemetery employees five people who do all of the work. This cemetery is an interesting and one of a kind place.

On the ninth of June, bingo and cookies were enjoyed at the Scottsbluff Veterans Home. Phyllis Ladine, Betty Kurth, Adeline Frerichs and Chris Lind and family assisted.

On Sept. 23 the unit hosted the Girl and Boy Staters at the Gurley Fire Hall. The 20 people who attended enjoyed a lunch of sandwiches, relishes and desert while listening to interesting talks about government that were given by Morgan Dykman and Sam Schumacher.

Phyllis Ladine and Lori Coviello made year books in October. And it was decided to have an Auxiliary float in the Gurley Centennial Parade that will be held on June 22.

In November, Phyllis Ladine and Marvel Moore delivered our handmade pine cone decorations to the residents of Golden Living Center.

In December, a pot luck Christmas dinner and white elephant gift exchange was enjoyed at Phyllis Ladine’s home. A donation was made to a needy student who attends the Leyton Elementary School.

We dedicate this year to Vernele Lessig, who died on April 1, 2012. She gave many years of support to the American Legion Auxiliary. Many thanks to out to her and for another great year. May God bless America.

– Lisana Eckenrode