Charles H. James VFW Post 1595 and Auxiliary Host District 6 Spring Meeting

By Annie Brimmer

Post and Auxiliary members from Broadus, Ekalaka, Glendive, Jordan, and Miles City gathered at the VFW Hall Sunday April 20th for the district 6 spring meeting. Forty one members registered. Broadus was the leader of the pack with 8 Post members and 14 auxiliary members present. Good show members! Margaret Scoles and helpers did patriotic decorations keeping with the theme "Sowing Seeds Of Patriotism". Bouquets of flags adorned the tables, making them look very patriotic with packets of seeds scattered about.

A bake sale to raise funds for District 6 went on through the day. It was manned by Miles City Auxiliary members for District President July Arnold.

1595 Auxiliary members prepared a roast beef dinner that was "super" (comments from guests), you know real mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade whole wheat rolls, salad, green beans and desserts from the members own kitchens.

A special table was set for the soldiers missing in action and killed in action who never made it home.

Following dinner, Post and Auxiliary members broke into their individual groups for their meetings. District president July Arnold presided.

The Auxiliary heard reports from the two VA hospital chairmans, Linda Steiger from Glendive and Wava Roach from Miles City. Miles City is going to be getting a new VA Center.

The location is secured, but the building process hasn't started. These two ladies with their staff put forth a lot of effort to make life good for the residents.

A report was also given by American program department chairman Judy Arnold and Historian/Media program department chairman Joby Parker.

She touched on the 3-5 minute video interviews of legacy members. Our legacy member, Vera Clements, interviewed by Pat Ridenour and Margaret Scoles was introduced by President Annie Brimmer at the dinner. Margaret and Pat shared some from their interview, then Annie shared a few special words about her friend of over 50 years.

The Charter was draped and a short memorial service was done for our deceased members. Broadus lost 5 members this last year: Audrey Kistler, Barbara Rosencranz, Nancy Stoddard, Dora Means, and Ellen McAdams.

Last item of business was the election and installation of officers. Broadus is well represented with Senior Vice President Kathy Meyers; Junior Vice President Ginger Bird; Treasurer Bev Rightnour; Chaplin Pat Ridenour; Musician Annie Brimmer; and 3 year trustee Tracey Gorder. Department representative Joby Park installed the officers.

Following the close of the business meeting the winners of the quilt and patriotic mug raffle were drawn - the quilt was made and donated by Cathy Ruland, Pat Ridenour, Tracey Gorder. The travel mug was made by Caitlin Gorder and donated by Tracey Gorder. Winners were Margaret Scoles-quilt and Sue Richards - travel mug.

Door prizes were donated by Margaret Scoles, flower pot filled with garden tools gloves, seed and soil; Sue Richards, patriotic duffle bag; and the Auxiliary, patriotic jigsaw puzzle. Winners included duffle bag-Silas Counts, flower pots-Margaret Scoles, Patty Hubbell, and Sue Richards; puzzle-Pat Hanlan.

A BIG thank you to ALL of you that made our spring district meeting so successful; pre cleaning, setting up, calling, picking up food and supplies, cooking , serving, decorating, helping in kitchen, donating door prizes and bake sale items, registration, poppy displays, and take down and clean up after the meeting. It takes many hands to put something like this on successfully! You ALL pitched in where needed and that is so appreciated. Give yourself a pat on the back and say a job well done, then give yourself another one and know it is from me.

The Broadus Auxiliary will hold its next meeting on May 8th at 5:15 pm. This will be the installation of officers. I'll see you all then. Keep a song in your heart and a smile on your face - Happy Spring!