Tellico Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 256

www.tellicolakepost256.org

THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE

MEETING MINUTES 

COMPILED BY: Sarah Ayers, Secretary                                                         DATE: August 1, 2024

APPROVED BY: Executive Committee

ATTENDANCE: Members:  8   Guests: 7

TIME: Convened: 9:00 a.m. Adjourned:  10:00 a.m. 

______________________________________________________________________________

Opening:  President Wendy Reichenbach opened the meeting with a call to order and led us in prayer.    Sergeant at Arms, Besty Buelow led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Preamble to the Constitution recited by all members.  Chaplain, Anita Schack, was unable to attend.  

Introduction of Visitors and Guests:  We welcomed Post 256 Vice-Commander John Gamble, Post member Frank Pinto, Girls State attendee, Hannah Thomas, and her parents, Patience Matthews and her niece.    

1) Officer Reports:

Secretary ~ Sarah Ayers presented the May Meeting Minutes.  A motion was made, seconded and minutes approved.  

Newly appointed Treasurer ~ Renee Napier presented the Treasurer’s Report for May, June and July.  Current operating account balance $2,131.90.  A portion of these funds are ear marked for Girls State 2025.  The Poppy account balance is $913.00 (which is comprised of $50 starting balance plus ½ of the Poppy Day profit from Post 256). 

2) Other Business ~ Wendy:

Meetings:

Our new meeting time is 9:00 a.m.  For those interested, breakfast is available at the Club with the Post at 8:00 a.m. before our meeting begins. 

Unit 256 – 6-month birthday celebration – June 6

ALA Department Convention - June 14-16 – Update by Wendy and Betsy 

Leadership Conference – Saturday, August 3 – to be attended by Renee Napier

District Conference - September 

ALA tracking worksheet reviewed.

Poppy Update ~ Yvonne.  We have 700 Poppies left from May, so we won’t need to order any this year.  If we wish to man a table for Veterans Day in November, we will need to decide so that we can be sure that we have coverage, and that Food City venue is available.  

Girls State Update ~ May 26 – 31, 2025 ~ Wendy.  We are fully funded for next year through the generosity of Post 256 and Rarity Bay Women’s Club.  

Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Rules ~ Wendy.  The Executive Committee has been working on a final draft and hopes to be able to distribute to the Unit in September for review, comment and vote.  

Web Page:  www.tellicolakepost256.org  

Honor Air Knoxville:   www.honorairknoxville.com

All Female Vets flight – September 25, 2024, still has 8 open seats available.  Applications extended.   Return to Knoxville Airport at 9:00 p.m. if anyone is interested in attending to show support and cheer on their return.  

Discussion ~ Wendy.  Fundraising ideas; organizations to support.  Spring Fling III 2025 (jointly hosted with Post 256) scheduled for April 26, 2025.  The date, location and dancing secured.  Fundraising and organizations to support will be discussed at future meetings.

3) Program ~ Girls State 2024:

Patience Matthews from Greenback High School and Hannah Thomas from Sequoyah High School each made very moving presentations about their gratitude for the opportunity to attend Girls State and the impact the experience made on their future plans.  

Closing Prayers ~ Wendy     

Colors Retired in Place

Adjourned 10:00 a.m.  

Calendar:

Aug 8 – Post 256 Social 6:00 PM at Yacht Club; RSVP required.

Sep 5 – Unit 256 meeting 9:00 AM in Ayers Lounge (Rarity Bay)

Sep 17 – 237th anniversary of our Constitution

Sep 25 – Honor Air Knoxville – ALL Female Veteran Flight

Nov 11 – Veterans’ Day

Dec 14 – Wreaths Across America

Apr 26, 2025 – Spring Fling III – hosted jointly by Unit 256 & Post 256

May 23, 2025 – Poppy Day

May 26 – 31, 2025 – Volunteer Girls State

Jul 5, 2025 – Post 256 Dragon Boat Regatta

Tellico Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 256

www.tellicolakepost256.org

THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE

MEETING MINUTES

COMPILED BY:      Sarah Ayers, Secretary                                                                                        DATE: May 2, 2024

APPROVED BY:      Executive Committee

ATTENDANCE:       Members:  9 Guests: 1

TIME:                        Convened 7:00 p.m.                                                                                         Adjourned:  8:00 p.m.

______________________________________________________________________________

Opening:  Vice President Yvonne Gamble opened the meeting with a call to order and led us in prayer.   Member Oralee Adams filled in for Sergeant at Arms, Besty Buelow who was unable to attend and led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Preamble to the Constitution recited by all members.  President, Wendy Reichenbach was unable to attend.   

Introduction of Visitors and Guests:  We welcomed Post 256 Vice-Commander John Gamble. 

1)          Officer Reports:

Secretary ~ Sarah Ayers presented the April Meeting Minutes.  A motion was made, seconded and minutes approved. 

Interim Treasurer ~ Sarah Ayers presented the Treasurer’s Report for April. The Executive Committee is currently working with 2 volunteers to take over the duties of Treasurer and possibly the Finance Committee. 

2)          Other Business:

Spring Fling Update – Yvonne & John Gamble

      Thanks to

• John & Yvonne Gamble for organizing the event and for obtaining major donations for the Chinese Auction
• Betsy Buelow & Jenn Amundsen for table decorations
• Renee & Chris Napier for help with setup
• Chuck Everett & Wendy Reichenbach for serving as greeters
• Yvonne & John Gamble, Teri Everett for absolutely stunning dance performances
• Everyone who donated gifts for Chinese Auction
• Everyone who supported the event which raised $1,960.52

UNIT Year-end Impact Report

• Numbers rolled up to District à Department à National
• No individual numbers shared
• Our numbers January 4th – April 30^th

                       61 hours, $500 donated for Veterans

                       $464 donated to child service charities

                       30 hours, $835 spent for service representing ALA in community

Name Tags – Are in.  See Yvonne if you ordered one. 

     Shirts, Hats – Order forms with information available ~ see Yvonne.

        Note that red polo shirt runs small.                               Camille Pinto has 2X.  Please contact her at  

        (865-657-66

East TN Divisional Conference – Report by Yvonne.

American Legion Family Foundation for Child Welfare – deadline 5/31

                       Piggy Bank for loose change – we need $1 for each member ($25) to get a banner next month; if we don’t have it in donations, we will pay the difference from our account.  Sarah took home to count, make deposit, and send in form and donation by deadline.   

Department Convention – June 14-16 in Murfreesboro

                             Wendy & Betsy are our delegates.

                      Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Rules

          Executive Committee working on them.

                       Web Page:                                  www.tellicolakepost256.org

                       Honor Air Knoxville -                                   www.honorairknoxville.com

                       All Female Vets flight – September 25, 2024            

                       Girls State Update – May 26 – June 1

                      Patience Matthews is delegate chosen from Greenback HS; Karli Hammontree is the alternate.  Hannah Thomas is delegate chosen from Sequoyah HS; Megan Ladd is the alternate.  The girls will share their experiences with us in the summer or fall.

                      Poppy Update

May 24 from 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. Food City on 411 in Vonore.  Yvonne is the Chair she will reach out to confirm volunteer times with all that signed up.

     Memorial Day

Monday, May 27 8:00 AM at Rarity Bay Flagpole

Lori Blodgett and Yvonne are helping serve coffee/donuts with Rarity Bay Women’s Club, anyone wishing to attend or help is welcome.   

• Discussion and Questions

Donation ideas for funds raised (Poppy Rules – attached).

Investigate possible donation to Our Place that provides respite care in our area (Sarah to reach out to see if they serve veterans)

Garage sale possibility (Lutheran Church)

Meeting time change possibility – 9:00 a.m. Ayers Room at Rarity Bay same time as Post meeting. Members possibly bring water/snacks.

June Social Meeting / No meeting in July

• Closing Prayer ~ Yvonne Gamble   

• Colors Retired in Place

• Adjourned 8:00 p.m.

Calendar:

            May 4  National Day of Prayer

                 May 12  Military Spouse Appreciation Day

                 May 24  Poppy Day

                 May 26 – Jun 1 -  Volunteer Girls State at Lipscomb University, Nashville

                 May 27  Memorial Day – Flag Ceremony 8:00 AM Rarity Bay Flag Pole

                 Jun 15-16 - TN Department Convention Murfreesboro

• Mileage, travel, or lodging expenses; registration of conference fees; or costs incurred by a person-- including ALA members, volunteers, and staff--to attend any meeting, conference, or event about veterans
• Attire or uniforms used by volunteers or staff in promoting or conducting ALA program activity or business
• Use of poppy funds is allowable for care packages ONLY when it is for a welfare need, such as first aid topical treatment or 86 American Legion Auxiliary Unit Guide vital hygiene items, as opposed to comfort needs, such as leisure items like baked goods or books

Because of the restrictions on allowable uses of poppy funds, it is important that Units or Departments provide proper accounting in order to separate poppy monies from any other asset or source of funds.

For more detailed information, you may access the Poppy Program Guide from the National website or contact members of the National Poppy Committee at any time.

8268 Ferrell Place, Harrisburg, NC 28075 Cell 980-253-0656; Email: jhm1018@aol.com

Tellico Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 256

www.tellicolakepost256.org

THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE

MEETING MINUTES

COMPILED BY:      Sarah Ayers, Secretary                                                                                                 DATE: April 4, 2024

APPROVED BY:      Executive Committee

ATTENDANCE:       Members:  7 Guests: 2

TIME:                        Convened 7:00 p.m.                                                                                                   Adjourned:  8:00 p.m.

______________________________________________________________________________

Opening:  Vice President Yvonne Gamble opened the meeting with a call to order and led us in prayer.   Sergeant at Arms, Besty Buelow presented the POA/MIA Empty Chair and led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Preamble to the Constitution recited by all members.  President, Wendy Reichenbach was unable to attend.   

Introduction of Visitors and Guests:  We welcomed Post 256 Commander Steve Buelow and Vice-Commander John Gamble. 

1)         Officer Reports:

Secretary ~ Sarah Ayers presented the March Meeting Minutes.  A motion was made, seconded and minutes approved. 

Interim Treasurer ~ Sarah Ayers provided the Treasurer’s Report for March. An additional request was made for a permanent Treasurer.    

2)         Other Business:

Name Tags ~ The order was placed for those who paid for name tags.   

Hats/Shirt ~ Order forms and online instructions provided.

American Legion Family Foundation for Child Welfare ~ Betsy will bring a piggy bank to each meeting for donations. $1 is needed for each member.  If $24 not donated the Unit will need to fund from our account.

March 16^th Pancake Breakfast for Lost Vets Rescue ~ Great turnout.  They raised a total of $2,461 with more than 300 people attending.  Members:  Sarah Ayers, Yvonne Gamble, Linda West, and Lori Blodgett volunteered and served pancakes, eggs & sausage. 

East TN Divisional Conference ~ Districts 1-3 Division Meeting, 4/20 - Hosted by Spring City Unit 203.

(1 hr away) – Yvonne to attend, invited anyone else that may be interested to join her. 

TN Department Convention Murfreesboro ~ Jun 15-16

Constitution, By-Laws, and Standing Rules ~ Executive Comm working on this.                       

Web Page ~ www.tellicolakepost256.org    

Honor Air Knoxville ~ All Vets Flight April 24, 2024, returning at 7:40 p.m. at the Knoxville Airport for those who wish to attend the Welcome Home Celebration.  All Women Veteran Flight ~ scheduled for September 24, 2024, more information to follow.  Please visit their website at: www.honorairknoxville.com

Girls State ~ Sun, May 26 – Sat, June 1 @ Lipscomb University, Nashville.  Patience Matthews is the delegate chosen from Greenback High School with Karli Hammontree as the alternate.  Hannah Thomas is the delegate chosen from Sequoyah High School with Megan Ladd as the alternate. Thanks to Kim Woods from Rarity Bay Women’s Club who helped Wendy interview the girls.  The girls will share their experiences with us next fall. 

Poppy Update ~ We will be assisting Post 256 at Food City on 411 in Vonore on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 9 am – 3 pm.  Proceeds from donations to be split 50/50.  Volunteers for 2-hour shifts complete. Committee Chair, Yvonne Gamble has the signup sheet with volunteer contact information.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Yvonne.     

Spring Fling Update ~ Saturday, April 27, Yacht Club from 5 – 9:30 pm (cash bar at 5; ballroom dance show at 6; dinner & dancing 7-9:30) $50 per person ~ (Dance entertainment by Let’s Dance Ballroom Dance Studio in Maryville) ~ Wendy, Yvonne/John have obtained some great items for the auction, any additional donations, please contact Yvonne or John Gamble to coordinate. If unable to attend, please consider a donation.  Committee Chair, Yvonne Gamble has the signup sheet with volunteer contact information, any questions, please reach out to Yvonne.     

3)          Discussion: 

Yvonne inquired from the members in attendance on meeting time suggestions, suggestions for future meetings, attendance, and social events (luncheon, tea, etc.).  Teri Everett is looking into luncheon options at Kahite.  Discussion on welcoming of new members with introductions, buddy checks and calling of members. 

4)          Program:                

Guest Speakers ~ Post 256 Commander Steve Buelow and Vice Commander John Gamble provided updates on fundraising for upcoming events as well as insight, suggestions on ideas for future fundraising opportunities (spaghetti dinner, dragon boat races, golf tournament, mini golf) and ways to increase membership (attend Tellico Welcomers meeting with Bruce Blodgett from the Post) and attendance. 

5)            Closing:

With no further business to conclude, closing comments made by Vice President, Yvonne Gamble, and the meeting was adjourned with prayer and proper ceremony (colors retired in place) at 7:55 p.m. 

SIGNED:           /s/

Sarah Ayers, Secretary ~ALA Unit 256

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Apr 20 ~ East TN Districts 1-3 Division Meeting

Hosted by Spring City Unit 203 (1 hr away)

Apr 27 ~ Legion/Auxiliary Fund Raiser Spring Fling

5:00 – 9:30 pm Tellico Village Yacht Club

May 24 ~ Poppy Day – Rt. 411, Vonore TN

9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Need 2-hour shifts covered.

May 26 – Jun 1 Volunteer Girls State at Lipscomb University, Nashville

Jun 15-16 TN Department Convention Murfreesboro

Tellico Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 256

www.tellicolakepost256.org

THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE

MEETING MINUTES

COMPILED BY:      Sarah Ayers, Secretary                                                                                                 DATE: March 7, 2024

APPROVED BY:      Executive Committee

ATTENDANCE:       Members:  12 Guests: 4

TIME:                      Convened 7:00 p.m.                                      Adjourned:  8:45 p.m.

______________________________________________________________________________

Opening:  President, Wendy Reichenbach opened the meeting with a call to order and led us in prayer.   Sergeant at Arms, Besty Buelow presented the POA/MIA Empty Chair and led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Preamble to the Constitution recited by all members.    

Introduction of Visitors and Guests:  We welcomed new member, Liz Kelly, guest speaker Col. Paula Penson along with Post 256 member, Richard Comiso and Vice-Commander John Gamble. 

Post Business:

1)         Officer Reports:

            Secretary – Sarah Ayers presented February Meeting Minutes.

President – Wendy Reichenbach announced that Treasurer, Linda West asked to step down for health reasons and we are now in need of a new Treasurer.  Linda will be greatly missed.  Anyone interested in being the Treasurer please reach out to Wendy for more information.  Linda obtained our EIN # and Wendy and Yvonne will work on getting the accounts opened at Volunteer Federal.  We need to maintain a main account and a separate account for Poppy funds. 

2)         Auxiliary Procedure Review – Wendy Reichenbach

1. What is our motto:   Service not self
2. What is our unit number?  256
3. How many units are in our district?  We are 1 of 9
4. What district are we in?  3
5. What division are we in?  East TN
6. What department are we in?  Dept of TN
7. What is our full name?  Tellico Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 256

The AUX consists of female & male spouses, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters of Veterans.

The AUX is independent of the Post, we are nonmilitary and nonpartisan American Legion is Post 256; American Legion Auxiliary is Unit 256.  We are Tellico Lake ALA Unit 256

Hierarchy:   National ALA, Department of TN, Eastern TN Division, District 3 (9 units)

Note that there are almost 8,000 ALA Units in the nation.

3)         Other Business/Reminders:

• Name Tags ~ Last day to order through Unit March 7. Yvonne placing bulk order.
• Hats/Shirt ~ Order Forms handed out.  Will be available again at the next meeting.
• Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Rules ~ Executive Comm working on this.                
• Web Page ~ www.tellicolakepost256.org              
• Honor Air Knoxville ~ All Women Veteran Flight ~ scheduled for 9/25/24 if you know any female veterans wishing to apply for this flight, please share the website.  There are 33 seats available.  Post Member Richard Comiso ~ spoke on what a privilege it was to have been an Escort in the past.  Guest Speaker Col. Paula Penson ~ also spoke on the honor of having been on the honor flight in the past.  Please visit their website for more information at: www.honorairknoxville.com
• March 16 Pancake Breakfast for Lost Vets Rescue ~Help needed to serve with Yvonne, Sarah, Linda.  If wish to volunteer, reach out to Wendy.         ​
• Girls State ~ Wendy provided an update on the interviews for Girls State which will be held Sun, May 26 – Sat, June 1 @ Lipscomb University, Nashville.  On March 8, 2024, Wendy is scheduled to interview 2 girls from Greenback H.S. and on Monday, March 11, 2024, interviews will be held for the girls from Sequoyah H.S.​​
• Poppy Update – Yvonne provided an update that we will be assisting Post 256 at Food City on 411 in Vonore on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 9 am – 3 pm.  Proceeds from donations to be split 50/50.  Requested volunteers for 2-hour shifts.  The Post/Unit will each cover one entrance.   Sign up will be available at each meeting. We are currently in need of coverage from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  We had 6 volunteers sign up at this evening’s meeting. 
• Spring Fling Update ~ Saturday, April 27, Yacht Club from 5 – 9:30 pm (cash bar at 5; ballroom dance show at 6; dinner & dancing 7-9:30) $50 per person ~ (Dance entertainment by Let’s Dance Ballroom Dance Studio in Maryville) ~ John Gamble was present at meeting to sell tickets.  We are still in need of donations from merchants for Chinese Auction.  Wendy, Yvonne/John have obtained some great items for the auction so far, however we are still in need of more items.  If you can, please provide something for this event.

           4)          Program ~ Guest Speaker Colonel Paula Penson.  We were honored to have Colonel Paula Penson speak. She shared her inspiring journey in the military and all the obstacles she overcame to achieve success.   

5)            Closing ~ With no further business to conclude, closing comments made by President, Wendy Reichenbach and the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Wendy and proper ceremony (colors retired in place) at 8:45 p.m. 

SIGNED:           /s/

Sarah Ayers, Secretary ~ALA Unit 256

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

                        Mar 16 ~ Pancake Breakfast to support Lost Vets Rescue

                        8:00-11:30 am Greenback Community Center

                        (6889 Morganton Rd Greenback, TN 37742)

                        Apr 20 ~ East TN Districts 1-3 Division Meeting

                        Hosted by Spring City Unit 203 (1 hr away)

                        Apr 27 ~ Legion/Auxiliary Fund Raiser Spring Fling

                        5:00 – 9:30 pm Tellico Village Yacht Club

                        May 24 ~ Poppy Day – Rt. 411, Vonore TN

                        9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Need 2-hour shifts covered.

                        May 26 – Jun 1 Volunteer Girls State at Lipscomb University, Nashville

                        Jun 15-16 TN Department Convention Murfreesboro

www.tellicolakepost256.org

Minutes of Unit 256 – Monthly General Meeting

Tellico Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 256

THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE

COMPILED BY:      Sarah Ayers, Secretary                                                                                                                    DATE: February 1, 2024

APPROVED BY:      Executive Committee

ATTENDANCE:       Members:  12 Guests: 3

TIME:                        Convened 7:00 p.m.                                                                                                                      Adjourned:  8:00 p.m.

______________________________________________________________________________

Opening:  President, Wendy Reichenbach opened the meeting with a call to order, followed by prayer led by Chaplain, Anita Schack.  Sergeant at Arms, Besty Buelow presented the POA/MIA Empty Chair and led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Preamble to the Constitution recited by all members.    

Introduction of Visitors and Guests:  President, Wendy Reichenbach asked our three guests to introduce themselves.  Frank Pinto, Post 256 member and husband to ALA member, Camille Pinto, Mike Schack, Post 256 member and husband to ALA member and Chaplain, Anita Schack, and John Gamble, Vice-Commander Post 256 and husband to ALA member and Vice-President, Yvonne Gamble. 

Guest Speaker:  None.

Post Business:

1)         Officer Reports:

            Secretary – Sarah Ayers presented January Meeting Minutes.

            Treasurer – Linda West reported on the status of Unit funds. 

2)          Announcements:

President, Wendy Reichenbach thanked the Auxiliary members for electing her.  She introduced Anita Schack, who agreed to act as Chaplain for Unit 256, Betsy Buelow who agreed to act as Sergeant at Arms for Unit 256, and our Secretary, Sarah Ayers agreed to act as Historian.   

Members were notified that future meeting Agenda’s will be emailed in advance of the meeting and can be printed and brought to the meetings.  The Preamble will be provided by the Auxiliary at each meeting.

President, Wendy Reichenbach reviewed a few items of note as follows:

• the criteria for membership into the Auxiliary and invited everyone to reach out and invite others who may be interested in joining; and

• The formal name of the Unit is Tellico Lake ALA Unit 256.  Noting we are independent of Post 256, non-military, and nonpartisan.  Motto of Auxiliary ~ Service NOT Self.  Further, there a no attendance requirements and no participation requirements.  She emphasized that we are all here because we choose to do this, and we each have different talents to bring to the table and between us all we will get the job done. 

3)          New Business:

Sergeant at Arms – Betsy Buelow presented the Mid- Winter Conference Report attended by President, Wendy Reichenback and Sergeant at Arms, Betsy Buelow. 

               Highlights from the Mid-Winter Conference:

• Betsy Buelow presented a piggy bank to the members which was given out at the Mid-Winder Conference.  Money collected by the members in the piggy bank will go toward the American Legion Auxiliary Child Welfare Foundation.  We will receive a ribbon for our flag if we send a check for $24 ($1/member) before May 31, 2024.  The money collected will go toward our $24 donation. 

• “Together We Can” Unit member of the Year Award to be presented to someone who has provided excellent service to our Auxiliary, Unit and Community.
• Poppy drive.  (Further details to follow below)
• Girls State. (Further details to follow below)
• Mandatory Fee Statements for the Unit – payment due by 5/1/24.
• Membership growth.  Members who recruit a new member by 5/24/24 will receive a flag pin.  Unit must have representation at June convention to receive pin. 

Name tags, Shirts and Hats – President, Wendy Reichenbach advised that we have a name tag sign up and it will be available again at the next meeting.  Vice-President, Yvonne Gamble will coordinate ordering name tags after the March meeting for those who want them.  The cost is $11.00 cash or check payable to Yvonne Gamble.  The Executive Committee is working on shirts and hats to be ordered and will have more information on choices at the March meeting. 

Constitution and By-Laws – President, Wendy Reichenbach advised that the Executive Committee has started review of the sample provided by the ALA and they hope to get through them soon for review by the members. 

Web Page – President, Wendy Reichenbach advised that the Legion has given a section of their webpage for our announcements and information.  The Post’s Adjutant, Tony Adams and member, Oralee Adams' husband is our Webmaster.  You can view this at https://www.tellicolakepost256.org/

Honor Air Knoxville – President, Wendy Reichenbach, discussed the important mission of Honor Air Knoxville which makes two flights per year.  One in April and one in October.  April is filled; however, she is getting more information on the October flight which this year will be filled with all female veterans.  You can apply to act as an escort for 3 to 4 vets for a fee of $500.00.  The veteran’s fees are 100% covered and each trip costs between $100,000 to $120,000. 

March Meeting – President, Wendy Reichenbach advised of a special guest for our March meeting ~ Colonel Paula Penson (cancer survivor who grew up in deep poverty and has become a rising star in the Air Force as a Colonel).   April speakers will be Commander, Steve Buelow and Vice-Commander, John Gamble to discuss joint projects and fundraisers. 

4)          Committees:

Reported on by President, Wendy Reichenbach.

• Girls State:  Unit 256 schools are Sequoyah H.S. and Greenback H.S.  On February 15, 2024, letters were sent to the schools regarding applications.  Girls State will be held May 26-June 1 at Lipscomb University in Nashville.  Our Unit will be responsible for interviewing candidates.  Anyone interested should sign up.  The sign-up will be available at the next meeting or feel free to email Wendy directly. 

• Poppies:  We are sharing in this fundraiser with Post 256 with a 50/50 split in donations less 10% which gets sent to the Department.  Vice-President, Yvonne Gamble agreed to head this Committee with two volunteers so far:  Camille Pinto and Terry Howard. The sign-up sheet will be available again at the next meeting or feel free to reach out directly to Yvonne if you have any questions or would like to sign up to help.   

• Finance Committee:  This committee will assist the Treasurer, Linda West with oversight and auditing and other financial related matters.  There will be a sign-up at next week’s meeting for those interested in helping. 

• Legion Support Fund Raising Spring Fling:  Vice Commander, John Gamble of Post 256, spoke briefly about the Spring Fling which Unit 256 has agreed to assist with by way of ticket sales, table décor and auction items.  The Spring Fling will be held on April 27, 2024, at the Yacht Club.  Tickets will be $50 which includes a dance performance, dancing, and a plated BBQ dinner.  More information on this will follow.  There will be a sign-up at the next meeting for those wishing to help. 

• Scholarships:  President, Wendy Reichenbach spoke briefly about scholarships for next year.  Unfortunately, since we are newly formed, we missed this year’s deadline for students to apply by March 1, 2024.  This year’s essay contest is: “What freedom means to me.” 

5)          Open Discussion:

President, Wendy Reichenbach advised that the East TN Spring divisional meeting for Districts 1-3, is April 20, 2024, and hosted by Spring City Unit 203 (1 hour away).  This meeting is for those who wish to get to know more about the Auxiliary.  Wendy has another commitment for that date, but if other members wish to attend and carpool, it would be great to have some representation from our Unit. 

The Unit End of Year Report is due by May 1, 2024.  Our year runs July 1 to June 30.  Wendy will prepare the report for review by the Executive Committee before filing. 

The Department Convention is June 15-16, 2024, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, TN.  We get six votes for state officials.  Five of the email attachments in the Notice were from state candidate endorsements which will be discussed at future meetings. 

Flower Fund:  Chaplain, Anita Schack, who transferred from another Unit suggested starting a separate fund not to be co-mingled with the Unit’s funds for cards, flowers, stamps, etc. for those in need to send from the Unit.  She suggested a $1 per member donation during meetings.  Anita also directed our attention to the ALA website where free courses are offered to assist members with procedures for ALA programs.   

Closing:  With no further business to conclude, closing comments made by President, Wendy Reichenbach and the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Chaplain, Anita Schack, and proper ceremony (colors retired in place) at 8:00 p.m. 

SIGNED:           /s/

Sarah Ayers, Secretary

ALA Unit 256

 Tellico Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 256

    www.tellicolakepost256.org
   THE AMERICAN LEGION
DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE
MEETING MINUTES

DATE: January 4, 2024
TIME: 7 PM
VENUE: Rarity Bay Community Center

ATTENDENCE: President, nominee Wendy Reichenbach, Post 256 Commander, Steve Buelow, Post 256 Vice-Commander, John Gamble, Rebecca McLaughlin, 1st District President, ALA East TN, Sheila Lemons, 3rd District President, ALA Dept. of TN, Yvonne Gamble, Vice President nominee, Linda West, Treasurer nominee and Sarah Ayers, Secretary nominee. Also, in attendance 17 Charter Members of Auxiliary Unit 256 and their guests.

OPENING: The purpose of this evening’s meeting was the installation of Tellico Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 256. The ceremony proceeded as follows:

Presentation of Flag - Post 256 Color Guard
Invocation - Post 256 Chaplain Emeritus Robert Haldi
National Pledge
National Anthem – Dennis Queen, tenor
Preamble to the American Legion Auxiliary
Mission Statement of ALA – Yvonne Gamble, Vice President-elect Unit 256
Welcome – Wendy Reichenbach, President-elect Unit 256 Presentation of Unit 256 Charter by:
Sheila Lemons, Third District President, ALA Department of TN Rebecca McLaughlin, First District President, ALA Department of TN

Initiation of Charter Members:
Oralee Adams, Jenn Amundson, Sarah Ayers, Lori Blodgett, Betsy Buelow, Barbara Callan, Barb Comiso, Edith Cantrell, Maureen Corry, Mary Edmands, Teri Everett, Yvonne Gamble, Nancy Gross, Terry Howard, Renee Napier, Lisa Patterson, Camille Pinto, Wendy Reichenbach, Anita Schack, Kathleen Schaefer, Steven Schnoll, Rebecca Sneed, Linda West, Betty Wright

Slate of Officers Presented:
Wendy Reichenbach, President
Yvonne Gamble, Vice-President
Sarah Ayers, Secretary
Linda West, Treasurer

Installation of Officers
Remarks - Sheila Lemons
Announcements – Wendy Reichenbach
Closing Remarks - Commander Steve Buelow
God Bless America – Dennis Queen, tenor
The Colors Retired
Benediction - Chaplain Emeritus Robert Haldi
Adjournment – Wendy Reichenbach
Toast and Refreshments

Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.