Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting was held on Thursday, January 6th at 8:00 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Tony Grandy with a salute to the Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Welch offered an opening prayer. 20 members were present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. Bills were approved for payment. Service Officer report was given by John Schmidt. He reported that sympathy cards were sent to the families of Randy Aanenson and Charles Causey. The membership report was given by Nancy Grandy. She reported that we currently have 192 paid members. Our total goal is 212. This is 90% of our goal and well ahead of our Department goals.
Bob Bennett, the Americanism Officer reported that he is working with the school and Legion Auxiliary to get applications in for Boy’s State this summer. Legislative Officer Paul Evenson said that the State Veterans Council will meet on January 12st for the Legislative Reception. There are no specific legislative priorities for this session. He reported that the Honor Guard is participating in the military funeral rites for Randy Aanenson. There was no baseball report.
The Commercial Club hosted the annual Hometown Christmas on December 11th. They did well and raised over $1000 to be used for a sound system on Main Street and a new electronic billboard on the highway.
Commander Grandy agreed to meet with the city to make sure the Post is listed as an additional insured on the fireworks insurance. Commander Grandy appointed Rob Meyer, Brian Siemonsma, and Nancy Grandy to conduct the required audit of Post financial records. Beth Welch reported that over half of the raffle tickets are signed out for sale. And several books have already been turned in, so our raffle sale is going well.
Andy Lyngen plans to hold a Flag Retirement Ceremony during the spring, and before the school summer break. He is coordinating with the Boy Scouts and will give an update at the February meeting. There was discussion on the use of Legion equipment when the building is rented out. It was recommended that the Post determine guidelines for equipment use / rental. Requests for use of equipment will be forwarded to the Executive Committee.
Rob Meyer asked for help with the bar for the upcoming Fireman’s Dance. Four members volunteered. The Blue Dragon Academy sent a letter announcing their building expansion. The Executive Committee will meet and present a recommendation to the Post membership. A motion passed to donate $100 to the Garretson Fireman’s Dance.
The next Post meeting will be held February 3 with the meal at 7 pm and the meeting at 8 pm. The next Post breakfast will be February 6th with scrambled eggs and ham on the menu. The 2022 Post raffle tickets are available for purchase to any and all in the community.
The raffle drawing was held. Winners this month were Paul Evenson, Bonnie Kramer, Mike Decker, and Karl Leister. They will each receive $150. The meeting was closed by Commander Grandy with the traditional ceremony at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
