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American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment Convention Scripted Agenda

Friday, June 23, 2017 11:00 A.M.Hotel Elegante, Salon D Colorado Springs, CP

Reconvening President Evelyn Espinola called the meeting to order

at 11:15 AM. There being no objection Donna Jones,

Kellie Hayes, and Pat Steranka were appointed to the

minute’s approval committee.

Reports of Convention Committees

The convention rules were read by Rules Committee

Members Donna Jones and Pilar Bottoms. Donna Jones

moved the adoption of the convention rules. The

motion was seconded and approved by 2/3 in the

affirmative.

The next item of business was the reading of

credentials by Ann Ritacco and Laurie Kuntz. Karen

Boehler, president of newly chartered CSU Unit 1879

respectfully requested that they be allowed to pay their

delegate fees and be allowed to vote. Sue Paterson

moved the acceptance of the delegate fees. The motion

was seconded and approved.

There were no resolutions submitted to the resolutions

committee prior to convention. Announcements were

read, and the body adjourned for lunch at 11:50 AM.

The meeting reconvened at 1:38 PM. Constitution & Bylaws chairman Roberta Morrow gave her report. She reported that she has broken the 31 changes to the procedures manual down to 13 sections to be considered. Two provisions were added at the DEC meeting the previous day. They were to not charge the president-elect as the VA&R chairman and

Convention scripted agenda for Friday and Saturday 6-24/25-2017

Page 1 of 20

that the vice president takes that chairmanship. The proposed changes to the bylaws, standing rules, and procedures manual are attached as a permanent part of these convention minutes.

Committee

reports

President Evelyn called for the Department Committee

reports.

Donna Thompson, Americanism Committee Chairman

reported that Pueblo Unit 2 was the state winner.

Marilynn Centa, Auxiliary Emergency Fund Chairman

recommend that all units have a fundraiser for AEF to

help nationwide, and to encourage their members to

apply if they need funds. Denver Unit 1 won the AEF

award.

Alma (Smitty) Smith, Cavalcade of Memories

Chairman was not present. Secretary/Treasurer Rhonda

Larkowski thanked the History Committee for

purchasing the new light weight Auxiliary Flag that

will be used when we are traveling and for parades.

Susie Bozella, Centennial Committee Chairman

recommend a new plan to further involve units, that we

check on best ways to spend the money already

awarded from national, and that we continue to

advertise and promote the national plan.

Laurie Kuntz, Children and Youth Chairman Convention scripted agenda for

Friday and Saturday 6-24/25-2017Page 2 of 20

Recommended that we continue the bridge being built

with the legion family, and continue working with the

Colorado Veterans Kids Fund. Pueblo Unit 2 won the

State Children and Youth award, and have submitted a

Unit of the Year award application to national for

consideration.

Donna Jones, Community Service Chairman reported

that the state winner was Berthoud Unit 67.

Susie Bozella, Education Committee Chairman

recommended combining Dept President’s

Scholarships of two $500 scholarships into one $1000

scholarship, and that we work to get the word out about

our Department scholarships that are available. Unit 2

Pueblo was the state winner.

Linda O’Riley, Colorado Springs Clinic representative

reported the clinic uses their donations differently from

the other facilities as they don’t have in house

residents. She thanked Unit 5 Colorado Springs and

Unit 30 Wray for donating $50 every Christmas.

Diane Erickson reported for Beatrice Montoya, Denver

VA Medical Center representative. She reported that

Beatrice had received an award for her many years of

service. She reported that there are many ways to

volunteer at the Denver VA. She thanked us for our


Page 3 of 20

donations to the facility and to the Christmas Gift

Shop, and reported what those funds are used for.

Diane Erickson, Fitzsimmons Community Living

Center representative thanked us for our donations and

that they go to their recreation fund which is

administered by the residents. They plan their own

activities. She also reported that as well as money the

veterans need our time with them.

Marie Moll, Denver Fisher House representative

wasn’t present.

Theresa Brandt, Florence Community Living Center

representative reported that Bruce McCandlis

celebrated 40 years this year. She reported they attend

their Memorial Day ceremony each year, and the ice

cream social which is hosted by District 7 in August,

and the annual Christmas Party hosted by Unit 13.

They used their donations this year to purchase a

commercial towel warmer. She also reported each

resident has a garden and some donations go to

purchase seeds.

Julie Dominguez-Aysse, Grand Junction VA Medical

Center representative reported she attends the quarterly

VAVS meetings. Grand Junction is planning a separate

building with a private entrance for their female

veterans. She reported that Gift Shop monies were used

to buy fleece blankets, gloves, socks, toiletries, and

other items and that they have a large Christmas party


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for the veterans. They also held a female veterans

workshop in August. They also held a tea. They

participated in the stand down, and work in partnership

with the VA.

Mary Jane Neal, Colorado Mental Health Institute at

Pueblo representative wasn’t present.

Tracy Trujillo reported for Beverly Trujillo, VA

Community Living Center Pueblo reported that they do

the memorials at the CLC and that they work with the

art program which is very important to the veterans,

furnishing all the supplies for the program, and that

they participate in outings. They host the veterans

monthly for tacos at Unit 2 in Pueblo, as well as other

activities. JoAnn Quade, Colorado State Veterans

Nursing Home Rifle wasn’t present.

Margaret Gleisberg, Spanish Peaks Veterans

Community Living Center Walsenburg wasn’t present.

Evelyn Espinola, Homelake Nursing Home

representative reported the celebrated their 125th year

this year. They have a large Memorial Day celebration

and a Veterans Day Social. They are also

commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam.

Ann Ritacco, Service to Veterans Chairman reported

that the tea she attended in Grand Junction was a lot of

fun and very informative. Longmont Unit 32 was

awarded first in state for Service to Veterans.


Page 5 of 20

Eve Gallaher, Finance Committee Chairman

recommended that we hire someone to fix email

situation. She reported we donated to each hospital at

the VA&R reception $1000 from VA regular fund,

$212 from poppy monies, plus any donations received

from units, and that the CLC’s each received $800,

$212, and unit donations. She reminded us that the dues

increase comes into effect July 1st. She reported that

we were paying for Past National President Sharon

Conatser’s visit with us.

Chris Harvey, Fund Raising Chairman reported we had

a very successful fund raiser this year, with the help of

the Junior Auxiliary. She thanked us for our donations.

Susan Wagner, President’s Projects Chairman didn’t

have a report as fundraising hadn’t been completed.

She reminded us to buy our tickets for the Broncos

Quilt, and to purchase our president’s pins.

Theresa Brandt, Legislative Chairman recommended

that we encourage our congressmen support the

adoption of the American Legion 100th year

commemorative coin. The Legislative award went to

Brush Unit 68.

Laurie Kuntz reported for Membership Chairman

Nancy Diefenderfer. She asked that we continue

working the 2016-2017 membership year as well as

beginning on the 17-18 year. She encouraged us not to

hold dues. Our objective is to have our goals met by


Page 6 of 20

midyear.

Julie Dominguez/Aysee, Poppy Committee Chairman

recommended that when reports are written they give

more information. First place award for the Poppy

Committee was given to Broomfield Unit 58.

Susie Bozella, National Security Committee Chairman

recommended we do narratives for National Security.

First place was awarded to Lakewood Unit 178.

Roberta Morrow, Permanent Membership Chairman

thanked all permanent members who sent in a donation.

Laurie Kuntz, Public Relations Chairman

recommended we revise our reports to include Public

Relations. She reported that as Northwest Division PR

chair it was good to see what other departments are

doing so we can learn from them. The first-place award

went to Canon City Unit 13.

Announcements

recess 5:00 p.m.

President Evelyn announced the Past Department

President’s dinner at the Village Inn at 6:00 pm.

President-elect Ann Ritacco announced the hospitality

rooms at 7pm, and dinner at Post 38.


Page 7 of 20

American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment Convention Scripted Agenda

Saturday June 27, 2015 9:30 A.M.

Reconvene 9:00 a.m.Guest Speaker

Credentials

President Evelyn Espinola opened the meeting by

donning the apparel she was given at her induction into

the Past Department President’s Club last night.

She introduced NEC Susie Bozella for the purpose of

introducing our distinguished guest.

Past National President Sharon Conatser addressed the

assembled delegates (including the Junior Auxiliary) on

the number 2 goal of the centennial plan ‘creating a

culture of goodwill’, and the principles of good

leadership.

Cheryl Rogers, deputy representative, reported on

Spanish Peaks Living Center, Walsenburg. They

worked on a special project with sixth grade students

making lap quilts for every veteran in the center.

Dee Chappell Haley, Leadership Chairman reported that

leadership is about mentoring. Several leadership

conferences and meetings were held throughout the

year. The leadership award was given to Unit 20

Sterling.

The Rules on Debate were reread by rules committee

member Donna Jones.

The final Credentials Report was read by Ann Ritacco

and Laurie Kuntz. There was a total of 166 votes. 84

votes were needed for a simple majority and 113 for a Convention scripted agenda for


Resolutions

Constitution and Bylaws

2/3 vote. JoAnn Kidd moved the approval of the

credentials. The motion was seconded and approved.

No resolutions to come before the convention body

were submitted to the resolutions committee.

Roberta Morrow and Nancy Diefenderfer presented the

constitution and bylaws report.

Susie Bozella, Education chairman moved that the two

$500 department junior scholarships be combined

resulting in three $1000 scholarships. And to combine

the two Department Scholarships into one $1000

making two of $1000 each. The motion was seconded

and approved.

Robbie explained the scope of notice in the C&B

changes that have come forward and state, “on behalf of

the C&B committee, I move the adoption of the

changes.

Article III- Duties of the department office to change

the publication of Department Convention Minutes to

‘by January 1st.’ The committee recommended adoption.

Seconded and approved after discussion.

Article IV- Duties of department officers to reflect the

above change. Moved by the Committee. Seconded and

approved.

Section I- item 3 Committees add chaired by a Past


Page 9 of 20

Department President. 4. Add to children and youth

allow $500 for a special project. 18. Chairman must be a

permanent member. The committee moved the adoption

of these changes to the standing rules. Seconded and

approved.

Section III- audit Remove one member shall be a past

department president. The committee moved the

adoption. Seconded and approved.

13 XIII Adding new #3 delete 2 and 4 to reflect the

changes to scholarships and renumbering them all. The

committee moved the adoption. Seconded and

approved.

Finances- clarification to read before June 30th.

Committee moved the adoption. Seconded and

approved.

Finances #11 clarified to read to cover the Honorary

Junior President’s expenses. The committee moved the

adoption. Kristi Hensley moved to amend by removing

Honorary Junior President and inserting Junior

Auxiliary Delegate. The committee agreed to make the

change and moved the adoption. Seconded and

approved.

Finances: adding ‘up to $500 will be allowed for the

Children and Youth Chairman to be used for a special

project’, and renumbering. The committee moved the


Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation – changed reps


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must report monies from the VA regular fund only.

Change home service pins to Service to Veterans of

Hospital Volunteer pins. The committee moved the


Robbie explained the changes to the Department

procedures and stated, “on behalf of the C&B

committee, I move the adoption of the changes to

the procedures.”

Section 1. Northwest Division and National

Executive Committeewoman. Removal and new

section. Seconded and approved.

Section 2. Department President- 3 removals and one

new. Seconded and approved.

Section 3. Department President-elect; remove item

2 serving as VA&R chairman, remove item 8,

remove item 12. 4 additions. Remove item 17. 4

added. Seconded and approved with a standing count

vote after discussion.

Kristi Attarian, Girls State Director, introduced

Emma Kerr, Girls State Governor from Colorado

Springs Unit 209, who reported on her experiences at

Colorado Girls State and what it meant to her. Kellie

Hayes presented Kristi with a quilt signed by the

girls and staff of Colorado Girls State.


Page 11 of 20

Constitution and Bylaws

There was an amendment to the credentials report to

add Unit 17 Edgewater who are in attendance. New

totals were 169, 85 majority, 114 for 2/3 approval. Ann

Ritacco moved to amend the report. Seconded and

approved.

Section 4. President-elect, her unit, and Vice President.

2 removals, 1 new section. Committee moved for

approval. Seconded and approved.

Section 5. Department Secretary/Treasurer. 2 removals

and 3 new. Committee moved for approval. Seconded

and approved.

Section 6. Directory, DEC’s, 3 new in DEC, removal of

directory. The committee moved for approval. Seconded

and approved.

Section 7. Chairmen 1 change, remove 1 item Awards

and plaques will be removed if motion later today

passes. AEF one removed. The committee moved for


Section 8. Juniors; 5 removals, 4 new. The committee

moved for approval. Seconded and approved.

Section 9. Past President’s, permanent membership 2

removals 2 new. The committee moved for approval.

Seconded and approved.

Section 10. Poppy Program, 2 removals, 5 new. The

committee moved for approval. Seconded and approved.

Section 11. VA centers and Nursing Homes. Changed to

Service to Veterans Committee. The Committee moved


Page 12 of 20

for approval. Seconded and approved.

Section 12. DEC, District Pres 2 new, checklist 1 new,

agenda no changes. National President’s visit, no

changes, NDVP Visit 1 new. The committee moved for


Section 13. National one removal, National gifts 1

removal. The committee moved for approval. Seconded

and approved.

Section 14. Pages 2 removals ALA Emblem 2 new

changes, Death and illness, 4 changes. The committee


Section 15. Allowable travel, 3 new sections. Credit

card policy, 2 removals 2 new. The committee moved

for approval. Seconded and approved.

Section 16. Finance 3 removals, 1 new. The committee


Section 17. 990’s 1 removal, 1 new. The committee


Adjourned for Past President’s Parley Luncheon.

Kristie Attarian, Girls State Director, reported on the

just completed Colorado Girls State session, with

special emphasis on the added day and the trip to the

state capitol. She thanked the body for being allowed to

serve as director of Girls State.

Ayana Espinola, Junior Vice President and outgoing


Page 13 of 20

junior member introduced the new Honorary Junior

Officers. They are KaLey Nurry, President; Kailey

Fobare Vice President; Angelica Guitterez, Secretary;

Kailey Girrord, Treasurer; Brianna Blake, Chaplain;

Abbianna Macaranas, Historian; and Katie Kernan,

Sergeant-at-Arms. Past President Betty Janata installed

the new junior officers.

ELECTIONS

Susie Bozella was nominated for National Executive

Committeewoman. There were no further nominations.

There being only one nominee, the chair declared the

nominations closed, the ayes carried, and Susie was

elected as NEC.

Laurie Kuntz was nominated for president elect. There

were no further nominations. There being only one

nominee, the chair declared the nominations closed. The

ayes carried, and Laurie was elected as president elect.

Tracy Trujillo was nominated for vice president. There

were no further nominations. There being only one

nominee, the chair declared the nominations closed. The

ayes carried, and Tracy was elected as vice president.

Teresa Brandt and Julie Domingues/Aysee were

nominated for chaplain. There were no further

nominations. There being two nominees, the chair

deferred their election until the end.

Marilyn Miyazima was been nominated for historian.


Page 14 of 20

There were no further nominations. There being only

one nominee, the chair declared the nominations closed.

The ayes carried, and Marilyn was elected as historian.

Janelle Patton Unit 38, and Sharon Wilson Unit 2527

were nominated for sergeant-at-arms. There were no

further nominations. That election was also deferred to

the end.

Rhonda Larkowski was been nominated for Northwest

Division Vice President for 2019-2020. There were no

further endorsements. The ayes carried, and Rhonda

was endorsed for the office of NDVP.

Sharon Wilson and Janelle Patton were given two

minutes each to introduce themselves to the delegates.

The delegates also heard from Chaplain nominees

Theresa Brandt and Julie Dominguez/Aysse.

The Teller’s oath was administered, and ballot

instructions were read by Secretary/Treasurer Rhonda.

Ballots were distributed, and the meeting was adjourned

for units to caucus and vote.

Committee reports continued

Deb McBride, Past President’s Parley Scholarship and

Audit Committee chairman announced the PPP

Scholarship Winner is Justine Salazar who is studying

mortuary science, and that she was awarded a

Committee reports continued

scholarship of $2000 dollars. She reported the audit was

conducted last year looking at reimbursement requests.


Page 15 of 20

To date the books for this year all seem to be in order.

President Evelyn awarded the Poppy Centerpiece

Award to Brush Unit 68.

She awarded Keenesburg Unit 180 with the Junior

Activities first place award.

Theresa Brandt, Chaplain, presented the prayer book to

President Evelyn. The Chaplain’s Award went to Unit 2

Pueblo.

The Poppy Poster Contest winners were both sponsored

by Peetz Unit 134.

Marilyn Miyazima, Historian presented the Scrapbook

Award to Unit 13 Canon City.

Eve Gallaher, Citations Chairman spoke about retiring

the plaques that was discussed at midyear. At midyear it

was decided to bring it to the convention body. The

matter was opened to discussion. Eve moved to

continue plaques until full then retire them to the unit

who has won it the most. Seconded. After further

discussion the motion was approved.

Officers reports

The following district presidents reported to the

delegates about the activities conducted by their units


Page 16 of 20

throughout the year.

District 3- Dee Chapple-Haley reported, highlighting

the progress made by Unit 20 in Sterling who is

revitalizing their unit. She reported there were more

new people assuming district offices and that they were

participating in leadership training.

District 4- Laurie Kuntz reported the district has been

very busy. District trainings have been successful.

Almost $3000 was donated to the district project;

‘Hearts for Horses’.

District 6- Diane Erickson reported 30 women veterans

attended their annual luncheon. They gave information

on where to go for services.

District 7- Jackie Bowen reported their units were also

very busy supporting veterans and that the district had

sent 62 delegates to Girls State.

District 8- Marilyn Centa reported their small district

has some units that are struggling, and that Unit 16

Walsenburg is making great strides. They are also

planning a district training session covering numerous

topics.

District 13- Julie Dominguez-Aysse reported they only

have two or three active units. Many of their efforts are

for veteran’s assistance.

President Evelyn presented a special gift to Jackie

Bowen for their help for offering her a place to stay


Page 17 of 20

during her travels, and for being close and helping her

out throughout the year.

The election tellers report was as follows: Chaplain:

Theresa Brandt and Sargent at Arms: Janelle Patton.

Susie Bozella- NEC recommended that we read her

report, and thanked us for placing our trust in her.

President-Elect Ann Ritacco recommended we support

all our elected officers and committee chairs through the

upcoming year.

Laurie Kuntz-Vice President recommended we continue

to foster good will within our units, districts, and

department.

Rhonda Larkowski Secretary/Treasurer recommended

we appoint a special committee be appointed whose

responsibility would be to gather and distribute the

midyear and annual reports, and to add a footer to the

directory that information published in the directory is

for official ALA business only. And to let everyone

know if they’re receiving email that’s not from the

office or President Ann that they’re not official emails.

Theresa Brandt Chaplain recommended we get our

chaplain books in early.

Marilyn Miyazima Historian recommended we record

our information for our units for the future generations.

She asked that we contact her if we need any help or


Page 18 of 20

information.

Tracy Trujillo Sergeant-at-Arms asked that we consider

how much effort it takes to set up and clean up for these

meetings and that we consider offering our assistance.

Evelyn Espinola recommended that we get reports in on

time, that we stop and think about what we are saying to

each other and just be nice to each other.

Courtesy resolutions

The courtesy resolutions were read by Dee Chappell-

Haley. The courtesy resolutions were unanimously

adopted.

Apportionment of national convention delegates

The Department of Colorado is entitled to nine

delegates to national convention. NEC will be a

delegate at large. Ex-Officio delegates will be the

department president, president-elect, department

secretary/treasurer, and those members who serve as

national committee members. The other delegates were

determined by their district membership and their ability

to attend. Secretary/treasurer Rhonda moved she be

allowed to fill vacancies with available attendees.

Seconded and approved.

Installation of newly elected officers.

Newly elected president’s remarks and

The officers for 2017-2018 including the DEC’s were

installed by Past Department President Betty Janata.

Outgoing President Evelyn congratulated the new

officers.

Betty asked that we all stand and pledge to support

them.

Newly elected Department President Ann Ritacco gave

her remarks. She thanked all of us for supporting her. Convention scripted agenda for


2017-2018 membership turn in

Her theme for this year is ‘As a family we are working

together for our vets.’ Her project will be the ‘Rocky

Mountain Dawgs Project’. She explained the activities

of the organization. She asked that all previous

department chairmen mentor the new chairmen, many

of whom are new this year. She announced that the fall

conferences this year will be held jointly with the

American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion.

She thanked us for the opportunity to serve.

Several units gifted incoming President Ann with 2017-

2018 memberships, including her own Aurora Unit 23

which presented her with 69 members which is 77%.

Recess NEC Susie Bozella asked the DEC’s if they’d like to

meet for a short training after tomorrow’s meeting,

before the Memorial Service, or immediately following

this session. It was agreed they would meet right after

the session.

This meeting was recessed.

__________________________ ____ _________________________ ____Kellie Hayes date Donna Jones date

__________________________ _____ _________________________ ___Patricia Steranka date Rhonda Larkowski date


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