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PO Box 145, Boyd WI 54726 ♦ Email: [email protected] ♦ Cell: 715-577-5259
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN
Greetings from Department President Teresa Isensee
Have your members registered for the March 7th National Training Workshop at Dino’s Restaurant
(Banquet Hall), 2900 New Pinery Road, Portage Wisconsin? This is a great opportunity for Unit
Members to get some fresh ideas, information on the Auxiliary programs, create and/or improve your
Junior Activities program and help your Unit to grow in Membership. The Reservation form can be
downloaded from the ALA Department website (amlegionauxiw.org) and was sent in the January Unit
Mailing. Reservations will be accepted until capacity has been reached.
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It’s that time of the year to start gathering your Units information for the Annual Year End
Reports, there are TWO sets of reports – the Unit Year-End Impact Report and the Unit Annual
Narrative Reports by Program.
Reporting period will be Unit activities from March 1, 2014 through February 28, 2015
The Unit Year-End Impact Report should be completed and sent to your District President by April 15,
2015. These numbers are then compiled by the District President and sent to Department which in turn
adds all the District Numbers together for a final Year-End Impact Report to National Headquarters.
ALA National Headquarters compiles all the departments’ numbers and prepares
the American Legion Auxiliary Annual Impact Report ~ ALA by the Numbers
for The American Legion to submit to Congress,
and shares impact with the Veterans Administration, media, and the public!
The Unit Annual Narrative Reports by Program should be completed and sent to Department
Headquarters by April 15, 2015. Department will forward (these reports) to the respective Department
Chairman to be used in her Year-End Report and to be used for her Department Convention Floor Report.
Department Chairman will forward their Year-End Report to their respective National Central Division
Chairman. In addition, I will review these narratives to select winners of the Department President’s
Award of Excellence, which will be presented at the Department Convention.
Please fill out ALL of the Unit Annual Narrative Reports by Program – if your Unit does not work with a
particular program, please fill out the top portion and write N/A (Not applicable) in the top right hand
corner.
Awards will be presented to District Presidents that obtain 100% Unit reporting.
Let’s all work together to get 100% reporting for the Department of Wisconsin – to show that we care
about our Veterans, our Military, their families and our communities.
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Thank you Unit Presidents and Unit Membership Chairman for working on renewing your
Members – without the Unit foundation our organization would crumble. If your Unit is
struggling with getting your members to renew, please give me a call and I will help in whatever
way I can. All members of the Wisconsin American Legion Auxiliary are important, so please
give me a call anytime.
Reminder – There is still time to be eligible for The Final Countdown Award - The top 5 (five)
Units with the highest number of members over Goal by June 12, 2015 will receive $100.
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
GREETINGS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS
Executive Secretary/Treasurer – Bonnie Dorniak Website: www.amlegionauxwi.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 608-745-0124 Toll free: 866-664-3863 FAX: 608-745-1947
DELINQUENT 2015 MEMBERSHIP DUES: Per the section entitled Reinstatement of Membership in the ALA Unit Handbook, ‘A member failing to pay annual dues by January 31st shall be classed as delinquent and suspended from all membership privileges which include voting on Unit business, holding office, participation in Unit activities, receipt of member benefits and all other privileges of membership.’ If a member has paid her dues to the Unit, but the Unit has not forwarded that payment to Department Headquarters, the member’s dues are not considered paid, she is delinquent, and there could be serious legal ramifications to the Unit.
LEGAL CONCERNS ABOUT UNITS HOLDING MEMBERSHIP DUES: Units are required to forward dues as soon as possible, but at least on a monthly basis. Per the section entitled Holding Membership Dues in the ALA Unit Handbook, ‘Article IX, Section 1 of the National Bylaws states, “…The annual dues shall be collected by each Unit and transmitted through Department to the National Treasurer… it is clear that the Unit must forward dues at least once per month. An attempt to hold back dues money raises serious legal questions of the rights of members who do not receive their membership benefits. Likewise, if the money is lost, serious legal issues arise involving care and custody of the funds and issues of bonding of individuals who hold the funds. An individual who withholds money that should be forwarded most likely is in violation of the terms of the bond.’
UNIT ANNUAL REPORTS ARE DUE APRIL 15TH: The Unit Annual Reports were mailed in December and can be accessed from the department website (home page, link of the left side). Questions should be directed to the appropriate program chairmen as listed in the Red Book. There are two types of reports:
1) UNIT YEAR-END IMPACT REPORT – a numeric report that the national organization submits to Congress demonstrating the impact of the Auxiliary’s support to our military and veterans. Every Unit President should submit a Unit Year-End Impact Report to their District President by April 15th. District Presidents will consolidate the Unit Year-End Impact Reports and provide a District Report to Department Headquarters by May 1st.
2) UNIT ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT – used to describe other activities that are not included in the Unit Year-End Impact Report. Units are encouraged to submit a Narrative Report to Department Headquarters by April 15th to describe the activities in detail. There is a separate sheet for each program; department staff will sort and forward the narrative reports to the appropriate program chairmen. President Teresa will also review these reports to select Units for recognition at Department Convention.
BADGER GIRLS STATE, JUNE 21-26, 2015: There is still space available. Reservation forms ($250/delegate) and the Delegate Orientation Schedule are available on the ALABGS website (www.badgergirlsstate.org).
SCHOLARSHIPS: Watch the deadlines! Most student applications are due to Unit Presidents by March 1st and to Education Chairman Christine Johnsen by March 15th.
MEMORIAL SERVICE AT DEPARTMENT CONVENTION: For a deceased member to be included in the 2015 Department Convention Memorial Book, department headquarters must receive the information via a Member Data Form by Monday, April 27th.
TRANSFERRING MEMBERS: Any Auxiliary member who has not yet paid her 2015 dues and is transferring to another unit, must pay her 2015 dues to the OLD unit before transferring to the NEW unit.
PUFL MEMBERSHIPS: Any Auxiliary members interested in PUFL (Paid Up For Life) membership must pay their 2015 dues before becoming a PUFL Member.
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY, DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN
2015 NATIONAL TRAINING FOR AUXILIARY MEMBERS
MARCH 7, 2015 ~ 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
Dino’s Restaurant (Banquet Hall), 2900 New Pinery Road, Portage, WI 53901
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 20, 2015
Banquet Hall is in the lower level and is NOT HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE. Attendees must be able to use stairwell.
Form submitted by (print clearly):
Name: District #: Unit #:
Phone #: ( ) Email:
Registration fee: $25.00 (includes lunch) Schedule (subject to change):
7:45 - 8:30 am = Registration; 8:30 am - 4:30 pm = Training sessions; 12:00 - 1:15 pm = Buffet Lunch.
The following topics will be covered:
Goodwill Hunting – The golden rule in member relations This module discusses ways to encourage kindness, gratitude and generosity at unit meetings in order to develop a productive enjoyable experience. You will see how empowering positive behavior diffuses negative energy.
“Houston, We Have a Problem” – Let your light shine This module covers how to share your story from the unit level up and how to put technology to work for you in applying for awards. We will discuss ways you can include service of members who don’t attend meetings but actively engage in the Auxiliary’s mission.
Strengthening Your Junior Activities program – Tactics for working with Junior Members This module will explore different ways to reach Junior members of various ages and mentor them to become active senior members.
The Million Member Mile – taking steps toward the future This module will offer real-world ideas for growing membership so we can reach our strategic goal of one million members by 2019. This is a hands-on approach to help overcome obstacles and grow active membership.
If time permits, the following topic will also be included:
Can You Hear Me Now? Explore different ways to obtain and share information through social media.
(PRINT CLEARLY:)
NAME / UNIT # (if Unit # is different than person submitting form)
NAME / UNIT # (if Unit # is different than person submitting form)
1 6
2 7
3 8
4 9
5 10
# of Registrations: _____ x $25 each = Total amount enclosed: $___________
Mail check, payable to ALA-Wisconsin, by February 20, 2015 to:
ALA Wisconsin, P. O. Box 140, Portage, WI 53901-0140
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY, DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN
2015 NATIONAL TRAINING FOR AUXILIARY MEMBERS at Dino’s Restaurant (Banquet Hall), 2900 New Pinery Road, Portage, WI 53901
MARCH 7, 2015 ~ 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
HOTEL LISTING
Listed below are hotels in Portage near Dino’s Restaurant. This is being enclosed for
your convenience should you wish to make hotel reservations. You will need to contact
the hotel directly to make your own arrangements.
Super 8 Motel
3000 New Pinery Road, Portage
608-742-8330
A limited number of rooms has been reserved for ‘American Legion Auxiliary’ and is
available on a first come, first serve basis. Cost is $49.99 + tax for two adults, plus
$6.00 for each additional person. Please reference the block name when making
reservations to receive the discounted rate and indicate if you want a single or double
room (based on availability). Reservation deadline: February 20, 2015.
Ridge Motor Inn
2900 New Pinery Road, Portage
608-742-5306
http://www.theridgemotorinn.com
No room block or Auxiliary discount has been arranged. This hotel is connected to
Dino’s Restaurant.
Best Western Resort Hotel & Conference Center
2701 County Road CX, Portage
608-742-2200
http://www.bestwestern.com
No room block or Auxiliary discount has been arranged. This hotel is located less than 1
mile from Dino’s Restaurant.
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
2015 DISTRICT SPRING CONFERENCES
Dist Date Location Registration
Time/Fee
Luncheon
Cost
Make check
Payable to:
Send check to: Contact Person Dead-
line
#1 4/25/15 Orfordville AL Post 209
3919 S. State Rd 213
Orfordville, WI 53576
8:00-9:00 am
Fee: $15.00
Included in
Fee
ALA Orfordville
Unit 209
Shannon Little
3820 Chesapeake Ave.
Janesville, WI 53546
Kitty Larkin:
262-649-3399
4/11/15
#2 4/25/15 1
st Reformed Church
527 Giddings Ave.,
Sheboygan Falls
8:00 am
Fee: $2.00 $15.00
ALA
Sheboygan
County
Betty Grothe
955 Anton Rd.,
Plymouth, WI 53073
Betty Grothe
920-892-6377 4/11/15
#3 4/25/15 Gays Mills, WI
INFORMATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
#4 5/2/15 Greendale AL Post 416
6351 W. Grange Ave.,
Greendale, WI 53129
10:00 am
Fee: $2.00 $16.00
Bonnie
Jakubczyk
Bonnie Jakubczyk
7441 S. Logan Ave.
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Bonnie Jakubczyk:
414-764-6752 4/17/15
#5 No Conference
#6 4/18/15 New Holstein Unit 124 8:00 am
Fee & Lunch: $12.00
Included in
Fee
ALA Calumet
County
Arlene DeTroye
830 Seventh St
Kiel, WI 53042
Arlene DeTroye:
920-894-2014 4/1/15
#7 3/21/15 Holmen AL Post 284
419 1st Avenue E, Holmen
8:00-9:00 am
Fee: $12.00
Included in
Fee ALA Unit 284
Mary Clements
108 Irene Place
Holmen, WI 54636
Mary Clements:
608-526-3383 3/14/15
#8 4/25/15
New London AL Post 263
840 E. North Water St.,
New London
8:00-9:00 am
Fee: $3.00 $17.00 ALA Unit 263
Donna Bellettiere
N5019 Old 54 Rd.
Shiocton, WI 54170
Donna Bellettiere:
920-986-3712 4/15/15
#9 5/2/15 Forestville, WI
INFORMATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
#10 4/18/15 Cumberland Senior Center
1255 Webb St., Cumberland
8:00-9:00 am
Fee: $3.00 $10.00 ALA Unit 98
Mary Townsend
1887 21st Street
Rice Lake, WI 54868
Mary Townsend
715-234-5155 4/1/15
#11 4/18/15 Eagle River, WI
INFORMATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
#12 5/30-31/15 Cable Unit 487
INFORMATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
Current as of 2/3/15
COMMUNITY SERVICE Laura Calteux, Department Chairman
7012 W. Squire Avenue, Greenfield, WI 53220 Ph: 414-379-2943 ♦ Email: [email protected]
The Community Service Program promotes the American Legion Auxiliary’s visibility within our neighborhoods through our commitment to community, state and nation. By being brand advocates with the Community Service Program, our members demonstrate who we are, what we do and why we matter.
Looking at the Plan of Action for this year, we see that we need to get our communities involved in our mission-related community service projects. Invite other community groups to join you, so that your project can be a huge success and the community can see what we do for our veterans, the military and their families.
As you are working the program, make sure that you are keeping accurate records and using those records to apply for the awards that are set up for the program. Following is the list of awards that you can apply for:
Unit Community Service Award - presented to one Community Service Chairman in each division. This is a national award and you will need to submit that entry to Laura Calteux, Department Chairman by May 10, 2015.
Unit “Share What You Are Doing” Award – recognition for all entries in the eBulletin and a drawing will be held for five entries to receive a gift certificate. Entries must be postmarked by June 1, 2015 and sent to the division chairman, Karon Cook, 3622 N.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66617.
Million Members Award - is a unit award presented to one unit chairman in each district. This award is for the best demonstration on how working the mission of the Community Service Program has engaged, retained and attracted members to grow membership within the Unit. All entries are due to Laura Calteux, Department Chairman by April 15, 2015.
Member Award: Community Service Senior Volunteer of the Year – presented to one member in each division. Your entry will need to be sent to Laura Calteux, Department Chairman by May 15, 2015.
Member Award: Community Service Junior Volunteer of the Year – presented to one Junior member in each division. Your entry will need to be sent to Laura Calteux, Department Chairman by May 15, 2015.
Award guidelines can be found on the ALA Department of Wisconsin website (www.amlegionauxwi.org). If you still have any questions, please contact Laura Calteux, Community Service Department Chairman.
Each and every day, you are visible in your communities and have the opportunity to promote the American Legion Auxiliary by working the Community Service Program.
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
Joan Chwala, 2014-15 Membership Chairman W13567 County Road M, Gilman, WI 54333
Email: [email protected] Phone: 715-668-5661
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March Legion Birthday Parties Offer Opportunities
The American Legion’s birthday is a great time to have a Patriotic Open House to celebrate your Legion Family. We want to let our communities know that we are proud of our veterans and their families. Get together with your American Legion and Sons of the American Legion to send family invitations. Perhaps a spouse just might join this year if she knows she won’t be pressured to be an officer or chairman. Don’t forget to give out awards and citations at your event to let those who work our programs know their help is appreciated. Consider creating a “Friend of the Legion Family” certificate to present to non-members who support your Unit or Post. Poppy Princess contests also make a great addition to this event.
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Membership Problems and Delays
It is time to evaluate why some units have many non-renewed members listed on their rosters. Did the membership chairman wait until a meeting to get a check from the treasurer but she wasn’t there, so another month will go by before the dues are processed? If this is the case, District 2 President Judy Kuta has a solution for your unit. Judy writes, “In an attempt to speed up the process, our Unit has set up a separate checking account for membership. The membership chairman deposits members’ checks and writes the check to Department (no middle man). The treasurer balances this account monthly and a report is given at our monthly meeting. This seems to work well for us.” Thanks, Judy! Perhaps this will work for other units, too.
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January 28, 2015 Report of Leaders in the Final Countdown
The Top Five Units in the state with the most members over goal WILL win $100. As you can see, the
numbers change with each report and the 4-way tie has been broken. Check out the Membership tab
of the Department website for the most current numbers. At the time of writing this article, the
leaders in the “Final Countdown” with the most members over numeric goal were:
1. District 4-Franklin Unit 192 (21) 2. District 10- Elmwood 207 (13)
3. District 6- Omro Unit 234 (9) 4. District 9-Pembine Unit 461 (7)
5. Cambria Unit 401 (6)
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I am looking for Success Stories!
Please write them up and send them to me via email or US mail. My contact information is listed
above. I return telephone calls, too. Joan Chwala, Department Membership Chairman
THANK YOU FROM YOUR DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP TEAM:
Joan Chwala Bonnie Jakubczyk Mary Petrie Morgan Johnsen Membership Chairman UD&R UD&R Junior Representative
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
NATIONAL SECURITY
Amy Luft, Department Chairman 366 Indigo Drive, Port Washington, WI 53074
Email: [email protected] ♦ Ph: 414-651-7300
The American Legion Auxiliary calls upon its members to maintain strong communities at home. Part of that includes being prepared for natural and man-made emergencies that might occur. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed a program to prepare citizens for emergency response. FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) offers training on four topics: fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Once trained, members can assist their communities for preparing for responding to emergencies. Training in community emergency response is a great way for an individual ALA member to fulfill her service obligation independent of others. It’s also a great opportunity for an ALA unit to organize a group of ALA members to train together. To register for a CERT training go to: http://www.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teams. Click on “Find Nearby CERT Programs”. You will be redirected to a page where you can input your zip code. This page will produce a list of CERT programs near you. Once you have selected a program, you will be provided with the contact information. Contact the designated individual to register and begin your training. However you decide to support National Security - clipping coupons, participating in blood drives, donating to Fisher House-WI & USO-WI, taking part in welcome home events, honoring our troops and our active military - make sure you report on it! It’s important to let everyone know who we are, and what we do. In concert with President Teresa’s theme, Raise your Voice in Song for our Veterans, I encourage you to also raise your voice in support for our active military, their families, and our nation.
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
SERVICE TO VETERANS Kelli Mades, Department Chairman
Ph: 608-385-6693 ♦ Email: [email protected]
Service Project Ideas:
1. Organize a sewing club for your unit: get together at least 3 or more
ladies and sew items for veterans.
2. Organize a crocheting or knitting club: get together at least 3 or more
ladies and knit hats or blankets. With either sewing or knitting clubs
you could choose a veteran who is living at their home or a Veterans
Home. Check with your own Legion’s to see if there is a needy veteran.
3. Adopt a veteran in a nursing home. Remember him/her on those
special holidays: Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and
especially their Birthdays with a small gift and/or a card. With this
service project you could even adopt more than one veteran. More
than one Auxiliary member could also visit with him/her, they love
visitors and sometimes you might be the only visitor they get.
4. Cook dinner for a veteran once a week or on a monthly basis. For this
service project you can get everyone’s involvement. Call up some of
your auxiliary members who you don’t hear from very often and ask
them to help.
Service projects can be done at any time of the year. Just make a plan
and then talk to your members. There is so much more you could do to serve a
veteran just look outside the box and the possibilities are endless. Everything
you do does make the difference in the lives of our veterans and the rewards
are priceless!
Spring is fast approaching and before we know it the yearly reports will
be due. I hope you have been recording your hours and money spent on your
individual tally sheet. These sheets will need to be turned in to your Unit VA&R
Chairman or your Unit President soon. I will need this information to record
your hours and process them. You may qualify this year for the new ‘Service to
Veterans’ Pin or an hour bar. The hours are cumulative from year to year. It is
important that we report your hours to National so that Congress knows how
much we do for our veterans.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I do love
hearing from you about your projects and as always I’m happy to answer your
questions.
Remember to enjoy what you do and thank you for volunteering!
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
Pg. 6 – Karen Hansen (Parliamentarian) is from Unit 87, District 10
Pg. 8 – Replace Heidi Bremer (ALABGS Committee) with SuAnn Pagel-Rast (Unit 339/Dist 8)
SuAnn Pagel-Rast, PO Box 176, Almond, WI 54909. Ph: 715-366-2595 (h) / 715-572-4733 (c)
Email: [email protected]
Pg. 12 – WVH – Chippewa Falls, Nancy Randen is the Representative. Joan Chwala is the Deputy
Pg. 13 – Add Sue Winter (Brown County President): N4135 State Hwy 32, Krakow WI 54137.
Ph: 920-899-3680 / Email: [email protected]
Pg. 13 – Add Sandra Smet (Fond du Lac County President): 552 Vermont Street, FDL WI 54937
Ph: 920-923-6085 / Email: [email protected]
Pg. 24 – Update Barbara Kranig (Past National President) email to: [email protected]
Pg. 25 – Update Fern Madden’s address to 14050 Adelaide Drive, Winchester WI 54557
Pg. 26 – Mike Pook’s (SAL) title should be Sergeant at Arms
Pg. 26 – Anna Rosemeyer’s phone # should be 715-559-4696
Pg. 27 – Nancy Schraufnagel’s new email address: [email protected]
Pg. 28 – update Sharon Zales’ new cell phone # 608-604-4469
DATES & DEADLINES Last updated 1/22/2015
(subject to change)
DATE EVENT LOCATION
2/14/2015 6th District Americanism Banquet La Sure’s Banquet Hall
3125 S. Washburn Street, Oshkosh, WI
2/16/2015 George Washington Luncheon Klemmer’s Banquet Center
10401 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI
2/22-25, 2015 Washington DC Conference Washington DC
3/07/2015 National Training – All Auxiliary
members encouraged to attend
Dino’s Restaurant
2900 New Pinery Road, Portage, WI
3/21/2015 7th District Spring Conference Holmen, WI
3/27/2015 ALABGS Scholarship Judging Meeting Department Headquarters, Portage, WI
3/28/2015 ALABGS Committee Meeting Department Headquarters, Portage, WI
4/11-12, 2015 WALA Bowling Tournament Sabre Lanes, Menasha
4/18-19, 2015 WALA Bowling Tournament Sabre Lanes, Menasha
4/18/2015 6th District Spring Conference New Holstein, WI
4/18/2015 10th District Spring Conference Cumberland, WI
4/18/2015 11th District Spring Conference Eagle River, WI
4/25/2015 1st District Spring Conference Orfordville, WI
4/25/2015 2nd District Spring Conference Sheboygan Falls, WI
4/25/2015 3rd District Spring Conference Gays Mills, WI
4/25/2015 8th District Spring Conference New London, WI
5/02/2015 9th District Spring Conference Forestville, WI
5/02/2015 4th District Spring Conference Greendale, WI
5/16/2015 President Teresa Isensee’s Testimonial Chippewa Falls, WI
5/30-31, 2015 12th District Spring Conference Cable, WI
REDBOOK CORRECTIONS
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
updated as of 12/4/2014
WI American Legion Auxiliary
Camp American Legion
Donation of the Month
GIVE OUR VETS AN OUTSIDE “PICNIC”
Plastic Cups – Sturdy Sock-Proof Foam Plates –
Plastic Utensils – Napkins (We have outside picnic meals at Camp two to three times a week. Our campers love them. All these
items averaged together cost around $2.50 each)
Thanks, Kevin Moshea, Director MAIL PICNIC SUPPLIES TO:
Camp American Legion 8529 County Road D
Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539
DO NOT SEND PICNIC SUPPLIES TO DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS. Only financial donations designated to Camp American Legion
should be sent to Department Headquarters. Thank you.
2015 February Unit Mailing for March Meeting
