Rogers accepted the Presidency of District II and was installed at the Northern Area Conference. Thank you, Martha. We still need a Vice President for that district.

Please ladies, when you see Ron Roberts, please give him a hug. He is a great supporter of our Auxiliary.

A quick reminder... if you have not yet sent your o b l i g a t i o n s t o t h e Department for VA&R, please do so as soon as you can. The Season is upon us, and our Reps will be having the gift shop and parties.

(continued on Page 3)

It is Great to be an American!

Thanks to a number of hard work-ing folks, The Ameri-

can Legion Auxiliary Depart-ment of Mississippi has com-pleted three successful confer-ences, the Units have their Plans of Action and are work-ing the programs, and our year has gotten off to a good s t a r t … . E X C E P T f o r MEMBERSHIP. We are at 63 percent and that is a long way from the 75 percent needed to meet the goal in January. We

now have six 100% units…one being the largest unit in the State, 112 in Jackson. Also, my old home town, Philadelphia, is at 120%. Thanks for coming through for the home-town girl! All that time I spent selling Poppies in the early 1950‘s has paid off. (I know that we ‗distribute‘ poppies, but back then we SOLD them).

And, to one of our newest units, Ocean Springs 42, congrats on making 100% goal once again!

You‘ll be hearing more about membership from Mary and Sarah.

My angel has really been looking out for us. Martha

GREETINGS FROM THE DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

1ST V ICE PRESIDENT-MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN

Northern and Southern Area C o n f e r en c e s were bo th w o n d e r f u l . T h a n k s t o

Greenville and Raleigh for having us and for provid-ing such a warm welcome with great food and desserts. We had membership turn ins at b o t h c o n f e r e n c e s ;

however, we were only at 63% as of the 22nd of November. Louisiana has passed us in membership. We are now in 5th place in the Southern Division.

District VI is in 1st place with 75%, V in 2nd 73%, I in 3rd 66%, VII 4th 65%, and IX 5th with 62%. Our next goal is 75%. I hope to be able to

recognize more than one district at Mid-Winter, so District Presidents be sure to continue to press for those membership goals during the holiday seasons. Remember to set up membership tables at Christmas bazaars and other points of interest (they work)!

(continued on Page 3)

2010-2011

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS

MARY LYLES, PRESIDENT

MARY RIED , 1ST V. P.

SARAH EDWARDS , 2ND V. P.

ROSE BLANCHARD , HISTORIAN

CAROLYN TARDY , CHAPLAIN

ANGELA KILCREASE, NEC

NANCY SANDERS , ALT. NEC,

SECRETARY/TREASURER

CALENDAR OF

EVENTS

BILOXI VA GIFT

SHOP

DECEMBER 6-7

JACKSON VA

PARTY

DECEMBER 16

Department of Mississippi

Magnolia

News

Monthly Newsletter

Dec. 2010

MAGNOLIA NEWS IS A

PUBLICATION OF

DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT

WWW.MISSALA.COM

Thought for the month

But the angel said to

them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior

has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11

I hope all of you attended your Area‘s Fall Con-ference. Thank you to all those units who did

send someone from the unit. Thank you to the host units for welcoming us and making our visit with them so enjoy-able. A lot of information was giving at the conferences

and should be taken back and shared with the unit.

Mid-Winter Conference is just around the corner. Please attend if at all possible. This is the time that we can learn what other units have done so far this year and what we can do. As I told you all at the beginning of the year I will recognize the junior units who

have reached goal by the target dates. I hope that all the units that have a junior unit will have someone from the Junior unit at the Mid-Winter Confer-ence. It is so important that the juniors meet and discuss what they are doing. They have an opportunity to learn what other units do and can tell the others what they do. (Continued on Page 5)

your good fortune with those who may not be as fortunate. Tis the season of giving. Remember to give thanks for and to our service men and women who are away from their families during this time. They are giving of themselves so we may continue to enjoy our freedom. Pray that God continues to bless America as we reflect on the reason for our celebrations.

It is nearing the end of the year and that means report time.

I hope everyone celebrated with veterans on their day of honor. After all, this is what we, the L e g i o n a n d

Auxiliary are all about.

Thanksgiving is now past and we look forward to the Holidays and a new year. As we go about our lives during this special time, don‘t forget to be grateful for your many, many blessings and to share

The Department needs your report (form attached) by December 31. I know you have been active, so, Unit Chaplains, let me know what you have been doing. A simple narrative for your part of the Unit‘s report will be great. Also, keep the poems, stories and praises coming in. It would be great to have an item from each Unit for President Mary‘s prayer book. What a memorable and inspir-ing tribute that would be to her. (Continued on Page 5)

SECOND V ICE PRESIDENT — SARAH EDWARDS

CHAPLAIN ’S CORNER—CAROLYN TARDY, DEPT. CHAPLAIN

FOR THE RECORD - ROSE BLANCHARD, DEPT. HISTORIAN

January in Vicksburg.

I know everyone will be busy in the upcoming weeks, but don‘t forget to send me your mid-year reports. This information is important, so I will be able to report to National and all of MS, the activities your Unit has participated in thus far. This will also make it easier, when you write your history and your end of the year reports.

If your Unit has a Christmas party, why not have some of your scrapbooks on display, to

remind members of past activities. Sometimes we need a gentle push to get back in the swing of things, and this may be just the thing to do it.

The scrapbook committee is still collecting pictures, clippings, etc., for President Mary‘s book. Addresses for Mary Kay Tubbs and her committee members are in your Plans of Action or you may send items to me and I will pass them on.

(Continued on Page 7)

It is GREAT to be an AMERICAN!

Fall Conferences are over, and I want to thank

everyone for all the work that was put forth to make each one a success. We heard about the changes being made by National, got to visit with good friends and, of course, we enjoyed delicious lunches. For those unable to attend, you were missed and hopefully we will see you at Mid-Winter Conference in

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AMERICAN LEGION

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MISSISSIPPI

PAGE 2 DEC . 2010

JUNIOR

PATRIOTS

MARCHING

FORWARD

From the President, continued

Also, let‘s please not forget our homeless vets at this time. It would be good if all centers had a little gift of a needed item for each homeless vet that came by at Christmas.

Each Unit was sent a book(s) of tickets for a beautiful Past President‘s quilt to be given away at the Convention in July. Please make an effort to sell these tickets...the proceeds are for the Support Fund.

Th ink ahead to Mid -Winter Conference in January 2011. We plan to again have a parade of hats…patriotic this year…..and, Merita Guinn of Gulfport 119 is planning a womanless beauty pageant for Saturday night. She always puts on a good show, so make your plans and find the perfect outfit for your favorite ―womanless beauty.‖ Look for more about this from Merita.

Remember, everybody can‘t do every-thing all of he time, but everybody can

do something some of the time.

I trust all you gained at least five pounds over Thanksgiving and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous, Healthy, and Happy New Year. My love to all of you.

For God and Country,

Mary Lyles, Dept. President

From 1st Vice, continued

Congratulations to the six units that have already met their 100% or above: Jackson #112, Liberty #76, McComb #14, Philadelphia #138, Ocean Springs #42 and Ackerman #82. Great job, ladies!

Remember to always have a membership application in your purse so you won't miss an opportunity to sign up a new member. If you carry Junior membership applications as well as Legion applications, you may be able to sign up the whole fam-ily. If Membership Chairmen will email your membership renewals to Nancy we can stay on top of membership goals and

hopefully win out in the end. If you do email those renewals in you need to get the check off to her the same day if not the next day.

Now that I have given you all challenges to make and to work towards over these holidays; make these challenges and goals fun as you enjoy this blessed holiday season, and always remember who made it possible to practice these observances of our Savior‘s birth: The men and women of "the Red, White & Blue" our soldiers and our veterans whom not only serve us but whom we now serve. "Service not self."

Have a wonderful Christmas and Holi-d a y s e a s o n a n d e n j o y y o u r families and friends.

For God and Country,

Mary Smith-Ried

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S VISIT

National President Carlene Ashworth is scheduled to visit Mississippi April 16-20, 2011. We have three units to graciously volunteer to host functions during her visit: Cleveland #165 for the Northern Area, Jackson #112 for the Central Area, and Waveland #77 for the Southern Area. More information will come in a later issue of this newsletter, once details are firm.

National Vice President Seeking Applicants for 2011-2012 National Committees

National Vice President Kris Nelson is initializing a new approach to how an incoming national president finds and selects capable women to serve on or chair Auxiliary national committees. In an effort to reach out to all 850,000 Auxiliary members, Nelson, using her professional background in the human resources field, is utilizing an online application process to find the next group of national committee leaders. In the past, prior to Awareness Assembly, the national vice president has requested resumés from members interested in receiving a national appointment. The process was initiated via a letter submitted to department secretaries who in turn forwarded to Past Department Presidents.

For the 2011-2012 ALA year, Nelson would like all members interested in serving on a national committee to complete the online interest form and upload their resumé and photo to the Auxiliary's website. Nelson and National VA&R Chairman Peggy Thomas then will review the applications and capture applicants' Auxiliary leadership history and skill sets such as accounting, human resources, education, public speaking or fundraising.

The deadline for submission is Jan. 30, 2011. Nelson and Thomas will review and initiate the appointments in early March. Interested? Visit the National Web site at www.legion-aux.org to apply.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE , NATIONAL NEWS

PAGE 3 DEC . 2010

PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Reports, Reports,

Reports!

December 31 is your day to tell us all the wonderful things the Units have been doing

thus far in the year.

Here‘s how we‘re going to do it:

Attached in this newsletter is a MID-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT FORM for your use. Each Unit President is to make sure that the form is completed as much as possible and SENT to the Department Headquarters in Jackson.

That’s right, just use ONE stamp.

When all reports are received by Dec. 31, our capable Dept. Secretary will make copies and send each unit‘s report to the Department Chairmen.

After attending the Southern Area Conference and talking about report-ing, I studied on this for quite some time. I simply think that this will be the easiest way to get the MOST of you to complete a mid-year progress report.

Your reports of activities help us, the Department, shine like the brightest star in the heavens! It‘s all YOU and your good service to our veterans, their families and communities.

Please, let us hear from you—no matter if it is just one thing you‘ve done! It‘s all for the good, and we appreciate your efforts.

If you have any questions on reporting, please contact me. I‘m here to help you.

Wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

For God and Country,

Angela Kilcrease, NEC/Programs

Coordinator

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Before we go any further, let me take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Holy Christmas or Hanukkah and a Blessed New Year.

The following is some information sent out by National to assist you and me in knowing the importance of our C & B.

―Imagine a meeting with no structure or rules in place. Chaos and Disorganiza-tion could ensue. The Constitution and Bylaws is the basis for governance; the guidelines to order. And, order is the essential element in a productive organization. Preparing and adhering to an updated Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules will provide the help each Department and Unit needs to move forward with the work of the Auxiliary.

―Important documents for every Unit to have available as a reference including, Unit, Department and National Constitution & Bylaws, Roberts Rules of Order-Newly revised, and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit Hand-book.

You can be the ―Power of One,‖ one member in one Unit. Be the guiding ―STAR‖ in your Unit.

S---Start T---The A---Annual R---Re-Write

Now give this committee and yourself a Christmas Present or New Year‘s Reso-lution re-write your C & B and mail it to me so our committee can approve it and get it on file in the Department.

―IT‘S GREAT TO BE AN AMERICAN‖ in a country where we are free to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and all forms of worship during this holiday season.

Lou Wilkerson, 201 Bay Oaks Dr., B a y S t . L o u i s , M S 3 9 5 2 0 ; 228.493.2582; mawmaw5x@aol.com

NATIONAL SECURITY

WE NEED UNIT CONTRIBUTIONS NOW!

I have heard there are some special units out there sending contributions to the Camp Shelby Chaplain‘s Project—providing popcorn supplies and hard candies for our troops there. Many, many thanks to all of you!

A big shout-out to my own unit, if you‘ll permit me, for sending in $171 that they collected for Camp Shelby. Each month, Mrs. Sarah Lang and the ladies would put out piggy banks (that look like a cow!) and asked everyone to ―empty their pockets.‖ At their last meeting they counted the money and sent a check for $171 to the Department to purchase supplies. Your Unit can do this, too. And, you CAN ask ALL the Legion family to ―empty their pockets!‖

In next month‘s newsletter, I promise to talk about another project that we can work on together. We have much work to do together!

Angela Kilcrease, Chairman

NEWS FROM PROGRAM CHAIRMEN AND MORE . . .

PAGE 4 DEC . 2010

JUNIOR ACTIVITIES

Happy Holidays, Junior Leaders and Juniors!

If you have been to any of the Area Conferences: Central, Northern, or Southern, you have heard me speak of getting your

Juniors interested in working with Vet-erans.

During the holidays, there are plenty of easy opportunities to include the Juniors into the Adult activities. If you do not have a Junior unit, all you need are 2 girls included in any activity or event to make a Junior Unit. I know there are grandmothers out there with girls who are just begging to be included in activi-ties for the Holidays! Let's get busy and utilize our young ladies--Remember, they are tomorrow's Senior member.

Be sure to send your Mid-Year Progress report to the Dept. Office. For JA, feel free to use the year-end report as a guide.

Did you know you can go to the Web-site www.missala.com/POA.html and download anything to do with Juniors (or anything else to do with other Plans

of Action)? Forms, Junior Handbook, Patch Program….nearly anything you want or need. Pretty cool, huh? Thanks, Angela and staff.

For God and Country,

Velma Harrington, Chairman

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Ain‘t it Great to be an American, and ain‘t it great to have so many things to be thankful for now and all the year?

It is time for the units to be reporting what they have done up to now for Chil-d r e n a n d Y o u t h . Remember, we have reports due for mid-year by Dec. 31.

The next two months are going to be very special months, in our homes and in our units. Make the most of it of our children. Sponsor a children‘s party or adopt a military family and give them a good Christmas.

Please let me know if I can be of help to any of you. Have a Merry Christmas and God bless you, and God bless our country. Rosemary Merriman, Chairman

POPPY

Poppy Usage Contest for the 2011 Mid-Winter Conference:

Action Steps:

Entries are not limited to corsages and may be designs of your choosing. You must use official ALA poppies, but they may be used in wreaths, center-pieces, tray favors, or anything you can think of (tastefully, of course).

You entry must be brought to our 2011 Mid-Winter Conference in Vicksburg.

We will take $1 votes and the top five will be sent on to National for competition—IN THE FORM OF A PHOTO!! You actual entry will not be sent to National—you may take it home after the conference.

Let‘s see what you can do!! Our Dept. coordinator for this is Diane Lawrence. Please contact her if you have questions. Read your Plans of Action—the rules are all there!

Shirley Lamb Turner, Chairman

Message from 2nd Vice President Continued

I know a lot of the units will be having Christmas parties and doing a lot of activities during the holidays. Please involve your juniors. It is a perfect opportunity to let them be a part of the programs that we have. Have them set up a display in the post of what they have done.

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. I wish each of you safe travel during the holidays.

For God and Country,

Sarah Edwards

Dept. 2nd Vice

NEWS FROM PROGRAM CHAIRMEN AND MORE . . .

PAGE 5 DEC . 2010

Chaplain’s Corner Continued

The prayer request line has been active. If you or someone in your family, your Unit or your Post wish spiritual assis-tance and need to be remembered in our prayers, do send those requests to me or to Nancy in Jackson. We are here to help each other. Don‘t hesitate to ask.

I wish all a safe, healthy and happy holiday season. May God bless each of you.

Carolyn Tardy, Dept. Chaplain

In our Prayers

PDP Glenda Wheelis' mother, Lydia Hudson, passed away last Saturday morning. Please keep her and the family in your thoughts and prayers. For cards, send to:

Glenda Wheelis, 35 Oak Tree Drive, Laurel, MS 39443

COMMUNITY SERVICE I cannot believe the holidays are just around the corner. What a wonderful time for us to get involved in our communities and be of service to so many that are hurting and need our assistance. We should do what we can for all people; however we should be especially mindful of our veterans, active duty service members, and their families. Keep in mind that our Junior members should be included in our community service activities. Please consider some of these suggestions: 1) There are many veterans in nursing homes that are alone during the holidays who would appreciate visitors.

2) We have active duty service mem-bers who are too far from family and would enjoy fellowship, food, and fun in your home during this Blessed Sea-son.

3) Hold a ―job fair‖ to assist veterans in finding employment.

Our Central Area Conference in Columbus was a tremendous success as well as our Northern Area Conference in Greenville and Southern Area Conference in Raleigh. We have learned so much while enjoying great food and camaraderie.

Please send me anything your unit does relating to community service activities by December 31, 2010 so that I may share at the Mid-Winter Conference.

I wish each of you a blessed, happy and safe Holiday season.

For GOD and Country,

Berneice Barham, Chairman

2922 Williamsburg Road Hattiesburg, MS 39402 601.296.9415 (home); 601.606.5049 (cell)

P.S. Mary, you DIDN’T embarrass me.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

As I write this letter, Thanksgiving has come and gone. I hope it was good one for you all.

As we approach the Christmas holidays, I know a lot of units are

planning Post and Unit parties and din-ners. Don‘t forget to take pictures and place them in your local newspaper with an article to let your community know what you are doing.

Perhaps your unit is planning on collecting food for your local food bank, toys for tots, making food baskets or serving food to the needy. Whatever it is that you are doing, just let your community know. Do remember to clip an extra article and send one to me for the Department PR Book.

Please remember to clip the name of the newspaper and the date with your article. So far I have received some very good news clippings from Sharon Langley of Wesson Unit 79, Sheree Burleson of Corinth Unit 6, Carolyn Tardy of Ripley Unit 81 and my own Waveland Unit 77. I thank each of you.

Hopefully all PR chairmen have read their Plans of Action and are familiar with the contests, rules and deadlines and also the committee member for whom to submit entries to. There are some useful websites listed also.

Let‘s have a very successful Public Relations year. By doing so, we are informing communities throughout the state who we are, what we do and what we stand for and at the same time could possibly attract new members.

If there are any questions, call or e-mail me anytime at 228-467-2198 or foun-taintwo@bellsouth.net.

Diane Fountain, Chairman

VA & R I have received a Special Memorandum from National as follows: Subject: Submission of Monthly Reports by VAVS Representatives

VAVS Representatives attending monthly or regularly sched-uled facility meetings should forward their meeting report to: Charlie Dew, National VAVS Representative, P.O. Box 578, Wylie, TX 75098.

They may also be faxed to 972-853-7031.

I sent out an e-mail with this info but some of you were unable to open the file. Since I am familiar with the Biloxi V.A. I will use it as an example. The VA Volunteer Service meets there on a quarterly basis. Representative Jo Tisbury would need to send a report of that meeting to Ms. Dew. I am not aware of when other meetings are held.

All VA&R Representatives will need to send a summary of the meeting held at the facility they serve. Please send me a copy of your report.

The Biloxi V. A. Gift Shop will be held on Dec. 6-7. The Jackson V.A. Christ-mas party will be held on Dec. 16.

Merry Christmas!

Brenda Newell, Chairman

NEWS FROM PROGRAM CHAIRMEN AND MORE . . .

PAGE 6 DEC . 2010

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War Memorial Building P. O. Box 1382

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DEPARTMENT OF M ISSISSIPPI

Please call the Department and let‘s ―get ‗er done!‖

It was wonderful seeing and visiting with all of you who attended the fall conferences. Hope to see you all at Mid-Winter, too.

If you received your Auxiliary magazine, please notice that your President, Mary Lyles, and I are pictured, and Past President Angela Kilcrease is also highlighted. Look for your February issue where Mississippi will be lauded for the National President‘s Distinguished Award.

From my house (and office) to yours, have a very Merry Christmas; be safe; be happy; and be prosperous. And, if possible, feed a homeless veteran or two.

Nancy Sanders

Greetings from the Department!

Well, all conferences are over, and we are now at the point where we need to finish all year-end projects. Here‘s your check-off:

Do you have your EIN and have your 2009-2010 tax reports been filed?

Are your books in order and have they been audited for the 2009-2010 year?

Is your membership where it should be and have you notified your members that December 31 is the last day that their 2010 membership is valid?

Does the Department headquarters have a copy of your by-laws?

Have your mandatory Unit assessments been paid?

Do you have your unit program activities ready for the mid-year report—that is due to the office by Dec. 31? (Use the attached report form)

Wow, that‘s a lot to do if you haven‘t done it yet – and you have a month! If I can assist you,

FROM THE DEPT . SECRETARY

SERVING VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES,

AND THEIR COMMUNITIES

W E‘ RE O N T HE W EB !

W WW. M ISSAL A. COM

Historian continued...from Page 2

As we begin this special time of year, don‘t forget our service men and women and their families. They are making tremendous sacrifices for us and for our country, and yes, they are in our daily prayers and thoughts, but we need to help make this holiday season as pleasant as possible. Some Units have adopted a family, some a deployed serviceman, some a veteran….anything you can do will be greatly appreciated.

Don and I wish each of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love, always.

Rose Blanchard, Dept. Historian

Merry Christmas

And

Happy New Year

From the Department of Mississippi!

Americanism Update from National HQ

1. At the Post National Convention NEC meeting it was decided to discontinue the Americanism Youth Conference (Freedom's Foundation) and the Girls Scout Achievement Award. Both were discontinued due to a decline in participation over the past several years as well as a budget concern at the Americanism Youth Conference.

2. The title for the Americanism Essay is "How Can I Encourage My Friends to Show Pride in Being an American?"

ARE YOU A LEADER???

Leadership is more than education.

Leadership is the ability to lead, but also the ability to develop those under us.

Are we open-minded? We dedicate ourselves to an idea, but are we willing to accept change?

Are we willing to help others help themselves? Are we willing to step aside?

Examine yourself and see if you measure up.

Face up to improve yourself and your organization.

Stand Up to be counted.

Recall to those who know.

Train those who are new.

A leader can lead only as far as she has traveled herself!

Most people were born with potential leadership qualities. As a baby, they learned to get attention by crying; later, by smiling; and, as time passed by, they learned to point to make their needs or wants known. However, as more time lapsed, these qualities were often squelched by parental authority, by teacher, by life in general; so these qualities usually lay dormant until they were stimulated to activity through knowledge and desire to lead by self education or through leadership training. Yes, good leaders must undergo a development process to be truly successful.

As leaders consider their opportunities and responsibilities, they will do well to keep in mind the words of Trecker and Trecker in their book, ―How to Work with Groups.‖ They say, ―….the democratic leader gets ‗back of‘ persons rather than ‗back at‘ persons; the democratic leader is ‗always on tap‘ but never ‗on top‘ of persons; and the democ-ratic leader exercises ‗power with‘ rather than ‗power over‘ people.‖

Please share this lesson with your unit members at your next meeting.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you all!

Inez McCain, Chairman