A recent meeting of the Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 Ladies Auxiliary was draped in memory of two of its founding charter members, Elsie Prinner and Lucille Connery.
Prinner, 87, and Connery, 86, both passed away in January.
According to the Hampshire auxiliary, some of the original Hampshire area members were: Connery, Prinner, Velda Grimes, Bernice Jones and Sally Seyller.
The VFW Ladies Auxiliary celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014. The Hampshire auxiliary has been in existence for 66 years.
The Hampshire auxiliary also prepared gifts for children at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, Hampshire, and the Hampshire Park District’s Little People Playtime Preschool, Hampshire, who participated in the Hampshire auxiliary’s annual patriotic coloring contest.
Each child will receive a Buddy Poppy, a pencil inscribed with the Pledge of Allegiance, and information on how Americans should care for the United States flag.
Hampshire VFW Post 8043 and the Hampshire auxiliary will be in charge of the local poppy drive in May that supports needy veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents.
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Hampshire VFW auxiliary member Arlene Reiser is in charge of the local cancer pin program. The Hampshire auxiliary has been selling the pins since 1981. This year’s “Preserve and Protect” pin costs $3 each.
“The cost of the pin goes toward cancer aid and research,” Reiser said.
The Hampshire auxiliary currently has 79 members and is seeking to expand its membership. Women interested in joining the auxiliary should be related to a spouse, mother, grandmother, sister, brother, daughter or granddaughter who has served in the American Armed Forces.
For more information, contact Reiser at (847) 683-3443.
Denise Moran is a freelance reporter