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THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY: Met July 16. Hosts for the dinner for the veterans, legion members, Legion Riders and the Ladies Auxiliary were Vickie Bryant and Gerrae Messer. Chaplain Messer led the assembly in prayer before the meal. Vice President Helen Staley duly installed the newly elected president for 2009-2010, Alice Herman. Herman proceeded to call the business meeting to order with the crux of the business pertaining to the reorganization and restructuring of this year's club. The state theme of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) for this year is "Bee-lieve" with the local club to focus on communication.

The pledge to the Flag was led by Rie Thomas and the preamble to the constitution of the ALA was led by Betty Garibay. Secretary Garibay read the minutes of the June meeting, which were approved. Maxine Falls, treasurer, reported the financial status of the club's coffers, which was approved and filed for audit. Subject matter for club business consisted of several reports. Garibay reported a net profit of $700 from the sale of poppies on Veteran's Day. These monies benefit veterans in the state veterans' home for various projects. A total of $60 given in donation for the dinner was applied to the Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) local and state treasuries.

Herman informed the club she will make a banner for the Auxiliary to be displayed for public visibility in various projects. Youth involvement will be a central focus for the club this year as we will have some educational opportunities for a select local elementary school. Historian Vickie Bryant will conduct an educational in-service on the American Flag this year, presenting the students with flags. A rebuilding program is in order for the Junior leadership members of the ALA for the year 2009-2010.

The theme for the July meeting was Americanism and the AEF project. Hosts Messer and Bryant are assembling information, pictures and editorials to honor the American Legion Veterans and Auxiliary members for their dedication and service to our country and organization. The AEF fund will be increased this year from last year's donation in order to better serve those in need.

Herman announced that at the August meeting, the Boys and Girls State nominees for this year will be presented by Charlie Staley, from the veterans' office in Blount County. We will provide for them a Mexican meal of tacos and all the fixings.

Helen Staley suggested planting a Bradford pear tree on the Post 13 premises at the American Legion facility in honor of past president Irene Hicks, who passed away recently. She was a devoted auxiliary member who contributed much to both the local and state levels of the Auxiliary.

Commander Joe Bowers addressed the auxiliary concerning the participation of the Legion entities in this year's Christmas parade. Collectively, the theme, organization and execution of this project will be discussed at a called meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 6. Chairs for the monthly programs were selected for the year by Herman before she adjourned the meeting.

The American Legion Auxiliary meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Legion Facility on Waters Road in Maryville. Dinner is provided for all. All veterans are welcomed. For information on joining the auxiliary, contact Herman at 379-7594. Anyone with an affiliation to soldiers in any of the USA wars is encouraged to help. Veterans have given us our freedom that we so enjoy. Let's show our appreciation to them for their service and sacrifices.

FOOTHILLS QUILTERS GUILD: Met July 16. President Marilyn Ward addressed the members with updates for the coming weeks.

Members are excited that the AQS is being held this year in Knoxville. A shuttle bus was scheduled to provide round-trip service from Foothills Mall to the show daily at several different times.

President's Challenge: Ward gave a wall hanging challenge using the applique method. She showed an unfinished top (not quilted) and challenged other members to make one. Those interested signed up to participate. Another opportunity to sign up will be given at the next meeting.

A Grace Point Quilters Retreat was planned by Betty Peabody. The dates are Oct. 7, 8 and 9. Contact her at 982-5839.

A 12¬½-inch-square block exchange project the guild did several years ago was brought back. The new exchange will start Sept. 17.

Betty Peabody is now working on schedule for Sept. 26 program at the Heritage Center displaying quilts, showing quilting techniques. Contact Peabody for work schedule.

On Aug. 6, there will be a business meeting, followed by Sassy Foster of Pappy's Quilting Place, who will demonstrate techniques of binding .

On Aug. 20, a program on Sun Painting (light sensitive material) will be given by Ann Rushing, instructor, and begins promptly at 10 a.m. Sign up at the next meeting or call Betty Peabody. Bring a lunch. Since we must have sunlight, if it rains, this event will be postponed. Just bring a sack lunch and something to work on and participants will still quilt and fellowship.

TUCKALEECHEE GARDEN CLUB: Met July 21 at Tuckaleechee Methodist Church. Eighteen members were in attendance with three guests, Suzanne Wolfe, Ann Fucci and Sharon Cox. Cox joined the club. Hostesses were Ann McTavish and Barbara Spence. Minutes were approved as read.

A sympathy card was sent to Libby Webb, a founding member, whose husband passed away. A get-well card was sent to Babs Wilkins.

Yard of the Month for July is the home of Ernie and Judy Lancaster on Middleton Road in Townsend.

River Walk workday was scheduled for 9 a.m. July 27. Bob Russell will work on obtaining plans for the entrance steps.

Members will make arrangements for the Townsend Alumni Reunion. Work was to begin July 31 the Townsend Administrative Building.

Tuckaleechee has been invited to set up a display for the Fall Festival, Oct. 16-18.

There is a flower show from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 20 in Madisonville at UMC.

Members brought in six designs using three flowers and 10 horticulture specimens. In the designs, those receiving a blue award were Marilyn Fugate, Francy Cash for three designs, and Mary Lynn Morgan. Sue Tyler received a red award. In horticulture Mary Lynn Morgan and Sue Tyler received a red award. Francy Cash received four blue awards and Sue Tyler received a blue award.

The program was presented by Barbara Spence entitled "4 Rs of Going Green." The Rs are Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot.