Auxiliary Power

FROM THE DESK OF THE REAR COMMANDER

In the Educational Department you help with class registrations, proctor and correct exams and homework papers. You also serve refreshments to Boating Course graduates (including the instructors).

Many of you are also involved in community out-reach activities. Among them are gifts and/or services to charitable groups, hospitals, hospices, junior safe boating classes, and more. Most importantly, you recognize the efforts of your members with special awards.

I have listed here only a few of the wonderful services our Auxiliaries provide all of us. Now, I have two special favors with which I need your help. First, the Youth Poster Contest is one of our pet projects and I ask your support in making this year the best ever. Second, I’d like you to send articles to me for publication in The Ensign describing some special activity your Auxiliary has been involved with. Let’s let the work know who we are and what we’re all about.

R/C Frank Wright, SN

R/C Armstrong called the meeting to order at 1530.R/C Armstrong welcomed all Committee members and guests.She asked that the order of business be changed to accommodate our guest speaker.
 

D/C Steven Johnson, AP, from the Oklahoma City Squadron presented "Time for Celebration".D/C Johnson gave a very informative and inspirational speech about planting the seeds to help our new members become a part of the squadron.Watch and help our new members grow and see what happens; we'll all be better members for it.He also suggested that we take the same approach with our senior members to get them back in the fold.Get them involved again. Thank you, Steve, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share your thoughts and ideas with us.Steve invited everyone to the Fall Governing Board, which will be held in Little Rock in September.

The minutes from the Fall Governing Board in Baltimore were approved as issued.The Committee members were introduced and they, in turn, introduced their guests from various Squadrons and Auxiliaries.

D/Lt Ellen Carr, AP, gave a brief report on the status of the fourth Youth Poster Contest.She also requested that pictures for the EXPO be sent to her by mid November.
 

R/C Armstrong was presented with a gift and well wishes for the guidance and support she gave the committee during her watch.She thanked everyone for their support and asked that we continue to support our new officers as they take over the helm.
 

The meeting adjourned at 1700.
 

Respectfully submitted,

D/Lt Ellen Carr, AP

EDITOR’S NOTES

Spring brings forth flowers and new bridge officers as well.Please submit the annual report for your Auxiliary as soon as your future officers are known.The committee will be using the member numbers to ascertain which Auxiliary will be awarded the National Membership Enhancement Award.
 

Many of our Auxiliaries are doing great things. D/22 Cape Coral “Cape Mates” supports their Squadron through fundraisers as well as dual membership in both Auxiliary and Squadron. The Fort Myers “C-Belles” assists the Squadron with boating classes, newsletters, roster, and conference activities. At the D/22 Conferences, D/L/O’s Marge Desormeau, SN, and Dorothy Bonstedt, P, conduct a round-table discussion exploring Auxiliary needs and concerns.It is always well attended. In D/23, the Cocoa Beach Coco-Nauts are planning a fashion show for the Fall D/23 Conference and the members are busy crafting favors for the ladies who will be attending. A number of Auxiliaries are conducting their own change of watch in conjunction with the Squadrons. This is a super way to gain visibility and recognition!
 

Auxiliaries benefit from keeping their projects visible to Squadron members whether it be a boating class, decorations at a social function, generating fund raisers which help support Squadron buildings or just being friendly to new members.Recognition will ultimately encourage new members to join the Auxiliary.Presidents would benefit from attending the Executive Board meetings held by the Squadron.Cocoa Beach PS invites the President of the Coco-Nauts to attend and participate in the Executive Committee board meetings.Other Auxiliaries have tried this and find it works.
 

Please plan to attend the open meeting of the Auxiliary Advisory Committee in Denver.We share projects and information that is helpful to Auxiliary officers and members as well as friendship and support.A good time will be available to all!
 

Stf/C Carmen Adame, P

The “Auxiliary Crew” for the Expo booth at the Annual Meeting in Orlando. From left

To right: D/Lt Martha Walker, AP, Stf/C Carmen Adame, P, D/Lt Lois Neef, P, P/R/C

Pat Armstrong, JN, and D/Lt Ellen Carr, AP.

Hints for Auxiliaries
 

•Don’t have your meetings at the same time and place as the Squadron meetings. Ladies can be active in both organizations.
 

•Be sure all your members wear an Auxiliary nametag at meetings.
 

•Use your Squadron Auxiliary Liaison Officer to tell Squadron members what you’re doing for the Squadron.
 

•Send in your Annual Report early.