American Legion Auxiliary District 18 President DeNyse Laugeson of El Monte will conduct the regular monthly meeting Monday, September 20^th , 7:30 p.m., at  El Monte American Legion Post 261, 4542 N Peck Rd., El Monte, Delegates to the National Convention  in Milwaukee will have interesting reports on accomplishments and awards for the past year as well as new plans for the 2010-2011 year.

September is Music Month in the Auxiliary and Music Chairman Aprildawn Walker of Baldwin Park will present appropriate music as the new theme for the coming year is “Music”, with the motto “United in Service, Ideals and Commit-

ment” with special emphasis on veterans, active-duty personnel and their families.  1^st Vice President Kathy Pipkin of Walnut will stress the #1 priority, membership.  The Auxiliary is the world’s largest women’s patriotic organization and eligible ladies (wives, daughters, mothers, grandmothers, granddaughters and great-granddaughers of American Legion members, and women veterans in their own right) are invited to join.  Interested eligible women are urged to contact a local Unit near their home, or the chairman at kataux75@aol.com.

The Girls Staters that recently returned from the 2010 session of Girls State will meet soon with Girls State Chairman Judie Tabacchi of La Verne, and the first order of business will be the election of officers for this new Alumni group that will be installed by Past Department President Odette Cuccaro of Monrovia.

The American Legion Auxiliary has long had a commitment to the youth of our nation, and Units will be contacting local schools regarding the extensive scholarship program available to high school students who are citizens of California and have a veteran eligibility (i.e. father, grandfather, uncle, etc.).  Scholarship information is available on the website http://www.calegionaux.org/Scholarships.  Students can determine the scholarship(s) in which they can qualify, print the necessary application and submit the application through a local Unit.  Chairman Esthela de Siegrist of El Monte recently attended the Marine Corps “Educators’ Boot Camp” which encouraged  incorporation of elements of the Marine Corps philosophy when working with students in our nation’s schools: to employ strict discipline, maintain the highest expectations and standards, assess weaknesses and correct them, develop a strict code of honor and always demand a truly healthy regiment in mind, spirit and body.  Such a great example for all educators. Questions concerning the scholarships may be directed to her at hetds@yahoo.com.

Norma DuVall of Monrovia, co-chairman of the 2011 Ontario Convention Committee will present current information on the forthcoming Talent Show Competition to raise funds for the Convention in 2011.  Audition deadline is September 27^th with competition dates coming in October, November, February and March.  The chairman can be reached at normajdu@aol.com.