Department of California – District 18

District 18 President DeNyse Laugeson of El Monte will conduct the regular monthly meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary on Monday, October 19^th, 7:30 p.m., at Alhambra Post 139, 24 N Stoneman, Alhambra. October is Education Month in the Auxiliary, and students are reminded that the extensive scholarship program of the Auxiliary available to high school students who are citizens of California.  To be eligible the applicant must be a child of a veteran of the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam , Granada or Panama conflicts, Desert Storm/Desert Shield, or is currently on active duty.  The Department of California offers up to $22,500 in scholarships annually, and another $7.500 can be applied for from the National organization.  Information is available on the website http://www.calegionaux/org;scholarships and students can determine the scholarship(s) which they can qualify and print the necessary application.  All applications must be submitted through a local Unit of the Auxiliary, with Units located throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire.  Further information may be obtained from District 18 Education Chairman Estella Torres deSiegrist at hetds@yahoo.com, or 626-442-0354.

Veterans’ Affairs and Rehabilitation Chairman Margaret Quinones of La Puente will have current information on the National Creative Arts Festival, which this year will be hosted at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas from the 5^th to 11^th of October. The Festival continues to evolve each year as it showcases the artistic achievements of veterans from across the country in art, music, dance, drama and creative writing.   Each year, nearly 3,000 veterans representing 100 VA medical centers enter the competition.  Everyone is urged to watch for any information on possible television coverage.

Plans are underway for the Past Presidents’ Parley Halloween Party on October 26^th at Arcadia Post 247, 615 E Live Oak, Arcadia.   Chairman Julie Potter of Baldwin Park is planning  a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m., with the party open to both Junior and Senior members.  There will be games and surprises, including a costume parade for both groups.

Those wishing to learn more about the Auxiliary are welcome as well, and anyone interested in membership in the world’s largest women’s patriotic organization may contact any local Unit.  District 18 covers the entire San Gabriel Valley and there are active Units in almost every community.

For additional information, please contact  Peggy McIntosh – 626-287-0139 Public Relations Chairman