The regular monthly meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary to Nesquehoning VFW Memorial Post 8008 was held Nov. 10, at the post home. President Cathy Sommers presided at the session.

Welcomed were District 20 President Karen Bandzi and her Chief of Staff Patricia Ohl.General orders for November were read and filed for action. A letter was also received from the Department of Pennsylvania Ladies Auxiliary regarding the IRS blanket tax exemption. Ohl read a letter regarding the closing of Scotland School for Veterans Children due to the recent state budget cuts.Buddy Poppies will be ordered and are available at the post home. Three members sold poppies for Veterans Day. The $2 per member for the Cancer Fund will be sent out in December. It is hoped that more dues will have been received by then. Annual dues include that donation to fund the Cancer Grant Program for auxiliary members. A bloodmobile collection was held in October, with another scheduled for December.Dues for 2010 dues are now payable and can be dropped off at the post home or mailed to 300 E. Center St.Marie Sniscak reported on the Voice of Democracy/Patriots Pen Programs. Andrew Tucker of Panther Valley High School was the only entry received for VOD. His entry was turned over to the district president for district competition, as was the first place entry of Taylor Nalesnik for the Patriots Pen. There are also second and third place entries for Patriots Pen for prize awards.President Sommers has tickets available for the Eastern Area Convention Committee for February.Five members participated in the Annual Carbon County Veterans Day Parade in Lansford on Nov. 8. They rode in the cars provided by Marie Sniscak and Joseph Gogal.The auxiliary approved a donation to buy 15 wreaths for Wreaths Across America, which is Sommers' Special Project. A contingent from the post and auxiliary will travel to Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Dec. 12 and assist in placing the wreaths on veterans graves. Those who attended last year's ceremony were very impressed and moved by the emotional ceremony.Anyone interested in donating a wreath can contact Sommers at (570) 669-9225; cost is $15.00 per wreath. A donation was also approved for the Trees for Troops from Yensers Tree Farm.During her visit, district President Bandzi inspected the auxiliary and it was found to be in good working order. She had high regard for the way the meeting is conducted according to the ritual and participation in the auxiliary programs. She was presented with a gift from the auxiliary.The next meeting and annual Christmas party will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, beginning at 6 p.m. To make reservations contact Maureen Hirochek at (570) 669-9578.