Flag pole ceremony Saturday

Saturday will see a host of dignitaries in place at the Cameron - J. Jarvis Troup Municipal Library for the formal dedication of the new flag pole erected by Troup's American Legion Auxiliary. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. and refreshments will follow inside the library. The public is invited and encouraged to take part in this event.

State Rep. Leo Berman, joined by his wife Dr. Lou Ann Berman, will be the guest speaker. Also on hand will be president of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Texas Charlene (Charlie) Dew and president of American Legion Auxiliary District 3 Nell Underwood.

"This event goes on our community service program, and we are calling it Operation Make a Difference," said Becky Mathis, Auxiliary president. "We are trying to make a difference in our community, whether it be a public place of business, an unfortunate child or family, active duty and/or their family."

"We have several on-going fundraisers, one which will end at our March 11 meeting," said Mathis. "It's called a Bakeless Bake Sale."

Folks are invited to NOT bake a cake, pie, cookies or brownies. No need to find the recipe, to shop for the ingredients or to mix, cook, cut or wrap.

With nothing to deliver and no reason to stand in the heat, cold or rain to sell, there is only one thing left to do. That's to write a check to "American Legion Auxiliary Unit 418" and send it to ALA Unit 418, P.O. Box 552, Troup, 75789, for the amount you would spend on ingredients to bake and stay home and enjoy doing something for yourself or with your family. There will be a drawing of names of those who send in a donation and the one name that is drawn will receive a prize.

The ladies are also selling chances on Heavenly Hats covered with $100 worth of lottery scratch-off tickets as well a Valentine Baskets.

"Another project we are starting to work on are pocket flags," said Mathis.

The small flags are folded and placed in a plastic bag along with an enclosure that says "A flag for your pocket so you can always carry a little piece of home. We are praying for you and we are proud of you. Thank you for defending our country and our freedom." These will be sent to troops serving around the world.

Unit 418 has 88 members and continues to grow. Most members live in Troup or surrounding areas, with one member in Colorado and two in Arkansas.