This weeks adventure had us heading west to Wisconsin Dells for the Legion's annual Mid Winter Conference.  But first we had to make a detour to Waunakee High School.  We met with two young ladies that are spear-heading a fundraising project to benefit the Homeless Women Veterans Grant Fund, our Special Project for the year.  Meeting Kelly and Maddie was an amazing experience.  We got to hear how they chose this particular project and what they are doing to raise funds for the program.  Through their counselor and his connection with the Madison VA, they heard about the project and decided they wanted to adopt it as their fundraiser for the year.  So far, proceeds from an event at their basketball game will be donated to the Auxiliary for the fund, as well as some from a dance this weekend.  It was so great to talk with these bright, enthusiastic girls.  They really remind a person that there is hope for the future.  I am over-joyed that they are concerned about our veterans and wanted to know more about what we do as an organization and how they could help.  More information on this when we go to receive the check for the donation.

After this great visit, we headed north to the Dells and got comfortable at he Ho Chunk Casino Conference Center.  Wouldn't you know it?  Our room was at the far end of the "u" shaped corridors of the hotel.  Nice room, but pretty far from the events.  No big deal for us, really needed the walk!

Friday morning came early, of course, but we were up and running, completely dress BTW, and in our seats well before the 8AM Convention planners meeting.  Really interesting meeting, and enlightening in some ways.  It was great having this day to catch up with old friends and do a whole lot of socializing.  We headed back down those long halls for a rest before we met the Central Division National Vice President Mary Jo Berning from the Department of Iowa.  We had a great dinner with her and Past National Presidents Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan and Pearl Behrend.  It was nice to be in a very relaxed setting, chatting and enjoying great food and company.  Of course, Friday night was the annual hospitality rooms sponsored by various candidates for Legion offices this year.  Unfortunately this Madam President had to go to her room and do her homework!  Membership Chairman Ann presented me with a 6" high pile of certificates that needed my signature!  Guess I will know better next time...will run & hide:)

Saturday was another early day!  I was asked a while back if I would help with some computer training for the Legion and of course, in the spirit of "working together" I said I would.  I did one class at 8 and another at 11.  Pretty basic stuff, but for some it was needed information.  Classes went well and I even got to tell the "flying computer" story!  In between, we had the Finance Meeting.  It was another opportunity to review items important to the daily future running of the Department.  It was a fast exit to the Auxiliary Luncheon where Mary Jo was our honored guest.  I was late getting up to the room, class went long, I met a special Auxiliary member on the way so it was a slightly hectic start to the event!  A few deep breaths, a couple flubs, and a couple laughs later, all was well again! 

Home again on Sunday without event, but the mandatory stop at Johnson Creek to visit our awesome friends at Dressbarn!  and yes a couple little things did follow me home!