FERN SCHLIMME HONORED BY AMERICAN LEGION

Fern Schlimme is more comfortable doing volunteer work than being recognized for her efforts. So she was a bit overwhelmed at being named member of the year by the American Legion Auxiliary's Missouri Department.

Schlimme, 77 and a member of auxiliary unit 63 in Cape Girardeau for 22 years, hasn't held many offices in the organization. Her contributions have been her many volunteer efforts.

"I like to do things, but I don't like to be up front," Schlimme said.

Still her efforts were enough to get her selected member of the year from the 310 units, or local chapters, of the American Legion Auxiliaries in Missouri. The member of the year is selected by a state committee based on nominating letters from units. Barbara Yallaly sent in the letter on Schlimme.

"She's been a faithful member and one of our best volunteers," Yallaly said of Schlimme. "She does a good job with anything she's asked to do."

Schlimme volunteers at the Veterans Home, helping at the information desk, with parties and with bingo. She was recognized there last spring for volunteering 1,000 hours. She's been helping out there since the home opened in 1990.

Schlimme also volunteers in the kitchen at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center. There she puts to work the experience gained as cafeteria manager at Clippard School, where she worked for 18 years before retiring.

"She's the greatest lady," said Tina Colyott, head cook at the senior center. "She's so helpful and cheerful."

Last year, Schlimme worked with others in Unit 63 in a "Just Say No to Drugs" program at two elementary schools and in the GREAT program, which teaches teens about gangs, at the Seventh Grade Center. Other programs Schlimme works on with her unit are the annual Poppy Day, Red Cross blood drives and Post 61 events.

These are all in addition to caring for her husband, Millard, and her job as mother and grandmother to her children, Judy Hubbard of Cape Girardeau, Larry Schlimme of Burfordville and Ron Schlimme of Columbia, and seven grandchildren.

"I've always enjoyed volunteering. I get pleasure out of being able to help people," Schlimme said.