LEGION LADIES HONORED FOR WORK

In the nearly five years since the veterans home opened in Cape Girardeau, the local American Legion Ladies Auxiliary has contributed more than $25,000 in money and programs to the facility.

The veterans home honored the auxiliary's contributions and the service of its volunteers at a ceremony Friday night.

Administrator Sam McVay presented a plaque to the auxiliary's state president, Betty Cato, and local American Legion Ladies Auxiliary representative, Barbara Yallaly.

The auxiliary has helped fund improvements to the home, including $2,000 for a flower garden and water fountain.

The group's programs for veterans home residents include a ceramics craft program, cheer baskets, a Christmas gift shop and various monthly outings or house parties.

More than 300 volunteers were honored at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Night. Combined, they provided 25,021 hours of service to the home in 1994, up from 22,615 in 1993.

Volunteers John Eldridge, Nola Eldridge and Hal Scowden were honored for passing the 1,000-hours-of-service milestone.

They join six others who have passed that mark. Euil Trickey and Barbara Yallaly each have volunteered more than 2,600 hours; Vergie Templeton, more than 2,000 hours; Agnes Bendel, more than 1,900; Frieda Howard, more than 1,600, and Lester Harris, more than 1,400 hours.