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Richmond American Legion Auxiliary hears from Buckeye Girls State delegate

AUXILIARY GUEST — The Auxiliary of the Richmond American Legion Post 740 Honored Seven met July 9 at the Richmond Park Shelterhouse, welcoming one of two delegates that the organization sponsored to attend Buckeye Girls State in June. Melodey Clancey, seated left, gave a report on her experience to auxiliary representatives Barb Grimm, seated center, president; Betty Hout, seated right, secretary/treasurer; and standing, from left, Twyla Pollock, chaplain; and Joyce Proffitt, vice president. -- Janice Kiaski

RICHMOND — A report from a Buckeye Girls State delegate was given when the Auxiliary of the Richmond American Legion Post 740 Honored Seven held an informal meeting at the shelterhouse at Richmond Park.

Barbara Grimm, president, presided at the session where officers Joyce Proffitt, vice president; Betty Hout, secretary-treasurer; and Chaplain Twyla Pollock welcomed Melodey Clancey, who will be a senior at Edison High School and is the daughter of Kelly and Andrea Clancey.

Her participation at Buckeye Girls State, which was held June 16-22 at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, was made possible through the auxiliary’s sponsorship as was Emily Waggoner’s, another delegate who also will be a senior at Edison High School.

Buckeye Girls State, according to its website, is “a week-long program designed to educate Ohio’s young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of good citizenship.” It affords an opportunity to learn about city, county and state government.

The delegates are divided into two mythical political “parties” with elections held to fill city, county and state positions. Activities include government workshops, legislative sessions, campaigning, party rallies, debating and voting, it notes.

Clancey, accompanied at the meeting by her mother, explained she was a citizen of Taft City who was elected city engineer. Her initial nervous in attending, she said, ultimately gave way to enjoying the experience, a busy week that began with introductions and campaigning, a process she learned a lot about.

She expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the annual event and read a comment from Waggoner, who was unable to attend the meeting, but also was grateful for the chance to experience the summer tradition. Waggoner enjoyed meeting people and learning about government and was a citizen of Hobart. She ran for city director of public safety.

Raising funds to send delegates to Buckeye Girls State and supporting veterans are the two key goals of the Richmond Auxiliary, which was established in 1948 and has 20 members. New members are welcome to get involved, according to Grimm. For information, call (740) 765-4116.

During reports, it was noted that the auxiliary raised $531 on Memorial Day through the sale of poppies. The red crepe paper poppies are made by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation and are distributed across the country in exchange for donations that go directly to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans, according to the national auxiliary website.

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