The McLouth United Methodist Church and the Tonganoxie United Methodist Church will once again go head-to-head in the 2013 UMC Souper Bowl. This year, we are seeking support throughout McLouth, with plans of crushing last year’s record of 3,729 cans. Last year, Team Tongie ran away with the trophy by collecting 5,352 cans. However, this year, the McLouth team leaders have started strategizing how we can get back the trophy and provide more cans to area food pantries. The official 2013 Souper Bowl kick-off will begin next Sunday. Cans of condensed soup, chunky-style soup, stew, chili, and pasta such as ravioli, Beefaroni or SpaghettiO’s will help those in need. If you would like to support our team, but are not able to get out to purchase the food items, you may drop your cash donation in the “big” soup can at the church. There will also be designated drop-off sites for can collections throughout McLouth. Be sure to encourage your friends, relatives and neighbors to join in on the fun. The last day for collection of cans will be Feb. 3, Super Bowl Sunday, at the 11 a.m. church service.

Tonganoxie American Legion Post No. 41 is organizing an auxiliary unit. In the spirit of service, not self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. All eligible women around the community are invited to participate.  Our initial meeting will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Mirth Café Too, located at 1212 E. Highway 24-40 in Tonganoxie.

Eligibility for Membership:

American Legion Auxiliary Membership Eligibility: 1) A woman who is eligible for membership in The American Legion is also eligible to join the American Legion Auxiliary. 2) The mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or grandmother of members of The American Legion, and deceased veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during the listed war eras. 3) Step-relatives are also eligible. Eligibility Dates: April 6, 1917 – Nov. 11, 1918 (World War I); Dec. 7, 1941 – Aug. 15, 1945 Merchant Marines (only eligibility); Dec. 7, 1941 – Dec. 31, 1946 (World War II); June 25, 1950 – Jan. 31, 1955 (Korean War); Feb. 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War); Aug. 24, 1982 – July 31, 1984 (Grenada/Lebanon); Dec. 20, 1989 – Jan. 31, 1990 (Panama); Desert Shield/Storm/War on Terror: Aug. 2, 1990 to date of cessation.

Junior membership is offered to anyone 18 and under who is an immediate family member of an American Legion member or a deceased veteran.

Questions? Contact Connie Kleinschmidt: 979-308-5222. Please join us. No RSVP required.

McLouth Friendship Club’s covered dish luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the community center. Several have signed up to bring soup. Suggested additions are crackers, cheese, relish plates and desserts. All adults over 50 are welcome.  Please bring your table service.

A Valentine luncheon for senior citizens will be hosted by the National Honor Society students of McLouth High School at 11:30 on Monday, Feb. 11, in the school library. Reservations are required. Please RSVP in advance by calling 913-796-6122.

— Please submit McLouth Community information, announcements, and upcoming events to Beverly Muzzy: mclouthhappenings@gmail.com or 913-796-6935.