Besides the Catholic Junior League, the Center is sponsored by the Business and Professional Women's Club, the Catholic Women's Club and B'nai B'rith. The hall is supplied by the Moose Lodge, and a pianist is assigned by the Musicians Union.

An average of 200 men in the Armed Service, for the most part soldiers taking pre-flight training at the State Teachers College and boys from Camp McCoy, visit the Center every Saturday night and Sunday. The Center is becoming increasingly popular, its sponsors report, and many servicemen have expressed appreciation for a place of wholesome recreation while off duty.

When the clubrooms were opened for the first time yesterday afternoon, 178 soldiers were entertained by a group of club members. Dancing was provided by the "juke box" and about 25 League members as hostesses. Chaperones were furnished by the Catholic Women's Club, represented by Mrs. R. A. Buckley and Mrs. George Wilson; and by the B'nai B'rith, represented by Mrs. Morris Abramson and Mrs. Robins; and the Ladies of the Moose, represented by Mrs. A. L Williams. A number of the members of the Moose Lodge—A. L. Willliams, governor of the Eau Claire Lodge, A. J. Merles, L. W. Winger, Roy Severson—assisted in entertaining the boys yesterday afternoon. 

Sandwiches and cake were provided by members of the Catholic Junior League and doughnuts were donated by Burl's Bakery. Coffee and sugar were given by the following individual contributors: Mrs. Robert Branch, Mrs. Bruce Brown, Mrs. Hayden Bowers, and Miss Marie Christianson. Candy and cigarettes were provided by the local chapter of the B'nai B'rith Lodge.

Organizations, who up to the present time, have pledged themselves to give services and food to the USO Club are the Business and Professional Woman's Club, B'nai B'rith, Catholic Woman's Club, Loyal Order  of Moose, and Catholic Junior League. This morning a donation of $50 was received from the Tavern Keepers League of Eau Claire to be used in providing food supplies for the center. 

In conversation with Miss Patricia Mertes, president of the Catholic Junior League and one of the chaperones, they highly praised the soldiers they met yesterday at the club.

They said—"The large group of soldiers that attended the opening of the center yesterday were fine gentlemen and seemed to enjoy the meeting with the townspeople and the entertainment provided for them. They were such likeable fellows and seemed to enjoy the homelike atmosphere of the club. About 25 of our girls acted as hostesses yesterday, and they danced their feet off. When it came time to make the coffee, the boys went out to the kitchen and helped the hostesses and chaperones, who said afterwards that the boys really knew more about making good coffee for a crowd than they did."

"The lodge has ordered that the bar must be closed during the hours that the USO is using the club rooms. Only soft drinks may be purchased by the soldiers.

"I understand that many of these boys come from the South and are in exactly the same boat as our boys who are sent into the South. It will probably take a little while for them to become adjusted. One of the ways to make them feel at home will be to invite them for Sunday dinner. Arrangements for this are being made at present through the school."

On Tuesday evening, March 23, after 7 o'clock, a registration of young women will be held at the Moose Lodge for those who wish to be hostesses at the club. It is necessary that each of these workers be over 18 and provide two recommendations, one preferably from the Pastor of her church, before she can be accepted as a hostess.

Although the club was sponsored by the Catholic Junior League, the  members wish it known that anyone in the city, and all other clubs, are invited to take part in the services of the USO center. Contributions from other organizations will be gratefully received, as well as the services of chaperones and hostesses from other groups.

Anyone interested in aiding in this work is asked to get in touch with any of the club officers, Miss Patricia Mertes, president; Miss Virgina Dirks, vice-president; Miss Mary McKinnon, corresponding secretary; Miss Rosemary Bauer, recording secretary; and Miss Mary Brunner, treasurer.

Anyone who wishes to send cookies, cakes, sandwiches or other food stuffs to the center for the boys will find it very much appreciated. To feed ever 150 hungry young men in an afternoon is quite a contract and assistance will be needed, so if you wish to contribute to this cause, you do so by calling 8178, or deliver the food to the club on Sunday afternoon.

During an intermission in the dancing Sunday evening, entertainment was furnished by the Misses Katherine and Patricia Whelihan and by Private Paul Wagner.  

Chaperones for this week include Mrs. Bruce Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Eller, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Woletz, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Egan, and Mrs. Morris Abramson. 

The Servicemen's Center wishes to acknowledge the following contributions during the past week: coffee from Miss Ruth Knoblock, coffee and sugar from Mrs. Bruce Brown; cake, Mrs. Joseph Woletz; cookies from the PEO Sisterhood and Mrs. Frank Egan; and $5 from the Women of the Moose. 

Although only in operation on weekends, the Center has also been able to assist the cadets in various other matters during the recent week. During this period, the Center located rooms for the wives of two of the men, called on the hospitalized wife of another, located relatives who live in Eau Claire for a third, and other such tasks as prove difficult for the boys in their limited free time.

In this group, pictured in the reception room, are left to right, seated: Patricia Mertes, Past President of the Catholic Junior League; Elmer Dechmann, master of ceremonies; Marjorie Mitchell, USO committee member, representing" the YWCA.

Standing, left to right are Mrs. A. T. Stolen, member at large of the Eau Claire Women's Club; William Kaiser, treasurer of the USO committee; James Garvey, member at large; A. O. Ayres, chairman of publicity; Joe Barnett, FSA from Camp McCoy; Miss Laura Sutherland, YWCA representative; Warren J. McLaughlin, Regional Director of the Chicago USO; Clarence Gilbertson, chairman of the USO Volunteer Service Committee; and Mrs. C. E. Guthrie, USO secretary.

Acting Mayor W. J. Mills began the "open house" program at 7:30 p.m. by welcoming the service men to the Center and expressing the willingness of those in charge to make all facilities available.

10 Get USO Pins
Elmer Deckmann was master of ceremonies. He read the names of the 10 girls who have made them selves eligible for USO pins, which are awarded after 200 hours of service. They are Virginia Dirks, Maxine Smith, Beatrice LaBrie,  Betty Martinson, Mary Larson, Elaine Reavley, Helen Deckmann, Katherine Whelihan, Patricia Mertes, and Marie Christianson. 

An amusing 12-minute skit was presented by Aviation Students Robert Swan, George Watt and Robert Kelly, entitled "Cadet's First Days in Training." It portrayed the "hazing" new students formerly received  from upper classmen upon entrance into the Army Air Corps. This practice has recently been banned. 

For Service Men
Warren J. McLaughlin, regional executive of the Chicago USO, was present and stressed that the center was for the convenience of the servicemen and that everything would be done to make them feel at home. 

Other entertainment consisted of A/S Bill Kreitzer singing "Stout-Hearted Men" and "There Are Such Things"; a piano solo and an original song, written by A/S Revie called "Angel of Love" and sung by A/S Rochelle; a duet; the Elks Club Mixed Quartette; piano selections by "Doc" Olson, and a vocal solo by Helen Mae Deckmann. 

Calls Mother in Buffalo
Highlight of the dancing, held in  the flag-decked gymnasium, was the door-prize drawing held at 10 o'clock for a long distance telephone call. 

A/S Dick Zehler won and called his mother in Buffalo, New York. A/S Clarence E. Mitchell of Nebraska had won the chance on a previous  drawing, but asked that someone else be chosen, since both his wife and mother were visiting him here.  

Dancing continued from 8:30 pm until midnight with 200 registered USO hostesses present. Barbecued sandwiches, coffee and milk were served in the upstairs lounge by the Eau Claire County Canteen. 

Among  those who helped with the refreshments were Mrs. W. J. Rockwood, Mrs. W. Duganne, Mrs. Charles Kessler, Mrs. John Green, Mrs. Joe Miller, Mrs. H. C. Benson, Mrs. Frank Glomski, and Mrs. Lillian Bennett.  

Use All "Y" Facilities
The YMCA board of directors has announced that all regular facilities will be open to servicemen every day. There is a game room for pool, a club room, a ladies lounge, and a members lounge. Two large rooms on the second floor, that are to be open for USO activities on weekends, still remain to be equipped with furniture.

A spokesman for the local organization said that the program, in the future, will consist primarily of informal dancing Saturday evening; Sunday afternoon and evening with refreshments being served.

The new USO is to supplant the Service Men's Center that has been conducted in the Moose Hall since it was begun last March 16.

Lined up at the left window are Jeannette Bullis and "Ripcord" Russell; at the right window: Jane Lewis and William Kreitzer, aviation student, who was one of the vocal soloists on the opening  program. In the background are Sergeant and Mrs. Loren Bridges.

The weekly prize of a long distance call home went to A/S P. E. Jenkins of Wichita, Kansas. 

Arrangements for the week were made by a KP squadron headed by Lieutenants Mary Nordrum and Jeanne Moe.

Contributions this week came from residents of the Third Ward. Especially welcome was an enormous bowl of potato salad and large number of apples sent by Mrs. John Lindner, Sr. Other contributions included: cookies from the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church, Mrs. Jim Dougherty, Mrs. Ray Hazen, Mrs. A. Edwards Heins of the PEO, Mrs. F. A. Schwandt, Mrs. H. D. Gilbert, Mrs. Morris Abramson of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary, and Mrs. W. D. Hansen; cakes from Mrs. J. J. Kelley, Mrs. F. C. Kinsman, Mrs. Harlan Niebuhr of the Jaycettes, Mrs. Foster and Mrs. J. B. Griswold; doughnuts from Jessie A. McDonough and Mrs. A. A. Garbe; magazines from Mrs. Ida Mae Swenson, and 50c from Mrs. Wayne Plumnmer.

Next week the Fourth Ward will again be asked to contribute.

Some of the boys took advantage of the home-like atmosphere to help in preparing the Sunday night supper, and they took over completely when it came to doing the dishes after the meal. "This is just like my mother's kitchen,'' said one. 

Contributions for the week include cakes from Mrs. L. L. Phillips of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary and  Mrs. R. H. Kopplin of the Jaycettes, cookies from Mrs. R. R. Richards of the PEO, and pickles from Mrs. Merle Hollen.

One of the special cakes also served as a birthday cake for A/S Larry Hughes of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, who cut the cake to the tune of "Happy Birthday," sung by the junior hostesses on KP duty. 

One of the features of the party was the making of home-made fudge by groups of service men and hostesses, and it proved to be one of the most popular.  

Labor union auxiliaries proved generous contributors this weekend. Members of the Auxiliary of the Eau Claire Trades and Labor Council sent the following contributions: cakes from Mrs. A. Gavery, Mrs. Alfred Storlie, Mrs. Victor McFarlane, Eleanor Barty, Mrs. Matt Girnau; cookies from Mrs. Gavery, Mrs. Leo Smith, Miss LaVina Martin, Mrs. Wm. E. Stein, Mrs. M. Peterson, Mrs. James Voll; cup cakes from Miss Jeanette Fenner and Agatha Strachota. 

The United Auto Workers Auxiliary, Local 247, contributed a check for $5. 

Other contributions for the week included cakes from Mrs. Chester Hahn and Mrs. George Betz of the Jaycettes and Mrs. Cronk and Mrs. Ray Garner. Cake from Mrs. Shockett of the B'nai B'rith. Brownies from Mrs. M. A. Rice, cookies from Mrs. Ella M. Nelson of the PEO, doughnuts from Mrs. Robert J. Bauer, pickles from Mrs. Harold Edson and Mrs. Mary Chaput, a large box of assorted cookies from the American Legion Auxiliary to William Johnson United 53 and Mrs. H. J. Sorenson. Contributions other than those made by organizations were from residents of the Seventh Ward. 

The special Valentine birthday cake was made by Mrs. R. Richards. 

Next week residents of the Eighth Ward, whose members proved so very generous the last time they were asked to contribute, will again be called on for donations.

Hostesses are asked to note the date of the Leap Year Formal, Saturday, February 26.

Inasmuch as the Center will not need as many cakes and cookies as have been necessary, the hostess group is discontinuing soliciting specific wards each weekend. It would be much appreciated if the organizations which have contributed each week would continue to do so, however, as their donations should be sufficient to feed the men who are present. 

Lieutenant for this week was Miss Mary Larson. 

Contributions received, all from the Seventh Ward, except where specified, were cookies from Mrs. Harold Edson, Mrs. William Steinberg, Mrs. M. A. Rice, and the PE0 Sisterhood; cakes from Mrs. Ernest Moss of the Jaycettes, Mrs. R. Levine of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary, and Mrs. Ray Gardner. 

In last week's list of contributions, it was inadvertently omitted that the cookies from Mrs. Charlson were given as a member of the PEO.

Although approximately half of  the girls are under the required age to join one of the branches of the  service, it is estimated that approximately ten per cent of the total number of hostesses registered have joined up during the past year. 

Contributions received this week included potato salad and cookies from that ever-faithful contributor, Mrs. John Lindner, cup cakes from Mrs. George Watson of the Jaycettes, and cookies from Mrs. Kermit Stolen of the PEO.

The telephone call home was won by Corporal George Hodash of Providence, Rhode Island.

Lieutenants who headed the KP squad for the week were Margaret Brunette and Roberta Kelly. 

It has been noted that, for the past two weeks, some of the hostesses called for KP work have not been present. Girls who wish to retain their USO membership must be there when they are called for this job, unless they have a very good excuse, USO directors say. 

Contributions from the Sixth Ward received this week included: cake from Mrs. E. A. Johnson, cookies from Corinne Charlson, Mrs.Orth, Mrs. A. M. Haanstad; cupcakes from Mrs. Russell Spooner.  Also received was a cake from Mrs. Herman Lasker of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary, and $1 from Miss Ruth Stein. Buri's Bakery also contributed a largo number of doughnuts.

The USO wishes here to extend recognition to Mrs. John Lindner, Sr., as Eau Claire's most consistent individual donor. She, this week, sent a hot dish and several loaves of home-made bread, and has sent something special to the food line almost every week.  Many thanks are hereby given to her for her generosity. 

Next week contributions will be from the Seventh Ward.

Last week a sergeant, now at a coastal camp awaiting transport overseas, wrote: "Many times have I gone to your USO and always enjoyed myself, and so did the other boys who went with me. They all have high praises for the wonderful work you people are doing...I can never thank you all enough for what you have done for me. I'm in a camp here in California and, on passes, we could go to Frisco, but I would rather have a pass to Eau Claire instead. I really miss your swell little town. It may be smaller in proportion to large cities, but I personally think you have a larger city in the way you make people's visits enjoyable."

Contributions received this week were cookies from Mrs. M. Lindenbaum of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary, Mrs. A. Kudtson of the Jaycettes, and Mrs. E. C. Hopkins of the PEO. The hostess group wishes to announce that, although ward solicitation has been discontinued, any individuals wishing to send cakes, etc., may do so, as they will be very welcome.

Also among the interesting guests was a group of Hawaiian boys, now attending the intelligence school at Camp Savage, Minnesota. 

The Fourth Ward set a record in its donations for the week, with a big share of the credit going to the Catholic Ladies Aid of this ward, whose members contributed the following: cookies, seven cakes, cakes from Mrs. Al Roach, two more cakes and cream; salad from Mrs. James Barney, pickles from Mrs. William Fisher, coffee from Mrs. Conway Fisher, doughnuts, and $1 in cash. 

Other contributions included cakes from Mrs. Joe Yort, Mrs. Joe Burney, Miss Charlotte Mittlestadt, cookies from Mrs. Sam Walker, Mrs. L. E. Larson of the PEO Sisterhood, cookies and coffee cake from the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary; cake from Mrs. Clarence Prince of the Jaycettes; doughnuts from Mrs. Snyder; pickles from Mrs. J. P. Lindner, Sr., olives from Mrs. John Lindner; and coffee, jelly and pickles from Mrs. Al Barney an Mrs. Lawrence Bridges; coffee from McGinnis. 

Next week, residents of the Fifth Ward will again be asked to contribute.

The long distance phone call this week was won by A/S B. B. Ducke of Selma, Alabama.

Girls in charge of the hostess group serving lunch this week were Lorraine Newton and Helen Peterson.

Special decorations, carrying out the green and white color theme of St. Patrick's Day, were planned by the lieutenants for the week, Amy Ladvig and Jane McFaul. 

A/S Dick Kern of Santa Barbara, California was the winner of the long distance call home, a prize which is a feature of every Saturday evening's entertainment. 

Last weekend, a number of boys from Hawaii were among the visitors at the Club. During the week, a letter was received from one of them, T/5 George Nickimiri, Camp Savage, Minnesota, in which he wrote: 

"I salute you girls for the fine work you are doing. All of us who were there Saturday and Sunday had a fine time talking with you and the others. On behalf of my friends, I want to take this time to thank you. I have gone to many USQs during my year of service, but I have never seen one yet like yours, where everybody really enjoyed themselves."  

This letter is a fine example of how the service men who visited  the USO feel about the services rendered them, and show that they appreciate them. 

Contributions received this week from Second Ward residents, included: cookies from Mrs. Zorn of the PE0, Gertrude Killorin, Mrs. August Krueger; cakes from Mrs. Hector Mayheu and Mrs. Harvey Crane; cupcakes from Mrs. Victor Martin of St. John's Ladies Auxiliary; cookies from Mrs. Nate Cooks of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary; cake, baked beans and bread from the American Legion Birthday Party; pickles from Mrs. Frank Rabideaux, $5.00 from Girl Scout Troop No. 2, Mrs. Obbie Erickson, leader, and $2.00 from Mrs. Frank Ackerman, Sr. 

Next week's contributors will be from the Third Ward.

Highlight of the evening was the winning of a long distance call  home by A/S Exra Milliken of Portland, Maine who, by happy coincidence, was celebrating his twenty-first birthday. 

Decorations for the party were carried out in patriotic color scheme of red, white, and blue and were planned with other arrangements for the event, by the lieutenants for the week, Mary Sonderegeer and Julie Anne Kohlman. 

Contributions for the week, which were from residents of the Ninth Ward, were as follows: $3 from the Women's Relief Corps No. 20; cakes from Mrs. E. F. Swenson of the  Jaycettes, Mrs. Jerome Hanshus of the Jaycettes, Miss Beatrice La Brie of the Junior Hostess Group who celebrated her birthday by bringing. a cake attractively decorated to the USO, Miss Bessie Harriman, and Miss Roberta Hobbs; cookies from the Women's Society of Christian Service, the Methodist Church of Pleasant Valley, Mrs. Walsh of the PEO, the American Legion Auxiliary and Mrs. Merrill Hollen; coffee from Mrs. H. L. Hansen, coffee and pickles from Mrs. August Krueger; doughnuts from Mrs. Herbert Taves; cupcakes from Mrs. A. Olin and Mrs. Angeline Palmer; phonograph records from Mrs. Frank Packard, and $1.00 from Miss Marion Naumann. 

This week, residents of the Tenth Ward are asked to contribute. For this weekend, each hostess is asked to bring with her a coat hanger, and she will require this as well as her identity card for admission.

Several interesting guests were  entertained over the weekend, including a serviceman who had seen service in the North Atlantic and  another who had been in a construction battalion in Alaska for fifteen months. Both of these men praised the services of the USO and the charm of the hostesses. 

Donations for the week included a cake from Mrs. Ralph Mason; cookies from  Mrs. Haunschild of the PEO and Gertrude Killoren; jello from Ruth Stein; doughnuts from Mrs. A. J. Lynnes; macaroni hot dish from Mrs. Wm. F. Stern, and pickles and date loaf from Mrs. John Lindner, Sr, 

Residents of the Third Ward are asked for contribution for the weekend of July 15 and 16.

Next weekend will mark the first anniversary of the USO in Eau Claire. Just a year ago, the Catholic Junior League inaugurated the Service Men's Center which, from March until July, was conducted through the generosity of the Moose Lodge in their club rooms. In July, the Center was moved to its present location in the YMCA and became officially USO. During the year, thousands of service men have made the club rooms their headquarters, while the numbers or cake and cookies served at the weekend parties would mount into astronomical figures.

Several organizations should be given credit for their help during the past year. Especially noteworthy have been the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary and the PEO, which have sent a contribution of food every weekend for the entire year. To this  group of weekly contributors has been added the Jaycettes with two contributions a week.  

Members of the Catholic Junior League are still in charge of the arrangements 'for the weekend  parties and the junior hostess group, which comprises approximately 200 girls and is drawn from all faiths and all nationalities. As mentioned last week, 24 of the girls have given over 200 hours of service while, of this group, five have passed the 500-hour mark.   

The anniversary will be marked by a special buffet supper to be served next Sunday evening by the members of the Women's Canteen Group here, Mrs. Joseph Miller, chairman. Local boys home on furlough are especially invited to attend this supper, which will be followed by dancing. 

Arrangements for the past weekend were made by Lieutenants Elaine Reavely and Albina Berdahl.

Contributions which were from  the First Ward include cakes from  Mrs. John Bollinger, Mrs. D. R.  Rotenberry of the Jaycettes, Mrs. Arnold Reseld, Mrs. Fred Froehling, Mrs. E. J. Reavely, Mrs. T. W. Smeed of the Jaycettes; home made bread from Mrs. Charles Nelson; cookies from Mrs. H. A. White of the PEO and from Mrs. M. Boskowitz of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary, and pickles from Mrs. Harry Neill.

 Residents of the Second Ward are asked to contribute their home-baked goodies for next weekend.

The Easter holidays were observed by a special buffet supper and dance, arrangements for which were made by the lieutenants for the week, Dolores Goebel and Venetta Mason.

Adding to the Easter atmosphere was an immense Easter basket, containing colored Easter eggs and fruit sent by Mrs. John Lindner, Sr.

Other contributions included sandwiches sent during the week by the Royal Arch Masons, cookies from the PEO, Mrs. C B. Bullis, Mrs. W. T. Moderbach, Mrs. J. E. Hosford, Mrs. Charles Blum, Miss Josephine Waggner, and cookies and doughnuts from Mrs. A . C. Miller; coffee cake from Mrs. Bruce Brown, cakes from Mrs. L. Katron of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary, Mrs. E. H. Kaiser, and Mrs. Maurice Couture, $1 from Mrs. A. S. Morgan, and an anonymous contributor.

All donations, excepting those from organizations, were from residents of the Fifth Ward. Next week Sixth Ward residents are asked for contributions.

It has been brought to the attention of the hostess group that some of the outlying townships have felt that they should be called upon for contributions. Due to the gas shortage, it has been felt that there might be some difficulty for these people to bring in their donations, but the group will be glad to accept their contributions at any time, and they will be credited to the township from which they originate.

It is also pointed out that, since the USO will be open every evening during the week, cakes or cookies will be welcome any evening.

The long distance phone call this week was won by T/5 Conrad Gramdahl of Brooklyn, New York.

This week end was sponsored by the local chapter of War Dads, whose check for $15 purchased supplies for the regular Sunday evening buffet supper.

Other contributions, which excepting those of organizations, were from residents of the Eighth Ward, who maintained their splendid record for generosity. Donations included cookies from Mrs. A. T. Sorby, Mrs. John Schroeder, Mrs. Nels Rosboch, Mrs. Emil Zachau of the St. John's Ladies Aid, Mrs. Glenn Preston, Mrs. Roy Fowler, Clara Anderson, Mrs. Anton Peterson, Mrs. R. W. Scobie of the PEO, Mrs. J. E. Hanson, Mrs. G. O. Soley, Mrs. Cora Luren, Mrs. George Miller; cakes from Mrs. Martin Anderson, Mrs. Laurence Nelson of the Jaycettes, Mrs. J. O. Branden, Mrs. Ewald Zutter, Mrs. Andy Larson, Mrs. Clarence Ensign, Mrs. H. P. Sneen, Mrs. Pete Almberg, Mrs. Oscar Knutson, Edith Gilbert, Mrs. John Lindner, Jr., of the Jaycettes, and Mrs. Al Rosenberg of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary; doughnuts from Mrs. Orrin Watt, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Inga Soley, Mrs. Henry Meyer of St. John's Ladies Aid; pickles and coffee from Everett Gilbun; coffee from Mrs. E. O. Iverson; sandwiches from Mrs. Charles Voss; 50cents from Mrs. Ed Engebretson, and a hot dish from Mrs. S. R. Davis. 

Next weekend, residents of the Ninth Ward are asked to send in their contributions.

The weekend will be marked by a Leap Year formal dance Saturday evening, at which all hostesses are required to be present. This will be a Leap Year dance in the true sense of the word, as the girls must ask for all dances, and it will be considered "unmanly" for any serviceman to request a dance.

Arrangements for the past weekend were made by the lieutenants for the week, the Misses Jeanne Moe and Patricia Reidy with the platoon of assistants. 

Miss Mary Nordrum and Sergeant Lindsay took second place, with a score of 881, while third prize went to Miss Gloria Krueger and A/S Dick Kwithowski, whose total was 853. Booby prize was carried off by Miss Eileen McInnis and A/S Byron Sledge with a total of 638.

The first class of the training course was held Monday evening, at the Junior High School Auditorium. The second will be held on the 24th of January, at the same place at 7:30.

Third Ward residents proved very generous with their donations this weekend. Cakes were sent by Mrs. Litchfield, Mrs. Vernon Lang, Mrs. A. R. Hutchinson, Mrs. E. M. Hale, Mrs. F. C. Kinsman, Mrs. H. H. Kle miss, Mrs. Frank Packard, Mrs. E. C. Alm; cupcakes by Mrs. P. J. Looby, Mrs. G. 0. Sweum, Mrs. Henry Gilbert; cookies by Miss Flora Stern of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary,  Mrs. M. S. Snyder, Mrs. J. W. Shaw, Mrs. Ed. Pongratz of t the PEO Sisterhood; doughnuts by Mrs. G. M. Krogh, Mrs. Hoeppner and Mrs. Ayres; pickles by Mrs. John Anderson, $1 from Mrs. Riek, and a large sack of fruit by an anonymous donor.

Special thanks are extended to Mrs. Joseph Lindner, Sr., who sent a sufficient quantity of potato salad to furnish Saturday evening refreshments for the whole group, and to Buri's Bakery for two dozen packs of playing cards. 

Next week, it will again be the turn of the Fourth Ward, which set such a fine record last time they  were called upon for donations. 

There are several cake pans still left at the USO, which their owners may claim by inquiring at the desk in the lobby of the YMCA.

These recreation centers are at Milwaukee, La Crosse, Sparta, Tomah, Madison, Superior, Beloit, Janesville, Kenosha, Racine, Sturgeon Bay, Manitowoc, Camp Douglas and Eau Claire. 

Those at Milwaukee, La Crosse, Sparta, Tomah, and Madison were opened as official USO units, operating either in new buildings erected for that purpose or in remodeled buildings. The other eight were opened, and originally operated, by local groups that wished to provide recreation for men and women in uniform and, later, were turned over to the USO for operation. 

The regional office suggested that each unit hold open house on the anniversary, so that the public could get first-hand information on what the USO does for service men and women, the office has informed Albert S. Puelicher of Milwaukee, State Chairman of the USO. 

When the Selective Service Act went into effect in September 1940, and Army and Navy centers began filling up with trainees, the need for recreational service to the men while they were off duty became evident. Six nationally known welfare agencies got together and decided to form a single joint enterprise for that purpose. It was formed on February 4, 1941. 

These agencies were the YMCA, the National Catholic Community Service, the Salvation Army, the YWCA, the Jewish Welfare Board, and the National Travelers Aid Association. The joint agency which they formed was called the United Service Organizations, but soon began to be known by the abbreviation USO and is now known by that name to millions who do not  know its full name. 

At the time the USO was formed, its organizers planned to have only 341 clubs. Nevertheless, by December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor day), there were 496 clubs and other service units. The entrance of the United States into the war naturally tended to increase the number of units, and now there are 2,809. 

These units include clubs near points at which soldiers, sailors, or marines are stationed, lounges in railroad and bus stations, mobile units which bring recreational equipment to men on isolated duty, and units of the USO-Camp Shows, which bring some of the world's most famous entertainers to perform for the men in uniform. The points in the fighting areas at  which these performances are given is a military secret, but some of them are close to the front lines.  

The American people have given more than $100,000,000 to the USO. More than 800,000 volunteers are working in USO units.

At right, a group enjoying the hospitality of the USO Center on Sunday afternoon. A fund of $5,000 for the maintenance of the USO Center here is included in the United War Fund and Community Welfare Drive, soon to begin in this city.

Last weekend at the USO here was sponsored by Wm. C. Johnson Post 53 of the American Legion, which contributed $10. The USO was enabled to purchase supplies for the regular Sunday evening buffet supper, besides the usual generous donations of cakes and cookies. Other organizations wishing to follow this plan are asked to contact the USO.

Residents of the Fifth Ward were generous with their contributions last weekend. Sixth Ward residents are asked to give next.  Members of the USO extend their hearty thanks for cakes from Mrs. Mittelstadt, Mrs. Alvin T. Stolen,  Mrs. A. J. Prueher, Mrs.Edwin Nowak, Mrs. Edna Hoehn, Mrs. Sam Sachs of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary, Mrs. C. Kauffman, Mrs. Thomas  G. Haney of the Service League, Mrs. Ed Kaiser, Mrs. Leonard Olson; $1 from Mrs. Bellmer; coffee from Mrs. James E, Garvey; cookies from Mrs. J. B. Whipple, Mrs. Frank Egan, Mrs. G. V. Rork, from the Pleasant Valley Methodist Women's Society of Christian Service, Mrs. Henry Ryder, secretary;  Mrs. Homer Smith, Mrs. Selmer, and Mrs. J. O. Johnson, two boxes without  names; doughnuts from Mrs. Victor Reinhard, Mrs. A. G. Kappers, and a box without name.

Also received were a number of phonograph records from Miss Naomi Loomis. These were much appreciated. As the juke box at the club is in almost constant use for dancing, records not only wear out quickly but must be changed often. Anyone who has  any good dance records to contribute is urged to leave them at the USO.

Sunday afternoon, students and hostesses worked busily trimming a huge Christmas tree and putting up wreaths and other seasonal decorations throughout all the rooms of the USO.

This evening, the USO, in conjunction with the Jaycees and the Jaycettes, will give a big formal dance, to which all servicemen who may be at home for the holidays are invited. Santa Claus will be there with gifts for all the men (and service women, too) through the good graces of the Jaycees.

All hostesses are asked to be present at this dance, without exception. They must show their registration cards for admittance. Each one is also asked to bring some contribution of candy, cookies, etc., for the boxes to be packed for the group which leaves Christmas Day.

For the Christmas weekend, all local residents are urged to contribute Christmas goodies, so that these boys, spending their holiday so far from home, may be shown the real hospitality of this community.

Contributions received this week from residents of the Tenth Ward include the following: cookies from Mrs. Frank P. Johnston, and two huge boxes of fancy Christmas cookies from the Ladies of the Surgical Dressing Room, Sacred Heart Hospital;  Mrs. Franz Jevne and the PEO Sisterhood; cakes from Mrs. Louis Phillips of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary, and two cakes from Mrs. John Fasching; magazines from Mrs. Riley; pickles from Mrs. Krumenauer; and $1 from Mrs. Pat Day.

Upon reaching the camp, the girls were entertained at a dance in the service club by the men of the 251st Engineers.

USO hostesses making the trip included the following girls: Patricia Mertes, Dolores Heime, Mary Bruer, Marie Jacobson, Roberta Kelly, Marion Nauman, Gloria Krueger, Lois Kelly, Shirley Thompson, Doris McClellan, Blance Schneider, Mary Larson, Margaret Brunette, Joan Kolstad, Mary Genovese, Margaret Gallagher, Patricia Reidy, Frances Bray, Doris Douglas, Betty Adams, Lula Mae Steinke, Beatrice La Brie, Beverly Griese, Florence Belter, Beverley Storlie, Lorraine Newton, Virginia Dirks, Helen Dechmann, Amy Ladwig, Mary Sonderegger, Catherine McFaul, Jane McFaul, Ellen Michelson.

Gladys Gynild, Catherine Nogle, Elizabeth Gage, Joan Peterson, Helen Clark, Louise Gehrke, Helen Farrell, Patricia Goethel, Virginia Maenner, Joanne Cronk Mary Nordrum, Elaine Hevey, Jeanne Moe, Patricia Garvey , Lois Johnson, Janice Sankey, Elaine Derouin, Elaine Reavley, Patricia Pattison, Angeline Farrell, Betty Theisen, Ruth Stein, Joan Burgess, Roberta Hobbs, Bernice Foss, Vernetta Mason, Eunice Steichen, Beatrice Pearson, Dolores Goebel, Lois Schimedmayer, Lois Langer, Phyllis Berg, Verna Reiter, Donna Friedeck, Julia Otrin, Betty Brown, Monica Benesh, Beverley Boyl, Alice Connell, Verona Bisson, Judy Thoermer, Peggy Hancock, Albina Berdahl, Eleanor Thurston, Jeanne Rostad, Lois Neilsen, Ruth Van Norman, Ruth McIlquham, Ethlyn Ganther.

Guests also enjoyed the piano playing of talented Sergeant Frank Centro who entertained with popular songs Sunday evening. 

Sunday, a baked bean supper, complete with pickles and olives contributed by Mrs. John Lindner, Sr., was served. Additional donations included cookies from Mrs. Harold Bye of the VFW Auxiliary and, from the PEO Sisterhood, cakes from Mrs. Earl Aldworth of the Eau Claire War Women's Club and Mrs. W. M. Shockel of the B'nai B'rith Auxiliary, and cash donations from Mrs. Glen Krammes and Mrs. Ira Holbrook.

Miss Delores Goebel was hostess for the weekend.