Dunkirk Memorial Unit 62 Auxiliary news

President Dawn Ransom called the meeting of Dunkirk Memorial Unit 62 to order on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Chaplain Lucinda Simpson read the opening prayer. Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Preamble to the Auxiliary Constitution.

Secretary Audrey Miga took roll call and read the minutes from the Oct. 10 meeting that were accepted as read. Kyle Ahlstrom presented the treasurer’s report which was entered into the minutes and filed for audit.

Ransom reported several items from the 8th District Fall Conference held on Oct. 13 at Fredonia Memorial Post 59: The revised Constitution and Bylaws with new eligibility changes are available online and need to be completed and mailed to department; Girls State will be held June 28 to July 4, 2020 at Brockport; Junior Camp was discussed and will be a topic at the Spring conference on May 2, 2020 at Fredonia Post 59; Unit 62 is making a donation to Department President’s project. “Stop Soldier Suicide”; Gift Shop at the Buffalo VA Hospital is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 8:30 a.m.; Department of state Auxiliary page is now available online listing all auxiliary committees as well as fillable reports to print and mail.

The executive committee approved a donation from the Auxiliary for the memorial luncheon for Sgt. Raeymacker, the Korean War Veteran’s remains that were brought back to Dunkirk for burial.

Membership Chair Pat Ambrose reported 85 paid members for 2020. Dues must be paid by Dec. 31 and can be mailed or brought to the Legion. Online renewal is also available at www.alaforveterans.org/renew. New members are always welcome.

Committee reports included:

¯ Chaplain Lucinda Simpson asked members to notify her of any ill or deceased members.

¯ Community Service Chair Ransom collected data for members who volunteered at church, nursing homes, and working with disabled persons.

¯ Miga reported in Pat Kibbe’s absence that the revised Constitution and Bylaws were downloaded, completed and sent to Department for approval.

¯ Empire Girls State Chair Miga contacted Dunkirk High School Guidance Office as well as Dunkirk High JROTC officials to recruit Dunkirk High School Juniors to attend Empire Girls State in Brockport from June 28 to July 4, 2020.

¯ Ransom reported in Ambrose’ absence, that the audit was completed last month and sent to department.

¯ Leadership Chair Miga reported five auxiliary members attended the 8th District Fall Conference in October at Fredonia Memorial Post 59.

¯ National Security Chair Janet Jagoda is collecting coupons for veterans and can tabs, the profits from tabs go to the Ronald McDonald house this year; canceled stamps are collected by Chaplain Simpson, all of which can be dropped off at the Post. Poppies for 2020 are being ordered for distribution during Memorial Day weekend.

¯ Public Relations Chair Miga is writing, publishing and clipping Unit 62 auxiliary articles, posters, announcements, and pictures.

¯ VA&R Chair Ahlstrom reported that Kim Schrum donated quilts of valor to veterans; also four auxiliary members provided the memorial luncheon for Sgt. Raeymacker in October and one member made a donation.

¯ Secretary Miga read a letter from Chautauqua County Auxiliary announcing the next meeting on Nov. 14 at Cassadaga Legion, which is the last meeting until March 12.

¯ A letter was sent to Mayor Wilfred Rosas requesting a proclamation that November 10, 2019 be designated as Auxiliary Day in Dunkirk in honor of the Auxiliary’s 100th birthday. A proclamation is forthcoming.

¯ Discussion was held and approved for DJ Sterling to play dinner music during the March 14, 2020 Swiss Steak Centennial Dinner celebrating the Auxiliary’s 100th Birthday.

¯ Unit 62 February Lottery ticket fundraiser is underway which supports Auxiliary programs.

¯ The box for the Blue Star Mothers Annual Christmas mailing to deployed military is located at the Post and needs your donations. Post 62 Children’s Christmas Party for children/grandchildren of Post 62 or any Veteran, age 12 and under is Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Sign up at the Post.

The next unit meeting will be a holiday dinner meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. at the Liberty Restaurant.

Chaplain offered the closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned.