The John T. Murray Post 1017 Auxiliary met recently with social distancing.

Installation of officers took place with Robin Richmond, past county president, being the installing officer.

A short meeting was held with the reading of the minutes by Robin Richmond, and treasurers report by Pat Kibbe.

Motions were made to pay district dues, health and happiness, cancer tickets, and donation report form. All motions were passed

Because of the state convention not being held, the auxiliary received the following citations for participation, National Home, Youth, Americanism, Veterans and Family support, Legislative, Mentoring, and Hospital. The auxiliary received citation and money for the following — scholarship third place; Americanism, first place; and youth activities, second place. The auxiliary also received 100% in membership.

A ways and means for the Department and Wreath Across America information was received and action will be taken at the next meeting.

Anyone who wants to join the auxiliary must have a veteran who served in an overseas war. For more information, call Kibbe at 341-1328.

The special project for Mary Makosky, department president, is Help Heal Veterans, which is to help supply craft kits that are provided at no cost to hospitalized recuperating military and veteran patients. Helping them with motor skills, improving concentration, or relieving symptoms of depression, post traumatic stress disorder, or brain injury.

When auxiliary officials are able to have fundraising dinners they will raise money for the program. To make a donation, make a check payable to Department of N.Y Auxiliary, earmark it Help Heal Veterans and mail to VFW Auxiliary Dept. of New York, Kimberly White treasurer, 1799 Fred Road Schenectady, N.Y. 12303.

The following scholarships are open:

¯ Voice of Democracy for high school students. The topic is “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned.” Interested students should write a 3- to 5-minute essay.

¯ Patriots Pen for students in sixth through eighth grades. The topic is “What is Patriotism to Me?” Students should write a 300- to 400-word essay.

¯ Young Americanism Creative Patriotic Art contest for ninth- through 12th-grade students.

Deadlines for Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen are due Oct. 31 by contacting Kibbe at 341-1328, though calls are requested before 9 p.m.

The next auxiliary meeting will be Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Because of the virus there will be no meeting in August.