Following New York state COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing, President Dawn Ransom called the meeting of Dunkirk Memorial Unit 62 to order recently. Chaplain Lucinda Simpson read the opening prayer and those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Preamble to the Auxiliary Constitution. Treasurer Kyle Ahlstrom reported on the financials, which were approved and filed for audit.

President Ransom reported that due to the pandemic, the American Legion Auxiliary Department of New York held a virtual mid-winter conference in January. Ransom reminded Committee chairs to submit report forms to their appropriate county chairs.

The Executive Committee met virtually and approved a donation to the Blue Star Mothers for postage to send Christmas packages overseas. Ransom reported that membership is at 125. Letters will be sent to members that are past due. Dues continue to be accepted to meet the membership goal and can be dropped off at the Post from Tuesday through Friday 4 to 10 p.m. or Saturday noon to 10 p.m.

Committee reports given: Pat Kibbe reported on Americanism. Several members displayed flags and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Simpson reported one deceased auxiliary member in January, Dorothy Godina. Community Service chair Ransom collected data for members who volunteered at nursing homes, and two members volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Kibbe reported that the Auxiliary Constitution and Bylaws are current. Audrey Miga reported that a virtual 2021 Empire Girls State session will be held from June 27 to July 3. Dunkirk High School junior girls are eligible and are encouraged to contact the guidance office. Miga reported two Junior Auxiliary members clipped and sorted coupons for the Troopon program and one junior is participating in the fourth grade American Legion flag education essay contest. National Security chair Janet Jagoda is collecting, cutting and sorting coupons that are sent to overseas troops. Poppy donation cans continue to be placed at local businesses and the Auxiliary is very grateful to One Stop and Main Street Liquor for making this a year-round success.

A donation was approved for the Auxiliary Emergency Fund and discussion was held and approved to assist the Legion and Sons with the purchase of a commercial dishwasher at the Post. The annual Post 62 chicken barbecue will be held on May 31 where the Auxiliary will be conducting a silent auction beginning in April through May at the Post, with winners drawn on Memorial Day. Tickets will be available at the bar during April and May. Auxiliary members and anyone interested in donating may drop off items for the auction at the Post.

A memorial service to drape the Auxiliary Charter was conducted in memory of long-time member, Dorothy Godina, who passed away on Jan. 15. Election of officers will be held in May and members are encouraged to consider serving. The next Unit meeting is scheduled on April 13 at 7 p.m. and new members are always welcome. Members continue their commitment to support and promote the Auxiliary programs which serve veterans and their families.