The Chautauqua County Committee of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of New York met recently at the John W. Dill Post 434 in Brocton.

The newly elected Chautauqua County Auxiliary officers for 2021-22 include President, Dawn Ransom, 1st Vice President, Beverley Speelberg; Secretary, Audrey Miga; Treasurer, Evelyn Crick; Sgt. At Arms, Tara Koerselman; Historian, Lisa Sedlmayer; and Chaplain Luanne VanOrd.

The meeting was called to order by President Ransom; followed by the opening prayer offered by Unit 62 Chaplain. Members attending recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Preamble to the Auxiliary Constitution. The minutes from June 8, 2021 were read and approved. Treasurer’s report was given and approved and referred to the audit committee. Units were advised to renew their 990-tax exempt form and send in their bonding fee.

The 2021-22 county budget was approved to reflect the current budget with no changes. The Auxiliary Plan of Action for 2021-22 and updated County Auxiliary Directory were distributed to the units.

Committee reports were given by respective chairs as follows: A donation to the Auxiliary Emergency Fund was received to provide assistance to members in need during the recent weather-related emergency. Scholarship applications are now available online at the Department of NY website and Units are advised to communicate with their local high schools. Empire Girls State will be held on July 3-9, 2022, in Brockport and Units are urged to have a representative attend the October meeting to report their 2022 Girls State quotas. Several members participated in online conferences and meetings during the summer and are encouraged to take part in many worthwhile online workshops. Membership quotas for 2022 were distributed and it was noted that Auxiliary dues are now being accepted either in person, mailed or online. Manufacturer’s coupons for overseas troops continue to be collected and mailed and are always appreciated. The deadline for 2022 Poppy orders is December 1st The Veterans Administration is accepting handmade afghans as well as donations of brand-new items and can be brought to the meeting to be passed on to the VA.

The American Legion Riders expressed their appreciation for the county’s donation to the UCAN drive for homeless veterans. Individual units/members wishing to donate any brand of coffee, creamer, sugar or cups, may bring them to the October meeting.

The Chautauqua County American Legion Auxiliary and Cassadaga Unit 1280 were honored recently at the American Legion Auxiliary National Convention and were presented with the Susan M. Britton National Award for submitting outstanding reports for National Security activities.