The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met October 10 with 12 members present.

Minutes from the September 12 meeting were approved, and the September 30 Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit.

The General Orders Bulletin for October 2024 from the Department President was read and discussed.  The VFW National Home is celebrating 100 years and will commemorate the anniversary in January 2025.  The Department of Minnesota VFW Auxiliary has a longstanding relationship with the Veterans Homes and Hospitals in and around the state where Veterans live and receive care.  It currently supports the following 12 facilities with funds and other donations: Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay and VA Hospitals in Fargo ND, Minneapolis, Sioux Falls SD and St. Cloud.

We received a thank you letter from the Fargo VA Health Care System for a donation of quilts for hospitalized Veterans and a note from the family of Amanda Weller for the encouraging cards, prayers and messages.

Committee Chairs gave an update on our programs for 2024-2025.

In other business

• A report of community service hours and other donations for August was received.

• Approved monetary donations to the Minnesota VFW Auxiliary for Hurricane Helene disaster relief to benefit VFW Posts and Auxiliaries that were affected, the District VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries joint project for the Bemidji Veterans Home Holiday Gift Shop, and the Menahga Community Pumpkin Party.

• The Auxiliary participated in the Welcoming Communities event on September 17.

• The rummage sale was held in September.  Many Auxiliary members helped to make it a success, and funds raised will support youth and community programs.  We approved awarding gift certificates to the VFW for other individuals who helped in some way.

• The POW/MIA recognition scheduled for September 20 was postponed upon request from the school and will be held in December.

• The Legislative Meet & Greet Forum scheduled for October 7 was cancelled due to low participation.

• The October 6 Member Appreciation Luncheon was attended by 39 Post and Auxiliary members and their guests.  Drawings were held for Auxiliary members in attendance.  Two annual members received $50 each toward a life membership, and one member received a VFW National Home membership.  One Auxiliary member made a donation to be given toward a new membership in the Auxiliary. Membership applications are available at the VFW.

• Approved payment of current bills and the Audit Report for July-September 2024.

• President Shirley Quist received a Good Job Award from Extension and Revitalization Chair Kathy Rosenthal.

• Discussed plans for the Auxiliary’s donation to the VFW Maintenance Fund.  Donations of items for the October 25 live auction may be dropped off at the VFW Club.  Funds raised will be used for kitchen and club improvements.

• The Veterans Day Program honoring our Veterans will be held at the New York Mills School Auditorium on Monday, November 11.  A light lunch will be served at the VFW after the program.

• The Cancer Aid Benefit drawing for Veterans and Family Support will be held Friday, November 15.  Tickets are $1 each.

• Discussed future events and participation in the New York Mills Community Tree Festival.

  Our next Auxiliary meeting will be Thursday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m.