The regular meeting of the VFW 2496 Auxiliary was presided over by President Darryl McQuarrie at 6 p.m. on April 13, with 12 members in attendance. Four applications for membership were submitted, and all were accepted. The secretary and treasurer reports were given and accepted, pending audit. The bingo report for March was read and two donations were presented. Some information from committee reports were given. It was announced that the quarterly audit must be completed by April 30.

A final report was presented on the success of the Lenten fish dinners. Everyone was reminded that the District meeting is at 10 a.m. on May 1 in Harbor Springs, and that the gift baskets were complete and ready for the fundraiser.

During new business, elections for the 2021-2022 year were held, and Darryl McQuarrie was re-elected as president, Patrick Niedzwiecki as senior vice president, Valerie Vance as junior vice president, and Barb Stevens as treasurer. A motion was made to donate the auxiliary’s monthly 50/50 money to the relief fund.

Events taking place before the May meeting include three Friday dinners, a Mother’s Day breakfast and a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Also, a request was made by Post 2496 asking for help with road cleanup on M-32, starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 8.

After two separate motions, a $25 love gift for Department President Carrie Turner and a $25 donation in honor of National President Sandy Onstweeder’s birthday to go to Veterans Foundation for UNMET NEEDS/HUNGER were approved.

The new boiler system will be installed on May 17, 18 and 19 which will require closing the Post. This was made possible because of many donations from local business owners and the community. The Auxiliary is grateful to everyone who donated.

After the closing ritual was conducted, Darryl adjourned the meeting at 7 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 11.