Auxiliary Corner - February 2026
Happy New Year Everyone!
I hope everyone was safe during the storm! 2025 is behind us and it was quite eventful! Members of the Auxiliary did an outstanding job with all of our programs and events throughout the year. I appreciate everyone’s hard work. From our basket raffles, the Walkathon, the amazing turnout for the Wall, Dine to Donate, our Veterans Day dinner, Sharon’s wonderful work with Her in Hero and all the other events that you all contributed to, ending with another incredible breakfast with Santa, it was a job well done and I thank you all! This year we held a special session after breakfast with Santa. For the first time, we hosted a small session for our children that have a hard time navigating the chaos of so many people. We had around a dozen children come and they had a wonderful time. Parents were very appreciative to have a special place for their children to be able to see Santa. Several have asked that we do it again next year.
A special thank you to the Sons and the Riders for all of the support you have given to the Auxiliary this past year. We worked as a family and together we do amazing things.
On to 2026. This year will be just as busy as last year and I can’t wait to get started. In March we will finally be kicking off Operation Full Plate. It has been a challenge to put this program together but it looks as though we will be able to start it up soon! No Veteran should every go hungry and we aim to help those in need. Again, if you know of anyone, please reach out so we can add them to our list.
Along with our yearly basket raffles and vendor craft fairs, we have a very special event in store. This October, our Auxiliary, along with a couple other auxiliary units, will be hosting “American Legion Auxiliary Salutes the Arts” at the Wood Theater in Glens Falls. We will soon put out a call for all Veteran Artists to become part of this juried event. There will be monetary awards for the winners. You must be a Veteran to be part of this event. Salute the Arts is NOT affiliated with the Stratton VA National Arts festival. By National rule, you plan on trying out for the VA National Arts festival, you will not be eligible to participate in this Auxiliary event. We will be looking for performers of music and dance along with Visual arts such as painting, drawing and sculptures. All proceeds raised for this event will be part of our VA &R program and will go directly to the winners of the categories of the event. More information coming soon.
Elections are right around the corner and the nominating committee will start reaching out in March to gather information on anyone wishing to run for office. Nominations will be in April and elections in May.
Bingo kitchen continues to do well. Thank you to all who have volunteered their time. Every little bit of time helps and we appreciate it. A huge shout out to everyone involved in the amazing new cabinets.
Our membership is at 95% paid. We have gained 12 new members but we have a handful that still need to get their memberships in. Please spread the word so we can achieve 100%.
Let’s make this year a wonderful year and don’t forget to keep track of those volunteer hours!
All the Best.
Julie Montello, President