The Samuel L. Derby American Legion Auxiliary Unit 556 recently held its monthly meeting with 14 members attending.

Chaplain Dee Dee Liden gave the opening blessing. The April minutes were read and approved. Treasurer Debby Walsh, gave the April financial report. Jeff Levandoski, Chautauqua County Commander, presented his commander’s project of repairing the 60-foot flagpole at the Allegheny Highland Boy Scout Council on Hough Hill Road in Falconer, as well as replacing the 12 x 18 American Flag. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously carried to donate $100 to the Chautauqua County American Legion Commander’s Project. A ceremony will be held on June 13 at 10 a.m. at the Boy Scouts.

Chaplain Dee Dee Liden reported she mailed out a variety of cards to 13 Post, Sons, and Auxiliary members. One member reported volunteering ten hours at the food pantry, and a second member reported volunteering 14 hours cleaning and doing laundry for a veteran. The National ALA and the Department of State are now requiring units to decide how to process new and transferred memberships. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously carried to state the Unit Membership Chair has full power to accept new or transferred memberships who meet the eligibility criteria; as this is the current process. The statement will be added to the post’s bylaws.

Current membership is at 245. Eight more memberships are needed by the end of May to reach the goal of 100%. Poppy Days are now complete. Izzy Osbourne is the Poppy Girl this year. Three thank-you letters were received: one from the Stop Soldier Suicide for the $500 donation; one from the Quilts of Valor Foundation for the $250 donation; and one from the Brandon BZ Zebrowski Memorial Fund for the $200 donation in memory of Mark Harrower and Reita Wilson. Poppy pins and all bracelets available for purchase. Members volunteered to march in the Memorial Day parade.

A motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried to give ten 250th anniversary bracelets to the eight veterans and two auxiliary members at The Magnolia. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously carried to elect the 2026-2027 officers. They are: Verna Hoover, president; Tammy Spontarelli, first vice president; Jen Jackson, second vice president; Debby Walsh, treasurer; and Gwen Funcell, secretary. Hoover appointed Dee Dee Liden as chaplain and Emma McCreary as sergeant-at-arms.

The next county meeting will be held on June 11 in Cassadaga. The Samuel L. Derby American Legion Auxiliary Unit 556 meets the third Tuesday each month. All members are encouraged to attend. The next meeting will be held on June 16.