"Happy 2017!!"  The decorations are put away, holiday parties are all over, but the memories they bring will be in our hearts for years to come.

"2016" was a busy year for our auxiliary. The Post and Auxiliary hosted the 8th District Winter Meeting in February.We participated in the spring town wide rummage sale with fantastic results for our veterans.We assisted the Post with their annual fund raiser by providing lunch for "Raffle Sunday." We participated with the Post in the Memorial Day observance including attending mass at St Nicholas, serving breakfast to our post comrades and participating in services at five local cemeteries. We attended two local parades in Appleton and Seymour, took part in the flag disposal observance at the clubhouse and took part in the Veterans Day presentation by the Freedom Middle School. The Auxiliary cooked a delicious Christmas dinner for the Golden Agers of the Freedom School District and participated in the Freedom Christmas Parade. The post and auxiliary rounded out the year with a delicious Christmas dinner that included center cut pork, ham, baked potatoes and salad bar. The meal was complete with delicious vegetables, salads and desserts. One word comes to mind as I read the list of activities...TEAMWORK! I am so proud of our auxiliary and the things we have accomplished for our post and community.

Since the last newsletter...WELCOME to ournew members of the auxiliary, Judy Vande Wettering, and Lori (Van Wychen) Dallmann. We welcome your enthusiasm and your membership.

Our hearts ache over the recent passing of our auxiliary sister Lorraine Uitenbroek. We will miss her guidance, kind words, and enthusiasm. She was such a huge part of our auxiliary and her absence will be felt by us all. God Bless You, Lorraine.

Thank you everyone for all you do for the auxiliary. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

/s/ Barbara Van Wychen, President