FONDA - Citing decreased membership and the lack of a central location, members of the Reed Barrett VFW Post 562 in Fultonville have merged with the Glen-Mohawk VFW Post 942 in Fonda.

The Fultonville VFW sold its clubhouse about three years ago, Quartermaster David Stone said today. Ever since, interest in the post has been fading and membership has dropped to around 20 veterans.

"Without a clubhouse there isn't too much attraction to get new members," Stone said. "Years ago these types of clubs had so many people involved but now there's an overall lack of interest."

Post 942 Quartermaster Bruce Wadsworth said the veterans at Post 942 are glad to welcome the Post 562 members.

"We are accepting these guys with open arms," he said. "It's no problem at all."

Wadsworth said his post has about 90 members. It has been in existence since 1971, while Post 562 has been around since the late 1930s, he said.

Due to declining numbers and decreased interest, Wadsworth said, the merger was something that most members saw coming.

"It's probably something that should have happened years ago," he said.

Stone said the decision to merge was made a few months ago. Most post members seemed understanding of the decision, he said. Over the years, many of the post's members have either died or moved away from the area, he said.

"I'd say it's just thinned out," he said.

The newly merged group plans to hold a clam picnic at Post 942 on Sunday afternoon, Wadsworth said, to welcome new members and help the members become acquainted with one another. Attendance for Post 942 members and one guest is $20. For Post 562 members, the cost has been covered by Post finances, Wadsworth said. Any other person may attend for $30.

For more information or to RSVP for the event, call Wadsworth at 853-3082.

Kayleigh Karutis can be reached at gloversville@leaderherald.com.