Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary
CASSADAGA - The Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary recently held its first meeting of the year with President Sue Penhollow presiding. The meeting was opened with a prayer from Chaplain Paula Pattison, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Auxiliary preamble and a moment of silence for fallen soldiers.
Correspondence was read by Penhollow.
Guest Roger Torrey, commander of Post 1280 Sons, spoke to the group, stating that this is the 25th anniversary of Squadron 1280 receiving its charter, and a dinner celebration was planned. He asked Unit 1280 for their help decorating the hall for the occasion. He thanked the auxiliary for help with the Sons' projects over the years.
In old business, a report was read from Children and Youth Chairperson Gayle Cieplinski thanking everyone that helped her with the children's games at the post family picnic. There was a great turnout, and the children had fun with the games, in the bounce house, "Rainbow the Clown" made balloon hats and swords, and did face painting.
Education Chairperson Sally Lawson reported that 33 backpacks were collected for the local school children, and thanked everyone who donated items.
It was also noted that the Cruise Night pie sales to benefit the Historical Society were very successful.
In new business, discussion was held on upcoming events which include a food collection with the local scouts for Make a Difference Day, Saturday, Oct. 20; the annual Vendor Showcase, Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the children's Halloween party, Sunday, Oct. 28, at the post from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information about any of these events, call 595-3145.
The unit also talked about the Department President's project, Family Assistance Fund, the GI Josh stuffed toys, about the veterans' "wish list" of items the veterans could always use. A list is hanging at the post for anyone to see and donate items, and holding a Thanksgiving basket raffle.
Penhollow talked about the very successful Sweets for the Sweets Bake Sale that was held over Labor Day weekend, to raise money for the Sweet family of Cassadaga that lost their house in a gas explosion. Mrs. Sweet came in at the end of the meeting and Penhollow presented her with a check to help the family with unforeseen expenses. Mrs. Sweet spoke to the group, and answered questions about the explosion, her husband's injuries, and that they are doing well now. She was very appreciative of Unit 1280's care and concern.
Members present then voted to donate money to Making Strides for Breast Cancer, the Chapel of the Four Chaplains and the Valley Historical Society.
As a reminder, the Post 1280 is now taking $20 for the 2013 Post 1280 Flag Program that flies American flags throughout the community from Memorial Day through Veteran's Day. A plaque is made to show whose honor the flag is flying for and who donated it. Anyone interested should contact Bruce Kaus at the post.
As a reminder, Cieplinski has been sending out post notices by email. If Post 1280 members would like to receive notice of upcoming events by email, send to post1280@yahoo.com or stop by the post and leave an email address.
Unit 1280 continues to collect coupons for overseas families, Labels for Education and "Pennies for Hospice," and sells corn brooms for $8. Anyone interested may call the post at 595-3145.
Daughters of the American Revolution
The District 8 Fall Meeting of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was held recently at the St. Peter's Episcopal church in Westfield, with 10 chapters attending. The event was hosted by the Benjamin Prescott and Major Benjamin Bosworth Chapters. Antoniette Sherman, Benjamin Prescott regent, welcomed the group and introduced leaders of the opening ritual.
A coffee hour and registration was followed by the regents and vice regents round table.
The remaining membership was treated to an interesting and informative a guided tour of the McClurg Museum given by John Wolfe, curator, and museum volunteers. The mansion which was built in 1818 has three floors of artifacts and displays relating to the history of Chautauqua County.
A luncheon was prepared and served by Mercy Warren, vice regent, and her group of volunteers.
Michelle Henry, Chautauqua County historian, gave an enlightening and engaging speech about the War of 1812 and how Chautauqua County played a role in it.
The chapter wishes to thank volunteers and local businesses who contributed time and goods for the success of the event.
The next meeting will be Nov. 1 at the home of Lisa Sedlmayer in Fredonia. The chapter will be donating and packaging items to send to overseas troops.
For information on how to become eligible to join the DAR, contact Registrar Dawn Ubaney at 679-1218.
Fredonia Shakespeare Club
The Fredonia Shakespeare Club held its first regular meeting of the 2012 2013 year on Thursday, Oct. 11, at the home of Dr. Sue Besemer. The topic for this year is "Authors as Social Commentators." Mrs. Victor Jonus read her paper on the English writer, G.K. Chesterton. She summarized her paper as follows:
Gilbert Keith Chesterton is a well known literary and social critic, historian, novelist, Catholic theologian and apologist and mystery writer. Born in 1874 in Kensington, London, he began his writing career with the London Daily News and the Illustrated London News.
The "Man Who Was Thursday" may be his best known novel but a favorite of many are his Father Brown mysteries. Chesterton delighted in probing the ambiguities of Christian theology, and his fiction seemed to be carefully concealed parables. In his priest-sleuth Father Brown series he combined fiction with social observation. He continued to write for and publish his own paper, GK's Weekly, until his death in 1935.
Dr. Besemer was assisted at the tea table by Florence McClelland. The next meeting will be held on Thursday at the home of Mrs. Homer Garretson, with Besemer presenting a paper on H. L. Menchen.
