CASSADAGA — In June, the Cassadaga American Legion Auxiliary met for the first time since March when it closed down due to COVID-19. Guidelines were followed according to the governor’s protocol; masks were worn, social distancing was observed, and sanitizer was available for those that wanted to use it.

Unit 1280 held their regular monthly meeting at the Legion Post, on June 9 with 10 senior members at the meeting, two senior members joined us on phone conference, and one great-granddaughter guest; all officers were present.

President Lauren Sharp opened the meeting in regular fashion with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Preamble, & a moment of silence for our fallen soldiers. Secretary Carol Baker read our March meeting minutes; a motion was made & seconded to accept them as read. Treasurer Sue DeGolier gave the financial report; referred to the audit committee.

Reports by the committee chairs were very limited due to no meetings for the past three months, but these were as follows:

¯ Americanism: Chairperson Pat Hayward gave a great report, there are 221 American flags flying in the village this year from the Post 1280 “Flag Program,” of which, 76 sponsors are from Unit 1280.

¯ Chaplain Paula Pattison, has sent out ‘Sympathy’ & ‘Get Well’ cards as needed to Unit members and their families.

¯ Children & Youth reported that all activities were postponed until fall of this year.

For Education, Sharp reminded the members “Box Tops for Education” are now submitted with a phone ‘App’.

Once downloaded into your phone, it is easy to use and you can send the points to the school of your choice. Our Unit members that use the app have been benefitting Sinclairville Elementary.

For Empire Girl’s State, chairperson Brandi Meacham, reported that all activities relating to Girls’ State was canceled for 2020.

Our Unit used to give the book “Roberts Rules of Order” to our representative; we will be giving a copy to Sarah Meder.

Historian Ranee Kaus is keeping track of the Unit’s activities and documenting them with pictures and articles for the history book.

Junior Mattea Hilliker is collecting returnable cans and bottles with proceeds to go to a benefit for a friend, and is planning, later this year, to collect stuffed bears for sick children.

Membership for Unit 1280 has 186 Unit members paid that puts us at 95% for the year! The 2021 dues are coming out soon, to keep your continuous years you can still pay your 2020 dues; mail them to: Cassadaga Auxiliary Unit 1280, PO Box 497, Cassadaga, 14718.

On National Security Pat Hayward reported that she and Pattison continue to cut & categorize “Troopons”, and two Unit members gave blood at a recent drive.

Poppies arrived but due to the COVID-19 shut down, “Poppy Days” were canceled. Unit member still put out poppy cans in local businesses, and Sally Lawson took poppies around on Memorial Day as the Post Legionnaires, Auxiliary and Sons paid tributes to our fallen at 11 local cemeteries.

In old business, the Rummage Sale set for May 16 was postponed, Chairperson Linnea Nichols requested that it be rescheduled for Saturday, Sept 12.

Remember to save all your “rummage” for our sale. Posters will be going up in August.

In new business, a note from National stating that due to the COVID virus, all Unit, County, Department officers and committee chairpersons remain the same through 2021.

The Post Board of Directors asked Unit 1280 if they would be interested in purchasing new window treatments for the three windows in our newly painted hall. After discussion, we are looking into costs of different treatments, and will return the information with a request that each entity pay for a window.

Our annual Vendors Showcase is scheduled for Saturday, Oct 24. More news to follow.

Unit 1280 voted to sponsor a flag for the Post 1280 “Flag Program”, tag to say: In memory of all deceased Unit 1280 members.

With no further business at hand, Chaplain Pattison gave a closing prayer and the president closed the meeting at 7:40 p.m.