CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary Unit 1280 held their regular monthly meeting at the Legion Post, Tuesday, May 11 with 14 senior members attending; all officers were present. Guidelines were followed according to the governor’s protocol; masks were worn, social distancing was observed, and sanitizer was available.

President Lauren Sharp opened the meeting in regular fashion with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Preamble, a moment of silence for our fallen soldiers, and prayer from Chaplain Paula Pattison. Secretary Carol Baker read our previous meeting minutes, accepted as read; Treasurer Sue DeGolier gave her report; it will be sent to the audit committee.

Reports by the Committee chairs were as follows:

¯ For Americanism, Pat Hayward thanked the members for supporting the Post Flag Program.

¯ Chaplain Paula Pattison reported that she had recently sent out cards as needed to Post 1280 families.

¯ For community service, one unit member gave blood on April 22, and Helen Runge reported she has been preparing meals for a local Veteran.

¯ Our Empire Girl State papers have been sent into county for our two girls, Payton Allesi and Grace Zahm. Attending the virtual program.

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

Unit 1280’s Membership now stands at nearly 95%. There is still time for Unit 1280 to get 100%! Unit 1280’s 2021 dues are $25, and they can be paid by bringing them to the post or mail them to: Cassadaga Auxiliary Unit 1280/ PO Box 497 / Cassadaga, 14718.

For National Security, Pat Hayward reported that she, Paula Pattison, & Lynn Moeller continue to cut & categorize “Troopons” that benefit our military families. Papers have been submitted to Dept. for an award. Unit 1280 got word through the parents of Post 1280 Legion member, Petty Officer 2nd Class, MA 2 Jarrett Blizzard, that the 11 boxes of items we shipped to a Naval ship, that is patrolling in the Persian Gulf, was received, and very much appreciated by all aboard.

For Veterans Affairs & Rehab, Unit 1280 members continue to collect items for future distribution to the local VA hospitals when the COVID restrictions are lifted.

Correspondence was read by the president.

Old business:

¯ The dinner the unit prepared for the county Legionnaire’s meeting held at Post 1280 April 23, was enjoyed by all attending and they all thanked the unit for dinner.

New business:

¯ Squadron 1280 will restart their monthly Cruise Nights, to be held every last Tuesday of the months of May – September.

¯ Unit 1280 will be holding their Bake Sales during the Cruises. All items will be packaged for individual sale.

¯ Unit 1280 Secretary, Carol Baker cast one vote, second by Helen Runge, to accept the slate of our 2012-22 Officers: President Lauren Sharp, first vice Pat Hayward, second vice Bev Speelberg, secretary Carol Baker, treasurer Sue Degolier.

The next meeting will be our Installation dinner, Tuesday June 8, 5:30 p.m., in our Veterans hall. It will be a dish-to-pass potluck dinner; installation to follow the dinner & meeting at 6:30 p.m.

With no further business at hand, Chaplain Paula gave a closing prayer the President closed the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Unit 1280 has nice corn brooms for sale at $12 each; and Unit 1280 continues to collect stamps, “Pennies for Hospice”; and “can tabs for Troop support.” “Troopons” (coupons) now need to be only manufacturer coupons — cut, and put into categories: unexpired, or expired — not more than two months; food items, non-food items, baby food/items, pet items; all labeled & put in separate baggies.