The Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary Unit 1280 held their regular monthly meeting at the Legion Post, April with 17 senior members attending; seven 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; one correction was made; a motion was made and seconded to accept as corrected. Treasurer Sue DeGolier gave her report; it will be sent to the audit committee. President Sharp welcomed our newest Unit senior member, LuAnn Hunt, to the Unit & to the meeting.

Reports by the committee chairs were as follows:

¯ For Americanism, it was reported that both the Unit 1280 Juniors and Seniors each have sponsored a flag for the Post 1280 Flag Program in Cassadaga.

¯ Chaplain Paula Pattison reported that she has recently sent out cards as needed to Post 1280 families; and a Congratulations to our President Lauren for the birth of her daughter, Unit 1280’s newest and youngest member.

¯ Constitution and By-laws are up to date. We are in the process of setting up our slate of officers for the 2021-2022 year, who will be installed at our June meeting.

¯ It has been announced that Girls State will be a virtual event this year to be held in June. Unit 1280 voted to send two girls, Payton Allesi and Grace Zahm.

¯ The Finance committee presented a new budget, passed as presented.

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

¯ For our Juniors, Pat Hayward reported the Juniors sent Easter favors to the local Veterans and have begun some for Mother’s Day to be sent to lady veterans.

¯ 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 and Lynn Moeller continue to cut and categorize “Troopons” that benefit our military families. Unit 1280 also collected enough items to fill 10 postal boxes that will be sent to a Naval ship that is patrolling in the Persian Gulf. Post 1280 Legion member Petty Officer 2nd Class, MA 2 Jarrett Blizzard is aboard that ship.

¯ Our Poppy chairperson Carol Baker is preparing for our “2021 Poppy Days”; she will attend the Legion and Son’s meetings to get sign-ups for the poppy distribution days in May.

For Veterans Affairs and 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, which included a thank you from the Sinclairville Food Pantry for our donation to them.

The Unit 1280 fifth annual Rummage and Bake Sale is set for Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Masks will be necessary to enter as we are still following the COVID-19 safety protocol. We will be accepting items for this sale May 9 to 14. Please no encyclopedias, computers &/or components, or exercise equipment. Any questions, please call Ranee @ 640-2801.

New business:

¯ It is still being determined, but if possible, Squadron 1280 will restart their monthly Cruise Nights, to be held every last Tuesday of the months of May to September. If held, Unit 1280 will be holding their Bake Sales as well. More info to follow.

¯ It was also noted that on May 13th Fredonia Unit 59 will be holding a County Auxiliary meeting that will include our Memorial Service for all County Auxiliary members that have passed on over the past 2 years.

¯ The next meeting will be Tuesday May 11 at 6:30 p.m., in our Veteran’s hall.