County offices closing early April 8

MAYVILLE — In anticipation of the upcoming Solar Eclipse, the Chautauqua County government will close all county offices and services, except emergency and essential services, starting at noon on Monday, April 8 until 8:30 a.m. April 9.

This decision aligns with the county’s comprehensive approach to eclipse preparedness, which includes traffic management strategies, enhanced emergency response capabilities, and community engagement initiatives.

By closing county offices and services during the eclipse, the county aims to minimize traffic congestion, promote public safety, and enable residents and visitors to fully experience this rare celestial phenomenon.

Birds exhibit opens Thursday

On Thursday, the Darwin R Barker Library, 7 Day St., Fredonia, will host an opening reception for the art exhibit “Something About Birds” by Jackie Damore from 5 to 7 p.m. The former Fredonia resident’s solo exhibit features her oil paintings of birds and the landscapes they inhabit.

Lenten recital set for March 27

The First United Presbyterian Church, 19 W. Fourth St., Dunkirk, will hold a Lenten Recital in the church sanctuary on Wednesday, March 27, at noon. The program features Dr. JiHyun’s organ students. This free musical program is designed to provide members of the church community and the general public with an opportunity for a period of peaceful reflection and contemplation during the hour at midweek during the Lenten season.

Congregation sets Sunday service

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua (UUCNC), located at 222 Temple Street in Fredonia, holds a Sunday Worship Service at 11 a.m., both at their physical location and on Zoom. For those wishing to join us virtually, please visit https://tinyurl.com/caluucnc. Click on “Worship Service” on the date you are attending and scroll down for the Zoom link. For those attending the in-person service, please follow the driveway and park in the lower lot behind the building. Handicapped parking is located between the two buildings and directly behind the second building.

The theme for March is Transformation. On Sunday, guest speaker Cara Seekings will lead a service about Ostara.

Long acknowledged as an ancient Pagan solar holiday honoring the spring’s warmth, light from the sun, and the awakening of the earth, Ostara celebrates transformation and the seeking of balance for the triune being (psyche, soma, soul). This is a time for growth, renewal, new beginnings, fertility, abundance, and hope. But how? Come explore the possibilities to grow.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua strives to be a vibrant, welcoming, multigenerational, diverse community enlivened by the power of radical love. For more information about us, visit the website at www.uucnc.org or call 716-679-7944.

VFW Auxiliary donates to flights

SHERIDAN — The Sheridan VFW Auxiliary Post 6390 met on March 11. The group had a successful lottery basket project last month and are using the proceeds to send more money to the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight.

The group also is gathering and writing cards to pass out to those traveling on the next Honor Flight on April 28. These cards will be used for a “mail call” event which will mimic the “mail call” of when these veterans served.

By unanimous vote, two new organizations were added to the list of monthly donations. These are Western New York Heroes organization and Semper K9.

The next meeting will be at the post on April 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Sheridan VFW Post. Call Sue Bigler at 716-203-7241 or Beckie Ross at 716-679-8452 for information.

Cassadaga information town hall meeting Monday

CASSADAGA – The village of Cassadaga Planning Board is hosting a Community Information Town Hall on Monday, March 18, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Cassadaga Fire Hall, 22 Mill St.

The topic will be a grant opportunity with a significant amount of money earmarked for transformation and renovation projects specifically for small villages. All Cassadaga area residents are urged to attend, share their ideas and ask questions.