COI director comments on city issue

Diane Hewitt-Johnson, chief executive officer of Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. offered a statement regarding the Dunkirk Common Council comments regarding a homeless individual. “(Councilwoman) Natalie Luczkowiak’s statements were her own and not made at the direction of COI nor do they reflect the values or mission of COI,” she said in an email.

Hewitt-Johnson’s remarks come after the article on Saturday-Sunday OBSERVER. Luczkowiak, who brought the issue up at the meeting, serves as a member of the COI board of directors.

Donations sought for rummage sale

CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary Unit 1280 will be holding its annual Rummage Sale on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The group is accepting donations through Friday. It cannot accept electronics/computers, exercise equipment, encyclopedias or car parts. Questions? Call (716) 595-3145.

CLCS updates board meeting schedule

Members of the Chautauqua Lake Central School Board will hold a board meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 in the Secondary Library at CLCS. This meeting replaces the meeting previously scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

VFW Auxiliary holds meeting

John T. Murray VFW Post 1017 Auxiliary recently met. Meeting was called to order by President Patricia Rabb. The auxiliary will be hosting a goulash dinner June 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. with take outs only. The dinner includes salad, bread, goulash and a dessert for a donation of $15. Tickets will be available June 1 at the post, a few members will have some also, or you can call Raab at 716-341-1328. The fundraisers help us in what we do, we take up items for the veterans to the VA hospital. Includes some clothing, hats, lap robes, personal care items, money for the coffee cart, along with the youth,

Under new business the auxiliary was installed by past county president Robin Richmond. Officers for the 2025-2026 year include President Rabb, Senior Vice President Judi Perry, Junior Vice President Brenda Drummond, Chaplain Becky Addington, Conductor Bill Kubasik, Treasurer Pat Kibbe Guard Mary Krupa, Secretary Richmond, Trustees Sue SanGeorge, Sue Mizwa and Susie Dorsett.

On Saturday, the auxiliary will assist the post with putting the flags at the cemetery. Please be at St. Mary’s cemetery at 10. Anyone wanting to help it would be greatly appreciated.

On Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. a baby shower will be at the Eden VFW post. Many items were brought to the meeting.

Rabb attended the sixth district convention. The auxiliary received the following awards for membership. Achieving 100% in membership, highest percentage at 101.54% and most new or rejoined members. The auxiliary is always open for membership. Applicants must have a DD214, with a parent, grandparent, daughter, son, sister or brother who served in an overseas war.

The auxiliary sent to the Sheridan VFW $50 toward their Wounded Warrior project. Also approved $25 to the Buffalo United Front.

June 11 to 15 the state convention will be at the Marriott in Albany. Rabb and Richmond will be attending.

The auxiliary has a fundraiser at CanKings in Fredonia and Irving. If you take your bottles and cans there and say they are for the Blue Star Moms, the post will get the money in December for their Christmas boxes to the troops.

The next meeting is June 2 at 6:30 p.m.