CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary held its regular meeting Tuesday, May 9, with 12 members attending. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Auxiliary preamble, and a moment of silence for our fallen soldiers. In the absence of Chaplain Paula Pattison, opening prayer was given by Anna Lisa VanCuren, (Unit 1280 member and Chautauqua County Auxiliary Chaplain). President Bev Speelberg called the meeting to order.

Secretary Carol Baker read the minutes from the April meeting and Treasurer Sue DeGolier gave her report. Both were accepted. Correspondence was read by Baker.

Committee reports were given.

For Pattison, VanCuren reported that numerous get well cards were sent out. The Junior Auxiliary is continuing its collection of returnable cans and bottles through May, with proceeds to be donated to local pet rescue agencies.

Poppy chairperson Baker noted that the “Poppy Days” are just around the corner and she will be looking for help. She passed around a sign-up sheet for members to choose a time to help distribute poppies at various venues.

Today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Unit 1280 will hold its third annual Rummage/Bake Sale, open to the public. Chairperson Linnea Nichols sent around a sign-up sheet to cover various jobs to be taken care for the sale.

For old business: Post 1280’s 2nd Vice Cmdr. Dan Bartkowski spoke about the Post 1280 “Spring into Summer” family event, to be held Sunday, May 28 from noon to 9 p.m. He asked the Auxiliary ladies to help with various jobs of the day and also bring side dishes and desserts. A full day of fun and activities, and good food is planned; music will be provided by “Take 2” from 5 to 9 p.m. VanCuren suggested a circus theme for the children’s games, and will help with that committee.

For new business: Unit members were reminded that the May County Auxiliary meeting would be Thursday, May 11 at the Dunkirk Legion, Unit 62. The meeting includes a memorial service to honor Auxiliary members that have passed away over the year. Unit 1280 has three passed member to honor.

Sally Lawson also was looking for workers to help on Memorial Day with the set-up, hot dog cooking, and serving for the “after the Memorial Day parade gathering” Post 1280 offers to the public.

Pat Hayward announced that she had been accepted and will be attending the Legion/Auxiliary College June 2 to 4 in Morrisville.

Lawson brought a suggestion to the meeting that later this summer Unit 1280 hold a luncheon for the “older” members to honor them; tabled until the June meeting.

Members present voted to donate money to Freedom Hall; a lounge at the airport for military families to use.

At this point in the meeting, Unit 1280 elected 2017-2018 officers: President Pat Hayward; 1st Vice Anna Lisa VanCuren; 2nd Vice Lauren Sharp; Secretary Carol Baker; Treasurer Sue DeGolier; Chaplain Paula Pattison; Sgt. at Arms Lynn Moeller; Historian Ranee Kaus. The next meeting will be the installation banquet/meeting set to be held at the Stockton Hotel, Tuesday, June 13, 6:30 pm.

With no other business at hand, VanCuren gave a closing prayer and the president closed the meeting at 7:35 pm.

Unit 1280 continues to collect coupons for overseas families; Pennies for Hospice and can tabs. The Unit sells nice corn brooms for $10; anyone interested may call the Post at 595-3145.