Lake Erie Bird Club

Twenty-two members attended the October Lake Erie Bird Club meeting conducted by Dr. Terry Mosher. Members shared recent bird sightings including a report of the recent Buffalo Ornithological Society fall count by Joanne Goetz. Seventeen club members reported seventy species from their assigned areas in Northern Chautauqua County. The highlight of the count was a Rufous Hummingbird observed at a feeder in Gale VerHague’s yard.

Dr. Mosher discussed plans for the New York State Breeding Bird Atlas. Gale VerHague will present a program on the Atlas for the Nov. 18 meeting. She will explain how the project works starting on Jan. 1, 2020. Participants will report their information on eBird. The Atlas will cover the years 2020-2024. New York State will be divided in 6 by 6 mile blocks. One out of four blocks will be a priority block. The Atlas will show population changes of nesting birds in New York State. This is one of the best ways we have to keep track of bird populations.

Dr. Michael Grady presented the program for the meeting. He first discussed the recent guided hike at Battery Point in Dunkirk. The Revitalize Dunkirk program is trying to make it a nature preserve. Dr. Grady then continued his program with a presentation on seeking the Tufted Puffin and other Western avian while on a pelagic “Puffin Cruise” in the Puget Sound. He discussed pelagic birds that spend most of their lives on the open sea. They have special glands for salt removal. All birds, however, require land for nesting. He then described several pelagic birds, including shearwaters, petrels, cormorants, Hermann gull and other species. John and Bev Ruska provided refreshments for the meeting.

All are welcome to attend the Nov. 18 meeting of the Lake Erie Bird Club at 7 p.m. at BOCES, Fredonia-Stockton Road, Fredonia. For information about the club call John and Bev Ruska at 679-9676.

Leon Historical Society

The monthly potluck dinner meeting was held Monday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Old 1836 Church in Leon. Judy Stevens, Secretary, presented the minutes from the September meeting. A motion to accept was made by Pat Bromley, seconded by Lindalee Allen, with the motion carried. Treasurer, Myra Johnston, gave the financial report. A motion to accept the report was made by Frieda Milliman, seconded by Fred Milliman and approved.

Myra Johnston presented the success of the Amish Folk Art Project. Also, Dennis Crouse, President with John Reukauf, William Scherman and Fred Milliman, trustees, gave a progress report on the damages to the Gazebo. Estimates were presented and discussed to replace the Gazebo, and a decision was unanimously made to accept the insurance proposal. The final details will be completed and the Gazebo will be in place this fall or early in the spring.

The Education Committee was to meet Friday, Nov. 1 at Tina Scherman’s home to discuss the upcoming Museum schedule and displays. The Holland Land Company and its role in Western New York, especially Leon and the surrounding area, is the topic we are building the museum’s main event around for next year.

Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., Leon will celebrate its “Old Fashion Christmas” at the 1836 Church. All are welcome to enjoy a Post World War II Christmas with period displays and a typical church service with John Reukauf officiating. Come enjoy the look-back in time to the Christmas of our youth. Cookies and punch will be served after the event.

The next Leon Historical Society meeting is Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. Anyone with an interest in history or who would just enjoy a great evening is invited to come to the Old 1836 Church in Leon.

Northern Chautauqua County Club Associates

The Northern Chautauqua County Club Associates recently held their regular monthly meeting at the John Dill Memorial Post, 110 W. Main St. in Brocton.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for deceased members.

Commander Henry Link welcomed the group to his Post. He also took a few moments to talk about the club’s involvement in Boys State, and all the benefits gained by those who attend.

Roll call of officers and clubs was taken. All present.

Secretary Jim Pryll read the minutes of the previous meeting, and Treasurer Tom Halicki gave the financial report. Motions were made and seconded to pass both.

President Joe Rozen took the opportunity to say a few kind words about Charles St. George, who recently passed away. “Charlie” was very much into the Club Associates, attending meetings for over 50 years. He ran the annual meeting and elections, emceed the annual banquets, swore in the new officers, and always had a joke or two to cheer up the crowd. His motto for speeches was “Speak from the heart, and keep it short.”

Charlie was dedicated to his country, serving in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Alaska. He was also involved in his church, St. Anthony’s in Fredonia. A past mayor of Fredonia, he loved his community, a member of numerous clubs and organizations. But most of all, he loved his family, and his family loved him. Rest in peace, old friend! A donation was made by the Associates to St. Anthony’s Church in his name, a small token of appreciation.

Clubs were presented with schedules of all the Associates meetings till next May.

Also, updated sheets of club phone numbers were distributed.

A discussion followed on various clubs’ situations.

There was a turkey party at the Dom Polski Club on Friday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. The Sheridan VFW is also holding a meat party on Nov. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The next meeting of the Associates will be held on Nov. 24, 10:30 a.m. at the Fredonia Beaver Club, 64 Prospect St. in Fredonia. All club members are welcome to attend.