Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary Unit 1280 held its regular monthly meeting at the legion post with 12 senior members at the meeting and five officers 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 and a moment of silence for fallen soldiers, and prayer from Chaplain Paula Pattison. Secretary Carol Baker read previous meeting minutes; a motion was made and seconded to accept. In the absence of treasurer Sue DeGolier, Paula Pattison gave the financial report; it was referred to the audit committee. Correspondence was read by Sharp.

Reports by the committee chairs were as follows:

The Auxiliary 100th Birthday celebration will continue through 2021. Unit 1280 is displaying posters in the post, and photos on the slide show televisions commemorating the 100th birthday; as well as notices being posted on Facebook.

Pattison has recently sent out three cards as needed to unit members and their families.

For Children and Youth, the unit decided not to hold a children’s Halloween party this year and insteaded participated in the village of Cassadaga Halloween trick-or-treating event. The unit asked for candy donations for this event.

For education, Sally Lawson reported she took scholarship papers up to the CVCS high school’s guidance counselor.

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

Pat Hayward noted that the juniors continue to collect cans and bottles to benefit food pantries, and are also going to make cards to send to the local senior homes for veterans on Veterans Day.

Membership chairperson Sally Lawson reported that she has had a good response to the dues notices that were sent out; early count has Unit 1280 at nearly 55% for 2021. Unit 1280’s dues are $25, and they can be paid by bringing them to the post or mailing them to Cassadaga Auxiliary Unit 1280/ PO Box 497 / Cassadaga, 14718.

On National Security, Pat Hayward reported that she and Paula Pattison continue to cut and categorize “Troopons” that benefit military families. Poppy chairperson Carol Baker is preparing to order more poppies for 2021.

Public Relations chairperson Ranee Kaus continues to submit articles to the newspapers.

For Veterans Affairs and Rehab, Unit 1280 members have collected, books, CDs, tapes, games, toiletries, etc. to be sent to the Erie VA.

A report was read on the Post 1280 chicken barbecue. The event was sold out, all wen well, and there is plans in the works for more barbecues next year.

Even though it was held much later this year, the Unit 1280 rummage and bake sale went very well.

Unit 1280 members helped the Sons of the Cassadaga Legion Squadron 1280 with its chicken barbecue in late September. That was also a sellout, with the proceeds going to the “Constance Project”.

Members of Unit 1280 planned to attend the joint legion meeting to be held at Lakewood Post 1286 in late October.

The annual vendors showcase and bake sale was held in late October. Committee chairperson Karen Field sent a report that the tables are filled, and expects 15 vendors. Tables will be set with social distancing in mind.

Unit 1280 will be helping with the Cub Scout Pack 219 Troop 219 annual Veteran’s Day Spaghetti dinner. This year it will be take-out only meal from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Dinners are free for veterans, with information and tickets available at Post 1280.