The Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary Unit 1280 held its regular monthly meeting at the Legion Post Jan. 14 with five officers present, eight senior members.

President Lauren Sharp opened the meeting in regular fashion with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Preamble and a moment of silence for our fallen soldiers. Chaplain Paula Pattison gave the opening prayer, and in the absence of Secretary, Carol Baker, Chaplain Pattison read the previous meeting minutes; and Treasurer Sue DeGolier gave the financial report; both accepted as read. Correspondence was also read by Pattison.

REPORTS

¯ Americanism: Pat Hayward reported on the volunteer miles, hours worked and goods donated;

¯ Chaplain Pattison reported she has sent out numerous sympathy and “Thinking of You” cards to unit members, and funeral services attended for deceased veterans;

¯ Children and Youth chairperson Karen Ulrich and elf helper, Dede Wojcieszyn had a nice Christmas party for the local children. Games were played, goodies were eaten and to the delight of all, Santa arrived with gifts for all of the children. Everyone had their picture taken with Santa, too;

¯ For Education, President Sharp spoke about the “Box Tops for Education” phone app. Once downloaded into your phone, it is easy to use and you can send the points to the school of your choice.

¯ For Empire Girl’s State, chairperson Brandi Meacham will be in contact with the eligible high school juniors;

¯ Juniors chairperson Hayward reported on their volunteer hours, donations, and mileage.

¯ Historian Ranee Kaus is keeping track of the unit’s activities. She has also posted notices online, put up posters in the Post, and on the front sign about the American Legion Auxiliary’s 100th Birthday.

¯ Membership for Unit 1280 is at 80% for the year. Unit 1280 dues are $25 for senior members and $10 for juniors. Unpaid Unit 1280 members can mail dues to Sally Lawson or stop by the Post to pay.

¯Poppy Chairperson, Carol Baker ordered Unit 1280’s poppies for 2020. They will be delivered to the Post in early 2020.

¯ Sharp reported that Unit 1280 sent lap blankets, cellphones, and cancelled stamps to the Buffalo VA. It was also noted that music CDs and a variety of art supplies have been requested for the veterans.

OLD BUSINESS

¯ The November County meeting was hosted by Unit 1280. The group had 10 members present, and had homemade desserts and coffee for the guest Units.

¯ Unit 1280 “Decked the Halls” of Post 1280 Sunday, Dec. 1 and brought snacks to share. There was discussion on maybe decorating on a different day and time to get more participation.

NEW BUSINESS

Members were reminded that their committee reports were due into the County chairpersons on March 1.

It was also noted that the next County Auxiliary meeting will be Thursday, March 12, at Lakewood Unit 1286, and it will be a dinner meeting

Unit 1280 had members attending the Department Commander, Auxiliary President, and Son’s Commander’s Chautauqua County visitation Sunday at the Dunkirk Legion Post 62.

Unit 1280 set the date of Saturday, May 16 for the annual Rummage Sale. Chairperson Linnea Nichols reminded everyone that while winter and/or spring cleaning, save all of your “rummage” for this sale. More information to follow.

With no further business at hand, Chaplain Pattison gave a closing prayer, and President Sharp closed the meeting at 8 p.m.