Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary
CASSADAGA - The Cassadaga Legion Auxiliary held its regular monthly meeting with President Sue Penhollow presiding. The meeting was opened with a prayer from Chaplain Paula Pattison, the Pledge of Allegiance, the auxiliary preamble, and a moment of silence for fallen soldiers.
Minutes of the last meeting and the treasurer's reports were given and both accepted as read.
Guest Brittany Woodard, Unit 1280's 2012 Empire Girl State attendee, spoke to the group about her experience while attending the program at SUNY Brockport in June. She said she had a good time, and she learned a lot about how the state government works. She thanked Unit 1280 for sending her, and she will write a letter to next year's participant.
Correspondence was read by Penhollow.
Reports were given by the chairpersons for the following committees: cancer, chaplain, children and youth, community service, education, junior activities, membership, poppies and senior visits, respectively.
In old business, the unit members talked about the success of the Son's 25th Anniversary dinner that was recently held at the Post. Everyone attending had a great time.
Final discussion was held on upcoming events.
The unit also talked about the veterans "wish list" of items that veterans in local hospitals and senior homes could always use. A list is hanging at the Post for anyone to see and donate items. Information on the "Children's Safety Village" in Ashville can also be found there.
Unit member Charyle Tyler offered to take care of the fourth-grade Poppy Poster Contest with any pertinent information coming from Carol Baker.
Members present then voted to donate money to the VA Gift Shop, the Homeless Veterans of WNY care system, and Operation Enduring Freedom program.
As a reminder, the Post 1280 is now taking $20 for the 2013 Post 1280 Flag Program that flies American flags throughout our community from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. A plaque is made to show in whose honor the flag is flying and who donated it. Anyone interested should contact Bruce Kaus at the Post.
As a reminder, Unit 1280 member Gayle Cieplinski has been sending out Post notices by email. If Post 1280 members would like to receive notice of upcoming events by email, they should send their email address to post1280@yahoo.com or stop by the Post and drop it off.
Unit 1280 continues to collect coupons for overseas families, Labels for Education, Pennies for Hospice, can tabs and canceled postage stamps.
CIAO
CIAO Board of Directors met recently at JCC. Reports were given on the cooking class that was held on Nov. 2. Everyone had a great time and comments from the attendees were read by President Sam Crisanti. Anyone interesting in ordering imported Italian products can check out www.supermarketitaly.com. The Italian grocery store is located in New Jersey and caters to imported Italian food.
Discussion on the annual picnic resulted in the possibility of changing the date to the week before the usual date so more people could attend.
Chaira DeSanti gave a report on the progress with the Sister City Project. All information has been sent to Italy and we are awaiting their proclamation. She stated that Italy has a lot of levels it must go through so it may take a little longer, but she will keep the group advised.
CIAO has been planning a trip to New York to attend the Italian Festival in the fall. It was advised that we possibly attend other festivals instead of New York. Other suggestions included Cleveland, Toronto and Philadelphia. The committee will look into other festivals and report back. Once a trip is determined and prices are defined, information will be sent to members. Any member who would like to be on the committee can contact Sam Crisanti.
DeSanti will be one of the hosts of Brown Bag Series Dec. 5 at the Williams Center, Room 204 at noon. The program will include presentations about Christmas traditions from different countries. Public is invited.
On Friday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., CIAO is planning a social gathering at JCC North Campus, Room 118 and 119. Coffee, cookies,and entertainment will be provided. Members and their guest can try their luck at a friendly game of scopa and Italian Bingo. There is no cover charge for this event, but members are asked to bring a nonperishable food for the Food Bank. Reservations are required by calling Sam Crisanti at 934-2592 or Nance Ortolano at 673-9177.
