Daughters of the American Revolution
The Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered for the annual Christmas luncheon, which again this year was graciously hosted by Mercy Warren, vice regent, at her festively decorated home in Westfield.
Chaplain Ann Wood gave the blessing which was followed by a meal and lively conversation. Patriotic Christmas gifts then were exchanged.
Regent Antoinette Sherman reported that the November collection of gifts for overseas troops was a great success. The chapter packaged and mailed a quantity, and the remaining were forwarded to the Blue Star Mothers for distribution.
The next meeting will be held March 7, 2013, at the McClurg Museum in Westfield.
For information on how to establish eligibility to join the DAR contact Registrar Dawn Ubaney at 679-1218.
Northern Chautauqua County Club Association
The Northern Chautauqua County Club Association recently held its regular monthly meeting at The Kosciuszko Club, Nevins Street, in Dunkirk.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for deceased club members. President Jim Stelmach welcomed the group to his club.
All member clubs were represented and all officers were present.
Guests included Dunkirk Mayor Anthony Dolce, former Mayors Richard Frey and Charles St. George, and Bob Mosier, of the Sheridan VFW.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Janet Rozen, and a financial report was given by Treasurer Janis Dibb. Motions were made and seconded to approve both reports.
In new business, a motion was passed to increase the amount the association may donate to causes, based on individual requests.
A discussion followed on the inability of clubs to contact other clubs in cases of information and emergencies. Reasons were cited, and remedies were offered. A letter describing the problem and possible solutions will be sent to each club's board.
A donation was made to a Silver Creek Overseas Veterans fundraiser.
The next meeting will be held, Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the Dunkirk Moose Lodge, 296 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk. Election of the 2013 officers will take place. All members of clubs are invited.
Valley Historical Society
SINCLAIRVILLE - Members of the Valley Historical Society met recently at the South Stockton Wayside Chapel for their annual Christmas dinner and meeting. The dinner was opened with a prayer by Vice President Larry Barmore, and then a variety of food was served to those present. Special thanks were extended to Elaine Palmer-Titus and Linda Parmenter for hosting the dinner, and providing the festive table decorations.
President Albert Olmstead welcomed all to the meeting, leading all in the Pledge of Allegiance and asking for a moment of silence for a member who had donated so much to help with the historical society. Treasurer John Sipos gave the financial report, and said that the museum is closed for the winter season and has been winterized. Sipos has made plans for the year 2013, by listing all of the meeting dates, and asked for volunteers to serve refreshments at the meetings. The museum is open on Sunday afternoons from May through September, and Sipos distributed a sign-up sheet for those to volunteer their time to be museum guides on the Sundays the museum is open. Sipos also said that many people have donated funds to help with the operation of the museum, and said that thank you notes will be sent out to the generous donors soon.
At the meeting, elections were held, with President Olmstead re-elected, and Vice President Barmore also re-elected. Barmore an-nounced that the annual history fair is scheduled to be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. The newly formed "outhouse" races will now become an annual event of the fair. Mary Shearman was re-elected to serve as the secretary, and curators re-elected were Audrey Prosser and Bonnie Larkin. Larkin said that they have been doing an inventory of the museum and matching the item with its listing.
Olmstead said that he would like to see a special project on the museum building of a new handicapped ramp door. All agreed. The historical society is taking a winter time break, and the next meeting will be on Tuesday April 2, 2013, when the annual maple sugar party is held. The meeting will be held in the fellowship hall of the Wayside Chapel. June Woollett made a motion to make a donation to the chapel for the use of their building, and this was seconded by Marge McIntyre.
The Valley Historical Society had its beginning in 1977 by the late John and Ruth Smith, who saw a need to preserve the history of the Cassadaga Valley area. One year later, the museum building was purchased. For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14782. New members are always welcome.
