Thirty two members, family and friends of the Allegany
District Masons and Eastern Star celebrated the 4th of July holiday by
providing a picnic lunch to the residents of the Bath VA Medical Center. Over
140 veterans plus a number of staff were served grilled hot dogs, sausage and
hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans, potato chips and homemade cookies at the
outdoor pavilion. The group of volunteers expressed that it was a great day to
honor our veterans and a great way to say, "thank you" for their
service to our country.
One member of the group, Donald Beaver from Cuba, NY, stated
that he had been helping out at the annual 4th of July picnic at the Bath VA
for over 20 years. He related that over the years, there have been many
organizations who have helped to support this outing, including the Masons,
Eastern Star, VFW, area Legions, as well as a few companies and individuals.
Some years they served barbecued chicken; some years they provided live music;
and some years they had special flag ceremonies. Each and every year the smiles
and appreciation shown by the veterans make it all worthwhile.
Special thanks to:
-Don Beaver who
chaired the event
-Strohmans/Bimbo Bakery (and Robert Baldwin for getting the
donation for us) for 24 - 16 packs of rolls
-OES-Bartlett Chapter #411 (Marie Nix, Edla Reynolds, Yvonne
Perrin, Meredith Rutkowski) for 60 lbs
of potato salad-Richard and Katie Hollis for Baked Beans
-Allegany OES District Members for home- made cookies
All of Allegany District Mason and OES District members,
family and friends for their financial help and volunteer help which resulted
in a great outing with our Vets at Bath, VA.