Cascade Post 239 Celebrates 75th Anniversary
By Joan Bittner Fry
Categorized under Veterans’ and Military Organizations, records show Cascade Post No. 239 of the American Legion, Inc., located at 14448 McAfee Hill Road, Cascade, MD 21719, was established and granted tax-exempt status in March, 1946, and incorporated on August 3, 1950.
The 75th Anniversary of Post 239 was celebrated on August 1 in the Post ballroom. There were many photo albums of past members and events available for everyone’s enjoyment.
The invocation by longtime member, past Post Commander, and Chaplain, Rev. Warren Suker, was followed by a tasty meal of shrimp, pulled pork, baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese, ham, green beans, and potatoes, with all the trimmings and dessert.
A short message was given by Post Commander Dale Pope, who told of the good works that the Post, Sons of American Legion, Junior Auxiliary, and Ladies Auxiliary carry out on a regular basis. Their generosity is boundless and built on exemplary actions of their predecessors.
Commander Pope then recognized the following members. Missy Sewell was recognized for her ongoing administrative support of the post. Chrissie Mummert, Junior Auxiliary member, was recognized for her countless volunteer hours, setting up for and cleaning up after events, and demonstrating her strong spirit of service. She can be seen at Tuesday Night Bingo, Sunday Bingo, Ace of Clubs, and Meat Nights, lending a helping hand, always with a cheerful smile. Kerry Coyle, active member and Treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary, was recognized for her administrative dedication and for stepping in wherever needed. She exhibits unwavering commitment, countless contributions (have you tasted her cakes?) to raise funds, and steadfast support of Post, Junior Auxiliary, Auxiliary, and SAL. She is a staunch sounding board for new ideas and helps ensure that projects run smoothly. Gary Summers, Lifetime SAL Member, generously donated his time and talents with others to remodel the kitchen and the upstairs conference room, replace the roof and windows, renovate the ballroom storage closet, and most recently, renovate the horseshoe pits. Gary is an avid volunteer, assisting with meat nights and whenever and wherever else he can. Mark Dawson, Lifetime SAL Member, has provided his skills and time to help improve the functionality and safety of the facility. He designed and built a catwalk and foldable ladder around the outdoor Legion sign, allowing for safe updates to current events. He also designed and installed the handrail for the handicap-accessible ramp and added a toe kick for further safety. These improvements are invaluable contributions. John Sewell, Post Member and Director and Executive Committee member, was recognized for his volunteerism and lending a hand wherever needed. His foresight is evident in the engraved signage displayed around the club. His vision of the Wall of Honor continues to grow, honoring local Veterans and individuals for their contributions to Post 239. He preserved the new pavilion tables, cleaning, sanding, and refinishing each table, enhancing a gathering place to be enjoyed by all. Dave Kline, Lifetime SAL Member, installed a new roof on the main building, new spouting on the utility shed, and replaced spouting on the pavilion, only a few examples of Dave’s dedication and willingness to contribute to Post 239. His volunteerism continues to make this organization strong.
Honorees received a pewter award. Each awardee characterizes how their God-given talents are used for the benefit of this Veterans organization and the community—a spirit of goodwill and generosity that has been in place for 75 years and is still thriving.
The evening closed with more photograph viewing and recollections of memorable times. An enjoyable evening was experienced by all.
