Chautauqua Institute and Bemus Point Wednesday – June 21st, 2017

The original traveling “Chautauqua’s” brought the arts, music and culture to the common person. It lifted the spirits and provided a sense of hope and promise during the great depression. There is something for everyone at Chautauqua Institution. This is a place for children and adults alike. The children ride their bikes and explore. Meet new friends from all over the country, play in the lake, play games in the plaza and go to day camp or children’s school. For adults, Chautauqua is a place where one walks to different programs of interest to the Hall of Philosophy or Amphitheater. Share a conversation on other residents front porch or meet and interact with people of different faiths, politics and culture from across the country and around the world.

Join us on June 21, 2017 as we travel to the Chautauqua Institute once again. We will be departing Humenik’s at 7:00 AM (boarding 6:45 to 7 AM). We will be making one stop along the way. The intent is to arrive at the Institute by 10:00AM for a 1 to 1 ½ hour tour thru the grounds of the Institute. Somewhere around noon we will arrive at the Athenaeum Hotel for a sumptuous buffet lunch. After lunch everyone will be on their own to tour the grounds at your leisure. Take a walk to the Gallery Store at Strohl Art Center, Gretchen’s Gallery or Fair Trading Company to window shop or sit on a bench down by the lake. This is a great place to visit and recharge in a peaceful, relaxing, safe environment. Everyone will re-board our coach at 2:30PM to move to Bemis Point located on the eastern shore of Chautauqua Lake. This is the tourist area. Enjoy your shopping experience at Skillman’s, Imagine (Selected by Great Lakes Magazine as a “must see boutique”), or The Ugly Peacock to name a few. Boarding by 5 PM for our return to Brook Park. We should arrive home around 8PM Cost of our trip is $ 75.00. We’ll see you on board!

Memorial Day

This year, Memorial Day is May 29th, the last Monday in May. The day we remember the ultimate sacrifice of those who gave their life for our country. Our government recognizes this day as a legal holiday. To a lot of us, that usually means a three day weekend. Memorial Day is so much more than a day off. It is remembering those who died in war. It is about decorating graves, poppies and a celebration of the United States of America.

The day arose because of the Civil War. Its purpose was to strew flowers on graves or decorate it in other ways. Back in 1868, this was originally called ‘Decoration Day’. After World War 1 it became a day to remember all those who died serving their country. Poppies became the flower of choice to strew on a grave because of a poem called ‘In Flanders Fields’ because of the flowers that grew around the graves of the crosses of those who died.

Now we celebrate the start of this day with a local parade. A chance to visit with your friends and neighbors. Can’t make it outside? Not a problem. The federal parades and ceremonies are usually televised. In the morning, the flag is briskly raised to the top of the pole, then solemnly lowered to half mast. At noon, living service members raise the flag in order to never forgot those before them.

Happy Memorial Day! In this day of remembrance, please do not forget to thank a veteran – living or dead.

Brook Park’s Annual Memorial Day Parade

There is nothing like a good parade. We all know Brook Park has the best one around. The Parade Marshall, Joe Humenik reminds those marching to meet up at Brookgate Shopping Center. (Smith and Snow) starting at 8:30 a.m. Staging will start once participation begins. The parade steps off promptly at 10:00 a.m. from the plaza, heading south on Smith Road to Sylvia. ending at the Kennedy Memorial, behind the library. A traditional flag ceremony will be performed, with the flag being raised and lowered. Afterwards, the American Legion Post 610 (Sheldon Road) is serving hot dogs and beverages after the ceremony. All are welcome. Enjoy your day!

Happy Mothers Day!

Remember the saying ‘April Showers Bring May Flowers?’ Look around! Greenery surrounds us. Flowers are blossoming out of the tiny buds from our trees. Mother’s Day became a celebration to honor motherhood starting back in 1908. It was a way to honor ‘moms’ everywhere. Traditionally, Mother’s Day usually falls on the second Sunday in May. Coincidentally, that is the time the flowers are starting to bloom.

Hint, hint. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th. (wink wink) We all hope you have a good day.

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