The “Tea in Memory of Toni” at the historic Schenck Mansion in Vevay will be an exceptional opportunity to treat yourself, friends and family to an exquisite afternoon on Sunday, June 3rd beginning at 1 p.m. Proceeds will go to the Antoinette Kniola Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation. This event is open to both men and women of all ages. Call (812) 594-2281 to obtain the $20 ticket for the event. In addition to the tea, each guest will receive two plates of food: one sweet and one savory. Tickets must be purchased no later than Friday, May 25th.
Prayers of comfort to the families of John “Jay” Benzing and Frederick “Fritz” Korn, who both passed on May 15th. Jay and Wanda Benzing had made Patriot their home and his absence will be sorely felt. Fritz and his wife Judy, who passed in December, were part of my church family at the Most Sorrowful Mother of God Catholic Church.
The historic ME Church (Methodist Episcopal) Church located at 313 3rd Street unfortunately fell victim to hard times and neglect and deemed as a health hazard, it was removed this past week.
Thursday was my very busy day this week as the Red HOT Hatters ate at the Vevay American Legion Post and enjoyed their scrumptious breaded pork chops. Those ladies in attendance with me were: Joyce Johnson, Juanita Giltner, Barbara Dowdy and Mary Christiani. Sondra Stave came for the first time. Dottie Keeton dropped by briefly. At this point in time, it appears that the Red Hot Hatters may not have a June meeting other than the “Tea in Memory of Toni” on June 3rd. Mika King, Dottie Keeton and Jan Bixler have been very busy planning the Tea and it promises to be exceptional!
Once I left the Red Hot Hatters, I ventured out to Swiss Villa to visit with Laura Riga. Laura is part of my church family also as well as a Red Hot Hatter. We love to have her drive her ‘Town Car’ to the meetings in Vevay. Her ‘Town Car’ is a golf cart! Before I could get out of the door, however, I found Lulu Belle Thomas in the front lobby, so I was able to stop and visit with her, too. She explained that since the Concord Church was having its Yard Sale on Friday and Saturday, the church was not going to be available to the Benzing family after the services. As soon as I left Swiss Villa, I drove to the Patriot Post Office where Wanda Benzing was standing just inside the door. It was simple enough to make the arrangements for her to utilize the Town Hall on Saturday afternoon. It was most definitely a “God Thing”: He sent me to visit with Laura, put Lulu Belle in my path and Wanda at the Post Office. His timing is sometimes perfect! That was my Lesson Learned this week.
Now my Critter Corner is getting a bit crowded I am afraid! In addition to the three pooches, my Terrible Twin Tomcats and the Scaredy Cat, there are now a total of eight baby kittens who will be all of four weeks old on Friday. Queen Ziva (Momma Cat’s new name) although basically feral has been a great mother. As far as I know this is her first litter. She tolerates me picking up her babies for daily cuddle time, but I am still not allowed to pet her. Maybe someday! It turned out that the three black kittens that I thought she had, aren’t: each has some white, somewhere with one brandishing a white V on his/her chest. There are two light gray kittens and at least one will be long haired. The only Tiger kitty has been claimed already by Sondra Stave who has declared the cat’s name to be either Bobby or Bobbi, depending on its sex. That last two kitties are ‘tuxedo’ kitties — they are black with white chests and tummies and all four feet. But their uniqueness does not end there: they have the most beautiful white whiskers and ‘eyebrows’ on their little black faces! I am intrigued by the facial markings on those two and have managed to take several photos of those gorgeous white whiskers! If you think you might be interested in adopting one of the kittens, please let me know. I am refusing to name any of them for fear that I will become too attached but so far, so good.
The Patriot Town Board meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5th at the Town Hall located at 352 3rd Street in Patriot. The meetings are open to the public and all are invited to attend.
The 4th of July Parade this year will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4th with lineup at the Patriot Boat Ramp beginning at 9 a.m.. There will again be a bicycle decoration contest before the Parade. Registration forms will be available the day of the Parade at sign-up. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Liability waivers must be signed in advance. The Town of Patriot is the only incorporated town in the United States with the name of Patriot making our Parade, the only true Patriot Parade. Immediately following the Parade there will be a flag ceremony at the Memorial Park. The day’s activities will conclude in Harris Park and will include a meal. Anyone with questions, call the Patriot Town Hall at (812) 594-2243.
Prayers of healing for David Hite, Irvin Fette, Lulu Belle Thomas, Dawn Elston, Mary Ellen Witt, John Campbell, Pam Hutchinson, Colton Schirmer, Paul Schmitt, Erin Schmitt, Wayne Dawson, Pam Minch, Rick McKay, Fred Stave, Garry Johnson, Matt Oatman, Leona Ware, Nancy Ledbetter and especially Red HOT Hatters Laura Riga and June Lack.
As always, I encourage people to contact me with their local news. You may contact me several ways: by leaving a note or message inside the cat mailbox in front of 1995 Front Street in Patriot; or by calling my home at (812) 594-2281; or dropping me a note at P.O. Box #01, Patriot, Indiana, 47038. In addition, contact Kay E. Cook on Facebook or online at PatriotNews1995@gmail.com. If you have anything for me to include in this article, please send it to me. Information can be received any day of the week but normally my deadline is Sunday at noon for that week’s issue of the paper. Any news received later will appear in the following week’s article. If you need something in a particular issue, please be sure and give it to me early.