A wee bit of Ireland
Sure and begorra', Saint Patrick's Day was celebrated properly by the Westfield/Mayville Rotary Club members, even though it was a few days early.
Rotarian John "Doc" Hamels and his sidekick Bill Drellow played traditional Irish songs on their guitars and banjo as they sang four of the most popular in recognition of March 17 - "Black Velvet Band," "No Never, No More," "Unicorn" and "Whisky in the Dark".
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Rotarian “Doc” Hamels, left, and sidekick Bill Drellow brought a taste of Ireland to club members to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
It didn't take much coaching for all the club members to jump in with singing and clapping along. A good time was had by all.
Hamels and Drellow are described as "purveyors of spirited Irish folksongs" and "acoustic folk music with a sense of humor." They are available to bring their music to any organization or place of business by contacting Hamels at 223-0112 or hamels@fairpoint.net, or Drellow at 969-2563 or bill@drellow.com.
McClurg Mansion's War Room
Many items in the War Room at McClurg Mansion, home of the Chautauqua County Historical Society, in Westfield were brought to life as described by Civil War buff and society board vice president David Brown and curator John Paul Wolfe.
Brown introduced Frederick Barger who was with the 49th Regiment during the Civil War. In his diary in 1862, Barger wrote about the weather, conflicts and the battles. After losing his right arm in battle, Barger learned to write with his left hand.
Find out more about the Civil War at the museum and visit Westfield June 9 to witness 9th Calvary Day.
Curator Wolfe said McClurg is one of the oldest museums in the state, having been established in 1883.
"We have thousands of Revolutionary War mementoes up to the present," he said. "We are responsible for saving items forever. All items are strictly Chautauqua County. We have everything from the beginning of time through 2012."
To find when and where special programs and events will be held, go to the museum's web site, mcclurgmuseum.org.
Auction is next month
The Westfield/Mayville Rotary Club's annual auction is scheduled for Saturday, May 5. A luscious chicken barbecue will be served at the Fireman's Exempt Hall in Westfield from 5 to 7 p.m. The live auction, conducted by auctioneer extraordinaire David Brown, begins at 6 p.m. A silent auction will be on going before that.
In addition, there will be a special wine raffle and a $500 drawing. Tickets are only $10 per person. For more information, call chairman Tom Berkhouse at 326-4507, Harry Barton at 326-4229 or any Rotarian.