As I'd mentioned yesterday, I became an official member of the Eagles, Ladies Auxiliary, on Monday evening.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the Eagles, you can visit their website at this LINK

They were founded in 1898 in Seattle, Washington and are now over 1 million members strong.  They recognize that the needs of the many will always outweigh the needs of the few.  They raise money for Charities and are known as "People Helping People."  They also have a social room where people can socialize with other members.  Here on Cedar Key, we have a nice little clubhouse on Third Avenue.  It's always reminded me of Cheers.........because it's a place you go where everybody knows your name.

It was through the Eagles that the concept for Mother's Day first spread across the country.  When Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act in 1935 he presented the pen to the Eagles for our "vision and courage" in making it happen.  When Pres. Johnson signed the Medicare Bill, he presented the pen to the Eagles and said, "For your energetic and dedicated espousal of social justices ... and the compassionate treatment of the sick and disabled."  Throughout the country, the Eagles do an enormous amount of good and here on Cedar Key, it's a very active club of helping.

All the benefits and fund raisers go to help local people.  We're having "Christmas in August" on Sat. Aug. 20.  The Ladies Auxiliary will be cooking and serving turkey dinners all day.  We have a benefit dinner scheduled for Sept. 30 for a local fellow diagnosed with testicular cancer.  I know him personally because my very first book signing was at his book store here on Cedar Key.  He's come through his chemo okay but those medical bills are really beginning to pour in and hopefully this event will assist them.  I've volunteered to be on that committee.  So as you can see, the Eagles do a lot of good in the communities and we have fun doing it.  Ray became a member back in March.....he was interviewed, met with a member, got his card and that was that.  But the women take it a bit more seriously.......Monday evening they had the initiation for myself and another new member.  The ceremony was very nice and I'm now "official."

We're off to the Big "C" today for bi-weekly shopping, so time to get outta here..........Have a great Thursday and I'll see you tomorrow..............