News from the American Legion
By Michael “Mick” Shaughnessy, Chaplain Post 109
February brings a couple of celebrations unique to the United States. On the 21st we observe Presidents Day, a Federal Holiday that developed from the older observances of Lincoln’s birthday and Washington’s birthday; both in February.
We of the American Legion also observe the whole month of February as Presidents Month. We also set aside the first Sunday in February as Four Chaplains Sunday to commemorate the four Army Chaplains who were on board the U.S. troop transport “Dorchester” when it was torpedoed on the early morning of February 3, 1943. These four men, from different faiths and backgrounds organized the evacuation of the ship in the icy waters off Greenland, gave up their own life jackets, and then prayed together as the ship went down. They are credited with helping to save over 200 of the 900 on board through their devotion to serve others, bravery, and religious faith.
I invite and encourage you to attend a Memorial Service at your American Legion Post 109 on Houghton Road on Saturday, February 5th at 11:00 AM. The service is open to the public and is non-denominational. The week I am composing this, I read an article about the passing of the last American Veteran of World War II, something that makes this year’s observance particularly meaningful. What unites our past Presidents and the Four Chaplains, who we honor especially in the month of February; along with all our Veterans, we honor, recognize, and serve all year long is their diversity. Our American heroes come from sometimes vastly different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. We should always keep in mind that our National motto “E Pluribus Unum” – “Out of Many, One” should echo our greatness as a nation, as our unique accomplishments in government, religion, and society make us the best country in which to live.
Let us rededicate ourselves to focus on the best parts of our individual cultures, backgrounds, and heritage rather than our differences to make 2022 better and make our past Presidents, the Four Chaplains, and all our Veterans proud!
Corona de Tucson’s Little Free Libraries
By Ellie Abraham,
Corona de Tucson
Community Alliance
The Corona de Tucson community is very fortunate to have two Little Free Libraries. These little libraries act as a catalyst for inspiring readers and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries. These book-sharing boxes play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books (and encourage a love of reading) in areas where books are scarce.
There is a Little Free Library on Macon Drive on the east side of Corona de Tucson. Karla always had a vision of creating a free library for her neighborhood and made it a reality a few years ago. She provides a variety of books for all ages that are enjoyed by friends and neighbors throughout our community. This library was built from a do-it-yourself kit Karla purchased online. During the holiday season, there is a special box added specifically for youngsters to be able to send letters to Santa.
The first Little Free Library in Corona de Tucson was started by Allison Berryman when “Allie” and her husband Adam moved into their Sycamore Canyon home on Indigo Mesa Pass in 2009. Adam constructed and installed the attractive post upon which the miniature box sits, at the edge of their front yard beside the sidewalk. The little library has been in operation for more than a decade and continues to cater to the reading pleasure of numerous patrons of all ages. Allie installed a small box for dog treats as well as a hook to tie up the dogs while a patron is browsing the books. Many people will drop off boxes of dog treats at her door or replenish the box on their own.
During the height of the pandemic, they were not accepting new books but have since resumed accepting donations and exchanges. If the library is full, she will store books until the library supply begins to dwindle. In the event she accumulates a surplus of books, she sends the overage book donations to the Esmond Station School in Vail or to another little free library in Tucson.
Both, Corona de Tucson little libraries have a steady stream of patrons and traffic on an ongoing basis. Each little free library is assigned a special and unique charter number to identify them as genuine special places by the Little Free Library Headquarters in Hudson, Wisconsin, where they verify their legitimacy. Since there is normally only one little free library for a community of our size, we are most fortunate to have two that serve people of all ages.
The Sycamore Canyon little library on Indigo Mesa Pass is made of wood; and after almost 13 years of braving the rough elements it’s weathered and deteriorating from the harsh sun. The Corona de Tucson Community Alliance is hosting a capitol campaign and fundraising effort to purchase a new structure that is made from composite materials and will better withstand our environment and heat, the total cost is $600.
If you are interested in supporting this community revitalization project. Mail your check or money order contribution to:
CdTCA, PO Box 861, Vail, AZ 85641
Mark your contribution, “The Sycamore Canyon Little Free Library Project”.
