Submitted by Sue McManus
Female Charitable Society
A local tradition, which has continued without interruption for more than 200 years, will be broken this month. For the first time since 1817, the Female Charitable Society will not be holding its annual June meeting. The event has taken place despite the stress and obstacles of severe storms, economic crises, the Civil War, World Wars I and II and even the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1917-1919.
The impact of the coronavirus has made it impossible for the society to celebrate its 203rd anniversary in its customary fashion. However, the society continues its mission of supporting B’villians in need. Its most visible project, maintaining a free home medical equipment loan closet, has been in the news since fire hit the building at 10 River St. on March 1.
The loan closet function was transferred to 14 River St. until the main building could be repaired and restored to service. Two weeks later the entire operation was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Reconstruction and repairs at 10 River St. has now begun.
The board continues to develop reopening plans that are in compliance with the requirements that have arisen in view of the pandemic. Community well being has always been a focus of the society. In view of improvements in technology and the need for effective sanitization of loan closet equipment, the society has ordered an electrostatic mister.
The board weighed the $1,500 cost of the device against its benefits and committed to its purchase. Treasurer Joan Osier noted that “monetary donations to help with this unexpected and costly expense would be greatly appreciated.”
If this year’s meeting were held, members would be introduced to new directresses Kathryn Strain and Linda McLellan, who came on board during the year.
Three long-time and valuable board members, Zoe Chock, Erna Pulver and Joyce Wilkinson, have retired since last June.
“We wish them well, but they will be greatly missed,” said FCS President Bonnie Kisselstein.
Membership in the Female Charitable Society is open to everyone, not only women. More than 400 members will be receiving newsletter updates this week. Annual dues are $5 and may be remitted by check payable to Female Charitable Society and mailed to 10 River St., Baldwinsville, NY 13027. where the society’s locked mailbox survived the fire. For more information, visit femalecharitablesociety.com or like the organization on Facebook.
