By Linda Elissalde
Labor Day, 2020
Labor Day is the marker that heralds the end of summer. When I was younger it signaled the last day of running bare foot, playing until sundown, barbecue, homemade ice cream and wearing white shoes. The next day was the first day of school. I actually liked school, but it took a while to get back into the swing of things. That was still true when I became a teacher.

Labor Day is a bit different this year. Nothing is clear about when schools will start up again. Then, of course, there was nasty old hurricane Laura. We were lucky to escape this time. She landed farther to the east bringing devastation to our neighbors in Louisiana. Help was needed. What could we do?

You can always count on Crystal Beach Fraternity of Eagles. FOE 3719 knew they wanted to help. Eagles John Chesser, Wade Alan, and Mike Roessler joined together to come up with a plan. Before you knew it, these gentlemen had collected quite a lot of money. Eagles reached out to the community for assistance. Mike Walz Builders, Gulf Coast Market (The Big Store), and Second Going Resale Store jumped right in with supplies. Then peninsula individuals heard the news and begin donating more goods for those in need. Items would be taken to Vinton, La. and from that point delivered to outlying areas.

Numerous volunteers joined in to labor on Labor Day. They separated items, bagged up hygienic goods, and myriad supplies to load up on Monday evening. I was at the Eagles Building for a short time on Labor Day morning. Ladies’ Auxiliary members Past President Lulu Montgomery, President Lisa Day, Secretary Mary Jane Parsley, Patty Gothia, Paige LaBrier and Sarah Brode went right to work. FOE President Mike Flex with wife Yvette Flex carted numerous boxes upstairs and started unpacking. Former trustee L. B. Hunt came on board. I thought I might help a bit, but one round was enough for me. I could not keep up with these organizers. More volunteers arrived later, and I apologize for not having their names. Monday evening carriers were loaded to head out for Louisiana on Tuesday morning. Drivers John Chesser and L.B. Hunt will transport supplies across the Sabine River.

Labor Day this year was an easy one for me. However, I thought often of those Eagles giving of their time and talent to support those who lost so much. Each echoed the same plaudit, “Others helped us when we were in need. Now, we can help them.” Congratulations and gratitude to FOE 3719 for their Labor of Love on Labor Day, 2020.

[September-7-2020]