This Monday, Nov. 10, the Hawley Senior center will be rededicated in memory of the late World War II veteran, Robert J. Drake. The public is invited to the ceremony, at 9:30 a.m.
 After WW II Mr. Drake was a prime mover in establishing the local VFW Post 5823. Robert J. Drake, who, with his brother Joseph and Edward, all served in World War II. Mr. Drake received serious wounds in the Pacific Theatre of Operations; he died September 18, 1965 from war related injuries. In November 1967 the Post was named the Robert J. Drake Memorial Post 5823.  He is survived by his wife Verna (Altemier), three children, Kathleen, Susan and Robert as well as five grandchildren.
About 35 years ago, the Post started renting the building overlooking Bingham Park and the Lackawaxen River, to the County for senior citizen programs. Although VFW Post 5823 officially closed this year, the VFW and its members continue their tradition of service to others by donating the land and the building specifically for use by the senior citizens of the Hawley area.
“It is fitting that this be done in November 2008, as we celebrate Bob's life, and the gift of Veterans to the senior citizens in our community,” said Carleen Faatz, Area Agency on Aging.

The Hawley Senio Center overlooks Bingham Park and is visible from Route 6.
 Schedule of Events
9:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m.: Rededication Ceremony and ribbon cutting                
10 a.m. - Noon
Music by Virgil Goble: Virgil Goble, a Lakeville native who enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1942 at the age of 19. Virgil was a Machine Gunner in General Patton's Third Army during World War II and afterward as an M.P. stationed in Shanghai, China.  He fought from Normandy through Germany and in one instance near the end of the war, 1,500 German soldiers surrendered to only he and two other riflemen.  He married at the age of 28 to Monica Schwab of Honesdale. Mr. Goble will turn 87 on January 9, 2009.
10 a.m. - Noon
Apprise Information: Medicare, prescription assistance and supplemental health insurance issues. Our Apprise staff can help with billing, PACE applications and a myriad of concerns, providing information allowing educated decisions and peace of mind.
10 a.m.-Noon
Stephens Pharmacy: Information on new products & services
10:30 a.m. -11 a.m
    Exercise Class
10:30 a.m. -11 a.m.
    Craft Class
11:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
    Bingo & Majhong
11:30 a.m. - Noon
    Craft Class
Ms. Faatz added, “We would like to give special thanks to: Russ Spicer, VFW Commander, Joseph Drake, VFW Quartermaster and Ken West, VFW District Commander for their efforts and support for senior citizens of the Hawley area.”
For further information please call The Wayne County Area Agency on Aging at (570)253-4262.