By Janet Ogle-Mater
Chelsea Area Historical Society and Museum will be hosting the Lynda Collins Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser and Silent Auction at the Chelsea Depot on Tuesday, April 24 from 4:30-8 p.m.
Thompson’s Pizzeria will be sponsoring the dinner.
Lynda Collins had a special fondness for local history being an early member when the historical society formed in 1974, and the driving force behind the Chelsea Depot Association which formed to save the depot from destruction in the mid-1980s. She was also a dedicated community member and her generosity touched many citizens throughout her four decades in Chelsea.
She gave food, time, and money to many with her spaghetti dinner fundraisers a cornerstone of her kindheartedness. To honor her, the historical society has made a spaghetti dinner the flagship of their annual fundraising efforts.
“The Lynda Collins Spaghetti Dinner is a simple and meaningful way we can come together as a community to honor an outstanding citizen, while enjoying good food and supporting a local organization,” said Bill O’Reilly, the current president of the Chelsea Area Historical Society (CAHS).
After 40 years as a nomadic organization, CAHS found a permanent home at 128 Jackson St., when they procured the property on land contract in December, 2014. With an all-volunteer organization, CAHS maintains the museum with open hours 12-3 p.m. each weekend and expanded hours during the summer. The organization also offers monthly meetings with local history education programs and special events throughout the year.
“Due to the generous donations of many of our members, area residents, and supporters with roots in Chelsea, CAHS recently paid off the remaining $120,000 of the land contract, and we now have a traditional mortgage with just a $50,000 balance, resulting in a monthly payment which is one-third the land contract payment,” said O’Reilly. “We are breathing easier, but still require annual fundraising to stay focused on the future of Chelsea’s wonderful past.”
To help support local history, please join CAHS in honoring Collins at the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser.
Spaghetti dinner with dessert tickets are $10/adult and $5 for children 13 and under. Tickets may be purchased the night of the event at the Chelsea Depot staring at 4:30 p.m. Take-out will be available.
The silent auction contains more than thirty items including gift certificates to local restaurants and entertainment, antiques, and novelties. There’s truly something for everyone, so come for a delicious meal and be sure to check out the auction.
