‘Evelyn Drew Democratic Service Award’
If you read the September 7, 2018 News, you’ve read the following words before:
“Love and be loved; speak truth to power; do your part to make a difference in the world; be knowledgeable; always fight for the underdog; have common sense; laugh; know that trouble don’t last always; dress appropriately; praise God every day; don’t complain; work smart not hard; keep your family business private; be financially independent; don’t eat out, eat home cooked meals; and take care of yourself emotionally and physically.”
They were great ‘rules of life’ from Mrs. Cora Lee Matthews, of Highland Falls, who was turning 100 at the time.
This past Sunday morning, her words were read aloud, at the Town of Highlands Democratic Party’s annual Evelyn Drew Memorial Award ceremony. Mrs. Matthews was the recipient of the award, and in honoring her, Supervisor Bob Livsey said he felt her words pretty much said it all.
“God Bless Mrs. Matthews,” he said. “And I have to add that this committee finds the most choice people in our town to honor in memory of Evy Drew.”
He wasn’t the only one honoring the nearly-101 year old, 74-year resident of Highland Falls; Barnstormer Restaurant was filled with guests. Unfortunately, Mrs. Matthews was unable to attend; she wasn’t feeling that well on the cold, rainy morning.
But, her granddaughter Aundrea was happy to accept the certificates, flowers and other honors on her behalf, thanking the committee for honoring her.
“She loves this community,” Matthews said. “Please stop by and say hello one day. She’s still got plenty of stories to tell!”
One person who said they would be stopping by was Orange County Legislator and Fort Montgomery resident Laurie Tautel.
“I have a box of chocolates for her,” Tautel said. “Anyone who knows Miss Cora knows she has a very famous sweet tooth!”
Tautel said she has fond memories of both (the late) Sgt. Sanders Matthews and Mrs. Matthews, and noted how she believes they are single-handedly responsible for carrying on the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers.
She wasn’t the only one that said so … a letter from USMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams called Mrs. Matthews and her late husband “incredible ambassadors for Buffalo Soldiers who have inspired countless cadets”.
Also speaking were Councilman Tyrone King, who noted that Mrs. Matthews has also done a great deal for the local Democratic party, and is leaving “a legacy of love” in the community. Committee member Barbara Mennite also spoke to that topic, saying while Mrs. Matthews doesn’t get ‘out and about’ too much anymore, she “works her phone during election season”, and stays abreast of local and national politics.
Democratic Party Chairwoman Lynn Edsall presented the award that Aundrea Matthews would take home to her grandmother, calling Mrs. Matthews “an incredible human being and incredible woman”.
In addition to Democratic Committee members, candidates and elected officials in the audience, the event was made more special by the presence of four former recipients of the award: Trudy McCabe, Doris Koziak, Ann Molina and Marlene Medina.