American Legion-Veterans Memorial Post...
Transcript of American Legion-Veterans Memorial Post...
American Legion-Veterans Memorial Post 347
Mail: P.O. Box 1534
699 W. Lady Lake Road
Lady Lake, FL 32158-1534
(CR 466 & Rolling Acres Blvd)
Phone: 352-750-2099
Fax: 352-750-2202
Lounge Phone: 352-750-0639
Web site: www.florida-legion.com
E-mail: [email protected]
>>>>>>MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: FEBRUARY 2020<<<<<<
Commander-Bob Kiley
To all members of the “Greatest
Post In The World”:
We are continuing to move for-ward with the many projects we have undertaken to improve and make our post viable every month.
• Roof replaced and inspected.
• Sinks in the lounge replaced.
• Security camera system up and running.
• Leak in the kitchen repaired and re-piped.
• Tankless water heater in the kitchen for the dish washer.
A point of interest: As you may know, the National Commander will be visiting Florida posts start-ing on January 26. We, as a post, voted to ban Florida NEC officer,
Dennis Boland, to escort the Na-tional Commander into our post. This is due to a conflict involving Mr. Boland and your post on a manner of honor. I was called and requested if I would reconsider and conduct another vote on this mat-ter. After much thought and with input from two past post com-manders, I have decided that I would honor the Executive Board and General Membership vote and deny entry to Mr. Boland.
As Mr. Boland is the official escort for the National Commander, the National Commander has decided that he will NOT be visiting the Largest Post in the World.
This post is a place of honor and I really want to thank all of our members for upholding that honor. You have demonstrated again why we are the best post in the world.
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY.
Chaplain’s Corner-Farrell Massey
As we begin this calendar year from our installation cere-
mony: “We pray Oh God that which we accomplish will
be fruitful, permanent and good in its effects. Inspire us
with your wisdom, direct us in our thinking and guide us as
we work together for you, our country and our comrades.
To the end that this nation under God will continue to be
the land of the free and the home of the brave”.
Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where
does my strength to come from? My help comes from the
Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Amen”.
Auxiliary-Madam President:
Cathy Trout
Happy Valentine’s Day!
The Units annual fashion show is
fast approaching. The fashion show
will be held in the Post Hall on Feb-
ruary 9th from 1-3 pm with a light
lunch. The cost is $15.00 per person
and you may contact Judy Matthews
at 307-715-4611 or email her at
[email protected]. Proceeds to
benefit Villages Honor Flight.
Next up on the Units busy schedule,
will be our honor to hold the Women
Veterans Luncheon on March 9th from 12-3 pm in the Post Hall. The
Women Veterans are free, and their
guests pay $5.00. Contact Cathy
Trout at 352-531-6492 or email her
at [email protected]. Our
registration deadline is February
28th. The seating is limited to 200, so register early.
We once again are holding another
new member initiation ceremony on
March 15th at 2 pm. New members
will be receiving an invitation from
the membership chairman Maureen
Caswell.
Finally, in the busy month of March,
the Unit will be holding the annual indoor garage sale. March 20th,
from 1-4 pm will be the drop off
date and set up time. March 21st will be the day of the indoor garage sale
from 10am-2pm. Looking forward
to a great garage sale.
In Spirit of Service, Not Self
First Vice-Joan Suelter
Oh, my Goodness! As I write this article for our monthly newsletter, January is gone, and all the wonderful holidays just became wonderful mem-ories.
However, behind the scenes your membership team is working like little elves to ensure we invite all veterans in and around our neighbor-hoods to join us with what I believe is the best in what we do for our Legion family members, children and youth and community service.
With that said, we have achieved 95.3% of this year’s goal. Yeah! However, there is no time to celebrate, we still have more work to do.
Be a Recruiter!! Ask a fami-ly, friend, neighbor, golf bud-dy or social group if they are a veteran. Remember, the Legion Act, signed by Presi-dent Trump July 2019: To qualify for membership, you now need only one day of active service. A short appli-cation and a copy of your DD-214 is all I need.
Looking forward to another great month.
Nominations For Election of Post Officers for 2020-21
Members are encouraged to apply to the Nominating Com-
mittee which will conduct interviews to ensure that:
A. Member must be willing to serve in the position.
B. Member’s dues are current.
C. Member is fully aware of the duties of the position.
D. Member is permitted to present a presentation of not
more than 5 minutes before close of nominations at a
general membership meeting.
Please leave your name, phone number and position you wish to
run for at the front office for the ‘Past Commander” mail slot
addressed to John Gibbons, Nominations Committee Chairman.
Nominations are accepted in February, March and April.
Election will be held in May.
SUNDAY BAR BINGO RETURNS FEBRUARY 2nd AT 2:30 PM.
American Legion Riders-Chapter 347
Gene Haplea-Director
Chapter Officers for 2019-20
Director - Gene Haplea;
Asst. Dir. - Jim Ward;
Secretary - Charlotte Wilson;
Treasurer - Louise Labbe;
Sgt-at-Arms - Felicia Rawls;
Chaplain - Sherri Ward.
Feel free to contact them with any questions or concerns regarding ALR 347. Messages can be left at the Post Front Desk in person or over the phone.
Thanks to all Legion Family members and other supporters in the Tri-County area for the outstanding support of the monthly ALR
3rd Sunday Kitchen Time - the response to our monthly “Specials” has been outstanding, with our recent Sausage, Peppers & Onions Sandwich selling out regularly - stay tuned for new Specials each month. And don’t for-get!! A regular bar style food menu will be available during the 3rd Sunday’s early NFL game! So come on out on the 3rd Sundays, from Noon to 4pm, and enjoy some fun food, and your favorite NFL game! Play-offs are just around the corner! Monthly special menu items will be posted on Lounge TVs and on flyers posted on hallway bulletin boards.
Chapter 347 continues to grow, adding more several new members in recent months, and regularly adding new members in our newly created category of “Support Member”. Sup-port Members will play an important role in our Chapter as we grow and become more active around the Post and in the community. We encourage everyone in the Legion Family to inform their friends and neighbors who enjoy motorcycling and may, or may not, be
Legion Family members already to look into joining ALR Chapter 347. It would be a “double win” if they joined the Legion Fami-ly and ALR 347!!
For anyone interested in learning more about our Chapter, please join us at our regularly scheduled monthly meetings in the Main Hall of Post 347 on the first Thursday each
month at 1830. Our social and net-working hour starts at 1730, with a Cash Bar and complimentary pizza.
You can also visit our web page at http://www.florida-legion.com/riders, or join our Facebook Page at
https://www.facebook.com/
groups/ALR347/
TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER MENU
FEBRUARY
4th: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Roll
***********************$8.00******************************
11th: Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans and Roll
***********************$8.00******************************
18th: RIB NIGHT
Baby Back Ribs, Fries, Cole Slaw & Roll
*************$13.00 Full Rack—$7.00 Half Rack***************
25th: Fish Fry (8oz) Haddock, Fries & Slaw
***********************$9.00******************************
We want to express our sincere thanks to all our volunteers in the kitchen. We
could not do it without you.
Many, many thanks for all of your time, hard work and for the laughs we share.
Joyce and Harriett
Selections and prices may be changed without notice
FEB 2: SUPER BOWL PARTY $10—SEE ED
FEB 9: AUXILIARY FASHION SHOW- $15
2-5 PM
FEB 10: RECREATIONS SHOW—SEE ED FOR
TICKETS 4:00 PM SHOW
_____________________________________________
WOMEN VETERANS LUNCHEON
WHEN: Monday, March 9th
TIME: 12-3 PM
WHERE: Main Hall
COST: Free for Women Vets Guests $5.00
Sponsored by Post 347 Auxiliary
A photo station will be set up by the Post Historian
to take portraits of our women veterans to be in-
cluded in the Commander’s and President’s year-
book for 2019-20.
Sons of the American Legion-John Gorsuch, Com-mander, Squadron 347
The Valentine’s Dance with Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs is SOLD OUT! Thank You!
However, there are a few Lottery Board tickets left to sell. Gary Blanchard will be in the lobby on Tuesdays until all 200 tickets are sold.
The S.A.L membership drive is now at 102% (766) of the 750 target, thanks to the hard work of Vice Commander Dough White and help by Danny Roe. We continue to receive new member and transfer
applications and we welcome all new members as this post has so many activities to attract both men and women.
Dave Collins, (DAC) continues collecting donations for Fisher House in Gainesville. Fisher House is one of S.A.L.’s charities. We donate clothing, toiletry items, Christmas gifts and monetary dona-tions. Members visit several times a year. Fisher House is also a place for families to stay while their veteran is undergoing treatment at Shands Hospital. It is often viewed of as similar to the Ronald McDonald House. Donations by post members are always wel-comed
Bob O’Neal-Adjutant For God and Country
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES LISTINGS
Volunteers are needed for all events and activities. Please ask at the front office or an event chairperson
ON-GOING ACTIVITIES
Every Sunday 2:30 Lounge BAR BINGO RETURNS!!——3rd Sunday: Riders operating the kitchen.
Every Monday 6:00 to 10:00 Lounge Karaoke with David Baldwin
Every Monday 5:00 to 7:00 Lounge Burger Night—Sons Of The Legion, Squadron 347
Every Tuesday 7:00 Lounge Queen of Hearts Drawing—Members only—Subject to change
Every Tuesday 5:00 to 7:00 Lounge Dinner Menu—Kitchen Special—See Bulletin Board
Every Wednesday Noon to 2:00 Lounge Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches and other menu items
Every Wednesday 2:00 to 5:00 Lounge Bar Bingo (American Legion members and guests only)
1st Wednesday 10:00 to Noon Hall HONOR GUARD MEETING
1st Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 Hall AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MEETING (5:30-6:30 Social Time)
2nd Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 Hall AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP MEETING
3rd Wednesday 6:00 to 8:00 Hall SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP MEETING
3rd Wednesday 12:00 to 3:00 Hall SUBMARINE VETERANS MEETING
4th Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 Hall 40-8 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
1st Thursday 6:00 Hall AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Every Thursday 10:00-4:00 Hall BINGO—(Open to the Public)
Every Thursday 5:00-6:30 Lounge Italian Night and Pizza—Sons Of The Legion, Squadron 347
Every Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 Lounge Small Team Trivia-With Carol, Ed and Ellen
Every Friday 6:00 to 10:00 Lounge Entertainment and Dancing—Fish Night, Regular Menu+ Specials (5:00-7:00)
Every Saturday 6:30 to 8:00 Lounge Team Trivia-Al Brady with Carol and Ed
2nd Saturday 7:00 to 11:00 Hall Breakfast ($7.00)
VOLUNTEERS
…..are always welcome. There are plenty of opportunities:
Bingo, Blood Donor, Building, Landscape Maintenance, Fi-
nance, Hall set-up and break-down, Honor Guard, Kitchen,
Office, Gold Driving Range: Ball Sales, Ball Pick-up, Range
Maintenance. If you are interested, please contact the front
office for more information.
FEBRUARY
4 Johnny Ray McCullah
7 Pam Valli
11 “Just Mike”
14 D.J Norm
18 Mike & Terry
21 Pat Murphy
25 Doug Byers
28 Fred Campbell
Lounge Entertainment REMINDERS:
• Don’t’ forget your
Food Bank Items.
POST IN NEED OF
DURABLE MEDICAL
EQUIPMENT
We loan out donated wheel-
chairs, walkers, crutches, etc.
to members and to the gen-
eral public. We are currently
extremely short of such
equipment. If you have bor-
rowed equipment and no
longer have a need for it,
please return it to the Post. If
you or a neighbor have such
equipment that is no longer
needed, please consider do-
nating it. We do NOT ac-
cept commode/toilet items or
motorized equipment.
All Tuesday night and SAL
kitchen menus are posted on
our website at www.florida-
legion.com/kitchen.
BREAKFAST AT THE
POST>>>>>>
All You Can Eat!!
February 8 7 to 11 AM $7.00
BLOOD DRIVE
Thank you to our 11 donors who do-
nated on January 11th. We can do
better for the size of our post so please
come out and donate. Our next drive
is April 11th.
• Bartenders and servers are
volunteers. Please tip accord-
ingly.
• Proper attire is required.
Men, no sleeveless shirts.
• NO drinks of any kind may
be taken in or out of the post
except bottled water pur-
chased at the post.
• NO smoking or vaping IN the
post.. Use the smoker’s
lounge.
• MEMBERS ALLOWED TO
SIGN IN THREE (3) GUESTS
COMMANDER Bob Kiley
1ST VICE Joan Suelter
2ND VICE T.C. Biddle
3RD VICE Dan Martin
CHAPLAIN Farrell Massey
ADJUTANT Mike Seidel
FINANCE Ken DeMello
ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS Sheldon Gotesky
JUDGE ADVOCATE Gene Weeks
SERVICE OFFICER John Trenkle
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Guy Knaak
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Dave Musser
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Bob Suelter
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Fred Jary
PAST COMMANDER Al Varrone
HISTORIAN/EDITOR Phil Crouthamel
PRESIDENT Cathy Trout
1ST VICE Maureen Caswell
2ND VICE Vacant
SECRETARY Beth Musser
TREASURER Kathy Allen
HISTORIAN Nancy White
SGT-AT-ARMS Betty Spencer
CHAPLAIN Maureen Merlette
M.A.L. Lois Glosch
Judy Samuelson
Mary Seidel
Maddie Romanoski
PAST PRESIDENT/MAL Ruth Sovern
COMMANDER John Gorsuch
1ST VICE Doug White
2ND VICE Bud Bowyer
FINANCIAL OFFICER Joe Paulin
CHAPLAIN Ben Kisielica
HISTORIAN Gary Blanchard
SGT-AT-ARMS Tony Watkins
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Dave Callies
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Charlie McGlone
JAG Paul Pitts
ADJUTANT Bob O’Neal
DIRECTOR Gene Haplea
ASST. DIRECTOR Jim Ward
TREASURER Louise Labbe
SECRETARY Charlotte Wilson
SGT-AT-ARMS Felicia Rawls
CHAPLAIN Sherri Ward
RIDE CAPTAIN Felicia Rawls
OFFICERS OF POST 347
LEGION AUXILIARY S.A.L. LEGION RIDERS
Any suggestions, comments or atta-boys, please contact the editor, Phil Crouthamel at [email protected]
HONOR GUARD-63 members
DECEMBER
Total Funerals 5
Community Service: 3
Post Events: 2
Member Hours 928
Miles 8040
MEMBERSHIP
LEGION 7283
AUXILIARY 2485
S.A.L. 766
RIDERS 115
POST EVERLASTING
Guenver Brown Hallock Dean Eleanor Simmons-WWII Harvey Titcomb Bruce Lawson Philip Beaulieu
SICK CALL
C. Pug. Gassert George Zablocki: Sgt-At-Arms
Terry Lawson Butch Udell Gary Wilkinson
Ed Akin Arthur Talboo Chuck Bertsch
NIGHT AT THE RACES
SATURDAY-February 29th
4-9 pm.
Cost:$10.00 VALENTINES DANCE
Saturday, February 15th
5-9 PM Tickets-$10
Cactus Jack & The Cadillacs
Pizza for sale and a cash bar
Tickets on sale in the lounge and front
office
SOLD OUT-SOLD OUT-SOLD OUT
HALL RENTAL
Please call 352-750-2099 and speak to
the Hall Rental Coordinator for the cor-
rect prices to rent the hall. DO NOT go
by the website information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEB 2-SUPER BOWL PARTY $10
SEE EDDIE FOR TIX
FEB 9– AUXILIARY FASHION SHOW
2-5 PM. TICKETS:$15
FEB 10– RECREATIONS SHOW
4:00 PM. SEE EDDIE FOR TIX