POST TALK

December 1, 2005 Volume 1 Issue 1

AMERICAN LEGION POST #175

PO BOX 105

SEVERNA PARK, MD 21146

TELEPHONE: 410-544-2066

Who’s who—Post, SAL and

Auxiliary Leadership…….

American Legion Post 175

Post Commander: Dan McDonald

1st Vice Commander: Mike Helm

2nd Vice Commander: John Fuller

3rd Vice Commander: A.J. Rush

Adjutant: Buddy George

Finance Officer: Bob Niederstadt

Chaplain: Bob Zerphey

Judge Advocate: George Lucas

Historian: Jim “Sonny” Amos

Service Officer: Danny Byrd

Sgt.atArms: BobMartin

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American Legion Auxiliary

Auxiliary President: Pat Rabeau

1^st Vice-President: Barbara Mallonee

2^nd Vice-President: Rosemary Gurick

Secretary: Patricia Herder

Treasurer: Phyllis Gordon

Chaplain: Betty Gentile

Historian: Eva D’Ambrosio

Sergeant-at-Arms: Debbie Collins

Color Bearers: Betty Kline

Executive Committee: Sue Connor

Linda Freedenburg

Alice Martin

Sons of American Legion

Commander: Mike Clutz

1^st Vice: Sid Reidy

2^nd Vice: Larry Doran

3^rd Vice: Vacant

Adjutant: Vacant

Finance Officer: Dave Dulin

Historian: Keith Jordan

Chaplin: Randy Smith

Sergeant At Arms: Vacant

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SPECIAL DEDICATION

I would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation for the Dedication of a new Flagstaff on 7 January 2006, at 12 noon. I am making this donation to the American Legion Post 175 in remembrance of Pat
Kloes, Past President of the Auxiliary. Also to all our members now residing in Post Everlasting, and to those who have served in the military and are now
currently doing so.

Pat donated many volunteer hours working with all the organizations to make this post a home, a place we all could meet, be comfortable and enjoy the fellowship
of one another. I feel she would approve of a new flagstaff with the flag of our country flying freely and proudly in front of the post she loved and the members
she cared so deeply about.

FOLLOWING THE DEDICATON CEREMONY, I ASK YOU TO JOIN ME IN REMEMBERING MY DEAR FRIEND PAT WITH A LUNCHEON IN HER HONOR.

PATRICIA WACHTER

HALL CHAIRMAN

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Legionnaire News

Message from the Commander

The past couple of months have been busy. The Auxiliary held the annual Children’s Halloween party. On 11 November the Post conducted our annual “Veterans Day” service. On 12 November the “Early Bird Bull and Oyster Roast” was held. A great job was done by our 1^st Vice Mike Helm and all his volunteers The Post also held our annual ‘Thanksgiving Day” dinner. Thank You Roni Goughenour and Crew.

As you can see we were very busy and we could not have done this without VOLUNTEERS. To everyone who helped with these events THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

There are a lot of events coming up in the next couple of months:

The Annual Charity Luncheon

Children’s Christmas Party

Post Christmas Party

New Years Eve Gala

Flag Pole Ceremony

Super Bowl Party

Check the bulletin board and web page for more details

The Post will close at 8pm on 24 December (last call will be 7:30 pm) and will re-open 10am on 26 December. The lounge will close on 31 December at 7pm [last call 6:30 pm]. For those who are attending the “New Years Gala” the hall entrance will open at 7:45pm. The Post lounge will open at 12noon on 1 January.

Starting in January there will be music on one Saturday each month. Check the Post bulletin board and web page for more details.

Mike Helm needs your help with membership. If you have not paid your 2006 dues, please do so now. If you know of any member who has not, ask them to do so now.

John Fuller our 2d Vice needs your help with Monday Night Wings and Friday Night Dinner. Read John’s article maybe you will be able to help.

As the Holiday Season approaches, Nancy and I would like to wish everyone, a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Remember our service members, who are serving all around the world and at home, in your prayers.

Dan McDonald
Commander

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Message From the 1^st Vice

It is my extreme privilege to applaud Post #175 for holding a fantastic Early Bird Bull & Oyster Roast. To quote a guest at the event, “You sure are lucky that your members work so well together and at the same time have fun making this event so enjoyable.” We should all be proud when a guest expresses how wonderful the post members come together, and here are the individuals who volunteered their time to make this event a colossal success:

Food and Supplies Ordering Michele Jordan George Lucas Food Preparation Michele Jordan Dan Jordan Pat Rabeau Liz Richard Roni Goughenour Rosemary Gurick Gail Helm David McDonald James Corkery Tent Supplied by: SAL	Beef Cooks John Fuller Larry Doran Bartending Angie Murphy 50/50 RAFFLE, BIG 6, WHEEL OF FORTUNE Helen Chaney Kay VanNote Patty Smith Gail Helm George Lucas Joe Vitek Buddy George Dan McDonald Vick Vachon Chuck Merson	Tent Setup Gail Helm Jim Sweeney Robert Martin Event Setup Robert Martin Jim Ford Keith Jordan Gail Helm John Fuller Betty Vermillon Event Cleanup George Lucas Daniel McDonald Banjo Mayo Gail Helm Jerry Heath John Fuller
And anyone I may have inadvertently missed

To all of you who participated in any way at the Roast. THANK YOU!

With the successful completion of the Early Bird Bull & Oyster Roast, Our Post needs the members to come together for, MEMBERSHIP. We need 123-paid members by the New Year. So, if you know someone who would like to join, have them fill out an application now! If you know someone who has not paid his or her dues, contact them and remind them. To all who have paid their dues, I thank you for your continued support.

Michael A. Helm

1^st Vice Commander

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Message From the 2 ^nd Vice

Thanks to all the volunteers who have helped make our Post Home a great place to come and relax. I NEED YOUR HELP to keep the Monday Night Wings going. We need volunteers to cook so that the present cook [me] doesn’t get burned out. Two or three cooks would mean that you would cook once every three to four weeks. We also need help with Friday night dinners, which are doing very well. On the 2d and 5^th Friday we do dinner. If we could get two or three teams to cook it would mean that you would only be giving up one night every three or four months. You can even cook your own meal that you like (hope others do too). We started the Friday Night Dinners at the request of our members, so now is the time to step-up. If you are interested in volunteering, please see me or drop me a line.

The Post will have a Super Bowl Party, see me for more details. During halftime there will be a drawing for an HDTV. Raffle tickets will go on sale starting on 15 December.

Again”THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT HAS VOLUNTEERED”

John Fuller

2 ^nd Vice Commander

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Message from the Service Officer

The American Legion has a family support network that is ready to provide immediate assistance to service personnel and families whose lives have been directly affected by Operation Iraqi Freedom and America’s war on terror.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the nation’s active-duty military has been on high alert, and National Guard and Reserve units are being mobilized in record numbers. As a result, the families of these men and women often find themselves unable to meet normal monthly expenses, and assistance is needed for a variety of everyday chores. These tasks include grocery-shopping, childcare, mowing the grass, fixing the family car and other routine household jobs.

To address these issues, The American Legion has a 24-hour nationwide toll-free telephone number, 1-800-504-4098, for service members and their family members to call for assistance. Calls are referred to The American Legion department, or state, in which the call originated. Departments relay the collected information to a local American Legion post. The local post then contacts the service member or family to see how assistance can be provided locally. Since the creation of the Family Support Network during the first Persian Gulf War, thousands of posts have responded to meet these families’ needs.

Posts are reminded that families in financial need with minor children are encouraged to call on the Temporary Financial Assistance program at National Headquarters to assist. Otherwise, it is up to local posts to provide or develop the resources necessary to meet the need.

As our forces pursue the enemies of freedom in Iraq and around the globe, The American Legion supports our men and women in uniform and their families with the Family Support Network.

The American Legion post, in its infancy, was very much a “community” post. Made up of friends and neighbors, members knew everyone else in the post, their families and friends. The post knew immediately when a veteran or family member was in trouble, and help was always ready and available to everyone associated with the organization. The post existed as a network of friends and comrades who cared for one another and responded when a need was known.

The Family Support Network is much the same. The difference lies in the expanding population and the loss of the close neighborhood relationships that defined the posts of yesterday. The Family Support Network developed during the early days of Operation Desert Shield, and later Operation Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf War. For the first time in American history, the “total force concept” was activated without advanced notice or preparation. While National Guard and Reserve units activated were equipped for the military mission ahead, the military was not adequately prepared to deal with or support the thousands of families left behind during the mobilization. Paychecks were often lost, not forwarded to the family or not even generated. This was especially true for the families of reservists and National Guardsmen.
The Family Support Network works when Legionnaires at the post level respond to the increasing needs of comrades and their families. As the nation’s largest veteran's organization, our commitment to the men and women of our armed forces and their families never wavers. Together, we must act to ensure that no family endures hardships caused by military service. By doing so, we ensure that The American Legion is “Still Serving America.”

Danny Byrd

Service Officer

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Message from the Chaplain

It’s my favorite time of the year. As a kid I knew it was present time coming, but I also liked all the lights and decorations around town and in our house at Christmas time. This is a time that Christians and Jews celebrate two very special occasions.

Hanukkah is the Jewish Feast of Dedication and begins on the 25^th day of Kislev (Chislev) in the Jewish calendar (November/December). It is characterized by the lighting of the menorah (a lamp stand). It commemorates the victory of Israel over the Syrians. About 166 B.C. a brilliant military leader, Judas Maccabee (called “The Hammer”), retook Jerusalem, purified the temple, and restored the daily sacrifices that were part of the Hebrew religion as ordained by God through Moses. It was the beginning of rule by the Maccabean family and ushered in a glorious period of Jewish history which lasted almost 100 years until the time of Roman rule.

Christmas is the Christian holiday to commerate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. The exact date of his birth is unknown, but after several hundred years December 25^th was established by the Bishop of Rome to celebrate this great event. The Bible says that the event was announced to shepherds who were watching over their sheep outside of town by a glorious band of angels. To the Christians he is the Messiah (Hebrew) or Christ (Greek) meaning the anointed one. He is the one promised by God who would come and give his life for the sins of mankind. To the Christians He is the redeemer, the Son of God.

I’m afraid that the real meanings of these sacred occasions are overshadowed today by commercialism in most of society. This is good for the economy, but I believe it is catastrophic to the spiritual well-being of our great nation.

Sadly I must report that since our last newsletter we have lost several comrades who have gone to Post Everlasting. They are comrades Victor Riggio, Chuck Christie, and most recently, Ed Jessilonis. These comrades will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to the families in this time of grief. SICK LIST: Dan Jordan recently spent some time in the VA Hospital, but he is home and recovering at present. Ralph Clarke is doing well at last report. Bill Lipham had some serious surgery also and is home now. Chuck Green and Patrick Dionne were both in different rehab facilities, but I’m glad to say they too are now home and apparently recovering well. Richard Cummings is at home, but with some serious health problems that require our prayers. James Amos (Sonny), our historian, is scheduled as of this writing to have another rather painful surgical procedure on his jaw. Please keep these comrades in your prayers.

Please call the Post or me if you know of someone who is in the hospital or ill at home so that we can visit with them or least give them a call. God Bless all of you.

Bob Zerphey

Chaplain

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Message from the Editor

Note 1: It is up to each member to keep us informed of all address changes. Address changes can be submitted to the Editor via the Internet using the Newsletter@Legionpost175.org E-mail address, or mailed to the Post address listed at the beginning of the Newsletter. Please indicate on the front of the envelope "ATTN: Editor".

Note 2: If you have access to the internet you can view the Newsletter on-line via the Post 175 Web Site, www.legionpost175.org.

Note 3: We do not E-mail the Newsletter to members with Internet access; you view it on-line at the Post 175 Web Site above. Please notify the Editor via the Internet using the Newsletter@legionpost175.org E-mail address that you will be viewing the Newsletter on-line. We will then take you off the USPS mailing list for the Newsletter.

The Post spends approximately $2750.00 per year in Newsletter costs, this expense would be reduced if everyone with Internet access would view the Newsletter on-line. All it takes is a short message with your name and statement that you will no longer need a hardcopy of the newsletter mailed to you.

Any questions on how to contact the Post via e-mail or to access the Post web page can be found at the end of this Newsletter. If you wish you can call the Post at 410-544-2066 and leave a message for someone to get back to you. Please leave a best time and day to return your call and the subject you wish to discuss with your message.

Bill Corkran

Editor

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News from our Auxiliary

From the President

The Post Early Bird Bull & Oyster Roast was a success. Thank you to Betty Gentile and Evelyn Merson who worked the Cake Wheel and to those who donated baked goods or made cash donations.

Thank you to Paula Fuller and the ladies who made and donated food for our Super Sundays. They all put forth a lot of effort to bring us some different choices of food while enjoying our favorite football games.

Our Italian Night Friday dinners have been well received. Thank you to Rosemary Gurick, Patti Smith and Brenda Digby. We are taking a break for the holidays and will return in January. See Rosemary Gurick’s article for details.

Many thanks to Michele Jordan and helpers for a nice Children’s Halloween Party and special appreciation to Jim Corkery for being “Mr. Pumpkin Man” and Barbara Smith for fixing a great lunch. The CHRISTMAS Party will be held on Sunday, December 11, 1 to 3PM; and the EASTER Party will be, Sunday, April 9, 1 to 3PM. See Michele Jordan’s article for details concerning the Christmas Party.

Here are some dates to look forward to. December 8, Post Charity Luncheon. December 17, Post Christmas Party, December 31, Post New Year’s Eve Party. See the rest of the newsletter for details.

On January 7, 2006 there will be a “Flag Raising Ceremony” for the new flagpole, which is being donated to the Post through the generosity of Pat Wachter in memory of her friend and our Past President, Pat Kloes. All are welcome to attend this celebration. Luncheon will be served at 12 Noon. Please see Pat Wachter’s article for details.

The Legion and the Auxiliary have joined together to provide a new soundproof ceiling in the hall. I would like to thank AJ Commercial Contracting, who can be reached at 420-647-8137, for an excellent job. We know them better as AJ and his son Shawn Rush. I would also like to thank Pat Wachter for working out the details for the project.

Another reminder that St. PATRICK’S DAY, March 17, 2006 is on a Friday. We are hoping to have a corned beef and cabbage dinner followed by Oracle in the lounge. There will be a DEADLINE FOR TICKETS for the dinner. We will also have a raffle. The drawing will be later in the evening after the band starts.

On Sunday, April 23, 2006, our Unit will be hosting the Southern Maryland District meeting for that month. Food will be served at 1PM, the meeting starts at 2PM.

Please plan on attending and learn how other parts of our organization work. All Auxiliary members are welcome.

I would like to welcome Patricia Herder as our new Secretary and thank Betty Gentile and Barbara Mallonee for being “Acting Secretaries” during August and September.

We are saddened by the passing of Ed Jessilonis who was one of the original “Breakfast Crew” making the transition from a “Legion” to an “Auxiliary” breakfast.

“Thanks for everything Ed. We couldn’t have done it without you”.

Please keep our men and women, especially those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy Holidays to All.

Pat Rabeau

President

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Chaplain's Message

I found this little verse, which seemed appropriate for this time of year and I’d like to share it with you.

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

Which blessing would you give away that gives your life its joy today?

Would you give up your friends or health or simple things that bring real wealth?

Or would you rather do the part of counting blessings from the heart, for when you stop to list each one, you’ll find the counting’s never done.

Our best wishes are sent to all of whom have been recently hospitalized and are now recuperating. Past Commander, Dan Jordan has also been in the hospital and Get Well wishes go out to him as well. Please keep Cecilia Jessilonis in your prayers on the passing of her husband, Ed.

While we enjoy the holiday season, remember those that cannot be with their families. Say an extra prayer for them that they all return home safe.

As always, if you know of someone that is sick, please let me know so they can be remembered. Nothing is more welcome when you are ill than a card from a friend.

God Bless all of you, and have a happy and healthy holiday season.

Betty Gentile

Chaplain

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1^st Vice President

Ladies, we are almost there with our 10 plus goal for membership. We now have 255 paid members. Your help is needed to get the seventy (70) more paid members to reach our goal. Did you know if you sign up a new Senior member you are eligible to win one-hundred dollars in a drawing held by National at the National convention? There will be ten winners. So when you sign up a new member remember to sign your name on the back of the application.

You can pay your dues by check by mailing it to Barbara Mallonee, 1084 Sun Valley drive, Annapolis, MD 21409-4956 or cash to me or leave it in the auxiliary mailbox at the Post. Dues for Senior Members are $13.00 and for Junior Members $3.00.

Barbara Mallonee

1^st Vice-President

2^nd Vice President

We had a great turnout for our 1^st and 2^nd Italian Night Dinners. Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the great food. If you didn’t participate, you missed some really good food. Remember…it’s all homemade. Unfortunately, with all of the holidays coming up, we won’t be serving dinner in December, so look for us the 4^th Friday in January, which is the 27^th, with homemade lasagna. Thanks to Brenda Digby and Patty Smith for their help in the kitchen and Pat Rabeau for taking up the 50/50.

We had a pretty good turnout for our Flea Market in October. We had a lot of sellers, but unfortunately we had a lot of competition with other yard sales, so we really didn’t have as many buyers as we should have. Thanks to Anne Marie Peterson for dressing up in her clown outfit and going out on Ritchie Highway to bring people in….it was great!!! Maybe we’ll try it again in the Spring.

Rosemary Gurick

2^nd Vice-President

Americanism Essay Contest

The 2005/2006 Americanism Essay Contest, sponsored by the Auxiliary is in full swing. The title for this year’s essays is, “What Freedom Means To Me”.

Essay contest rules were delivered to fourteen area Elementary and Middle schools in the Broadneck/Severna Park area. Our annual writing contest runs from November 1 to February 1. Best of luck to all who participate.

Alice Martin

Chairman

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Children’s Christmas Party

The Children’s Christmas Party is Sunday, December 11th, 1 to 3PM. We will be having lunch, snacks, games and a visit from Santa. We look forward to seeing you there.

A sign up sheet will be posted in the lounge. The cut off date is Monday, December 5, 2005. Please call 410-544-2066 for more info.

Michele Jordan

Chairman

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SAL NEWS

From your Commander

If you didn't already know, SAL is only doing shrimp on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.  We also have steak subs for sale that night, so if you're not in the mood for seafood come on out and have a steak & cheese sub.  Come early though, we sell out of the steak subs pretty quick.  I'd like to thank the guys who show up to help me cook the shrimp every other week, Randy Smith, Larry Doran and Shawn Rush.  As you can see, it's the same people all the time.  We could use some help from the rest of our members.  Remember, we do this for the SAL, so please don't hesitate to volunteer, you'll never be turned down.

Mike Clutz

Commander

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Planned Post Activities

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Annual Round Table Charity Luncheon

The Annual Round Table Charity Luncheon will be held Thursday, December, 8, 2005 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The luncheon is to support 14 needy local families.

The needy families will receive cash certificates redeemable at local grocery stores.

There will be hot food, desserts, and an OPEN BAR for members who donate a tax deductible 35 dollars or more.

Cash support from those who don’t attend will be appreciated to support this effort!

We invite post members who wish to provide food for the luncheon to contact me in advance.

Let us support these Families with the spirit of the season.

Contact Reed H. Brown 410-544-6323

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New Offering on Hall Rentals

Small Event Hall Rentals

We are making the Post Hall available for “Small Affairs” like Bridal or Baby Showers. These rentals will be available on either Thursday or Sunday afternoons or evenings. Events such as this should usually have a smaller number of attendees and be of a shorter duration than a normal rental. Special rates will be in effect for these “small hall” rentals.

Contact Pat Wachter at 410-647-3756 to discuss the details.

Pat Wachter,

Hall Chairman

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Bingo

The Unit holds bingo on the third Monday of the month at 7PM for the residents at Future Care Nursing Home on College Parkway. If you would like to join us, call Barbara Mallonee at 410-757-1540. Help is always needed. Thank You.

Breakfast

The Breakfast is held on the 3^rd Sunday of the Month. Regular prices are: Adults-$6.00, Children 7 and under-$3.00, Omelets to order-$.50 extra. The hours are 8:30 to 11:00AM. Any questions call Pat Rabeau at 443-995-2294.

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Catering

Please remember if you know someone who is having a wedding reception, birthday party, retirement party or any kind of party refer them to us and be sure to tell them we have a great new menu. Anyone can access the menu from the auxiliary page on the legion website. http://legionpost175.org/ or you can call us at 410-544-2066

Children’s Christmas Party

The Party will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2005, 1 to 3PM. A sign up sheet will be posted in the lounge. The cut off date is Monday, December 5, 2005.

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Go Ravens!

Ravens Roost #33, which meets at the Post, invites

Post members who are football fans to join the Roost. It is one of 50 Roosts that work together to promote football and local charities in addition to cheering for the Ravens. Roost members have fun watching the games, but we enjoy other activities throughout the year. We hold our annual convention in Ocean City. In February, members participate in a bull roast that is attended by Brian Billick and Ravens players. Membership dues are $15.00 per year plus a $15.00 Initiation fee. For more information, please call Dave Schultz at 410-757-5505.

Happy Hours

Very Happy Hours...Mon-Friday 4- 6 PM, Saturday 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM.

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Daily Lunch (Monday - Sunday)

Daily lunch items are posted on the Lunch Menu Board in the Lounge. We try to vary the menu; you can call the Post and check with the Bartender to see what the menu of the day is.

Organization Meetings

Executive Board meets last Monday of each month. [DECEMBER 26 - JANUARY 30]

SAL Unit meets 2nd Tuesday of each month.

[DECEMBER 13 - JANUARY 10]

General membership meets 2^nd Wednesday of each month. [DECEMBER 14 - JANUARY 11]

Auxiliary Unit meets the 4th Wednesday of each month. [December 28—january 25]

NEED SOME FLORIDA SUNSHINE?

The Severn River Lions Club, a service organization, sells select