October 1, 2004 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: Carl “Buddy” George

2nd Vice Commander: John Fuller

3rd Vice Commander: A.J. Rush

Adjutant: George Jamar

Finance Officer: Bob Niederstadt

Chaplain: Dale Strait

Judge Advocate: George Lucas

Historian: Danny Byrd

Service Officer: Jim “Sonny” Amos

Sgt. at Arms: Bob Martin

American Legion Auxiliary

Auxiliary President: Pat Rabeau

1^st Vice-President: Barbara Mallonee

2^nd Vice-President: Rosemary Gurick

Secretary: Betty Gentile

Treasurer: Phyllis Gordon

Chaplain: Debbie Collins

Historian: Eva D’Ambrosio

Sergeant-at-Arms: Peggy Williams

Color Bearers: Betty Kline

Vacant

Executive Committee: Sue Connor

Linda Freedenburg

Pat Wachter

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Sons of American Legion

Commander: Mike Clutz

1^st Vice: James George

2^nd Vice: Dan Jordan

3^rd Vice: Larry Doran

Finance Officer: Dave Dulin

Adjutant: Vacant

Historian: Justin Byrd

Chaplin: Brad Kelly

Sergeant At Arms: Jerry Heath

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Legionnaire News

Message From Your Commander

Since our elections in May I have been busy with all kinds of great events. I attended a great breakfast, which was held by the Post to Honor All Veterans of World War II, and our Post Memorial Day Service followed that event; a great job done by our Post Chaplain Dale Strait.

On 14 June the Post conducted our annual Retirement of Colors, which have become unserviceable. The Flag Ceremony was conducted indoors because of bad weather. Our Sergeant-At-Arms, Bob Martin, did a great job of getting the Girl Scouts and the Vice Commanders together. As a side note we retired 323 flags.

Also during this time I had the pleasure to throw out the First Pitch at the start of the baseball season for the Severna Park Spartans our Post Team.

We had our annual 4th of July hamburger, hot dog, and apple pie with ice cream. On the 5 of July the Post Marched in the Severna Park 4 of July Parade. Thanks to Jim Corkery Uncle Sam and our Junior Auxiliary members Jackie, Britney and Courtney Jordan who carried our banner and all members who drove their cars in the Parade.

Big thanks to Larry Doran and Randy Smith who repaired the retaining wall by the Hall entrance. Also thanks to Ed May who worked on landscape by the front entrance.

On 11 September, The Post conducted the annual Patriots Day Ceremony followed by lunch prepared by our auxiliary. SAL's Crab Feast was just great, if you didn't attend you missed a great time.

That’s just a few of the events we have done so far with a whole brunch coming up. Just to name a few:
                                      Children’s Halloween Party
                                      Veterans Day Ceremony
   Early Bird Bull & Oyster Roast
   Thanksgiving Dinner
   Children’s Christmas Party
   New Years Party

As you can see we have a busy schedule from now until the end of the year. To make all these events work we need volunteers. HELP!!!!

Speaking of volunteers in all the events above there were a few who help with all the events. A BIG THANKS to John and Paula Fuller, Bob and Alice Martin and our Auxiliary.

There are two sign-up sheets on the bulletin board for Thanksgiving, one for those who would like to donate needed items and the other for those who will be attending. Please sign-up

Our 1st Vice is working hard on memberships for 2005. He needs your help. Get your dues in early. The Post goal is to have all our members renewed by 1 January 2005.

Please remember all our service members serving all around the world and at home.

Dan McDonald
Commander

Message From the 1^st Vice

Fellow Legionnaires, now is the time to come to the aid of your First Vice and help him with membership, which is every Legionnaires duty .We are currently at 446 paid members into Department. In order to become a Four Star Post this year we need to obtain a goal of 633 members. We still need 187 members to pay their dues for 2005. My goal this year is to obtain an outstanding Commanders Cap for our Commander, Dan McDonald. In order to do this I must have 633 paid members into Department by January 5, 2005 I NEED YOUR HELP. If you have not yet paid your dues please do so. For those who have already paid I THANK YOU.

Also let’s not forget about the EARLY BIRD BULL AND OYSTER ROAST to be held on Saturday, November 13 from 1 till 6pm. Tickets will go on sale October 1 until October 15 to Legionnaires only. On October 16 they will be on sale to anyone so don’t hesitate to get your ticket Early. Further information will be posted in the lounge.

Carl “Buddy” George

1^st Vice Commander

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Message From the 2nd Vice

To our esteemed members, I am sorry to report that I could not come up with enough interest to start a Horse Shoe League. Perhaps we can get something started for next year. On a personal note I would like to thank the Auxiliary on behalf of Paula and I for their contribution to Aaron Fuller.

John Fuller

2nd Vice Commander

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Message from the Adjutant

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the entire Post, to thank all of our volunteer's who are seldom recognized, regulars, ladies and SAL. Their help does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. As usual, we can always use more volunteers and any amount of time contributed can help.

George F. Jamar, SR.

Adjutant

Message From the Chaplain

Fellow Legionnaires, I’m sorry to report comrades Richard O “Jimmy” Doran, Charles A Cusumano, Richard A “Whale” Gillespie and Ed Ramsburg have been called to Post Everlasting. Please remember these fallen comrades and their families in your prayers. There will be a special memorial service for Legionnaire Jimmy Doran at the Post home on a date to be announced.

We will never forget! On 11 September we paid special tribute to the innocent victims and heroes of the terrible sneak attack on America. Never forget those who lost their lives, those who gave their lives, and those who continue to dedicate their lives to the defeat of terrorism throughout the world. Almighty God, we pray you keep the men and women of our armed forces safe and steadfast in their defense of our country and way of life. We pray, also, for all who have suffered from the cowardly acts of terrorists. Bring peace to your troubled world. Amen. Thanks to all who attended and participated in the service, especially Firefighter Charles Disney of the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department who struck the “Four Fives” and laid the memorial wreath.

Please keep comrade John Ellis and his loved ones in your prayers at this time of uncertainty and concern for them.

Veterans Day will be celebrated on 11 November 2004 at 11 a.m. Please attend and join others in remembering and honoring all who have died in the defense of their country. We hope to hold the ceremony at the WWII memorial in Hatton-Regester Green on the B&A trail across B&A Boulevard from The Community Center at Woods.

Roma and I hope all of you and your families had a safe and happy summer. Happy Thanksgiving.

Please let me know of anyone in the hospital or ill at home. Thanks.

Dale Strait

Chaplain

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Message From the Historian

" U.S. Flag Trivia":

What should you do if a flag is old and ready to be retired?

The Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Is it appropriate to fly a flag that has fewer then 50 stars?

Yes. There is nothing wrong in flying a historic flag.

Is it okay to fly a flag that was used to drape a coffin?

The Flag Code makes no reference to the use, but consensus among experts is that yes, it would be an honor to display the flag to show patriotism.

If the flag touches the ground, does it have to be destroyed?

No. You should try to avoid having the flag touch the ground. But if it does, you should correct the situation immediately. If the flag has been dirtied, you should clean it by hand with mild soap solution and dry it well before returning it to use.

Can a company decide to fly a flag at half-mast for a former employee?

No. Only the president of the U.S. or your state governor can order the flag lowered to half-mast.

Upon the death of a sitting or former President how long does the flag fly at half-mast? For a Vice-President?

Thirty days for the death of a sitting or former President. Ten days for the death of a Vice-President.

How can people show mourning if a flag is on a fixed pole or staff and can’t be half-mast?

The flag rules make no provisions for this. However, army regulations state, “A streamer of black crepe 7 feet long and 1 foot wide will be attached to the staff immediately below the spearhead of the U.S. flag.”

Is Texas’s the only state flag allowed to fly at the same height as the U.S. flag?

No, this is an urban legend. All state flags may fly at the same height as the U.S. flag. The U.S. flag must be on its right (the viewer’s left), however.

Does the ball ornament atop a flagpole contain a razor, lighter, and flare?

No. this is also an urban legend. One explanation is that the myth started during the Cold War and the event of a Soviet invasion. Of course, the ball ornament predates the Cold War by many years.

Why is the flag sometimes backwards on the side of airplanes, buses, and other vehicles?

The flag decals have the union (the blue area with the stars) on the side closer to the front of the plan. On the plan’s left, the decal shows the flag with the union at the left. On the plane’s right side, the union is on the right. This is done so that the flag looks as if it is blowing in the wind created by the forward movement. You can also see this on cars and trucks.

Please share this with others who love the symbol of “Liberty and Freedom”.

Danny Byrd

Historian

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Message From the Editor

We will be reviewing the Legionnaire, Auxiliary, and SAL members address of record and where individuals hold dual membership; e.g., are both a Legionnaire and SAL member, and/or, where individual Legionnaire, Auxiliary, and SAL members reside at the same address, we will be mailing out only one copy of the newsletter.

Note: 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".

Bill Corkran

Editor

News from our Auxiliary

From the President

We are pleased to announce that the renovations to the ladies room in the hall have been completed. After careful consideration, we decided to accept the proposal put forth by Mr. Chad Brown of Precision Commercial Contracting, 943 Oakdale Circle, Millersville, Md. 21108, 410-987-0976. Mr. Brown and his workers did an excellent job and the results are very satisfactory. I would like to thank Mr. Brown and helpers for their fine job. We like it!

Also, thank you to Pat Wachter for her help in securing this proposal and working out the details.

Debbie Collins has accepted the nomination for the Office of Chaplain. She was installed at our August meeting. Congratulations, Debbie! Thank you Betty Gentile for being Acting Chaplain since our June elections.

We are planning an Initiation Ceremony for all members who never received their Auxiliary pins. You MUST notify me by NOVEMBER 1, 2004 if you want to participate. The Ceremony is being planned for the April 27, 2005 regular Wednesday night meeting. Any new members between now and then will be automatically included. You can reach me at 410-544-2421.

Our plans for October and November include the Children’s Halloween Party on October 24 and a new series of Super Sundays. See Michele Jordan’s and Paula Fuller’s articles for details. Alice Martin, Americanism Chairman, will soon be covering the area schools for this year’s Essay Contest entitled, “My Letter To A Person in the Armed Forces”.

The SAL is planning a benefit dinner for Jimmy Swing in October. The Post is planning an Early Bird Bull and Oyster Roast and a Thanksgiving Day Dinner in November. See their articles for more information.

The November Fund Raiser tickets are now available from Rene Bachman at 410-647-5159 or myself at 410-544-2421. Please do not hesitate to be a part of this fund raising effort.

It is through Fund Raiser ticket sales, Cake Wheels, Fifty-Fifty Raffles, Window Raffles, Super Sunday, Catering, and Breakfasts that the Unit obtains the money we use for Auxiliary Programs, which benefit Veterans and the Children of Veterans. It also enables us to contribute to Post improvements and activities. To do this, we need your help and cooperation. The benefits are for the good of everyone.

Our Unit has several members and many of us in this area have friends and relatives who live in Florida and the surrounding states that have been affected by the recent hurricanes. We hope for their safe and speedy return to normal living.

Please join us for the November 11th Ceremony. Keep in mind our men and women all over the world who serve our country daily and those who have died to give nations their sovereignty and their people a chance to live in freedom. Real Heroes!

Pat Rabeau

President

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84^th National Convention

What an exciting week it was! I attended the National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee from August 27th through September 2nd. Many meetings were held starting on Saturday with a parade on Sunday and more meetings through Wednesday. On Thursday, Installation of Officers was held. It was a special day for Maryland as Sandi Dutton from Greenbelt Unit #136 was installed as our National President. It was an honor for me to serve as her “Sgt-At-Arms”. The events ended with a reception for everyone. “This was a Special Moment in Time for All of Maryland”.

Barbara Mallonee

1^st Vice-President

Chaplain's Message

My name is Debbie Collins and I am the new Chaplain for our Unit. Please let me know of any member who is ill. My home number is 410 544- 5820 and my email is dcollins276@comcast.net.

Debbie Collins

Chaplain

Membership

As many of you know, our membership theme this year is “Play Ball” (Baseball). Southern Maryland District is the “Crazy Crabs Team”. We are working to reach third base by having 75% of goal by October 15, 2004. So ladies, I need your help, please send in your dues for 2005. We are now on second base with 50% of goal. There is still time to be “An Early Bird”.

Thanks to everyone for your help in reaching home plate as soon as possible with 100% Goal.

Barbara Mallonee

Chairman

Children’s Halloween Party

It is time for our Children’s Halloween Party on Sunday, October 24th, 1 to 3PM. A Sign Up Sheet will be in the lounge on October 1st and the cut off date will be October 17, 2004.

Please join us for a fun day of costume contests, hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch, food, games, and more. Any questions, call me at 410-761-6781.

Please remember that attendance at Children’s Parties is limited to children and grandchildren aged ten and under of Post members only. There is no smoking allowed in the hall at anytime and drinking alcoholic beverages is never permitted at children’s parties.

Michele Jordan

Chairman

Super Sunday

October is just around the corner and the Sign Up Sheet is right inside the door. It’s that time of year and we’re looking for everyone’s support this year. We changed the name because you can do other things besides soup. Here are a few ideas:

Open faced sandwiches and mashed potatoes

Sloppy Joe’s with potato salad

Hamburgers and macaroni and cheese

Ham and beans

Hot dogs and beans

Also, two people can get together and sign up as a team. Super Sundays start Oct. 3rd and continue until and including Nov. 28^th from 3-6pm. Any questions, call me at 410-271-3394.

Paula Fuller

Chairman

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SAL NEWS

From your Commander

The SAL Crab Feast was held on September 25th so, by the time you read this, there will hopefully be a lot of Happy Crab Lovers! I would like to thank all of the people who supported our crab feast and hope you had a good time. I would also like to thank all the SAL, Auxiliary, and Legion members who are always there when you need them. Without your help we wouldn't have been able to pull it off, Thanks!

The SAL will be hosting a benefit chicken dinner sale for our own SAL member Jimmy Swing! If you hadn't heard, Jimmy has been in the hospital since June battling a very debilitating staff infection. The dates are October 9th and 10th from 12pm to 5 pm. The menu is to include: chicken, potato salad, green beans & a roll. You can eat in or carry out. Tickets are on sale at the bar for $7.00 a dinner. So please, come out and support our friend.

SAL dues are due. Please come in, or send in your dues, so we can be a Four Star Squadron again this year! Thank You.

Mike Clutz

Commander

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Planned Post Activities

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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.

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Breakfast

The “Breakfast Crew” made a successful return to duty on Sunday, September 19th. If you missed it, shame on you! But we will be back on Sunday, October 17th and the third Sunday every month thereafter until summer break. Adults-$6.00, Children 7 and under-$3.00, Omelets to order-$.50 extra. Hours-8:30 to 11:30AM. Any questions, call Pat Kloes at 410-647-3756. See Ya!!

Early Bird Bull & Oyster Roast

The Early Bird bull & Oyster Roast is from 1 to 6PM on Saturday, November 13, 2004.

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Friday Night Shrimp

There will be NO STEAMED SHRIMP on Friday, October 1st, due to a hall rental. We will be serving shrimp salad instead. It is the same quality shrimp, just served in a different way. Regular steamed shrimp will resume the following Friday, October 8th.

Handicapped Bathroom

Check it out! We have a brand new bathroom in the hall. I can’t say enough good things about it. The process for this new-handicapped accessible bathroom started out at a “snail’s pace”. We called contractors for bids and when Chad came on the scene, we knew he was the one to go with. He was punctual, knowledgeable, constructive, a real professional.

As for his bid, it was clear, concise, and above all affordable. It was a pleasure doing business with him. I would highly recommend this young man. Give him a call at 443-271-5879. He does much more than bathrooms.

Please, if you come to the Post, take a moment to go downstairs and check it out. It’s just one more accomplishment in our on going efforts to make our Post a better place for all of us to visit.

Pat Wachter

Hall Chairman

SAL Benefit for Jimmy Swing

The SAL Benefit for Jimmy Swing will be held on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10. The hours are 12 to 5PM and tickets are $7.00.

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Thanksgiving Day Dinner

The Post is serving a Thanksgiving dinner on November 25 from 2 to 5PM. The cost is $5.00 and a sign-up sheet will be posted in the lounge.

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Veterans Clothing Drive

On December 4, 2004, the Washington VA Hospital will hold a “Winter Haven Stand-Down” for our Veterans. The hospital is in need of winter clothing for MEN only. Please call Barbara Mallonee at 410-757-1540 if you have any clothing. Thank you.

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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.

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Happy Hours

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

New!! New!! - Happy hour Club - New!! New!!

Donate a dollar a week and have a Happy Hour surprise on Wednesdays. See Kathy for details.

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Daily Lunch (Monday - Sunday)

Daily lunch items, usually a secret until that day, but always a pleasant treat to the taste buds. Often it’s a guarded /secret recipe. The lunch crowd is now nearly as big as the Friday night howlers.

Organization Meetings

Executive Board meets last Monday of each month. [Oct 25^th – Nov 29^th] at 7:00 PM.

SAL Unit meets 2nd Tuesday of each month.

[Oct 12^th – Nov 9^th] at 7:30 PM.

General membership meets 2^nd Wednesday of each month. [Oct 13^th – Nov 10^th] at 7:30 PM.

Auxiliary Unit meets the 4th Wednesday of each month. [Oct 27^th – Nov 24^th]

NEED SOME FLORIDA SUNSHINE?

The Severn River Lions Club, a service organization, sells select Florida citrus each month from November through April. All proceeds of the sales go to charities and school scholarships. The club offers premium fruit shipped directly from the orchards to Severna Park. Ruby Red grapefruit is offered each month. In December navel oranges and tangerines are also available. In January, Temple oranges are offered. Frequently navel oranges are also available in January. Grapefruit costs $10 for a 2/5 bushel box and $18 for a 4/5 bushel box. Navel oranges run $11 for 2/5 bushel and $20 for 4/5 bushel. Cost of tangerines and Temple oranges is not yet available. If you are interested in enjoying some Florida sunshine right here in Severna Park this winter while contributing to charity, call Dale Strait at 410-987-4879. Thanks.

Internet Access

Post WEB Site is available for your use. We are already receiving a significant number of “hits” (accesses) to the various topic areas included. The Web site will continue to expand to include many more areas of information and interest to both Post members and outside inquirers. This growth will be largely based on members’ suggestions.

The Webmaster is Gail Helm of our Auxiliary. Thanks Gail for all your superb efforts in getting this excellent communications tool available to us.

The web page may be accessed under www.legionpost175.org

Please let Gail know through the web page response section (hyperlink at bottom of Web Page) what your thoughts are for articles/access methods/format changes that you feel you would like to see included.

One thing we will be able to do is to inform everyone of changes /omissions/errors from the Newsletter in a timely manner, as opposed to waiting for the next bi-monthly issue of the Newsletter.

The web page can present things that the Newsletter cannot. Such as, COLOR pictures from events at the Post, hyperlinks to articles of interest from National and Department etc. etc.

Please feel free to access the web page NOW.

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