Legionnaire News

From Your Commander

As I sit here about to write my message I am thinking about what I heard on the news this morning, eight British soldiers and four Marines have died for their Countries in The Iraqi War due to a helicopter accident also a Marine has died in battle. Let us not forget these casualties of war, remember them and their families in the following days. But most of all let us not forget what they died for. Freedom in America and in Iraq for it’s people. Bless each and every soldier fighting for freedom and against oppression in Iraq. Remember them in your prayers.

As I continue to write my mind is blank of thoughts about the Post although much has been done here in the past few months. So I am just going to say thanks to all those who got things done at the Post over the last few months. This is something I found in a Kentucky newspaper.

Just a Simple Veteran

He was getting old and paunchy

and his hair was falling fast

and he sat around the Legion

telling stories of the past

of a war that he had fought in

and the deeds that he had done

in his exploits with his buddies,

they were heroes, everyone.

And “though sometimes to neighbors

his tales became a joke

all his buddies listened, for they

knew whereof he spoke.

But we’ll hear his tales no longer

___ ol’ Bob has passed away.

And tho the worlds a little poorer

for a veteran died today.

When politicians leave this earth

their bodies lie in state,

thousands note their passing and

proclaim that they were great,

papers tell of their life stories from

a time when they were young.

But the passing of a veteran goes

unnoticed ……unsung.

It’s so easy to forget them, for it

is so long ago

that our Bobs and Jims and

Johnnys went to battle, but we know,

it was not the politicians with their

compromise and ploy

who won for us the freedom that

our country now enjoys.

He was just a common veteran

and his ranks are growing thin,

but his presence should remind us

…we may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,

then we find the soldiers part

is to clean up all the troubles that

the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor while

he’s here to hear the praise,

then at least let’s give him

homage at the ending of his days.

Perhaps a simple headline in the

Paper that might say,

“our country is

in mourning, for a

veteran died today.”

May God Bless Each and Every Veteran

Message From the 1^st Vice

As I write this article our membership for 2003 is 600, we need 34 more to reach our goal of 634. It has really slowed down since the first of the year. There are 51 members who paid last year that have not paid this year. If you know anyone who has not paid their 2003 dues please ask them to do so. We have almost 30 new members this year, so if we could get every one to renew we will pass our goal. Need your help!

In the last newsletter I asked for suggestions on how we can get more members involved in our Post elections. I received one letter, Thank you Frank Parker. We are going to do something new this year for our elections, you will read more about it in the newsletter

I have a gripe. I work full time and like you I come into the Post to enjoy myself. The other day I came in and the first thing I get hit with is: “there is water on the floor in the restroom”.  It does not take an officer of the Post to mop a floor.  It’s YOUR Post, get a mop and bucket, get the water up and leave a note, so we can get someone to look at the problem.

Thank you, Dave Cantler, for doing your part and mopping up the floor.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND WATCH OVER THEM.

Daniel McDonald

1st Vice

Message From the 2^st Vice

The Valentine’s Day Surf or Turf Dinner and Romance Package Raffle were a success.  The teamwork displayed by the Auxiliary, Legion, and SAL members was outstanding.   About 25 volunteers willingly offered to do tasks to get the job done.   It was easy to manage a bunch like that.  

Over 170 meals were sold. The dinner guests made glowing remarks about the quality and good service provided.   The Oracle Band delighted those who stayed after dinner. The Romance Package Raffle was successful in large part due to the donation of a two-night stay at the Sheraton Barcelo Hotel provided by Roni Goughenour.  Also contributing to the raffle success was the design talent of Barbara Smith, which she applied to the window display for the raffle.

The winner of the Romance Raffle Package was our one and only Kathy Beall.  Congratulations Kathy.

The volunteers who made this event successful were:

Pat Rabeau, Barbara and Eric Smith, Colleen and Billy Cox, Brenda and Rick Digby,

Roger Scarborough, Dan Jordan, Larry Doran, Paula Fuller, Linda and Bob Freedenburg,

Doris Heubeck, Rosemary Gurick, Kathy Beall, Buddy George, Dan McDonald,

Mike Clutz, Charlie Vane, George Lucas, Roni Goughenour, Gail Helm, Gloria Carroll,

Phoebe Cavallo, Sue Connor, Liz Hooper, Darlene O’Rourke, and Laura Weikert.

We are always looking for new volunteers to be part of the team. 

Please contact us if you can give some time to help in any way.

Richard L. Bonnett

Adjutant’s Message

Unfortunately Tony’s return to his Adjutant duties has been delayed.  The exact date is not known right now.  We are all looking forward to your return Tony.   May your return to the Adjutant duties be soon and everything about your health be at 100%.

All members must obey the post 175 dress code (no tank tops or bare feet), also please remember, no use of profanity is requested of everyone always.  Violators will be asked to leave.

As a point of information, although the bartender is in control of the lounge, ALL members are empowered and expected to help enforce these and all other rules, remember to take it to the bartender before taking any action.

The above two paragraphs were left in this article as a continuing reminder in the Adjutant’s absence.  The Adjutant’s normal Newsletter Article will not appear in this issue due to his recent illness, from which he is still recovering.

 Information normally covered in this section will be covered in other officer’s articles.

Tony McGrath

Adjutant

A Word from the Chaplain

Post 175, along with the rest of the country, will be observing Memorial Day on Monday, 26 May, at 11 am in front of the FlagPole.  This is a time to remember and honor all veterans who have gone before us.  Please mark this event on your calendar and join the Post, the Auxiliary, and SAL in a Memorial Day Service at 11 a.m.  Lunch will follow.

Let us especially remember our fellow Legionnaires that have been called to Post Everlasting during the past year.  

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

Dale Strait

Chaplain

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE

Thanks to Legionnaire Rick Digby who generously gave blood at the blood drive on Monday, 3 March.  The next blood drive will be on Monday, 2 June, from 1pm to 7pm at the Elks Lodge on Truckhouse Road in Severna Park.  American Legion Post 175 jointly sponsors the blood drive with the Severna Park Elks Lodge and Severn River Lions Club.  The Red Cross has an urgent need for blood because supplies are critically low and the need is high.  Each blood donation can benefit up to three critically ill or injured people by providing whole blood, platelet, or plasma.  Anyone over the age of 17, weighing more than 110 pounds, and in good health can donate every 54 days.  There is no way one can get a disease from donating blood.  The process takes about an hour.

Please contact Legionnaires Tim Elliott at 410-647-3748, Dale Strait at 410-987-4879, or use the sign up sheet at the front door bulletin board.  Your gift of blood can save a life.

Dale Strait, Chaplain

News from our Auxiliary

From the President

Good-bye winter!  With all the snow we had and the  problems it created; we  had two very fine events which  brightened things up . The Valentine’s Day Dinner and the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner were  enjoyed by all who attended.  Thank you to Post #175 for dividing the profits from the Valentine’s Day Dinner between the Auxiliary and the SAL.  Thank you also to all the Post, Auxiliary and SAL volunteers who helped to make these events successes.

In fulfilling the goal of completing the hall renovations; we were able to make a donation of $750 to the Post towards the purchase of a multi-lift platform to enable handicapped access to the hall.  Thank you ladies for all your hard work which made this possible.

Welcome spring!  The Children’s Easter Party will be held on SATURDAY, APRIL 12.  The Texas Roundup is on May 3^rd.  May is Poppy month and Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 26th.   The June Fundraiser will be starting soon .  We look forward to seeing you at these functions.  Your support of our fund raising activities is always appreciated and we are grateful for your generosity. For more information, please call 410-544-2421.

It’s not too early to mention ELECTIONS which occur in June.  Please think about taking an Office.  The only requirements to vote or to run for an office are that your membership dues are currently paid.

I would like to welcome Sue Connor as the new Chairman for Community Service.  She will be collecting non-perishable food items for the needy.  Please see her article for details.

There are many volunteers who contribute their time, work, money, material goods, or just plain good advice.  You are appreciated and we thank you.

Remember our service men and women at this perilous time and pray for their safe return.

.

Pat  Rabeau

President

2nd Vice-President

The line dancing classes are going great.  We’ve had good attendance and learned a few new dances.  If you haven’t joined  us, you’re missing a great time.  Chris Brent is a charm, and she has the patience of a saint.  We will not be having classes on April 5, 12, and 19, so far these are the only Saturdays that we know of.  The best way to be sure is to call the Legion (410-544-2066) on Saturday afternoon and ask the bartender if there will be classes that night.  I will be sure to let you know if there are any cancellations.

Don’t forget we’ll be having our Texas Roundup on  Saturday, May 3rd.  We’ve already booked Family Tradition for our event and look forward to a great turnout.  The price will be $18.00 and the hours are 5PM to 10PM.    Hope to see you there!

Rosemary Gurick

2nd Vice-President

Chaplain's Message

Condolences go to Doris Heubeck on the death of her step-father, Ezra D. Sullivan and “Thinking of You” wishes are extended to Paula Browning.

Here’s hoping everyone has a Happy Spring!

Barbara Schneider

410-647-7017

Membership 

Ladies, Spring is sprung and our Unit has sprung into 4 STAR.  Congratulations to all of you for renewing your membership in Severn Unit #175.  Please remember that there is always room for more ladies to join us and help to achieve our goals and responsibilities to our service people.  We must continue to do what we can for our veterans and their families.

Since our last newsletter, we have happily welcomed our newest members who are:  Mary McClelland, Rita Mary Wolfe, Catherine Baumgardner and her daughter, Shannon Baumgardner..

Please don’t hesitate to call me at 410-647-5159 if you have any questions on membership.  I am at your service.

Regina Bachman

Chairman

Children and Youth

The Children’s Easter Party will be held on Saturday, April 12th, 1 – 3 PM.  The Easter Bunny will be there to hand out Easter baskets and help with the Easter egg hunt.  Refreshments will be served.

A sign – up sheet will be posted in the lounge from 3-18-03  until 4-7-03.  Please sign up early.

Please remember, attendance at the Children’s parties are limited to children and grandchildren of Post Members only age ten and under. Thank you.

Michele Jordan

Chairman

Community Service

Hello Fellow Members:

Just wanted to let you know, that I will be collecting non-perishable food items which will be given to the Severna Park Assistance Network (SPAN).  SPAN provides assistance to those people in our community who are facing a crisis situation and our donations are used to help them.  Your donations are greatly appreciated.  Please drop off any non-perishable food items to my attention at our Post and I will be more than happy to retrieve them.  I would like to give SPAN our first donation for this year in May.  Your donations are always welcome and may be dropped off at the Post throughout the year.  If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call at 410-647-8664.  Thank you.

Sue Connor

Chairman

Poppies

Our annual poppy drive will be taking place on Memorial Weekend; Saturday May 24, Sunday May 25 and Memorial Day Monday May 26.

American Legion  volunteers will be distributing poppies in exchange for donations.  This annual event, planned to coincide with Memorial Day, pays tribute to all the veterans as well as those who gave their lives for our country.  The poppy is a replica of those poppies that bloomed on the battlefields of France and are symbolic of the bloodshed there during W. W. I.  Each poppy is hand made by Veterans for Veterans in Auxiliary sponsored shops.  100%  of the proceeds go toward veteran related affairs such as to benefit the sick or needy veterans.

We will have folks stationed on the local highways collecting donations, and we plan on stationing volunteers at the local grocery stores in Arnold and Severna Park.  We plan on doing this during the entire Memorial weekend.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!  Please call me if you can spare any time at all during the Memorial weekend, no matter how much time you can spare, even if just for an hour.  My number is 410-647-5978.

We will be doing something a little different in the lounge.  In the past we distributed “poppy plates” in exchange for donations.  They were displayed hanging from the ceiling above the bar.  It was difficult to read the plates.  This year we will have 8-1/2 by 11 documents decorated with poppies.  They will be attached to the wall so they will be easier for people to read.  We will also have a decorative display under the large TV.

Eve D’Ambrosio, Chairman

SAL News

There is NO input from the SAL to the Post Newsletter for this issue.   This is very disappointing.

Each Post organization should have it’s officers consider what information, regarding the office held by him/her, needs to be communicated to the membership via the Newsletter.  Please try to improve in this area before the next issue of the Newsletter.  Thank you.

Commander “Buddy” George

Planned Post Activities

Breakfast

The snow got us in February (sorry bout that!), but the breakfast crew bounced back in March.  We are looking forward to serving a great buffet on EASTER-SUNDAY.  So put on your best “duds” and “bonnets” --- Join us for an Easter Breakfast that even the bunny would be “Hoppy” with!

Adults - $5.00

Children under 7 - $3.00

Omelets - $.50 extra

SPECIAL NOTICE:

The breakfast crew will celebrate “Mother’s – Day” on Sunday, May 18th with a reduced rate of $4.00 for all mothers!!  Bring your mom – we’ll cook and do the dishes!!!

__________________________________________

Bingo

We hold bingo the 3rd Monday of every month at 7:00PM.  The prizes and refreshments are truly appreciated.  Thanks ladies.  We can always use small items like lotions, powder, etc.  Items for men are also needed.  If you would like to join us, please call at 410-757-1540. Help is always needed and appreciated.

Clothing Drive

Men and Women’s clothing, especially large sizes, needed by VA hospital at Perry Point.  Please call Barbara Mallonee at 410-757-1540 by 4/12/2003

Children’s Easter Party

The Easter Party will be held  Saturday, April 12th

 - From 1 to 3pm.

Texas Roundup

The Texas Roundup will be held Saturday, May 3^rd - 5 to 10pm.  Tickets are $18.00.

Happy Hours

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

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. [April  26– May 31 ] at 7:00 PM.

SAL Unit meets 2nd Tuesday of each month.

[April 8  - May 13]   at 7:30 PM.

General membership meets 2^nd Wednesday of each month. [April 9  - May 14]  at 7:30 PM.

Auxiliary Unit will meet the 4th Wednesday of each month. [April 23 - May 28]  at 7:30 PM

E-mail and Internet Access.

Please remember the Post E-mail is intended for Post business.  This includes any correspondence requesting information from the Post or to  notify  the Post of information. 

When sending e-mail to the Post please include in the subject line the following:

Attention of :   Name or Officer position

                          Your Name

                          Brief description of subject 

We have been requesting notification of E-mail addresses for about a year or more in each issue of the Newsletter.  So far we have received 37 responses.  We are looking at this as a way of cutting costs in distribution and copying of the Newsletters.  The savings would amount to approximately $250.00 per month. 

If you have an E-mail address and would be willing to receive your copy of the Newsletter through E-mail please send in your e-mail address.   This should also eliminate the “lost in the mail” newsletters that occasionally get reported.

The sooner we get this information the sooner we can have two way electronic communication between the Post and membership.  We need your help to start preparing NOW.

Please submit (E-mail, Regular mail, phone, or give it to the bartender)

Name: ___________________________________

Email: ___________________________________

Phone #: __________________________________

Post E-mail is  “Legionpost175@aol.com

Phone # in case of questions only.   Not required.

NOTICE

Elections  -  Elections

Attention  Legionnaires

This year Post 175 is going to hold Election of Officers on Saturday 10 May 2003.  Voting will take place between 1200 hours and 1900 hours.  The name of all nominees MUST be submitted to the Nominating Committee prior to 3 May 2003.  Ballots will be available pre-printed with each office and the name of all nominees for that office.  The elections will be under control of the Post Sargent-at-Arms, Harry Carroll.  All ballots will be secured by the Sargent-at-arms at the close of the election Polls.  The results of the election will be announced at the 14 May 2003 general meeting.

To be eligible to vote you will be required to show your PAID UP 2003 membership to the voting clerk.  The Polling will be set up in the Post Lounge.  It will be located in the corner near the daily draw book. 

We are hoping this will give every member a chance to vote.  Make sure you mark your calendars NOW.

Don’t delay vote on 10 May, 2003, this is the time to have your say!!

The nominating committee consists of:

            Harry Carroll

            Harry Grover

            Scott Mallonee

If you do not know these people the bartender or any officer will be glad to help you find one of them.

Key date for nominations

Last day to submit nominations is May 2,2003

NOTICE

Internet Access

Post WEB Page  is coming

The Post has initiated an effort to get a Post 175 Internet web page set up in the near future.

We have seen a demonstration of a sample of what the Web page MAY look like when we initially launch it.

The demonstration was given to each of the Post organizations at their respective general meetings.  The reports back from each organization were very positive.

This will make a lot more information about what is going on around the Post available to more members in a much more timely manner.

KEEP YOUR EYES peeled for further announcements regarding this new and exciting project.

R e m i n d e r

Elections are coming

May 10,2003

Elections are coming