Who’s who—Post, SAL and

Auxiliary Leadership…….

 

 

American Legion Post 175 Post Commander:    Carl “Buddy” George        1st Vice Commander:  Dan McDonald 2nd Vice Commander:     Richard Bonnett 3rd Vice Commander       Dan Jordan Adjutant:  Tony McGrath Finance Officer: Bob Niederstadt Chaplain: Dale Strait     Judge Advocate: Jim Corkery Historian: Harry Grover Service Officer: Mike Herpel  Sgt. at Arms: Harry Carroll

American Legion Auxiliary    Auxiliary President:  Pat Rabeau 1st Vice-President: Betty Gentile 2nd Vice-President: Rosemary Gurick Secretary:  Barbara Mallonee Treasurer: Fay Higgins Chaplain:    Barbara Schneider Historian: Phyllis Gordon Sergeant-at-Arms Barbara Smith Color Bearers: Betty Kline Gail Helm ___________________________________

Sons of American Legion   SAL Elections Completed Commander Billy Cox 1st Vice: James George 2nd Vice: Mike Clutz Finance Officer : William “BJ” Cox Jr. Adjutant : Kenny Gerald Historian : “Skip” Sersevic Chaplain : Steve Bennett    Sergeant at Arms: David Sersevic

 

 

From Your Commander

          

I do hope everyone had good holidays with family and friends.

Now it’s on to a new year and all that comes with it but before I proceed let me at this time thank all those who made last year a success in all we did at the Post. My sincere appreciation and thanks to you all for a job well done.  Also I thank all those who supported the many functions and affairs held at the Post during the past year.

 

I would also like to extend a special “Thanks” to the shuffle bowl league that donated $80.00 to the Post.  We purchased a sorely needed shop-vacuum with that donation.

 

As we move ahead several tasks will be taken on such as finishing the hall.  Much outside work must be done around the Post Home, which is a constant chore and never forget the ever-ongoing improvements to the lounge.  We are always looking for Legionnaires to step up and offer help. Many hands make less the work.

 

I’d like to now move onto a familiar and yearly event at the Post.  This event will be upon us before we know it.  That is  –

 

 

    ELECTIONS

 

 

Please put some serious thought and effort into this process it will effect the whole year’s operation at the Post. Let’s do it right. Step up to the plate and take a swing.

May GOD bless and protect all veterans in these troubling times.

 

 

Message From the 1^st Vice

 

Well we didn’t make The Department goal of 100% by January 1, 2003. As of January 23, 2003 we are at 89.7%, need 65 more members to make goal. Need your help in getting our members to renew. If you know anyone who has not renewed please ask him to do so. Just a reminder if you have not paid your 2003 dues by February 1,2003 your membership is suspended.

 

Our National Commander will go before Congress in May; it is vital that we have the support of our veteran’s community. There is no better way to demonstrate this than by a growing membership. Our strength is in our numbers and when we say we have 2.8 million members they will listen to us. We need to show a positive growth in our membership when our National Commander goes to the Hill.

 

The following was published in our Post Talk just after our elections, we did not receive any suggestions but I feel this is important.

“Elections were held on May 12^th and a new slate of officers were selected for the coming year. The bad news we only had 59 members present to vote. That’s not even 10% of our membership. We really need to do better. IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS on how we can get more members to attend or how we could change the elections in order to get more of our members involved, Please drop your suggestions in the suggestion box or by E-mail.”

                      

Daniel McDonald

1st Vice

Message From the 2^st Vice

 

The Annual Charity Luncheon was held on December 12th with 29 attending the luncheon.   We met the goal of distributing $2000.00  to ten [ 10 ] needy families by donations from individuals and organizations. Moneys collected from individuals was $1440 ; which was up by 40 percent compared to last year.   Thanks to our Auxiliary, the SAL, the Legion, and the Kennel Club for their generosity. They collectively made the difference to achieve the goal. Thanks to the volunteers who prepared and donated food .There were  Pat Rabeau; Barbara Smith; Roger Weaverling; John Ellis;  Buddy George; Rosemary Gurick; Laura Weikert; Keith Jordan; Dave Dulin; Ed Jessilonis ; Lee Pirkle; Dawn Weaverling and Pat Kloes.

Thanks also to the many individuals , too numerous to mention , who provided cash contributions towards this worthy cause.

 

A special Valentine’s Day Raffle is offered ...fondly called “Romance Package Raffle”.

The winner gets two (2) nights stay [ double occupancy ] at the Sheraton Barcelo Hotel in Annapolis for  both February 14th and 15th. You will also receive a cute pink stuffed

dog ; several bottles of  refreshment ;  a DVD player with a movie rental card and more...

 

Tickets for the dinner and tickets for the Romance Package Raffle  must be purchased in advance no later than Sunday, February the 9th.  

The drawing for the Romance Package Raffle will be  Sunday evening  at  9 PM , February 9th .  You do not need to be present to win , however come out to the post to find out who does. Thanks to Roni Sue Hrynyshen for obtaining the donation of the hotel portion of the package.  If you can help with donations to this package, then please contact Pat Rabeau or Barbara Smith.  Items will be added to the package as the days go by.

 

After dinner, Oracle the band will entertain all who come to the post lounge on Valentine’s day , Friday the 14th .  Their music is from 8:30 PM to 12:30 PM.

This is free to all post members and guests.

 

Our Auxiliary, SAL and Legion members continue to work well together and achieve our goals. Lets encourage others to join the team and share in these experiences. Success depends on volunteerism and Post comradeship.  If you have ideas for improvement, you can make a note and put it in the suggestion box at the post lounge or contact me directly.

 

Richard L. Bonnett

 

From Your Adjutant

 

Good News.  Your Adjutant has been seen at the Post on several occasions recently.  He has informed us that he expects to return to normal activity sometime in February.  We all wish him well and look forward to his return.

 

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 this issue due to his recent illness, which he is still recovering from.

 

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

 

Tony McGrath

Adjutant

 

A Word from the Chaplain

 

Since our last newsletter, two of our comrades have been called to Post Everlasting.  Legionnaire John Edgar Berry died on 5 December 2002 and Legionnaire Albert S. Romoser passed on 18 December.  Our prayers are with their families.  In addition to performing a Legion memorial services for these comrades, Post 175 participated in a memorial service for Legionnaire George “Smitty” Smith, a member of Post 276, but a former member and Commander of our Post.  Thanks to the members who helped honor our comrades for their service to their county.

 

Comrade Ed Sadowski recently underwent his third knee replacement at the VA hospital in Baltimore.  He has been transferred to the rehab facility on Loch Raven Boulevard (410-605-9254) in Baltimore.  By the time you read this newsletter he should be back home.  Expect to see him in his Post home soon.

 

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

 

Dale Strait

Chaplain

 

 

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE

 

 

On Monday, 3 March, from 1pm to 7pm American Legion Post 175 will be jointly sponsoring a 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 the critically ill or injured by providing whole blood, platelets, 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.

 

The blood drive will be at the Elks Lodge on Truckhouse Road, Severna Park.  Please contact 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.

News from our Auxiliary

 

From the President

 

Happy New Year everyone! Santa has gone back to the North Pole after dropping gifts off for the children at their annual Christmas Party; visiting the Veterans and the Bingo players at Future Care Nursing Home; and making a surprise visit at the first ever “big bash” POST-AUX-SAL-BARTENDERS Christmas Party! Thank You Santa!

 

Thank you to Michele Jordan, Barbara and Eric Smith, and Jim Corkery for their outstanding jobs on the Children’s Christmas Party and Raffle. See Michele’s article for details. 

 

 2003 has started out to be another good year for all of us.  The New Year’s Eve party was enjoyed by all and I’m told the food was good too! There were many compliments on the new chairs in the hall as well.

 

There will be a Valentine’s Day Dinner on February 14^th that offers a choice of lobster or steak.  On Saturday, March 15^th, we will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional dinner of corned beef and cabbage.  Both events are reasonably priced. Details are available elsewhere in this newsletter.

 

Thank you all for your participation in our events, raffles, and fund raisers.  These funds are used to support our Auxiliary programs and to help the Post achieve their goals.  We cannot do it without your help and support.

 

Day for God and Country will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2003 at 2:00PM at St. Mary’s Church in Laurel.  A reception will follow at Laurel Maryland Post #60.  This program honors the Four Chaplains who gave their lifejackets to save others.  It also honors our POW/MIA’s.  Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and SAL members are invited to attend this moving ceremony.  If you would like to attend, please call me at 410-544-2421 or Barbara Mallonee at 410-757-1540.

 

At this time, I would like to welcome Gail Helm as a Unit Color Bearer and extend my thanks and appreciation to Kimberly Jarrett for her past service.

 

 Many thanks to Legionnaire Alan Forsythe and the “Lounge Crew” for their part in getting the newsletter out on time.

 

In these uncertain times, remember our Veterans who sacrificed so much to give freedom to the world. We owe them our respect and support.

 

Pat  Rabeau

President

 

2nd Vice-President

 

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas and New Year, unfortunately, it’s back to reality.

 

Some of you have been asking for line dance classes.  I have been in touch with Chris Brent who teaches line dancing throughout Anne Arundel County, and we have set up a class to begin on Saturday, February 1 from 7:30PM until 9:00PM and will go on for six weeks (unless the hall is booked).  The cost of the class will be $3 per person.  She teaches all types of line dancing, not just country.  If you are interested, or want more information you can call the post at 410-544-2066.  There will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the lounge, and if you can’t make it in just call the post and ask the bartender to put your name on the list.

 

Saturday, March 15^th, we will be having our St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance.  The menu will be Corned Beef and Cabbage at $5.00 per plate.  Irish Stew by the bowl will be an additional $2.50.  Dinner will be served in the hall from 4:30PM until 7:30PM and we will be having the Family Tradition Band upstairs, so plan on making an evening of it.  It will be a great time, hope you can join us and help support the Auxiliary.

 

 

Rosemary Gurick

2nd Vice-President

 

 

Chaplain's Message

 

Condolences go to our Past President Pat Kloes and her sister Peg on the loss of their dear mother.  Our thoughts and prayers are extended to all members of their family.

 

“Thinking of You” wishes to Paula Browning.  We hope you are keeping up your spirits.

 

Here’s hoping everyone had joyous holiday season and good luck to all in the new year.  Keep in touch.

 

Barbara Schneider

410-647-7017

 

Membership 

 

Ladies, thanks to all of you who are paid for 2003; we now have 275 paid up members.  We are now a 4  STAR UNIT!

 

Sadly, there are some members  who are delinquent.  A list of the delinquent members has been given to the bartenders.  If you are not paid up by February 1st, you will only be allowed to come into the lounge as the guest of a current member and you will be required to sign the guest book.  The dues are only $13.00 per year for seniors and $3.00 per year for juniors.  Please take care of this now.

 

We are honored to have some new members.  They are: Tamara Smith, Katherine Inglesby, Lynette Walters, Peggy Williams and a new Junior member, Lyndsey Brethauer.  Welcome Ladies.

 

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

 

Regina Bachman

Chairman

 

Children and Youth

 

Our Children’s Christmas Party was a great success.  A visit from Santa with gifts and treats for all made a lot of happy kids.  Thank you to all the children who attended, they were a delight.  A big thanks to our volunteers: Jim Corkery, Barbara Smith, Eric Smith, and Pat Rabeau.

 

Also Thank You to Earleigh Heights Fire Department for bringing Santa; American Legion Post #175 for their donation of four New Year’s Eve tickets and Marley Station Mall for their donation of two $20.00 gift certificates to our raffle.

 

I look forward to seeing all of my favorite kids again at the Easter Party on Sunday, April 13 1-3Pm. 

 

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

 

SAL News

 

I would like to thank all of our members who attended our last SAL meeting; we had better attendance then usual.

Thanks to all of our volunteers who helped with our 50's dance (you know who you are, the usual few).

Remember your dues need to be paid by Feb.1 2003, or your lounge privileges will be suspended. The keycard readers will be changed at that time and your current keycard will not work.  You will need to ring the bell and show your 2003 membership card for admittance.  Also, FYI, answering the bell takes second place to serving drinks so don’t give the bartenders a hard time for your procrastination if you have to wait. New keycards are coming out they will be for sale behind the bar when you show your 2003 card.  Availability will be posted around the Lounge when the cards are received.

As I said last newsletter, we are trying for 4 star again this year and we are only 26 members away from that goal.

Due to lack of participation, shrimp night is being discontinued. The last night will be Friday January 31, 2003.

The Valentine Dance is coming up soon.  Tickets are for sale behind the bar. You will have your choice of Lobster or Steak Dinner, this includes a salad bar, veggies, baked potato, rolls, and of course desert. Plenty of space is still available, and remember this is another joint function of all three units. The band Oracle will be playing upstairs in the lounge that night, so grab your sweetheart and come up and have a good dinner and enjoy the music and dancing.

 

The cut off date for tickets is Feb 9, 2003.

Billy Cox

Squadron Commander, SAL

 

Planned Post Activities

 

Breakfast

 

The “Breakfast Crew” extends a warm invitation to all—Bring your neighbors, friends, and family.  Enjoy a good ole fashion “Coffee-Klatch” with no muss---no fuss!  All you can eat.  Adults, $5.00.  Kids under 7, $3.00.  Omelets $.50 extra.  (3^rd Sunday monthly)

 

__________________________________________

 

Bingo

 

Ten members attended our bingo at Future Care-Chesapeake on December 16^th, 2002 at 7:00PM.  We served twenty-one residents brownies, soda and gave them a bag of Christmas Goodies.  Everyone enjoyed a surprise visit from Santa, thanks Santa (Jim) for stopping by.

 

We hold bingo the 3^rd 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.

St. Valentine’s Day Party

 

Valentine’s Day, Friday February 14th will be extraordinary.

 

A Surf or Turf dinner will be from 6 PM to 8:30 PM in the hall.

Choice of: a 10 ounce strip steak dinner [ $ 10 ]

  OR 

a one-and a quarter pound whole lobster [ $ 15].

 

Each includes baked potato, soup, salad bar, dinner roll, desert, coffee or tea.

 

St. Patrick’s Day Party

 

Yes, it’s the “wear-n of the green” on Saturday 15 March.  The fun starts with a corned beef and cabbage dinner.  Then it’s on with the dancing shoes, a “Kettle of Cheer” raffle and plenty of Leprechaun Lore to go around.

 

Come out and join the fun, I think we saw a Leprechaun last year!

 

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. [February  24 – March 31 ] at 7:00 PM.

 

SAL Unit meets 2nd Tuesday of each month.

[February 11  - March 12]   at 7:30 PM.

 

General membership meets 2^nd Wednesday of each month. [February 11  - March 12 ]  at 7:30 PM.

 

Auxiliary Unit will meet the 4th Wednesday of each month. [February 26  - March 26 ]  at 7:30 PM

 

FYI

 

The Daily Draw is currently over $700.00 as of 1/25/2003.

 

Newsletter articles will be accepted at any time.  However, all newsletter inputs must be received at least three weeks in advance of these dates to ensure inclusion in the following issue.

 

 

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 now and so far we have received less than 20 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.