March 2009
Commander's Comments -
My thanks to each of you, who helped with a very successful Super Bowl Party. Outstanding results!
Keep an eye on the new centerfold calendar. Fun fund-raisers are coming up in March and April, as well as the months to come. Until our next encounter, go in peace and safety.
Election News
March starts the first round of nominations for our May election. If you are interested in running for an office, you are encouraged to attend a Post E-Board meeting or regular meeting and throw your hat into the ring. Or, if you cannot attend you can call the nomination committee. Don and Shirley Reeves or Linda Piere will happily record your request.
Terry Sisson, Commander
1ST Vice Commander's Report -
I want to remind the members that if you still have not paid your 2009 dues, I would sure like to see you step up. The members that have been with us for quite sometime will loose their years of service if they are not paid by 31st of March. As you know we are all needed more & more every day with the wounded veterans coming home.
We have so many new programs that need your help, and our means of funding is membership. Not only to pay your dues, but if you know anyone who has been in the service and would like to join, please get in touch with me.
Speaking of new members, Anthony Garcynski was voted in at the Feb 2009 meeting. He is Jim Thom's employer, and the owner of the Tony Garcynski Development Co. This is a very interesting person to have join our Post. Anthony's company is building the new Fisher Houses around the world. He has built two in Hawaii, one in Seattle and Tacoma, the newest one is Santa Monica. Just last weekend they had the ribbon cutting ceremony. I'm hoping if he is ever in town during one of our meetings we can get him to be our guest speaker. I know they are building another one in Germany.
A Fisher House is a place where families of hospitalized veterans can stay while visiting their loved ones, at little or no cost.
Shirley Reeves, 1st Vice Commander
2nd Vice Commander's Report -
No Report
Bill Hicks, 2nd Vice Commander
Chaplain's Report -
Long time member Ralph Loller and husband of Auxiliary member Marge Loller passed away on 2 February 2009 after a long battle with Alzheimer. Services were conducted at the Post on 21 February. Our sincere sympathies are extended to Marge and the family and friends.
Claire Stamper, mother of long time Auxiliary member Julie Glinski, passed away 16 February 2009. The lady was in her 90’s. Services at St. John’s Catholic Church are TBA. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences are extended to Julie, the family and friends. An “after the services” reception is being planned at Post 416 on a date to be announced.
Perry Comeau, Chaplain
Adjutant's Report -
No Report.
Dennis McGrory, Acting Adjutant
SAL NEWS
SAL Commander's Report -
No Report.
Tate Sanderson, Commander
AUXILIARY NEWS
President's Report -
I want to thank Betsy for getting our Girls' State candidates selected. We had five very fine young women who we are sending to represent our unit and they are all well qualified.
I want to thank Sondra Mote, Louise Wetzell, Connielou
Caldwell, Shirley Reeves and Betsy for doing a great job.
The Naturalization Ceremony for new citizens will be on March 18 at Golden Hall in San Diego. Anyone wishing to attend to welcome our new citizens, please contact me.
The American Legion Day at the VA was a huge success. There was a great turnout of Auxiliary members as well as Post members.
We are cooking the dinners next month so be sure to come and support the ones who are volunteering to cook. Our next meeting is March 3, we'll be glad to see you there.
Merry Culhane, President
1st Vice President's Report -
No Report.
Roxene McGrory, 1st Vice and Membership
2nd Vice President's Report -
No Report.
Shirley Reeves, 2nd Vice President
Auxiliary Chaplain’s Chronicles
Dolly Mettam is home on Oxygen doing fair. She got out a few hours to come enjoy the Super Bowl and a bit of lunch.
Verna Kamboor is doing better, she is now able to eat in the dinning room. Her room no. is 59a.
Our long time member Margaret Loller, lost her husband Feb 2nd. Services were held at Post, Sat. 21st at 1:00 PM.
Connielou Caldwell, Chaplain
MISCELLANEOUS
Thirty-fifth Annual “American Legion Day”
Celebrating “Hospitalized Veteran’s Week” at San Diego Veterans Medical Center in La Jolla, the American Legion Family of volunteers made Valentine’ Day a special day for many hospitalized veterans.
Over 60 members and volunteers brought food, games, prizes and hand made Valentines to one of the finest VA centers in the area.
Mariachi Juvenil de San Diego, directed by Serafin Paredes, a group of young musicians entertained with lively authentic Mexican music in the various rooms and clinics. The YOUNG MARINES, ages 8 through 18, from Desert Cities presented the flag. Bingo, with special prizes for all in-patients was a special favorite.
A special luncheon was served by the American Legion Auxiliary, Units: 255, 434, 625 and 820. Coupon books to the Commissaries were awarded as door prizes.
District 22 and 30 from the Department of California were the hosts to this annual affair. The Commanders were Ralph Huskey and Andrew Lowenthal and the Auxiliary Presidents were Susie Tozier and Barbara Shelly. The 5th area Vice Commander was Lee Quarcelino.
An award was given to Ann Marie Brown of Post 6 for outstanding work with young people.
Merry Culhane, Unit 416 Public Relations, District 22
Bingo:
Additional players are always welcome. We are working on a new program menu and increased prizes. Help us help our veterans and their families and our boys state and girls state programs.
ALL HELP ARE VOLUNTEERS AND BELIEVE ME, WE APPRECIATE THEM!!!!
Perry Comeau and Shirley Reeves
Past Commander Mac McGrory and present San Dieguito Post 416 Commander, Terry Sisson, present $2,000 check to Dawn Ivy, Community Development Officer, Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. The donation represents a joint effort of Post 416 and the Nice Guys organization represented by Col. Jack Kelly, USMC Ret., and is earmarked specifically to purchase comfort items for the children undergoing treatment at the hospital. Commander Sisson noted, "This is just a part of the continuation of the American Legion’s ongoing commitment to the community and the youth of our nation. It is with great pride that our Encinitas, California Legion Post can contribute in this manner. These funds represent a great deal of effort and volunteering of time on the part of our Post, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion."
