d t volume 16, issue 1 january 2016 al y · please remember, as of january 1, 2016, membership dues...
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The American Legion
Colonial Heights Post No. 284
Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834
January 2016
Volume 16, Issue 1
2
News & Views is the publication of Colonial Heights Post No. 284, The American Legion, Department of Virginia. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep all members of Post No. 284 informed about activities at their Post. The Legion Home telephone is 526-4167. Address comments to the Editor, Kathy Cunningham, PO Box 57, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.
Commander Robert L. “Bob” Shumar 765-0767 First Vice Commander George Ahrend 691-2399 Second Vice Commander William “Bill” Shill 218-1198 Adjutant Richard C. “Rick” Oertel 520-2338 Chaplain Emeritus Edgar B. “Ben” Hawkins 520-1925 Chaplain William H. Gibson III 536-1125 Finance Officer William “Bill” Feasenmyer 337-8753 Asst Finance Officer Donald W. “Don” Dobrick Judge Advocate Terry Kris Brentlinger Service Officer Louis M. “Lou” Vallette 721-8275 Historian Amber Robinson 765-0714 Public Relations Officer Jesse Stacy 954-536-9501 Athletic Officer William E. “Bill” Gilmore 520-7445 Sgt-at-Arms Robert G. Emerick Richard L. “Doc” Jordan AUXILIARY UNIT 284 President Rita Feasenmyer 337-0905
S.A.L. SQUADRON 284 Commander Jeff Lee 605-1396
Southern VA Chapter, ALR
Director Jon Merrill MEETINGS General Membership (Post 284) 2nd Thursday 7:30 PM Executive Committee Meeting (Post 284) Last Thursday 7:30 PM Auxiliary Membership (Unit 284) 2nd Wednesday 7:30 PM S.A.L. Membership (Squadron 284) 3rd Wednesday 7:30 PM American Legion Riders 1st Tuesday 6:30 PM Jr. Auxiliary Meeting 2nd Thursday 7:00 PM
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: To Rick Oertel at 804-520-2338 or [email protected]
Building Rental Info: Contact Bill Feasenmyer at 337-8753 (cell)
NEWS & VIEWS EMAIL: [email protected] Attn: Editor, Kathy Cunningham POST WEBSITE: http://alpost284.x10host.com/
19
EVENTS ON THE RADAR
International Dinner is January 9, 2016 at 5:30PM
Day on the Hill in Richmond is January 20, 2016
Auxiliary Wine Gala and Auction is February 6, 2016
Four Chaplain’s Service is February 7, 2016 at 2PM at the Post Home
SAL Sweetheart Dance is February 13, 2016
Spring Conference is March 11-13 in Virginia Beach
May the year
2016 be happy,
healthful and
prosperous!
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Children’s shopping Spree and Christmas Baskets
Lots of hustle and bustle around the Post Home as the Legion Family
prepares for the Children’s Shopping Spree and the filling of the
Christmas Baskets!
3
Happy New Year! How do you like the cover of our newsletter? It is the
rollout of our logo commemorating our Post’s 70th anniversary in 2016. You will be
hearing a lot about that over the next 12 months, so stay tuned!
The Christmas Party was a super event. I got many positive comments from a
lot of folks about the food, band, decorations…really all aspects of the party. Again,
“thank you” one more time to the Vice Commanders, Auxiliary, and all the other Le-
gion Family members that made it all come together!
Our children shopping spree was a success last month, and the Christmas Bas-
kets were filled and distributed to the families needing assistance. Jerry Chenault, To-
ny Morgan, Lou Vallette and a cast of dozens of other Legion Family members pulled
this off again. Our Post really tops the season of giving!
Remember, on January 20th we will attack “the Hill” in Richmond to show
support for the initiatives of the Joint Leadership Council (JLC) and other veterans
issues. The JLC is made up of twenty-four Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) that
meet and volunteer their time and talents to improve the lives of Virginia’s veterans.
Our post is honored to have several members on the JLC. Put the 20th on your schedule
so we can go to Richmond and show the politicos the American Legion cares!
Community service does not stop just because the weather might get cold.
Please continue your support of American Legion Family programs. January 9th is our
International Dinner. We need lots of help in all aspects of that event. Please spread
the word to your friends; this is an event open to the entire community. February is the
Auxiliary Wine Gala and the SAL’s Sweetheart dance – there are flyers/information on
all these events.
We have an active committee under Past Commander Althouse coordinating
events for our 70th year. We are always looking for ways to improve- come to a meet-
ing and provide your input, or discuss your idea with a Post officer and possibly have it
brought before the Executive Committee.
As I write this, we are having almost Florida weather in the Tri-cities. I’m
sure we’ll need to be cautious about winter driving conditions at some point, but in the
meantime drink water, use lots of sun screen and watch that BBQ!
Mayday! If you could help with bingo on a Monday or Friday night, we are
always looking for extra workers. We need help in the kitchen and selling bingo pa-
per and instant wins. You can also be trained to call bingo if you are interested in that.
Building and maintaining membership is always important. Bill Shill and
now Tonya Meunier have been working very hard to get our post to 100%. They are
making phone calls, twisting arms, going to events and even knocking on doors to get
members to renew. If you haven’t renewed yet, please do so today. If you know a vet-
eran who is not a Legion member, let them know what we do for our community.
Bring them to the International Dinner on 9 January and get them to join the world’s
largest Veterans Organization! Let’s try to crack that nut and get to 100%.
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
Bob Shumar
Commander, Post 284
4
Auxiliary Unit 284
Happy New Year…
First and foremost,
I want to sincerely THANK each one and every one of the Auxiliary members who
came out to help with the Hall Decorating, Legionnaire dinner, decorating for the
Christmas Party and Christmas Children’s Shopping Spree. Everyone had a great time
and the Christmas spirit was certainly in the air.
A New Year has begun and the Auxiliary is hitting the ground running in preparation
for many upcoming events.
2016 is an exciting year for we will be celebrating the Post's 70th Year Anniversary. I
encourage every member from all entities of the Post to become involved.
Many events throughout the year will be emphasizing our 70th anniversary beginning
on Saturday, January 9th- the International Dinner and some will be traveling to the
Eastern Zone Workshop in Spotsylvania. These meetings are very informative and there
is much to be learned from the other Auxiliary units and Department chairman.
January 13th, our normal meeting schedule will resume. 6:00 Executive Committee and
Officers, 7:00 Social hour with a light meal is prepared and served and 7:30 our General
Membership meeting. Thank you to the ladies that assist in getting the meal set up, es-
pecially Marina Smith who graciously accepted the responsibility of arranging the food
and side dishes.
The Day on the Hill is Wednesday, January 20th. Pertinent details will be forthcoming.
Also, on this date, a special meeting to review the Wine Gala details will be held at the
post at 6:00.
We are gearing up for our Wine Gala and Auction Fundraiser on February 6th… Tick-
ets are available January 1. This is a great event for a group of friends to get together
and sample some different wines, food, and fun and most importantly, contribute to the
purpose of the Auxiliary- Veterans, Children and Youth, and the community. If you
have an item you would like to donate for the silent auction or for door prizes, please
contact myself or any auxiliary member.
Reserved tables will be available for advance ticket sales.
Until next month,
For God and Country,
Rita C. Feasenmyer
Unit 284 Auxiliary President
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Membership Chairman Report
Happy New Year to all 1130 of our Members at
Post 284! My name is Tonya Meunier, and I will
be taking over for Bill Shill as the Membership
Chairman. I wanted to take this month to intro-
duce myself to everyone. I am a service connect-
ed Army Veteran and eager to fill the big shoes
of my predecessor! I live in McKenney, VA with
my wonderful better half, Glen Schrum. Between him and I, we have 3
beautiful girls, ages 19, 14 & 13. I look forward to meeting many, if not all
of our members. Please be patient with me as I learn everyone’s names
and their roles at the Legion. I am eager to plow through the challenge!!!
Please remember, as of January 1, 2016, Membership dues have been
increased to $40.00 per person for the Legion. As always, our goal is
100% for our membership goals. Presently we are at 81%, and with all of
the renewals remaining, we should be at the 100% in no time. Better late
than never, is always a bonus!
Please remember, recruit, recruit, recruit! We are always looking for and
in need of more members to come and join their comrades in the support
of our wonderful post 284. Remember, the more members we have, the
more we can do for our communities, fellow veterans, their families and
more. We are not only a social outlet, but a major supporter of all of the
above areas. Please be sure to network at your places of employment,
church and neighborhoods.
And last, if you have any leads for new members, questions regarding
your personal membership, help with PUFL membership applications,
please don’t hesitate in contacting me at the below information.
Again, Happy New Year 2016,
Tonya L. Meunier
Membership Chairman
804-840-2708
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Changes of address: Changes of address should be submitted to the Adjutant as soon as
known. The Adjutant can and will make the changes at National for
you. Address changes can be submitted to [email protected]; sent
to American Legion Post 284, Attn: Adjutant, PO Box 57, Col Heights,
23834-0057; or submitted to the Adjutant by phone message,
804-520-2338.
If you wish to be on the Post e-mail distribution list and receive items of
general interest to Veterans and their families, please send an e-mail to
[email protected] and request to be added. Messages are
sent out via blind copy and you may be removed at any time if you re-
quest.
Anyone who would like to join us is more than welcome! We are al-
ways in need of volunteers at McGuire. We go up every Sunday. On the
first, third and fifth Sunday of each month we meet at 8AM and have a
delicious breakfast. On all Sundays we leave the Post at 9AM for
McGuire in the Post van. Contact John Wills at 458-3236 for details.
Rehabilitation Information
For all Service Officer needs and inquiries, please call
Lou Vallette at 804-721-8275 or Bill Shill at 804-218-1198
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY,
Lou Vallette, Service Officer, Post 284
We have a dire need for Wheel Chairs, Rollators (walkers with a seat,
brakes and wheels) and Shower Chairs. Right now we are totally out of
these items. If anyone has any of these items they are not using, please
call me, Lou Vallette, and I will arrange for them to be picked up.
If you need a Power Chair, Cane, Crutches, Potty Chair, or Walker, call
me. I have plenty of those at the present time.
Service Officer
5
SAL Squadron 284
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New
Year find you a better man.” ~Benjamin Franklin
Well, the holidays are behind us (whew…) and we’re full steam ahead into the New
Year! The “Sons” of 284 extend warm wishes to you and your family for health, hap-
piness and prosperity in 2016.
Make plans now to attend our annual Sweetheart dance - tickets are on sale now.
Come see Bustin' Loose rock the hall Saturday, February 13th from 8:00 pm – mid-
night. BYOB (no wine, no beer per ABC law). There will be a 50/50 raffle & door
prizes and proceeds benefit community projects. Tickets are $15.00 per person - get
yours from any S.A.L. member or at the Topside Lounge. It’s always a great time –
reserve your seats today.
Hurry, hurry, hurry – before it’s too late! This is your last chance to get your 2014
Lottery Match Calendar. The winning numbers are determined by the nightly drawing
of Pick 3 numbers in the Virginia State Lottery & all numbers will be played in
straight combination as drawn. Each calendar is numbered and if your calendar
matches the winning Pick 3 number, you're a winner! The daily prize amounts are up
to $100.00. You can get your calendar from any S. A. L. member and play the lottery
(calendar) all year long for only $0.18 per day - $20.00 all year long.
Carl has agreed to manage our flag program again in 2016 and I’m glad he did because
he does a great job with it. This is an important program for Squad 284 because it is
the most visible thing that the community can associate with our group. What a great
calling card! For a $50.00 donation, we will place U.S. flags in front of businesses
along the Boulevard on nine observed holidays throughout the year. If you know of
someone along the Boulevard interested in displaying their patriotism, just let us know.
We appreciate the tremendous support from our Legion family over the past year. Our
fundraisers would not have reached their level of success without your help & for that
we are truly grateful.
There’s probably someone in a strange land somewhere - cold, scared and wondering
about what it’s like back home. Let’s try to remember from time to time and keep
them in our prayers.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS
For God and Country
Jeff Lee, Commander, Squadron 284
6
Southern Virginia Chapter of the
American Legion Riders
On 16 November, I was asked to present a briefing to the Swift Creek Women’s Group on the SVALR, its members and purpose. The event, which took place at the Colonial Heights Library, was attended by approximately 25 ladies and lasted about 20 minutes. A $25 donation was provided to the Riders following the presentation.
Wrapping up November was the delivery of the mounting stone for the Rider monument to be erected outside the post. Unfortunately, due to rain, the stone could not be mounted on the cement footer that was constructed several months ago. The actual statue was also delivered to the Post, but was placed inside temporarily until the stone can be mounted on the footer.
Starting out December about 8 riders took part in the annual Colonial Heights Christmas Parade. Fortunately, the weather cooperated (but just barely) and the parade was not delayed. The Rider float consisted of Santa Claus on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle being towed on a trailer. There was also an inflatable Santa Claus on a motorcycle in the bed of the pickup that was towing the trailer. All in all, it was a great event.
And finally, on 5 December the Rider Monument was finally placed outside the Post. It has been a “work in progress” for over one year. The Monument is intended to honor all the service men and women who have died in all the Nations wars since 1776.
This will be my last monthly input to the News and Views as I turn over the gavel to the incoming Di-rector, Jon Merrill on 19 December at the annual Rider Christmas Party. It has been my honor and privilege for the past two years to serve as Director for what is undeniably the finest Rider Chapter in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The job of leading any organization is made easier if you have good people in that organization. With that in mind, I want to personally thank Marie Kaysen, Treasurer, George Ahrend, Vice Director and Robyn Bolton, Adjutant for their continued support over this past year. I could not have done it without your tireless efforts. As for the remainder of the Riders I want to thank you for all your help and support in making this chapter a resounding success. You are un-deniably the life’s blood of our efforts to support veterans and the local community. Without YOU, nothing happens. If YOU don’t show up for rides, we don’t raise money for our charitable events. Without YOU, we don’t show support for our Veterans and their families. Again, thank you for your unwavering commitment to the goals of the Chapter.
Be safe out there.
Skip Klaas
SVALR Director
15
Auxiliary Wine Gala!
14
Decking The Hall and the Walls!
Making the Post Home look festive for the Christmas Party and other
holiday events
7
Chaplain’s Report
1. I went to visit Roger Gibson and gave him a sympathy card. A
very warm and pleasant visit. He was glad to see me!
2. I mailed a sympathy card to Felix LoCicero.
3. I visited with Larry Tudor at the Dunlop House. He was glad for the visit. I
had a good time with him.
Quote from Suze Orman: "True Wealth is achieved when the gift of who you are
is honestly shared with others."
Happy New Year!
Our Chaplain, William Gibson, is a Notary Public.
He offers his services to the Legion membership.
The SVALR just completed another successful raffle for a Glock 9mm pistol with the winning number being drawn at the Post after the 11 No-vember Veterans Day observance in Colonial Heights. The pistol was won by Mr Mark Tilley of Colonial Heights. Presenting the pistol (pictured left) are Janet Rigney, who sold the winning ticket, and Skip Klaas, SVALR director. The next raffle, currently underway, will be for a Palmetto State Armory AR-15 rifle MOE edition. The drawing for the rifle will be on 14 February 2016 or sooner if all tickets are sold.
8
Introducing the 2016 International Dinner. On January 9th, right after the
hustle and bustle of the holidays, we shall host an International Dinner in
our post home. We have Legion family members cooking Brazilian, Mexi-
can and French dinners for the first 70th year event. As everyone should
know, 2016 is our 70th year as a post and the International Dinner shall kick
off the year of 70th anniversary events. Our chefs/cooks will be cooking
some of their foods from their home countries, or their favorite foods, in
this event that is open to the public. Call or email Michael Latham for more
information, or to get posters to distribute to your favorite spots, Martins,
Food Lions, Banks, hairdressers and more.
Tickets are $10.95 and are available at Topside, or if you would like to sell
tickets, or volunteer for this major event, contact Michael Latham.
Michael Latham
Building & Grounds Chairman
International Dinner Chairman
1st Vice
SAL804-835-3299
p.s. this is a Legion FAMILY
event, let's get
involved by getting your tick-
ets, selling tickets
and putting up posters in the
community. Thank You
International Dinner
13
Legion Family out and about...
Department Cdr Jim
Chapman, Santa,
Department Auxiliary
President Janet Ren-
ner and Post Auxiliary
President Rita
Feasenmyer with oth-
ers at the Post Christ-
mas Party.
Right: Kristen Koski and News and Views
Editor Kathy Cunningham at the party
Below: The Children’s Shopping Spree
“wrapping things up.”
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9
10
Sun Mon Tue Wed
3 4 5 6
10 11 12 13
17 18 19 20
24 25 26 27
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DAILY TOPSIDE HOURS OF OPERATION
2-8 PM 2-9 PM 2-9 PM 2-9 PM 2
*** BINGO: Doors open at 5PM; games begin at 7PM***
ALR Mtg
6:30PM
AUX Meeting
7:30PM
McGuire
Breakfast
8AM
McGuire
Breakfast
8AM
Sons of The
American Legion
Mtg 7:30pm
SAL
7:30PM
McGuire
Breakfast
8AM
11
Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
7 8 9
14 15 16
21 22 23
28 29 30
DAILY TOPSIDE HOURS OF OPERATION 9 PM 2-9 PM 2-9 PM 2-11 PM 2-11 PM
*** BINGO: Doors open at 5PM; games begin at 7PM***
AUX Meeting
7:30PM
Sons of The
American Legion
Mtg 7:30pm
Leadership
Meeting 6PM
Chem 40/8
7:30PM
Legion Meeting
7:30PM
Exec Mtg
7:30pm
International
Dinner
5:30pm
Finance Comm 6:45pm
Anniversary
Comm 6:15pm
Prom
40/8
7:30PM