Monthly Newsletter of The American Legion, J. B. Clark Post 149, Escondido, California

POST AND MEETING NEWS

            Commander Rene Cortez called the monthly meeting to order on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 7:00 PM.  Officer and committee reports were received.  The minutes of the Board of Directors meeting were read for information purposes and the minutes of the previous general meeting and were read and approved. 

            A motion was made and passed to collect donations to replace all of the flags that are used for display at the Post and at other locations around town on special occasions.  Donations of $15.00 per flag are being collected in the Clubroom until November 1st.

Commander – Rene Cortez

            Let me say thanks to all the people who made donations for the purchase of the two new flat screen televisions for our clubroom.  Once again all of proved together we can accomplish many wonderful things.  Now, don't forget about the Family picnic on September 22, 2007.  Again we have great people stepping up to help make this a successful event, so please attend.  Several of us were able to attend the September 11th ceremonies at Grape Day Park and were given the great opportunity to read names of our fallen Americans who paid the supreme price for their Country. God Bless All of You.

Chaplain – Louis Miller

            We had two members go to Post Everlasting last month, they were, Seymour Okun and Robert Hohberg.  We also had two members in the hospital, they were, Charles Porter, who is home now, and Tony Farrell.  He should be home now.  Please keep these members and their families in your prayers at all times.

Clubroom

            The Clubroom Committee wishes continued thanks to those still active in the clubroom renovation.  We would also like to thank some people my name this month.  A big thanks goes out to Loren Romaine and his friend John for painting the cabanas, and the super job that Loren did on refinishing the service plaques on the cabanas.  They came out excellent, and if you take a close look at them, you will realize the amount of work that went into that project.  We also had rather a serious problem in the ice machine/storage room.  We came very close to having a major electrical failure/fire at the panel in that room.  Thanks to Dave Amsbary and Joe Watt there has been a new service panel installed and that problem taken care of.  We would also like to thank Jimmy and his friend for taking a lot of the old bar and other trash to the dump, which was a great help.  Enjoy the club, help out, be comrades.

Law and Order – Carl Asher

            The first of November we will begin our 15th year for the Jimmie L Hayes Memorial Law and Order program at Post 149.  This is a very successful program and nets the American Legion great public relations. 

            I do think I gave you the news that two of our law officers, Officer Craig Miller and Officer Mathew Nelson, were the runners up for the Dept. Valor Award. The trophies were presented to those officers in August.

            Because of your generosity we were able to donate $500 to the Escondido Police Officer's Association this past year.  The EPOA represents Escondido law enforcement officers in cases against the PD or City. The associations provide numerous benefits to the police officers of the city of Escondido and to their survivors.

            In the past funds were provided to the Police and Fire departments for the police and fire scouts. 

By the first of November I will have mailed out the participation request letters to the department chiefs, EPD and EFD. 

            I have scheduled the Law and Order Program for the evening of February 23, 2008 at the post.  Howard Haworth has agreed to provide his delicious 'Swiss Steak Dinner' for the evening’s meal.

            The Law and Order Booster Board should be up in the clubroom sometime before November 1st, so look for it any time now.  As in the previous years, all those who donate to the Post Law and Order program will have their names added to the 'Booster Board' and will be included on the officer program. Your donation in any amount, $5, $10 will get your name on the board.

            If you wish to donate $25 you will receive one complimentary meal at the Law and Order dinner; a $50 donation and you receive 2 complimentary dinners that evening. In either case, your name will be added to the Booster Board.

            You can leave your donation with the bar tender, earmark checks for Law and Order. You can also leave your donation with the Post Adjutant. In both cases ask for a receipt please, this way we know how much was donated. 

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American Legion Auxiliary

President – Jackie Lay

            No Report

Auxiliary Membership – Irene Gustafson

            Please welcome our two new auxiliary Senior members, Nancy Sidoruk and Jennifer Barnhouse.  Welcome aboard and thanks for joining.

            National Headquarters has not sent out renewal notices as yet, but don't let that stop you from renewing your Auxiliary membership dues.  The 2007- 2008 cards are in effect.  Just send your renewal dues in, $20.00 for Seniors, to me at PO Box 354, Escondido 92033 or give it to me when you see me.  We want to make the Target #1 goal date by October 12th.  We won't make it without you.  Thanks for the Memories!

            A Thought to Remember: “It's nice to be important, but it's just as important to be nice.”

            Don’t forget the Parking Lot sale on October 6th from 8 AM to 4 PM.  Bring in anything you want to get rid of.

Chaplain – Elda Jones

            Once again the Auxiliary had a good Wednesday cookout on the patio.  Thanks to all that helped. 

            We are in full swing heading towards the fall season.  We will be having a parking lot sale October 6th from 8 AM to 4 PM. Please bring anything you want to donate to the sale or any time before.

            Hope all had a good Labor Day.

            Keep up the good work and thanks to all that volunteered to cook.

            “Knowledge without common sense is folly”

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Sons of the American Legion

            No Report

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American Legion Riders

President – Woody “Gunny” Harris

            Although the subject is the September news we always play catch-up segueing with last months news.  The Riders as always have been busy.  On 17 August several riders camped out at the 17th annual Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets event at the Pala Casino in Valley Center.  The event features a bike show, vendors, live bands and fun was had by all.  Jerry "Thud" Craft had his trailer as our home.  This event is put on to benefit military families.  The National Convention as you know was held this year in Reno, Nevada.  Joe Watt attended and kept us informed of the events including the Pony Express Riders and with Jake Jacobsen showed the Riders’ colors.

            On 9 September Tony "Top" DeSiderio led our monthly ride to Julian.  We had a good turn out plus 2 guest riders and had a great breakfast at the Julian Café.  The weather was great the scenery in the backcountry beautiful, all in all a great time.

            On 10 September the Riders had a planning meeting for the up coming West Coast Rally.  We have the menu down for the visiting riders, events planned including a wreath laying ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, a tour of the USS Midway, a visit to the Mount Soledad National Monument, and other rides the participants can do if they so desire.  The National Guard has graciously allowed RV parking in there lot, with showers, and rest room use and we are very appreciative.  We will also have tent camping in the rear patio area.

            I want to invite all Legionnaires to this event as it is for all veterans and associates so don't feel left out.  We want you to have as much fun as we are going to have, and look forward to a great turn out.  Please register for a fun packet now!

            We had our monthly road cleanup on 25 August, and I must say that you people really don't like trash!  Craig Harris, Woody Harris and Dave Noland lost several pounds working the 2 plus miles of roadway as the cars whizzed buy thinking we must be on probation or prisoners with our fluorescent  vests, helmets and gloves on with our pig stickers and bags.  I would encourage you to come out and help as this is a civic community service and shows with our signage that the American Legion Riders care about the community.

            A final reminder "Dues" are due and it is important you get them in ASAP. 

            On 30 September we will have a booth at the Heart Ride at Biggs Harley Davidson in San Marcos.  This event benefits the American Heart Association, Rady Children's Hospital as well as other worth-while charities so please come out and support this worthwhile event. 

            Until Next Month, Semper Fi, Gunny

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Editor – Art Lubben

            Thank you again to all of you who got your articles to me by the 15th of the month deadline, but to those of you that did not, I cannot guarantee that they will make the newsletter next time.  A special thanks to everyone that comes to the Post to fold and label the newsletter each month for mailing.

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Legacy Scholarship Fund Report 2007

Goal: $250,000.  Total raised $409,302

Total registrations 620

Motorcycles involved more than 400 (100 completing the entire Run)

Volunteers supporting the run: Estimated 1,000

Average size of The American Legion Legacy Run: 75-200, depending on location and local support