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, November 20, 2007 at 7:00 PM.  Officer, committee reports, and Executive Board minutes were received.  The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Nominations and an election were held to fill the vacant Sgt-at-Arms position.  Richard Cross was elected.

            We had three visitors from District 22, Commander Diane DeVries, E-board Representative Frank Zugai, and Historian Shirley Reeves.  Diane gave us a report a number of the activities the District has been involved in.  Frank discussed the Legion Oratorical Contest program and the monthly Legion sponsored bingo at the VA hospital.

Commander – Rene Cortez

            Let me first thank those who attended the Veterans Day Ceremony at Grape Day Park on November 11th.  We are collecting non-perishable food for the military and community families in need, so please help if you can.  On December 2nd the Auxiliary will hold their breakfast bazaar beginning at 7:30 AM.  The Christmas Parade will be held on December 8th starting at 9:00 am.  The 22nd District meeting will be held at our Post on December 9th.  The Auxiliary will be handing out Christmas baskets on December 15th.  The children's Christmas party will be held on December 22nd starting at noon.  Please see your calendars or ask questions if unsure of the events mentioned.  God Bless All of You.

1st Vice Commander – Joe Watt

            The end of the year is near and I hope all of you have renewed your membership.  The American Legion has a lot of benefits that go along with membership and a lot of programs that help out our community.  If you know any Veterans, tell them about the Legion and help them in joining their local Post.  Currently we have 750 members paid for 2008 which is 77.5% of our goal.

            Some of the events that happen in December are; Auxiliary Bazaar, Escondido Christmas parade, Post Christmas Party and of course the New Years Eve bash put on by our American Legion Riders.  Get your reservations in soon so we may know how many and how to buy for the party.  2008 promises to be a great year for Legion programs so become active and help out where ever you can.

            I wish to thank all of you for making our Thanksgiving Day Dinner a success.  We raised about $700.00 for the Post Children and Youth fund.  I especially wish to thank the people that made it a success: Cathy and Joe Watt, Carrie Wathen, Richard & Judy Cross, Cyndie August, Smoke Murphy, Jake & Judy Jacobsen, Jamie Newell, Mike Schuster, Merle H., Art Lubben, Greg & Luke Hardesty, Linda Lopez, Patricia and Sue, the Bartenders, Tom, the Bar Manager, and probably many more that I cannot remember.  Again, thanks for your help.

Adjutant – Ed Landis

            Attention all American Legion Members living in fire damaged areas.  If your property was destroyed or damaged, there are two Legion funds available for you.  Contact the Adjutant, Ed Landis at 760-745-1159 for applications and assistance.

Chaplain – Louis Miller

            We had two members go to Post Everlasting: William Mahaffee and Michael Malone.  Please continue to let me know of members who are ill or have passed away.

Clubroom

            No Report

Law and Order – Carl Asher

            Your Law and Order program continues to progress nicely.  Chief Jim Maher has expressed his pleasure, and that of the police department for the Post 149 program and our members’ dedication to Law and Order in the community.  Thanks to you the program works very well.  Our newest Boosters are: Jesse & Charlene Longacre; Paul & Betty Lochridge; Nancy Hanson; "Ernie" Pyle.  If you haven't donated to the Law and Order program, now is the time.  Your donation, in any amount, is most appreciated but a donation of $25 will also get you a complimentary dinner

Boys State – Carl Asher

            I have been in contact with Barney La Rue, Department Chairman for Boys State.  Barney informs me that there will be no fee increases for this coming session.  The cost per boy will be $260 for the one-week session.  Chairman La Rue expects to have the Boys State packages to the District Chairman in January.

            I have also received information from Dick Schick, Director of Boys State and transportation coordinator for Southern California.  Dick says there will be no increase this year for transportation.  Cost remains at $100 per boy.

            American Legion Boys State is easily classified as a leadership action program where qualified male high school juniors take part in a practical government course designed to develop in the young citizens a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon them the fact that government is just what they make it.

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American Legion Auxiliary

President – Jackie Lay

            No report.

Auxiliary Membership – Irene Gustafson

            Thanks to the following ladies that volunteered and helped with the Auxiliary November breakfast, in alpha order- Angel, Edith, Elda, Magda, Mary, Vicki & myself.  Gus mopped the floor.  Without all of you it would not have happened. 

            We met our target date of 65%, thanks to all of you that renewed.  Remember if you haven't renewed by December 31st, then you are delinquent.  I still have 70 members that have not paid.  Please help make the 80% target date by January 23rd.  Thanks for the memories!

A Thought to Remember: “No small act of kindness is ever wasted.”

Children and Youth– Phyllis Bradford

            Halloween bags were filled with healthy snacks and given out at Head Start.  The bags were filled with fruit cups, Gummy Bears, Capri Sun juice, Animal crackers, and pieces of candy.  156 bags were given to Head Start and 9 were given to the Salvation Army.  Thanks to the Girls State Chairman Stella Diaz and SAL Commander Ray Bradford for helping to fill and deliver the bags.

            A sign up sheet will be posted in the hall for Christmas Baskets.  No phone orders or pieces of paper will be accepted.  No arriving on the day baskets are given out and demanding one for a friend.  Baskets will be given out on Dec. 15th.  This date was selected for the Military; it is easier for them to come on a Saturday.  When signing up a family please put the last name, ages and first name of children.  Sign ups end on December13th.

Chaplain – Elda Jones

            This year is coming to an end faster than I want it to.  June Giacoma fell and broke her wrist and she is a lot of pain.  It was good to see Marie Haworth out for the Friday night dinner.  She is still in a lot of pain so please keep these ladies in your prayers. 

            We had Veterans Day service at Grape Day Park.  We had a good turn out.  Please remember our veterans and those serving in our armed forces.  I know this is a busy time of the year but remember why we our celebrating it.  God Bless.  “A little spark can ignite great encouragement.”

Auxiliary Fund Raiser – Eva Latz

            The annual fundraiser will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2007 consisting of breakfast and a craft, bake, and white elephant sale.  Members are asked to make bake and craft items and bring them in before Sunday morning.  Members will be calling you after Thanksgiving to remind you.  We hope that all the Legionnaires, Riders, and friends will come down and support our programs.  Auxiliary members should bring your friends and family.  It takes all of us to make it work.  If you have any questions, call me at 760-480-0865.

Girls State – Stella Diaz

            Mission Hills High School is proud to be sending a junior girl to mini convention in Prizer College, Claremont.  A total of 5 girls will be going to represent their schools in June 2008.  Interviews will start in January.  We will be contacting last year’s girls to come to a Unit meeting, give a short briefing on their experience, and tell us what they learned from Girls’ State.  I will need members to help me with the interviews of the girls.  If you can help, please call me!

Children’s Christmas Party – Stella Diaz

            This year the party will be held on Saturday, December 22nd.  All of those who plan to attend must have the sponsor fill out the information sheet.  We need the sponsors name as well as the name, age, and sex, of the children.  Please fill out the form in this bulletin and return it as soon as possible.  It makes our work much harder when you wait until the last minute and we have to go out and do more shopping.  Remember, we are all volunteers.  We do not want any child walking away disappointed.  The party will start at 12 noon.  The Legion will be preparing and serving food for each child.  Please turn your forms into the office at the Post.  If you have any questions, call me at 760-741-8172 or on my cell phone at 760-522-8471.  I would like to thank everyone in advance for all your help.

            From my family to yours, have a very safe and healthy Merry Christmas.

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Sons of the American Legion

            Our membership this month ending November 8 is 47.14% with 33 members.

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American Legion Riders

President – Woody “Gunny” Harris

            It is December holiday time already and so much is going on with families and friends it's hard to fit in everything.  The Riders started the month of November with a ride up the coast to Midway Chapter 555 for the Area 5 meeting.  November 11th the riders attended a dedication of the new military Sculptures, and a Military Tribute to honor Veterans Past and Present.  The turn out was great and our Riders represented the services well.  I do have a bone of contention however.  If you wear the uniform of your service wear it properly, with dignity, and pride.  I saw disgraceful exhibitions of uniforms with improper medals, partial uniforms, and unfit appearances.  If you see these types of conduct make it your duty to square this person away.

            The riders now have the locations for the ALR State Convention (Turlock) in April 2008, and the West Coast Rally (Marina) in September 2008.  We at Post 149 have proposed that we again host the West Coast Rally in 2009.  More information to will be coming.

            Certificates of appreciation have been printed up and will be given to the supporters of our rally at the next Legion Meeting.  Those include: 1/18th Calvary B Troop, Sergeant First Class Alvarez, and Staff Sergeant Thomas of the California Army National Guard, Law Tigers, Ryan Pratt of Renegade Biker Outlet, and  Biggs Harley Davidson.  Thanks also to Post 149 members and the employees of the clubroom.

            One of our riders, Craig “Chesty” Harris, USMC, deployed on the USS Tarawa Battle Group for a 6 months.  Craig, a CWO2 has been selected for promotion to CWO3.  He should return home in May 2008.

            We have 4 new members to report on.  Howard "Hook" Mayorga a U.S Navy Viet Nam Vet rides a 07 Royal Star.  Brian “Trailer Hitch” Wagstaff also a Navy Veteran rides a Harley Davidson trike, and has taken the honor of being our new Chaplin.  Bob Snider, also a Navy Vet, has purchased a Harley Davidson and has joined our riders group.  What am I doing wrong?  I’m now surrounded by Sailors!  Cathy Watt has joined the Auxiliary, and we are proud to have her as a member of our group.

            I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday, and are looking forward to the Christmas Holidays.  On December 7th, in the evening, we will be at the Legion to decorate our float for the Escondido Christmas Parade.  Please come on down and help.  The Parade is December 8th.  Be prepared with your Santa Hats to ride in and out around our float.  That’s about it for now but more is coming next month.

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Editor – Art Lubben

            With all the activities scheduled over the holidays it has become necessary to include an insert for this month only with the reservation forms for the Children’s Christmas party and the New Year’s Eve party.  Please use them so the organizers can plan properly.

            I try to include all the upcoming activities on the calendar, but sometimes I miss one.  If your group has a special activity planned, please put all the information on a separate note in my mailbox at the Post or send me a special e-mail, and remember, the sooner I have the information the better, at least 2 months notice.

Post/Unit 149 Children’s Christmas Party

Saturday, December 22, 2006 - 12 Noon

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT!

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chips, and Punch free to children 10 years old and under.  Older children and adults welcome — $4.00 donation for food.

Popcorn — Clowns — Face Painting — Games — A VISIT FROM SANTA CLAUS!

Please return completed forms to the Post by December 14th

This event is exclusively for the families of Legion, Auxiliary, SAL, and Riders members.

Children MUST be present and pre-registered to receive a gift bag.

Fill in the reservation form on the opposite side of this flyer

2008 New Years Eve Festivities

Menu

Shrimp Cocktail to start your evening, followed by a Dinner Salad served to your table

our main entrée is Prime Rib or Chicken Cordon Blue of your choice.

Fancy Green Beans, Baked Potato and Croissant Rolls.

And of course, Cathy’s hot Peach Cobbler for dessert.

Time

Dinner at 7:00 PM, (on December 31^st of course), followed by

Music and Dancing