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, January 15, 2008 at 6:00 PM.  Immediately following the opening, the meeting was adjourned to conduct the Post Everlasting Ceremony.  After the ceremony, the meeting was continued and Officer, committee reports, and Executive Board minutes were received.  The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.  Announcements of upcoming events included the Four Chaplains ceremony on February 3rd followed by the Super Bowl Party and the Annual Law and Order Awards dinner on February 23rd.

      After an extensive discussion, by-laws revisions for were referred to committee in accordance with current standing rules.  Any members wishing to have input on changes and revisions are encouraged to contact the Post Judge Advocate.  A committee meeting will be announced in the near future.

Commander – Rene Cortez

      I hope the New Year has been kind to everyone so far.  This past year, 2007, we had a lot of changes and wonderful surprises.  We have a revamped Clubroom and patio.  Those of you, who are going to the Brawley Area meeting and chili cook off, January 25th and 26th, please be careful.  The clubroom committee is planning a Super Bowl extravaganza on February 3rd.  Bring a favorite dish if you wish to do so.  We will also be having The Four Chaplains Ceremony at 11:00 AM.  The planning committee will meet February 7th at 5:30 PM in the main hall.  The last event scheduled for February is the Law and Order dinner in the main hall.  We are all saddened to have heard about the tragic accident that claimed the life of Auxiliary President Jackie Lay.  Please be good to each other and say a prayer for Jackie if you wish to do so.  God Bless All of You.

1st Vice Commander – Joe Watt

      Here comes February already.  Our membership is fast approaching our goal for 2008.  Just a reminder, if you haven't renewed yet, please do so.  After January 31st you could lose your American Legion benefits.  Remember a portion of your dues goes to helping our American Legion programs that support Veterans and their families.

      On a sad note I report to you that the newly dedicated “Tribute to the Military” memorial in Grape Day Park in Escondido was desecrated and damaged in January, only three months after the dedication.  There are some Vets that are coming forward and standing watch over the Memorial for protection.

2nd Vice Commander– Ralph Gustafson

      The Children's Christmas Party, held on December 22nd was a huge success.  The Chairmen, Ralph and Stella, helped to coordinate and donated many stuffed toys.  30 Children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Escondido and Vista were taken to a Payless shoe store where they picked out a pair of shoes to their liking and 3 pairs of socks, compliments of the Legion and the 40/8.  All returned to the Legion Hall for a hamburger and hot dog lunch and face painting.  All in all 100 children attended, the rest being Legion Family children.  Santa Claus, Louis Miller, and Mrs. Claus, Nancy Hanson, presented the children with their gift bag consisting of toys, candy, and snacks.  The Sons of the Legion rented the jumping jack inflatable balloon for the children to jump and wear themselves out.  The Legion Riders donated McDonalds gift cards valued at $5.00 each to Legion members children.  Everyone had a good time and I want to thank everyone that helped.  Bob Burwell cooked the burgers and dogs, Frank White served, and Auxiliary members that helped were Stella, Ann Marie, Barbara, Phyllis, Vicki, Margaret, Amber, and Irene.  I'm sure I have forgotten someone and if so, I apologize.

      The following dates are open for a volunteer to put on a Friday evening dinner: February 22, March 7 and 21.  Please step up and help!  No volunteer, no dinner.

Chaplain – Louis Miller

      No Report Received

Clubroom

      Thank you for your support and patience during last month’s new patio floor covering installation and repainting.  This made it a little tough on those who frequent the patio, but the wait was certainly worth it.  I think you will agree that the patio looks really great now.  A big thanks to those who helped on this project.  The Clubroom Committee would like to express our sincere gratitude for the generous donation to have the floor covered.  Thank you so much.

      The Clubroom operation is going great, but as always, we need your continued support.  Please come in and say hello to your friends, have dinner on Friday or breakfast Sunday.  Come on in and have some fun.

Law and Order – Carl Asher

      We are closing in on the Law and Order Awards and Dinner.  I have received responses from the Escondido Police Department, 14 awardees, and from the Escondido Fire Department, 9 awardees.  J. B. Clark Post 149 is set to shine by recognizing these police and fire officers.

      Mark your calendar for February 23rd for the Law and Order dinner.  It is not too late to donate to the program.  With 23 awards to give out the cost of doing business will be high, so please pitch in with your donation.  Earmark you check “Law and Order” and bring it in to the Post or send it in, to the attention of Law and Order.  If I receive your donations prior to February 20th your name will appear in the program.

      The evening schedule is: 5 PM-hospitality; 6 PM-dinner served; 7 PM-awards presentations.  Dinner will be by Howard Haworth and crew, Swiss steak and trimmings.  You don't want to miss this one!  The cost of the dinner is $10.00 per person.  For those who have donated $25 or increments thereof, your dinner is complimentary.

      We hope to have a large crowd.  I asked Howard to prepare for 130 guests, so please plan on attending.  Thank you to those who have donated to the program.

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American Legion Auxiliary

Auxiliary Membership – Irene Gustafson

      Please welcome our newest Auxiliary member, Sandy J. Woodshank, to our Auxiliary and add her name to your roster.  At this time we have 20 members that haven't renewed and therefore are delinquent and lose Auxiliary privileges.  Please, help us to make our goal!

      A thought to remember: "Great Mountains of happiness grow out of little hills of kindness."

Thanks for the memories

Chaplain – Elda Jones

      We are well on our way in the New Year.  I hope it is going well for you.  By the looks of the meetings we have had, it looks like we will have a busy year.

      I went down to the VA Hospital to help the Ladies play bingo and serve lunch to the veterans.  This was my first time and what a joy.  If you have never gone down, do so.  You will be blessed.

      Our Unit President, Jackie Lay was killed in an automobile accident on January 12th.  Please remember her family in your prayers.  Ounce  again, I would ask if you know any one who is ill or just needs a word of encouragement, let me know.  May God bless you all.

      “Pride and grace cannot dwell in the same place.”

Auxiliary Fund Raiser – Eva Latz

      I want to thank all the Auxiliary members who worked all the tables.  Also those who brought bake items, craft items, white elephant, and worked so hard.  To all the ladies who worked so hard in the kitchen, we served 93 breakfasts, thank you.

      Thank you also to the calling committee.  You brought the people out.  Thank you also to the Legionnaires and Auxiliary members for your support.  If I missed someone, thank you.

VAVS Report – Ann Marie Brown

      The annual VAMC Bingo was hosted Saturday, January 12th, by the J.B. Clark Post Legion Family.  Mike Diaz, Deputy VAVS, represented the Post, Ray Bradford, Commander SAL, acted as bingo caller on the locked ward, his first time calling, and he did a great Job.  He was assisted by Irene Gustafson, and Elda Jones who served refreshments.  Phyllis Bradford, 2nd Vice for the Auxiliary, also attended and supervised the refreshments for the multipurpose room.  76 veterans were served Fried Chicken, potato salad, fruit, juice, cookies, and cake.  Afghans, and blankets were provided to wheel chair patients and 15 dozen cookies were provided by the ladies.  Thank you to Nancy Hansen, Phyllis Bradford, Elda Jones, and Irene who donated gifts for the veterans, cookies, and comfort articles.  Thanks also to Irma Manthai, VAVS Deputy for the Auxiliary.

      A very sad postscript to this report: Jackie Lay, our Unit President was on the way to the program, and was involved in a single car accident.  She succumbed at the scene.  Our Legion family, friends throughout the department, and those many persons touched by Jackie through out her life are devastated.  Jackie was a friend and mentor to many of us.  Her generosity, compassion, and dedication to the organization which she served, with all her heart, in many capacities through the state, district, and unit marked her as a great Leader and a friend to all.  Our deepest sympathy goes out to her daughters and their families.  Jackie left us, as she lived; serving the organization which she loved so much.

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Sons of the American Legion

      No Report Received

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American Legion Riders

President – Woody “Gunny” Harris

      Merry Christmas (I missed the January newsletter!), Happy New Year!  I was remiss in not having the Rider News last month and for that I have no excuse.  I was receiving a new knee at the VA and my mind was on other things.  I am progressing rapidly, and with PT should be back on my bike soon. 

      Top went into the VA January 15th for a hip replacement, and should be in the La Jolla VA for a few days.  If you are at the VA drop by 5 West, and say Hi. 

      The Riders had a scheduled ride with Breakfast at Pala Resort/Casino then on to the Borrego Springs Legion for refreshments and watch the Charger game on the big screen.  It was a good time and of course the big win!  At the end January the Area 5 meeting was at the Brawley Legion Post and a Chili Cook Off was held.  We had our money on Harley Joe, and Cathy, as well as all Post 149 entries.  I will have more news next month.

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Editor – Art Lubben

      Thank you again to everyone that got their articles in on time this month.  If I may offer a couple of suggestions, please read your submission out loud to yourself before sending it in.  I do not like to edit your submissions too much, but in many cases, the sentences do not make sense. 

            Also, please remember when your article will be read.  You may be writing the article on the 10th of the month, but it will not be published until the first of the following month.