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, February 19, 2008 at 6:00 PM.  Committee reports, and Executive Board minutes were received.  The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and announcements of upcoming events were made.  It was announced that the monthly meeting date for the Executive Board will be moved from the second Monday to the second Tuesday of the month to avoid it being held the day before the general Post meeting as has occurred in January and would occur again in April.

      Plans for upcoming events were discussed.  See the reports in this newsletter regarding the Law and Order Awards and Boys’ State.  The Children’s Easter Party will be held on Saturday, March 22nd.  There is a reservation form in this newsletter, so please get it in as soon as possible.  We have invited the families of our neighbors, the National Guard to join us and in addition to the Easter egg hunt the SAL Squadron will be providing a jumping house for the children.

      Interfaith Community Services is in need of donations for their food bank.  A collection bucket has been placed in the Clubroom for your contributions.  They need the following items: tuna, Peanut butter, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, canned chili, dried pasta, spaghetti and pasta sauce, hearty soups, and cereal.

Commander – Rene Cortez

      Hello to all American Legion Family Members.  March is now in hand.  We will begin by celebrating The American Legion Birthday on March 14th with a dinner presented by Joe and Kathy Watt and crew.  We also hope to continue the Annual Easter Party with a twist, with the help of the Legionnaires of Post 149, SAL Squadron, and Auxiliary members.  On the 29th and 30th we will be hosting the 5th Area meetings.  After that event, it will take us into April which brings Post 149 hosting the District 22 meetings on Sunday, the 13th.  Please let me thank all the great people who have made the past 9 months successful.  Once again God Bless All of You.

1st Vice Commander – Joe Watt

      March is a busy month at the Post.  Membership is my number one priority.  I imagine by now you have paid your 2008 dues, thank you, if not, please one last time, send them in so we may close out the year on a high note.

      We are hosting the 5th Area meetings on March 29 and 30th, and along with that is our 1st Annual Open Challenge Chili Cook-off being held on Saturday, March 29th.  How about you get in on this, cook up your best chili and bring it in before noon Saturday or cook it there from 9 to noon.  There will be a lot of other things going on the same day, raffles, 50/50, “sit and drink” poker run and a lot of food.  A special Saturday night dinner of Prime Rib, Shrimp Cocktail and all the fixings for only $8.00!

      April and May are yet to come with more special things to do before yours truly will be riding to Washington, DC for Memorial Day to pay my respects, my 8th trip.

2nd Vice Commander– Ralph Gustafson

      As of this writing, February 15th, no one has stepped forward to put on a dinner for March 7 so there may not be one that night.  The Legion Birthday Dinner is on March 14th so plan to attend for a delicious corned beef and cabbage feast.  There are no sign-ups as yet for April dinners, so if you would like to volunteer to cook a dinner please contact me with the date and the menu. 

      The children’s Easter Party is scheduled for March 22nd.  Look for the sign-up slip elsewhere in this bulletin.

Chaplain – Louis Miller

      We have had three members go to Post Everlasting this month: Robert Daniel, Harry Adams, and Harold C. Ponder.  Please remember their family members in your prayers. 

Clubroom

      No report received

Law and Order – Carl Asher

      By the time you read this issue your Post 149 15th Annual Law and Order Dinner and Awards will be in the book.  I appreciate all the support with donations and help with the program.  Speaking of donations, here are more of our dedicated Legionnaires and Auxiliary members who are Law and Order Boosters:  Post Commander, Rene and Suzie Cortez; Joyce Koppleman; Vincent Solori, The Legion Riders; Ralph and Irene Gustafson; Unit 149 ALA; and Lewis and Edith Hill.  The final report for the year will be in the April newsletter.  Thank all of you for your continuing support.

Boys State – Carl Asher

      The Boys State packages have been delivered to the 4 local high schools.  I have scheduled interviews for 10 AM, March 1st, at Post 149.  I need 12 volunteers to interview the candidates.  Please step up and assist.  It is not a difficult task and you will come away with a very good feeling about today's youth.  Contact me via the Post Adjutants office.

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American Legion Auxiliary

Auxiliary Membership – Irene Gustafson

      Please welcome our newest Senior member, Patricia Morris.  Thanks for joining Patricia.  Our Target #5 is fast approaching.  We need 95% of goal by March 18th.  We are short 13 renewals.  If you haven't paid, you are delinquent! 

      Are you the Wife, Mother, Daughter, Granddaughter, or Great Granddaughter of a Legionnaire or are you a female Veteran?  If so, we have a deal for you.  Join the largest patriotic women's service organization in the world that is chartered to assist veterans and their families.  Why should you join the Auxiliary?  What’s in it for you?  Do you feel strongly about the issues and problems in the community?  Do you get upset when you hear about an abused or hungry child?  Do you feel outraged when the needs of our veterans and their families are ignored by the systems?  The American Legion Auxiliary gives each of us an opportunity to get involved in things that matter, on our own schedules, at our own pace and at our own comfort level.  I know there’s a place that’s right for you in the Auxiliary.  This is your chance to make a difference in the community.  The dues for Seniors is $20.00 and for Juniors under age 18, it is $3.00.  Please contact me for an application or get one at the Post.  Thanks for the Memories!

Past Presidents’ Parley – Irene Gustafson

      All Past Unit Presidents will meet at noon at Marie Calendars Restaurant in Escondido on Monday, March 10th.  We will have a short business meeting and then vote on our annual donations.  For reservations, call me at 741-1813 before March 6th.

Chaplain – Elda Jones

      Once again I ask for prayers for our members.  Joyce Koppelman is healing at home with a broken pelvis.  She could use a card or phone call to cheer her up.  Shirley Johnson is healing at home after surgery.  She also would enjoy a card or phone call.  The flu and cold season is here so all try to keep well.  We had a beautiful service for Jackie Lay.  The Auxiliary served the luncheon.  Thanks to all who helped and those who brought food. 

      Once again our year is slipping away.  It soon will be report time.  I also need prayers, poems, and verses for my prayer book.  Please get them to me soon.  It takes awhile to put the book together.  God Bless.

      “Everyone is valuable to God.”

Porcelain Show – Ada Jones

      “A Talent on Porcelain” will be held at the Post on Saturday, March 8th from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.  Admission is free and there will be demonstrations, door prizes, and items for sale.

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Sons of the American Legion

      Two members of the Sons went to help at the Veterans Hospital on Legion Day in February.  They all had a good time helping the veterans play bingo and enjoyed the lunch provided by the North County Posts and Auxiliaries.

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American Legion Riders

President – Woody “Gunny” Harris

      January was a busy month for the Riders.  The big event for us was the Brawley “Chili Cook Off” where the Riders won “Peoples Choice.”  It was an excellent result and many thanks to Cathy and Joe Watt as well as the Legion Members who helped us out.  You all deserve a big OOOORAAH!  In February we attended another Chili cook off in Palm Springs sponsored by the Riders Chapter at that Post

      I want to thank Joe Watt for taking charge of the Riders Wall in the clubroom, and look for Riders to bring pictures and souvenirs of their service time.  I also want to thank Tim Heck for the showcase in the main hall.  It looks great and is filling up fast with Legionnaires’ historical items. 

      We have a new member, John “Coach” Escalante, an active duty Marine and Iraq vet who rides a Harley Davidson Road King.  Tony “Top” Desiderio had hip replacement surgery at the VA and has now progressed to crutches from his walker.  We hope to see more of him soon.  I found out today that our member, CWO Craig Harris, has been extended in the Far East for an additional 30 days, but we should see him back in the later part of May or early June.  We want to wish a Happy Birthday to our most seasoned Rider, WWII vet Smoke Murphy.  We wish you a Happy Birthday and many more.  Just think, you’re half way to 170! 

      We are getting ready for our State Riders Convention in April in Turlock and we hope for a good turn out for the ride, and festivities.  Our road cleanup change is going well Bama is making arrangements to move our highway trash pick up from Hwy 76 to Hwy 78 by the San Diego Wild Animal Park.  Until next month keep you chins up, and your glasses half-full!  Gunny

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Editor – Art Lubben

            Once again, thank you to all that got their articles in on time, most without too much nagging.  Remember that the date the members will be reading the information will be about two weeks after you write it, so you will need to adjust the way you discuss the timing of events.

5th Area Meetings at
American Legion Post 149 of Escondido
March 28, 29 & 30, 2008

Schedule of Events

Saturday Morning Breakfast — 7:00 – 9:30 AM
Steak & Eggs, Biscuits & Gravy, Hash Browns, coffee & juice

“149er” Chili Cook-Off Challenge

Start Cooking at 8:00 AM, Judging @ 12:00 Noon

Lunch on the Patio from 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Chips & Dessert

Afternoon Meetings

40 et 8 Cheminot @ 2:00 PM                              PCC. @ 3:00 PM

Saturday Night Dinner — 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Shrimp Cocktail, Prime Rib, Baked Potato, Green Beans, Tossed Salad, Rolls, Cathy’s Famous Peach Cobbler $8.00

Music & Dancing in the Clubroom with “Good Times” Band

Sunday Morning Breakfast — 7:00 - 9:00 AM
Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Biscuits & Gravy, Juice, coffee

Committee Meetings Start @ 9:00 AM

5th Area General Meeting Start @ 10:00 AM