American Legion-Veterans Memorial Post 347

Mail: P.O. Box 1534

699 W. Lady Lake Road

Lady Lake, FL 32158-1534

(CR 466 & Rolling Acres Blvd)

Phone: 352-750-2099

Fax: 352-750-2202

Lounge Phone: 352-750-0639

Web site: www.florida-legion.com

E-mail: alpost347@comcast.net

>>>>>>MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: FEBRUARY 2020<<<<<<

Commander-Bob Kiley

To all members of the “Greatest

Post In The World”:

We are continuing to move for-ward with the many projects we have undertaken to improve and make our post viable every month.

• Roof replaced and inspected.

• Sinks in the lounge replaced.

• Security camera system up and running.

• Leak in the kitchen repaired and re-piped.

• Tankless water heater in the kitchen for the dish washer.

A point of interest: As you may know, the National Commander will be visiting Florida posts start-ing on January 26. We, as a post, voted to ban Florida NEC officer,

Dennis Boland, to escort the Na-tional Commander into our post. This is due to a conflict involving Mr. Boland and your post on a manner of honor. I was called and requested if I would reconsider and conduct another vote on this mat-ter. After much thought and with input from two past post com-manders, I have decided that I would honor the Executive Board and General Membership vote and deny entry to Mr. Boland.

As Mr. Boland is the official escort for the National Commander, the National Commander has decided that he will NOT be visiting the Largest Post in the World.

This post is a place of honor and I really want to thank all of our members for upholding that honor. You have demonstrated again why we are the best post in the world.

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY.

Chaplain’s Corner-Farrell Massey

As we begin this calendar year from our installation cere-

mony: “We pray Oh God that which we accomplish will

be fruitful, permanent and good in its effects. Inspire us

with your wisdom, direct us in our thinking and guide us as

we work together for you, our country and our comrades.

To the end that this nation under God will continue to be

the land of the free and the home of the brave”.

Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where

does my strength to come from? My help comes from the

Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Amen”.

Auxiliary-Madam President:

Cathy Trout

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Units annual fashion show is

fast approaching. The fashion show

will be held in the Post Hall on Feb-

ruary 9th from 1-3 pm with a light

lunch. The cost is $15.00 per person

and you may contact Judy Matthews

at 307-715-4611 or email her at

jumat329@aol.com. Proceeds to

benefit Villages Honor Flight.

Next up on the Units busy schedule,

will be our honor to hold the Women

Veterans Luncheon on March 9th from 12-3 pm in the Post Hall. The

Women Veterans are free, and their

guests pay $5.00. Contact Cathy

Trout at 352-531-6492 or email her

at alaunit347@comcast.net. Our

registration deadline is February

28th. The seating is limited to 200, so register early.

We once again are holding another

new member initiation ceremony on

March 15th at 2 pm. New members

will be receiving an invitation from

the membership chairman Maureen

Caswell.

Finally, in the busy month of March,

the Unit will be holding the annual indoor garage sale. March 20th,

from 1-4 pm will be the drop off

date and set up time. March 21st will be the day of the indoor garage sale

from 10am-2pm. Looking forward

to a great garage sale.

In Spirit of Service, Not Self

First Vice-Joan Suelter

Oh, my Goodness! As I write this article for our monthly newsletter, January is gone, and all the wonderful holidays just became wonderful mem-ories.

However, behind the scenes your membership team is working like little elves to ensure we invite all veterans in and around our neighbor-hoods to join us with what I believe is the best in what we do for our Legion family members, children and youth and community service.

With that said, we have achieved 95.3% of this year’s goal. Yeah! However, there is no time to celebrate, we still have more work to do.

Be a Recruiter!! Ask a fami-ly, friend, neighbor, golf bud-dy or social group if they are a veteran. Remember, the Legion Act, signed by Presi-dent Trump July 2019: To qualify for membership, you now need only one day of active service. A short appli-cation and a copy of your DD-214 is all I need.

Looking forward to another great month.

Nominations For Election of Post Officers for 2020-21

Members are encouraged to apply to the Nominating Com-

mittee which will conduct interviews to ensure that:

A. Member must be willing to serve in the position.

B. Member’s dues are current.

C. Member is fully aware of the duties of the position.

D. Member is permitted to present a presentation of not

more than 5 minutes before close of nominations at a

general membership meeting.

Please leave your name, phone number and position you wish to

run for at the front office for the ‘Past Commander” mail slot

addressed to John Gibbons, Nominations Committee Chairman.

Nominations are accepted in February, March and April.

Election will be held in May.

SUNDAY BAR BINGO RETURNS FEBRUARY 2nd AT 2:30 PM.

American Legion Riders-Chapter 347

Gene Haplea-Director

Chapter Officers for 2019-20

Director - Gene Haplea;

Asst. Dir. - Jim Ward;

Secretary - Charlotte Wilson;

Treasurer - Louise Labbe;

Sgt-at-Arms - Felicia Rawls;

Chaplain - Sherri Ward.

Feel free to contact them with any questions or concerns regarding ALR 347. Messages can be left at the Post Front Desk in person or over the phone.

Thanks to all Legion Family members and other supporters in the Tri-County area for the outstanding support of the monthly ALR

3rd Sunday Kitchen Time - the response to our monthly “Specials” has been outstanding, with our recent Sausage, Peppers & Onions Sandwich selling out regularly - stay tuned for new Specials each month. And don’t for-get!! A regular bar style food menu will be available during the 3rd Sunday’s early NFL game! So come on out on the 3rd Sundays, from Noon to 4pm, and enjoy some fun food, and your favorite NFL game! Play-offs are just around the corner! Monthly special menu items will be posted on Lounge TVs and on flyers posted on hallway bulletin boards.

Chapter 347 continues to grow, adding more several new members in recent months, and regularly adding new members in our newly created category of “Support Member”. Sup-port Members will play an important role in our Chapter as we grow and become more active around the Post and in the community. We encourage everyone in the Legion Family to inform their friends and neighbors who enjoy motorcycling and may, or may not, be

Legion Family members already to look into joining ALR Chapter 347. It would be a “double win” if they joined the Legion Fami-ly and ALR 347!!

For anyone interested in learning more about our Chapter, please join us at our regularly scheduled monthly meetings in the Main Hall of Post 347 on the first Thursday each

month at 1830. Our social and net-working hour starts at 1730, with a Cash Bar and complimentary pizza.

You can also visit our web page at http://www.florida-legion.com/riders, or join our Facebook Page at

https://www.facebook.com/

groups/ALR347/

TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER MENU

FEBRUARY

4th: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Roll

***********************$8.00******************************

11th: Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans and Roll

***********************$8.00******************************

18th: RIB NIGHT

Baby Back Ribs, Fries, Cole Slaw & Roll

*************$13.00 Full Rack—$7.00 Half Rack***************

25th: Fish Fry (8oz) Haddock, Fries & Slaw

***********************$9.00******************************

We want to express our sincere thanks to all our volunteers in the kitchen. We

could not do it without you.

Many, many thanks for all of your time, hard work and for the laughs we share.

Joyce and Harriett

Selections and prices may be changed without notice

FEB 2: SUPER BOWL PARTY $10—SEE ED

FEB 9: AUXILIARY FASHION SHOW- $15

2-5 PM

FEB 10: RECREATIONS SHOW—SEE ED FOR

TICKETS 4:00 PM SHOW

_____________________________________________

WOMEN VETERANS LUNCHEON

WHEN: Monday, March 9th

TIME: 12-3 PM

WHERE: Main Hall

COST: Free for Women Vets Guests $5.00

Sponsored by Post 347 Auxiliary

A photo station will be set up by the Post Historian

to take portraits of our women veterans to be in-

cluded in the Commander’s and President’s year-

book for 2019-20.

Sons of the American Legion-John Gorsuch, Com-mander, Squadron 347

The Valentine’s Dance with Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs is SOLD OUT! Thank You!

However, there are a few Lottery Board tickets left to sell. Gary Blanchard will be in the lobby on Tuesdays until all 200 tickets are sold.

The S.A.L membership drive is now at 102% (766) of the 750 target, thanks to the hard work of Vice Commander Dough White and help by Danny Roe. We continue to receive new member and transfer

applications and we welcome all new members as this post has so many activities to attract both men and women.

Dave Collins, (DAC) continues collecting donations for Fisher House in Gainesville. Fisher House is one of S.A.L.’s charities. We donate clothing, toiletry items, Christmas gifts and monetary dona-tions. Members visit several times a year. Fisher House is also a place for families to stay while their veteran is undergoing treatment at Shands Hospital. It is often viewed of as similar to the Ronald McDonald House. Donations by post members are always wel-comed

Bob O’Neal-Adjutant For God and Country

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES LISTINGS

Volunteers are needed for all events and activities. Please ask at the front office or an event chairperson

ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

Every Sunday 2:30 Lounge BAR BINGO RETURNS!!——3rd Sunday: Riders operating the kitchen.

Every Monday 6:00 to 10:00 Lounge Karaoke with David Baldwin

Every Monday 5:00 to 7:00 Lounge Burger Night—Sons Of The Legion, Squadron 347

Every Tuesday 7:00 Lounge Queen of Hearts Drawing—Members only—Subject to change

Every Tuesday 5:00 to 7:00 Lounge Dinner Menu—Kitchen Special—See Bulletin Board

Every Wednesday Noon to 2:00 Lounge Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches and other menu items

Every Wednesday 2:00 to 5:00 Lounge Bar Bingo (American Legion members and guests only)

1st Wednesday 10:00 to Noon Hall HONOR GUARD MEETING

1st Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 Hall AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MEETING (5:30-6:30 Social Time)

2nd Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 Hall AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP MEETING

3rd Wednesday 6:00 to 8:00 Hall SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP MEETING

3rd Wednesday 12:00 to 3:00 Hall SUBMARINE VETERANS MEETING

4th Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 Hall 40-8 MEMBERSHIP MEETING

1st Thursday 6:00 Hall AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Every Thursday 10:00-4:00 Hall BINGO—(Open to the Public)

Every Thursday 5:00-6:30 Lounge Italian Night and Pizza—Sons Of The Legion, Squadron 347

Every Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 Lounge Small Team Trivia-With Carol, Ed and Ellen

Every Friday 6:00 to 10:00 Lounge Entertainment and Dancing—Fish Night, Regular Menu+ Specials (5:00-7:00)

Every Saturday 6:30 to 8:00 Lounge Team Trivia-Al Brady with Carol and Ed

2nd Saturday 7:00 to 11:00 Hall Breakfast ($7.00)

VOLUNTEERS

…..are always welcome. There are plenty of opportunities:

Bingo, Blood Donor, Building, Landscape Maintenance, Fi-

nance, Hall set-up and break-down, Honor Guard, Kitchen,

Office, Gold Driving Range: Ball Sales, Ball Pick-up, Range

Maintenance. If you are interested, please contact the front

office for more information.

FEBRUARY

4 Johnny Ray McCullah

7 Pam Valli

11 “Just Mike”

14 D.J Norm

18 Mike & Terry

21 Pat Murphy

25 Doug Byers

28 Fred Campbell

Lounge Entertainment REMINDERS:

• Don’t’ forget your

Food Bank Items.

POST IN NEED OF

DURABLE MEDICAL

EQUIPMENT

We loan out donated wheel-

chairs, walkers, crutches, etc.

to members and to the gen-

eral public. We are currently

extremely short of such

equipment. If you have bor-

rowed equipment and no

longer have a need for it,

please return it to the Post. If

you or a neighbor have such

equipment that is no longer

needed, please consider do-

nating it. We do NOT ac-

cept commode/toilet items or

motorized equipment.

All Tuesday night and SAL

kitchen menus are posted on

our website at www.florida-

legion.com/kitchen.

BREAKFAST AT THE

POST>>>>>>

All You Can Eat!!

February 8 7 to 11 AM $7.00

BLOOD DRIVE

Thank you to our 11 donors who do-

nated on January 11th. We can do

better for the size of our post so please

come out and donate. Our next drive

is April 11th.

• Bartenders and servers are

volunteers. Please tip accord-

ingly.

• Proper attire is required.

Men, no sleeveless shirts.

• NO drinks of any kind may

be taken in or out of the post

except bottled water pur-

chased at the post.

• NO smoking or vaping IN the

post.. Use the smoker’s

lounge.

• MEMBERS ALLOWED TO

SIGN IN THREE (3) GUESTS

COMMANDER Bob Kiley

1ST VICE Joan Suelter

2ND VICE T.C. Biddle

3RD VICE Dan Martin

CHAPLAIN Farrell Massey

ADJUTANT Mike Seidel

FINANCE Ken DeMello

ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS Sheldon Gotesky

JUDGE ADVOCATE Gene Weeks

SERVICE OFFICER John Trenkle

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Guy Knaak

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Dave Musser

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Bob Suelter

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Fred Jary

PAST COMMANDER Al Varrone

HISTORIAN/EDITOR Phil Crouthamel

PRESIDENT Cathy Trout

1ST VICE Maureen Caswell

2ND VICE Vacant

SECRETARY Beth Musser

TREASURER Kathy Allen

HISTORIAN Nancy White

SGT-AT-ARMS Betty Spencer

CHAPLAIN Maureen Merlette

M.A.L. Lois Glosch

Judy Samuelson

Mary Seidel

Maddie Romanoski

PAST PRESIDENT/MAL Ruth Sovern

COMMANDER John Gorsuch

1ST VICE Doug White

2ND VICE Bud Bowyer

FINANCIAL OFFICER Joe Paulin

CHAPLAIN Ben Kisielica

HISTORIAN Gary Blanchard

SGT-AT-ARMS Tony Watkins

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Dave Callies

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Charlie McGlone

JAG Paul Pitts

ADJUTANT Bob O’Neal

DIRECTOR Gene Haplea

ASST. DIRECTOR Jim Ward

TREASURER Louise Labbe

SECRETARY Charlotte Wilson

SGT-AT-ARMS Felicia Rawls

CHAPLAIN Sherri Ward

RIDE CAPTAIN Felicia Rawls

OFFICERS OF POST 347

LEGION AUXILIARY S.A.L. LEGION RIDERS

Any suggestions, comments or atta-boys, please contact the editor, Phil Crouthamel at prcrouthamel@comcast.net

HONOR GUARD-63 members

DECEMBER

Total Funerals 5

Community Service: 3

Post Events: 2

Member Hours 928

Miles 8040

MEMBERSHIP

LEGION 7283

AUXILIARY 2485

S.A.L. 766

RIDERS 115

POST EVERLASTING

Guenver Brown Hallock Dean Eleanor Simmons-WWII Harvey Titcomb Bruce Lawson Philip Beaulieu

SICK CALL

C. Pug. Gassert George Zablocki: Sgt-At-Arms

Terry Lawson Butch Udell Gary Wilkinson

Ed Akin Arthur Talboo Chuck Bertsch

NIGHT AT THE RACES

SATURDAY-February 29th

4-9 pm.

Cost:$10.00 VALENTINES DANCE

Saturday, February 15th

5-9 PM Tickets-$10

Cactus Jack & The Cadillacs

Pizza for sale and a cash bar

Tickets on sale in the lounge and front

office

SOLD OUT-SOLD OUT-SOLD OUT

HALL RENTAL

Please call 352-750-2099 and speak to

the Hall Rental Coordinator for the cor-

rect prices to rent the hall. DO NOT go

by the website information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEB 2-SUPER BOWL PARTY $10

SEE EDDIE FOR TIX

FEB 9– AUXILIARY FASHION SHOW

2-5 PM. TICKETS:$15

FEB 10– RECREATIONS SHOW

4:00 PM. SEE EDDIE FOR TIX