Commanders Corner:
Comrades, Auxiliary members and guest - The year 2009 is rapidly coming to its end. It seems like the time has just flown by. I want to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone the "Happiest and Safest of Holiday Seasons" for you and your families.
The Ladies Auxiliary is working hard to complete the judging for the Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, YouthEssay and Teacher of the Year. There was a great deal of work, time spent and effort to get through these programs and a "Special Thanks" needs to be given to Kathy Murphy, Evie & Stepie Vanderberg, Rose Green and the people who offered them assistance. The Youth Programs Awards Ceremony is scheduled for November 28, 2009 at 4PM, so please mark this date on your calendar.
We also have the "Canadian Remembrance" trip to Victoria coming up on November 11th. The Senior Vice Commander will be representing the Post at the Veterans Day event at Kitsap Fairgrounds. As in the past, the Post is sponsoring twenty (20) Food Baskets for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I am coordinating this with the Naval Base Chaplain again this year. Please remember the "Special Peoples Party" held on December 6th, Jennifer Viestenz is the primary coordinator for this event again this year and will gladly accept any help she can get.
With the winter weather upon us, I am concerned over the health of our members. I want to inform everyone that if the weather causes you to miss a meeting, please do not feel bad. It is better to have you safe at home than out in the weather either getting ill or becoming involved in an accident. I know that you all support our great Post home and will be there when you are able.
The Children's Christmas Party is scheduled for December 13th, from 1:00 to 3:30 PM, I have contacted Jolly Ole St. Nick and he assures me he will make it. The older XMAS Party is on Saturday, December 19th starting at 6 PM with live entertainment from 6 - 9 PM. The Christmas Raffle will be drawn during the evening.
There is alot of work to be done with the House & Club committee, I hope to get this resolved at the meeting on November 17th. Please remember that the Post home is open on Christmas Day and I have been informed that Comrades Tommy Thompson and Dean Miller will once again be in the kitchen serving up their usual Christmas Feast. Remember, the meal is by donation only. Also on Christmas Day is the now popular "Commanders Hot Buttered Rum" from 12:00 to 2:30 PM. Live entertainment is scheduled for the New Years Eve party, so come on by and have some fun. Then on New Years Day, the Commander serves up "Bloody Mary's" from 12:00 to 2:30 PM.
Once again, I wish everyone a joyous and happy holiday season. May you enjoy your families, friends and please keep in your prayers those who are now in harms way and cannot be home with their loved ones.
In comradeship and dedication - Fred
From the Senior Vice Commander;
This year we have 654 Life members and a goal of 788 members to reach 100%. We are quickly approaching the 96% mark with our current total of 751 still needing 37 to renew or join. I request that everyone look to bring a new member into the Post to aid us in this quest.
Our "Adopt-A-Unit" returned home in August and held its Freedom Salute for their return on October 25th. Thanks to everyone who attended and represented the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Post 239.
Wishing all a "Happy Holiday Season"!
In dedication - Eric "Tanker"
From the Post Quartermaster;
Comrades, if you have moved to a new address or changed phone numbers please notify the office so that your information can be updated both on the computer and our files. We now are using the E-Membership via computer access and things happen alot quicker. If you need a copy of your or your family members DD 214, information concerning benefits please go to http://vetrecs.archives.gov and you can request the data online.
I strongly urge every Annual member to consider converting to a "Life Membership". The VFW now has two very good Installment Plans available for Life members - one plan for 12 month or 24 month installments. We have the forms in the office to authorize automatic monthly deduction from your checking or credit card accounts, please stop in and see us.
As the members who attend meetings know, VFW Post 239 is getting close to being in financial trouble. I urge every member to support the upcoming events and stop by the Canteen to help us rebuild our financial stability so we do not have to keep going into our savings account.
The Post has changed checking accounts, so anyone having uncashed checks for the Post account needs to come into the office and see me.
Happy Holidays - Dean
Chaplains report;
I wish to thank the members for once again allowing me to be the "Post Chaplain". I will work hard in support of the VFW and perform my job to my best ability. However, if the Post is not kept informed of the people who are in Nursing Care facilities, Hospitals and those that have passed away, it is very hard for me to do my job. Please keep the office staff informed of any information so that I may mail out a card and visit our members in need.
May our prayers include our fallen comrades, POW's/MIA's and those active duty personnel who are now in harms way.
With the Lords Blessing - Al Gilson
From the Ladies Auxiliary President;
Welcome to the Holiday Season! It is a very busy time at the Post. It is also a very fun time as I get to visit with members that I don't see often.
We just had the kids Halloween Party, it was a great success and I thank everyone that helped out and/or donated. Kathy Murphy did a great job putting it all together. It is wonderful to watch the kids grow up year after year. We had 3 or 4 little babies (future members) attending this year. Coming up on December 13th is the kids Christmas Party and I hope to spend more time with the kids.
Please check your calendars carefully. With all of the holidaays and events, some of the dates needed to be changed or cancelled. Some of the events coming up are: Thanksgiving Potluck at Fleet Reserve, Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, youth Essay and Teacher of the Year Awards dinner on November 28th; the Special Peoples Party on December 6th; Childrens Christmas Party on Dec 13th; Hot Buttered Rum and XMAS Dinner on December 25th; the New Years Eve Potluck Party;and the Mid Winter Conference in Wenatcheee on January 15 - 17, 2010. I know I missed some, so keep an eye on the calendars.
We have a great need of donations for the Special Peoples Party this year. We need help, cookies, chips, bread, and money to buy the meats, cheeses, etc. This is a great event and really helps you count your blessings and is tons of fun. Jennifer Viestenz is the Chairperson this year.
Another big need is our Poppy Drives. If you can get out and help pass out poppies, let Kathy Murphy know. The Poppy donations help our Relief Fund and we do not want to have to refuse any request for help.
Remember our Bake Sales, because of the holidays our dates are: November 20th, December 18th and January 22nd. We need both bakers and buyers, please come join us for Friday Night Dinner and Bake Sales.
Here are some phone numbers, let us know how you are doing:
President - Cindy Carrillo - 674-2354 / 271-7764 ; Senior Vice / House & Club - Evie Vanderberg - 277-3490
Junior Vice / Youth Activities / Buddy Poppy - Kathy Murphy - 895-0974 ;
Chaplain / Legislative - Yvonne Hatfield - 377-4633 ; Treasurer & Membership - Marjorie Hammill 373-7601
Secretary/ Cancer/ Special People - Jennifer Viestenz - 871=0859 ;
Canteen Manager / Trustee - Rose Green 377-6739
I hope you have a wonderful and healthy holiday - Cindy Carrillo
From the Ladies Auxiliary Treasurer:
Ladies, this is a reminder that the dues for the upcoming year needs to be paid soon. The annual dues renewal is $24 and the Life members need to pay $3.80 towards their insurance dues. Please get these paid as soon as you can to allow for processing time at both Department and National levels. If your dues are not paid by December 31st - you are no longer a member in good standing and are not eligible for Auxiliary benefits.
Please contact me or President Cindy Carrillo for further information.
Ladies Treasurer - Marjorie Hammill
Seam Squirrell Squawking:
Listen Up All Cooties-
As the hour glass of time moves on, so do our members. There is a serious decline in the participation of our Retsil visits, our scratches and our other Cootie events. Here is a list of the upcoming Cootie events:
Spring C of A - Puyallup March 2010
Cootie Convention - Renton June 2010
Let us all get out there and support the Cootie programs. Remember your fellow Cooties who cannot drive and may need a ride or assistance getting to an event.
LOTCS - Paul Dulac
From the MOCA President;
Ladies of Heap Good 9:
It is that time of year again with many holidays in front of us. In November, we were to do resident Bingo on the 21st. It has now been moved to November 28th, so our meeting will follow on that day at 4 PM at the Post home. In December, , after going to Retsil, we will be having a small Pot-Luck following our meeting - as our Christmas get together. I would like to thank everyone for the hard work you have all done during my surgery and illness. Thank you Sandy Rust for running the meeting in myb absence. Wishing you all Happy Holidays!
Best wishes to those celebrating Birthdays and Specal Occasions ; to those that have lost a loved one - our deepest Sympathy and Get Wells to all those that are ill.
Yours in Loyalty - Jennifer Viestenz
Club and Canteen Corner;
It has been a very interesting summer. There has been activities happening to help support the Post and Canteen - I appreciate the participation of these events and look forward to there being more. As everyone knows, there is a 32% increase in the cost of liquors and whiskey effective on August 1st. There is an anticipated increase in the beer prices but it has not happened yet. The House and Club, Post have voted to see how the price changes effect the Club prior to making any price increases, I am sure it will be kept at a minimum.
There were many fund raising events that have taken place over the past few months - thanks to those who have supported these ideas.
The Canteen has been given approval to start selling tickets for the Christmas raffle , the table is set up and sales have started. There is a Wii Computer Game System and lots of other goodies for the holidays. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.
I have started a new thing - "Dog Days Monday"! You can get a hot dog or chili dog during the day while the Canteen is open- all for a donation.
The holidays are rapidly approaching and there are still dates left open on the Rental Calendar, review your plans-set your schedule and come in to see if that date for your gathering is available. As Canteen Manager I want to make sure we can help you to the best of my ability.
Once again, please remember that the Ladies working behind the bar are there to support you and your club. We have one paid bartender and many volunteer bartenders - I request that you show them the same respect you would show your significant other. When they get busy, please be patient with them - there is no need to vent your frustrations on them- they are doing the best they can. Volunteers are giving up their time with family and friends to help us out - please be kind to them!
We have Live Entertainment on schedule for the Christmas and New Years Eve parties. This year we will start celebrating the New Year with "New Years in New York" at 9 PM and work our way across the country each hour until we hit Seattle for the final "Wing-ding" at mid-night!!
I would also like to thank the motorcycle groups that have supported us on the first Sunday of the month. Due to the size of their group, the first Sunday of each month will be a "Breakfast Buffet" - this allows for quicker service and helps the cook at the same time.
I need to thank all of the volunteers that have worked hard to keep our Club going. Your donations of your time and hard work have helped to keep us in operation. I wish all of our family - friends - and associates the very best wishes for a Happy and Joyous Christmas and New Year.
Loyalty in Service - Rose
