Edition No. 6 - 06

November - December 2006

COMMANDER’S CORNER

On October 29, 2006, your Post hosted a Benefit Dinner for the IRSA Circle of Angels. IRSA is a charity to benefit children who have RETT Syndrome. The Post donated the Hall, the SAL *(FUN BUNCH) donated the food, and the Auxiliary donated the Staff and other services. Thanks to the FUN BUNCH and Auxiliary for making it a “Special” Post function. 

Unfortunately the “Oyster and Bull Roast” planned for October 21st had to be cancelled for lack of interest. Please bear in mind that these events are planned weeks or months in advance. Food, supplies, and other items must be ordered at least two weeks before the event. If ticket sales are insufficient prior to the event Chairman’s deadline, the event must then be cancelled. Please advise the Post of your intent to attend an event or purchase your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance of the event.

 My wife and I took a long planned trip to Europe in mid October. We visited the U.S Military Cemetery near Cambridge, England. The Chapel, the Cemetery, and the grounds are very beautiful and well maintained. There are thousands of graves in perfect rows of “White Crosses” and “Stars of David”. The lawns are immaculate. The Chapel has the ‘State Seal” of all States of the U.S. set in glass. The opposite wall has a map of Europe and North Africa showing all the battlefields. Each soldiers name is set in stone on the Commemorative Wall. The Army Air Corps has the most names, followed by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in that order. We should all be proud of the way our Nation has honored our heroic dead. 

Tom Davis

Post 217 Commander

UNIT 217 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Our Spaghetti Dinner was a big Success. Many thanks to all the people who worked the Dinner and thanks to everyone came and enjoyed the Dinner with us. The Bake Sale was also very successful with a variety of delicious cakes and cookies.

Three of our members attended the Fall Conference in Hagerstown Md oni October 6th 7th and 8th It was a great week-end. On Saturday we had a Banquet by a “Creative Mini-Fest”.  We also had a Silent-Chinese Auction.  Let’s all work together “Peaceably” for the Auxiliary, and remember that no man or woman can stand alone.

Sarah Brown

Unit President

 UNIT 217 MEMBERSHIP

Do we have any members that have not paid their 2006 dues? If you have not paid yet, now is the time to get caught up. By paying your 2006 and also the 2007 dues so you won’t lose your “continuous years” membership status 

As we “Reach New Heights for Our Heroes”, we should all be very proud of our membership in this great organization- the American Legion Auxiliary - and every member should sign up any of our relatives who are eligible for membership. So spread out your arms and put on your sunglasses and get ready to recognize those “Stars” that are out there within our reach.

 Membership Chairman

Sarah Brown 410-672-6726

UNIT 217 CHAPLAIN

Unit President Sarah Brown has had eye surgery to repair her retina. And except for the discomfort of having to hold her head down for a week, she is doing OK. As the days will be getting shorter, this might be a good time to fill some hours writing to old friends, reading a good book, sorting those family photos, etc until that Bluebird is back on your windowsill Winter can be good. This being the Nov. - Dec newsletter, the Unit extends to you all a very delicious Thanksgiving, a joyful Christmas, and a peaceful and happy New Year. Remember to keep our troops in your prayers.    "God bless us, everyone" - Tiny Tim (Dickens)

Mary Keller

Unit Chaplain

MISS COLLEGE PARK NEWS UPDATE

Here is some info on what Miss College Park 2006 Vickie Kalasinsky has been up to - She is a real “go getter’ and really helps out where ever she can. She helped out at the “Spaghetti Dinner’ at the Bake Sale table. She helped with the Children’s Halloween Party, and is planning 4 fundraising activities to help raise money for the Miss College Park Scholarship Fund and also for supplies for needy children in our community. All on her own, she is planning for a “Breakfast with Miss College Paric’ event on November 18th and another “Breakfast with Santa~ on December 9th She is also selling ‘I love College Park” braclets for $3.00. I hope we can all support her as she strives to serve her community. See the inclosed flyers for all the details.

Angie Rodriguez

Miss College Park Chairman

Chaplain’s Corner

This year is quickly coming to a close. It has been a costly year in terms of deaths and injuries to our men and women fighting the war on terror. As Legionnaires, our hearts go out to their families and friends. Please keep them in your prayers. If you can find the time, I would like to encourage you visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center and/or the Bethesda Naval Medical Center. 

On September 16th, the Post celebrated the 59th Birthday of the United States Air Force I would like to thank everyone who participated in this event. A special thanks to Major Sal Bova (USAF Retired) who heads up the ROTC program at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md. and the USAF ROTC Color Guard. They did an excellent job. A special thanks to Joan Stewart for the beautiful cake with the Air Force logo, hats off to Bryan, our “Culinary Specialist” and to Torn Griffin of “Sights and Sounds Entertainment”. Let’s not forget to honor our veterans on Veteran’s Day, November 11th at 11:00 AM at the College Park Veteran’s Memorial. Wishing all a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving, and a Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy.

“Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth” - Luke 15:7

Ron Gray

Chaplain -  Post 217

-  REMEMBERING 9/11 -

“IN GOD^'S TIME”

Tragedy and desperation, Has befallen our great nation.

 Voices ring out shouts of rage, As history writes one more Page.

Yet through it all we understand, That strength comes from a helping hand.

As we become more unified, We surely honor those who died.

God’s perfect plan is glorified, When we submit our will and pride.

Accepting what’s not understood, To turn what’s evil into good.

Perseverance and discipline, Determination from within.

Along with turning from our sin, Is all we need for us to win.

This war Is won before it starts, If we can put it in our hearts.

 To call upon our Higher Power, To lead us in our finest hour.

Have faith that God’s grace is enough, To carry us when times get tough.

Outcomes that have no reason or rhyme, Will be revealed all in God’s time.

 Submitted by

     Missy Swift

CHRISTMAS FOOD BASKETS

Once again this year, we will be asking for your generous donations of any non-perishable food items so we can prepare food baskets for the needy at Christmas. Baskets will be the Lounge for your donations in early December. Our plan is to distribute the baskets to needy families at Attick Towers and at the Speilman House. Ill be asking for help from members to deliver the goods.

Thanks to all in advance

Charlie Allen

Auxiliary Americanism Report

Our Youth Recognition Day will be held Sunday, December 3rd from 4 to 7 PM. We invite all members to attend and congratulate the outstanding youth in our Legion and Auxiliary Programs. Pizza and refreshments will be served after the program. Please sign up on the sheet in the Lounge or call Judy Slarb at 301-490-7033 if you plan to attend.

The Auxiliary is again sponsoring the “Americanism Essay Contest” this year in the local schools for grades 3 thru 8. This years topic is “I’m Proud To Be An American”. Check with your school to see if they are participating. If they are not, call Judy Slarb for an information packet.

Our general elections will be held on Tuesday, November 7th. Be sure to exercise your precious right to vote Anyone needing a ride or a babysitter so they can go to the polls can call me. I will be available as needed.

We will again be participating in the Veteran’s Day Ceremony held at the College Park Memorial at Route I and Greenbelt Road. All are invited back to the Post for lunch. In case you need to dispose of a flag, there is a box in front of the Post that is marked for “Flags”. They will then be taken to a ceremony on Flag Day and be disposed of in the proper manner.

Judy Slarb 

Americanism Chairman

POST MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Time is running out - effective Jan. 10, 2007 the National dues are going up by $4.50. Take advantage of the old rate by becoming a “Paid up for life” member.   Call the office at (301) 441-2783 or call me at (301) 441-2221 for an application. Our Post dues will stay the same for now.

Fred Schaffer

Membership Chairman

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If you are trying to recruit new members into the American Legion

and your friends don't have a copy of their DD-214, they can get a copy by written request to...

National Personnel Records Center

9700 Page Avenue

St. Louis, Mo. 63132 -5100

Include complete name, Social Security number, and return address.

For an application click here

Paid up for Life

Rate Schedule - effective January 1, 2004

 Dues                                               Age Group