"The Four Star"

(Edition No. 5-05)

September – October 2005

We have two Items of good news. First, American Legion 217 is establishing a website. We do not yet have it completed and we cannot therefore report a complete success. Karl Christoffers is working with other members of the Post to establish the website. The website will have periodic news probably updated two or three times a week. We hope to have the "Four Star" on the website as well. This will not effect your mailed copy; it will simply be available to you at any time you log-on to the website on your computer.

The other good news is the budget. We have had two budget meetings. We normally have three budget meetings. The third meeting is scheduled for the 20^th of August. (this is being written in the 13^th) The good news is that the budget as developed to this point will show a surplus. The success of this budget is attributable to every active member of this Post; in particular the Bingo Committee, the House Committee and the Legion Home, Inc.

Please remember that all elected officers of the Post, the committee chairmen, the committee members and all active members are all working very hard to make Post 217 even better. I believe we will have a good year because we have a good team, they work hard and work well together.

Tom Davis

Commander

The Department Convention held in Ocean City in July was a time for all the members of Unit 217 to rejoice in the recognition we received for our work on the many programs we support. We were presented with 13 certificates, although we were placed in the wrong category in 2 of them. We ended up with 12 certificates when all was said and done. THANK YOU to everyone who worked so hard last year. Now, let us see if we can work to improve on that next time. Ever onward and upward is our goal.

The National Convention is being held in Hawaii from August 19^th to August 24^th, and the 8/40 LaMarche begins on the 24^th thru the 27^th. I am attending as a Department Alternate Delegate to the National Convention and as a Delegate-at-Large to the LaMarche. I will be returning home on the 29^th. I will fill you in on that trip in the next newsletter, It’s a good thing I had some hula lessons in July at the Washington VAMC luah funded by Post 217.

The Fall Conference will take place on October 7^th, 8^th and 9^th in Ocean City. This is where all the programs are presented for the year. Another time for togetherness and learning. My room reservation has been made. Will you join us?

We are presently working to co-ordinate the "Pizza Helpers: for our booth at the Greenbelt Festival September 2^nd thru the 5^th. This Labor Day Event affords us with much of the funds to support our yearly programs. However, it does take many people to pull it off successfully. If you have some free time and would like to help us out, please call me. My phone number is listed below.

We continue to entertain the hospitalized Vets at the VA Nursing Home on the third Thursday of the month, leaving the Post at 6:00 PM and will be returning about 9:30 PM. If you can, please join us.

Until we meet again, remember to support your Post and Unit events, try to attend the meetings on the first Tuesday of the month and if anyone is ill, hospitalized or has lost a loved one, please let me know.

Yours in Service, not self

Ivy Christoffers, President

301-595-5225

We just got back from the Convention in Ocean City, and this year our theme is "Lighthouses". As you know, this time of the year in July starts our 2006 Post year. You should be receiving your 2006 renewal cards soon. Please send them back to me with a check for $15.00 for senior members, $3.00 for junior members. Let’s get a head start and be 10 plus this year. If you send them in before September you will be an "Early Bird". We are going to reward the "Early Birds" this year, and we want you to be one.

The membership person will be the "Life Preservers".

Senior members will be the "Crew".

Junior members will be the "Deck Hands".

And for all of Southern Maryland our Lighthouse is "Drum Point". So let’s get that "Lighthouse" shining bright!

Sarah Brown

410-672-6726

Membership Chairman

This year Post 217’s Picnic will be held behind the Post as in the past. It will be held on Sunday, September 11^th starting at 1:00 PM and going until about 4:00 PM. As usual, the Greenbelt Concert Band will be performing for us. If you haven’t heard them in the past, you’re in for a treat! So bring a covered dish to share and your lawn chair for a really special "Picnic".

Bill Bladen

Service Officer

We are soon approaching the end of the summer. We hope you had a blessed, safe and peaceful summer. As we look forward to September, let us take time to remember those who perished during the attack on our nation on September 11^th. Let’s pray for the men and women serving overseas as a result of that attack. Never forget those who have fallen and those who have been wounded. God bless them. Take a moment in your day on September 11^th to pray and honor our men and women who have given so much to our nation.

Ron Gray

Post 217 Chaplain

By the time you read this, Membership and Keycards will have been sent, thanks to Elwood Good. Elwood has been bringing me up to speed so I can maintain his high standards in all aspects of membership. Hats off to Elwood for a job well done.

I attended the Maryland College Membership Class conducted this year at the Convention. I am looking forward to the challenge.

Membership renewals are being accepted and encouraged for 2006. Why not be an "Early Bird" and renew today. We will offer an incentive beginning this year. All members renewing their membership by October 31^st will be considered "Early Birds" and entered into a drawing for two years membership paid by the Post. The two lucky winners will be notified by phone and their names will be posted on the bulletin board in the Post lounge. You have nothing to loose and two years free membership to gain.

We are also setting up a membership committee for the purpose of working with new members until they are familiar with our Post and the Post’s programs. Membership is everybody’s job. Every member should have a membership application in their wallet and be prepared to address the following.

WHY – should anyone want to join the American Legion Family? I can think of a lot of reasons: service to our country, our veterans in need and our community through a variety of Legion programs. Our members and their guests enjoy a good safe place to have fun and relax. Good food and drinks reasonably priced, Friday night dances and a variety of special events and last if not least, the opportunity to associate with fellow veterans.

WHAT – would a new member have to contribute? The short answer is NOTHING. Just being a member contributes to the overall well being of the American Legion. Membership is our life’s blood. There are many ways to contribute even more but that is up to individual.

Bill Robertson

301-345-4873

Our Post competed at the Convention for "Best Americanism Program" in the state of Maryland. Great job Judy!

The Convention closed with Judy and Sarah participating in the retiring of the "Colors". Look for more information about thew Americanism Essay Contest in the next issue of the "Four Star".

Nancy Peirce

Americanism Chairman

Another successful Department Convention in Ocean City was completed in July. Thanks to Post SAL member Bruce Williams who rented the Post his condo at Thunder Island for use as the Hospitality House. It proved to be a huge success. There was plenty of food, drink, friendship and a general bonding of comrades. The homemade chili prepared by Auxiliary member Stella was the talk of the town! It was so good, so delicious and so much in demand, that many Convention guests kept coming back for more! Wow!

We could have used more Post Delegates on the floor of the convention Center. Maybe more members will step up next year. The "Post Everlasting" ceremony on Wednesday evening was one of the most moving and very best that this Legionnaire has had the pleasure of seeing in quite a while.

All in all, the Convention in Ocean City was an impressive experience to have been a part of.

Yours in Service

Fred Schaffer