American Legion. Post 1776 News. A message from your Commander

Transcription

1 American Legion Post 1776 News Granada Drive, Apple Valley, MN * * * May, 2016 Commander Carla Tappainer ctappainer@charter.net 1st Vice, Dave Riha Driha2015@gmail.com 2nd Vice, Don Hereau don.hereau@district196.org Adjutant, Gary Odegard g.a.odegard@juno.com Finance Officer, Gary Odegard g.a.odegard@juno.com Chaplain, Bill Weiss kathybillweis@gmail.com Historian, Tim Liffrig tliffrig@msn.com Service Officer, Bill Nygaard williampost1776@gmail.com Sergeant at Arms, Tami Riha tamarariha04@gmail.com Operations Chair, John Ohotto ohott004@gmail.com Membership Director, John Lenvik jplmn@frontiernet.net Club Manager & Newsletter, Jorie Heder jh1776@frontier.com Office Manager, Joan Guse jg1776@frontiernet.net Gambling Manager, Marv Jarvis gambling1776@charter.net A message from your Commander Hello Fellow Veterans!! I m so glad that spring has finally sprung! The trees are budding and the flowers are peeking through the ground. Signs of new life are all around us! We have a lot of things going on at the Legion this month starting with the Kentucky Derby Party sponsored by the Auxiliary. Make sure you come down on May 7 th and bring your big hats for the contest and have fun playing all the games. If you ve never tried a Mint Julep, we ll have them also. Don t forget about the 40 th Anniversary Party on Sunday, May 22 nd. We are having a pig roast with all the trimmings and lots of music, meat raffles and horse racing. Bubba is staying up all night cooking the pig! The price will be $5 per person. Where else can you get a deal like that? Bring your friends and family. Let s celebrate the greatest Post in Minnesota with tons of people. A special Thank You goes out to everyone who came and helped on Clean Up day. Everything looks awesome. We painted the stripes in the parking lots, painted the fence, power washed the patios, built racks for the chicken cookers and put in the rain barrels out front. This was organized and lead by Alan Schoenecke from Troop 205 who used this as his Eagle Scout Project. What an extraordinary young man! He is definitely one of our future leaders. Don t forget about Memorial Day. We will be having a ceremony here at the Post on May 30 th. It s important that we always remember those that gave their lives for our freedom. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land, he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn t the anniversary of any particular battle. Elections are this month. Please come to the meeting on May 17 th. We need everyone to come and choose next year s leadership. I do plan on running for Commander this year and I would like everyone s support. We have accomplished a lot of good things this past year and we need to keep the momentum going. We are also in need of anyone with business and/or management experience for the two open operations board positions. Help us to keep this post running smoothly. Please contact me if you are interested. (Continued) May 2016 Page 1

2 (from page 1) We are still in need of help for the 4 th of July committee. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we need a lot of help everything from chicken cookers to raffle ticket sellers. The sign-up sheets are on the bulletin boards. The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission. -- John F. Kennedy Sincerely, Commander Carla From the heart Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed at the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. On this day, we honor all who have died in service of our Nation. Dear Heavenly Father, with a sober heart we come before You this Memorial Day. We pause for a moment and call to mind all the men and women who have died in the service of our Nation since Dear God, please look with mercy on our brave and selfless brothers and sisters, who did not shirk from their task but gave themselves completely to the cause of defending and protecting us all. Bless all who have given their lives for the sake of liberty, and grant them eternal rest with You. We remember also our brave men and women now serving in the Armed Forces, both at home and abroad. Dear God, send out Your angels to protect them all. Help them discharge their duties honorably and well. Please bring them safely home to their families and loved ones. Please bring Your peace and mercy to our troubled world. We ask this Father, in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Written by Bill Weis. Rest in Peace Mervin Carpenter, April 5 th Clifford Crook, June 15 th, 2015 A little bit about Clifford U.S. Coast guard during WWII and served as a meteorologist on a bomber in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged and went on to college and worked as a research chemist for Vanguard Paints in Ohio from , attended Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, MA, then served as an Episcopal priest in churches in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. He was a 69-yr member American Legion (30 with Post 1776), and a member of the Rotary and Masons. Submitted by Cliff s daughter. From the 1 st vice See Boy Scout section of this newsletter. Written by Dave Riha, 1 st Vice, Hello everyone. Hasn t it been wonderful being outside without a coat and scarf? I sure think it feels wonderful. I want to thank everyone for the speedy recovery wishes from all of you. My hip replacement has been progressing well. In fact, on Tuesday the 19 th, I went back helping at the VA Hospital. I found out that another member, Nancy Harlow, has over 300 hours volunteering at the VA in the cafeteria on Tuesdays. With this hip replacement I became aware of our Post s service in loaning canes, crutches, walkers, bars, toilet seats, etc. to the members in need. This is a free service and can help save a lot of money. Plus when you are done with the item you return it and don t need to worry about storing it. Our Auxiliary is going to be extremely busy the next couple months. We are sponsoring a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 7 th. Mary Lyman has a signup sheet for helpers at our bulletin board. Kentucky food and drinks will be serviced, a hat contest, bean bags horseshoes, etc. along with horse racing. The party starts at 11am. On May 22 the Post is sponsoring their 40 th anniversary with a pig roast and activities. There is a signup sheet for servers. May 20 and 21 are Poppy Days. We can use help distributing poppies. Also, on May 21 and 22 is the 3 rd District Convention at Forest Lake. May 3 rd, 6pm E Board; May17, 7pm General Meeting. May 7 th is also the 7th Annual Armed Forces Day, WW II weekend at Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, site at Dundas, Mn. See flyer on the bulletin board at the Post. Written by Janet Thompson, Auxiliary President, jthom55542@aol.com, May 2016 Page 2

3 Welcome to all at Apple Valley Post I hope this news letter finds you all happy and in good health. For those of you that are sick or have a heavy heart I hope you find an answer and a speedy recovery. Is old man winter done for the time being and will let nice weather take over? You know as well as I do, remember that we live in Minnesota. Don t forget Memorial Day celebration here at the Legion as I am sure we will have a good program out in the back yard. Get your yards ready and going so you can get the cabin open and get that yard up and going. Sounds like work but after being in all winter summer is still a time for the outdoors. Until next month, stay safe and healthy. For God and Country We Stand Tall. Written by Rich Jensen, S.A.L. Commander, richard.jensen@suncountry.com, Membership 2016 membership goals are nearing completion and as this is being written, National is running 2017 membership cards which will be effective July 1st. If you have not paid your 2016 membership dues, do so now. Post 1776 current paid membership for 2016 is Our membership goal for 2016 established by 3rd District is 834, well done by all in the post. July 4 th raffle tickets are on sale now. If you are planning on selling tickets to pay for your 2017 membership, you must sell 75 tickets due to an increase at the National level, and they must be turned in by July 1 to get the credit. We will not be accepting tickets for paid memberships after that date. Written by John Lenvik, Membership Chair House news Everything is running great. Thank you, staff and members for all the input and help. God Bless. Written by John Ohotto, Operations Chair A moment in history. What is the Preamble and What Does it Mean? (Part 2) To Uphold and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America The Constitution of the United States is the framework of our free way of life and our representative government. It is our guarantee of liberty, freedom, justice, and democracy. We, as members of the American Legion, bore arms, went to war, and defended this freedom. We stand by and uphold the value of this most important document The Constitution of the United States of America. Be Proud! We are the American Legion! Written by Tim Liffrig, Historian To serve you better I want to share a story to the members and families of the Post. The other evening my wife and I were having dinner at the Legion with a friend of hers, and she was discussing that her mother needs a hearing aid and can t afford the cost of $3,500 - $4,500. I asked if her father was a veteran, she indicated that he was. I advised her that there is a program through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs called the State Soldiers Assistance Program Special Needs that provides a one-time grant for financial hardship assistance. I told her we could apply for the grant and if approved it could cover the cost of the hearing aids. My purpose for sharing this story is there may be members, spouses, widows or even a friend or neighbor that finds themselves in a position where they need assistance with items like hearing aids, mortgage/rent payments, medical, auto repairs or even furnace replacements. If you know of someone in need of assistance, please contact me, and I can assist you. God Bless Our Military, Written by Bill Nygaard, Service Officer, williampost1776@gmail.com, (952) Your Left, Your left, Your left-right-left! Please call me if you need the services of the Color Guard or you would like information on becoming a Guard. Written by Bill Quintus, Color Guard Director, bill@essbrothers.com, Gambling News Hello again Fellow Legionnaires and Legion Family! This has been a very busy month, the Compliance audit was given and we passed! They found three minor infractions which were so very minor, but they must be able to find something to make their position required. Thanks to the great team of gals in out booth, and the May 2016 Page 3

4 terrific job that is being done on our Wednesday night Bingo, the new Monday meat raffles and the big surprise Horse Racing. Tons of requests came out of the woodwork this month, we were able to 100% fund Veterans and most community projects. We tabled two and reduced the request on several other requests. Donations for Month: 1. PROJECT EXPLORE $ MUSKIE INC. $ VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL PCS $ BOY SCOUT TROOP 205 $ AVHS TRAP SHOOPING CLUB $ SOUTH METRO FRIENDS OF THE NRA $ APPLE VALLEY HS GIRLS FAST PITCH $ BIKE AND BUILD $ BOY SCOUT TROOP 293 $ CIVIL AIR PATROL $ RAMSEY COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE $ Currently I have submitted to Dakota County our Lawful Purpose expenses to reduce the property taxes on our Post Home. Believe it or not we had lawful purpose expenditures of over $450, Looking at those numbers give you some sense of what we are doing with the gambling proceeds. Don t forget the Post Birthday! See you there!! Written by Marv Jarvis, Gambling Mgr Club News! Umbrellas are up, patio is open! Music on the Patio starts Tuesday, May 24 th, 6:30-9:30pm. Written by Jorie Heder, General Manager Office Connection We have US Flags for sale 2x3 $14, 3x5 $20 and 4x6 $35. Get yours today! Written by Joan Guse, Office Manager Fun and games! Hot Pull tabs everyday of the week! Stop in and try your luck! Written by Sheri Hornnes, Asst Gambling manager Cheers!... Bar opens at 8am on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Check out our new bar specials too! Friday-Saturday-Sunday we have 2 Bloody Mary s or Screwdrivers and a large breakfast pizza for $ am-noon! Written by Dawn Blair, Bar Manager Good Eats! Stop in on Cinco de Mayo! We ll be having a special menu! Written by Steve Bubba Poppler, Kitchen Manager May 2016 Page 4

5 Late night! Come on down, there s always something happening! Enjoy $2 off apps every Friday and Saturday from 10-11:30pm! Written by Sarah Bretzman, Evening Supervisor Beyond The Yellow Ribbon The Apple Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network (BTYR) continues to serve both past and presently serving Military, and their families. Some of our recent activities: This past month was very quiet with no requests for assistance. If you are in need of assistance, or can help provide assistance, such as yard clean up, ride to VA or an appointment, home repairs, or car repairs, etc., please contact us. We are actively supporting our Veterans by encouraging our State Legislators to pass 3 bills to provide benefits regarding retirement pay, housing, and property tax relief. One of our State Senators, Senator Clausen, will be speaking at our April dinner and providing updates on the legislation. We enjoyed seeing many of our supporters at the Apple Valley Home and Garden Show. Although it was a very cold and windy day, there was a good turnout. Two of our Board members attended a conference of other Beyond the Yellow Ribbon networks around the State to share information on best practices of how best to serve our current service members, Veterans, and military families. There were approximately 130 attending the daylong meeting with many opportunities to share and learn. Our March Military Appreciation Dinner hosted approximately 80 Veterans and their families. During the dinner we received, with our grateful appreciation, 2 very generous donations from the Norsby family and the Geiger family. You are encouraged to visit with your place of Worship about setting up a Military Ministry Program, if they do not already have one. This Program helps maintain an awareness of the existence and needs of those who are currently serving and who have served, as well as their families. Please feel free to contact our Faith Based Representative, Glenn Sonnee at gdsonnee@gmail.com for assistance or more information. Upcoming Events: The Apple Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon continues hosting a monthly dinner for currently serving military, Veterans, and their families as an appreciation for their service. The next dinner will be May 19, 2016, at the Apple Valley American Legion. A representative from the Apple Valley Police Department will be our guest speaker. Serving food starts at 5:30 pm. PLEASE RSVP at to help us ensure there will be enough food. May 5th, 2016 General and Board meeting, 6:30 pm at the American Legion Post Please join us as we proudly serve our Veterans, their families, and currently serving military members. Submitted by Glenn Sonnee, gdsonnee@gmail.com, Boy Scout Troop 205 Update I am thrilled to let you know that the Apple Valley American Legion has been chosen as the Charter Partner of the Year by the Chief Black Dog District! The award was given at this year's District Volunteer Recognition Dinner, which took place on Saturday, April 30th at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley. Those representing the Legion to receive this honor were Carla & Joe Tappainer, and Dave Riha. Submitted by, Dave Riha Troop 205 Update 18 new boy scouts joined us for Boy Scout Boot Camp on April 2nd at the Community Center. They participated in learning about the troop trailer and how to check out tents and tarps. They also learned how to set up the Eureka T4 tents our troop uses and finally completed their initial fitness testing. The boys are eager to try their new skills at our Stearns campout the weekend of April 22nd! Charter Partner of the American Legion Post 1776! Submitted by, Angie Prehn, Troop 205 Committee Chair May 2016 Page 5

6 Veterans needed for a Free Steak Dinner!! We need 10 veterans who are willing to have dinner with someone who bids on them.let me explain! We are doing a fundraiser on our BidforFunds site where people can bid on having a steak dinner with the veteran of their choice. We will put a short bio of the veteran and then people can bid on who they would like to eat with. It will be at the Legion but we can t set a date until I get the names of everyone who would like to participate!! If you are interested please contact Carla ASAP!! Remember, we get 70% of all the money raised!! Important The fourth of July raffles tickets will be available soon! All tickets to be sold for your 2017 membership must be turned in by July 1 in order to get the credit. 16 th Annual American Legion Family Day! Friday, May 20 th at 7:10pm Twins vs. Toronto Blue jays Home plate view seats - $23; scoreboard recognition for each Post represented *be sure to provide Post information when ordering tickets. Call TWINS (press 0 to speak to an attendant). Make sure you reference this special promotion when ordering. (This is not a Post 1776 sponsored event and does not provide transportation) Also July 3 rd is Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the Twins game against the Rangers. Get your tickets now! Saturday, May 7 th 11am-7pm Featuring Derby Food Specials & Drinks Horse racing, $100 Meat Rafles, Ladies Hat Contest (judging at 3) & prizes for 1 st, 2 nd & 3 rd places Outdoor games Volunteers needed please contact Mary mcelyman@comcast.net Hosted by the Auxiliary 40/8 Annual Omelet Breakfast Sunday, May 8 th, 8am-1pm May 2016 Page 6

7 Friday, Saturday & Sunday the bar opens at 8am Check out the new breakfast pizza and drink specials! Sunday, May 22 nd Pig roast, beer, music & fun! Starts at 12 noon Happy 40 th Birthday Post 1776! Tuesday, June 14 th 6pm - all are welcome! Volunteers needed for the Post July 4 th celebration! Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin boards at the Post. Contact Commander Carla at aval1776@frontiernet.net or at Sunday Brunch! The first Sunday of each month $10.95/adult $5.95/child 5 & under 8-12noon Includes Eggs Benedict to order! ROCKET BLONDIE BRAVE DOGS Creative Life Resources Rocket Blondie Brave Dogs mission, is to create a "Healing Resource Circle" to support military veterans who have encountered and injury or trauma. This project's primary resource component is developing and training skilled service dogs vital for the outreach to guide the healing of a Military Veteran. Our Service Dog project's primary resource component is developing training skilled service dogs, vital for the outreach to guide a Military Veteran, who is healing from injury or trauma. This resource will be accomplished through a support group design that will include life skills and life intelligence training, as well as the placement of trained service dogs. I am reaching out to connect with other people who have compassion and interest to join Rocket Blondie and myself in making this project successful. Thank you for the opportunity to connect with the American Legion Post 1776 of Apple Valley. If you would like more information, please contact me at Reuben Elijah May 2016 Page 7

8 Board Mtgs: Club Events for May Gambling 1st Tuesday 7pm Operations 2 nd Tuesday 3:30pm Executive 2 nd Tuesday 5:00pm S.A.L. 3 rd Tuesday 6:00pm Gen l M brshp, Post & Auxiliary 3 rd Tuesday 7pm 40/8 4 th Thursday 10am-12pm American Legion Riders: under reorganization Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: 1 st Thursday 6:30pm Texas Hold em: Mondays 7pm $2 Build-a-Burger Mondays 5:30-9pm Meat Raffles: Mondays 5:30pm Bingo: Wednesdays 7pm Country/Old Time Music: 4 th Wednesday of the month 1-4pm; Grumpy Old Men: Thursdays 9-10am Meat Raffles: Thursdays 4:30pm Fish Fry: Fridays 5-10pm Prime Rib Special: Saturdays 5pm till gone! Karaoke: Saturdays 8-12mid May 1 st : AVHS LaCrosse Spag Dinner Fundraiser 4-7pm 7 th : Auxiliary Kentucky Derby Party 8 th : 40/8 Annual Omelet Breakfast th : Live music with Woody 8pm 19 th : Free Vet s dinner 5:30pm 22 nd : Post Birthday Celebration 12 noon 24 th : Memorial Service for Don Kvale 11am 25 th : Country/Old Time Music 1-4pm; 25 th : Bargo 6:30pm 28 th : Memorial Day Ceremony am June Sneak Peek.. Leadership Directory 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Bargo 6:30pm 7, 14, 21 & 28 Music on the Patio 6:30pm 13 th : Live music by Woody 14 th : Flag Ceremony 6pm 22 nd : Country/Old Time Music 1-4pm; Club Activities Jorie Heder, General Manager Happy Hour! Monday-Thursday 3-8pm & 9-12 midnight Friday 3-8pm Saturday & Sunday 12-6pm Club Highlights Monday Challenge Coin 12-8pm Texas Hold em 7pm Meat raffles & $2 Build-a-burger 5:30pm Late night Appetizer & Pizza specials Tuesday Taco Tuesday All Day $1 Domestic Tap Beer 12-8pm Music on the Patio 6:30-9:30p starts 5-24 Late night Appetizer & Pizza specials Wednesday McGregor s Scotch Wednesday 12-5pm Bingo! 7pm ends 5-18 Bargo starts :30p Late night Appetizer & Pizza specials Thursday Grumpy Old Men Coffee Club 9am Bacardi Specials 12-5pm Meat Raffles & Horse Racing 4:30pm Late night Appetizer & Pizza specials Friday Breakfast 7-10am Brandy Friday 12-5pm Fish Fry all day Saturday Breakfast 7-11am Bloodies & Screwdrivers $3 8-noon Prime Rib Dinner Special 5pm till Gone! Karaoke 8-12 midnight Sunday Breakfast 7-12pm Bloodies & Screwdrivers $3 8-noon Late night Pizza special Hours of Operation Mon-Thurs 9am-12am; Fri-Sat 7am-1am; Sun 7am-11pm 5 Saturday Night Prime Rib Dinner Special! Starts at 5pm King $17.95 Queen $15.95 Meat Raffles! Mondays 5:30pm Thursdays 4:30pm All you can eat Fish Fry! Friday Nights Starting at 5pm $9.95 May 2016 Page 8

9 Brunch 8-12noon Menu s for May Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Food specials to Breakfast 7-11a Buffalo Chicken Beef Veg celebrate Breakfast 7-10a 40/8 Annual Omelet Breakfast 8-1pm 8 15 Breakfast 7-12p 22 Breakfast 7-12p 29 Breakfast 7-12p Prime Dip & Melt.50 Wings 5pm (No to-go orders) $2 Build-a-burger 5:30pm 9 Prime Dip & Melt.50 Wings 5pm (No to-go orders) $2 Build-a-burger 5:30pm 16 Prime Dip & Melt.50 Wings 5pm (No to-go orders) $2 Build-a-burger 5:30pm 23 Prime Dip & Melt.50 Wings 5pm (No to-go orders) $2 Build-a-burger 5:30pm 30 $5 Burger or Brat Basket All day Taco Tuesday All Day Reuben Taco Tuesday All Day Chx Wild Rice Taco Tuesday All Day 24 Beef Barley Taco Tuesday All Day 31 Tomato Basil Taco Tuesday All Day Spaghetti & Meatballs Sandwich Hot Turkey 11 Cajun Chicken Spaghetti & Meatballs Sandwich Hot Beef 18 Steak Mushroom Spaghetti & Meatballs Sandwich Hot Pork 25 Beer Cheese Spaghetti & Meatballs Sandwich Hot Beef Posole Rojo 12 German Sausage Brat w/sauerkraut & Spaetzle 19 Asian Hot Pot Stir Fry 26 Ham & Potato Flat Bread Pizza Breakfast Friday 7-10a Saturday 7-11a Sunday 7-12p Clam Chowder Fish Fry 5-9pm 13 Breakfast 7-10a Clam Chowder Fish Fry 5-9pm 20 Breakfast 7-10a Clam Chowder Fish Fry 5-9pm 27 Breakfast 7-10a Clam Chowder Fish Fry 5-9pm Late Night Appetizer Special Mon-Thurs 8-9p Friday/Saturday 10-11:45pm Sunday 7-9pm Prime Rib 5pm 14 Breakfast 7-11a Prime Rib 5pm 21 Breakfast 7-11a Prime Rib 5pm 28 Breakfast 7-11a Prime Rib 5pm Late Night Pizza Special Mon-Thurs 10p-close Sunday 8p-close Show your 2016 Legion Membership Card and receive 10% off your meal.everyday! (Member only - 1 per day) May 2016 Page 9

10 Apple Valley American Legion Post Granada Drive Apple Valley, MN Memorial Day Ceremony Remembering our Fallen Heroes Monday, May 30 th, am American Legion Post Granada Drive Apple Valley, MN This Newsletter is a publication of The Apple Valley American Legion, Granada Drive, Apple alley, MN Contents are edited and prepared by the editor and are not necessarily the views of the National or Department of Minnesota American Legion. News items and photos may be ed to jh1776@frontier.com. Deadline for input into the next issue is the 20 th of the month. May 2016 Page 10