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

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1 American Legion Post 1776 News Granada Drive, Apple Valley, MN * * * July, 2015 Commander Carla Tappainer ctappainer@charter.net 1st Vice, Dave Riha driha@frontier.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 tamara.riha@frontier.com Operations Chair, John Ohotto ohott004@gmail.com Membership Chair, 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@frontier.com A message from your Commander Greetings Fellow Veteran!! First of all I want to thank all of you for placing your confidence in me by electing me as Commander of Post I am humbled and honored to be placed in this position. I m not going to lie I m also a little scared! This is a big responsibility and I am taking it very seriously. I m going to need help from all of you. I want this Legion to be the best and we are all going to work together to accomplish that goal. I would also like to thank Bob Nelson for his leadership these past couple of years and wish him the best. Thanks to all my incoming officers and appointees we will make a great team! I want to make it very clear that I need input from all of you. I want to meet you, get to know you and hear your ideas for improving our club. Please feel free to grab me we can sit down and have a chat over a cup of coffee, you can call my cell phone, or you can even me. All my contact information is located on the left column. I need to hear from you so we can begin to move forward. One of things we need to focus on this year is bringing the younger members into our club. There are thousands of young veterans in our area that are looking for a place to plug in and we have lots to offer them. We just have to make contact! Reach out to them and let them know that we are here for them and will do whatever we can to help them and their families. Of course we are not going to forget about our older vets, they are ones who created this club and made it what it is today. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience that we can share with everyone! I m looking forward to our 4 th of July Celebration. This year we have the possibility of having some military re-enactors camping out in the park behind the club. They will be doing historical presentations and some will be marching in the parade with us at 1pm. Bring your families, neighbors and friends over for some great food and fun! We still need volunteers to help out at the picnic. If you are available, please consider coming down and helping out with whatever you can. We are really looking for afternoon volunteers but will take whatever you can give us. I would like to invite all of you to think about contributing to our newsletter. If you have a great story, history facts, photos, etc. we would like to publish it for everyone to see. Everyone likes to see new articles and photos so let s see what we can come up with. Don t forget about the Member in the Spotlight either! We are in need of veterans to share their stories in the newsletter. Please contact Tim Liffrig (Historian) or Jorie in the office if you interested. Again, I want to thank everyone who helped me get elected this year and I am looking forward to a great year!!! Commander Carla July, 2015 Page 1

2 Due to the renovation of the banquet room during July and August, the General Membership meetings will be held in our Pavilion. Same time! 1 st Vice News Hello Fellow Legionnaires and Legion Family! I want to begin by THANKING those of you who have already volunteered to help with the 4th of July. This is the Post s largest event of the year and is quickly approaching. I would like to challenge all members (Legion, Auxiliary, Sons, Riders, 40/8, Grumpies and anyone interested!) to donate a small part of their time to make this event a success. The lack of volunteers the past several years placed the burden on a small number, who worked the entire day. Our goal is to have enough volunteers to be able to have some type of shifts, so that we may accomplish our tasks in a safe manner. A few hours of your time will help the event, as well as allow volunteers to have a break from the sun and heat. If you have not been to the July 4 th celebration at the Legion for some time, I invite you come for a chicken dinner, music and a day of camaraderie! There are many changes occurring at your Legion. The new Executive Board was sworn in this month, the back room is nearing a much needed upgrade, and the Yellow Ribbon hosted a free dinner for Veterans and their families. Many other events continue Bargo (Bingo with a twist), Karaoke, Music on the Patio (Live), the Auxiliary s Annual Flea Market, the Riders Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride, Vet Home visits, etc. I want to personally invite you to come to your Legion or attend a meeting. Need a ride? Let me know. To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community Voce Retonanti, Dave Riha, 1 st Vice from the 2 nd Vice For the remaining two months of Wednesday night Bargo, we need volunteer callers. It s simple and a good way to meet fellow legionnaires. Call the office for more information Watch for special events throughout the coming year. members days, chili cook-off, Holiday Eggnog Member s day, Christmas get-together on December 10 th, the Post s Children s Christmas Party on December 13 th to name a few. I look forward to an exciting year of events. Don t hesitate to contact me if you have any suggestions on events that you d like to see. Thanks for supporting your Legion. Written by Don Hereau, 2 nd Vice From the heart We come to this July 4 th grateful for our country and grateful for the men and women who gave their lives so that we might be free. We proclaim our allegiance to our country and total dedication to you, our Lord. As we watch the magnificent explosions of color on this red, white, and blue holiday, we are reminded of our spectacular Lord and Savior who Is great beyond our imagination. May the name of the Lord be praised and celebrated throughout our country on this our joyous national holiday. I am praying that everyone has a fun-filled and safe July 4 th weekend. Remember Legion Post 1776 s July 4 th celebration! Written by Bill Weis, Chaplain Happy 4 th of July The Auxiliary has been busy this summer and will continue to be active in July and August and in need of help from all members. Our big fundraiser is the 4 th of July brats n dogs stand. We need members to donate pop and water. Please volunteer! The schedules are for 2 hours at a time so you can still enjoy the festivities. Call Dennise at or sign up at the Post. (Continued) July, 2015 Page 2

3 Auxiliary from page 2 - Our June general meeting we had the honor of having our Department President, Chris Ronning. She brought us a lot of advice and good ideas. President Chris installed the officers, including me as unit president. Our Unit 1776 gave a check for $300 to President Chris for her project The Fisher House. We announced the two high school senior scholarship winners. They are Alexis Mau who is pursuing a career in law enforcement at Minnesota State University, Mankato and Andrew Larson who is going to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. This year we also awarded a $500 continuing education scholarship to Robyn Salter. She attends the University of Minnesota. We wish great success for all our winners. The Auxiliary, with help from the Post and the Department, was able to send seven, yes 7 girls to Girl s State in June. The girls were from Lakeville South High and Christian Life School. One of the girls was elected to the state auditor s position. Great job! The State Convention will be July at the Jackpot Junction Casino/Hotel. District caucuses will start at 8am on the 16 th. Written by Janet Thompson, Auxiliary President Greetings to all at Post 1776! I am looking forward to my next venture as SAL Commander. It has been awhile since I have done it but the excitement of working with new people brings on the challenge. Our Post is one of the best and all we have to do is work together and solve the problems that come upon us to make it the best. I will be asking all our SAL members to get together and help us put forth with our cause to help our veterans and their families. For God and our Country we stand tall. Written by Rich Jensen, S.A.L. Commander Hello everyone, hope you are all in good health and your kick off to summer has been great. As for the Riders, our next big event is on July 18 th, 2015 the 1776 American Legion Riders Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride. So mark your calendars, as we want to see you there. If you can t make it, you can still support the veterans by buying our green raffle tickets. They are $5.00 a ticket; prizes are 2015 Harley Davidson XG 500 Street, Large Green Egg grill, $ KwikTrip gas card. You can purchase from a 1776 Legion Rider or at the Post 1776 Pull Tab Booth. The 1776 American Legion Riders are selling KwikTrip gas cards, (available at Pull Tab Booth) in values of $25, $50. KwikTrip then contributes 10% back the 1776 Riders for our fundraising interests. So come buy your gas cards from the riders, you have nothing to lose and the 1776 American Legion Riders have everything to gain. You need the gas or groceries any way you might as well help the 1776 Riders out in the process. Check Out the 1776 Legion Riders new website!! You can even make a donation to the 1776 Legion Riders on the website. Remember "The Flag does not fly because of the wind. The Flag Flies because of the breath of our Military, and the men and women who gave their dying breath for this country". God Bless!!!! Ride safe as I hope to see you soon!!!! Thanks for all your Support. Riding and still serving. Written by Mark Ceminsky, A.L.R. Commander July, 2015 Page 3

4 Membership The National American Legion has increased the dues beginning in January, The American legion has accomplished a lot over its 96-year history with more to get done. The anticipated increase is $5. The district due will go up by.50 cents. The last time the dues were increased was in I know there will be a few grumblings and no one likes an increase, but was have to keep and protect the benefits we have earned. I know we will have an easy renewal as all of our members should renew by the end of December to save $5.50! The first part of July, you will be receiving from national, your renewal forms for Current member ship for 2015 through the end of May is Written by John Lenvik, Membership Chair House news I want to congratulate the new Post 1776 Officers I am John Ohotto the new Operations Chair. Thank you for the appointment and I m looking forward to heading up the committee for the remodeling of the banquet room. Look for a positive and energetic approach from the house committee for the coming year. Any questions or concerns on house issues please contact me at The committee representatives are: John Ohotto, Tom Dokulil, Ranee Solis & Joe Tappainer. Written by John Ohotto, Operations Chair A moment in history. Do You REALLY Know Independence Day? Many have believed for centuries that the Continental Congress declared our independence from England on July 4 th, The Official vote and subsequent declaration actually happened on July 2 nd. It was published in the newspapers on July 4 th. Plus, it took nearly two months to obtain all 56 of the delegate signatures on the document. Ironically, the ONLY delegate to have signed the Declaration on July 4 th was John Hancock, who was also the first signer, thus came the phrase, Write your John Hancock. Here are some really strange facts for all History, President, and Independence Day buffs 3 Presidents died on July 4 th ; Thomas Jefferson & John Adams in 1826, and James Monroe in (the 2 nd, 3 rd, and 5 th Presidents) No other date has had as many Presidential deaths. July has had more Presidential deaths than any other month & May has had none. And, now..you REALLY Know Independence Day. Written by Tim Liffrig, Historian To serve you better No report Written by Bill Nygaard, Service Officer Gambling News - It was kind of nice to have only a few people in for money this month, but we still managed to give two Veterans Camps $4000, Voiture 1457 $2000 for Nursing scholarships and we are once again a major sponsor for Apple Valley s Arts in the Park Program. Future months will require being more frugal with funds for donations due to the funds needed for renovation. The Back Room (oops Banquet/Meeting Room) renovation will begin shortly. Gambling Control has approved a good chunk of change and there are contingencies left for future approval. Let the work begin! On a side note, thank you Commander Bob Nelson for your term in office as well as all of the other elected and appointed people that have guided the Post Home. Written by Marv Jarvis, Gambling Manager July, 2015 Page 4

5 Club News! Big changes are coming to the Club! Our newly renovated banquet room will be completed the week of August 24 just in time for a party or wedding reception! Get a copy of the Club Calendar to take home with you so you can stay in touch with all the events that goes on here each day. Don t miss out on breakfast Friday 7-10am, Saturday 7-11am, and Sunday 7am-12noon ask about the daily chef created specials. We re on Face book check us out at. Written by Jorie Heder, General Manager Office Connection Need a flag? Get yours in the Office - 2x3 $14, 3x5 $20 and 4x6 $35. The flags are nylon and hand sewn. We also have flag boxes which are hand made by the Hastings V.A. in light or dark oak - $55. Written by Joan Guse, Office Manager All fun and games! Hottest pull-tab game out is the Cherry Poppin and we are running all 85% payout $2 games because of their popularity. We are always looking for new ideas on games, so if you come across something tell someone in the pull tab booth and we ll check it out! Written by Sheri Hornnes, Asst Gambling manager Good Eats! Hey thanks for giving me the opportunity to cook for you! Let me know if there s something you d like to see as a special just stop by the kitchen. Watch for information on our new Sunday Brunch buffet starting in October. I look forward to keeping you fat and happy!! Written by Steve Bubba Poppler Cheers! Come in and quench your thirst with a refreshing Summer Shandy or Angry Orchard beer. We also have for the summer, Bacardi, Pineapple, and Captain Morgan (grapefruit, pineapple & coconut) with your favorite mix for $3. Drink safe, have fun! Written by Dawn Blair, Bar Manager Our departed members, family and friends Please take note of anyone who may have passed or may be ill, and pass the information onto Chaplain Bill Weis. Thank you. July, 2015 Page 5

6 Beyond The Yellow Ribbon The Apple Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network met in June for our regular meeting. We continue to welcome new members this month is a Marine Veteran who has already offered several great ideas and a willingness to serve our community. Some of our recent activities: A Veteran s Emergency Contact card has been designed and printed, primarily to be distributed by our Apple Valley Law Enforcement. It is the size of a business card and contains Crisis Hotline information that can be provided to a Veteran in need as an Officer assists them. We have taken care of several veterans in need by painting their house, doing yard work, and providing dental care. We sent a family of 6 to Camp Gratitude in Marine on Croix for a week in June thanks to the Analia Huber contribution. Upcoming Events: Participating in the Military Family Tribute dedication at the State Capitol Hosting a monthly dinner for Veterans and their families as an appreciation for their service. This will be an ongoing event every 3 rd Thursday of the month at the Legion. Supporting the AV American Legion during the 4thof July Celebration. Supporting Military Appreciation Day at the State Fair. Please join us as we proudly serve our Veterans, their families, and currently serving military members. Submitted by Glenn Sonnee. Number of years with Legion: 30+ Branch of Service: Air Force Dates of service time: Years served: 5 Specialty while in the Military: Maintenance Supply Current City of Residence: Burnsville Civilian Employer: Northwest Airlines (retired) Spouse s Name: Eileen Children: 2 Charlie Brown A little bit about me A very honest, loyal, true friend to everybody. Avid golfer and fisherman. I enjoy the camaraderie with the American Legion members. July, 2015 Page 6

7 Post 1776 Colorguard Back row: Bruce Wicklund, Dick Watland, Bill Quintus, Irv Zimmer, Mendal Mearkle, Dale Roy, Front row: John Cogswell, Al Lilga, Gary Seline, Paul Swedin Not pictured: Robert Wallace, Dayton Carlson, James Mead, Denny Heinzen, Mike O Brien, Joe Carlson, Craig Trimble, Wayne Vallerand This month (June), The Post 1776 Color Guard and I attended the first ceremony at Eastview High School to honor the students entering the military; this is the first of many that will show our young men and women that they are appreciated. One Mom was there for her son and I presented her with a Blue Star Banner. Submitted by Marv Jarvis Congratulations John Lenvik on attaining one of the 4 th runner-up positions in the Nation for recruiting new members! John s hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Thank you, John! Submitted by Sean C. Sparks, Assistant Director of Membership at the National Headquarters. Appreciation Dinner Big Success with Over 90 Attending! Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network Apple Valley and American Legion Post 1776 Jointly Sponsored First Monthly Free Dinner for Veterans and Their Families. For some time now the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network of Apple Valley has been looking at more ways to better serve our Veterans. Everyone seemed to enjoy the dinner and look forward to returning for the next dinner on July 16 at 5:30 PM. Article is continued.please refer to this week s Sun This Week newspaper for the full article. Submitted by Bill Tschohl. July, 2015 Page 7

8 Upcoming Events July 4 th Celebration! Music, food, parade, beer wagon, face painting and jumper for kids, fun for ALL Festivities start at 10:30! Patio Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm Rain or shine! American Legion Riders Annual Ride July 18 th Kickstands up at 11am Silent Auction July 20 is the date the banquet room renovation will start! Stay tuned in for it s unveiling toward the end of August! Vendors Wanted: Trash to Treasures Flea Market Hosted by the Auxiliary, Sept. 19 th, 9-4 Call Marlene Heinzen with any questions or to reserve a spot! July, 2015 Page 8

9 Board Mtgs: Club Events for July 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 Mtg: 1 st Thursday 6:30pm Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: 2 nd Thursday 6:30pm Texas Hold em: Mondays 7pm Bargo: Wednesdays 7pm Grumpy Old Men: Thursdays 9-10am Meat Raffles: Thursdays 4:30pm Fish Fry: Fridays 5-10pm Bar Trivia: Fridays 9pm Prime Rib Special: Saturdays 5pm till gone! Karaoke: Saturdays 8-12mid July 4 th : Celebration All day 18 th : ALR Annual ride and silent auction 20 th : Banquet Room renovation begins August Sneak Peek Banquet room renovation until the 28th 15 th : SAL Car Show 21 st : Woody th : Wedding reception - private Leadership Directory 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 Late night Appetizer & Pizza specials Tuesday Taco Tuesday All Day $1 Domestic Tap Beer 12-8pm Patio 6:30pm Late night Appetizer & Pizza specials Wednesday Black Velvet Wednesday m Bargo! 7pm Late night Appetizer & Pizza specials Thursday Grumpy Old Men Coffee Club 9am Bacardi Specials m Meat Raffles 4:30pm Late night Appetizer & Pizza specials Friday m Brandy Friday m Fish Fry 5-10pm Bar Trivia 9pm Saturday Breakfast 7-11am Bloodies & Screwdrivers $3 10-1pm Prime Rib Dinner Special 5pm till Gone! Karaoke 8-12 midnight Sunday m Bloodies & Screwdrivers $3 10-1pm Late night Pizza special Hours of Operation Mon-Thurs 9am-12am; Fri-Sat 7am-1am; Sun 7am-11pm Saturday Night Prime Rib Dinner Special! Starts at 5pm King $17.95 Queen $15.95 Meat Raffles! Every Thursday 4:30pm All you can eat Fish Fry! Friday Night Starting at 5pm $9.95 July, 2015 Page 9

10 Sunday 7-12p Menu s for July Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Breakfast Late Night Late Night No Breakfast! Appetizer Special Pizza Special Buffalo Chicken Chx Wild Rice Friday 7-10a July 4 th Mon-Thurs Clam Chowder Celebration All Saturday 7-11a 8-9p Day 5 Friday/Saturday 10-11:45pm Sunday 7-9pm 6 Prime Dip & Melt.30 Wings 5pm (No to-go orders) Mon-Thurs 10p-close Sunday 8p-close 7 Chicken Fajita Taco Tuesday All Day patio 6:30pm Spaghetti & Meatballs Hot Turkey Cowboy Chowder Spaghetti & Meatballs Hot Beef 8 Bubba s Salad Baked Potato 9 Beef Stroganoff Tuna Melt, Fish Fry All day 10 Clam Chowder Tuna Melt, Fish Fry All day BBQ Chicken, Brats & Hot Dogs 11 Breakfast 7-11a Prime Rib 5pm Prime Dip & Melt.30 Wings 5pm (No to-go orders) Rueben Taco Tuesday All Day 14 patio 6:30pm 15 Broccoli Cheese Spaghetti & Meatballs Meatloaf Tomato 16 Chicken ala King 17 Clam Chowder Tuna Melt, Fish Fry All day 18 Breakfast 7-11a Prime Rib 5pm Prime Dip & Melt.30 Wings 5pm (No to-go orders) 21 Calif. Medley Taco Tuesday All Day patio 6:30pm 22 Ham Potato Spaghetti & Meatballs Hot Pork 23 Chx Wild Rice Bubba s Salad 24 Clam Chowder Tuna Melt, Fish Fry All day 25 Breakfast 7-11a Prime Rib 5pm Chx Tortilla 29 Steak & Potato 30 Beer Cheese 31 Prime Dip & Melt.30 Wings 5pm (No to-go orders) Taco Tuesday All Day patio 6:30pm Spaghetti & Meatballs Hot Beef Beef Stroganoff Clam Chowder Tuna Melt, Fish Fry All day Show your 2015 Legion Membership Card and receive 10% off your meal.everyday! (1 per day)

11 Friday 7-10a Saturday 7-11a Sunday 7-12p July Club Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Breakfast Late Night Late Night $2.50 $2.50 Bacardi Appetizer Pizza Special Black Velvet Special Mon-Thurs 8-9p Mon-Thurs 10p-close Sunday 8p-close 7pm Free! Meat Raffles 4:30p $2.50 Brandy Fish Fry 5p & Bar Trivia 9p 4 Celebration starts at 10:30am Kitchen opens at 6pm for apps only 5 6 Prime Rib Special all day!.30 Wings 6-9p (no to go orders) 7p 7 All day Ole! $1 Tap beer Patio 6:30pm $2.50 Black Velvet pm Free! 8 9 $2.50 Bacardi Meat Raffles 4:30p 10 $2.50 Brandy Fish Fry all day Bar Trivia 9p No Karaoke 11 Breakfast 7-11a 5p Prime Rib Dinner Special Howlindogs Karaoke 8p Prime Rib Special all day!.30 Wings 6-9p (no to go orders) 7p 20 Prime Rib Special all day! 14 All day Ole! $1 Tap beer Ops Mtg 3:30p Ex Board Mtg 5p Patio 6:30pm 21 All day Ole! $1 Tap beer 12-8p 15 $2.50 Black Velvet pm Free! $2.50 Black Velvet $2.50 Bacardi Meat Raffles 4:30p 23 $2.50 Bacardi 17 $2.50 Brandy Fish Fry all day Bar Trivia 9p 24 $2.50 Brandy 18 Breakfast 7-11a 5p Prime Rib ALR Silent Auction & Annual Ride 11am Howlindogs Karaoke 8p 25 Breakfast 7-11a 5p Prime Rib Dinner Special.30 Wings 6-9p (no to go orders) 7p Gen l Mbrshp Mtg 7p Aux & SAL 6:30p Patio 6:30pm 7pm Free! Meat Raffle 4:30p Fish Fry all day Bar Trivia 9p Howlindogs Karaoke 8p Prime Rib Special all day! All day Ole! $2.50 Black Velvet 30 $2.50 Bacardi 31 $2.50 Brandy.30 Wings 6-9p (no to go orders) 7pm $1 Tap beer 12-8p BBQ 5pm and Patio 6:30pm 7pm Free! Meat Raffle 4:30pm Fish Fry all day Bar Trivia 9p

12 Apple Valley American Legion Post Granada Drive Apple Valley, MN The celebration is coming! 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 is the 20 th of the month.