Post #1009 News
Past Entries



    11/11/10
           Cmdr Laughlin opened the meeting.  Gerry Knapp reported that 86 of our 134 members have
    paid their 2011 dues so far.  That is a good start for us.  Grounds Chairman Tom Brady reported that
    we need to do one final fall clean-up and hope to do it this Saturday.  Volunteers are needed to blow
    the leaves and get ready for the winter snows.  Tom also reported for George Hansen that George had
    met with the Police Chief about the Post helping during any emergencies.  The Chief thanked us and
    said the main mobilization location for the Town in emergencies is the Yorktown Community
    Center.  They discussed the possibility of our members getting First-Aid or CPR training to be ready
    for any emergencies.  Cmdr Laughlin reminded everyone that the Veterans Day Parade is this
    Sunday, 11/14/10 at 1:40 PM at Lakeland HS.  Cmdr Laughlin introduced our Post's new Service
    Officer, Bob Gorsuch.  Bob volunteered to help get information for any veteran who might need
    assistance.  The Post had received a letter asking if we would be taking part in the American Legion's
    Oratorical Program this year.  We would love to but we would need someone to step up and run it.  
    The members present were asked if anyone wished to take this on, with no response either way.  We
    said we will try again next year.
           Adjutant Pat McDonough mentioned that the County runs parties at the Montrose VA hospital
    usually once a month to cheer the patients up there.  In the past one or two of our Post members
    would go and help out running them.  If we arrange to meet and car-pool from the Post would
    anyone be interested in going and helping out with this effort.  Several members agreed that this
    would be easier since they had no idea where at the VA anything was located.  E-mails will be sent
    out offering the carpool suggestion and we'll see if we can add this work to our 'helping fellow
    veterans' work we do.
           The Post Holiday Party is 12/12 at 1 PM.  A quick head count of who planned on attending was
    done with 25 - 30 people responding they would be there.
           The Post Toilet Fund has $481 in it and Pat McDonough is working on a letter to send out to the
    membership requesting donations for the work.  We can not start the fix-up until we have the money
    in the bank.  The DeVito flagpole has been repaired and we need to get training from the Town to
    use it.  Training will be scheduled.  Gerry Knapp reported that three of the four clergy invited for the
    Four Chaplains Ceremony have accepted.  We need to increase the publicity for this year to increase
    the attendance.  If we get a light turn-out again the clergy might start declining the ceremony.
           Sick Call had Rod Corrado recovering from surgery.  


    10/14/10
          Cmdr Laughlin opened the meeting and welcomed two new faces to the Post.  John Marone and
    Mark Levandoski stood and introduced themselves.  Gerry Knapp reported on Membership.  The
    Post roster has 132 members.  The Post, through Gerry and the Adjutant, now has the ability to see
    our member's information via computer on the National HQ's database.  If anyone has questions
    about their status we can verify it right away now.  Gerry gave the breakdown of the Post's
    membership.  We have 32 Korean era vets, 7 Lebanon/ Grenada era vets, 54 Viet Nam era vets, 36
    WWII era vets, and 3 indeterminable era vets.  Gerry also reported that the DeVito flagpole is back in
    service.  The flagpole will support the casket size flags but we should not fly flags that large on icy or
    inclement weather for obvious reasons.
          The Veterans Day Parade is set for 11/14 at 2 PM starting at Lakeland HS and proceeding to the
    Hart library.  Our Food Pantry Collection was a success.  We collected 8 shopping carts of donated
    food and $450 in cash donations which is a little less than last year but still great.  The Street Fair and
    Festival was also a success.  We made about $200 in sales but we had everyone stopping by to see the
    Hall and talk about their military service with us.  This was great for the Post to be seen and talked
    with.  The Westchester County Raffles are due back by Thanksgiving so don't forget.  We have more
    in case you need them.  The Post gets a percent of the sales from them.  Cmdr Laughlin reported that
    the Post had been vandalized a second time this month.  The lights out front were damaged again
    and the front sign plexi-glass was shattered.  We know its neighborhood kids but no one has been
    identified.  Pat McDonough is preparing to order more Post shirts, jackets and Legion uniform caps
    so contact him to get in on this order.
          New Business began with the announcement that we are looking for a guest speaker for the
    Memorial Day Parade which we are running this year.  If anyone knows of a local Vet or active duty
    service member who might be interested let us know.  May comes awful quick.  We are looking to
    have group of members participate in the County VA Parties each month.  We can meet at the Post
    and carpool, or whatever, to make it easier.  It is a quick and easy party that we should be helping to
    provide to our fellow vets in the hospital.  The next one is 10/27 at 7 pm in Ward 15 A/B.  Rich Calbo
    reported on a couple of events that are coming up.  Army vs VMI football game at West Point for
    only $10 for Vets.  A free concert at Eisenhower Hall on 11/14 at 3 PM
          Several items were contributed by the members present for others to benefit from.  Ed Donovan
    announced that Applebee's Restaurant will again have free meals for Veterans on Veterans Day.  
    American Legion ID is good for this benefit.  Ken Blish reported that on 11/04 there will be a Town
    Hall meeting for Veterans covering various items like Tricare and pensions.  Al Laughlin reported
    that Home Depot has a 10% discount for all veterans all the time.  Most members weren't aware that
    this was going on.  The 50/50 drawing was won by new member Mark Levandowski, who donated it
    back to the Post's Toilet Fund.  Thanks, Mark.


    9/09/10
          Cmdr Lauglin opened the meeting and introduced the one new member that was present, Mike
    Laughlin, Cmdr Laughlin's son.  Welcome aboard Mike!  The Financial report was given By John
    McQuillan and accepted.  Rich Calbo gave the Membership update.  We have 74 members paid up as
    of the meeting which is about half-way.  Rich then updated us on the County news.  Dept Cmdr
    Triolla will have his Visitation Dinner on 11/10 at Mt Kisco Post.  Dinner is only $20 and starts at 6
    PM.  The Dept Cmdr stressed mentoring of new members.  We get new members coming in but if
    they don't have something to do they go out the back door soon after.  Rich also reported that he was
    stepping down as Post membership Chairman due to his responsibilities at the Dept level and
    County level.  The new Post Membership Chairman is Gerry Knapp.  George Hansen reported that
    Homeland Security has no information to give out to the posts.  he was going to touch base with the
    Yorktown FD and PD to see if we could be any assistance in disaster preparedness for the Town.
          Old Business recapped the Post's Summer BBQ which was a success.  The Post now has an
    ongoing Fund-raiser to re-build the Post bathrooms.  We will have a 50/50 drawing at every Post
    function to go into this fund.  The toilets in both bathrooms need replacing and we will also retile the
    floors at that time.  Adjutant Pat McDonough gave an update to a court case we have been involved
    in.  Back in November 2009 a person, named John Drenga, rented the Hall and paid with a bad
    check.  No reparations were made and we took them to small claims court and won.  Still no payment
    came. Finally we ran their DMV record and were going to have the Sheriff seize their car for non-
    payment.  Surprise... they contacted us about paying this bill off in installments.  We just received
    the first payment, so hopefully this will come to a satisfactory ending.  Pat McDonough plans to put
    photos up in the lobby to show who we are.  He is looking for 'before ' and 'after' photos.  A military
    graduation photo and then a recent photo of each of our members side-by-side in the lobby.  The
    Post started rendering honors to ANY VETERAN who passes and whose family requests it.  We
    started this in June and two times we performed this ceremony to the pleasure of the families.  We
    will continue to do e-mail notifications to summon the Legionnaires for this.
          New Business started with signing up volunteers for the Grange Fair Flag-raising Ceremony on
    9/10.  We signed up volunteers for the VA Food Pantry Collection on Sat. 10/02 at both A&P
    supermarkets in Yorktown.  Then we discussed and had volunteers sign-up for the Yorktown Street
    Fair and Festival on Sat 10/09 where we cook up burgers and hot dogs on our grill for attendees and
    have an 'Open House' for all to see our facilities.  We had a motion to change our annual
    Membership raffle where members who pay their dues before the Jan 1 deadline are put into a
    drawing and one winner has their dues paid for by the Post the following year.  Now the additional
    requirement will be to have attended at least 50% of the previous Post meetings to be eligible for the
    drawing.  This will reward those members who are present and doing the work of the Post every
    month than those who have no contact with the Post or its events.  The motion passed unanimously.  
    We finished up with welcoming back Ken Blish from being out sick for a while and promising to
    keep in contact with Fred Wooding's cousin who is being deployed to Afghanistan soon.  The 50/50
    was won by Past Post Cmdr Ken Blish who donated it to the Toilet Fund.


    8/15/10
          The Post's Summer BBQ was a success.  We had 36 people, members and their families, show up
    for the afternoon of free hamburgers and hot dogs.  We continued with our tradition of everyone
    bringing a dish or dessert to put on the buffet.  The result was a beautiful display of salads, fruit,
    cookies, cakes, pies, and cheesecakes to compliment our Post Commander's expert grill work.  Once
    again we had the tables and set-up outside in the cool summer breeze and the weather(rain) held off
    until we were putting the tables away!  Perfect timing!  It was a pleasant afternoon of conversation
    with old and new friends.  Commander Al Laughlin announced that the Post will run a 50/50 raffle at
    every Post meeting and Event this year.  The funds will be set aside for the Building Fund to replace
    the Post's 5 toilets which are so old that they are at their collapsing point.  The 50/50 money will be
    used to replace the 5 toilets and re-tile the bathroom floors at the same time.  This is a needed update
    to keep the Post in running order.  The winner of the 50/50 drawing at the picnic was Maryanne
    Calbo.  Maryanne then turned around and donated the $88 prize back to the Building Fund!  Maybe
    we'll put a plaque on one of them for you, or better yet you can have a 'cut the line' pass whenever
    you need to use them!!  Thanks to everyone for coming and making it a pleasant day.  If you missed
    it, keep it in mind for next year!6/10/10
           Our new Post Cmdr Al Laughlin opened the meeting.  Past Cmdr Blish was still out sick.  
    Financial Officer, John McQuillan reported that the Poppy-fundraiser was very successful this year.  
    The addition of people going to Turco's gave us enough money to cover all expenses from Memorial
    Day Parade(flags on almost 400 graves, wreaths for memorials, hot dogs and water for the visitors to
    the Post).  No other Committee Chairs were available for reports.
           1st Vice Cmdr Al Laughlin reported that he, Bill Lewis, and Fred Wooding went to the County
    Convention in Ossining.  Turnout was light but the updates were interesting. Fred Wooding was
    nominated to the County Executive Committee.  Al and Richie Calbo went to the Rye Playland
    Veterans Appreciation Day on Memorial Day weekend Sunday.  The demonstrations by the Marines
    were a nice touch.  It was a worthwhile effort for the day.  Al also thanked everyone who helped out
    at the Poppy-fundraiser.  14 members helped us man three locations and that made this a success.  
    Thanks to George Hansen, Gerry Knapp, Joe Larsen, Ed Augustine, Terry DeVeau, Al Laughlin, Bill
    Lewis, Charlie Ludlum, Bob Dagnino, Jim Guerra, Tom Brady, Cas Faughnan, Rich Calbo, and Pat
    McDonough.
           The Memorial Day Parade was a nice success.  We had the largest contingent of veterans
    organizations marching that consisted of 17 marchers!  We looked even sharper in formation in our
    new Post golf style shirts.  We hope that all members who are too busy to make the meetings will
    think about just coming and marching with us twice a year.
           Two members, Patrick McDonough and Gerry Knapp went to Strang Middle School the Friday
    before Memorial Day to talk to the students there about the sacrifices veterans go through every day.  
    The students then held a memorial service out in front of the school at the Viet Nam memorial right
    at the school.  It was a nice group of kids and a great exchange of ideas.
           Under New Business Cmdr Al Laughlin  pointed out new plans for the Post building.  The Past
    Post Commander's plaque has been in the office where no one can see it for years.  It was moved out
    and mounted in the lobby for all to see.  We will also be putting up recent photos in the lobby for
    guests to see.  People here for parties can look and see who they know from their  neighborhood.  We
    have also set the dates for the Grange Fair(9/10) and the VA Food Pantry Collection(10/02) for early
    next year so keep them in mind.  Gerry Knapp has volunteered to coordinate the DeVito Flagpole
    certificates.  Anyone who donates a flag to fly on the flagpole gets a memorial certificate
    commemorating the date of flying and the name of the veteran its flying for.  The Post has sent a
    letter to Clarke Funeral Home offering our services in rendering honors to ANY VETERAN who
    passes away, whether a Legionnaire or not.  Clarke was recently involved in releasing the 6 urns of
    remains of veterans who had been abandoned there to an organization who arranged military honors
    and burial.  Cmdr Laughlin wants to meet with the VFW Post Commander to coordinate the
    rendering of honors as a possible joint unit.
           A point was made that veterans can drop off a copy of their DD-214 at the Westchester County
    Clerk and they will keep it on permanent file.  One last update on the court case against a person
    who rented our hall and paid with a bad check.  Mr John Drenga owes the Post $714 for the open bar
    and party rental for his party back in November.  He hasn't responded to any letters or calls.  In
    February the Post won a civil judgement against him and the Westchester County Sheriff was
    notified.  He doesn't own the house he lives in so we are checking if he owns anything else the
    Sheriff can sell to get us our money.  We will not let this rest.
           Have a great summer!


    4/08/10
           1st Vice Cmdr Al Laughlin again chaired the meeting.  Cmdr Blish was still out sick.  Rich Calbo
    reported that membership has 122 members paid so far this year.  The last reminder from National
    HQ went out to them in February, so this may be it.  Richie also reported that he has Gerry Knapp
    assisting him with membership now.  Richie has duties with our Post, the County, and the
    Department of NY Legion so the help is greatly appreciated.  We also had a new transfer at the
    meeting, Fred Wooding.  A welcoming round of applause greeted him.
           A head count of those attending the Spring Brunch was taken.  32 people said they would be
    attending.  1st Vice Commander Laughlin reported that the event would be held because enough
    people would be attending to make it a worthwhile effort.
           We are all set for the Poppy Fundraiser on Saturday, May 29 from 9 am to 1 pm.  We have
    received permission from all three locations to be there and collecting donations.  We need people to
    sign-up to help out.  Assignments will be made at the May meeting.
           Pat McDonough showed two sample Post golf shirts with the logo on them for everyone to see.  
    Everyone agreed that they look sharp and Pat took orders from those present for a total of 26 shirts
    ordered.  The vendor stated the shirts should be in about the 23rd of April.
           Al Laughlin reported that we should be taking nominations for Post Officer positions tonight.  
    Commander Blish has been Commander for 6 years now and he has some health concerns, so will
    not run for Commander.  Al said he would take the position, if no one came forward, but will only
    do it for two years at most.  All other Post Officers reported they would continue their posts, unless
    someone wanted to take over.  The May meeting will be our election of Officers for the 2010 -2011
    year.
           A discussion about Post Committees was started and Pat McDonough explained that many of
    our Officers are doing double or triple duty for the Post.  A list of the Post Committees was read out
    and several members expressed interest in participating in some.  Tom Brady volunteered for the
    Post Grounds Committee.  George Hansen volunteered to take over the Homeland Security
    Committee with Tom Brady assisting.  Gerry Knapp is assisting the Post Membership Committee.  
    Thank you to all these volunteers.
           Richie Calbo updated all on County and Dept news.  Friday is national Commander's Dinner in
    Antun's.  County Meeting is at the Sing-Sing Post on 4/14.  VA Montrose Ward Party is 4/28 at 7 pm
    in ward 15 C/D.  Rye Playland will again have a Vet Appreciation Day on 5/30 from 9 am to 5 pm.  
    Volunteers are needed to man grills and help out that day.  The County Convention is 6/5 at the
    Ossining Post from 12 noon to 5 pm.
           We are sad to report that Post member Leon Bloom passed to his final Post on April 3, 2010.  The
    service was private and donations may be made to the Yorktown Fire Department in Leon's name.


    3/11/10
           1st Vice Cmdr Al Laughlin chaired the meeting.  Cmdr Blish was out sick.  Al reported that our
    new insurance carrier had came and inspected the Post building and found a few items they wanted
    brought into compliance.  We had to install smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms in the bar, kitchen
    and basement areas, which we did.  We also had to get the kitchen exhaust fan steam cleaned to
    reduce the chance of grease fire, which we also did.  Rich Calbo was away so there was no
    Membership update.
           Adjutant Pat McDonough updated everyone on the search for a vendor to get Post golf shirts
    made from.  He presented the 4 vendors #1 Eagle Awards, shirts will be $25 each, it's Korean War Vet
    owned, local so no shipping and handling charges, and they have the Legion logo already in their
    computer.  #2 Legion Emblem Sales, price $37.95, no discounts for bulk orders, shipping and
    handling charges will be additional.  #3 our Post jacket vendor, price $36.75, shipping and handling
    charges will be additional, additional charge for Legion logo prep.  #4 Sports Barn in Yorktown,
    price unknown because they never had the one girl who takes the orders in to give a price quote, $90
    fee to have logo digitized and prepped.  The membership present voted to go with Eagle Awards.  
    Pat will get two shirts for people to judge for proper sizes for the April meeting and orders will be
    taken at that time to ensure delivery before the Memorial Day weekend Poppy Fundraiser and
    parade.
           Spring Brunch is April 25 from 1 to 3 pm. Price is $5 per person.  RSVP's are needed by the April
    meeting or event will be cancelled.  The Post hosted the Westchester County Legion meeting last
    night and all went well.  Thanks to Al Laughlin, George Hansen, Rod Leone and John McQuillan for
    showing up and helping out setting up and serving food, and cleaning up.
           Ed Augustine asked if applications and info could be left at the bar for visitors at party rentals to
    have access to.  We already have applications there but we will make them more obvious.  Memorial
    Day 50/50 tickets are being sent out now.  Please take part in this to offset the Memorial Day Parade
    expenses for the Post.
           The Poppy Fundraiser is on Saturday, May 29 from 9 am to 1 pm at the A&P's in Yorktown and
    Shrub Oak.  We will also be at Turco's this year as well.  We need volunteers for all three locations to
    do this.  We will also have a Post clean-up that weekend to get the Post ready for our open house at
    the parade.
           Bob Dagnino was back from his recent surgery and looked great.  Ken Blish and Bob Gorsuch
    are both out sick.  Anne Samoyla's Dad is having surgery, keep them in your thoughts.


    2/11/10
           Rich Calbo reported that we have 112 of our 127 members renewed so far.  As of February 1st all
    members who haven't renewed are suspended from the Legion as are their benefits.  There is one
    more mailing from the National HQ after that we will send out a personal appeal to our suspended
    members to renew.  Rich also reported that the VA Ward party this month is on 2/24 in Bldg 28.  The
    National Commander's Dinner is at Antun's on 4/16. Price is $55 per person.
           John McQuillan reported that the Post won its court case against a person who rented our Hall
    and then bounced a $700 check paying for it.  The person refused to discuss the incident with us and
    we were forced to take legal action to recoup our losses.  The small claims court decision clears the
    way to getting the Marshall to seize property to pay the debt.
           Pat McDonough reported on the search for a company to make Post polo shirts with the Post and
    Legion logo on the left breast.  We hope to have the information to make a decision at the March
    meeting so we can have them for the Memorial Day weekend.
           We have changed our Post oil company as of February 1st.  We had requested offers for heating
    oil and service contracts from several local companies with no responses back.  Al Laughlin contacted
    RELIABLE OIL of Yorktown and they offered a discount on their service contract and a discounted
    rate for oil too because we are a not-for-profit organization.  The Executive Committee decided to
    change companies to keep expenses down for the post in the current fiscal climate.  Thank you to Al
    Laughlin we are saving some money.
           We were contacted by the Hudson Valley Renegades regarding a fund raising opportunity in
    which we buy discounted ticket packages consisting of a General Admission ticket, vouchers for hot
    dog and soda, and a Renegades baseball cap.  We buy them for $12(a $26 value) and can resell them
    for what we wish and keep the difference.  We will check this out further to see what dates are
    available and what limitations apply.
           A group is raising funds to install a memorial at Arlington cemetery to honor the Jewish
    Chaplains who have given the ultimate sacrifice in battle.  There are currently memorials for the
    chaplains of other faiths already in the cemetery.  A member of S.A.L. 50 is coordinating for this area.
           The pizza after the meeting was delicious and allowed the membership to sit and chat after the
    meeting and get better acquainted.  The 50/50 was won by Jim Guerra who donated the pot back to
    the Post. Thank you Jim!1/14/2010
          The meeting began with committee reports.  With the Grounds Report, Pat McDonough reported
    that a pest control expert had caught 4 skunks in 4 days from under our Hall storage room.  The room
    had been stinking of skunk badly lately with the stink seeping into our main Hall which is used for
    a children's program.  We had to pay to clean this problem up before we lost the school because of it.
          Rich Calbo reported that we are doing well with our annual membership drive.  We have 108
    renewals already by the first of the year.  As a reward to those who renewed by the January 1st
    deadline we placed the names of those 108 members into a drawing and pulled one name out.  The
    name was Frank Panebianco.  Congratulations Frank your 2011 dues will be paid by the Post!  Rich
    also informed everyone about the opportunity to go to Legion College in Morrisville, NY in June.  
    The program is a 3 day weekend of classes and instruction on American Legion programs.  The cost
    is $200 and applications can be picked up from the Post Adjutant.  Filing deadline is April 1st.
          There was a discussion about a group that has appeared in our area called "VSO" standing for
    "Veterans Services Organization".  They wear pressed camouflage uniforms but are not military, or
    even veterans.  The money they collect is said to be going to veterans causes but recent news articles
    have pointed out that less than 30% of the donations goes to anything remotely related to veterans.  
    30% right off the top goes to the person standing at the table as commission!  The American Legion
    and VFW are checking with the State's Attorney General on possible action against them.
          Our two new Color Guard members need to give their shirt sizes to get uniform shirt in time for
    Memorial Day.  We have our Chapel of the Four Chaplains Ceremony scheduled for February 7th at
    2 PM at the Post.  Only one clergy member has RSVP'd so far.  Gerry Knapp volunteered to call and
    re-invite the clergy to it.
          Our Post will be host to the Westchester County American Legion meeting on March 10 at 7:30
    PM  Volunteers will be needed to help set-up and breakdown the meeting that night.  We have
    discussed having a 'Pizza night' meeting in February.  Each person attending puts $5 in the pot.  We
    order pizza for after the meeting and whatever is left over will be the pot for the 50/50 drawing.  
    Something different for the cold weather doldrums.
          Bob Gorsuch informed everyone that Bob Dagnino has been diagnosed with kidney cancer.  Bob
    is a member of the Post's Color Guard and one of our dedicated members.  Our closing prayer was in
    memory of Bob.


    12/13/09
          The Post Holiday Party was a cautious success.  We had RSVP's for almost 50 people and we had
    the food all cooked when the rain started.  The weather definitely played a factor in everyone's plans
    that day.  The icy rain froze on the all the roads creating havoc throughout the area.    33 dedicated
    members and their families braved the weather to come down and enjoy the afternoon event.  We
    held off on serving the food for an extra hour to allow everyone who might be stuck on the road the
    extra time to get to the Post safely.  We thank everyone who came for making the party a relaxing and
    pleasant affair.  Check out our Photo Gallery page for pictures of the party.  Happy Holidays to All!


    11/12/09
          Cmdr Blish was sick and 1st Vice Cmdr Al Laughlin chaired the meeting.
          The meeting was preceded with a guest speaker, Ron Smilowitz, from Rose Hill Memorial Park
    in Putnam Valley.  Ron informed everyone that Rose Hill honors all honorably discharged veterans
    for their service with a FREE burial space.  He also pointed out that a spouse or family member could
    be included in the plans for the burial plot.  This offer could greatly reduce the total expense to the
    veteran's family as compared to what other cemeteries might charge.  Mr Smilowitz also spoke on the
    need for communication and planning within one's family regarding one's final wishes.  If no one
    knows what your wishes are then your final resting place will be according to their wishes.  Mr
    Smilowitz can be reached for more information at #914-962-2703.
          For the third meeting in a row the meeting began with the introduction of new members.  The
    Post welcomed Don Roberts, Gerry Knapp, and Jim Guerra with a round of applause.  We also
    welcomed Barry Bell back from his absence, good to see you back!
          Financial Officer John McQuillan reported that the front of the Post where we had paint peeling
    had been sand-blasted and repainted so we look good to passersby.  Great Job John!  Membership
    report was unavailable as Rich Calbo was away on Dept of NY business.
          Under New Business, Bill Lewis reported that the Lions Club had helped the Elks Club with a
    Pasta Fund-raiser at the Elks Club to keep them financially solvent.  Maybe we could get the same
    treatment?  We will follow up on this idea..
          Old Business - The Post Holiday Party is Sunday 12/13 from 1 pm to 3 pm.  It is free to members
    but we need RSVP's to prepare the correct amount of food.  The Yorktown Street Fair and Festival
    was a success for the town and the Post.  We sold  a load of hot dogs and burgers cooked right off our
    BBQ grill and sold some of the County chances which also benefit the Post as well.  Thank you to
    everyone who helped with set-up, cooking, and clean-up especially our usual crew... Pat & Al
    Laughlin, Sue & Ken Blish, John McQuillan, Bob Dagnino, Tom Brady.
          Our Food Pantry Collection last month was another success.  We collected 12 shopping carts of
    food and $675 in cash donations for the VA Montrose Food Pantry in just 4 hours  with a great team
    of 14 Legionnaires.  We even got a little photo and blurb in the Journal as well as the County
    Legionnaire.  The Veteran's Day Parade had a nice turn-out.  We had several tenured members show
    up to boost our numbers and we even were in the photos in the North County News.  You
    photogenic bunch you!
          We don't have a December General Membership meeting because of the Holiday Party, so we
    won't see everyone until January 14, 2010.  We have the Four Chaplain's Ceremony scheduled at the
    Post on Sunday, February 7th at 2 pm.  It is a short ceremony honoring the four Chaplains who gave
    their lives comforting hundreds on a sinking troopship in the North Atlantic during WWII.  
    Refreshments and coffee will be served.  Please join us for it.


    10/08/09
          For the second meeting in a row the meeting began with the introduction of a new Post member.  
    Joseph Larsen showed up, signed up and joined our ranks.  Cmdr Blish introduced him to everyone
    present and he received a warm round of applause.  Good to see you, Joe!
          Financial Officer John McQuillan reported that there had been some funds left over from a grant
    we had received from Sen Leibell's office about a year ago.  They allowed us to submit receipts from
    utility expenses from that time period to get reimbursed and use up the remaining money.  Every
    little bit helps as they say.
          Rich Calbo was at another meeting so there was no membership update.  The Grange Fair
    Opening Flag Ceremony had a good turnout.  1st Vice Commander Al Laughlin, Ted Foster, Cas
    Faughnan, Tom Brady, and Ralph Garcia represented the Post and looked sharp.  They managed to
    get the flag raised and get under cover when the skies opened up with a heavy downpour.  Great Job
    Guys!
          The Post's annual VA Montrose Food Pantry Collection was last Saturday(10/03) and we had
    another success with it.  We normally have 8 to 10 Legionnaires collect donations in front of the A&P
    in Shrub Oak and at the Triangle Center in Yorktown from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This year 14 members
    showed up to help out!  Thank you to  Cas Faughnan, Ralph Garcia, Anne Samoyla, Terry Deveau,
    Dave Moskowitz, Rich Calbo, Bill Lewis, Charlie Ludlum, Al Laughlin, Ed Augustine, Tom Brady,
    Patrick McDonough, George Hansen, and Bob Dagnino!  We collected 12 shopping carts full of food
    and $674 in cash donations that ALL went straight to the VA Food Pantry for our brothers and sisters
    in need of food.  We were written up in the Journal Express edition and hopefully there will be an
    article in the County Legionnaire newsletter about it also.  We will be doing this again next year--
    count on it!  We even discussed expanding the collection to include Turco's next year since we had
    extra manpower show up and help out this year.
          Next thing discussed was the upcoming 1st Annual Yorktown Street Fair & Festival on this
    Saturday 10/10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Our plan is to have the Post open for visitors to see and also
    have our BBQ grill up and running with burgers, hot dogs, sodas, coffee and stuff for sale to festival
    goers.  We need many volunteers to pull this off so don't hesitate to stop by and lend a hand.  Our
    hopes are to have people see our Post and inquire about joining us or maybe inquire about renting
    our Hall for their event.  Both situations would benefit the Post and the work that we do.
          Our October Pasta Dinner had been pushed back and became a tentative Veterans Day Pasta
    Dinner on Friday, 11/06.  We need to have twenty people paid to break even with this event and not
    lose money.  RSVP's are needed immediately!  Cost is $10 per person.  We will cancel this if there is
    insufficient response.
          The Department Commander's Dinner is Wednesday 12/09 at the Mt Kisco Post.  Cost is about
    $15 -20.  Hopefully its proximity and price will allow more of our members to attend.  The Past
    County Commander's Dinner/ Dance is Sunday 10/25 at the Westchester Manor and the price is $65
    per person.  The Post Holiday Party is on Sunday 12/13 at 1 p.m. and the cost is FREE to members
    and their guests.  We need RSVP's to plan this so let us know if you are coming.
          We are marching in the Shrub Oak Veteran's Day Parade on Sunday, 11/08 at 2 p.m.  We form up
    at Lakeland HS at 1:40 p.m. then march to the Hart Library for the ceremony there.  Join us and show
    pride in your military service.  Most communities do not have a Veterans Day Parade because their
    communities see no veterans turning out to participate in the parades.  Our Post is the only Veterans
    Organization that participates in this parade... Shame on us if we let it die.
          The Post is currently checking out prices on getting Post golf shirts made up to advertise the Post
    and make us more comfortable and identifiable when doing the food collection, parades, and other
    Post events.  Let us know if you would be interested in getting one.  We hope to keep the price at
    about $25 each.
          The next meeting is Thursday, November 12th at 7:30 p.m.  See you there.