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    9/08/2011
            The meeting opened with a Girl Scout Troop from Yorktown HS giving out cookies and
    thanking our member for their service.  The Girl Scouts had organized younger Scouts into
    making thank you cards and collected items which they then sent to troops overseas.  Their adult
    leaders, Fran & maria added their thanks to the Post members.
            Gerry Knapp gave the Membership report.  We have 61 members already renewed so far
    which is about 50%.  We also have a new member, Charles Smith.  Gerry gave the breakdown of
    where out Post dues go(Post $6.50/ County $4.00/ Dept $11.00/ National $13.50).  Renewal can now
    be done and paid on-line.  Homeland Security Chair George Hansen reported that the Yorktown
    Emergency Center was activated for hurricane Irene and needed help.  George said he will see
    when training is being held and let us know.  Rich Calbo reported on the installation of Fang
    Wong from NYS as National Commander at the Convention.  He also reported that Pat Calcutti is
    the County Commander for another year.
            John McQuillan reported that he has identified 3 Civil War veterans buried in the Old Shrub
    Oak Methodist Cemetery that were killed in battle.  He hopes to put together a memorial ceremony
    for next Memorial Day.  Cmdr Laughlin reported that we had 45 people come out in the rain for the
    August Post BBQ which was moved indoors.  There were plenty of desserts to go around.  He also
    reported that we had 7 Post members show up for the Grange Fair flag-raising ceremony to
    continue our tradition of opening the Fair.  The Cmdr also reminded everyone that we are running
    our annual Food Collection for the Montrose VA Food Pantry on 10/01 from 9 am to 1 pm at the
    A&P's in Yorktown.  The following weekend we have our 'Open House' in conjunction with the
    Yorktown Street Fair on 10/09 from 10 am to 5 pm.  We are also hosting the Free Senior Luncheon
    sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in our main Hall.  We really need volunteers for both of
    these events, please sign-up now.
            Under 'For the Good of the Legion' we have a new photo board in the lobby showing before
    and after photos of our members.  We have had positive feedback from everyone who sees it.  Any
    member wishing to submit a picture see Pat McDonough.  The Boy Scout Troop we sponsor has 5
    boys attaining Eagle Scout with one more in the process which is the highest in the area!  We are
    discussing several fundraising events to raise a little money and have some fun with the Yorktown
    Lions Club.  We have recently had to replace the bar's wine cooler and the storage shed so we'd
    like to stay ahead financially.  more info on these will be coming.  Pat McDonough reported that
    we now have a page on 'FACEBOOK' to catch the eye of younger people.  Without any advertising
    we already had one new, younger member of the Post find the page and 'Like' it.  As we learn more
    about this medium we will have a better page.  The meeting closed with mention of Jim Guerra
    being out sick and the passing of Gerry Knapp's mother.


    There were no meetings during July and August.  A free Post BBQ was held in August.



    6/09/2011
            We opened the meeting and Gerry Knapp reported that our membership roster has 128 names
    on it and we have 2 prospective members in the works right now.  Fred Wooding our Parade
    Chairman recapped that the Memorial Parade went well for the day with no major hiccups.  We
    had the Irish band show up to jump on the end of the parade.  Cmdr Laughlin congratulated Fred
    on all his hard work and thanked him.  Cmdr Laughlin pointed out that this year's parade was run
    by an entirely new group of Legionnaires and it went amazingly well.  We had the Fahey family
    march with us in remembrance of their son who was KIA in Afghanistan.  We also discussed
    having more help at the parade line-up to make it easier.  Richie Calbo reported on the County
    Legion update.  They had a guest speaker speak about the 'Gatekeeper' program.  It basically
    entails people who are in regular contact with the elderly in the community.  It gives a number to
    call(914-872-5290) if they believe the elderly are in need of social or medical services from the state
    or county.  Rich reported that the County fed 1700 people at the Vat Appreciation Day at Rye
    Playland. Cmdr Laughlin was there helping out.  At the County Convention Applebee's
    restaurants were given an award for their program giving veterans free meals on Memorial and
    Veterans Days.  Rich, Post Cmdr Al Laughlin, and Past Post Cmdr Ken Blish presented the award
    to the manager of the Cortlandt Applebee's following the Convention.
            Under Old Business  we discussed the Poppy- Fund-raiser. We had 19 members help out and
    we actually ran out of poppies.  We discussed selling our grave-site flags at the poppy tables since
    many people asked about buying them.  Our Post Financial Officer, John McQuillan was written
    up in two local papers about his work with the Scouts putting the flags on veterans graves.  Nice
    job, John!  Under New Business we reported that the Post was vandalized again on the Saturday
    morning of Memorial Day weekend.  Same thing... the lights for our flagpole and sign were kicked
    apart.  We are planning to build a bunker for the lights once the rainy weather stops.  We are
    sponsoring a student to Boys State for the first time in a decade.  The boy's family volunteered to
    pay the tuition and fees for the Post so he could partake in the program.  That was the only way we
    could do it financially.  We hope to have him come and tell us how it was at one of our meetings.  
    Cmdr Laughlin received the Rehabilitation Award for the Post at the County Convention for all
    the work we did this past year helping out at the County's Montrose VA parties.
            The new Officers for the 2011-2012 year were sworn in by Dept of NY Master-of-Arms Rich
    Calbo.  Our Officers are now Al Laughlin - Post Commander, Ken Blish - 1st Vice Cmdr, Gerry
    Knapp - 2nd Vice Cmdr, Mike Laughlin - 3rd Vice Cmdr, John McQuillan - Financial Officer, Terry
    Deveau - Sgt-at-Arms,  and Fred Wooding - Chaplain.   Patrick McDonough and Bob Gorsuch will
    continue as Adjutant and Service Officer, respectively.  The meeting was closed in the memory of
    Legionnaire John Greenfieldt who passed away on 5/23/2011.


    5/12/2011
            The meeting opened with introduction of two new faces,  Marc DiBernardo a Post member
    attending his first meeting and Tom Reynolds back for his 2nd meeting.  During the Grounds
    report John McQuillan reported that he will be digging recessed pits for our sign and flagpole
    lights and building wooden protective boxes around them to prevent the repeated vandalism
    we've suffered.  He will also be installing a video camera to record the front of the Post, again to
    stop the vandalism.
            George Hansen, Homeland Security Chair, reported  on the NTAS - National Terrorism Action
    System.  he covered the 'see something, say something' program.  Fred Wooding, Parade Chair,
    reported that the VFW didn't get an invitation to the parade this year.  Adjutant Pat McDonough
    checked the folder and discovered that they were left off the mailing list by accident.  Cmdr
    Laughlin said he would talk to them to try to smooth things over.
            Rich Calbo gave the County update.  Rye Playland is having Vet Appreciation Day on May 29
    from 12 to 4 PM with military demos.  Department Covention is July 13 to 15 in Binghamton, NY.  
    The County Commander will remain the same again this year with some staff changes.  Past
    County Comdr's Dinner is 10/16 and $30 per person at the Mt Kisco Post from 12 to 5 PM.
            Cmdr Laughlin reported that the Spring Brunch was a huge success.  We had a great spread of
    food and the largest crowd in many years with 56 in attendance.  Dave White Cloud did a great job
    as the cook and everyone enjoyed the day.  We need volunteers for the Poppy Fund-raiser on May
    28th from 9 to 1 PM at the A&P's.  The Memorial Day Parade is on Monday, the 30th at 11 AM.  We
    have invited the Faye Family to march with us.  They lost their son, David, who was KIA in March
    in Afghanistan.
            Our Post bathrooms are finished!  Tom Brady put on the final touches with his carpentry skills
    and built a vanity for the men's room to accomodate the heating ducts underneath.  Post Adjutant
    Pat McDonough reported on our Post and the activities we have been able to accomplish this year.  
    Our final Post report showed quite an improvement in several areas.  Great Job to everyone!  The
    DeVit flagpole is back in service.  We will accept flags donated for flying up to casket sized ones.  
    Donors will receive a certificate with the date of first flying of their flag and their loved one's name
    will be put in the pole's base in recognition of their service.
            The Post's Summer BBQ is set for August 21st.  There is a Lion's Club concert across the street
    for people to go over and enjoy afterwards.  The election of our Post Officers for the 2011-2012 year
    was held.  Our new Officers for the coming year are: Al Laughlin - Post Commander,  Ken Blish -
    1st Vice Cmdr,  Gerry Knapp - 2nd Vice Cmdr,  Mike Laughlin - 3rd Vice Cmdr,  Terry Deveau -
    Sgt-at-Arms, and Fred Wooding - Chaplain.
            The meeting closed with the announcement of Al Laughlin and Ken Blish as our delegates to
    the County Convention.  The Convention is open for all Legionnaires to attend.


    4/14/2011
            Cmdr Laughlin opened the meeting and introduced, Tom Reynolds, a new face in the crowd.  
    Tom stood and introduced himself as a Post member for 44 years and was interested in getting
    back to the Post and its work.  Welcome back, Tom!  Our Financial report was given and a seperate
    account will be continued after all the bathroom renovations for future building repairs.  Gerry
    Knapp reported that we have about 80% of the membership renewed for the year.  Renewals will
    be accepted at any time until the County Convention in June.
            Fred Wooding, parade Chairman,  reports that Sen Ball RSVP'd that he will be there and that
    we have our Parade Chaplain Fr Bisignano from St Patrick's and the Irish Band will not be
    marching in the parade as they have a paying parade for the same day.  We will move the
    Yorktown HS Band up to the front of the parade with us.
            RSVP's for the Post Spring Brunch are due tonight.  A quick survey showed that
    approximately 30 members will be attending so the Brunch will be held.  We have a new cook this
    year and a different menu for everyone to enjoy.  Cmdr Laughlin reminded everyone that we have
    our Poppy-Fundraiser on saturday, May 28th from 9 to 1 PM.  Volunteers are needed to remind the
    public of the real reason for Memorial Day.  The Post grounds clean-up detail for this weekend is
    cancelled due to projected bad weather.  We need volunteers for the following Saturday, 4/21 for a
    Hall floor stripping detail to get the Post ship-shape for the Memorial Day weekend.
            Post Officer elections are next month and our 2nd Vice Cmdr has indicated he will not run and
    Dave Moskowitz has indicated he wouldn't mind if someone wants to step up and take his spot as
    3rd Vice Cmdr.  Mike Laughlin was nominated for the 3rd Vice position and Gerry Knapp
    volunteered to run in the 2nd Vice position.  Fred Wooding volunteered to be the Post Chaplain
    and all other remaining Officers said they would continue.  The election will be held at our May
    meeting.
            The Post Memorial Day 50/50 is ongoing, please take part in it.  This helps offset the costs we
    incur for Memorial Day events.  Adjutant patrick McDonough informed everyone that we have
    accesss to the National database now and there are many blank spaces in many of our members'
    military branch, years of service, etc.  He will try to touch base and fill in everyone's blanks.  For
    the Good of the Legion; the County's Past Commander's Dinner will be at the Mt Kisco Post on
    10/16 with more info coming.  Vet Appreciation Day at Rye Playland is on May 29 from 12 to 4 PM
    with demos by the military.  It was brought up that a VFW Post does a couple of things different in
    their service for deceased veterans in the funeral home.  A short discussion about the differences
    followed.
            The Post Summer BBQ is slated for either August 14th or 21st, check your calendars and let us
    know which date is better for everyone.  The meeting's 50/50 was won by Pat McDonough and he
    donated it back to the Post's toilet fund.


    3/10/2011
            Cmdr Laughlin opened the meeting.  John McQuillan reported that additional donations to
    the "Toilet Fund" had brought the total to $3305 before we started the bathroom renovations.  Cmdr
    Laughlin reported that after the work is completed we will keep this fund as a Building Fund for
    upkeep projects.  Cmdr Laughlin reported for Gerry Knapp that we have 105 of 132 members
    renewed so far for the year.  Parade Committee Fred Wooding reported that we have 3 responses
    already for the Memorial Day Parade and we are working on a solid lead for the keynote speaker.
            Under "Old Business" Cmdr Laughlin thanked everyone for their efforts and attendance at the
    County VA Parties.  We had 5 members go to the February one.  He also informed everyone that
    most of the bathroom work has been completed.  The men's room needs a vanity to be made to
    incorporate the heating duct underneath it.  A huge thank you to member, Bob Dagnino, for all his
    tiling work and the beautiful job he did.  Cmdr Laughlin thanked everyone who attended the SPC
    Faye wake and funeral.  We had 20 members at the wake and a nice group in the rain attending the
    funeral.
            'New Business' led off with the new Yorktown Funeral Home coming on board with our
    'Rendering Honors'.  They will offer it to any family of a deceased veteran.  May 1st is our Post
    Spring Brunch, the price is only $5 per person.  RSVP's are required at the April meeting.  Rich
    Calbo gave the Westchester County Legion update.  Legion College is 6/17,18,19 in Morrisville, NY
    and the cost is $210.  Adjutant pat McDonough reported that the photo board for the Post lobby is
    almost ready.  He needs member's military photos and will take a recent photo to put side-by-side
    in the display.  This will let people visiting the Post see who we are and will get members into the
    boasting about the good old days.  Cmdr Laughlin won the meeting's 50/50 drawing and donated it
    to the 'Toilet Fund".  Rod Leone was present at the meeting back from 'Sick Call' and looking good.


    2/10/2011
            The meeting opened as usual by Cmdr Laughlin.  A new member, Larry Qualter, stood up and
    was introduced to the membership and received a warm welcome.  During the Financial Report,
    John McQuillan reported that the 'Toilet Fund" appeal has now reached $2900 for the ladies and
    men's room repairs.  The work will begin this month when the school using the Post Hall during
    the day is on winter break.  Gerry Knapp reported that we have 79% of our members renewed for
    the year so far.  The Adjutant and Gerry will be calling the entire roster of members to touch base
    with them starting with those in delinquency in renewing.  Fred Wooding reported that the Parade
    Committee has sent out 27 letters of invitation to local organizations inviting them to the Memorial
    Day Parade.
            Under 'Old Business' Cmdr Laughlin congratulated Gerry Knapp on the beautiful job he did
    running the Four Chaplains Ceremony.  We had 60 people show up.  The Middle School
    Revolutionary Troopers presented the colors and all four clergy members participated.  The VFW
    had representatives there.  We received positive reviews from all who attended and it was in both
    papers as well.  Great job, Gerry!  Gerry reported that the Post had certificates printed up in thanks
    for the clergy who participated.  Cmdr Laughlin reported that the ladies room work will begin this
    week.  We can redo the toilets, sinks and floor right now but the men's room will only have the
    floor and toilets done until we have more money to cover the expenses.  Thank you to all who
    donated to this project.
            Our annual drawing for a free year's membership dues was conducted.  There were 16
    members eligible who had paid their 2011 dues before the January 1st deadline AND who had
    attended at least 5 monthly meetings during the past year.  New member Larry Qualter drew the
    winner, Charlie Ludlum.  Charlie's 2012 dues will be paid by the Post.  The Post will be host to the
    County's March 9th meeting where pizza will be served.  All members are invited to attend and see
    what goes on there.  Rich Calbo updated everyone on the County's activities and functions.  The
    National Cmdr's Dinner is 4/15, price is $60 per person.  County Legionnaire of the Year
    submissions are due by 4/20.  Rich touched on current legislation going through Albany.  Adjutant
    Pat McDonough announced that the Post has a set of the Legion Extension Institute available for
    borrowing.  These cover the history and activities of the Legion for home study.  Pat also informed
    everyone that the Post now has sympathy cards to send from the Post in appropriate situations for
    our members.  Under 'Sick Call' we learned that member Steve Rice's wife, Pat, is still recovering
    from surgery.  The meeting's 50/50 was won by John Marone who donated it back to the 'Toilet
    Fund".  Thanks John!


    1/13/2011
            Cmdr Laughlin opened the meeting.  Membership Chair Gerry Knapp reported that 93
    members were paid for 2011 and we have one new member Dennis Kehoe.  Fred Wooding reports
    that the Memorial Day Parade permit has been applied for and the Color Guard invitations went
    out.  Post Service Officer, Bob Gorsuch reports that there are veteran discounts all around you just
    ask for them.  Contractors and stores don't advertise them.  The Post Holiday Party was the largest
    in years with 53 people in attendance!  Unfortunately only 30 people had RSVP'd beforehand
    luckily we had enough food prepared or this could have been a disaster.  Cmdr Laughlin re-
    iterated that we want everyone to come to our events... we just need to know when you are coming
    to plan for enough food.  One of our Post members won the $500 second prize at the County's
    Holiday Raffle.  Congrats to the winner and remember, you need to be in it to win it!
            Adjutant Pat McDonough reported that we had 10 Post members carpool over from the Post to
    the County's Christmas party for the patients at the Montrose VA hospital.  Since this carpool idea
    worked, we hope to stay with it for the monthly County parties at the VA.  Join us if you have the
    chance.  Cmdr Laughlin reported that the Post had just sent out a donation request letter to the Post
    membership soliciting donations for the 'Toilet Fund'.  We hope to get a response back to get the
    work started in the ladies room before Spring.  Gerry Knapp reports that all is set to go for the Four
    Chaplains Ceremony on 2/06.  Under the 'Good of the Legion' a member asked why we haven't
    been called up to render honors for the deceased veterans from the area lately.  Cmdr Laughlin
    replied that the funeral home asks if the families wish the honors ceremony.  If they decline we
    aren't called as per their wishes.  After a discussion it was decided to approach the new Yorktown
    Funeral Home when they open to offer this ceremony there as well.  Sick Call - member Steve
    Rice's wife, Pat, is recovering from recent surgery and we wish them well.


    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!
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