American Legion-Veterans Memorial Post 347
Mail: P.O. Box 1534
699 W. Lady Lake Road
Lady Lake, FL 32158-1534
(CR 466 & Rolling Acres Blvd)
Phone: 352-750-2099
Fax: 352-750-2202
Lounge Phone: 352-750-0639
Web site: www.floridalegion.com
E-mail: [email protected]
>>>>>>MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: JANUARY 2020<<<<<<
Commander-Bob Kiley : To The
Greatest and Largest Post in the World:
Here we are starting a brand new year, full of
hopes that 2020 will be better than 2019. To start with, we finally installed a new metal
roof that should last us 40 years. This will
indeed help all the future commanders when calculating their budgets. Many complements
are being received.
The roof is only one of the many improve-ments we had this past year. A new shed was
installed outside the smoking lounge; new
cleaning equipment to keep our floors looking good; new chairs in the members lounge; im-
proved security system; new split air condi-
tioner system for the kitchen and the list goes on.
Another highlight was our Thanksgiving din-
ner in which over 200 members attended.
Sometimes it never said enough but from your commander and all the officers of Post 347,
THANK YOU to all of our precious volun-
teers. Without YOU, this post could not func-tion like we do.
I hope you all had a great Christmas and New
year. Let’s work together and make even greater strides forward for Post 347 and our
community.
God Bless You all, our Legion and our Coun-try.
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
1st Vice-Commander-Joan Suelter
Here we are in 2020. Time is flying by. Last month we welcomed 61 new members to our post at the December General Membership meeting. Providing the opportunity to renew legion-naire membership on Tuesday nights has been very successful . Unfortunately, if you are reading this and have NOT re-newed, I am sorry to say that you are now delinquent. See the Adjutant’s comments on getting renewed. Wishing you all the a very successful 2020.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Chaplain’s Corner-Farrell Massey
Another decade has passed, and we look to the future
with some trepidation, yet the eternal hope that God
has placed in our soul and very being. Rejoice in the
present and thank you for your many blessings.
PSALMS-CHAPTER 71,VERSE’S 1-2
In the, O Lord, do I put my trust: Let me never be put
to confusion. Deliver me into thy righteousness, and
cause me to escape: Incline thine ear unto me and
save me.
Be thou my strong habitation, wherefore I may con-
tinually resort: Thou hast given commandment to
save me: for thou are my rock and fortress.
Auxiliary-Madam President: Cathy Trout
Happy New Year to All
Unit 347 will be hosting a Housewarming party for Sgt. Pam Kelly
who was injured in a training accident. This event will take place on
January 12th from 1-4 pm at the Post Hall. Let us all come out and
support Sgt. Pam Kelly.
On February 9th from 1-3pm with a light lunch served, our Unit will
be holding Hearts for Heroes, our annual fashion show. Cost is
$15.00 and all proceeds will be going to benefit Village Honor
Flight. For tickets you can see Judy Matthews or call her at 330-715-
4611.
Our Unit will be holding the annual Women Veterans Luncheon on
March 9th from 12-3 pm in the Post Hall. Our seating is limited to
200, so please let all Women Veterans know about this event to
honor them. Women Veterans are free, and guest only pay $5. Call
Cathy Trout at 352-531-6492 or email her at
On top of all the above, are Unit has been busy with serving our
Veterans and their family on November 11th, we held a Christmas
party for the Army National Guard for 66 children and 34 members and held our initiation on December 15th with 100 new members
joining us. Thank you, all volunteers that helped with each, and eve-
ry event. Without your help we would not be able to do all that we do. In The Spirit of Service, Not Self
Adjutant’s Den-Mike Seidel
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS:
Just a reminder that dues that are not paid by January 1 of each calendar year, the
member is declared delinquent and will be denied access to the post. On February
1, the member is suspended and on June 30 the member is dropped from the mem-
bership rolls.
To help you in payment of your dues, there are several options:
Do your renewal on line at www.legion.org, click on the link “Renew Now”. If you
renew on line, bring your electronic membership card to the post and we will issue
your 2020 card.
Mail your dues to American legion Post 347, P.O Box 1534, Lady Lake FL.,
32158 or just stop by the office from 9 to 4.
American Legion Riders-Chapter 347
Gene Haplea-Director
Chapter Officers for 2019-20
Director - Gene Haplea;
Asst. Dir. - Jim Ward;
Secretary - Charlotte Wilson;
Treasurer - Louise Labbe;
Sgt-at-Arms - Felicia Rawls;
Chaplain - Sherri Ward.
Feel free to contact them with any questions or concerns regarding ALR 347. Messages can be left at the Post Front Desk in person or over the phone.
Thanks to all Legion Family members and other supporters in the Tri-County area for the outstanding support of the monthly ALR 3rd Sun-day Kitchen Time - the response to our monthly “Specials” has been outstanding, with our recent Sausage, Peppers & Onions Sandwich selling out regularly - stay tuned for new Specials each month. And don’t forget!! A regular bar style food menu will be available during the 3rd Sunday’s early NFL game! So come on out on the 3rd Sundays, from Noon to 4pm, and enjoy some fun food, and your favorite NFL
game! Play-offs are just around the corner! Monthly special menu items will be posted on Lounge TVs and on flyers posted on hallway bulletin boards.
Chapter 347 continues to grow, adding more several new members in recent months, and regularly adding new members in our newly cre-ated category of “Support Member”. Support Members will play an important role in our Chapter as we grow and become more active around the Post and in the community. We encourage everyone in the Legion Family to inform their friends and neighbors who enjoy mo-torcycling and may, or may not, be Legion Family members already to look into joining ALR Chapter 347. It would be a “double win” if they joined the Legion Family and ALR 347!!
For anyone interested in learning more about our Chapter, please join us at our regularly scheduled monthly meetings in the Main Hall of
Post 347 on the first Thursday each month at 1830. Our social and networking hour starts at 1730, with a Cash Bar and complimentary pizza. PLEASE NOTE: Our January 2020 meeting has been moved to 9 JAN to avoid any hol-iday travel conflicts.
You can also visit our web page at http://www.florida-
legion.com/riders, or join our Facebook Page at https://
www.facebook.com/groups/ALR347/
TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER MENU
JANUARY
7th: Chicken Stuffed w/ Broccoli & Cheese, Scalloped Potatoes and
vegetable
***********************$8.00***********************
14th: Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans and Roll
***********************$8.00***********************
21st: RIB NIGHT
Baby Back Ribs, Fries, Cole Slaw & Roll
*********$13.00 Full Rack—$7.00 Half Rack***********
28th: Stuffed Shells, Meatballs, Salad & Texas Toast
We want to express our sincere thanks to all our volunteers in the kitchen. We
could not do it without you.
Many, many thanks for all of your time, hard work and for the laughs we share.
Joyce and Harriett
Selections and prices may be changed without notice
WOMEN VETERANS LUNCHEON
WHEN: Monday, March 9th
TIME: 12-3 PM
WHERE: Main Hall
COST: Free for Women Vets Guests $5.00
Sponsored by Post 347 Auxiliary
Sons of the American Legion-John Gorsuch, Commander Squadron 347
Valentines Dance tickets ($10) for the February 15th event will be on sale in January and can be ordered from Gary Blanchard (352-636-8004) or Bud Bowyer (866-466-5707) or bought Sundays, Mondays or Thursdays during the SAL meals or Tuesdays during Queen of Hearts nights. Cactus Jack and The Cadillacs will be entertain-ing. In addition, a lottery board will be available Tuesday evenings for a chance to win prizes.
The Wreaths Across America Remembrance Cere-mony held at the Lady Lake Cemetery December 14th was a huge success with participation by the
Legion, the Auxiliary, the SAL, the Riders and the Post Honor Guard. The Riders escorted the Wreaths from the Post to the cemetery, and the Post Honor Guard presented the Colors. SAL Commander John Gorsuch was the Master of Ceremonies, Ralph DiNome sang the Na-tional Anthem, Detachment Chaplain Randy Collinsworth gave the opening and closing prayers, and Lady Lake Mayor Jim Richards was the Guest Speaker.
The Placement of the Ceremonial Wreaths was done by Bob O’Neal (Army), Lois Glosch (Navy), Gary Blanchard (Marines), Bob Kiley (POW/MIA), Doug White (Coast Guard), Al Varrone (Air Force) and David Callies (Merchant Marines). Kevin Selfridge played the bag-pipes. The 113 wreaths for placement on the veterans graves were handed out by members of Boy Scout Troop #244 from Lady Lake.
Members of the SAL, led by George Worton, delivered Christmas gifts to veteran patients at the Fisher House in Gainesville December 3rd. We are expected to reach our 100% this month.
Bob O’Neal-Adjutant For God and Country
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES LISTINGS
Volunteers are needed for all events and activities. Please ask at the front office or an event chairperson
ON-GOING ACTIVITIES
Every Sunday 1:00 pm Lounge NFL Ticket– S.A.L Specials..////////3rd Sunday: Riders operating the kitchen.
Every Monday 6:00 to 10:00 Lounge Karaoke with David Baldwin
Every Monday 5:00 to 7:00 Lounge Burger Night—S.A.L., Squadron 347
Every Tuesday 7:00 Lounge Queen of Hearts Drawing—Members only—Subject to change.
Every Tuesday 5:00 to 7:00 Lounge Dinner Menu—Kitchen Special—See Bulletin Board & Page 2.
Every Wednesday Noon to 2:00 Lounge Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches and other menu items
Every Wednesday 2:00 to 5:00 Lounge Bar Bingo (American Legion members and guests only)
1st Wednesday 10:00 to Noon Hall HONOR GUARD MEETING
1st Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 Hall AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MEETING (5:30-6:30 Social Time)
2nd Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 Hall AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP MEETING
3rd Wednesday 6:00 to 8:00 Hall SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP MEETING
3rd Wednesday 12:00 to 3:00 Hall SUBMARINE VETERANS MEETING
4th Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 Hall 40-8 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
1st Thursday 6:00 Hall AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Every Thursday 10:00-4:00 Hall BINGO—(Open to the Public)
Every Thursday 5:00-6:30 Lounge Italian Night and Pizza—S.A.L., Squadron 347. Weekly Specials.
Every Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 Lounge Small Team Trivia-With Carol, Ed and Ellen
Every Friday 6:00 to 10:00 Lounge Entertainment and Dancing—Fish Night, Regular Menu+ Specials (5:00-7:00)
Every Saturday 6:30 to 8:00 Lounge Team Trivia-Al Brady with Carol and Ed
2nd Saturday 7:00 to 11:00 Hall Breakfast ($7.00)—BLOOD DRIVE: Donate & get a free breakfast
VOLUNTEERS
..are always welcome. There are plenty of opportunities: Bingo, Blood Donor, Building,
Landscape Maintenance, Finance, Hall set-up and break-down, Honor Guard, Kitchen, Of-
fice, Gold Driving Range: Ball Sales, Ball Pick-up, Range Maintenance. If you are
interested, please contact the front office for more information.
JANUARY
3 Amee Reese
7 Joe Allen
10 Fred Campbell
14 “Just Mike”
17 Al Brady
21 Mike & Terry
24 Pam Valli
28 Bubba
31 D.J. Norm
Lounge Entertainment FUTURE EVENTS
• Don’t’ forget your Food Bank
Items.
POST IN NEED OF DURABLE
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
We loan out donated wheelchairs, walkers,
crutches, etc. to members and to the general pub-
lic. We are currently extremely short of such
equipment. If you have borrowed equipment and
no longer have a need for it, please return it to
the Post. If you or a neighbor have such equip-
ment that is no longer needed, please consider
SUNDAY BAR BINGO……
WILL RETURN AFTER NFL SEASON.
BREAKFAST AT
THE POST>>>>>>
All You Can Eat!!
January 11 --7 to 11 $7.00
_________________
BLOOD DRIVE
January 11-Get a free breakfast!!
• Bartenders and servers are volunteers.
Please tip accordingly.
• Proper attire is required. Men, no sleeve-
less shirts.
• NO drinks of any kind may be taken in
or out of the post except bottled water pur-
chased at the post.
• NO smoking or vaping IN the post.. Use
the smoker’s lounge.
COMMANDER Bob Kiley
1ST VICE Joan Suelter
2ND VICE T.C. Biddle
3RD VICE Dan Martin
CHAPLAIN Farrell Massey
ADJUTANT Mike Seidel
FINANCE Ken DeMello
ASST. SGT-AT-ARMS Sheldon Gotesky
JUDGE ADVOCATE Gene Weeks
SERVICE OFFICER John Trenkle
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Guy Knaak
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Dave Musser
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Bob Suelter
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Fred Jary
PAST COMMANDER Al Varrone
HISTORIAN/EDITOR Phil Crouthamel
PRESIDENT Cathy Trout
1ST VICE Maureen Caswell
2ND VICE Vacant
SECRETARY Beth Musser
TREASURER Kathy Allen
HISTORIAN Nancy White
SGT-AT-ARMS Betty Spencer
CHAPLAIN Maureen Merlette
M.A.L. Lois Glosch
Judy Samuelson
Mary Seidel
Maddie Romanoski
PAST PRESIDENT/MAL Ruth Sovern
COMMANDER John Gorsuch
1ST VICE Doug White
2ND VICE Bud Bower
FINANCIAL OFFICER Joe Paulin
CHAPLAIN Ben Kisielica
HISTORIAN Gary Blanchard
SGT-AT-ARMS Tony Watkins
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Dave Callies
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Charlie McGlone
JAG Paul Pitts
ADJUTANT Bob O’Neal
DIRECTOR Gene Haplea
ASST. DIRECTOR Jim Ward
TREASURER Louise Labbe
SECRETARY Charlotte Wilson
SGT-AT-ARMS Felicia Rawls
CHAPLAIN Sherri Ward
RIDE CAPTAIN Felicia Rawls
OFFICERS OF POST 347
LEGION AUXILIARY S.A.L. LEGION RIDERS
Any suggestions, comments or atta-boys, please contact the editor, Phil Crouthamel at [email protected]
HONOR GUARD-63 members
NOVEMBER
Total Funerals 4
Community Service: 12
Post Events: 3
Member Hours 927
Miles: 8427
MEMBERSHIP
LEGION 7204
AUXILIARY 2433
S.A.L. 835
RIDERS 112
POST EVERLASTING
Philip Palmer-WWII-Age 105
SICK CALL
C. Pug. Gassert George Zablocki
Terry Lawson Butch Udell
Gary Wilkinson
NIGHT AT THE RACES
SATURDAY-February 29th
4-9 pm.
Cost:$10.00
VALENTINES DANCE
Saturday, February 15th
5-9 PM Tickets-$10
Cactus Jack & The Cadillacs
Pizza for sale and a cash bar
Tickets on sale in the lounge and front
office
HALL RENTAL
Please call 352-750-2099 and speak to
the Hall Rental Coordinator for the cor-
rect prices to rent the hall. DO NOT go
by the website information.
SPONSORED BY 6TH DISTRICT
SATURDAY-FEBRUARY 1, 2020
Casino opens at 4:00 pm.
TICKETS
Casino Only Poker & Casino
$25 In advance $60 In Advance
$30 At The Door $65 At The Door
Black Jack+Roulette+Poker+50/50+Raffle