012002

Welcome

Welcome to the new year!

Last year was a real bummer in many ways. The stock market hit bottom, lots of people lost money, many more lost their jobs when companies went out of business. We, as a nation, lost many friends and relatives when the terrorists hit the Trade Center plus the Pentagon. Now we have troops in Afghanistan fighting bin Laden's al Qaeda network. This letter is being written on December 14th for the Jan newsletter. I hope and pray with all of you comrades that by the time you read this that Osama bin Laden and his network will be gone for good.

I want to thank all who planned and worked to make my Commander's Party such a great success. I will not name names because I may leave someone out, so thanks again to all who helped. Also, thanks to all who came to my party. I received many favorable comments on the food that was prepared by the people in the kitchen. Thanks again, ladies!

I'm sorry I didn't get to give out the Flag Pins that I ordered as they were delivered by mistake to Drug Mart on North Abbe Road, opened and sold.

As your commander I hope all of you had a nice Christmas, and that the year 2002 will bring each and everyone of you good health and prosperity.

I am sorry to say that last year the Post lost many of our comrades through death. If we are to keep our Post viable in the future, we must all help by getting new members. God Bless You All. John Polgar, Commander

Update Children's Christmas Party

The children's Christmas Party was a huge success. There were 170 children signed up for the party.

The entertainment was wonderful. The children laughed and enjoyed opening their gifts this year. Jo Jo the clown was the featured entertainment for the children. He had them laughing and had many children participate in the program. Snickers and Linus, the clowns, made balloon animals and juggled for the children. The Bernstein Bears handed out the gifts to the children, and of course Santa and Mrs Claus stopped in for a visit and to have pictures taken with the children.

I'd like to thank everyone that helped with the days events from the workers that set up the hall to all the volunteers. If I miss anyone by name, my sincere apology and deepest thanks. Volunteers were; Buzz and Sis Snyder; Linda, Jeff & Mark Crabeels; Staci Szczepanski; Kelly Wesemeyer; Barbara Arnett; Natalie Blaine; Ruby Burdick; Marian Polgar; Karen Melnyk and Charlie Wirth. Thank you all ! Until next year, Charlie Crabeels

The Voice Of Democracy/Youth Tureen Banquet

Essay TUREEN Banquet will be held in the Post Hall on Saturday, Jan 12, 2002, beginning at 6:00 PM. Please bring a large covered dish to help accommodate the teacher & student guests who will be in attendance.Sign-up sheet will be in the Canteen as of December 28th. Let's have a great turn-out for this event.

Membership Dues ** Dues Increase**

This info is for those comrades who are paying their dues ANNUALLY. As of Jan 1, 2002 the Post yearly dues increases by $3.00 to $17.00. This is a per-capita tax increase by VFW National Hdq.

Now, may I suggest taking advantage of the 50% OFF Life deal offered by the Post. Check with the QM or an Officer for details. Frank West, QM

Ladies Auxiliary News

Wilma Zech -President

Wishing a Happy New Year to all the sisters and comrades. We hope it will be a healthy one for all. We thank the commander for a wonderful Christmas party.

Remember our meeting will be the 8th this month, the second Tuesday, because of January 1st being a holiday.

If you did not get your membership paid by December 15th, you cannot get in the door with your current key card. If you paid your dues, you can get your current key card from the canteen. Renew is $18, to reinstate is $18, and new member is $23. Life membership is: age 31-40-$185: 41-50-$165: 51-60-$145: 61-70-$115: 71-80-$85: 81 & older- $50. Why not go "life" for 2002. Send monies to Cathy Eckhart.

Each of our members has Cancer Insurance and is eligible for Cancer Grants. This is confidential, and you get the paperwork from our treasurer Cathy Eckhart. Use it, as that is why we pay the premium each year for you.

Winter is upon us, so we must check up on our older members. Why not have a calling chain going, and let us know if anyone needs help. Don't be too proud to ask for help, as that is our auxiliary duty. See Rehab Chairman Eleanor .

Convention will be the third weekend in January, and the officers will be gone. If you have a problem, call the Post, or the officers listed above, Cathy or Eleanor.

Chaplain Helen Krugman wants me to remind the families that we have services for deceased members. You must let us know, and the Funeral Home.

Voice of Democracy and Youth Essay Potluck dinner is the 12th, at 6 p.m.. I hope you will all make some food to share, and come to hear these wonderful young people of Elyria speak. It is a wonderful night.

January 8th - Our monthly meeting - Taking in new members this meeting.

January 12th - Voice of Democracy Banquet/ Essay Banquet 6 p.m. Potluck

January 16th -Birthday party at OVH 2:30 p.m.

January 21st - Martin Luther King Day - No School

January 24-27th - Mid Winter Conference - Toledo

January 28th - Lorain County Council White Elephant at Avon 7035

January 30th - Must remove Christmas decorations off cemeteries in Lorain Co.

To those who are ill, we want to wish you well. To those who have lost a loved one, please accept our deepest condolence. To all who are celebrating a birthday, or a special anniversary, have a good one. Wilma Zech ,President