Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1079, Elyria, Ohio

August 2003 Newsletter

Ponderings by the Commander:

Participation in the daily luncheons put on by the Canteen ladies increased last month, since appearing in the newsletter. Thank you for supporting our Canteen.

We received our Bingo license, (instant Bingo, tip-tickets, etc) on June 28th. It should be noted that many clubs are still without their licenses. Our appreciation and thanks go out to Quartermaster West for all the work and hours contributed to the task of obtaining our gaming license. Although our income percentage will be greatly reduced we feel confident that our Post members will take up the slack with increased contributions. As they say with the lottery, you have to PLAY TO WIN!

And as an after-thought, remember, Post 1079 will also accept memorial donations honoring our deceased comrades.

Everyone should have received a flyer pertaining to the picnic. Robert Burdick volunteered to be our picnic chairman and has already scheduled two meetings. I am looking for as many volunteers as possible to support him, especially on the food line. Ask what you can do to make the picnic a success. Ed Klimczak will be playing for your dancing pleasure.

Some Post & Auxiliary officers will be joining the caravan to the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, MI, Aug 1st & 2nd, and then to the VFW National Convention in Texas from Aug 23rd to 29th. Since we all still trying to regain our financial footing, I suggest the officers consider the additional expense for the Post these events involve.

The Veterans Booth at the Lorain County Fair has a sign-up sheet in the Canteen for volunteers to man the booth. Please choose a day you can work for two hours at the booth.

An American Flag and a plaque is on display in the Canteen. The flag was flown over Afghanistan on a recon mission by Dale Foglyano (US Navy), a life member of our Post and son of Bill Foglyano, who is also a member. God Bless, Steve Kotai, Commander

MEMBERSHIP

Life member 1368

Annual member 114

(2003) 100% Total 1482

NOTICE

You should have received your Picnic Flyer by now. Note that the date is on a SATURDAY, Aug ust 9th; hours from 12:N til 6 p.m. Quite a change after all the Sunday years Please get your tear-slips in early. As a reminder...make sure you bring your own chairs, tables , and picnic utensils. Post will furnish hot-dogs, hamburgers, corn , pop and ice-cream. Cooking time at the pit will only be from 1: 00 to 5:00 p.m.. Beer & Drinks will be available at the Pavilion Bar with pre-purchased tickets.

NOTE

The weekly sign-up is back, but on a different format. License rules prohibit a build up of funds so all monies in the weekly pool have to be dispersed on the evening of the draw. Cut-off time for signing in is 8:00 PM. The first drawing will be at 9:00 PM. If the person with the first lucky number is present , they receive the total amount in the pool; but, if not present , they will receive 50% of the amount with the remaining 50% carried over to a 2nd drawing at 9:30 PM. At this drawing (if necessary) a number will be pulled until the winner is present. *****

Following these same rules, a MONTHLY sign-up will begin August 1st, with the last Tuesday of the month scheduled as Lucky Number Nite. **

NOTE

Comrades & Sisters will be traveling with the OHIO CARAVAN to the VFW National Home for Children on Fri & Sat, Aug 1st & 2nd. Have an enjoyable trip.

NEWSLETTER NOTE

To save on ever increasing postage costs, beginning in September the newsletter will be sent to members on a bi-monthly basis.

VFW NATIONAL CONVENTION, Aug 22-29th..

Ladies Auxiliary News

Magadalene Elek, President

Sisters of the Auxiliary

I would like to thank all the gals that came to sew bibs for our veterans, and to Ruby and Natalie for our delicious lunch. Also, a big Thank You to the person (unknown) who donated a sewing machine for our project.

If you know of anyone who is ill, in the hospital, or has lost a loved one, please call our Rehab Chairman, Eleanor Rieth.

Save your Campbell's soup labels for Shirley Wolfe.

Officers please note, we will have a 7:00 meeting in the conference room each month before our regular 8:00 meeting. Please try to be there. It is important, Thanks!

Our Commander, Steve Kotai, has asked the auxiliary for Volunteers for Brecksville VA, and also for attending the door for the Saturday night dances. Hope you can help.

REMINDER:

Ladies..don't forget about our Card Party in September. It is scheduled for Thursday, the 11th. Mark your calendar now!

Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating this month. We wish a speedy recovery to those who are ill, and extend our deepest sympathy, if you have lost a loved one.

THOMAS MIHALIS HISTORY contd:

Thomas enlisted in the United States Army on the 9th of August, 1917, and returned to the States on the 1st of May, 1919. He served most of his time in France and Germany, and made the rank of Corporal on the 26th of April, 1918. He was discharged on the 13th of June, 1919, receiving the awards of World War I Victory Medal, PH, and the Honor Medal of rsm.

For his service with the US Army he was given his Naturalization Papers on the 24th of June, 1920.

While in the service he did some barbering. So after his discharge he traveled to Minneapolis, where his brother had moved, and entered Barber College. A friend came to visit during this time and told him of a Barber Shop for sale in Elyria and asked if he would be interested in going into business with him. He was Sam Mihalis (no relation). Their business venture lasted for 35 years on Broad St in Elyria from which Tom retired in April, 1961.

Being single when he came to Ohio, Tom met his future wife, Velva, while she was working in a restaurant. They were married on the 20th of August, 1930, and made their home on Grafton Road, where Velva still lives.

Thomas Mihalis joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars on June 21, 1928, and became a very active member. Through the years he always held an Office at the Post. The VFW became a great part of Tom's life. (to be contd.) Magadalene Elek, President