OCTOBER 2019

 MADELINE MORALES-BARRETT –  COMMANDER

Post Phone n: 201-796-9667 

EDITOR: Rudy Willemsen, 973-427-8122 

PRINTING: Courtesy of  MASTER BUSINESS FORMS  973-594-8743

SERVICE OFFICER:  Nick Magarelli, 201-794-5314

HOSPITAL VISIT: Nick Magarelli, 201-794-5314

MEETING NOTICE:  Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 @ 7:30 PM

______________________________________________________________________________

                                                              COMMANDERS’ MESSAGE

My name is Madeline Morales-Barrett, the new commander of the American Legion Post 171 Fair Lawn. Would like to tell you a little bit about myself. I have been a resident of Fair lawn since 2007. I’m a wife, mother and grandmother of 5. Married to my husband James, as he likes to call himself lately “the First Husband”, for fourteen years. You might know him as DJ Bonz from our dinner dances over the years. We have two wonderful adult children.

It was an honor to serve in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm. Now I have the honor to serve as post commander. The American Legion has so much to offer our veterans, their families and this community.

Two great changes have occurred recently. First is a significant legislative victory for the AmericanLegion. President Trump signed a bill on July #0, 2019 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since December 7, 1941. 

The Legion Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities For National Service Act) opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion Programs and benefits for which they were previously not eligible. If you served in the U.S. military from Dec.7, 1941 you can be a member of The American Legion.

Secondly, The American Legion has voted to extend membership in the American Legion Auxiliary to male spouses of U.S. veterans and service members. The American Legion voted to replace the word “wife” with “spouse” in there constitution and bylaws, opening up membership in The American Legion Auxiliary. Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission of The American Legion.

The American Legion Family has been instrumental in advancing registration that improves the quality of life for our nations veterans.

Post 171 closed their Auxiliary chapter this year for lack of membership. I would like to see it reinstated since the membership is now open to all spouses. We need a strong, vibrant auxiliary to help The American Legion Post 171 be the best for our community. Hope to have your support in this.

I hope as commander I can serve you and make you all proud. I want to thank my brothers and sisters of Post 171 for your acceptance and support. I will need your help for us to succeed.For God and Country.

DATES TO REMEMBER

1.) Veterans Council meeting: Monday, Oct. 7, 2019  at 7:30 PM.

2.) Regular meeting: Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 at 7:30 PM. 

3.) Hospital Party: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. Meet at the Veterans Home at 7:00 PM

4.) Flag Retirement: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, 10:30AM. Rain date Wednesday. Oct.16 2019.

5.) LIVE FUND RAISING ART AUCTION: Saturday, Nov, 9, 2019.

CURRENT OPERATION NOTES 

1.) VETERANS COUNCIL: Monday, Oct. 7, 2019 at our post at 7:30 PM.

2.) HOSPITAL PARTY: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. We need better participation. Need at least four. Preferably more. Be at the Paramus Veterans Home by 7:00 PM. This event lasts only about an hour. All are encouraged to attend.

3.) Boys State & Girls State: Our delegates will be invited to a post meeting on November 8, to tell us of their experiences at the Boys & Girls State event.

4.) 2020 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL:  By now you have received your membership renewal notice for 2020…Please either return with your dues for 2020 ASAP or renew on line (very easy/fast)…you will receive a special 100th Anniversary ID card for 2020…at this point we have renewed over half of our Members…the dues supports the efforts of the Post and the renewal letter outlines many of the special events and activities of the Post in 2019…it was a very positive and busy year…if you have questions, please contact our Membership Chairman, Don Morris ( 201-803-0429..DFMorris@live.com.)

5.) LIVE FUND RAISING ART AUCTION: Saturday, Nov, 9, 2019 at our post. Preview 7:00PM – 8:00PM, Live Auction, Live Auction 8:00PM – 10:00PM. Tickets $10.00 per person or $15.00 per couple. Includes wine and cheese.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call Anne at 201=592-1130 or visit 

www.vetschatandchew.com. Proceeds benefit “VET CHAT AND CHEW PROGRAM”

6.) SAL:  To all post members: If you have a son, grandson or great grandson, sign them up for the “Sons Of The American Legion”. No age limit. These members are necessary to maintain the post building and support future veterans. Members will have all benefits now enjoyed by post members. Dues at this time is $8.00 per year. Call: Jack Molenaar at 201-797-5957 for information.

7.) “FLAG RETIREMENT” Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Parks Dept. in Memorial Park at 10:30 AM. Rain date Wednesday, Oct. 16. At this ceremony we solemnly retire old and unserviceable flags. A light lunch will be provided after the retirement for members of the Parks Dept. and veteran participants.. Each veteran post is urged to have at least two members attend to aid with the burning of the flags. All veterans are invited. Please wear your service caps.

8.) Our “FAMILY BARBECUE” held on Sunday, Sep. 15, 2019 was a big success, The weather was perfect, the food and drink was plentiful and the entertainment for both adults and children was enjoyable. A BIG THANK YOU to our commander and all who helped organize, set up and clean up.

9.) NOTE: For up to date information on our post and activities, visit our website at  https://alpost171.org.  Updated information can be found here before it can be sent out by NEWSLETTER or by other means. Visit the site often. Get familiar with it’s content.

MESSAGE CENTER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To: David Break, Bill Burns, Tom Fiedler, Gerry Fiedler

Joseph Lauria, Nick Magarelli Sr., Joe Plaza.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: None.

NOTE:  Please notify the Editor of any newsworthy information you wish published. Entries must be received no later than the 15th of the month prior to publication. If any birthdays or anniversaries are missing or incorrect please notify me: 

Rudy Willemsen at 973-427-8122 or e-mail to rudaid@optimum.net.

Rudy Willemsen

Editor

Recommended Posts