T. Nulty Post 471
SUMMER 2008 NEWSLETTER
www.tnultypost471.org Printable Copy Back to the Main Menu
COMMANDER’S MESSAGE – Ron Davie -
I am extremely proud and honored again to be your Commander for my 4th and final year. Your Post 471 had an extremely successful Legion year in 2007-2008!! Among the positive’s: Your Post received local, county, state and national recognition for forming the first Blue Star Family Support Group in New Jersey; Your Post received Department and County recognition Awards this year for first place for our Children & Youth Programs, for first place for our Veterans Rehab & Hospital donations of time and money, and first place for our Post website!! Your Post hosted the only “meet & greet” for our National Commander Martin Conatser in his visit to New Jersey in March 2008!! These are among several great accomplishments for Your Post 471!!
On the down side, Your Post also has 178 members in Iselin, 160 members in the 070 zip codes in Colonia, Port Reading, Woodbridge, etc., and 137 members in the 088 zip codes which include Menlo Park Terrace, Metuchen, and Edison---a total of 475 members!! The above successes were carried out by roughly 5-7% of the 475---which percentile are you in?? Although successful as a Legion Post with our programs and activities, we have not been as successful renting the Banquet Hall or supporting the Lounge. We need 2-3 more rentals monthly and an upswing in activities for us to survive as a building corporation. We need you to run dances, run fish & chip dinners, run oldies nights, tell your neighbors and friends our hall can be used for birthday parties, showers , weddings, business meetings----ask them to see the pictures on our website!! It is www.tnultypost471.org We are barely breaking even in the bar and lounge, and have only four figure profits in the banquet hall. Our costs per year for electricity and insurance alone will run close to $30,000!!
Please help us with my requests above!! I’ve asked for 3 years, and now is the time!!
POST 471 HAS WHEELCHAIRS, WALKERS, ETC. AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS WHO NEED THEM!!
1ST VICE COMMANDER – Membership – John Canova
On July 1, 2008, The American Legion will begin its new year (2009). During the last week of June or first week of July your new cards will be mailed by The American Legion National Headquarters. A reminder our Post dues remain at $30 and you’re asked to return your dues as soon as possible. Dues are a major means for supporting all our Veteran Programs run during the year.
Early Bird Prize
This year Post 471 will have only one prize of $50. All members returning their dues by the second meeting of October are eligible to participate in the drawing. Your dues support our Veteran Programs.
Commander & President’s Testimonial Cocktail Party
On Sunday August 17, 2008, between 2 and 5 PM all Post members are asked to participate in this function to honor our Commander and Auxiliary President. Tickets will go on sale at the Post Bar within the next week. The price will be only $5. Where else can you spend an afternoon of enjoyment and have a buffet while honoring two important leaders of your Post.
??? HAVE YOU SIGNED UP A NEW MEMBER TO JOIN POST 471 YET ???
RAFFLE CHAIRMAN – Gene Bernhardt
Please do not forget y our 50/50 raffle tickets! The more we can sell, the bigger the prizes!! Don’t forget the drawing is on July 18th @ 9PM, after the meeting.
Thank you for your support of this worthwhile cause!!
??? HAVE YOU TRIED TO SELL RAFFLE TICKETS TO FRIENDS/NEIGHBORS/CO-WORKERS???
LOUNGE CHAIRMAN – Frank Biscay
Effective immediately, due to lack of participation (business), the Lounge will be closed on Sunday’s and Monday’s. This issue will be addressed again in September when pro football returns. We simply cannot justify keeping the Lounge open for $10-$20 revenue on those days, when our monthly costs are so high.
??? HAVE YOU MENTIONED OUR HALL IS AVAILABLE TO RENT TO YOUR RELATIVES, FRIENDS, AND CO-WORKERS??? PICTURES OF HALL AND LOUNGE ON OUR WEBSITE!!!
www.tnultypost471.org
CHAPLAIN’S REPORT – Mike Serak
Post Everlasting – The following members have reported to Post Everlasting; George Superior, James Beck, Patrick Hughes, Anthony Pandolfo, Victor J. Volpi, Jack McDonough, Jack Baker, John Kimberlin, Frank Scerbo, and Patrick Rubino.
I must mention a few words about John Kimberlin; John was a long time member of Post 471, on the Executive Board, and ran the Christmas Raffle and the Adult Christmas Party for many years. He will be greatly missed!
**Note** - Post 471 is extremely appreciative of the several donations made by so many of his family and friends in loving memory of John Kimberlin to the Post 471 Scholarship Fund!!
BLOOD DRIVE – Our second Blood Drive will take place on Tuesday August 19th from 2:30-8PM at the Post Home, 25 Brown Avenue, Iselin NJ 08830. Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors, so you all can donate and make this worthwhile project a success!
MEMORIAL DAY – We had a great turnout to honor and remember our deceased veterans. The weather was perfect and thanks to all who helped!
POPPY DRIVE – We would like to thank everyone that helped in making the Poppy Drive a success! Remember all donations will benefit our veterans!
PROVIDED BY SERVICE OFFICER – ED GORMAN
IT IS NOW TIME FOR ACTION: EACH MEMBER NEEDS TO BRING IN ONE NEW MEMBER TO JOIN POST 471 THIS YEAR!! ALL YOU MUST DO IS ASK SOMEONE, CHECK THE ELIGIBILTY DATES LISTED ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD, ASK FOR THE DD-214 AND A CHECK FOR $30. IT CAN BE DONE, HAS BEEN DONE IN THE PAST, AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GET MEMBERS!!!!!!!
HEAR YE, HEAR YE*****A MESSAGE TO ALL POST AND AUXILIARY MEMBERS:
The Ladies Auxiliary Unit 471 is having a “FALL FESTIVAL TRICKY-TRAY on October 19th, 2008, and we are asking for your help!!! “ PLEASE “ Post and Unit Members, check your closet, your basement, and attic! When you find a slightly used/almost new item, we would appreciate it if you would donate the item(s) to the “FALL FESTIVAL TRICKY TRAY”. Please call Ann Baraniak to donate @ 732-381-5820. Last year we received from our Post & Unit Members many beautiful items!! Because of these donations, last year’s “FALL FESTIVAL TRICKY-TRAY” was a “BIG” success!! I hope you will be as generous as you can this year!!
WE NEED YOUR HELP… As always, your donations are greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much.
For God and Country, Unit president Ann Baraniak
UNIT 471 POPPY DRIVE REPORT – Ann Baraniak, President – Rose Wagner - Chairperson
POPPY DRIVE – Another Good Year!
We THANK everyone for the many donations received and to all the volunteers that distributed the Poppies. Some volunteers (and you know who you are) went beyond the call of duty and spent many many hours at the stores and street corners. We also thank the baseball team for their volunteerism in distributing Poppies. Our Veterans are our TOP PRIORITY and you have enabled us to continue our assistance and all our programs due to the support we receive from this drive. Some Posts and Units have had to cancel their programs due to finances and volunteers therefore we are proud to be able to increase our programs for the Veterans.
Many Veterans thank us for what we do for them but it does not compare to what they have done for us and we Thank them. When our volunteers arrive at the Soldiers Home or when the Vets are brought to our Post for special events it is so heart-warming to see the smiles your donations have created. Again, GOD BLESS everyone for their time, donations or any other assistance given. The following list is in Honor/Memory of loved ones from donations received:
Honor of Pfc Michael Barany US Army
Joseph C. Krasnica, Father
Michael Baraniak, Husband
Edward Wagner, Husband
Ed Billson, Husband & Father
Frank L. Juarez, Father
Wm. & Amelia Angelo, Father & Mother
Joy & All Who Gave
Caroccia & McNamara families
Ralph Swartz
Kenneth Murray, Husband
Robert Brandli, Husband
All Departed Comrades
Alice R. Kramer, Wife
Salvatore & John Salzano
Bob Morgan, USAF
Ray Marsh, USN
Ed Budzeleski, USN
Russell A. Moyer
Betty Goerke – An Extraordinary Woman
Frank Juarez, friend
Victor Goodman
Alexander Schultz
Joe Musanti
James Sutherland
Edward Lechleiter
Lucille Wells
Meidhof family
Veterans of All Wars
Joseph Kawejsza
Edward Wagner, Brother-in-law
Ed Billson, Brother-in-law
Paul McAndrew
Michael Baraniak, Father & Grandpa
James Brackin, Cousin (Marines)
John J. Eckel, Father (Army)
Ralph Martone, Jr. (Navy)
Duane Armstrong
Edward VanDecker
Mary & Susan Krystosiak, Wife & daughter
Ann H. Zilai
Valese family, Father, Mother & sisters
John McAndrew
Lorraine J. Reddy, Wife
Fannie Fellows, Mother
Chris
Dorothy Wortman, Wife
Gertrude Nigro, Wife
Robert D. Schmidt, Husband (Past Commander)
Edward Wishbow, Husband (Past Commander)
Nicholas & Arthur Maliniak
Mary Ellen McCarthy, Wife
Clarence Hough
Richard Grimes
Lillian Lott, Wife
Ignatius (Tony) Matelski
George McMahon, Father
Milton Moyle, Father
Arthur Graham, Friend
Harry Hautz
Frances Caliendo
Gloria Nicastro, Wife
P.S. If you wish to make a donation. Make check payable to T. Nulty Unit 471, mark it Poppy Drive. Attach a note listing name and relationship if your donation is in memory or honor of a loved one.
PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS, THEY CARE ABOUT YOUR POST 471 !!!
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
JULY 03 Executive Board Meeting 7:30PM
JULY 04 Independence Day – National Holiday – No Post Meeting
JULY 17 Executive Board Meeting 7:30PM
JULY 18 Regular Post Meeting 8:00PM
JULY 18 50/50 RAFFLE DRAWING 9:00PM
JULY 29 Blue Star Family Support Group Meeting 7:00PM
Post Home – 25 Brown Ave. Iselin
JULY 31 Executive Board Meeting 7:30PM
AUG 01 Regular Post Meeting 8:00PM
AUG 14 Executive Board Meeting 7:30PM
AUG 15 Regular Post Meeting 8:00PM
AUG 17 Commander/Unit President Cocktail Party 2-5PM
Post Home – 25 Brown Ave. Iselin NJ
AUG 26 Blue Star Family Support Group Meeting 7:00PM
Post Home – 25 Brown Ave. Iselin
OCT 03 Veterans Forum – Woodbridge Community Center
9AM TO 12 NOON
OCT 19 Unit 471 – TRICKY TRAY !!! 12-5PM
OCT 21 World Series Spaghetti Dinner for Menlo Park Veterans
NOV 11 Veterans Day Services at Post 471 11:00AM
DEC 20 Post Adult Christmas Party 6:30 – 10:30 PM
DEC 21 Post Children’s Christmas Party 1:00 – 4:00PM
DEC 30 Blue Star Family Support Group Meeting 7:00PM
Post Home – 25 Brown Ave. Iselin
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
To date we have 650 members. A drop from high of 701 members last year. On March 7, 2008 all new and transferred members as well as members celebrating (25,30,35,40,45,& 50) years of continuous membership were inducted and certificates given out to those present. All who couldn’t attend and live in the area, your certificates will be left at the bar for pick up. All members outside of the area will receive theirs when the 2009 membership cards are mailed out.
New members are needed so please try and bring in at least one new member. Information can be found on our New post website (www.tnultypost471.org) All members with computers or with access to a computer please see our new website.
For God and Country
1st Vice Commander Membership John Canova
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY
On Dec 23, 2007 the Annual Post #471 Children’s Christmas Party was held. I have attended it for 3 years with my wife, Theresa and our two sons Timmy age 8 and Thomas age 6. This year, our 4th, was my first as Chairman of the event. I must admit, at first I was nervous. To my good fortune, I had a lot of help and guidance from some very fine people.
I want to take this opportunity to say thanks to Ed Gorman, Ann Baraniak and the Ladies Auxiliary for the beautiful goodie bags they put together and for coordinating Santa’s Reindeer and his helpers. Big thanks to my fellow Executive Board members, and fellow members for setting up and breaking down all the tables and chairs and not to forget the cleanup afterward. Thanks to Jackie and her staff for the wonderful food, as usual!
The kids loved being visited by Santa, evidenced by all the ear to ear smiles on the little one’s faces. I also want to thank the photography team of Gene Bernhardt, our Post #471 Historian and again Mr. McGory on the Polaroid Camera. Thank you to everyone who made the Children’s Christmas Party a total success. I am extremely proud to be part of a Post where teamwork is very much alive and well!!!
Thank you & GOD bless! Tim Netta
ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY
Dec. 22nd was another great event this year at Post 471.
Our Adult Party’s attendance of 118 was more than double of the past two years! We entertained 16 veterans from Menlo Park Vet’s Home which is our annual tradition which we love to do!
I wish to thank our Executive Board and all Post/Unit members who helped make this a great success. Thanks to Jackie and her staff, thanks to John Kimberlin for running the Christmas raffle again, and also for arranging our entertainment - Steven Berger!!
What a fantastic entertainer, everyone enjoyed him so much!! Hopefully we can get him for another planned event during the year!! We can always arrange for a date, all we need is YOUR help to run another great event!! Any ideas??? Thanks again to everyone for making this event Great!
3rd Vice Commander - Frank Kemper
BAR CHAIRMAN REPORT
The Post Lounge has a New jukebox!! Come on down with family and friends and enjoy the 1000 new CD selections! Bring your own snaks if you like and enjoy the updated selections.
The Bar has reverted to “shorter hours” and will continue to operate daily from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. These hours will continue through Spring & Summer and the earlier Sunday opening (12:30 pm) will return with the beginning of pro football in September. We are still looking for bartenders, so if you would like to lend a hand, contact Frank Biscay at the Post. Phone number is 732-634-9119
Bar Chairman - Frank Biscay
CHAPLAIN’S REPORT
Since our last Newsletter, the following members have reported to Post Everlasting:
Joseph Okulicz Donald F Coffey Arthur M. Donnelly Samuel Barbato
Elburn (Bud) Richards Andrew Seeley James Fallon Raymond Schneider
John DiBasio Reinhart Thorsen Edward Ocelus Milton Berke
Allen Balint Clifford (Bob) Kraft
We salute each and every one of them! We thank everyone that shows up at wake service! The families of our deceased members are forever grateful for the services.
SICK CALL - If you know of any member who is seriously ill, is hospitalized, or may need help please contact us or call the Post @ 732-634-9119.
BLOOD DRIVE
The next blood drive will be held at the Post on Tuesday March 25th. Please mark your calendar and come down and help us support this worthwhile cause.
CHRISTMAS BASKETS
Thanks to Post member Izzy Pawlowski and the Foodtown of South Amboy for getting our food baskets together for those families in need we delivered them to!
POPPY DRIVE
Our Poppy Drive will begin on May 1st !!! Please check at the Post which street corners we will canvass, and which store sites we have and what dates we will be there!!
Mike Serak - Post Chaplain
SERVICE OFFICER’S REPORT
Stimulus Payments for Recipients of VA Benefits. We have just received a full copy of the document released by the IRS regarding income tax excempt Veterans who are eligible for the Stimulus Payment (rebate) from the Federal Government. For those who don’t normally file a form 1040A, you will have to file one for the year 2007 which will qualify for a $300 check if single or a $600 check if filling a joint return. They have produced a special version of the 1040A form you must use. We have a full copy of this report available at the Post Info. Center, or you can call 1-800-829-1040 or go online to www.irs.goc/newsroom
VA Health Care Eligibility fo Combat Veterans Extented to Five Years.
Military Veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11th, 1998 including Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq are now eligible for five years Medical Care from the VA for most conditions. This measure increases from 2 to 5 years which has been in effect. The new provision is part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 signed into law on Jan. 28, 2008 and applies to a VA Hospital, Outpatient Clinic, of Nursing Home. It also extends VA Benefits - previously limited to 90-180 days after discharge…
REMEMBER
Keep your families informed of your RECORDS & WISHES.
For God & Country , Ed Gorman
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS - WE ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF YOUR HELP
Post 471 is facing a budget shortfall this year that is unprecedented. In the past, we have urged you, our members, to come in and volunteer your time. This year we are planning a new Super 50/50 Raffle and we truly need our members to buy and sell 50/50 tickets. The price of each ticket will be $5.00 with three prizes.
1st prize ticket drawn will receive 30% of the proceeds; 2nd prize ticket drawn 15% of the proceeds; 3rd prize ticket drawn 5% of the proceeds.
With your help this could add up to a very nice prize.
We know a lot of our members are unable to come and work; but, I think we all could sell five tickets (or more) for the 50/50. We also know that each and every one of you is a proud member of Post 471 and also proud of your Veteran status. So Please, Please sell as many 50/50 tickets as you can. We hope to be sending out the raffle books in the near future.
Thank you all in advance for your support. Gene Bernhardt - Post Historian
WILDWOOD !!! DEPARTMENT CONVENTION JUNE 12,13,14 !!
ATTENTION: The warm weather is on it’s way, and it is time to sign up for the Department Convention!! The Olympic Beach Resort will be our home base once again. The first night’s room deposit is $107. Checks should be made out to Post 471, and must be received by APRIL 4th Please note, the balance due should be paid at the Olympic because there is a 5% service charge for using a credit card.
The Olympic will honor any cancellation up to 2 weeks prior to arrival, but will return the first night’s deposit minus a 25% service charge. After the cut off date of 2 weeks prior, there is no refund and if you are a no show you will be liable to pay for the nights that you have booked.
Please call the Post if interested in attending. Leave you name, phone number, and the nights you wish to stay by March 31st. Thank you for signing up early!!!
Don Harrity - Convention Chairman - 732-634-9119
ATLANTIC CITY!!
The next AC trip will be on Sunday April 20th to Caesar’s!!! The price is still at $23, with $18 being returned in coin upon arriving at the Casino. Breakfast will be at the Post from 9:15am to 10 am, with the bus departing at 10:15am. We should return by 8pm. The sign up sheet is now at the Post Lounge, and paying when you sign up guarantee’s your seat.
Don Harrity - AC Chairman