POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
JANUARY 2009
Post Commander, Frank Molina
Auxiliary President, Deirdre Nye
SAL Commander, Kim Scott
ALR President, Michael Smith
Lead Bartender, Jeff Sweet
Bingo Chairman, Barb Klein
Adjutant, Don Aiton
Editor, Karen Goodman
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, January 7, 6:30p
ALR Meeting, January 10, 9a
Marine Corps League, January 12, 7p
E-Board Meeting, January 14, 7p
SAL Meeting, January 21, 6:30p
Post Meeting, January 28, 7p
District 3, January 11, 1:30p, at Post 24
Pot Luck, Monday, January 5, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. This month’s theme is Soup and Sandwiches.
Pool Night, Every Tuesday @ 6:30p. Happy hour drink prices for all players. The entry fee is $5. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.
Karaoke, Every Thursday @5:30p. And it’s Taco Night too!!!
Bingo, Every Friday, Doors Open @5p, Early Birds @6:30p, Regular Games @7p. Enjoy Café Legionnaire’s Friday Fish!
Play SLINGO every Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL and beginning Sunday Jan 4, every Sunday 3-5p sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary! SLINGO is a fast paced casino style game, played at the bar. You can smoke, drink, watch the game, choose your favorites tunes on the jukebox or order a meal while you play.
Café Legionnaire is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.
FROM THE POST COMMANDER
For God and Country
Frank Molina
Our Legionnaire Christmas has come and gone and the New Year is fast approaching. I would like to wish all Post 24 Members and their families, all veteran’s, in and out of uniform, and their families, Beautiful Holiday’s and a Very Happy New Year.
As all of you know, it is easy to be swayed from Peace and Goodwill as we hear about war in foreign countries and disagreements between people right here in our own Post. The fact is that none of us know, but we must have faith, not fear. We must favor love and not hate. And we must have Peace and Unity.
FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
December allowed the sun to stay in our Cowboy Town. Isn’t Tombstone a great place to be, here in the high desert!
Our Legion looks wonderfully festive thanks to Chairman Sandi Freeman and the very artistic Decorating Committee, which seems to grow every month. It cuts time and work in half leaving more time to enjoy. Thank you all.
The Auxiliary has always kept a box in the bar area for small luxury items and toiletries to send to our Troops. This December we sent many packages to Tombstone’s own in Iraq including Anthony and David Lopez. The Wild West Detachment Marine Corp League have taken the "Twins" under their wing. Thank you Marines. There are now two boxes in the bar area, the Auxiliary will still be collecting for others in combat areas.
One thing I know for absolute, Unit 24 has the best cooks in Arizona. The deserts brought to the Early Bird dinner were magnificent. That is why we always have so many members at our Pot Luck dinners the first Monday of the month. Potluck in January is on the 5th. The theme is winter soup and sandwiches.
The Blind Veterans from the V. A. Hospital in Tucson visited on the 13th of December. It is always a pleasure accompanying them around our Town "Too Tough to Die". Every year at Christmas Time, The American Legion gives them a festive bag of goodies, hats, shirts etc., I think our Newsletter Editor gets as much fun buying their holiday favors, as they get receiving them. They always have so much fun they all want to return. If you have not had the pleasure of being with them yet, look out for the sign that says, "Rita and the Vets are coming, we know you will enjoy every minute with them.
The Children's Christmas Party on the 14th of December was a great success. Second Vice President Sandi Freeman waved her fairy dust and it was magic. There were so many members helping serve the Children of Tombstone, thank you so much everyone. We gave out 91 stockings and 91 envelopes with $5.00 in each, along with an eight foot table full of stuffy toys.
The sign up sheet for The Auxiliary's "Slingo" will be at the end of the side bar. Our first venture will be Sunday the 4th of January and every Sunday thereafter, God willing. We are told that we need at least 4 people. The Sons of The Legion have found it to be a great fundraiser, I am sure that we will also.
It has been wonderful getting to know and working with the great Members of Unit 24. I look forward to helping our Veterans and Community with those Members that can, and those that cannot, please let us know what we can do for you. Thank you all for CARING AND SHARING.
Have a Magnificent and Happy New Year and God Bless.
FROM THE SAL COMMANDER
Kim Scott
We are please to announce the great success that Saturday SLINGO has given to us. Thank you for your support. Please volunteer 2 ½ hours of your time, just one Saturday every 4-6 weeks is all that is asked. You’ll have great fun too.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert
The veterans outreach program, which got underway in July of 2008 is happy to report that it has presented six, long overdue, applications for benefits to the VA, as well as assisting numerous veterans gain needed access to the VA health care system. In addition, we have assisted many others with information, state benefits, and more. Also, because of your support, the new outreach office, tentatively named the Veterans Outpost, has nearly everything it needs to get underway. Thanks especially to Cary and Darla Davies, Donald Nye, Jim 'Cookie' Deichman, Barbara Klein, Yogi Bear, Sencie Patchin, Gene Simpson, Jim Bugg, and the Sacred Heart Thrift Store who donated both skills, strong arms, and stuff. The only thing we are missing is some type of floor covering. Thanks to everyone for your support and assistance in getting the word out.
WILD WEST DETACHMENT
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Bill Pakinkis
The Wild West Detachment Marine Corps League meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 7p. Membership is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, retired or former Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen. For more information contact Detachment Commandant at 378-2120, or Past Department Commandant, Bill Pakinkis at 457-3511.
POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
New Key Cards will be available for $1 beginning 1/1/09.
Our annual golf tournament will be held March 8, 2009, at the short course in Benson. Volunteers are needs for this committee. See Mike Stout for more information.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Effective Jan 1, 2009
License Plate Holder Law - State law* requires that the state name at the top of Arizona license plates must be visible. Any license plate holder or cover that prevents the license plate from being clearly legible, is in violation of this new law.
Off-Highway Vehicle Decal - A new off-highway vehicle decal is required to be purchased each year for operation of any vehicle operated on unimproved roads, trails and approved use areas not suitable for conventional two-wheel-drive vehicular travel. Examples include: All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), trail motorcycles and dirt bikes. This does not apply to pickup trucks, SUVs, cars and other recreational vehicles.
DISTRICT 3 NEWS
Sencie Patchin
The District 3 Meeting in January will be held at Post 24 on Jan. 11, 2009 at 1:30PM. The Department Of Arizona, President Vicki Zwall will be making her official visit to District 3. Hope to see you all there.
On Jan 17th Unit 52 will be hosting a leadership workshop in Sierra Vista at post 24. It is an 8 hour course. From 8AM to 4PM. It is a worthwhile course and hopefully those of you who have not attended a leadership course will attend. Please call Sherrie at 458-6830 for more information or call Sencie at 457-3749.
On February 21, 2009 District 3 will be hosting an Initiation Tea at Post 24 from 1-4PM. Please call Sencie at 457-3749 for more information.
SICK CALL
Please remember in your thoughts and prayers those that are sick, residing in extended care facilities, are housebound or are in hospital. A shout out goes to Gary Garrard, Ralph and Evelyn Holder, Dee Lucas, Gary Case, Laura Keeney, and Mary Musich who is recovering from knee surgery. Take care of those ankles, especially Grace Steiner and Sue Furnas.
IN MEMORIUM
Thankfully, there is nothing to report at this writing.
Happy January Birthday
Rachael Parra 1/2, Lil Thibeault and Joe Turley1/4, Jack Weeks, James Christian and Nancee Condon 1/8, Gloria Vandenbroeck 1/14, Dwight Stumph 1/15, Cody Gilberg 1/16, Aidan Goodman 1/17, Ann Shull 1/18, Richard Perry, Colette Ross and George Timmons 1/21, David DuBois and Vic Walker 1/22, Louis Herod 1/24, Chick Warren 1/25, Roy Zeagler 1/27, Jeff Sweet 1/28
FROM THE EDITOR
Karen Goodman
If you would like to have a copy of the newsletter emailed to you, send your email address to karengoodman66@msn.com or leave the information at the Post. The same can be said for information, articles or commentary you wish to publish. Deadline for the February Newsletter will be January 29.
Please follow the Post News and photos on our blog at http://post24az.blogspot.com/ Check out the blog for Member party pictures.
Auld Lang Syne
The song Auld Lang Syne is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scotch tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne."
- Robert Burns, Auld Lang Syne
Luck For The New Year
Traditionally, it was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. For that reason, it has become common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends. Parties often last into the middle of the night after the ringing in of a new year. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year's Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall dark-haired man.
Traditional New Year foods are also thought to bring luck. Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune.
Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the New Year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thank You E-Board Bartenders!
E-board bartenders, left to right, bottom, Mike Stout, Frank Molina, Kenny Seifert, top, Jim Burns, Don Aiton, Terry Weipricht, Dave Weed. Absent, Mac McFarlan, Al Jepson
Christmas Day bar tenders, Dave and Kathy Weed and Jack Hess kept the bar open 10a-10p!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Care Package
WILD WEST DETACHMENT MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
TOMBSTONE
Bill Pakinkis PDC/AZ AVHOF/2008
There will be no General Membership meeting in January 2009
The Detachment is currently accepting donations to send Care Packages to the Lopez Brothers, currentlty serving with the United States Marine Corps in the Afganistan Theater of Operations.
Those wishing to donate towards these Care Packages can send their donations to the Wild West Detachment, Marine Corps League/P.O.Box 311/Tombstone, AZ 85638. Please make checks payable to the Wild West Det. MCL, Lopez Bros. Fund.
TOMBSTONE
Bill Pakinkis PDC/AZ AVHOF/2008
There will be no General Membership meeting in January 2009
The Detachment is currently accepting donations to send Care Packages to the Lopez Brothers, currentlty serving with the United States Marine Corps in the Afganistan Theater of Operations.
Those wishing to donate towards these Care Packages can send their donations to the Wild West Detachment, Marine Corps League/P.O.Box 311/Tombstone, AZ 85638. Please make checks payable to the Wild West Det. MCL, Lopez Bros. Fund.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Post News and Views, December 2008
POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
DECEMBER 2008
Post Commander, Frank Molina
Auxiliary President, Deirdre Nye
SAL Commander, Kim Scott
ALR President, Michael Smith
Lead Bartender, Jeff Sweet
Bingo Chairman, Barb Klein
Adjutant, Don Aiton
Editor, Karen Goodman
DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, Dec 3, 6:30p
E-Board Meeting, Dec 10, 7p
Marine Corps League, Dec 8, 7p
ALR Meeting, Dec 13, 9a
SAL Meeting, Dec 17, 6:30p
Post Meeting, Dec meeting is cancelled
Special Events
Early Bird Dinner, Dec 7,
Blind Vets, Dec 13, 10a
Christmas Lights Parade, Dec 13
Children’s Xmas Party, Dec 14,
Club Xmas Party, Dec 24, 6-8p
Post New Year’s Eve Party, Dec 31, 8p-Mid
Pot Luck, Monday, Dec 1, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. Our theme this month is Baked Potato Bar. We will have door prizes too. Bring a gently used coat or blanket for an extra door prize ticket!
Pool Night, Every Tuesday @ 6:15p. Happy hour drink prices for all players. The entry fee is $5. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.
Karaoke, Every Thursday @5:30p. And it’s Taco Night too!!!
Bingo, Every Friday, Doors Open @5p, Early Birds @6:30p, Regular Games @7p. Enjoy Café Legionnaire’s Friday Fish!
Play SLINGO every Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL. SLINGO is a face paced casino style game, played at the bar. You can smoke, drink, watch the game, choose your favorites tunes on the jukebox or order a meal while you play.
Our own Café Legionnaire, operated by Jim and Brenda, is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.
Tombstone Happenings
Fort Huachuca Christmas, Walk thru historic homes decorated for the holidays, Dec 7, 1-4, on Post.
Tombstone Light Parade with Santa, Dec 13t, 7p. The post will participate in this parade. It will start on 6th and Allen.
FROM THE POST COMMANDER
For God and Country
Frank Molina
Well, here we are at the end of November. Thanksgiving is here and at this time I would like to wish all Post 24 Legionnaires and families a safe and happy thanksgiving. And to all of our service men and women and their families who are serving our country, happy thanksgiving.
Also, a special thank you goes to our Post 24 Color Guard and Legion Riders for the wonderful job they did on a very cold and windy Veteran’s Day parade day in Douglas, hosted by Post 11, SAL.
“Time To Remember”
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike.
And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved ones tight.
Take time to say “I’m sorry”, “Please forgive me”, “Thank you” or “It’s OK”,
For if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regret about today.
FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
It is December and some of us are still in shorts. November was a great month. On the 24th of November we were given the keys to our Veterans Center, at the "Old Food Bank " at 121, 4th Street. Cleaning, repairing, painting etc., starts the 1st of December. If any one is interested in helping please call Deirdre Nye at 457-3752 or e-mail meat dnyednye@gmail.com .
FROM THE SAL COMMANDER
Kim Scott
We are please to announce the great success that Saturday SLINGO has given to us. Thank you for your support. Please volunteer 2 ½ hours of your time, just one Saturday every 4-6 weeks is all that is asked. You’ll have great fun too.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert
We are extremely pleased to announce that the Tombstone City Council, at their November meeting, approved the Legion's lease of the front two rooms of the old food bank space for a Veteran's Outreach Center. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially Don Aiton, George Barnes, Jim Burns, Dusty Escapule, Frank Molina, Deirdre Nye, Bob Zohlmann, and all past and present members of the Tombstone City Council. We are busy now patching walls, painting, and rushing to get ready for a Grand Opening Ceremony.
We still need desks and other office furniture. If anyone wishes to donate something like that, just give a call to Susan Schubert at 255-1960. And look for the announcement of our opening ceremony.
POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Dues are due for all members by 12/31/08. They can be dropped off at the Post or can be mailed in care of the American Legion, PO Box 247, Tombstone, 85638.
The Early Bird Dinner, open to all members who have paid their dues by 11/11/08, will be held Sunday December 7, 2008, 4PM – 7 PM. The dinner menu will include roast pork, red skinned potatoes with gravy, green beans, roll and butter. Please sign the sheet on the side bar by Dec 2 or call 457-2273. Our kitchen needs a rough count of heads. Guests may attend at a cost of $7.50. Please bring your membership card.
The Blind Veterans, from the Tucson VA will be visiting our Post and our Town Saturday December 13th, 10a. Trust me, volunteering to help with their visit will be the most rewarding time you spend during this season of giving and cheer. Help our Post make their visit a most memorable one.
Tombstone’s Christmas Lights Parade, with Santa, will be held Saturday December 13th beginning at 7p. Our own Color Guard and Legion Riders will be in the parade this year. Come down to town and cheer them on.
Our Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be held on Sunday December 14, 2-4p. Food, entertainment and presents will once again add joy to the children of our Post and community.
The Annual Post Christmas Party will be held on Wednesday December 24, 6-8p. As always, Post Members (no guests please) are invited to share holiday drinks and pot luck. Please bring in your favorite holiday appetizer, finger food or dessert.
Post 24 will be sponsoring a New Year’s Eve Party at the club. Snacks, hats, whistles and a DJ will be a part of the fun. Bring in the New Year with your friends and family at your favorite Post. The fun will begin at 8p. Look for more information at the Post and online at http://post24az.blogspot.com/ .
New Key Cards will be available for $1 beginning 1/1/09.
Don’t forget…Holiday Mail For Heroes http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/ . Cards should be postmarked by 12/10/08. Check out our blog or the Red Cross web site for more information.
The History of Christmas
Christmas, An Ancient Holiday
The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.
In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.
The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.
In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.
Saturnalia
In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.
Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra's birthday was the most sacred day of the year.
In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.
By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today's Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the "lord of misrule" and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined "debt" to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.
An Outlaw Christmas
In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.
The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.
After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America's new constitution. Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.
Irving Reinvents Christmas
It wasn't until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?
The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city's first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.
In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving's mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving's fictitious celebrants enjoyed "ancient customs," including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving's book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended – in fact, many historians say that Irving's account actually "invented" tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.
A Christmas Carol
Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story's message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.
The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to "spoil" them.
As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving.
Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.
For more on the history of Christmas, visit the History Channel at http://www.history.com/
Myths and Lore of Mistletoe
Mistletoe and Christmas, what other holiday tradition brings such a smile to the faces of men and women of all ages? It wasn't always this way. For at least 3,000 years, mistletoe was gathered in midsummer and was burned as part of a Celtic ritual.
Mistletoe was considered sacred by virtue of its occurrence on oak trees (a rare occurrence in Europe), a sacred tree and a symbol of strength and immortality.
The plant was ceremoniously cut with a golden sickle by Celtic priests and caught on a white cloth so as to avoid touching the ground. This ceremony coincided with the winter solstice and thus began the winter celebration.
Mistletoe was also used to welcome the new year and to ward off evil. Mistletoe was hung over a baby's cradle to prevent theft from fairies, and it was believed that mistletoe promoted dreams that unlocked the secrets of immortality. When hung in the home, mistletoe symbolized purity and strength and promoted happiness, romance and peace. In fact, custom called for enemies meeting beneath the mistletoe to throw down their weapons and embrace.
Mistletoe also was believed to possess medicinal properties. When worn, mistletoe had the extraordinary powers of warding off demons and witches while protecting the wearer from fits, fever, tremors and poison. On top of all that, it was thought to promote fertility. It was even used as a treatment for convulsions and nervous disorders (even though mistletoe is very poisonous!). It also had some use as a vasodilator and sedative until the 1950s. Modern medical research has shown that mistletoe has promise for treating some cancers, hypertension, vertigo, epilepsy, palsy and cardiovascular ailments. Research has also confirmed that it is, in fact, very poisonous, so alternatives were developed and mistletoe--the miracle drug--disappeared.
Because of its association with pagan ceremonies, mistletoe was banned from Christmas ceremonies by the Church. A common medieval belief held that mistletoe was the wood used to make the crucifix. Cursed, mistletoe was no longer welcome on earth and was doomed to live as a parasite growing on trees. It was not until the 17th century that people became more open about their fondness for mistletoe. Kissing under the mistletoe came about because of the belief that mistletoe's curative powers would cure a broken heart and soothe the differences between quarreling lovers.
Mistletoe is primarily a tropical plant, some growing up to 30 feet tall. The mistletoe of Christmas tradition grows in Europe and Asia, and a dwarf mistletoe, one of the world's smallest vascular plants, can be found in some conifers of Western North America. In Tennessee, only one mistletoe species is common, Phoradendron leucarpum.
Mistletoe is a thief. It's scientific name, Phoradendron means "thief of the tree" in Greek. To understand why, look at the life of American mistletoe. Mistletoe is semiparasitic; that is, while it has green leaves that provide some energy, it meets many of its energy needs by sucking the lifeblood from its host, usually oaks, elms and poplars.
The roots of the mistletoe never reach the ground. Roots enter the host tree, robbing it of necessary water and minerals. Actually, mistletoe has developed a very specialized tissue with the shape of a bell (called a haustorium). This bell-shaped structure grows into the host tree and combines with the living tree. Mistletoe survives by starving the host tree, sometimes to death. For this reason, mistletoe is sometimes known as "the vampire plant."
In addition to a host tree, mistletoe needs a way to pollinate its flowers and a way to spread its seeds to the branches of trees. While insects pollinate mistletoe, spreading of the seeds is a most interesting process. In Europe, the mistle thrush bird carries the very sticky one-seeded fruits to other host trees. Then, after consuming the berries, it regurgitates the seeds into branch crevices--an excellent place for mistletoe seeds to germinate.
In North America, birds avoid the immature fruits which are bitter, hard and contain poisonous compounds. Instead, they eat and disperse the mature fruits which are still hard to digest. The resulting unharmed seeds take root in the new host tree.
In Australia, mistletoe fruit is winged and is dispersed by the wind. And dwarf mistletoe may have the most interesting means of seed dispersal of all. The fruit seems to be explosive; the sticky seed, shaped like a small missile, may travel up to 60 feet at speeds of up to 80 feet per second before sticking to a new host! In fact, a product called birdlime, a sticky substance smeared on trees to catch birds, is made from the berries of mistletoe. After the seed lodges in the new host tree branch, it grows into a yellowish-green plant up to three feet long. Its dense leathery oval- to lance-shaped opposite leaves (about two inches long) mask the small pale flowers that appear in compact spikes (male and female flowers are found on different plants). The plants grow slowly and generally survive as long as the host does.
Every year, mistletoe is collected and used as a Christmas ornament, and every year, children and family pets become ill from the poisonous berries. We don't use mistletoe to ward off baby thieves or to promote dreams of immortality anymore. For some reason though, kissing under the mistletoe has survived through the ages; it probably will for a long, long time, too.
By Andrea Brewer Shea and David Duhl
SICK CALL
Please remember in your thoughts and prayers those that are sick, residing in extended care facilities, are housebound or are in hospital. A special shout goes to Gary Garrard, who will be having more surgery, our dear Ralph and Evelyn Holder (we miss you so much), Dee Lucas, Gary Case and Laura Keeney.
IN MEMORIUM
Thankfully, there is nothing to report at this writing.
Happy December Birthday
Leroy Colomy and Evelyn McNabb Harrison, Dec 2, Kim Plett, Dec 4, John McDaniel, Dec 5, Katie Sherman, Dec 8, Juan Esquer, Dec 9, Cheryl Braden, Dec 15, Bev McCan, Dec 16, Ron Cole, Joseph Fox, Carol Leach and Dee Dee Molina, Dec 18, Tony Perotti, Dec 21, John Satterfield, Dec 25, Barbara Lanham, Dec 29, Mike McKay, Dec 30, Joe Harvey and Steve (Sha Na Na/Snake) Washburn, Dec 31.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
The frost is on the pumpkin and many kids in southern Cochise County will not have a coat to wear to keep them warm on the way to school.
Don Aiton and Karen Goodman will be collecting clean, gently used and new coats, all sizes, all ages, both genders, at the Monday Dec 1 Pot Luck.
We will deliver these coats to the Douglas Fire Department. Please help to keep our children warm this winter. Clean blankets will also be accepted!
FOR SALE
Fireball Model A, Compact Disk Jukebox…60 ½” x 35 7/8” x26”, 313 lbs. Output Power: 360 Watts, Protection: Short Circuit Shutdown 100°C, Frequency: 60Hz/50Hz, Maximum Power Consumption: Standby 300 Watts/Max 340 Watts.
No Warranty, No CD’s, Disk Changer is New, As Is-Needs Some Work (CD’s Skip), Best Offer. Contact Commander Frank Molina at the Post, 457-2273.
FROM THE EDITOR
Karen Goodman
If you would like to have a copy of the newsletter emailed to you, send your email address to karengoodman66@msn.com or leave the information at the Post. The same can be said for information, articles or commentary you wish to publish. Deadline for the December Newsletter will be Dec 26.
Please follow the Post news and photos on our blog at http://post24az.blogspot.com/
DECEMBER 2008
Post Commander, Frank Molina
Auxiliary President, Deirdre Nye
SAL Commander, Kim Scott
ALR President, Michael Smith
Lead Bartender, Jeff Sweet
Bingo Chairman, Barb Klein
Adjutant, Don Aiton
Editor, Karen Goodman
DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Meetings
Auxiliary Meeting, Dec 3, 6:30p
E-Board Meeting, Dec 10, 7p
Marine Corps League, Dec 8, 7p
ALR Meeting, Dec 13, 9a
SAL Meeting, Dec 17, 6:30p
Post Meeting, Dec meeting is cancelled
Special Events
Early Bird Dinner, Dec 7,
Blind Vets, Dec 13, 10a
Christmas Lights Parade, Dec 13
Children’s Xmas Party, Dec 14,
Club Xmas Party, Dec 24, 6-8p
Post New Year’s Eve Party, Dec 31, 8p-Mid
Pot Luck, Monday, Dec 1, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share. Our theme this month is Baked Potato Bar. We will have door prizes too. Bring a gently used coat or blanket for an extra door prize ticket!
Pool Night, Every Tuesday @ 6:15p. Happy hour drink prices for all players. The entry fee is $5. Cafe Legionnaire is open and will serve pool night specials.
Karaoke, Every Thursday @5:30p. And it’s Taco Night too!!!
Bingo, Every Friday, Doors Open @5p, Early Birds @6:30p, Regular Games @7p. Enjoy Café Legionnaire’s Friday Fish!
Play SLINGO every Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by the SAL. SLINGO is a face paced casino style game, played at the bar. You can smoke, drink, watch the game, choose your favorites tunes on the jukebox or order a meal while you play.
Our own Café Legionnaire, operated by Jim and Brenda, is open Tuesday, 6-8p, Wednesday thru Friday, 11a - 8p, Saturday, 9a – 8p (Breakfast 9 – 11a) and Sunday 2-6p.
Tombstone Happenings
Fort Huachuca Christmas, Walk thru historic homes decorated for the holidays, Dec 7, 1-4, on Post.
Tombstone Light Parade with Santa, Dec 13t, 7p. The post will participate in this parade. It will start on 6th and Allen.
FROM THE POST COMMANDER
For God and Country
Frank Molina
Well, here we are at the end of November. Thanksgiving is here and at this time I would like to wish all Post 24 Legionnaires and families a safe and happy thanksgiving. And to all of our service men and women and their families who are serving our country, happy thanksgiving.
Also, a special thank you goes to our Post 24 Color Guard and Legion Riders for the wonderful job they did on a very cold and windy Veteran’s Day parade day in Douglas, hosted by Post 11, SAL.
“Time To Remember”
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike.
And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved ones tight.
Take time to say “I’m sorry”, “Please forgive me”, “Thank you” or “It’s OK”,
For if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regret about today.
FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
It is December and some of us are still in shorts. November was a great month. On the 24th of November we were given the keys to our Veterans Center, at the "Old Food Bank " at 121, 4th Street. Cleaning, repairing, painting etc., starts the 1st of December. If any one is interested in helping please call Deirdre Nye at 457-3752 or e-mail meat dnyednye@gmail.com .
It would be great to have many of our members at our December 3rd meeting. One of our executive board members has stepped down for personal reasons. We will be voting on a new E-board member.
The Legion has asked the Auxiliary to bring desserts for the December 7th Early Bird dinner. Drop off your favorite dessert by at least 3:45pm. Dinner begins at 4:00pm.
On December 8th at 9:00am the decorating committee will be putting up Christmas decorations at the Legion. All members are welcome to help and have fun.
On December 9th at 6:30pm the Auxiliary will be stuffing Christmas stockings for the Children's Christmas Party. All are welcome to help.
The Children's Christmas Party is on December 14th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. We are expecting at least 150 children and need many volunteers.....the more the merrier. The Ladies Auxiliary is asked to please bring finger food, cakes and cookies.
January 4th will see the beginning of the Auxiliary’s next fundraiser, "SLINGO". TheSons of Legion host SLINGO on Saturdays. The Auxiliary will be hostingon Sundays, 3-5p, at the Post in the bar. Volunteers are needed. We need 3-4 persons per week for about 2 ½ hours. Those who do not have a bingo background clearance, please ask Barbara Klein, Sandi Freeman or Deirdre Nye for information.
We thank the kitchen for the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and the Auxiliary members for the excellent deserts.
The Auxiliary wishes Post 24 and all of Tombstone residents a Merry Merry Christmas.
FROM THE SAL COMMANDER
Kim Scott
We are please to announce the great success that Saturday SLINGO has given to us. Thank you for your support. Please volunteer 2 ½ hours of your time, just one Saturday every 4-6 weeks is all that is asked. You’ll have great fun too.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert
We are extremely pleased to announce that the Tombstone City Council, at their November meeting, approved the Legion's lease of the front two rooms of the old food bank space for a Veteran's Outreach Center. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially Don Aiton, George Barnes, Jim Burns, Dusty Escapule, Frank Molina, Deirdre Nye, Bob Zohlmann, and all past and present members of the Tombstone City Council. We are busy now patching walls, painting, and rushing to get ready for a Grand Opening Ceremony.
We still need desks and other office furniture. If anyone wishes to donate something like that, just give a call to Susan Schubert at 255-1960. And look for the announcement of our opening ceremony.
WILD WEST DETACHMENT
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Bill Pakinkis
The Wild West Detachment Marine Corps League meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 7p. Membership is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, retired or former Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen. For more information contact Detachment Commandant at 378-2120, or Past Department Commandant, Bill Pakinkis at 457-3511.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Bill Pakinkis
The Wild West Detachment Marine Corps League meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 7p. Membership is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, retired or former Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen. For more information contact Detachment Commandant at 378-2120, or Past Department Commandant, Bill Pakinkis at 457-3511.
POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
Dues are due for all members by 12/31/08. They can be dropped off at the Post or can be mailed in care of the American Legion, PO Box 247, Tombstone, 85638.
The Early Bird Dinner, open to all members who have paid their dues by 11/11/08, will be held Sunday December 7, 2008, 4PM – 7 PM. The dinner menu will include roast pork, red skinned potatoes with gravy, green beans, roll and butter. Please sign the sheet on the side bar by Dec 2 or call 457-2273. Our kitchen needs a rough count of heads. Guests may attend at a cost of $7.50. Please bring your membership card.
The Blind Veterans, from the Tucson VA will be visiting our Post and our Town Saturday December 13th, 10a. Trust me, volunteering to help with their visit will be the most rewarding time you spend during this season of giving and cheer. Help our Post make their visit a most memorable one.
Tombstone’s Christmas Lights Parade, with Santa, will be held Saturday December 13th beginning at 7p. Our own Color Guard and Legion Riders will be in the parade this year. Come down to town and cheer them on.
Our Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be held on Sunday December 14, 2-4p. Food, entertainment and presents will once again add joy to the children of our Post and community.
The Annual Post Christmas Party will be held on Wednesday December 24, 6-8p. As always, Post Members (no guests please) are invited to share holiday drinks and pot luck. Please bring in your favorite holiday appetizer, finger food or dessert.
Post 24 will be sponsoring a New Year’s Eve Party at the club. Snacks, hats, whistles and a DJ will be a part of the fun. Bring in the New Year with your friends and family at your favorite Post. The fun will begin at 8p. Look for more information at the Post and online at http://post24az.blogspot.com/ .
New Key Cards will be available for $1 beginning 1/1/09.
Don’t forget…Holiday Mail For Heroes http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/ . Cards should be postmarked by 12/10/08. Check out our blog or the Red Cross web site for more information.
The History of Christmas
Christmas, An Ancient Holiday
The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.
In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.
The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.
In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.
Saturnalia
In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.
Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra's birthday was the most sacred day of the year.
In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.
By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today's Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the "lord of misrule" and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined "debt" to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.
An Outlaw Christmas
In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.
The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.
After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America's new constitution. Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.
Irving Reinvents Christmas
It wasn't until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?
The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city's first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.
In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving's mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving's fictitious celebrants enjoyed "ancient customs," including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving's book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended – in fact, many historians say that Irving's account actually "invented" tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.
A Christmas Carol
Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story's message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.
The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to "spoil" them.
As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving.
Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.
For more on the history of Christmas, visit the History Channel at http://www.history.com/
Myths and Lore of Mistletoe
Mistletoe and Christmas, what other holiday tradition brings such a smile to the faces of men and women of all ages? It wasn't always this way. For at least 3,000 years, mistletoe was gathered in midsummer and was burned as part of a Celtic ritual.
Mistletoe was considered sacred by virtue of its occurrence on oak trees (a rare occurrence in Europe), a sacred tree and a symbol of strength and immortality.
The plant was ceremoniously cut with a golden sickle by Celtic priests and caught on a white cloth so as to avoid touching the ground. This ceremony coincided with the winter solstice and thus began the winter celebration.
Mistletoe was also used to welcome the new year and to ward off evil. Mistletoe was hung over a baby's cradle to prevent theft from fairies, and it was believed that mistletoe promoted dreams that unlocked the secrets of immortality. When hung in the home, mistletoe symbolized purity and strength and promoted happiness, romance and peace. In fact, custom called for enemies meeting beneath the mistletoe to throw down their weapons and embrace.
Mistletoe also was believed to possess medicinal properties. When worn, mistletoe had the extraordinary powers of warding off demons and witches while protecting the wearer from fits, fever, tremors and poison. On top of all that, it was thought to promote fertility. It was even used as a treatment for convulsions and nervous disorders (even though mistletoe is very poisonous!). It also had some use as a vasodilator and sedative until the 1950s. Modern medical research has shown that mistletoe has promise for treating some cancers, hypertension, vertigo, epilepsy, palsy and cardiovascular ailments. Research has also confirmed that it is, in fact, very poisonous, so alternatives were developed and mistletoe--the miracle drug--disappeared.
Because of its association with pagan ceremonies, mistletoe was banned from Christmas ceremonies by the Church. A common medieval belief held that mistletoe was the wood used to make the crucifix. Cursed, mistletoe was no longer welcome on earth and was doomed to live as a parasite growing on trees. It was not until the 17th century that people became more open about their fondness for mistletoe. Kissing under the mistletoe came about because of the belief that mistletoe's curative powers would cure a broken heart and soothe the differences between quarreling lovers.
Mistletoe is primarily a tropical plant, some growing up to 30 feet tall. The mistletoe of Christmas tradition grows in Europe and Asia, and a dwarf mistletoe, one of the world's smallest vascular plants, can be found in some conifers of Western North America. In Tennessee, only one mistletoe species is common, Phoradendron leucarpum.
Mistletoe is a thief. It's scientific name, Phoradendron means "thief of the tree" in Greek. To understand why, look at the life of American mistletoe. Mistletoe is semiparasitic; that is, while it has green leaves that provide some energy, it meets many of its energy needs by sucking the lifeblood from its host, usually oaks, elms and poplars.
The roots of the mistletoe never reach the ground. Roots enter the host tree, robbing it of necessary water and minerals. Actually, mistletoe has developed a very specialized tissue with the shape of a bell (called a haustorium). This bell-shaped structure grows into the host tree and combines with the living tree. Mistletoe survives by starving the host tree, sometimes to death. For this reason, mistletoe is sometimes known as "the vampire plant."
In addition to a host tree, mistletoe needs a way to pollinate its flowers and a way to spread its seeds to the branches of trees. While insects pollinate mistletoe, spreading of the seeds is a most interesting process. In Europe, the mistle thrush bird carries the very sticky one-seeded fruits to other host trees. Then, after consuming the berries, it regurgitates the seeds into branch crevices--an excellent place for mistletoe seeds to germinate.
In North America, birds avoid the immature fruits which are bitter, hard and contain poisonous compounds. Instead, they eat and disperse the mature fruits which are still hard to digest. The resulting unharmed seeds take root in the new host tree.
In Australia, mistletoe fruit is winged and is dispersed by the wind. And dwarf mistletoe may have the most interesting means of seed dispersal of all. The fruit seems to be explosive; the sticky seed, shaped like a small missile, may travel up to 60 feet at speeds of up to 80 feet per second before sticking to a new host! In fact, a product called birdlime, a sticky substance smeared on trees to catch birds, is made from the berries of mistletoe. After the seed lodges in the new host tree branch, it grows into a yellowish-green plant up to three feet long. Its dense leathery oval- to lance-shaped opposite leaves (about two inches long) mask the small pale flowers that appear in compact spikes (male and female flowers are found on different plants). The plants grow slowly and generally survive as long as the host does.
Every year, mistletoe is collected and used as a Christmas ornament, and every year, children and family pets become ill from the poisonous berries. We don't use mistletoe to ward off baby thieves or to promote dreams of immortality anymore. For some reason though, kissing under the mistletoe has survived through the ages; it probably will for a long, long time, too.
By Andrea Brewer Shea and David Duhl
SICK CALL
Please remember in your thoughts and prayers those that are sick, residing in extended care facilities, are housebound or are in hospital. A special shout goes to Gary Garrard, who will be having more surgery, our dear Ralph and Evelyn Holder (we miss you so much), Dee Lucas, Gary Case and Laura Keeney.
IN MEMORIUM
Thankfully, there is nothing to report at this writing.
Happy December Birthday
Leroy Colomy and Evelyn McNabb Harrison, Dec 2, Kim Plett, Dec 4, John McDaniel, Dec 5, Katie Sherman, Dec 8, Juan Esquer, Dec 9, Cheryl Braden, Dec 15, Bev McCan, Dec 16, Ron Cole, Joseph Fox, Carol Leach and Dee Dee Molina, Dec 18, Tony Perotti, Dec 21, John Satterfield, Dec 25, Barbara Lanham, Dec 29, Mike McKay, Dec 30, Joe Harvey and Steve (Sha Na Na/Snake) Washburn, Dec 31.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
The frost is on the pumpkin and many kids in southern Cochise County will not have a coat to wear to keep them warm on the way to school.
Don Aiton and Karen Goodman will be collecting clean, gently used and new coats, all sizes, all ages, both genders, at the Monday Dec 1 Pot Luck.
We will deliver these coats to the Douglas Fire Department. Please help to keep our children warm this winter. Clean blankets will also be accepted!
FOR SALE
Fireball Model A, Compact Disk Jukebox…60 ½” x 35 7/8” x26”, 313 lbs. Output Power: 360 Watts, Protection: Short Circuit Shutdown 100°C, Frequency: 60Hz/50Hz, Maximum Power Consumption: Standby 300 Watts/Max 340 Watts.
No Warranty, No CD’s, Disk Changer is New, As Is-Needs Some Work (CD’s Skip), Best Offer. Contact Commander Frank Molina at the Post, 457-2273.
FROM THE EDITOR
Karen Goodman
If you would like to have a copy of the newsletter emailed to you, send your email address to karengoodman66@msn.com or leave the information at the Post. The same can be said for information, articles or commentary you wish to publish. Deadline for the December Newsletter will be Dec 26.
Please follow the Post news and photos on our blog at http://post24az.blogspot.com/
Thanksgiving 2008
The Post's Thanksgiving Dinner, open to all Tombstone residents and visitors, was a great success. We served about 150 people! Jim, Brenda and Kate, of Cafe Legionnaire, led the way along with a dozen volunteers. We missed Ralph and Evelyn but were happy to carry on the tradition.
Pictures from the Veterans Day Parade
Our Post marched in the Veteran's Day parade, held in Douglas Arizona.
Our Color Guard and Legion Riders did a great job.Monday, November 17, 2008
Holiday Mail For Heros
Holiday Mail for Heroes
From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross provides service members, their families and veterans with the care and assistance they need.
The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we’re collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible.
Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spread holiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these brave individuals and families.
Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Please follow these guidelines when mailing a card to ensure that your card will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families. Every card received will first be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working in one of 16 sorting stations around the country.
All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
Participants are encouraged to limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group. If you are mailing a larger quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes. Each card does not need its own envelope or postage.
Please ensure that all cards are signed.
Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process.
Please do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums.
Where to Send Phone Cards, Gift Cards and Care Packages:
Phone cards or gift cards will not be accepted with the holiday cards. Those wishing to send calling cards or gift cards/certificates should go to www.aafes.com, scroll down to "AAFES Community Connection" and click on "Help Our Troops Call Home" or "Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops" in order to send such items.
No 'Care Packages' will be accepted at this address. Those wishing to send care packages should go to www.AmericaSupportsYou.com and click under "Homefront Groups" to find out how to send care packages.
For more information go to http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/
From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross provides service members, their families and veterans with the care and assistance they need.
The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we’re collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible.
Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spread holiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these brave individuals and families.
Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Please follow these guidelines when mailing a card to ensure that your card will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families. Every card received will first be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working in one of 16 sorting stations around the country.
All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
Participants are encouraged to limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group. If you are mailing a larger quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes. Each card does not need its own envelope or postage.
Please ensure that all cards are signed.
Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process.
Please do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums.
Where to Send Phone Cards, Gift Cards and Care Packages:
Phone cards or gift cards will not be accepted with the holiday cards. Those wishing to send calling cards or gift cards/certificates should go to www.aafes.com, scroll down to "AAFES Community Connection" and click on "Help Our Troops Call Home" or "Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops" in order to send such items.
No 'Care Packages' will be accepted at this address. Those wishing to send care packages should go to www.AmericaSupportsYou.com and click under "Homefront Groups" to find out how to send care packages.
For more information go to http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/
Early Bird Dinner
THE AMERICAN LEGION
ROY FOURR POST 24
INVITES YOU TO ATTEND IT’S
ANNUAL EARLY BIRD DINNER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2008
4PM – 7 PM
The dinner menu will include roast pork, red skinned potatoes with gravy, green bean, roll and butter. Please sign the sheet on the side bar by Dec 2 or call 457-2273.
ROY FOURR POST 24
INVITES YOU TO ATTEND IT’S
ANNUAL EARLY BIRD DINNER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2008
4PM – 7 PM
The dinner menu will include roast pork, red skinned potatoes with gravy, green bean, roll and butter. Please sign the sheet on the side bar by Dec 2 or call 457-2273.
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
The American Legion Invites All Tombstone Residents, American Legion Members and Guests To:
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27
1 PM – 4 PM
THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 24
225 EAST ALLEN STREET
457-2273
The American Legion will furnish all of the food. Our kitchen will prepare the food.
Volunteers will be needed for various duties. A sign up sheet will be posted in the club.
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27
1 PM – 4 PM
THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 24
225 EAST ALLEN STREET
457-2273
The American Legion will furnish all of the food. Our kitchen will prepare the food.
Volunteers will be needed for various duties. A sign up sheet will be posted in the club.
December Pot Luck
POT LUCK MONDAY
BAKE POTATO BAR
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 6:30P
POTATOES PROVIDED BY THE LADIES AUXILIARY
BRING IN YOUR FAVORITE POTATO TOPPING, MAIN DISH, SIDE DISH OR DESSERT OR $4.00 DONATION
BRING A CLEAN-GENTLY USED COAT OR BLANKET AND GET AN EXTRA RAFEL TICKET! WE WILL DELIVER THESE DONATIONS TO THE DOUGLAS FIRE DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 6.
BAKE POTATO BAR
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 6:30P
POTATOES PROVIDED BY THE LADIES AUXILIARY
BRING IN YOUR FAVORITE POTATO TOPPING, MAIN DISH, SIDE DISH OR DESSERT OR $4.00 DONATION
BRING A CLEAN-GENTLY USED COAT OR BLANKET AND GET AN EXTRA RAFEL TICKET! WE WILL DELIVER THESE DONATIONS TO THE DOUGLAS FIRE DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 6.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Post 24 November Newsletter
POST 24 NEWS AND VIEWS
NOVEMBER 2008
Post Commander, Frank Molina Auxiliary President, Deirdre Nye
SAL Commander, Kim Scott ALR President, Michael Smith
Lead Bartender, Jeff Sweet Bingo Chairman, Barb Klein
Adjutant, Don Aiton Editor, Karen Goodman
NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Auxiliary Meeting, Nov 5, 6:30p E-Board Meeting, Nov 12, 7p
ALR Meeting, Nov 8, 9a SAL Meeting, Nov 19, 6:30p
Marine Corps League, Nov10, 7p Post Meeting, Nov 26, 7p
Pot Luck, Monday, Nov 3, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share.
Our theme this month is Turkey Fest. We will have door prizes too.
Pool Night, Every Tuesday @ 6:15p. Happy hour drink prices for all players. $1.50 Hot Dogs with all the trimmings, for all. The entry fee is $5.
Karaoke, Every Thursday @5:30p. And it’s Taco Night too!!!
Bingo, Every Friday, Doors Open @5p, Early Birds @6:30p, Regular Games @7p. And Friday Fish is back!
Introducing SLINGO every Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by SAL. Join the fast paced fun!!!
Tombstone Happenings –The Western Music Festival and Wings and Spurs are scheduled for Oct 31 – Nov 2.
Come in costume to the Post 24 Halloween Party, Saturday, Nov 1, 6p. Cash prizes and music!
Veteran’s Day, services 11/11/08, 11a, Post Porch.
FROM THE POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina
Well, as all of you know, Helldorado has come and gone. A special thanks goes to our Post 24 Color Guard, our own Unit 24 Ladies Auxiliary and Unit 11 Ladies Auxiliary of Douglas for the wonderful job they all did in the Parade. Thank you Color Guard; Mike, Chuck, Russ, Kim, Robert and Al. Thanks also to our door security volunteers and our bartenders. Thank you all, For God and Country.
Join us at our Post on 11/11 at 11a for Veterans Days Memorial Services. Look for posters indicating the date and time of the early bird dinner.
FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
October started out with Convention in Tucson. There was a contest between The Legion and the Auxiliary in The State of Arizona, as to who would have the most membership percentage before Convention. The Legion won. Oh my goodness!!! Have you ever seen a group of professional women dressed as clowns?. We came away with many laughs and much information.
The Auxiliary has made headway in helping our Veterans due to the tenacity of our V. A & R. Chairman Susan Schubert, or " Ace " as some know her. We thank The Legion for their support and financial help when needed. Thanks also to our Members From Post 24 and Unit 24 who have contributed generously.Members of Unit 24 have been busy helping the Community, most of the Volunteers at The Food Bank are Auxiliary Members, and there are many Members that volunteer that do not attend the meetings at Roy Fourr. Thank you all.
Saturday the 25th of October found some of our Auxiliary playing Slingo, and it was fun. The S. A. L. entertained us and there were many winners. We want to thank The Legion for inviting us also to host games on Sundays. The Commander of the S. A. L., Kim Scott, has invited the volunteers of The Auxiliary to see how they set it up and how it is played. So girls, lets have fun and help our Veterans and Community. We will all talk about our flyers at our meeting on Wednesday the 5th of November, and there will be a sign up sheet for all those that want to have fun helping.
The Children's Christmas Party is approaching quickly, the 14th of December is only six weeks away, Uncle Willy the Balloon Man will be back amongst other entertainment. Store bought cookies and treats can be donated at any time, we surely appreciate every thing our Members do, we also have lots of fun doing it.There are still " Support our Troops" Snowmen available, just ask one of our Officers and they will get them for you.
For our Juniors…In February we will be starting Drill Team lessons. Dance Instructor Leigh Carter will be teaching you how to do dance steps to a marching band, and wave those Stars and Stripes in unison. We hope you are all exited.
God Bless.
FROM THE SAL COMMANDER
Kim Scott
Squadron 24 has received a very nice plaque, which has been placed on the east wall, for our efforts last spring in collecting donations for the Child Welfare Foundation. We were the top squadron in the state, raising more money for Child Welfare than Apache Junction, he largest Post in the State!! Thank you to everyone that was able to help us reach this goal. A special thanks to our bartender Lisa and Barb Klein for their avid efforts.
On October 25th we had our very first game of Slingo in the bar. It went very smoothly and everyone had a great time. We will continue to play every Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Everyone is invited to come and join in the game, the more players, the more fun it is!
Congrats to Jim Bugg, our new S.A.L. First Vice Commander.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert
The August 2008 Auxiliary Veteran's and Rehabilitation veteran's outreach made it clear that there are a large number of unserved veterans in the Tombstone area. To serve this need, a group of Post, Auxiliary, and Sons’ members have dedicated itself to learning the ins and outs of, not only the VA application process, but also the entire range of available benefits and services. Hopefully, with the approval of city council, this group will soon have a space downtown in which to interview veterans, provide peer counseling, and basically serve as an area veteran's center. For more information call Susan Schubert at 255-1960.
POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
SLINGO, single line bar bingo, is coming to our Post! Join the fun and camaraderie, Saturday afternoons. You can play as many cards and as many games as you want. Each game is independent of the others. Come early or later, it doesn’t matter. Play one game or a few games or all the games…it’s up to you. A lighted number board has been placed on the wall near the kitchen for easy card marking. Raucous fun, TV watching, eating and drinking are encouraged. This is not your serious back room – Friday night bingo. Proceeds will support SAL projects. Members and their bona fide guest may join in the fun.
The Post has approved the purchase of a new flag for the Tombstone Fire Department.
The Post has begun planning for entertainment on New Year’s Eve. Keep the Legion is mind when scheduling your New Year’s Eve fun. And don’t forget our costume party on November 1, 6p.
Our Post will be sponsoring what has become an annual event, started by Ralph and Evelyn Holder: Thanksgiving Dinner at the Legion, open to our Community. If you would like to volunteer to be part of this annual event, setting up, serving and cleaning up, please contact Deirdre Nye or Sandi Freeman at the Post.
A special thank you to the Robert Schwing for his donation to Unit 24 on behalf of Kathyrn Schwing who passed away August 11, 2008. They were married 68 years. Also, a special thanks goes to Edey Engh, for her donation to the Post in memory of her husband Charlie. She especially noted that he was so happy in our town and with all of the people of the Post.
Congratulations are in order for new mother Amanda Divelbliss, Grandma Cindy and Aunt Kandyce on the arrival of Carlysa Marie, 10/10/2008, 6lbs 12 oz, 19”.
WILD WEST DETACHMENT
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Bill Pakinkis
On Saturday, October 24,2008, at the EL Zaribah Shrine Auditorium in Phoenix, Post 24 Legionnaire W.F. "Bill" Pakinkis and nineteen other veterans from all over Arizona were formerly inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. Those selected for the honor of induction are veterans who have honorably served their country and have continued to serve and inspire their fellow citizens with deeds and accomplishments throughout their life time. Past inductees are 26 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor , Ira Hayes, Senator Barry Goldwater Legendary Arizona Lawman and Rough Rider William O. "Buckey" O'Neil, and Supreme Court Justice, William Renquist to just name a few. Arizona Department of Veterans Director, Joey Strickland presented the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Plaque to Bill, and Arizona Secretary of State, Jan Brewer, (Representing Governor Janet Napolitano) presented the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Medallion, which is the highest honor awarded by the Governor to an Honorably Dischared Veteran. Bill is also the 3-time Past Department Commandant, Marine Corps League, State of Arizona, the Forming/Past Commandant of the Wild West Detachment, Marine Corps League, Tombstone, Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, and Chairman of the City of Tombstone Historic Districts Commission. Bill is also the 1st Legion member from Post 24 and the 1st resident of Tombstone to receive this honor. On Monday, 10 November 2008, the 223rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, the Wild West Detachment, Marine Corps League, Tombstone will have their General Membership Meeting at American Legion Roy Fourr Post 24. Meeting promptly starts at 7:00 P.M. Before the meeting concludes for the evening, there will be a ceremonial cake cutting ceremony, saluting the birthday of the Corps, everyone in Post 24 are urged to attend the ceremony. The Marine Corps League membership is open to "all" active duty, reserve, former and retired Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen. For more information contact Commandant Frank Sutherland at 378-2120, or Past Department Commandant Bill Pakinkis, at 457-3511. "Once a Marine", Always a Marine".
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4!
A HISTORY OF VETERAN’S DAY
1918…World War I, then normally referred to simply as The Great War (no one could imagine any war being greater!), ended with the implementation of an armistice [temporary cessation of hostilities—in this case until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919] between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November, 1918.
1919…November 11: President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two (2) minute period beginning at 11 A.M., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.
1920…On the second anniversary of the armistice, France and the United Kingdom hold ceremonies honoring their unknown dead from the war. In America, at the suggestion of church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which should be held services in the interest of international peace.
1921…Congress passes legislation approving the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11 is chosen for the date of the ceremony. According on October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.
1926…Congress adopts a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the Federal level, an annual proclamation is issued by the President.
1938…Congress passes legislation on May 13 making November 11 a legal Federal holiday, Armistice Day. The United States has no ‘actual’ national holidays because the states retain the right to designate their own holidays. The Federal government can in fact only designate holidays for Federal employees and for the District of Columbia. But in practice the states almost always follow the Federal lead in designation of holidays.
1941- 1945, 1950- 1953…World War II and the Korean War create millions of additional war veterans in addition to those of the First World War already honored by Armistice Day.
1954…On June 1, President Eisenhower signs legislation changing the name of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day.
1968…Congress passes the Monday Holiday Law, which established the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran’s Day. The law is to take effect in 1971.
1971-1975…The Federal observance of Veterans Day is held on the fourth Monday of October. Initially all states follow suit except Mississippi and South Dakota. Other states changed their observances back to November 11 as follows: 1972- Louisiana and Wisconsin; 1974- Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, South Carolina, West Virginia; 1975- California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming
1975…Legislation passed to return the Federal observance of Veteran’s Day to November 11, based on popular support throughout the nation. Since the change to the fourth Monday in October, 46 states had either continued to commemorate November 11 or had reverted back to the original date based on popular sentiment. The law was to take effect in 1978.
1978…Veteran’s Day observance reverts to November 11.
Thanksgiving and The Pilgrims' 1621 Celebration
The tradition of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving is steeped in myth and legend. Few people realize that the Pilgrims did not celebrate Thanksgiving the next year, or any year thereafter, though some of their descendants later made a "Forefather's Day" that usually occurred on December 21 or 22. Several Presidents, including George Washington, made one-time Thanksgiving holidays. In 1827, Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale began lobbying several Presidents for the instatement of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, but her lobbying was unsuccessful until 1863 when Abraham Lincoln finally made it a national holiday with his 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation.
Today, our Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November. This was set by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 (approved by Congress in 1941), who changed it from Abraham Lincoln's designation as the last Thursday in November (which could occasionally end up being the fifth Thursday and hence too close to Christmas for businesses). But the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving began at some unknown date between September 21 and November 9, most likely in very early October. The date of Thanksgiving was probably set by Lincoln to somewhat correlate with the anchoring of the Mayflower at Cape Cod, which occurred on November 21, 1620 (by our modern Gregorian calendar--it was November 11 to the Pilgrims who used the Julian calendar).
There are only two contemporary accounts of the 1621 Thanksgiving: First is Edward Winslow's account, which he wrote in a letter dated December 12, 1621. The complete letter was first published in 1622, and is chapter 6 of Mourt's Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth.
Our corn [i.e. wheat] did prove well, and God be praised, we had a good increase of Indian corn, and our barley indifferent good, but our peas not worth the gathering, for we feared they were too late sown. They came up very well, and blossomed, but the sun parched them in the blossom. Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.
The second description was written about twenty years after the fact by William Bradford in his History Of Plymouth Plantation. Bradford's History was rediscovered in 1854 after having been taken by British looters during the Revolutionary War. Its discovery prompted a greater American interest in the history of the Pilgrims, which eventually led to Lincoln's decision to make Thanksgiving a holiday. It is also in this account that the Thanksgiving turkey tradition is founded.
They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercising in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides they had about a peck of meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports.
The following is a fairly complete list of the foods available to the Pilgrims during the three-day Thanksgiving harvest celebration. As can be seen in the above two quotations, the only foods specifically mentioned by the Pilgrims are: "corn" (wheat, by the Pilgrims usage of the word), Indian corn, barley, peas (if any where spared), "fowl" (Bradford says "waterfowl"), five deer, fish (namely bass and cod), and wild turkey.
Foods Available to the Pilgrims for their 1621 Thanksgiving
FISH: cod, bass, herring, shad, bluefish, and lots of eel.
SEAFOOD: clams, lobsters, mussels, and very small quantities of oysters
BIRDS: wild turkey, goose, duck, crane, swan, partridge, and other miscellaneous waterfowl; they were also known to have occasionally eaten eagles (which "tasted like mutton" according to Winslow in 1623.)
OTHER MEAT: venison (deer), possibly some salt pork or chicken.
GRAIN: wheat flour, Indian corn and corn meal; barley (mainly for beer-making).
FRUITS: raspberries, strawberries, grapes, plums, cherries, blueberries, gooseberries (these would have been dried, as none would have been in season).
VEGETABLES: small quantity of peas, squashes (including pumpkins), beans
NUTS: walnuts, chestnuts, acorns, hickory nuts, ground nuts
HERBS and SEASONINGS: onions, leeks, strawberry leaves, currants, sorrel, yarrow, carvel, brooklime, liverwort, watercress, and flax; from England they brought seeds and probably planted radishes, lettuce, carrots, onions, and cabbage. Olive oil in small quantities may have been brought over, though the Pilgrims had to sell most of their oil and butter before sailing, in order to stay on budget.
OTHER: maple syrup, honey; small quantities of butter, Holland cheese; and eggs.
Some perhaps startling omissions from the authentic Thanksgiving menu
Ham. (The Pilgrims most likely did not have pigs with them).
Sweet Potatoes-Potatoes-Yams. (These had not yet been introduced to New England).
Corn on the cob. (Indian corn was only good for making cornmeal, not eating on the cob).
Popcorn. (Contrary to popular folklore, popcorn was not introduced at the 1621 Thanksgiving. Indian corn could only be half-popped, and this wouldn't have tasted very good.)
Cranberry sauce. (Cranberries were available, but sugar was not.)
Pumpkin Pie: (They probably made a pumpkin pudding of sorts, sweetened by honey or syrup, which would be like the filling of a pumpkin pie, but there would be no crust or whipped topping.)
Mayflower Web Pages. Caleb Johnson © 1999
SICK CALL
Please remember in your thoughts and prayers those that are sick, residing in extended care facilities, are housebound or are in hospital. A special shout goes to Jake Gessner, Patti Malecki, Russ Freeman, Gary Case and Gary Garrard.
IN MEMORIUM
Our prayers and sympathy go out to the families of Kathyrn Schwing and Thelma Aasby. Kathryn passed away on August 11, 2008 and Thelma passed on July 21, 2008. May they rest in peace. Our sympathy also goes to the family and friends of Tom Schaller.
Happy November Birthday
Nov 1, Jim Downer, Nov 4, Kim Scott, Nov 9, Larry Condon and Laura Keeney, Nov 10, U.S. Marine Corps, November 11, Fleet Reserve Association, Nov 16, Barb Klein, Nov 18, Karen Goodman, Nov 21, Gary Case, Nov 23, Sue “Who” Hilligoss, Nov 24, John Blevins, Nov 28, Chuch Hiers and Deanna Gilberg.
EARLY BIRD DINNER
Look for an announcement on our bulletin boards. An email announcement will be broadcast as well. Dues must be received no later than 11/11/2008 to qualify as an early bird.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Soon, the frost will be on the pumpkin and many kids in southern Cochise County will not have a coat to wear to keep them warm on the way to school.
Don Aiton and Karen Goodman will be collecting clean, gently used and new coats, all sizes, all ages, both genders, November 1-11. Please place them in the back hall at the American Legion.
We will deliver these coats to the Douglas Fire Department on November 15. Please help to keep our children warm this winter. Clean blankets will also be accepted!
FOR SALE
Fireball Model A, Compact Disk Jukebox…60 ½” x 35 7/8” x26”, 313 lbs. Output Power: 360 Watts, Protection: Short Circuit Shutdown 100°C, Frequency: 60Hz/50Hz, Maximum Power Consumption: Standby 300 Watts/Max 340 Watts.
No Warranty, No CD’s, Disk Changer is New, As Is-Needs Some Work (CD’s Skip), Best Offer. Contact Commander Frank Molina at the Post, 457-2273.
FROM THE EDITOR
Karen Goodman
If you would like to have a copy of the newsletter emailed to you, send your email address to karengoodman66@msn.com or leave the information at the Post. The same can be said for information, articles or commentary you wish to publish. Deadline for the December Newsletter will be November 27.
The President and 2nd Vice President of our Unit 24, seriously silly, dressed as sponges. That would be Deirdre Nye and Sandi Freeman!
NOVEMBER 2008
Post Commander, Frank Molina Auxiliary President, Deirdre Nye
SAL Commander, Kim Scott ALR President, Michael Smith
Lead Bartender, Jeff Sweet Bingo Chairman, Barb Klein
Adjutant, Don Aiton Editor, Karen Goodman
NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Auxiliary Meeting, Nov 5, 6:30p E-Board Meeting, Nov 12, 7p
ALR Meeting, Nov 8, 9a SAL Meeting, Nov 19, 6:30p
Marine Corps League, Nov10, 7p Post Meeting, Nov 26, 7p
Pot Luck, Monday, Nov 3, 6:30pm - Bring a dish to share.
Our theme this month is Turkey Fest. We will have door prizes too.
Pool Night, Every Tuesday @ 6:15p. Happy hour drink prices for all players. $1.50 Hot Dogs with all the trimmings, for all. The entry fee is $5.
Karaoke, Every Thursday @5:30p. And it’s Taco Night too!!!
Bingo, Every Friday, Doors Open @5p, Early Birds @6:30p, Regular Games @7p. And Friday Fish is back!
Introducing SLINGO every Saturday 3-5p, sponsored by SAL. Join the fast paced fun!!!
Tombstone Happenings –The Western Music Festival and Wings and Spurs are scheduled for Oct 31 – Nov 2.
Come in costume to the Post 24 Halloween Party, Saturday, Nov 1, 6p. Cash prizes and music!
Veteran’s Day, services 11/11/08, 11a, Post Porch.
FROM THE POST COMMANDER
Frank Molina
Well, as all of you know, Helldorado has come and gone. A special thanks goes to our Post 24 Color Guard, our own Unit 24 Ladies Auxiliary and Unit 11 Ladies Auxiliary of Douglas for the wonderful job they all did in the Parade. Thank you Color Guard; Mike, Chuck, Russ, Kim, Robert and Al. Thanks also to our door security volunteers and our bartenders. Thank you all, For God and Country.
Join us at our Post on 11/11 at 11a for Veterans Days Memorial Services. Look for posters indicating the date and time of the early bird dinner.
FROM THE AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Deirdre Nye
October started out with Convention in Tucson. There was a contest between The Legion and the Auxiliary in The State of Arizona, as to who would have the most membership percentage before Convention. The Legion won. Oh my goodness!!! Have you ever seen a group of professional women dressed as clowns?. We came away with many laughs and much information.
The Auxiliary has made headway in helping our Veterans due to the tenacity of our V. A & R. Chairman Susan Schubert, or " Ace " as some know her. We thank The Legion for their support and financial help when needed. Thanks also to our Members From Post 24 and Unit 24 who have contributed generously.Members of Unit 24 have been busy helping the Community, most of the Volunteers at The Food Bank are Auxiliary Members, and there are many Members that volunteer that do not attend the meetings at Roy Fourr. Thank you all.
Saturday the 25th of October found some of our Auxiliary playing Slingo, and it was fun. The S. A. L. entertained us and there were many winners. We want to thank The Legion for inviting us also to host games on Sundays. The Commander of the S. A. L., Kim Scott, has invited the volunteers of The Auxiliary to see how they set it up and how it is played. So girls, lets have fun and help our Veterans and Community. We will all talk about our flyers at our meeting on Wednesday the 5th of November, and there will be a sign up sheet for all those that want to have fun helping.
The Children's Christmas Party is approaching quickly, the 14th of December is only six weeks away, Uncle Willy the Balloon Man will be back amongst other entertainment. Store bought cookies and treats can be donated at any time, we surely appreciate every thing our Members do, we also have lots of fun doing it.There are still " Support our Troops" Snowmen available, just ask one of our Officers and they will get them for you.
For our Juniors…In February we will be starting Drill Team lessons. Dance Instructor Leigh Carter will be teaching you how to do dance steps to a marching band, and wave those Stars and Stripes in unison. We hope you are all exited.
God Bless.
FROM THE SAL COMMANDER
Kim Scott
Squadron 24 has received a very nice plaque, which has been placed on the east wall, for our efforts last spring in collecting donations for the Child Welfare Foundation. We were the top squadron in the state, raising more money for Child Welfare than Apache Junction, he largest Post in the State!! Thank you to everyone that was able to help us reach this goal. A special thanks to our bartender Lisa and Barb Klein for their avid efforts.
On October 25th we had our very first game of Slingo in the bar. It went very smoothly and everyone had a great time. We will continue to play every Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Everyone is invited to come and join in the game, the more players, the more fun it is!
Congrats to Jim Bugg, our new S.A.L. First Vice Commander.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Susan Schubert
The August 2008 Auxiliary Veteran's and Rehabilitation veteran's outreach made it clear that there are a large number of unserved veterans in the Tombstone area. To serve this need, a group of Post, Auxiliary, and Sons’ members have dedicated itself to learning the ins and outs of, not only the VA application process, but also the entire range of available benefits and services. Hopefully, with the approval of city council, this group will soon have a space downtown in which to interview veterans, provide peer counseling, and basically serve as an area veteran's center. For more information call Susan Schubert at 255-1960.
POST AND UNIT NEWS AND VIEWS
SLINGO, single line bar bingo, is coming to our Post! Join the fun and camaraderie, Saturday afternoons. You can play as many cards and as many games as you want. Each game is independent of the others. Come early or later, it doesn’t matter. Play one game or a few games or all the games…it’s up to you. A lighted number board has been placed on the wall near the kitchen for easy card marking. Raucous fun, TV watching, eating and drinking are encouraged. This is not your serious back room – Friday night bingo. Proceeds will support SAL projects. Members and their bona fide guest may join in the fun.
The Post has approved the purchase of a new flag for the Tombstone Fire Department.
The Post has begun planning for entertainment on New Year’s Eve. Keep the Legion is mind when scheduling your New Year’s Eve fun. And don’t forget our costume party on November 1, 6p.
Our Post will be sponsoring what has become an annual event, started by Ralph and Evelyn Holder: Thanksgiving Dinner at the Legion, open to our Community. If you would like to volunteer to be part of this annual event, setting up, serving and cleaning up, please contact Deirdre Nye or Sandi Freeman at the Post.
A special thank you to the Robert Schwing for his donation to Unit 24 on behalf of Kathyrn Schwing who passed away August 11, 2008. They were married 68 years. Also, a special thanks goes to Edey Engh, for her donation to the Post in memory of her husband Charlie. She especially noted that he was so happy in our town and with all of the people of the Post.
Congratulations are in order for new mother Amanda Divelbliss, Grandma Cindy and Aunt Kandyce on the arrival of Carlysa Marie, 10/10/2008, 6lbs 12 oz, 19”.
WILD WEST DETACHMENT
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
Bill Pakinkis
On Saturday, October 24,2008, at the EL Zaribah Shrine Auditorium in Phoenix, Post 24 Legionnaire W.F. "Bill" Pakinkis and nineteen other veterans from all over Arizona were formerly inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. Those selected for the honor of induction are veterans who have honorably served their country and have continued to serve and inspire their fellow citizens with deeds and accomplishments throughout their life time. Past inductees are 26 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor , Ira Hayes, Senator Barry Goldwater Legendary Arizona Lawman and Rough Rider William O. "Buckey" O'Neil, and Supreme Court Justice, William Renquist to just name a few. Arizona Department of Veterans Director, Joey Strickland presented the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Plaque to Bill, and Arizona Secretary of State, Jan Brewer, (Representing Governor Janet Napolitano) presented the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Medallion, which is the highest honor awarded by the Governor to an Honorably Dischared Veteran. Bill is also the 3-time Past Department Commandant, Marine Corps League, State of Arizona, the Forming/Past Commandant of the Wild West Detachment, Marine Corps League, Tombstone, Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, and Chairman of the City of Tombstone Historic Districts Commission. Bill is also the 1st Legion member from Post 24 and the 1st resident of Tombstone to receive this honor. On Monday, 10 November 2008, the 223rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, the Wild West Detachment, Marine Corps League, Tombstone will have their General Membership Meeting at American Legion Roy Fourr Post 24. Meeting promptly starts at 7:00 P.M. Before the meeting concludes for the evening, there will be a ceremonial cake cutting ceremony, saluting the birthday of the Corps, everyone in Post 24 are urged to attend the ceremony. The Marine Corps League membership is open to "all" active duty, reserve, former and retired Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen. For more information contact Commandant Frank Sutherland at 378-2120, or Past Department Commandant Bill Pakinkis, at 457-3511. "Once a Marine", Always a Marine".
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4!
A HISTORY OF VETERAN’S DAY
1918…World War I, then normally referred to simply as The Great War (no one could imagine any war being greater!), ended with the implementation of an armistice [temporary cessation of hostilities—in this case until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919] between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November, 1918.
1919…November 11: President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two (2) minute period beginning at 11 A.M., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.
1920…On the second anniversary of the armistice, France and the United Kingdom hold ceremonies honoring their unknown dead from the war. In America, at the suggestion of church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which should be held services in the interest of international peace.
1921…Congress passes legislation approving the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11 is chosen for the date of the ceremony. According on October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.
1926…Congress adopts a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the Federal level, an annual proclamation is issued by the President.
1938…Congress passes legislation on May 13 making November 11 a legal Federal holiday, Armistice Day. The United States has no ‘actual’ national holidays because the states retain the right to designate their own holidays. The Federal government can in fact only designate holidays for Federal employees and for the District of Columbia. But in practice the states almost always follow the Federal lead in designation of holidays.
1941- 1945, 1950- 1953…World War II and the Korean War create millions of additional war veterans in addition to those of the First World War already honored by Armistice Day.
1954…On June 1, President Eisenhower signs legislation changing the name of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day.
1968…Congress passes the Monday Holiday Law, which established the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran’s Day. The law is to take effect in 1971.
1971-1975…The Federal observance of Veterans Day is held on the fourth Monday of October. Initially all states follow suit except Mississippi and South Dakota. Other states changed their observances back to November 11 as follows: 1972- Louisiana and Wisconsin; 1974- Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, South Carolina, West Virginia; 1975- California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming
1975…Legislation passed to return the Federal observance of Veteran’s Day to November 11, based on popular support throughout the nation. Since the change to the fourth Monday in October, 46 states had either continued to commemorate November 11 or had reverted back to the original date based on popular sentiment. The law was to take effect in 1978.
1978…Veteran’s Day observance reverts to November 11.
Thanksgiving and The Pilgrims' 1621 Celebration
The tradition of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving is steeped in myth and legend. Few people realize that the Pilgrims did not celebrate Thanksgiving the next year, or any year thereafter, though some of their descendants later made a "Forefather's Day" that usually occurred on December 21 or 22. Several Presidents, including George Washington, made one-time Thanksgiving holidays. In 1827, Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale began lobbying several Presidents for the instatement of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, but her lobbying was unsuccessful until 1863 when Abraham Lincoln finally made it a national holiday with his 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation.
Today, our Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November. This was set by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 (approved by Congress in 1941), who changed it from Abraham Lincoln's designation as the last Thursday in November (which could occasionally end up being the fifth Thursday and hence too close to Christmas for businesses). But the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving began at some unknown date between September 21 and November 9, most likely in very early October. The date of Thanksgiving was probably set by Lincoln to somewhat correlate with the anchoring of the Mayflower at Cape Cod, which occurred on November 21, 1620 (by our modern Gregorian calendar--it was November 11 to the Pilgrims who used the Julian calendar).
There are only two contemporary accounts of the 1621 Thanksgiving: First is Edward Winslow's account, which he wrote in a letter dated December 12, 1621. The complete letter was first published in 1622, and is chapter 6 of Mourt's Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth.
Our corn [i.e. wheat] did prove well, and God be praised, we had a good increase of Indian corn, and our barley indifferent good, but our peas not worth the gathering, for we feared they were too late sown. They came up very well, and blossomed, but the sun parched them in the blossom. Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.
The second description was written about twenty years after the fact by William Bradford in his History Of Plymouth Plantation. Bradford's History was rediscovered in 1854 after having been taken by British looters during the Revolutionary War. Its discovery prompted a greater American interest in the history of the Pilgrims, which eventually led to Lincoln's decision to make Thanksgiving a holiday. It is also in this account that the Thanksgiving turkey tradition is founded.
They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercising in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides they had about a peck of meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports.
The following is a fairly complete list of the foods available to the Pilgrims during the three-day Thanksgiving harvest celebration. As can be seen in the above two quotations, the only foods specifically mentioned by the Pilgrims are: "corn" (wheat, by the Pilgrims usage of the word), Indian corn, barley, peas (if any where spared), "fowl" (Bradford says "waterfowl"), five deer, fish (namely bass and cod), and wild turkey.
Foods Available to the Pilgrims for their 1621 Thanksgiving
FISH: cod, bass, herring, shad, bluefish, and lots of eel.
SEAFOOD: clams, lobsters, mussels, and very small quantities of oysters
BIRDS: wild turkey, goose, duck, crane, swan, partridge, and other miscellaneous waterfowl; they were also known to have occasionally eaten eagles (which "tasted like mutton" according to Winslow in 1623.)
OTHER MEAT: venison (deer), possibly some salt pork or chicken.
GRAIN: wheat flour, Indian corn and corn meal; barley (mainly for beer-making).
FRUITS: raspberries, strawberries, grapes, plums, cherries, blueberries, gooseberries (these would have been dried, as none would have been in season).
VEGETABLES: small quantity of peas, squashes (including pumpkins), beans
NUTS: walnuts, chestnuts, acorns, hickory nuts, ground nuts
HERBS and SEASONINGS: onions, leeks, strawberry leaves, currants, sorrel, yarrow, carvel, brooklime, liverwort, watercress, and flax; from England they brought seeds and probably planted radishes, lettuce, carrots, onions, and cabbage. Olive oil in small quantities may have been brought over, though the Pilgrims had to sell most of their oil and butter before sailing, in order to stay on budget.
OTHER: maple syrup, honey; small quantities of butter, Holland cheese; and eggs.
Some perhaps startling omissions from the authentic Thanksgiving menu
Ham. (The Pilgrims most likely did not have pigs with them).
Sweet Potatoes-Potatoes-Yams. (These had not yet been introduced to New England).
Corn on the cob. (Indian corn was only good for making cornmeal, not eating on the cob).
Popcorn. (Contrary to popular folklore, popcorn was not introduced at the 1621 Thanksgiving. Indian corn could only be half-popped, and this wouldn't have tasted very good.)
Cranberry sauce. (Cranberries were available, but sugar was not.)
Pumpkin Pie: (They probably made a pumpkin pudding of sorts, sweetened by honey or syrup, which would be like the filling of a pumpkin pie, but there would be no crust or whipped topping.)
Mayflower Web Pages. Caleb Johnson © 1999
SICK CALL
Please remember in your thoughts and prayers those that are sick, residing in extended care facilities, are housebound or are in hospital. A special shout goes to Jake Gessner, Patti Malecki, Russ Freeman, Gary Case and Gary Garrard.
IN MEMORIUM
Our prayers and sympathy go out to the families of Kathyrn Schwing and Thelma Aasby. Kathryn passed away on August 11, 2008 and Thelma passed on July 21, 2008. May they rest in peace. Our sympathy also goes to the family and friends of Tom Schaller.
Happy November Birthday
Nov 1, Jim Downer, Nov 4, Kim Scott, Nov 9, Larry Condon and Laura Keeney, Nov 10, U.S. Marine Corps, November 11, Fleet Reserve Association, Nov 16, Barb Klein, Nov 18, Karen Goodman, Nov 21, Gary Case, Nov 23, Sue “Who” Hilligoss, Nov 24, John Blevins, Nov 28, Chuch Hiers and Deanna Gilberg.
EARLY BIRD DINNER
Look for an announcement on our bulletin boards. An email announcement will be broadcast as well. Dues must be received no later than 11/11/2008 to qualify as an early bird.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Soon, the frost will be on the pumpkin and many kids in southern Cochise County will not have a coat to wear to keep them warm on the way to school.
Don Aiton and Karen Goodman will be collecting clean, gently used and new coats, all sizes, all ages, both genders, November 1-11. Please place them in the back hall at the American Legion.
We will deliver these coats to the Douglas Fire Department on November 15. Please help to keep our children warm this winter. Clean blankets will also be accepted!
FOR SALE
Fireball Model A, Compact Disk Jukebox…60 ½” x 35 7/8” x26”, 313 lbs. Output Power: 360 Watts, Protection: Short Circuit Shutdown 100°C, Frequency: 60Hz/50Hz, Maximum Power Consumption: Standby 300 Watts/Max 340 Watts.
No Warranty, No CD’s, Disk Changer is New, As Is-Needs Some Work (CD’s Skip), Best Offer. Contact Commander Frank Molina at the Post, 457-2273.
FROM THE EDITOR
Karen Goodman
If you would like to have a copy of the newsletter emailed to you, send your email address to karengoodman66@msn.com or leave the information at the Post. The same can be said for information, articles or commentary you wish to publish. Deadline for the December Newsletter will be November 27.
The President and 2nd Vice President of our Unit 24, seriously silly, dressed as sponges. That would be Deirdre Nye and Sandi Freeman!
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