JUNE/JULY 2009 NEWS LETTER
DUNEDIN-PALM HARBOR POST 2550
Here we are at the start of another VFW year. The new officers from the Post and Auxiliary were installed on May 23rd and ready to hit the deck plates running. At this time I would like to thank all the out going officers for doing a Great Job this past year. These past few months we did a lot of growing as a Post and we have more ahead of us this year.
A quick run down on what has happened these past eight months. We now have a full canteen open four (4) days a week with a fifth (5th) day added on for the summer.( Wed-Sunday 1PM-11PM) The out side of the Post has been cleaned, repaired and painted. At the front entrance at the top of the roof hangs a bright red, white & blue sign that proudly shows that we are a VFW POST. When this sign is lighted at night it can be seen for a great distance and acts as a beacon to all who may need us. Thanks to “Curtis Fundamental School” we now have drapes on two sides of the main hall that really dress it up. These are a gift to the Post for letting them use the hall for fifth (5th) grade graduation.
Since January we have had many functions. The Ladies Auxiliary National president was here at 2550 with over 150 people from all over the state for a dinner and dance. In February Sister Beverly Ubanick hosted the Cancer Aid benefit, and in March Sisters June Grubbs and Joyce Brogan hosted Taste Of The World to benefit the National Children’s Home. Both events raised considerable money. Great work Ladies! In April we had the Hobo Express hosted by Past District 21 Presidents. This was for the Wounded Warriors fund, a project of State President Sister Kathy Roman. Then there was Loyalty Day. This is when we honored the home front heroes. We had nine this year. Police Officer Jose Yourgules and Firefighter Alex “Air Horn” Morawski from Tarpon Springs, Sheriffs Deputies Karl C. Gwynne from Palm Harbor and Corporal James Cooper and Deputy Richard Trump of Dunedin, Firefighters LT. Charlie Anderson from Palm Harbor and Craig Brown of Dunedin and Sunstar paramedic Madeleine Stahl. Last but not least, “Teacher of the Year” Susan Terry from Joseph C. Carwise Middle School in Palm Harbor. Ms. Terry has been a big supporter of the Patriots Pen program. Her students, over the years, have submitted over 2000 essays. This event was hosted by Comrade Gerry Calve and his wife Sister Jan Calve. This was the BEST “Loyalty Day” we’ve ever had, thank you Gerry & Jan.
In May my wife June and I were in Michigan to visit the National Children’s Home in Eaton Rapids. Having never been there before I have to say it was nothing like I imagined. There are 40 homes on over 600 acres of land. We visited the Florida House and met the house mother and one of the children living there. His name is Trevor & he is about a year old and just as cute as can be. You fall in love with him instantly.
Memorial Day (5/25/09) was the best we have ever had. There were 56 in attendance along with the NJROTC, and a Bag Piper from Dunedin High School. This was all coordinated by Comrade Jim Bloodworth. Jim you did a super job, thank you. Also Comrades Lee Twaits, Bob Drumond, Jimmy Dean and Pat Larsen were at Curlew Hills Cemetery representing the Post. Thanks Comrades.
Some up coming events, June 18th to the 21st is State Convention in Orlando. July 4th we will have our flag retirement ceremony, this year we will have the help of the Boy Scouts and our T-Ball team. Bar-B-Q to follow hope to see you all there. Sunday July 19th there will be a breakfast to raise money for one of our members “Chief Marie” (also our local Navy recruiter) Marie will be walking in the “Susan B. Coleman” three (3) day walk in October. As of June 1st we are actively recruiting for our Men’s Auxiliary. If you know anyone who may be eligible let’s get him signed up. We need 25 men to get a charter. Having a Men’s Auxiliary will be a great asset to the Post. With a little luck and good planing by the end of the summer we should have new stove and hood in the kitchen and be able to do some really good meals. Bingo will resume September 2, we are still going to need some volunteers to help out so please don’t be shy.
From the Quartermaster, If you have not yet paid your dues for 2009 you are no longer a member in good standing so PLEASE send in your dues. Post address is: 360 Douglas Avenue Dunedin Fl. 34698
I am sorry to say that not all of the Auxiliary will receive this news letter as I have just received the up dated list and have not had time to type it in the mailing list. I do apologize.
Fair Winds & Following Seas,
Dutch Grubbs
Commander
FROM THE TREASURER
We are going into a new year of 2009-2010. I would like to wish “good luck” to all the officers and may we all have health, happiness and prosperity. Now it is time to go to work again. Our new year goals are to increase our membership, to assist families of disabled and needy veterans, to carry on our hospital programs at our veterans hospitals, to maintain our national home for children and to contribute ti our community.
Please be an early bird by paying your dues now. Dues are still $20.00. please make checks payable to “LAVFW Post2550″ and mail to: Doris Harding 1924 Whispering way Tarpon Springs fl. 34689
We gain strength through membership if you know someone who is eligible bring them in as a guest, tell them about our activities and encourage them to join. Lets make this a 100% year for our auxiliary.
Doris Harding