Commander: Dave Musser
Happy New Year to all our Legion Family
Welcome to 2023!! As we move into the new year, we would like to remind our members that our health is first and foremost. If you do not feel well or experience health related symptoms that you feel might be adverse to your neighbor, please stay home as to not expose others to whatever illness you may have.
There are several things in store for the month of January:
January 14th – Pancake Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ($8.00 all you can eat)
January 16th - On this federal holiday, our nation celebrates the life and achievements of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.
We are still working to have a fundraiser dance on January 28, 2023 to support those Legion Post and Members who were affected by Hurricane Ian and Nicole. Stay tuned to our website/Facebook page for details.
Kitchen, Lounge and Post Activities will resume normal operations beginning Monday, January 2, 2023. Please refer to the Post website: florida-legion.org and the Post Facebook page: American Legion, Post 347 – Lady Lake, FL 32159 for up-to-date information.
Remember, you MUST have a 2023 Membership card to have access to Post 347 and activities that we offer.
Please stay safe and join me in wishing a “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating during the month of January.
Aim High and Keep Up The Mach
JANUARY 2023
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Wow, can you believe 2022 is winding down already? Once again, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal provided by the kitchen manager (Harriett) and a group of wonderful volunteers that worked for several days preparing the food and setting up for the event. A heart felt thank you goes out to them all as well. Thank you to Ellen Tierney for her generous donation; the businesses that donated gift cards and the individuals who put together and donated gift baskets as attendance prizes.
Even as some look forward to the new year, there is still plenty going on in our area.
· Toys For Tots collection ends December 6th.
· The Lady Lake Christmas parade is coming up Saturday December 3 and their tree lighting is on December 9.
· Army vs Navy football game is on December 10 with drink specials and fried bologna sandwiches at half time.
· Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held December 17 at Bushnell National Cemetery and Lady Lake Cemetery starting at noon.
· Riders “Pedal Trike” fund raiser drawing is on December 18.
· All of this culminating with our New Year’s Eve celebration - Tickets went on sale November 28 @ $40.
With all these events coming up, remember, our Honor Guard plays an important part in almost ALL events the post participates in by: posting colors, marching in parades and providing a beautiful ceremony for our legionnaires passing to Post Everlasting. Consider joining this special group.
I’m sure there are things I missed so please log onto the website, florida-legion.org for all the updated information and to see some of the volunteer opportunities at your post. We would appreciate it if you could find time to help out!
“Happy Birthday” to those that celebrated birthdays in November and those celebrating in December. Please stay healthy and safe this holiday season and remember those not able to be with their families.
Aim High and Keep Up The Mach
DECEMBER 2022
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November brings many important events throughout the American Legion. November 11th is the cut off for “Early Bird” renewal. But more importantly, it is Veterans Day that is meant to honor all veterans of the uniformed services who served or are still serving.
Originally designated Armistice Day at the end of World War I when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the fighting ended with the signing of an armistice. It is important to remember that Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. Military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service.
Our Post will hold a Veterans Day service at 11am with lunch to follow which is free to all veterans. Check our website, florida-legion.org, for all the details.
Everyone should know the American Legion is a service organization with a primary goal of supporting veterans, veteran families, and veteran activities in our community. Under the 4 pillars that our organization is built on it reaches far beyond the boundaries of just veterans. However, this should serve as a reminder to all that your membership in the Legion affords you many benefits as well.
To name a few our post provides Chaplain Services, Honor Guard for funerals and other ceremonies, loaner wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, etc. to help with mobility or recovery issues. Our service Officer can help you navigate the VA system and help you apply for benefits. Our Riders Chapter can provide escorts for many different events. Please contact us if we can be of assistance again “Thank You” for your help in assisting your fellow veterans and their families.
We still need volunteers throughout the post so please consider giving us a few hours of your time. It will be time well spent helping those in need.
Let’s keep in our thoughts and prayers those service members who will not be able to celebrate with their families during this holiday season. Those deployed as well as those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we may continue to enjoy our holidays.
Aim High and Keep Up The Mach
NOVEMBER 2022
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By the time this newsletter is published, I am hopeful all our Legion Family made it safely through Hurricane Ian. Based on the local forecast and in keeping with the Governor and local leaders, it was necessary to follow suit and close the post. Your health and safety come first. We are almost half way through hurricane season, therefore we must be vigilant and stay prepared.
There are several upcoming events to put on your calendar:
October 6th tickets go on sale at noon in the lounge for the November 24th Thanksgiving Dinner.
October 8th is the start of the monthly breakfast.
November 5th is the Harvest Dance sponsored by the SAL. November 11th is Veteran’s Day with a celebration at the Post. Please visit the Legion website at florida-legion.org for additional details on these events.
As the snowbirds start their arrival, we are working on updating the entertainment to provide a wider variety of music. We have already extended the Post hours (Noon – 10:00 p.m.) as requested by many of our members and are looking to better utilize the Hall side of the post.
There is always a continuing need for volunteers throughout the Post. If you have a few hours a week you can spare, please consider one of the many opportunities available. The Post is run with unpaid volunteers including the kitchen and bartenders. So, please keep in mind we need your help in cleaning up after ourselves by throwing away your trash, wiping your table, and returning all glasses to the service area of the bar. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated!
Please stay safe and join me in wishing a “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating during the month of October.
Aim High and Keep Up The Mach!
October, 2022
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August was an extremely busy and hectic month for the Post. As you could guess, nothing ever goes as planned. At the start of the flooring replacement, we also had to repair plumbing and drywall as well as purchase two new air conditioners causing us to close completely for two weeks. Overall things are looking good and the Post is fully open. Please watch the website for a grand reopening celebration!
As we move into September, we are looking to expand our operation with new and exciting lounge and hall activities. The Post will now be open from Noon – 10:00 p.m. daily. We would also like to start using the hall for entertainment purposes. Besides the Riders dance coming up on September 10th and the Auxiliary Oktoberfest on September 25th, it has been suggested that we have dance classes that will include line dancing. There has been interest expressed to bring back karaoke so we are looking into that possibility.
As most of you have heard, Ed Lawson has retired as lounge manger. With that being said, the new Post Lounge Manger is Carmen Diquollo who is a dual member of our Post. Ruth Sovern has been named the Senior Assistant Lounge Manger. Let’s all wish them well in their new position.
There is always a continuing need for volunteers throughout the Post, so if you have a few hours a week you can spare, please consider one of the many opportunities available.
Please stay safe and join me in wishing a “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating during the month of September.
Aim High and Keep Up The Mach!
September, 2022
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August is upon us and we’ll have a lot of activity happening at the post requiring reduced capacity, services and menu options. While the new flooring is being installed, we will operate out of the main hall beginning on or about August 6th. Then we will shift operation back to the lounge on or about August 13th. Please be patient while this work is being done and check the website frequently (florida-legion.org) forupdates. We are not anticipating any issues but you know Murphy’s Law!!!
We are well into the heat of summer. It is important to stay hydrated before outside activities. It is also hurricane season so preparation to include food, water, medications and battery-operated devices should be on hand in case of power outages. The list for preparedness can be found on stateofflorida.com . Additionally, August 10th is the start of Florida back to school. Please be cautious in school zones and when busses are loading and unloading students.
Remember, the Post runs on volunteers. Without them we would not be able to provide the services that are enjoyed by all at such a reasonable price. We have the largest American Legion membership in the world and have to struggle to get volunteers. Please Help!!
On a final note, “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating during the month of August.
Aim High and Keep Up The Mach!
August, 2022
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As we move into a new fiscal year, I would like to thank my fellow Legionnaires for having the confidence to elect me as your new Post Commander. I am looking forward to having a productive year along with gaining new and younger members to carry on the legacy of Post 347.
At the organizational meeting held on June 23rd, a new committee was formed to solicit the thoughts and ideas from our members on what YOU would like at our post. It is impossible to move forward without change and with your support, hopefully new and fresh ideas will come out of this process.
On a final note, your post operates with the assistance of volunteers. Without YOU we could not provide the services we do. If you have not volunteered, please consider helping out. You do not have to commit every day, even if it is only one or two days a month, it would be time well spent.
I am hopeful that as a Legion family we can move forward with exciting new ideas for promoting our post and supporting our local veterans that need our help.
Aim High and Keep up the Mach!
July 2022
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