The Northerner: December 2014 - January 2015

FROM YOUR POST COMANDER:

As usual, our Post has been busy with all our activities, such as fund-raising, fish fry, Bingo, LegionFest, etc. Our Veteran’s Day activities and luncheon went very well. Thank you to the Ladies’ Auxiliary who helped make it so. We have our SAL members who have helped things go smoothly as well. Thanks to Karl and all our drivers, who provide a great and necessary service. A special Thank You to Sean Owens, John Thompson, Betty Luther, And Scott Woods, for bringing us into 2014 with all their expertise. And, finally, thanks to all our Officers and volunteers who have worked so hard for the good of the Post and our Veterans. Have a blessed Holiday Season!

Michael Nigg

Commander

legionpost3commander@gmail.com

FROM YOUR SR. VICE: Hello fellow Legionaries, Ladies Auxiliary Unit and Sons of the American Legion. As Senior Vice Commander of your Post, our current membership is 350 members/renewed membership out of 580 for 100% goal, so let's get those who have not renewed their membership and get new one's signed up. As your Past Commander... of your Post, some of you who have physically come into the Post have noticed many changes. Some may like it and some many not, new faces, new atmosphere and new procedures. This is all very new for some of us and awkward for others, however; it is something new. We still need volunteers for our Bingo nights and helping out with the many different events we part-take in. I'd like to thank the President of the Ladies Auxiliary Unit and her crew (members of the Unit) for all the hard work they do in the kitchen, cooking, providing, serving food during the Post many different functions and most of all supporting the Legionaries for the good of the Post. Many thanks to the Sons of the American Legions for doing their part. Also, many, many thanks to the Jr. Ladies Auxiliary Unit who just love to help especially with putting up decorations for the Post. Finally, as the Chaplain of the Post... Me and the Commander for a time enjoyed the quietness of not attending any funerals until more recently when for a week or two we had a funeral every day. I hate to say, it is starting to get a little busy. As I said before it's that time of year when people start getting colds and flu, so please stay as healthy as you can, take your pills, go for a walk and be mindful about your body. "God, grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the nation, peace and concord; to us all." Please everybody be safe on your holiday travels.
Orrin Chimerica
Senior Vice Commander, Past Commander and Chaplain.
legionpost3srvice@gmail.com

FROM THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY:
Happy Holidays Everyone,
I hope this newsletter finds you all doing well and in good spirits. We are almost at the end of the year and have a few things on our plate to finish out the year.
We will be having our Annual Children's Christmas party on Dec. 20th, 1:30-3:00 pm, there will be refreshments, cookie decorating, crafts provided plus Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance and give out special goodies for the kids. We are also looking for preferably a military family to sponsor for Christmas so if you know of anyone in need please let us know ASAP. We also have an abundance of Christmas wrapping paper so we are thinking of having a wrapping day for the kids and family, TBA. You can come in and wrap gifts, please limit it to at least six gifts and the auxiliary will provide the tape and tags. Recently the auxiliary sent a monetary donation to the Prescott VA Hospital Whipple gift shop, the donation provides the veterans means to purchase gifts for their loved ones for Christmas without having to use their own monies.
I have a couple of requests and notes of appreciation I want to extend to our Auxiliary and Post members. As you notice there are a few changes and there are sure to be more on the way, with changes there will be a few concerns and obstacles but just kept in mind we are trying to make the post most accessible to the members by giving you information via the newsletter, email, our website and events. So with that being said, it's vital that you update your address and provide us with your email address. I am aware some of you do not have access to a computer so we will do our best to get what information we can to you.
I also want to thank everyone who has helped the auxiliary this year by attending, donating cakes, candy, dishes and especially your time when it came to our special or holiday events. I also want to thank our extraordinary auxiliary officers and members who have stepped up and contributed their own time to the post by keeping bingo running, the kitchen and other events possible. Their countless hours of service to this post should be recognized, so if you see these ladies and members please thank them. I know I appreciate them. Everyone have a Safe, Happy Holiday and Happy New Year!
Rita Rodriguez
Ladies’ Auxiliary President
legionpost3auxpresident@gmail.com

FROM THE CLUB COMMITTEE:
THE CLUB COMMITTEE HAS BEEN VERY BUSY UPGRADING AND UPDATING! WE HAVE A NEW POINT OF SALE SYSTEM IN PLACE. THIS NEW SYSTEM FUNCTIONS NOT ONLY AS A CASH REGISTER BUT IS FEATURE RICH WITH APPLICATIONS FOR INVENTORY, SALES TRACKING, AND MORE! WE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO NILES RADIO FOR DONATING THE NEW SYSTEM. OTHER NEW ADDTIONS IN THE CLUB INCLUDE A NEW JUKE BOX, PRETZEL MACHINE, AND HOT DOG CABINET.
WE HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY CLEANING, ORGANIZING AND UPDATING THE CLUB DURING THESE PAST FEW MONTHS, AND WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THE HELP OF SOME REALLY GREAT VOLUNTEERS, PUTTING IN THE EXTRA TIME! SPECIAL THANKS TO: DENNIS MYERS, SEAN OWENS, SCOTT WOODS, BETTY LUTHER, GRACE THOMPSON, SHIRLEY HIGUERA, & MARY-ANN ROBINSON.
THE CLUB COMMITTEE IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER BARTENEDERS AND SUPPORT STAFF. IF INTERESTED PLEASE LET US KNOW! THANK YOU, AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! J.T./Randy/Dennis
legionpost3barmgr@gmail.com

FROM THE FINANCE OFFICER:
All current bills paid to date.
General Fund Account: $1866.50
Bingo Fund: $808.58.
Membership Fund: $4038.22.
Betty Luther, Finance Officer
legionpost3finance@gmail.com

FROM THE EVENTS MANAGER:
Mary McMillen is our new Events Manager, responsible for hall rentals and scheduling. She can be contacted at the phone number and email address listed below.
(928) 600-3338
legionpost3eventsmgr@gmail.com

After 30-plus years as Post Adjutant, I decided that I needed to retire and enjoy retirement life. I officially retired on September 11th, 2014. I wish to thank everyone in this post for the great memories and the many friends that I made throughout all these years. It was a pleasure working with all of you and helping many of you. I am still a member of Mark A. Moore Post #3, and I will be around to help any of you if you need. I wish to thank the Ladies Auxiliary for all the fun and work that we had during these years, and also the Sons’s of the American Legion for all their help and assistance with many of the programs. I will cherish all the memories and wish all of you a great year, and to continue doing what The American Legion is all about. The American Legion was founded to help our Veterans and their families, and Post 3 has always been known for helping our Vets and their families and working with the community. Continue the great work of this Post and honor the traditions of this Post. If any of you wish to reach me you can contact me via my E-mail Bretired@aol.com I would like to hear from all of you. Again, thanks for the memories, and I hope I will see you all some time.
Sincerely, Bob Reyes, PDC
Post 3 Adjutant, (Retired)

IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS THE FINAL NEWSLETTER FROM MARK A. MOORE POST #3 BEING MAILED OUT. FROM FEBRUARY 2015 ON, NEWSLETTERS WILL BE AVAILABLE VIA E-MAIL DISTRIBUTION, POSTED ON THE POST’S WEBSITE (www.flgal3.org), OR AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP AT THE POST. MAILING WILL ONLY BE DONE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.

The Northerner: October - November 2014

FROM YOUR POST COMANDER:
Well, what a busy time we are all having! Cookouts, raffles, auctions, 50-50’s, etc… have put us in the black, financially. However, we must keep up the momentum. Thanks to the work by all, and new volunteers have made these things possible. All posts have been filled; it has been some time since that has been the case. Our Club Committee, Finance Officer, Adjutant, Judge Advocate, Service Officer, Drivers, Carl, Maryanne, Bartenders, and all others involved have been extraordinary. We have so many new members and transfers. Many are young and enthusiastic. We have had a steady stream of signups, throughout. There have been a few bumps in the road, along the way. We, together, are working to smooth it all out. We are all learning every single day, so let’s keep helping each other out. Our Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion continue to do super work. It is much appreciated. We have received donations from many businesses in our wonderful big town, and many hours spent selflessly by everyone in, and everyone who deals with our post.
There have been many meetings, forums, etc… that I and others have attended. These have been well attended by dozens of veterans groups, support groups, community, political, and current military personnel. All of this involvement has blessed our post, and all concerned.
Michael Nigg
Commander

FROM YOUR SR. VICE: Greetings to all members, hope all is going well for you and yours. I have the figures for our current membership here at your American Legion Post. District 7- American Legion Post 3 Mark A. Moore, Flagstaff, AZ. Our goal is 533 members, our current membership is 259 which puts us at 48.59% we still have some time to recruit more members, so... let's put the word out there. We are getting very close to that time of year when we start getting colds and flu like symptoms, so... take your vitamins, eat healthy, drink plenty of wa-ter and stay positive. Myself and our Post Com-mander have attended a couple of Veteran's funer-als since our installation. We thank the Lord our Father that it has only been a few that have been recalled to the Lords Kingdom. Due to the Privacy Act, I cannot disclose any of their names. I leave you with the wishes of good health and much suc-cess for all, Amen.
Orrin Chimerica
Sr. Vice Commander/Chaplain

FROM THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY:
Greetings Everyone,
I hope this newsletter finds you in good spirts and health. We've had quite a few changes at the post and are looking forward to more improvements, but as with anything, you will have concerns. That's where your voice is essential to the future of the post. I'm here to represent you so please feel free to contact or email me, it might be negative but I can't address it if I don't know about it. We have a few events coming your way so please come out and participate. On September 5 we had a Route 66 event which was successful and everyone seemed to have a great time, thank you to all who attended and contributed. In October we are hoping to do a few more events, Oct 25th will be our Annual Children's Halloween party from 2 pm-5pm, as usual we will have a costume contest, games and prizes, along with refreshments. On Oct. 31st Halloween night we are planning an Adult Halloween costume party 7:00 p.m. - ?. Refreshments will be available, if you don't want to dress up that's fine all we ask is you make a small donation to go towards prizes and food, etc.
In November is our Annual Xmas Bazaar to take place on Nov. 8th, 10:00 am - 3 p.m. Food will be sold so please come out and support the vendors and if your wish to reserve a table we are currently doing that now, it will be $30.00 a table. We also have our Veterans Day luncheon coming up and are asking auxiliary members to bring a dish or dessert to help feed the masses. Please drop off the day before or by 11:00 a.m. if possible on that day.
I also want to apologize to you if you have not received your newsletter, with all the changes at the post it's been a little rocky to get things going. With that being said, the post could use some help with bingo that includes the kitchen and also our family fish fry. You don't have to help each night but even one night out of the month would help....... Any help is welcomed at any events just give me a call or email and I'll get back to you. 928-779-0046 or ritaisa2@yahoo.com. One last item, I want to extend our prayers and get well wishes to Thelma Goodwin, she's amazing and has been under the weather, hope you’re feeling better soon, we love ya. In closing, I hope you will renew your membership and come to the meetings. Our next one will be October 9th at 6:00 p.m. at the post.

FROM THE FINANCE OFFICER: All current bills paid to date. $5000 in general fund account. Bingo Fund: $586.56. Membership fund: $2623.70.

FROM THE CLUB COMMITTEE: Please have patience as the Club undergoes some bumps and issues during the Post’s changes. Everyone is working with the benefit of ALL members in mind, and feel free to volunteer to help out!

MEMBERSHIP DUES: The 2015 Membership Cards are in and you can pay your dues for the following year at any time. You can either mail them in, pay on line or bring them by the Post. The dues are still $30.00 per year.

MEETINGS:
The Post has one meeting a month, and it would be nice to see some new faces at the meetings, and some fresh ideas on what you would like to see at the Post. The meetings are held on the 2nd
Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. Things cannot happen if no one attends.

LAST WORD: We’re all trying to do smart things to reduce costs and make things more efficient. To that I end, I am trying to save money on postage and printing of the Newsletter and Calendar. If you could share your e-mail address with us, and let us know if two or more persons in your household are receiving the Newsletter, that would be great. Also, both publications will be available on our new (And Improved!) website, . Thanks! www.flgal3.orgAll donations (and comments) gratefully accepted!
Scott Woods, Adjutant (Interim)

The Northerner: May - June 2014

FROM YOUR POST COMMANDER:

I hope all is going well for you and your family. On April 5th our Post hosted the Annual Commander's Dinner. I have received word that all went well. I do apologize for not attending as I was very sick and ended up booking a room at Flagstaff Medical Center for 5 days, all is well. I'd like to thank my Officers for stepping up to make sure all went smoothly, also to include members of the Ladies' Auxiliary and members of the S.A.L.

On April 13th our Post hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for the community. It was a success, all the kids including the parents had an awesome time, just to see the kids' smiles and eager to get as many eggs as possible. Myself, you Jr. Vice/Chaplain Michael Nigg, Landa and a few others tried to over a thousand eggs in Wheeler Park. Again the Ladies' Auxiliary donated prized and refreshments for everybody, thank you very much ladies.

May 16th, 17th, and 18th we will have our second year in participating with the Northern Arizona Homeless Veterans Stand Down. A variety of events will be taking place, we will be giving education instructions such as Hygiene, seeing a V.A. Service Office to help you get your claims filed with the VA, Haircuts, blankets and other services. So if you know of a Homeless Veteran who needs instructions or guidance we can try and help as much as we can. It will be held at the Army National Guard Armory at Thorpe Park. The times will be from  0800-1700 Hours.

The Post will be having their Nominations and Elections on May 13th at their regular meeting starting at 7:00 PM. Come on over and vote for your candidate, we all have a voice. Again we would like to see more participation for events and would like to see more volunteers for our Sunday and Wednesday Bingo nights even for an hour it will help the post. If you have any questions concerning any of the information I have mentioned give the Post a call for any updates.

In closing, I wish everybody safe travels abroad and all your families remain strong, healthy and happy.

Orrin Chimerica

Commander

FROM YOUR SR. VICE:

Membership is coming in great. As of the 15th of this month we are at 95.3% of our 2014 goal. So if you haven't paid yours, please get them in and help the Post make its 100% membership this year.

Sean Kane

Sr. Vice

NOMINATED FOR 2014-2015 POST OFFICERS

For Commander: Ken Grover, Orrin Chimerica, Michael Nigg

For Sr. Vice: Sean Kane, Michael Nigg

For Jr. Vice: Open

For Finance Officer: Betty Luther

For Sgt at Arms: Scott Woods

For Exec. Board: Dennis Meyers, Randy Luther, Betty Luther, Kraig Ziegler, Robert McMillen (3 will be elected)

The people that have been nominated must be present at the Post meeting on May 13, 2014. If they are not present to accept the nomination, their name will be removed from the ballot.

FROM THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION:

The Sons of the American Legion are also having their nominations and elections on April 13, 2014 at 6:00 PM during their meeting. Please make plans to attend and get involved. 

FROM THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY:

Greeting Everyone,

We are near the end of our fiscal year and it's time for elections, we really need everyone to attend our next meeting on May 15, 2014 at 6:00 PM. It's very important you be heard by casting your nominations and vote for you new officers. As president I would like to thank all our officers and members for their contribution and time, your hard work has made this year a success, even with some obstacles we had to face. It was my honor to be you president and I want to thank everyone. Our State President Karen Smith had a nice visit and she was very thankful for her fruit basket we left in her room. she said it took her awhile to go thru all the wonderful goodies she received. She also thanked us for the donation we made towards her special project.

Our Easter Egg Hunt we smoothly, we had quite a few children and they all had a blast.

At the end of April, we will be selling enchiladas on 4/27/14 for $10.00

For the month of May and June we have a few things to finish up the year on a good note, we will be putting out our poppy cans during the whole month of May, so if you have any change lying around please donate to our poppy fund, the funds are used to help our veterans, their families and various other projects, including the VA Hospital.

We will be having a Mother's Day Brunch at the Post. The cost will be $6.00 a plate and if you are a a current Auxiliary member your brunch will be half off when you present your card.We are hoping to give current post veterans a discount as well. As far as teh menu, we will be posting fliers at the Post so please come out and enjoy a delicious brunch and treat your loved ones.

During the Memorial Day weekend, we will be selling food on Sunday, May 25th. In June, we are hoping to combine with the Post to have at least two more fundraisers, with by selling burgers and hot dogs during events that will be coming up at Wheeler Park and downtown Flagstaff, so please come out and support out Post, the Ladies' Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion.

The following are the nominations made at our last meeting. Keep in mind that we will do one more round of nominations before we do elections at our meeting in May. 

Nominations for President: Rita Rodriguez

1st Vice: Betty Luther

2nd Vice: Wildine Rodriguez

Treasurer: Margaret Jaramillo

Chaplain: Beverly Muns

Historian: Maryann Snowden

Rita Rodriguez, President

CINCO DE MAYO DINNER:

On Monday, May 5th, the Post will be having a Cinco de Mayo dinner. The cost will be $7.00 per plate which will include: Homemade Taco, Tostada, Enchilada, with Rice and Beans, and Salsa and chips. Come on down and enjoy a great homemade meal and support your Post.

BLOOD DRIVE: 

The next Community Blood Drive will be held on May 19th thru the 23rd. If you can give the gift of life please donate.

ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE AND STAND DOWN:

The annual Armed Forces Day Parade will be held on May 17th in Downtown Flagstaff, starting at 10:00 AM. This will also be the 2nd Annual High Country Stand Down at The National Guard Army at Thorpe Park. If you can volunteer some time to help please do so. We can use a lot of help.

MEMORIAL DAY:

Prior to Memorial Day on Saturday, May 24 we will be setting out flags on our Veteran's graves. We are asking anyone that wishes to volunteer to meet at Calvary Cemetery or at Citizens Cemetery at 10:00 AM for instructions on placing the flags. (Please bring with you either a large screwdriver or a cordless drill with a large bit to make holes in the hard ground prior to placing the flag.)

Memorial Day Ceremonies will be held on the 26th of May at Calvary Cemetery and Citizens Cemetery. The Ceremonies at Calvary will be conducted by the VFW, Purple Heart, Marine Corps League at 9:00 AM. The City wide Ceremonies will be conducted by The American Legion starting at 11:00 AM in Section "K" Veterans Section. We can use some volunteers to take chairs, podium and other items needed for the ceremonies. So if you have truck and can help out it will be greatly appreciated. Be here at the Post by 10:00 AM so we can start loading up the equipment.

FLAG DAY JUNE 14TH:

On Flag Day, we will be having a Flag Retiring Ceremony in the Parking Lot starting at around 7:00 PM. Come on down and let us show you how to properly retire the American Flag.

Taps: Dave LaValley

The Northerner: March - April 2014

FROM YOUR POST COMMANDER:

Hello Fellow Legionnaires, members of the Sons of the American Legion and Ladies' Auxiliary of Post #3,

This new year has gotten off to a shaky start. For those who don't know, our Legion Family lost Jerry O'Brien on February 4th, 2014 due to natural causes. Jerry's mother June, his brother Jay visited our Post to take care of final arrangements, Jerry will be surely missed. "Much love from all your friends here at The American Legion and abroad. Rest in Peace."

Just recently, we also lost Mr. Lance Davidson, who was a Marine Veteran. Mr. Lance Davidson suffered from PTSD and ultimately took his own life. Rest in Peace.

It is my hope that we don't lose anybody else. A reminder; if you or if you know of anybody who is experiencing PTSD Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, and Loneliness; please get help or direct the individual to the proper help. "It takes a Warrior to ask for help."

Super Bowl Sunday on February 2nd was a very enjoyable day, there was plenty of food, here was a good size crowd and everybody enjoyed the game. Thank you to those volunteers who brought food, prepared and set up the buffet tables.

KOREAN WAR VETERANS:

Are you a Korean War Veteran? The American Legion Department of Arizona has given the Post 20 books on the Korean War which are for Free for anyone that is interested having one. Just come by the Post and pick up a copy.

TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR:

Our Transportation Coordinator, Karl Snider for the DAV Transportation program has announce that he is getting ready to retire from the volunteer job. We are looking for someone that is willing to come and take over as Transportation Coordinator. The work entails being here in the Office from 9:00 AM to noon Monday thru Friday, to answer the phone and make arrangements for transportation for patients going to and from the VA Hospitals in Prescott, Phoenix and the CBOC. He or she must be able to work with the DAV Office in Prescott and Phoenix to verify appointments, and make monthly reports. If you are interested in doing some volunteer work for the American Legion and the DAV, please come on down and talk to Karl Snider between 9:00 AM and Noon Monday thru Friday.

POST MEETING:

Our Post meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. We have had very little attendance at the meetings and we really need members to attend so that we can conduct business. If we do not have a quorum, we cannot conduct business. Please try and make plans to attend a meeting.

BINGO EVERY SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY AT 7:00 PM AND FISH FRY EVERY FRIDAY FROM 5:00 PM TO 8:00 PM.

Come and enjoy a great dinner on Friday nights and usually some good entertainment.

DISTRICT MEETING:

The next District Meeting will be held at Post 87 in Bullhead City on April 19th starting at 11:00 AM, at this meeting the District will have the Nominations and Elections of District Officers. This meeting is for both the Legion and Auxiliary.

POST NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS:

The end of the Legion year is right around the corner. The Post will have Nominations for Post Officers on April 8th at the regular meeting and then hold Nominations and Elections on May 13, 2014. It is time to step up and run for an office.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER:

The Post St. Patrick's Day Dinner is set for April 17, 2014. We will have Corned Beef and Cabbage with Red Potatoes, Carrots and Roll. The cost of the dinner for this year will be $7.00 per plate. Come on down and enjoy a great dinner and some entertainment.

BLOOD DRIVE:

Due to the shortage of the Blood Supply United Blood Services will be holding a Special Blood Drive here at the Post on St. Patrick's Day. If you donate the Gift of Life, please come on down and donate blood.

COMMANDER'S DINNER:

The Annual Commander Dinner is set for April 5, 2014. This dinner to welcome out State Commander, State President, and Detachment Commander to the Post, when they make their official visit to the Post. The Dinner will start at 6:00 PM, so make plans to attend.

TAPS: Jerry O' Brien, Neil Swenson, Lance Davison