COMMANDER’S MESSAGE
Dear Comrades,
WOW! We packed the Lodge on the Green for the second time this month. Just this past Sunday we honored 36 High School Students who received the Loyalty Day Award. This years Poppy Princesses were also in attendance. Monroe County Council had a record breaking attendance for the 2009 Loyalty Day Banquet.
It was a wonderful event made so by the many distinct guests and keynote speakers. I would like personally thank all posts and their auxiliaries who attended. I would like to commend Hilton Post # 6105 and it’s Auxiliary for their outstanding attendance of 20 members.
Thank you again to the Ladies Auxiliary for greeting guests at the door. Karen Dotson, along with her mother, Marita Fredette and daughter, Cindy Winzenreid from post #412 and Joyce King and Kathy Pospula from post # 4658 for their assistance in the seating of all in attendance. Great Job Ladies.
The Council has six well used Bibles available to anyone who can use them. Also, there are 2 flag cases that are 6’ X 6’’ X 6’’ available.
Please contact the Monroe County Council office if interested. Additionally, we have 3X5 house flags with attachments for sale at $17 each. These will be available at Tuesday’s meeting.
Monroe County is still in first place in the District in Membership but we have slipped 1.5%. Congratulations to the four posts that are at or near 100%. We currently have six posts that need less than eight new or reinstated members to obtain 100%. I hope that these posts will extend themselves and keep Monroe County at the top.
May is Buddy Poppy month. 15 of the 18 posts have ordered poppies for distribution. Congratulations to the Commanders. I would like to remind all of us that if we encounter any conflict at any establishment to please settle it like gentlemen. There are 24 hours in a day and 30 days for everyone to do a splendid job as in the past years.
At the State Convention in Buffalo in June our County Color Guard from post # 307 will carry the County Colors in the opening ceremony. Hat’s off to Commander Vanderpool for his effort.
With the parades coming up we are in need of open vehicles, a pick up truck, convertible or glass roof tops. If anyone would like to represent their post and Monroe County and drive the Poppy Princesses in the parades, please contact me.
The Monroe County Council Convention will be on Tuesday night, May 5 at the Danforth Center at our regular meeting time of 7: 00 PM. The registration Fee is 1 dollar per delegate in attendance.
At the Council meeting on May 5th, we will be nominating and electing a Commander, Sr. Vice, Jr. Vice, Quartermaster, Judge Advocate , Surgeon, Chaplain and Trustee. If any post is interested, please be present.
Please submit your annual election reports no later than May 31st. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Don Makely, Commander
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Sisters:
I hope everyone who attended the Monroe County Council Loyalty Day/Merit Awards Dinner had an enjoyable time. Thank you to the auxiliaries for sponsoring two students to attend the dinner. Please note, you can report your attendance at the Loyalty Day Dinner as part of your Americanism Report for this coming year.
Monroe County Council Ladies Auxiliary VFW is doing wonderful with our Membership Program! As of today, Monroe County Council stands at 97.39%, District 8 is at 94.39%.and as a Department, membership is currently at 96.80%. We are very close to achieving 100% as a County Council.
The next Monroe County Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5 at 12 noon at the Danforth Community Center, 200 West Avenue. We will have elections and installation of officers at the meeting.
The District 8 and County Councils Testimonial Dinner will be held on Saturday, May 16 at the Newark Post. If you have any questions, please contact Marita Fredette at 235-7396. I hope you will be able to attend.
Sisters, last week I attended the annual Canandaigua VA Hospital Recognition Dinner. It was very lovely, Congratulations to Helen Weeks for being recognized for over 5000 hours of volunteering. The Canandaigua VA Hospital can always use more volunteers- even if it is only a few hours once a month or whatever is convenient to your schedule. Please consider this request.
Memorial Day is right around the corner. If you have not already done so, please start to plan your Buddy Poppy Drives. Most importantly to remember, Poppies are distributed; we do not sell poppies.
Have you sent your monthly birthday card to the VFW National Home for Children? Let our children of the New York Cottages know we remember them.
Please continue to keep our sisters and comrades in your prayers especially those that are ill.
Lastly, I would like to thank District 8 Commander, George Whitfield, for his support in publishing and mailing the Monroe County Council “Air Waves” monthly newsletter. Thanks Commander George, the Ladies Auxiliary of Monroe County Council appreciate your support and wish you the very best in your move to Las Vegas in July. We will miss you!
I wish everyone a “Happy Mother’s Day” Always remember if united We Stand for our Veterans and their Families” “Our Dreams Becomes Rainbows”.
Loyally,
Karen A. Dotson
Monroe County President
TONY’S MESSAGE
Another VFW year is soon coming to a close. We hope that you, as commander, have fulfilled all of your goals that you aimed for when you took obligation of office last year. Some of you have held the office for successive terms and may go on for another term. The concern here is that you don’t want to go about your duties and responsibility as commander with a “Laid Back “ attitude, Each term should be approached with new enthusiasm. What did not work last year may work this year. If you are turning the reins over to a new commander, remember the words of the installing officer “Comrade Commander, your duties as presiding officer of this post will terminate following the Department convention. It is proper to remind you that, when you assume the chair of post commander, it will be your duty to assist your successor with all the council and experience you have gained during your term of office.”
A smooth transition is important to your successor. In fact it is your obligation if you are leaving office. We hope that you have had an enjoyable experience in leading your post.
You have our congratulation and good wishes for your future endeavors.
Tony