COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

It’s a New Year and sometimes we reflect back for a moment on how we can improve if things weren’t just right.  At our last meeting we did just that, the following upgrades were revisited.  We discussed purchasing a new handicap entry door to the elevator vestibule, purchasing a security system complete with cameras and recorders with it being connected to 911 service.  It was also discussed to purchase a generator to back feed the Post in the event of another outage (like the one we had in December’s ice storm).  I took it a step further for the morale, welfare and quality of life to those in need.  I am researching with our insurance company and the City of Portsmouth’s Shelters about how to utilize the upstairs hall to provide shelter for those who lose power in the future.  It was not discussed at the last meeting but, it was discussed earlier last year and there is a need to address it with you now with the potential upgrades being brought forward.  Installing a sprinkler system for the Post Home, this discussion was generated by a letter that was sent out by the state due to the fire that happened in Rhode Island a short time ago.  These are all big ticket items and require help from the membership and community.  If you or anyone you know who operates a business as to the construction or has knowledge of the above projects and if you or they would like to provide an estimate to the services required, (please consider us for a reduced cost as a non-profit organization) you can contact Bill Phelps (Home and Hall Chairman) or myself, with your information.  If you would like to donate your time or help with the offset of cost to the above projects, address your donation to American Legion Post 6 and on the memo line write in “Donation to the Post Home Upgrade.” At our next meeting the estimates will be brought back to vote on.  If you have any input please come to our next meeting.  We also voted on the Post by-law changes, they all passed.  I will have the revised by-laws available for you by the next meeting.  I want to thank all the members who take part in the structure and future of Frank E. Booma Post 6.  Our endeavors

would not be possible without you.  The Post accomplishments rely on the dedication and integrity of the membership.  Don’t forget Saturday, January 31, 2009 is the Mid-winter Conference at Post 7 Rochester.  Registration time is 08:00 the meeting starts at 09:00.  Mark your calendars for February 19, 2009 regular meeting.  The floor will open for first nominations of Post Officers, I encourage you to attend that meeting or submit a letter of intent to the Adjutant.  I was informed the date has been extended; we still have name plaques available for sale to be inlayed to the new bar.  The cost is $25.00 per plaque, be a part of Post history.  If you think the snow is deep now, think about George Washington at Valley Forge.

 Frank Desper, Post Commander

 ADJUTANT’S MESSAGE

 I have sent off the last membership transmittal for the year 2008 and I am sorry to say that those of you who have not renew their membership for 2008 will lose their continuous years of membership status. I have put notices in the newsletter from time to time telling the importance of keeping your membership up to date. Should you care to remain a member in the American Legion you will have start as a new member in 2009. Sorry!  Membership at Post meeting has been very poor in the past. It is very important for you as a Post member to attend Post meetings, when possible. There are sometimes important issues concerning the grille and Post home that need to be discussed. Your input at these meetings is very important. This is your Post and you should take an active Part in the running of your Post, when possible. History has shown that lack of participation in one’s organization can and has lead to the down fall of that organization, so keep that in mind when the next Post meeting comes up.  If this Post means anything to you, please attend meetings a give your input.

George McCall, Post Adjutant

JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

I want to thank the following people for helping with the Children's Christmas party by wrapping, baking or helping at the party, it was greatly appreciated.

Jim and Carol Cole, Lorraine Gordon, Pam Mattingly, Karyl Horn, President Sheila Brooks, Sue Desper, Shirley Williams, Karen Hemstrought, Grant Bergeron and Qvon Williams

The following people made the Thanksgiving Dinner a success and their help was appreciated.

Sue Desper, Bruce Montville, Paul Hollingsworth, Austin Nickerson, Grace Ricard, Barbara McCall, Karyl Horn, Sheila Brooks, Don Poisson, Erin Baird, Ryan Blount, Ray Richardson, Heidi Richardson, Steve Hayes, Hillary Hayes, Jer Fernald, Nobel Cassell, Chris Currier, Debbie O'Malley, Mike O'Malley, Mary Smith, Paula Hollingsworth, Cassie Fernald, Stanley Privat, Ryan Hogan, Sandy Beach, Betsy Ecker, Sheila Katsonis, Al Hall, Janice Brown, Russ Brown, Ellen Bergeron, and Cindy Jackson.

Now everyone can take a little time to rest. We have no function scheduled for a while and once again I want to thank everyone who helped out on these two events. You made them a success.

Our next event will be the Children's Easter Party and we will publish the date as soon as it is available. Thank you,

 Richard “Brooksie” Brooks, Post Jr. Vice Commander

POST 6 COLOR GUARD MESSAGE

THERE WILL NOT BE A FISH FRY IN JANUARY!  Our next Fish Fry will be Friday, February 6, 2009.  Thank You for your loyalty and please continue to support us. 

Your 2 Time National Post 6 Color Guard

SURF & TURF SCHEDULE

 January 3rd – Post

January 10th – S.A.L.

January 17th – Unit

January 24th – Color Guard

January 31st - Grille

SQUADRON COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

Hi – I hope everyone made it through the power outage without too much trouble.  That was not a good way to start the winter.  I would like to thank Grant Bergeron and Matt Karlson for delivering our gifts to this year’s S.A.L. Christmas Family.  I heard

the family was very grateful.  I hope they have a nice Christmas.  The Children’s Christmas Party was a big hit as usual.  The kids had a great time.  Just a reminder, we have Surf & Turf at the Grille every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and that the S.A.L. runs it every second Saturday of the month.   So come on out and help us make good day of it.  Well, have a nice holiday and be safe.  Thanks. 

 Michael Hunt,  S.A.L. Commander

 SQUADRON ADJUTANT’S MESSAGE

 I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year’s. Make sure if you move that you let your adjutant know your new address, even if you let the post office know they do not tell us.  You must inform us of your address change. If any one is eligible for a hat please let me know and I will order it but I need a size. The SAL for Christmas supported a family and they were very appreciative for our gifts.  The next meeting is January 14, 2009, the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

 Bob Prendergast, S.A.L. Adjutant

 BAND SCHEDULE

 January 3rd – Echo Tones

January 10th – 52nd Street

January 17th – The DelRays

January 24th – Bill Vendasi

January 31st – Dirty MCGurdy

February 7th – Groove Cats

AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP

Ladies – We only need 14 to meet the 75% goal and 99 for 100%.  To continue to receive a newsletter your dues for 2009 must be paid by January 20, 2009.  Continue to stay informed and pay your dues today.  If you have paid your dues, THANK YOU!  Also, if you have a change of address, please be sure to notify me.   If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to call me at (603) 988-8267.

Karyl Horn, Unit Secretary/Treasurer

GRILLE STEWARD’S MESSAGE

Hello again, Wow!! 2009 is here.  I hope everyone had a safe Christmas and a Happy New Year!  Lots going on this year.   We have a few new bands for your entertainment as well as some favorites from last year.  The Black Brook band played for us in December and they were fantastic!!!  They have won many country music awards throughout the Seacoast Area not to mention they won first place at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – New Country Music Artist.  You do not want to miss the next time they play for us here, what a treat!  52nd Street is back followed by a new band The DelRays who are very popular where ever they play.  We also have a very successful band with a great soul out of Portland, Maine.  Dirty McGurdy are a six piece band with talented musicians not to mention a saxophone player and a bag piper!!  Do not miss this one.  We had Downtown Rhythm on the 20th of December and they now have a new female lead vocalist.  She is outstanding, so get ready to enjoy one of the few places that have live bands.   There are only a few places you can go to enjoy live music with a pleasant atmosphere for American Legion members and their guests.  We will be having a Super Bowl Potluck Tailgate Party.  There will be a sign up sheet in the Grille for those of you who wish to bring a dish on Sunday, February 1, 2009.  We will be airing the game on all TVs.  So come on in and watch the game with us.  Until next month, stay safe and warm, Spring is right around the corner.

Sue Desper, Grille Steward

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

 I would like to start off with a lot of Thank Yous to too many to list here. Thank you to all that worked the Thanksgiving Day Dinner, making Desserts, setting tables, cooking, cleaning and whatever else you may have done. Thank you for coming in on the days of our Cherry Tree Fund Raiser to make that a success. Thank you for helping with donations to complete the sending of the boxes to Afghanistan. They received them on December 2, 2008 and via email Dan Yoder asked that a Thank you be sent on to all. The Children's Christmas Party went off very well. Santa was a big hit with the kids. Thank you to all that helped with the Children's Christmas Party. I must single out one member for all the baskets that were donated for the Gift Shop at the Manchester VA. They were a big hit with the Veteran's. Thank you Carol.

We are still collecting After Shave and Pre-Shave Lotions for the shelves at the Manchester VA, White River Junction and the Veteran's Home in Tilton. Regular size and trial size of these items are needed. If you would like to donate these items or any other personal care products please bring them in and put them in the basket between the entrances to the restrooms. These items are for the Veterans at NO COST. The State of NH does not provide these personal care products to the Veterans. They have them ONLY if donations come in. They will be delivered to Department at the Mid-Winter Conference.

Do you have any favorite recipes?? Something that your family loves to have you cook for them? The Auxiliary is working on putting together a cookbook. Please donate a couple of your recipes for inclusion. Watch for more information on this endeavor.

The next Unit meeting is Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 7:00 PM. District #3 will be holding their next meeting on Friday, January 9, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Rollinsford Post. Mid-Winter Conference will be Saturday, January 31, 2009 at the Rochester Post at 9 a.m.   Come meet the National President, Desi Stoy and support the Juniors in their fund-raisers.

 Sheila Brooks, Unit President & District #3 Director