(Clark Mills, NY – Feb. 2012) Clark Mills American Legion Post 26, located on Main Street will hold a prime rib dinner Feb. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The $13 queen cut prime rib dinner comes with roasted potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, onions and vegetables.
Reservations must be made and pre-payment required no later than 7 p.m. Feb. 19 by calling 853-8092.
(Clark Mills, NY – Dec. 2011) The Children’s Christmas Party will be held Saturday, Dec. 17 from 1-3 p.m. for Clark Mills Post 26 Legion Family members. Ages 8 and under, please sign-up at the Post NLT 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 so Santa’s helpers from our Unit 26 Auxiliary have time to gather gifts!
Our Adult Christmas Party is also Saturday, Dec. 17 from 8-11 p.m. with DJ & Karaoke by Brian Bright. We’ll also have a White Elephant Gift Exchange, finger foods and more.
New Year’s Eve Celebration is Dec. 31 from 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. with DJ & Karaoke.
Commander’s Corner
(Clinton, NY – Dec. 2011) I extend my sincere apologies to our Marine Corp. veterans for not mentioning their 236th birthday. The United States Marine Corps was officially formed by Captain Samuel Nicholas by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress on 10 November 1775.
There’s a lot going on at the Post. Please check our calendar of events and join in on the fun! SANTA’S COMING!
At 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, December 7, 1941, 360 warplanes bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan on their wings, descended on Pearl Harbor in an unprovoked assault on the United States. Five of eight battleships, three destroyers, and seven other ships of the Pacific fleet were sunk or severely damaged, and more than 200 aircraft were destroyed. A total of 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,200 were wounded, many while valiantly attempting to fend off the attack. Fortunately for the United States, all three Pacific fleet carriers were out at sea on training maneuvers.
Six months later at the Battle of Midway, these same aircraft carriers would have their revenge against Japan and ultimately changed the tide against the Japanese navy.
The day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, President Roosevelt spoke to a joint Congressional session and declared, “Yesterday, December 7, 1941–a date which will live in infamy–the United States of America was suddenly and `deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” He then asked Congress to approve a resolution to recognize a state of war between the United States and Japan. The Senate voted for war by 82 to 0, and the House of Representatives approved the resolution by a vote of 388 to 1.
The American contribution to the successful Allied war effort spanned four years and ended with the total victory in 1945. WW II was the deadliest military conflict in history. The U.S. suffered 416,000 military deaths, with an additional 1,700 civilian deaths attributed to military action. Total deaths attributed to the war is estimated to be between 62-78 million.
The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association was founded in 1958 and in 1985 was recognized by the United States Congress. Their motto: “Remember Pearl Harbor–Keep America Alert– Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty.”
During my military service I was assigned to temporary duty, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and visited the USS Arizona Memorial, marking the final resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors killed onboard the USS Arizona during the attack. Every United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine vessel entering Pearl Harbor participates in the tradition of “manning the rails” as they come into port. Personnel stand at attention at the ship’s rails and salute in solemn fashion as their ship passes by. Foreign military vessels that enter Pearl Harbor for joint military exercises have also participated in “manning the rails” – a show of respect for those that died in service to our country.
The U.S. Navy’s motto is; “Honor, Courage, Commitment” – In true fashion following the Pearl Harbor attack, the Navy salvaged guns from the No. 2 main turret of the USS Arizona after its sinking, installed them on to the USS Nevada (also damage during the attack) and fired the guns against Japanese forces on the islands of Okinawa and Iwo Jima!
For The Good of the Legion, Mark R. Roach, Commander
No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. Thank you!
“Sunday @ the Movies” – Michelle Ptak-Russell and Crystal Faria put together this first-time event and Brian Thomas supplied the home entertainment system. We’ll do it again in February, watch for the date!
“Veteran’s Appreciation Evening” – Girl Scout Troop 934, Troop 069, Post 26 Auxiliary members, Jr. Auxiliary members and the veteran’s – Thanks for your genuine interest in the American Legion and our Veterans!
“Prime Rib” – John, Carrie & Breanne Storey, Donna Witte, Mike Cook, Becca Gorzyca, Jay Eddy, Debbie Seymour, Sharleen Machold, Jim Nolan, Brenda and Daniel Cobb, Louise Roach, Laurie Grube, Kathy Trembley, Michelle Ptak-
Russell. GREAT SUPPORT!
Military History –
– December 18, 1813 – The British took Ft. Niagara in the War of 1812.
– December 28, 1872 – U.S. Army forces defeated a group of Apache warriors at Salt River Canyon, Arizona
Territory, with 57 Indians killed with the loss of only one U.S. Soldier.
– December 7, 1952 – U.S. Air Force F-86 Sabre jet pilots report seven of 32 enemy fighters destroyed, one damaged and one probably destroyed. It was the largest single-day tally during the Korean War.
Also worth mentioning — December 7, 1963 – During the Army-Navy game, videotaped instant replay was used for the first time in a live sports telecast as CBS re-showed a one-yard touchdown run by Army quarterback Rollie Stichweh. Navy beat Army, 21-15.
Ladies Auxiliary
I hope all enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. Just a reminder that Tuesday, December 6th is our Auxiliary member’s fall covered dish dinner beginning at 6:30pm.
Our Children’s Christmas party is scheduled for Saturday, December 17 from 1-3pm. A sign-up sheet is located near the Commander’s Corner and will be removed at 4pm Monday, December 12th. This will allow Santa’s helpers to begin the task of gathering the children’s gifts.
A gift wrapping party is scheduled for Thursday, December 15th at 6:30pm. Please bring scissors.
God Bless our Troops,
Donna Witte – Ladies Auxiliary President Danielle Cobb – Junior Adviser (315) 941-7640
Sons of the American Legion
IN MEMORY OF BERNARD H. BROWN: Last month, we lost a Charter Member of our organization.
Bernard Brown was an original, charter member of the Clark Mills Squadron #26 Son’s of The American Legion. Several members of his family are also members of our Legion family and it is with our deepest sympathies that we send our best wishes to the entire Brown family during this time.
Membership: We have just over 40 members paid for 2012 with over 60 members unpaid for 2012. Let’s get those Dues in… Dues are Dues by January 1st. You can still sell 10 Raffle Tickets to pay your 2012 dues.
Raffle: For those interested in selling tickets: More tickets will be available at the bar. For those who are interested in purchasing tickets, they are available at the bar. For those who have tickets outstanding: less than 2 months to our drawing. Let’s get those tickets sold and turned in.
Happy Holidays to everyone from The Son’s!
For the Good of the Son’s, Jason Dawes – Commander, Squadron 26 cmsal26@yahoo.com
Scouting Programs
We had 80 people attend our traditional turkey dinner at Camp Russell. This was the 30th Thanksgiving Dinner Troop 44 has hosted going back to 1981 (missed 1987). Eagle Ceremony for Nick Spudie and Corey Pardee on Sat. Nov. 26th. Scheduled Outings – Camp Kingsley Dec. 16-18 & Camp Woodland Jan 13-15. We meet on Wed. nights from 7-8 p.m. in the upstairs of the Legion. New members between 6 and 17 are welcome.
Mike Dodson – Troop 44 Scout Master (736-5928) mtdodson@roadrunner.com
Sick Call
Legion members Gary Faria, Tony Dzwonkas and Kenny Batson are all recovering well. We wish each of you a quick return to your normal activities.
Legion Service Officer Butch Bellows 269-9268 Auxiliary Service Officer Carla Shepherd 853-5795 SAL Service Officer Tim Morrison 736-2908.
December 9th (Friday) – Post 26 Early Bird Party from 6-8PM Paid Post 26 members eligible for the Early Bird Party can join your fellow comrades for an evening at the Post. Two (2) free drinks & food with your Post 26 “Early Bird” membership card.
Post 26 Children’s Christmas Party! – December 17th (Saturday) 1-3PM
Confirmation has been made that Post 26 is on Santa’s schedule for a special stop. Sign-up your child (ages 8 & under) NLT 4PM Monday, December 12th.
December 17th (Saturday) – HO-HO-HO….IT’S TIME FOR OUR ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY! Brian Bright rocks the house 8-11PM. We’ll have an Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest too! NEW THIS YEAR….Our Main Attraction – White Elephant Gift Exchange – Bring an unmarked wrapped gift removed from your home (an item you no longer want or need). A nick-knack, argyle socks still in the package, that 1940’s pasta bowl you never used or an item that didn’t sell in your garage sale…(don’t let anyone know what you gift wrapped!) At 9:00PM, everyone who arrived with a gift will draw numbers from a hat to determine the gift-choice order. Each person takes his or her turn choosing a wrapped gift. DON’T OPEN IT YET! The first person picks a gift – then, in turn, the next participants choose to either pick a new gift or to “steal” a previous gift from any of the other players.
If a gift is “stolen” the person who had their gift stolen gets to pick another gift. When all the gifts are out, the game is over. Open them up and show the crowd what has been picked and/or stolen. Lots of fun with NO NEED TO BUY A GIFT – You already have an item at home – wrap something up and head down to Post 26! (We are asking for volunteers to bring a finger food dish to pass. Please see Bar Chairperson Carrie Storey or Auxiliary President Donna Witte if interested. THANK YOU!)
December 31st (Saturday) – Post 26 BRINGS IN 2012! With DJ & Karaoke by Brian Bright from 8pm – 12:30am! Does this sound familiar? Austrians celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends, the French exchange best wishes while the Irish flock to a small town pub. In Casablanca, they get together to eat, dance and laugh. (All that sounds just like what we do right here at Post 26!) Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends. Enjoy the laughter, best wishes, finger foods, drinks and a Champaign toast as we bring in 2012!
January / February – (Sundays at 6pm) – Co-Ed Round Robin Shuffle Board – age 18+
January 21st (Saturday) – “Post 26 Chili Cook-Off” – Chili Night at the bar from 6-8PM. Here’s the challenge….I’m looking for one official entry each from the Legion, Unit 26 Auxiliary, SAL Squadron 26 and Jr. Auxiliary. Prepare your favorite Chili recipe and bring it down for all to enjoy. Those attending will vote for their favorite! A donation per bowl served goes to our local Country Pantry – 50/50, Drink Specials & Cook-off prizes awarded!
February 12th (Sunday) – Sweetheart’s Breakfast. To get a jump on the upcoming Valentine’s Day, Post 26 has a special breakfast for you, your sweetheart and family to enjoy! It’s definitely NOT your average military chow line, but we’re ready to feed an Army! Please join us…more to come in January’s newsletter.
By Dave Roach
(Clark Mills, NY – Nov. 2011) Commander’s Corner. American Legion Post 26.
In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the parties involved in World War I ceased hostilities after years of brutal armed conflict. Years later, Nov. 11 became a federal holiday, Armistice Day, initially commemorating the end of WWI as an event that was “to end all wars.” In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day was re-designated as “Veterans Day” to honor all those that have served this great nation of ours for the sacrifices they made for our country.
Americans of every generation, including the more than 24 million living veterans, have endured or witnessed the toils of war to defeat aggression, restore order and secure liberty and opportunity. They secured and continue to maintain freedom, not only to those of us who are born and live under our Nation’s Colors, but also for those who have endured the wrath of foreign leadership and have called upon the United States and our military might.
We pay tribute on Veterans Days to each and every service member past and present, especially to those who gave their all for freedom, and to those who remain missing in action. I express my sincere gratitude to our service member’s families who, through their support, have also sacrifice in support of our veterans and our great nation.
Thank you for being there for my country. Thank you for watching over us, our families and friends as we live with the freedoms that your diligence provides.
For The Good of the Legion,
Mark R. Roach, Commander, Clark Mills American Legion Post 26
· Reservations and pre-payment of $13.00 is required no later than 7PM Sunday, November 6th.
Next Fund Raiser – November 12th (Saturday) – Prime Rib Dinner 5-7PM – Enjoy our Queen
Cut of Prime Rib – Succulent, Juicy and Slow Roasted to Perfection. Our cut of Prime Rib is extremely tender and comes served with Au Jus, Roasted Potatoes, Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions and a serving of Vegetables.
POST 26 LEGION MEMBERS – Your help and support is needed for ALL Post 26 fund raising events!
No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. Thank you!
“Mushroom Monday” Supporting Crew – No couch potatoes here…THANKS! Becca Gorzyca, Donna Witte,
John & Carrie Storey, Louise Roach, Pete Dzwonkas, Lori Satterlee, Patty Miller, Marissa Enos, Gabby Enos,
Breanna Storey, Michele DiNigro, Butch Bellows. Thanks for your time and effort!
“Be There or Beware” Adult Halloween Party – Donna Witte & Carrie Storey decorated the Post.
Military History –
– November 11, 1865 – Dr. Mary Edward Walker, 1st Army female surgeon, was awarded the Medal of
Honor by Pres. Andrew Johnson for her work as a field doctor for outstanding service at the Battle of Bull Run, at the Battle of Chickamauga, as a Confederate prisoner of war in Richmond, Va., and at the Battle of Atlanta.
– November 11, 1885 – “Old Blood and Guts”, the “Old Man”, George Smith Patton, Jr. is born. In 1944, Patton assumed command of the U.S. Third Army, which under his leadership advanced farther, captured more enemy prisoners, and liberated more territory in less time than any other army in military history.
– November 13, 1982 – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C. The black-granite wall inscribed with the names of the 57,939 Americans who died in the conflict, are arranged in order of death, not rank. It is the most visited memorial in Washington, D.C.
Ladies Auxiliary
Let me begin by thanking Past President Sharleen for filling in for me during last month’s meeting. I would also like to welcome everyone back and hope that all had a safe and enjoyable summer.
Congratulations to Brenda Cobb on being elected as the Oneida County Aux. 1st Vice President. We wish her the best of luck, and thank her for continuing to proudly represent Unit 26!
The Jr. Auxiliary is sponsoring a fall raffle for a special thanksgiving turkey yard display and several lottery tickets.
Please stop down to the post to purchase tickets to support their fund raiser. The drawing will be held on November 12th
I’m looking forward to having the 2011-2012 Auxiliary year a successful one for us by working together as a unit towards our goals and in support of Post 26. Our next monthly meeting will be Tuesday, November 8th @ 7pm.
God Bless our Troops,
Donna Witte – Ladies Auxiliary President Danielle Cobb – Junior Adviser (315) 941-7640
Sons of the American Legion
· DUES ARE DUE: There are 20 member’s dues are PAID for 2012 and over 80 dues are UNPAID.
Dues are STILL $15 for over 18 and STILL $12 for 18 and under. Let’s get to 100% by January 1st.
· SHOTGUN RAFFLE: Don’t forget, you can sell 10 tickets and your dues are automatically paid! Tickets can be purchased at the bar or contact me directly.
VETERAN’S DAY MESSAGE: I recently attended the State Commander Visitation dinner at New Hartford Post. Part of our S.A.L. State Commander “Doc” Gibbs speech discussed our Preamble and I would like to share a similar message:
As Son’s of The American Legion we are “Proud possessors of a priceless heritage” and as “male descendants of veterans of the Great Wars” I believe we have a greater appreciation for the men and woman who have served in the Armed Forces. Let us always remember all who have served, past and present. We are thankful every day. And on Veterans Day, please allow us to thank all of our United States veterans; especially the men and women of the Clark Mills American Legion Post 26.
We are PROUD to be your Son’s. THANK-YOU VETERANS!!!
For the Good of the Son’s
Jason Dawes – Commander, Squadron 26 cmsal26@yahoo.com
Scouting Programs
Scouting for Food program is Nov. 5th and 12th. Please help those in need by placing your donated items into the bags we supply and put them out November 12th for pick-up. Items can also be dropped off at the American Legion. We have our annual Camp Russell Trip, Nov. 18th – 20th with our Turkey Dinner, Nov 19th. Camp Kingsley Trip is Dec. 16th – 18th.
Follow us on the web at www.troop44clarkmills.com or on Facebook – search “Troop 44 Clark Mills”. We meet on Wed. nights from 7-8 p.m. in the upstairs of the Legion. New members between 6 and 17 are always welcome.
Mike Dodson – Troop 44 Scout Master (736-5928) mtdodson@roadrunner.com
Sick Call – Legion Service Officer Butch Bellows 269-9268
Auxiliary Service Officer Carla Shepherd 853-5795 / SAL Service Officer Tim Morrison 736-2908.
POST 26 CALENDER OF EVENTS
November 6th (Sunday) – ”Sunday @ the Movies” FOR THE FAMILY! 4PM – punch & popcorn!
November 11th (Friday) – Veteran’s Appreciation Evening – Sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 069 – Last year 80+ attended this event! Stop down and enjoy the company and share some of your age appropriate military experiences. Please bring photos, training books and other memorabilia to share. Girl Scout Troop 069 planned this event to thank our local veterans.
November 12th (Saturday) – Prime Rib Dinner 5-7PM – Enjoy our Queen Cut of Prime Rib – Succulent, Juicy and Slow Roasted to Perfection. Our cut of Prime Rib is extremely tender and comes served with Au Jus, Roasted Potatoes, Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions and a serving of Healthy Vegetables. Reservations and prepayment of $13.00 is required no later than 7PM Sunday, November 6th.
December 17th (Saturday) – HO-HO-HO….IT’S TIME FOR OUR ADULT
CHRISTMAS PARTY! 8-11PM DJ Brian Bright will be here to rock the house! We’ll have an Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest too!
NEW THIS YEAR….Our Main Attraction – White Elephant Gift Exchange – Bring an unmarked wrapped gift removed from your home (an item you no longer want or need). A Nick-knack, argyle socks still in the package, that 1940’s pasta bowl you never used or an item that didn’t sell in your garage sale…(don’t let anyone know what you gift wrapped!) At 9:00PM, everyone who ARRIVED with a gift will draw numbers from a hat to determine the gift-choice order. Each person takes his or her turn choosing a wrapped gift. DON’T OPEN IT YET! The first person picks a gift – then, in turn, the next participants choose to either pick a new gift or to “steal” a previous gift from any of the other players. If a gift is “stolen” the person who had their gift stolen gets to pick another gift. When all the gifts are out, the game is over. Open them up and show the crowd what hasbeen picked and/or stolen. Lots of fun with NO NEED TO BUY A GIFT – You already have an item at home – wrap something up and head down to Post 26! (We are asking for volunteers to bring a finger food dish to pass. Please see Carrie Storey or Donna Witte if interested. THANK YOU!)
December 31st (Saturday) – Post 26 BRINGS IN 2012! Does this sound familiar?…Austrians celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends, the French exchange best wishes while the Irish flock to a small town pub. In Casablanca, they get together to eat,
dance and laugh. (All that sounds just like what we do right here at Post 26!) Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends. Enjoy the laughter, best wishes, finger foods, drinks and a Champaign toast as we bring in 2012! DJ & Karaoke by Brian Bright!
January / February – (Sunday Nights 6pm) – Co-Ed Round Robin Shuffle Board – age 18+
January 21st (Saturday) – “Post 26 Chili Cook-Off” – Chili Night from 6-8PM. Here’s the challenge….I’m looking for one official entry each from the Legion, Unit 26 Auxiliary, SAL Squadron 26 and Jr. Auxiliary. Prepare your favorite Chili recipe and bring it down for all to enjoy. Those attending will vote for their favorite! A donation per bowl served goes to our local Country Pantry – 50/50, Drink Specials & Cook-off prizes awarded.
(Clark Mills, NY – Nov. 2011) Clark Mills American Legion Post 26 will hold a prime rib dinner Nov. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the post home on Main Street.
The dinner sells form $13. Reservations and payment must be made no later than 7 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 6.
Sign-up and prepay at the Legion. For more information, call 853-8092.
(Syracuse, NY – Sept. 28, 2011) The Central New York Region has everything a traveler could want out of a visit to New York State, from something old (historical landmarks, museums and rustic B&Bs) to something new (state-of-the-art science centers, modern theatrical performances and high-end spas). To emphasize the “something old,” the area is overflowing with quaint shops touting eclectic antiques and collectibles, offering a slice of the region’s rich past. It is truly a picker’s (and a historian’s) paradise.
For starters, the Madison-Bouckville area offers a year-round antique venue with over 30 shops featuring hundreds of dealers, plus the largest antique show in New York State every third week in August. This event, the Madison Bouckville Antique Week, draws more than 2,000 dealers for a weeklong show along one two-mile stretch of Route 20. Another superb find for antique hunters in Madison County is The Market at Oneida Commons, a neat little mall open year-round that’s packed with vintage items, crafts, jewelry, books, furniture, locally-produced Pride of NY foods and other odds and ends that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Cobbler & C. in Sharon Springs, Schoharie County, offers a treasure trove of antiques. Up on the second floor is a wide array of used, but “new to you” goods: a collection of old dishes, glassware, books, magazines and other collectibles.
In Oneida County, the Westmoreland Antique Center features 80 dealer spaces with a vast array of antiques and vintage collectibles like holiday merchandise, milk bottles, postcards and advertising collectibles, plus a vast selection of glassware, china and furniture.
Charlotte’s Antiques in Chenango County welcomes antique enthusiasts to pore over home décor, women’s clothing and jewelry, and rare collectibles, among other specialty items. For Iroquois artifacts, one-of-a-kind classics and various collectibles, Carriage Barn Antiques, Iroquois Antiques and Pheasant Farm Antiques are a few popular stops in the area.
The Little Falls Antique Center in Herkimer County showcases oldies but goodies from 18 dealers. Just a ways down the street, Stone Mill of Little Falls houses everything vintage from lighting, to clothing, to decorative arts and prints, plus local treasures like Oriental carpets from Erie Canal Carpets, sterling silver and cookbooks. The unexpected can be expected in the old factory atmosphere of this 1839 mill built on the banks of the Mohawk River, as the inventory is ever changing. Greater Binghamton’s Clinton Street, aptly named the “Antique Row,” is a hot spot for antiquing, hosting as many as 30 dealers at a given time. The locale makes perfect sense, as Clinton Street itself is an antique – it existed long before the city of Binghamton.
Cooperstown in Otsego County is saturated in antiquing opportunities. More than 50 shops line the area, from main streets to country roads, including NYS Route 7 corridor from Unadilla to Oneonta, the NYS Route 28 corridor from Oneonta to Cooperstown, and US Route 20, the road to the Madison-Bouckville Antique Show. For those seeking a myriad of vintage items, from china and glassware to historic textiles and furniture, shops like Barkley Barn Blue Ribbon Antiques, Lake Antiques and Antiques & Artifacts are must-sees. Even the antiquing venues themselves are fascinating and range from charming homes to old barns brimming with collectibles.
For some, a successful hunt for the perfect antique can take months or even years. The Central New York Region’s seemingly limitless supply of rare antiques and collectibles in dozens of shops across the area, however, can certainly help to shorten the duration of that hunt and make it quite enjoyable along the way.
For more antiquing opportunities and other information about the Central New York Region, check out:www.JustGoCNY.com.
By Mark R. Roach, Commander, American Legion Post 26
(Clark Mills, NY – Oct. 2011) Post 26 is back and open for business.
On Oct. 1, drink and be merry at Oktoberfest 2011 serving bratwurst and frankfurters with sauerkraut and side of potato salad from 5 to 7 p.m. Also black forest ham and cheese sandwiches will be offered.
Drink specials for those women wearing dirndls and aprons and men wearing lederhosen and suspenders.
At 7 p.m. a cup stacking championship and fraulein’s stack n dash takes place. At 8 p.m. the men’s half-keg hurl begins.
A DJ will play music from 8 to 11 p.m.
The event includes a raffle of a limited edition Utica Club beer stein.
