News

We had great participation in our Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen contest.  For the first time this year, we also had a number of entries from the elementary grades as well.  Rock Roth and Fred Apgar have honchoed the contests and determined the winners.

As in the past two years Katarina Nguyen is the winner of the VOD contest.  Katarina is a senior at Edmonds-Woodway high school.  The Patriots Pen winner is Gunnar Brent from Maplewood PCEP and the Youth Essay winner is Isabella Harris from Mukilteo Elementary.  We have invited the winners to our December Post meeting.

Our entries have been submitted to District 1 for competition and we will learn who won at the District meeting in January.

Membership is critical to the life of any organization.  Membership in the VFW isn’t like a membership in the Rotary or the Lions.  I recently received my alumni newsletter from the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia.  Like every other veterans’ organization, they, too, are seeking new members although their pool of potential eligible members is much smaller than VFW’s.  However, they made an interesting statement in seeking membership.  They said something to the effect that the “the price you pay for a membership isn’t that expensive compared to the price you paid to become eligible for membership”.  Obviously, that is equally true for your VFW membership.  So if you haven’t paid your dues, just remember that the dues you already paid where much, much more expensive.  And for you continuous members, seriously consider a life membership.  It will be cheaper in the long run.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Unfortunately, we did not receive a report on the finding of a venue for the Christmas Luncheon before the November meeting, so everyone has already scheduled their time elsewhere and there is no-one left to attend the luncheon. Therefore, I hope whoever is President next year will be able to have one for you.

Our December meeting will be back at the Edmonds Senior Center on December 9^th. Remember they are serving lunch at 11:30 a.m. now and we start our meeting when we are finished eating. I’m looking forward to seeing you there. Until next time. . . this is Valerie,  your Ladies Auxiliary President.

A standing room only crowd attended the memorial service for Mary at Post’s 921 meeting in Snohomish.  Les Abel, Tom Hallums, Dexter Miller, Fred Apgar, and Jim Traner performed the memorial service at the request of the family.  Mary was a founding member of the Post and was a long time member of 921’s Auxiliary after moving to the Snohomish area many years ago.  Members of Posts 921, 1040, and 1561 also attended the ceremony.  As you can see from the photo, Mary certainly had an impact on VFW and her local community.

All veterans regardless of service or conflict are being invited to the Peal Harbor Remembrance service on December 7th, at 1000 hrs. at the Grand Vista Ballroom.  However, if you wish to attend you must get prior clearance.  I have arranged to be the point man and submit a list of everyone who wishes to attend in advance.  So if you are interested, please let me know ASAP.  You can email me at [email protected].   By the way, this is the 70th anniversary of Peal Harbor Day so it should be a special event.

Jim Adams did a great job of organizing and promoting Mike’s speaking engagement at 3rd Place Books.  Approximately 70 folks showed up and attended the event.  Seated in the front row were a Gold Star mother and father who’s son portrait was drawn several years ago.  At the time they lived in the Midwest and only recently moved to the NW.  Having them in attendance just brought to attention that this project is about supporting the families of the fallen.  After the speech, the Post presented Mike a check for $1,000 to support his work.  Mike told me later that the Gold Star parents had made a similar contribution.  We will continue, as a Post, to assist him in his efforts.

The annual American Legion Post 66 & Post 8870’s Christmas party is being held December 17th at 2PM at the Legion Hall at 6th and Dayton.  Families are invited and the more the merrier.  In order to have sufficient food for everyone, we need to get a head count so if you intend to participate, let the Quartermaster know as soon as possible.  The cost of admission is non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Food Bank.  In addition, bring an unwrapped toy (or two) and we will make sure they will get to a needy child.  We had a packed house last year and look forward to another great event this year.  At this time it looks as if this will be a potluck event.  Once we get a head count and menu, we will send out an email as to who brings what.

Robert Allen, a primary grade teacher at the Madrona K-8 School, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year for our Post.  He is described by his Principal as being a model of courtesy, thoughtfulness, humility, and respect for his students and colleagues.  Robert is a dedicated professional who strives to make a difference in the lives of those with whom he works and serves.  For many years, Robert has helped organize school assemblies and special programs designed to honor and respect our nation’s veterans.  Robert is a graduate of the University of Washington and earned a Master’s Degree from Antioch University.  He has been teaching since 1997.  He lives in Seattle.

The Post’s Middle School Teacher of the Year is Jami Samione who teaches 8^th grade Social Studies at the Maplewood K-8 Parent Cooperative in Edmonds.  Jami was recognized for her expertise and passion for building on the ideals of democracy through improved citizenship.  Through the use of interactive online program called “Civic Mirror”, Jami’s students create their own country for the purpose of instilling in them a love, commitment and respect for civic involvement.  Jami has received B.S. and Master’s degrees from Western Washington University, and she began her teaching career in 1995.  She and her family reside in Edmonds.

Bridget Mahoney-Ferandes was recognized as the Post’s High School Teacher of the Year.  Her teaching career began in California in 1988, and she has been a Social Studies teacher at Edmonds-Woodway High School since 1997.  She has a passion for American History, and her curriculum emphasizes an understanding and appreciation of our nation’s founding documents and institutions.  Students are placed in a variety of simulations, which promote responsible decision-making skills.  Bridget models the meaning of being an active citizen, one who serves her school-community.  Students recognize and praise her for her ability to “connect” with them, which inspires and motivates them to become active learners.  Bridget and her family live in Edmonds.