Newsletter Articles

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.

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs is sponsoring a raffle in conjunction with the Washington State Lottery.  The proceeds will go to provide financial assistance to soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan through the Veterans Innovations Program.  Tickets are $10 and the proceeds of every ticket sold directly benefits soldiers and their families.  The drawing is November 11th.

Our November meeting falls on Veterans Day and the Edmonds Senior Center will be closed.  We have moved the meeting to the American Legion Post 66 Hall on 6th and Dayton in Edmonds.  Lunch will be served.  We are starting a pool and betting on how many members show up at the closed Senior Center on the 11th.  I can think of one for sure (and no, I won’t disclose my guess), but my bet is three.  Please make me lose the bet by showing up at the correct location.

At the  October meeting we were treated to Erv and Tom Hallums relate their story of the journey to Washington DC on an Honor Flight trip.  Honor Flight is an organization dedicated to flying as many WWII veterans to the Capital to view the WWII Memorial.   Tom, a Korean War vet, accompanied Bob Otto while Erv was accompanied by his son, a Vietnam vet.  They were treated first class during the entire trip and, while just a two day visit, were guided to all the veterans’ memorials, not just the WWII Memorial.  A few interesting facts; the Memorial was built entirely from donations from the public.  The Memorial is the only memorial between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.  It wasn’t built without controversy as a number of people did not want any memorial to be located in this area.  Hopefully, we will be able to assist a couple of more members take the Honor Flight in the Future.

The first weekend in November (on the 4^th and 5^th) we will be having a Buddy Poppy campaign, I hope I can count on several of you to work a four hour shift at the Top Foods in Shoreline on either Friday or Saturday. It is always best to have 2 or more people working a shift together so you can give each other a “break” from the table once in a while. Sign-up sheets will be at the October meeting. It can be FUN, why don’t you give it a try?  Since the Senior Center will be closed on Veterans’ Day (Friday, November 11), we will be meeting at the usual time at the American Legion Post on the corner of 6^th and Dayton in Edmonds.  The Post will be supplying our food that day. There is a small room available for us to have our meeting. Thank you members of the Post for thinking of us in your planning!  The next District meeting will be  November 12^th,  the day after our meeting. Remember to wear something PINK to this meeting!  Our meeting in December will be on the 9^th and the Christmas luncheon will be on either the 1^st or 2^nd Saturday of December.

Until next time, this is Valerie your Ladies Auxiliary President.