A MERICAN L EGION D EWEY

LOWMAN

P OST 109

T HE C YCLOPS 1610 S ULPHUR S PRING R OAD , H ALETHORPE , M ARYLAND 21227 P OST P HONE N UMBER :(410)242-5956 P OST W EBSITE : AMERICANLEGIONPOST 109. ORG JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 76 Y EARS OF S ERVICE (1934-2010)

2009-2010 Officials

Commander Mickey Knecht 1934-2009

C OMMANDER ’ S

MESSAGE

A fresh start to a new decade! I am happy to report that due to the continued support and dedication of volunteers and post members the post mortgage is now below $400,000. A big thank you goes out to members who gave kind donations of work hours as well as those who answered our request for monetary donations and pledges. The belt tightening at the post has not been painless but is necessary and is also a big part in helping us accomplish our goals. In February the post will be hosting the American Legion Baltimore County meeting. We have not done this for a number of years and are looking forward to having the county officers and Department Executive Committee members back to our great post. Dewey Lowman member Pat Smith is Vice Commander of Baltimore County. The Valentine Dance on February 13th is a joint venture with the Auxiliary. Please come and join us for a nice evening out with good fun, premium drinks and great music by Norm and Carlos. Our last two Post events have been sellouts and we are looking forward to good ticket sales for this special event too. So don’t be left out – get your tickets early and support the Post and the Auxiliary. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2010! Yours in Legion service, Commander Mickey Knecht Editor’s Note: The Commander’s Message was received prior to Commander Mickey Knecht being called to Post Everlasting. Since it was his last message to the Post, I felt it was necessary to include it in the newsletter.

Post Commander Lew Hibbs 410-744-4710 1st Vice Vacant 2nd Vice Chuck Catterton 410-242-9420 3rd Vice Alicia Knecht 410-242-3716 Adjutant Dick Paronto 410-672-3505 Chaplain Ed Godman 410-242-1662 Asst. Chaplain Charles Ridgeway 410-242-7961 Finance Officer Joe Mangan 410-744-9492 Asst. Finance Officer Bob Haney 410-744-5781 Judge Advocate Stan Gesek 410-859-5379 Historian Ron Unger 410-796-8948 Service Officer William Ganz 410-418-5597 Sgt-At-Arms Bob Stahl 410-799-3484

Lounge Hours Sunday through Thursday Noon-11pm Friday & Saturday Noon to 1am Happy Hour Prices ALL THE TIME !

Post Phone Extensions After phoning the post, (410)242-5956, press the following numbers at any time for immediate connection. 10 Canteen Office 11 or 19 Canteen Bar 15 Kitchen 16 Commander or Finance Officer 20 Banquet Hall Rental Office To leave a message for the following, press: 20 Rental of Banquet Facilities 36 Commander or Finance Officer For information: 5 Hours of Operation & Directions

Banquet Hall Rental Rent our hall for weddings, receptions, retirements, birthdays, roasts, anniversaries, reunions, and dances. Members receive 10% discount for family affairs.

Editor’s Note Articles to be included in the Mar./Apr. edition are to be emailed to [email protected] by Feb. 8th. You may also leave a hard copy with the bartender to the attention of the “Cyclops Editor”. If you have a home or auto maintenance business, and would like to advertise in the newsletter, contact us by leaving a message at the Post. We ask $45 for a business card size ad, and $200 for ads in six issues. Insurance, travel business, etc. are not permitted, as it violates postal regulations. Alicia Knecht, Editor Mary K. Hackman

Sterling-Ashton Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home OF CATONSVILLE, INC

Chaplain’s Report Called To Post Everlasting Samuel J. Badger Alfred C. Busic Ronald E. Harper Frank V. Scallio Leslie L. Cronise, Jr.

Mickey Knecht William L. Cutaiar George N. Kessel James M. Hogue

Recuperating at Home Gordy Allen James Romeo Stanley Jett Sandra Gurtler, PC John Arruda George Stollenmaier Bill Madra Blaine R. Irvin William Blankenship Nicholas Tur John L. Miles Robert Gerschman, PC George Davis Daniel Reichert Richard Moser Gordy Dickerson

In Hospital or Nursing Home Gerald “Mac” Mackabee Lighthouse Senior Living Raymond Parks St. Elizabeth’s Nursing Center

General Manager/ Mortician 1630 Edmondson Ave. Catonsville, MD 21228 410-744-8600 Fax 410-744-4820 Cell 443-744-0100 [email protected]

To contact the Chaplain regarding an illness or to schedule a funeral service, call the Chaplain direct at 410-242-1662.

Joseph D. Lilly

410-247-4547

Fax: 410-536-0949 Certified Public Accountant

1243 Sulphur Spring Road Baltimore, Maryland 21227 Income Tax Preparation-Electronic Filing Business Accounting Services Email: [email protected] website: JoeLilly.com

Membership Post membership reached 1100, which is 82.6% of goal. This is better than the Department of Maryland targets set for posts. Please check your membership card for Post 109 and if it does not say 2010, now is the time to renew and send your dues of $30 to the Post. Keep asking your friends, neighbors and others you know to join our post if they are eligible to join the American Legion. Membership is every member’s job!

Mortgage Raffle Winners Be a raffle winner and help your post! Our monthly mortgage raffle tickets are available. 31 chances to win for only $5. So pick your lucky number ticket at our post or one of our activities. Winners for October included Paul Saraullo, Anna May Baker, Joe Saia, Sara Cousins, Joe Hughes, Joe Collins and Denise Riley. Winners for November were Betty Hibbs, Jim Foxwell, Darlene Crampton, Mary Gesek, Tim Potter and Joe Saia again. Join these winners when you buy your raffle ticket!

Hall Rental Want to help YOUR Post, but not quite sure you have the time? Contact Bob or Jean McElroy at 410-247-

1121 or Jo Bomba at 410-744-3546, and find out how you can help out with ensuring the future of your Post!

Free Weekly Update Would you like to be kept up to date on Post news and events via email? If so, please send your name and email address to Legionnaire Alicia Knecht at [email protected].

Rehabilitation Committee On November 18th Agnes and Frank Potter and Gina Ingold visited Loch Raven VA Hospital. They entertained 19 patients with bingo and served homemade cakes, cookies baked by Gina and Agnes. If you would like to join the group for their next visit contact Frank Potter at (410)242-2302.

The Original 27 Flags Another fun year has come and gone. We were once again active when the circumstances allowed; what do I mean by that? Well some parades have been cancelled by the sponsors so we could not attend. A quick recap: In 2009 the Original 27 Flags participated in five parades, Ft. Meade Massing-of-theColors, three memorial services at the Arbutus Flagpole, a Flag-retirement ceremony, the Wreaths Across America event, and flew the flags along the Avenue of Flags 13 times. We won the Judges Award in the Arbutus Fireman's Parade and The Patriotic Theme Award at Brunswick, MD. Veterans Parade. Come on out the third Tuesday of each month at 7 PM if you would like to join the group. Call me at 443-845-1879 for more info. Respectfully submitted, Bob Haney

Sons of the American Legion Well I guess by now that old gray haired gent has come and gone in most of our homes, hopefully all were good boys and girls last year. To you S.A.L. members, now is the time for all of us to get together and think in terms of what we can do for a successful year 2010.Our November meeting brought good news, our membership dues continue to grow. We have 193 members paid, way to go guys. While this is good news, dues are still running behind. The pill is just as hard to swallow later. Check your membership card, if you have a 2009 card your 2010 dues are due. A mere $25.00, junior & dual members $7.00.(Shortnote) Squadron need 73 renewals to make 3 Star. S.A.L meet the 4th Tuesday of each month 8:00 pm mark your calendar January 26 and February 23 2010. Good news we had a "pot of gold "winner in November, congratulations Antonia M. Lanzo Jr. $111.00. For God and Country, Jim Sullivan S.A.L Commander

Verizon Donates to Post 109 Dewey Lowman Post 109’s partnership with the Verizon Velocity Program has resulted in over $165 in donations to our Post to date. Remember, our Post receives up to $65 for new residential communications services. In addition, all currently advertised promotions apply. For example, ordering new Verizon FIOS® Internet service brings us $25. Verizon FIOS® TV or DIRECTTV brings us $25. Verizon FIOS® Triple FreedomSM (Internet, TV and wireline service) provides the maximum $65 donation. To support your Post, you must place your order by following the following steps: 1. Call 1-888-695-5299 (Mon-Fri 8 AM – 10 PM; Sat 9:30 AM -6 PM). 2. Say “Yes” to the first voice prompt. 3. Provide Dewey Lowman Post’s code, 13287, to the Verizon representative Orders placed through the Internet or via another phone number are not eligible for donations to the Post. The offer is not limited to Post Members. Friends and family members located in MD, DC, VA or WV ordering new Verizon services can also generate donations to the Post by following the aforementioned steps. For additional information contact Dick Paronto, Post Adjutant, at 410-672-3505. Brochures describing this program are available in the Lounge.

Canteen We now have music in the lounge. We have connected a CD system to speakers that were in place, gauged the volume that will allow customers to talk but still hear the music, and are collecting CD's. If you want to donate any - just give them to me or the bartender. We will turn the music off during Ravens games. The carpet in the lounge has been cleaned and many tables and chairs removed. There is more room around the seating area. Most of the "old table covers" for the small square tables have been removed and the conversion to linen is well underway. I continue to work with Ron Unger, the Kitchen Committee Chairman, to monitor the food availability. We have at various times: soups, open-face hot roast beef, and various other treats in addition to our normal sandwich menu of Shrimp Salad, Corned Beef, Hot Dogs, and Pizza. We are now serving free hot dogs and french-fries during Ravens day-time games. We may have some egg-nog left when you read this; also Blue Moon Belgian Lager, Killian’s Draft and Corona Light have been added to the beer menu. Karaoke with Joe is becoming more popular each week. Come out Fridays at 8PM and join the fun. Hope to see you there. Any suggestions to improve the lounge are always welcome. Just give me a call (443-845-1879) or leave a note in the Suggestion Box at the Post. Yours in Service, Bob Haney

Dewey Lowman American Legion Post 109

Post Birthday Party

Honoring the Post’s 76th Birthday Sunday March 7, 2010 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM Awards Program Honoring Local First Responders Featuring Great Music provided by DJ Kathy K Only $25 Per Person For Dinner, Dancing and Open Bar For Tickets Call Betty (410) 744-4710

Did you know? The average monthly gas and electric bill at Dewey Lowman is $5,230.

RAVENS FANS

Oratorical Contest There will be an oratorical contest at the Post on January 17, 2010 at 2pm. Members are welcomed to come and listen to the speeches of local high school students. Chuck Catterton

Blue Star Military Family Salute Do you know a local family who has a family member (son, daughter, brother, sister, father etc.) who is currently serving active duty? If so American Legion Dewey Lowman Post #109 would like to honor that family during our annual BLUE STAR SALUTE Dinner Dance on April 11, 2010. They do not need to be a member of Dewey Lowman. Please contact Sharon Knecht at 410-747-7986 for more information and to sign up a military family or to attend this annual event.

Grounds Post clean-up was held November 7 and the results are stunning. Eight people working approximately 3 hours A.) Chipped a large brush pile that was blocking the entrance to the sediment pond, B.) Removed, de-weeded, and replaced the pavers on the Post memorial, C.) Cleared debris from the parking lots, and D.) Mulched the leaves on the grassy areas around the lots. BIG Thanks to Wendy, Mickey, Joe, Jim V, Jim S, Bill, and Ace for all the support. Any suggestions for making the outside of the Post look better are always welcome. Just give me a call (443-845-1879) or leave a note at the post. Yours in Service, Bob Haney

Two hot dogs, fries and fixin's available during each Ravens game. Come on out and support the hometown team. Compliments of the Home Committee Shinnamon Scholarships Applications are available in the post lounge for the George F. Shinnamon Scholarships. These scholarships are for $1000 dollars each. Applicants must graduate in the class of 2010 and be a child, grandchild or great-grandchild of a Post 109 American Legion Member. The Post Member must be in good standing and have paid their 2009 and 2010 dues to Dewey Lowman Post 109. The deadline for completed applications is April 15, 2010. Please call Johnnie Thompson at 410-761-6304 if you have any questions. Johnnie Thompson Scholarship Chairman

Operation Welcome Home Maryland Hundreds of service members return home to the United States through Baltimore Washington International Airport every week. Operation Welcome Home Maryland is there to make sure our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard receive the hero’s welcome that they deserve. If you would like to be a part of the welcome party, please visit www.operationwelcomehomemd.org to find out the current month’s event dates, or call the hotline, (410) 630-1555, for recorded information about the next event. Volunteers are also needed to package “goodie bags” for our returning troops.

Valentine Dinner Dance Saturday February 13, 2010 6PM-11PM

Open Premium Bar Dinner: Cordon Bleu, Glazed Carrots, Broccoli and Cheese Sauce, Rolls, Dessert Music for listening and dancing by

Norm and Carlos Tickets $30 Call Betty 410-744-4710 Reserved seating available for tables of 8 A Post and Auxiliary Joint Event

Many Thanks to All Those Who Pledged and Donated to Help Dewey Lowman Pledges Since August 2009 James & Pat Bailey

James C. Sullivan Jr.

William & Darlene Crampton

Charles J. Faber

Barry Scharbrough

Dave Sommers

Donald W. Streaker

Victor G. Fricke

Roger Hockey

Charles Heinlein

Richard C. Schaener

Edwin Kirstukas

Joshua Towsen

Donald W. Hiltz

Wesley E. West

Edward A. Godman

Rosemary S. Green

In Memory of Chip Schanken

Meldred Marenka

Kevin Yong

C. Norman Murphy

William A. Boss

Gordon T. Allen

Fern W. Preiss

Bill Bauman

Herbert H. McCullen

Thomas F. Hobbs

Harvey O. Riley

Bud Wurzberger

Marie T. Molnar

Anthony J. Cesenaro

Samuel Moxley

Paul S. Hamshey

William F. Spliedt

Robert W. Stahl

Donald E. Einolf

Francis A Shinnamon

Francis R.Bukszar

James B. Murphy

Lew & Betty Hibbs

Thomas J. Althauser

George T Meerdter

June Burchett

Your Post Needs your Help! As most of you know, your Post struggles every month to make its mortgage payment. In addition our building is getting older and in need of repairs. The heating and air conditioning units will cost an estimated $22,000. Carpet replacement will cost an estimated $13,000. These expenses are a lot, but there is also the cost of everyday maintenance. So your Post is asking you for a pledge of $20 a year, for the next 5 years for a total of $100. Your pledge will help to defer the cost of the mortgage and repairs. If everyone does his or her part, our Post will continue to be one of the best and well maintained Post in the state.

Help Your Post Now!

Pledge Card Name:__________________________________ Address:_________________________________ _________________________________ Membership#: ___________________________ Pledge Amount: ________/yr Total:

Cut out and mail your Pledge Card to the Post: Dewey Lowman Post 109 1610 Sulphur Spring Road Halethorpe, MD 21227

Dewey Lowman Unit #109, Inc American Legion Auxiliary, Department of MD 1610 Sulphur Spring Road Baltimore, Maryland 21227 January-February 2010 Auxiliary Newsletter

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Now that the holiday festivities are behind us lets look forward to a successful upcoming New Year. Our first fundraiser of the year is now underway. To everyone who purchased tickets for the cash calendar – thank you. We have also planned a Valentines Dance which will be held by both the Legion and Auxiliary on February 13, 2010. Our goal is to fill the hall and make this endeavor a huge success. Another event is possibly a Auxiliary Casino Bus Trip. When the final details and date are worked out we will give you more information. I want also to give a big thank you to all of the volunteers on the various committees for the Auxiliary. Without your dedication we would not be able to continue to support our many programs. It is with heavy heart that I regret to inform those of you that do not know of the sudden loss of Mickey Knecht, Commander of Dewey Lowman Post 109. I’m sure you join me in sending our sincere condolences to his family. Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. Please consider attending. Jean McElroy, President ***********************************

MEMBERSHIP As it is now January, 2010, I just want to let all of our members know that a second reminder notice from Headquarters will be mailed indicating that dues have

not been paid. If you have paid your dues, please disregard this – or – if not sure, please call me. The “early bird” status was only good until December 31, 2009. Please try to catch up on your dues. It is still only $18.00 per year (less expensive than most other memberships). You can mail your check to me at 17 Delrey Avenue, 21228, and your membership card will be mailed to you immediately. Most of our members have a number of years in the Auxiliary, and it would be a great loss not to catch up on dues, and lose their service years. We have more than ½ of Auxiliary members paid. We would like to see at least 85-90% by the end of January. (In the recent Newsletter from the Department of Maryland, they have achieved the National’s second target of 65% by November 4, 2009. Maryland is in first place in the Eastern Division, and thirteenth place in the Nation. That is a pretty good score.) I want to thank our paid-up members, as a percentage of this goal is due to you, our Auxiliary #109. REMEMBER! only paid memberships will allow you access to the Post Home/Lounge. In the March Cyclops a list of still delinquent members will be posted. I would encourage you to mail your check SOON. Please call me at 410-747-7018, or e-mail me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Thank you! Doris Scheihing, Chairman ***************************************

CHAPLAIN If there are any members or family members who are ill, please let me know so we can keep them in prayer. I can always be reached or leave a message at 410-7967026. God bless you and keep you in good health. Candi Hinebaugh, Chaplain

VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION I am proud to report that during the last week of October Unit 109 delivered over 700 donated travel size toiletries to the BWI USO! That is an amazing number considering we only began collecting them a few months earlier. Thanks so much to everyone who generously donated to our troops. We will continue this project since the USO is always in need of travel size tooth paste, tooth brushes, soap, mouth wash, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, disposable razors, combs, and hand lotion. These are items the service people have packed in their checked baggage and not readily available to use. The travel size toiletries can be purchased by you usually for less than a dollar each at local drug chains, for example Rite Aid and CVS. Please drop off your donations to me at the Post on meeting nights or they can be left with the bartenders in the Canteen. Donations to buy the items can be sent to the Post in care of the Auxiliary. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 410-747-7986 or email [email protected]. With 34,000 more troops being deployed to Afghanistan the USO will be busier than ever. This is an ongoing project so please keep those items coming! Thanks for your support, Sharon Knecht, Chairman

Food for thought………

MY AUXILIARY What kind of Auxiliary would my Auxiliary be, if all of the members were just like me? You can thoughtfully ask yourself that question If not, it would be a swell suggestion You can sit by the fireplace, night after night You can find fault with your Officers, censure and gripe Or you can be one who is always on call Both ready and willing to carry the ball To your fellow members you soon will be known As a true worker or else as a drone You can pass on new members or you can refuse To take part beyond paying your dues You can stand on the sidelines or jump in and play Attend every meeting or just stay away Whatever your talents, some job you can do So say to yourself as the past you review What kind of Auxiliary would my Auxiliary be If all of the members were just like me? Submitted by: Jean McElroy, President

MENUS FOR THE MONTHS OF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2010 ADULTS-$11.00 CHILDREN 7-11 YEARS OLD-$5.50 6 & UNDER-NO CHARGE HOURS OF OPERATION– 5PM TO 7PM

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Friday 8th

Friday 5th

Chicken Noodle Soup Baked Four Cheese Lasagna Garlic Bread/Extra Sauce Steamed Shrimp/Cocktail Sauce Seasoned Jasmine Rice Seasoned Cut Green Beans Buttered Corn

Cream of Chicken Soup Roast Turkey Breast Dinner Bread Stuffing/Gravy Cranberry Sauce Fried Breaded Flounder Potato Au Gratin Romano Beans/Peas & Onions

Friday 15th

Friday 12th

Shrimp and Vegetable Soup Homemade Crab Stuffed Flounder Tartar Sauce/Cocktail Sauce Fried Chicken Tenders Western Fries Steamed California Vegetable Blend Buttered Lima Beans

Turkey and Vegetable Soup Fried Shrimp/Cocktail Sauce Baked Pork Loin/Sauerkraut Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Seasoned Cut Green Beans Buttered Succotash

Friday 22nd

Friday 19th

Chunky & Creamy Potato Soup Roast Beef Au Jus/Gravy Shrimp Scampi/Alfredo Noodles Mashed Potatoes Seasoned Brussels Sprouts Buttered Green Peas

Shrimp and Vegetable Soup Boneless Chicken Breasts with Dumplings & Gravy Fried Garlic Tilapia Parsley Potatoes/Carrots Cheese Topped Broccoli

Friday 29th

Friday 26th

Maryland Crab Soup Simmered Corned Beef Popcorn Shrimp/Cocktail Sauce Simmered Cabbage Parsley Potatoes Buttered Carrots

Navy Bean Soup Shrimp Creole with Jasmine Rice Fried Chicken Wing-Dings Western Fries Seasoned Spinach Buttered Corn

A casserole dish, stew or stir fry will be featured as an added selection each week. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WE DO NOT ALLOW DOGGIE BAGS ON BUFFET NIGHTS OR FOR MONTHLY SPAGHETTI DINNER. All menu items are subject to substitution

JANUARY 2010 Sun

3

Mon

4 Bingo 12:30pm

10

11 Bingo 12:30pm

17 Oratorical Contest 2pm

18 Bingo 12:30pm

24

25 Bingo 12:30pm

31

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1 No Buffet

2

9

5 Home Comm Meets 7:30pm Aux Excom

6 Pinochle Club 1pm

7 Ways & Means Mtg. 7pm

8 Buffet 5-7pm

12 Ex Comm Meets 7:30pm Aux Meets 7:30

13 Pinochle Club 1pm

14

15 Buffet 5-7pm

19 27 Flags Meets 7pm Membership Meets 8pm

20 Pinochle Club 1pm Veteran’s Hosp. Noon

21 Spaghetti Dinner 4-7pm

22 Buffet 5-7pm

26 SAL 8pm Hall Rental 7pm

27 Pinochle Club 1pm

28

29 Buffet 5-7pm

Karaoke 8pm 16

Karaoke 8pm 23

Karaoke 8pm 30

Karaoke 8pm

FEBRUARY 2010 Sun

Mon 1

7

14

21

28

8 Bingo 12:30pm

15 Bingo 12:30pm

22 Bingo 12:30pm

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

2 Home Comm Meets 7:30pm Aux Excom Meets 7:30pm

3

4

5

Pinochle Club 1pm

Ways & Means Mtg. 7pm

Buffet 5-7pm

9 Ex Comm Meets 7:30pm Aux Meets 7:30pm

10 Pinochle Club 1pm

11

12 Buffet 5-7pm

16 27 Flags meets 7pm Membership Meets 8pm

17 Pinochle Club 1pm Veteran’s Hosp. Noon

18 Spaghetti Dinner 4-7pm

19 Buffet 5-7pm

23 SAL 8pm Hall Rental 7pm

24 Pinochle Club 1pm

25

26 Buffet 5-7pm

Sat 6

Karaoke 8pm

Karaoke 8pm

13 Valentine Dinner Dance 6-11pm 20

Karaoke 8pm

Karaoke 8pm

27

Dewey Lowman Post 109 Department of Maryland 1610 Sulphur Spring Road Halethorpe, Maryland 21227

TIME DATED MATERIAL Please Do Not Delay Deliver by January 2, 2010

Non-Profit Organ. U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 4449

IN GOD WE TRUST

┌

The American Legion

┐ AFFIX LABEL HERE

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

└

┘

January/February 2010

The Cyclops A bimonthly newsletter of the American Legion Dewey Lowman Post 109

Monday

27 Flags

BINGO

Meets Every Third Tuesday of the Month at 7pm.

Every Monday Starts Promptly at 12:30 PM Lunch & refreshments An afternoon of fun Prizes too good to list

Questions? Call (410) 242-5956

If you are interested in becoming a member, feel free to attend the meeting. Questions? Call (443)845-1879 or (410)744-5781

Membership Meeting Meets Every Third Tuesday of the Month at 8pm Attend the meetings and be part of YOUR Post. Questions? Call (410)242-5956

Thursday Spaghetti Dinner Third Thursday of the Month 4:00 to 7:00 PM Only $7.00 includes Spaghetti, meat balls or sausage, salad, soda, coffee

Questions? Call (410) 242-5956