The Fargo
Fargo Legionnaire
Fargo, North Dakota
November - December  2005

Commander's Corner
Dave Rice

Many veterans’ organizations are having a tough time with membership and keeping their clubs operating in the black. The Fargo American Legion is not an exception. But it is not all bad news here at Post #2; in fact, we have made some real progress in recent months. I encourage you to attend our regular Post meeting on November 1st. We will be delivering a “this is where we think we are” and “this is where we think we are going” presentation. The purpose is three-fold; first, to keep you informed about what is going on at your post; second, to get your recommendations on how we could make even more progress; and third, help us fill the need for volunteers to carry out our programs.

We would like to thank Orlyen Stensgard for agreeing to step in and fill the Adjutant position after the untimely death of Ralph Hoff. We miss Ralph as a friend and as a very dedicated Legion member. Orlyen is looking forward to training in a new, more permanent, adjutant. Please contact us if you are interested in filling this position or would like to nominate someone.

November 11th is Veteran’s Day. I hope you attend the parade downtown, the program at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium at the Civic Center, then stop down to your post and have some mulligan stew and enjoy some conversation with your American Legion colleagues.

We are the host of the 1st District Oratorical Contest at 3 pm on November 14th and later that evening we will be hosting an event for Tom Bock, American Legion National Commander. Hope you can attend these events.

Hard to believe with the nice weather we are having but this issue will also cover the Christmas season. On behalf of our Post we wish all Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope you can come down to the Post and enjoy our Tom & Jerry’s and Oyster Stew over the holidays.

(Details of events in this issue of the Legionnaire.)

For God and Country

Dave Rice, Commander, Fargo American Legion

Auxiliary President's Message
Barb Nash

Greetings to all!

I hope you have been enjoying your fall. I certainly have. When I learned of Ralph’s unexpected departure from this earth, I thought of my last encounter with him. He bought me a beer (of course he paid-that’s the kinda guy he was!) and talked about the time we first met. I did recall the incident after our discussion, and at the time marveled at his recall and found it touching that he would remember. Now, it occurs to me that everyday events are what touch people’s hearts and we never know when we are creating a memory for someone. I am heartened by knowing his first memory of me was a good one and this gives me a good reminder to always “live my dash” with the knowledge that my actions could be creating memories for somebody else. For a reminder that what we learned in kindergarten really is important, I posthumously thank Ralph!

On November 8th, we will be installing new members. Please join me in forming a good first impression on our new members. We will also be voting on the changes to our Bylaws. Our Holiday Party will be held on December 13th. Plan to attend as it is always a fun time and a chance to give our “snowbird” members a good sendoff and best wishes for a safe return in the spring. We will have the silent auction so we will need items for auction as well as bidders. Mavis will be sending additional information as the date approaches.

Please get your renewals in! Veteran’s Day would be a good day to do this. LaVonne will be at the Legion Club over the noon hour, playing in band activities. She has said she will have some renewal cards in her pocket, so you can get your new card the same day. How’s that for service!

Our Department President, Mary Ann Gefroh was recently involved a car accident and injured her back. Please remember her in your prayers.

The Friday night beer busts have been going quite well and have had good attendance. Help is needed to keep this event going in the areas of selling wrist-bands, serving the meal and selling raffle tickets for door prizes. Please let me know if you are interested in putting together a team such as is done with bingo night. This takes place from 6-8 on Friday nights and is a fun time.

Barb Nash, Auxiliary President, Unit #2

Message from the Chef de Gare
Larry Lein

Since the last bi-monthly newsletter, a number of happenings have taken place. On a sad note, fellow Voyageur and Adjutant of Post # 2, Ralph Hoff, Passed away Tues. September the 6th. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

I attended Promenade National in Cincinnati September 20-25, along with fellow Voyageurs Don Schwinden, Bob Lechner, and Bob Long. A good time had by all.

On October the 8th Voiture 240 hosted a recognition banquet for our own Don Schwinden Grand Chef de Gare du North Dakota. Had a nice turn out and a good time. We wish the best for Don in his year as Grand Chef.

As November is upon us and December not far behind, this is a time for us to pause and take time for family and friends and to be thankful for all we have, and to give help, if we can, to those that are not as fortunate as we are.

Don’t forget spaghetti every Monday night at the club and promenade every 4th Tuesday of the month.

May the up coming holidays be special and happy to you and your families.

Larry Lein, Chef de Gare 

The Legion will be having a dinner for the National Commander Tom Bock on November 14th. All members are invited to come. The tickets for the meal are $10 prior to noon on November 11th or $13 at the door. Your choice of chicken kiev or a stuffed pork chop will be served and accompanied by a baked potato, tossed salad, vegetable and a dinner roll. The social hour will start at 6 pm, the meal will be served at 7 pm and a program will follow. The Red River Valley Veteran’s Concert Band will also be playing.

The Capital Campaign

The Capital Campaign Committee is hard at work on raising money that will replace the doors, windows and insulate the roof. If anyone would like to serve on the committee please contact Keith Kerbaugh at 237-4178.
 

Recent donations include:	Orthopedic Associates	West Acres Development
General Equipment Supply	Mark Foss
Jim McLaughlin	Northern Improvement  (In Memory of John McCormick Jr.)

The Committee would also like to determine what businesses are owned by Veterans. We would like to make sure they can be involved in the project. If you know of a Veteran owned business that would like to help with the remodeling please contact the Legion.

Keith Kerbaugh, Capital Campaign Chairman

Potato Peelers Needed!

We will be peeling potatoes and cutting up vegetables for our annual Veteran’s Day Stew on November 10th upstairs in the ballroom starting at 1 pm. Volunteers are welcome to join in on the socialization and fun while cutting and peeling vegetables.

Christmas Party Bookings

The Legion has space available for Christmas Parties. If you are interested in renting some space for your company please call 293-3930 and ask for Mona or Sarah.
 

November and December 2005
Legion Schedule of Events

$25 Blackjack every Friday, Saturday, and Monday night.

Bingo every Saturday at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm every Monday.

Spaghetti 6:00pm every Monday for only $3.00 per person.

Steak Night 5:30 pm. Saturday - Nov 5, Dec 3 & 17.

Beer Bust 6 to 8 pm. every Friday night.

Karaoke 8 pm. every Friday night.

Nov. 1  Post Meeting 7:30 pm
Nov. 8  Past Commanders Luncheon 11:30 am
Nov. 11  Veterans Day
Nov. 14  National Commanders Visit
Nov. 15  Executive Committee Meeting 7 pm
Dec. 6  Post Meeting 7:30 pm
Dec. 13  Past Commanders Luncheon 11:30 am
Dec. 20  Executive Committee Meeting 7 pm

Also see the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band schedule on their Web page at: http://www.rrvvcb.org/

Have Your Wedding, Anniversary, Christmas or Any Party Here

The American Legion has rental space available for a wide variety of events at a very reasonable price. 
To Schedule an Event please Contact our Office at 701-293-3930.  Click here for additional information. 

Attention: In accordance with North Dakota Charitable Gaming Regulations, American Legion Club notifies its membership that the organization's cash profit; cash long or short; net proceeds expenses, if any; reimbursement of excess expenses, if applicable; and a list of eligible use contributions is available for review. The information is available at the American Legion Club, 505 3rd Ave N,. Fargo, 8am - 4:30pm, Mon.-Fri. (701)237-4013