Crippen News - March 2012

Legionnaires Hold Regular Meeting

by Fred Lee

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, March 5th, with thirteen members present.

We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s report from the previous meeting were read and approved. Loren Even, Les Sundermann and Ken Struck were reported on sick call. Les Sundermann was reported being in the hospital. The others are home at this time. Try giving them a call to cheer up their day.

A thank-you card was received from Brittanie Venard, Miss Lake Alvin. She enjoyed visiting the Post last month. Lile Meyer thanked the Post for the contribution he received in his sister’s behalf.

Commander Jerry Corey reported on the Mid-Winter conference, stating Brittany Cleveland from Sisseton won the Oratory contest. Charles Beck and Douglas Meyer reported on other areas of the conference.

Adjutant Fred Lee told those present that our dues would be increasing next year and a motion was made to approve that new amount. There was a motion to give a contribution to the city. 

Daryl Sieverding told those present about the VFW Baseball Tournament is summer. It will be held in Humboldt and our Post will need to provide Colors at these games. There will also be a possibility of other activities at this time. Volunteers will be called upon for help during these activities.

We will have our election of officers at our next meeting. A nominating committee was formed for this election.

After these discussions and comments, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, February 6. Before the meeting, Brittanie Vendard, Miss Alvin Lake, spoke to both the Legion and Auxiliary on cancer awareness. The meeting was then called to order by Vice President Connie Lueth, with thirteen members present. The regular reports were given.

Thank yous for the Christmas gifts were received from Beryl Kapaun, Liz Jarding, Ken Mathieu, Garlin and Eileen Meyer and the Cody Trapp family. The District 7 President’s letter stated the Spring meeting will be April 14 but no location is set yet.

Membership Chairman, Phyllis Sieverding, reported all membership is in now. We have seventy-six members. Senior meals were discussed again. Many received the monthly menu so we could see what the meals were like. The menu is planned by the seniors in Hartford where the meals are prepared. All are welcome to notify the Center there and join them for a meal. A contribution was given to the Mike Mathieu family for travel expenses.

The meeting was adjourned. Connie Lueth won the door prize. Lunch was served by Shirley Price and Donna Beck.

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2012 - Watertown

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Crippen News
Last update - March 10, 2012
Online since Feb '99

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Crippen News - February 2012

Legionnaires Hold February Meeting

by Chuck Dubbe

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, February 6th, with eleven members and four guests present. Our visitors included new District 7 Commander Dave Saunders, Don Eisenberg, Brittanie Venard, Miss Alvin Lake and Ed Artz.

We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Treasurer’s report from the previous meeting were read and approved. Loren Even was reported on sick call and Ken Struck was improving.

Commander Jerry Corey mentioned that we will be hosting the County meeting in April and reminded those present of the upcoming Mid-Winter Conference in Oacoma.

Americanism Officer Charles Dubbe reported on the Oratory contest. There was some discussion on the wording of our Oratory fund and a motion was made and seconded to include the word “scholarship” in the fund.

District Commander Dave Saunders reported on the American Legion Riders. He also mentioned membership and told those present that our District Spring meeting would be in Hartford on April 14 in the Legion hall there starting at 2 pm.  Brittanie Venard, Miss Alvin Lake, told us she would be competing in the Miss South Dakota pageant this summer speaking on Cancer awareness.  Daryl Sieverding gave an update on a Legion dance and the Legion sign.

After these discussions and comments, the meeting was adjourned.
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 Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, February 6. Before the meeting, Brittanie Vendard, Miss Alvin Lake, spoke to both the Legion and Auxiliary on cancer awareness. The meeting was then called to order by Vice President Connie Lueth, with thirteen members present. The regular reports were given.

Thank yous for the Christmas gifts were received from Beryl Kapaun, Liz Jarding, Ken Mathieu, Garlin and Eileen Meyer and the Cody Trapp family. The District 7 President’s letter stated the Spring meeting will be April 14 but no location is set yet.

Membership Chairman, Phyllis Sieverding, reported all membership is in now. We have seventy-six members. Senior meals were discussed again. Many received the monthly menu so we could see what the meals were like. The menu is planned by the seniors in Hartford where the meals are prepared. All are welcome to notify the Center there and join them for a meal. A contribution was given to the Mike Mathieu family for travel expenses.

The meeting was adjourned. Connie Lueth won the door prize. Lunch was served by Shirley Price and Donna Beck.
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 Lunch Committees
March
Charlie & Donna Beck/Theresa & Lile Meyer
April
Arlis Hentges/Roger & Peggy Begeman

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 Attention everyone:
The Commander wanted me to mention to all Legionnaires reading this newsletter that we will be holding our annual Election of Officers at our March meeting.
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 COMMANDER WEINMANN PRESENTS NEW FUNDRAISER
Commander Weinmann presented a fundraiser to the Department Executive Committee for their approval. The proceeds from the fundraiser will be earmarked for upgrading State Headquarters. Commander Weinmann told the Executive Committee that office furniture, carpeting and other upgrades are needed to bring the American Legion Headquarters up-to-date. The Department Executive Committee approved the Commander’s fundraiser.
The program is being called a “52 week raffle”. Only 500 tickets will be sold at a cost of $50 per ticket by June 1, 2012. Each ticket holder will be eligible for the drawing each week for $150. You may win as many times as your ticket is drawn during the year. All profits from the fundraiser will be used to upgrade your Department Headquarters.
Tickets will be available from the District Commanders, Commander Weinmann and State Headquarters. All American Legion Posts and members are encouraged to support the program and have fun checking the Up To Now to view the winners. 
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 Brittanie Venard, the reigning Miss Alvin Lake, spoke to the American Legion and Auxiliary about cancer awareness. She will compete in the Miss South Dakota pageant this summer and this is her platform. She encouraged all to get appropriate cancer screening. Brittanie is from Tea and is a pre-pharmacy student at SDSU. 
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 Membership Update
As of February 15, the 2012 State membership stands at 20,448 or 89.37% of our Department Membership goal. Our Post membership is at 87 members or 90.6% of our goal as of February 6, 2012.

We still have 8 members who have not paid their 2012 dues. 

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 Legion Meeting - Mar 5 - 8 pm
(Election of Officers)
Auxiliary Meeting - Mar 5 - 8 pm

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Crippen News - January 2012

Legionnaires Hold First Meeting in 2012

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com) 

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their first regular meeting of the new year on Monday, January 2nd, with eleven members present. 

We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Commander Jerry Corey had talked to Ken Struck and gave us an update on his recovery from hip surgery. He also had a thank-you card from him that was passed around. There was also a card from the Senior Nutrition program. 

Americanism Officer Charles Dubbe announced the time for the Oratorical contest at West Central High School. He did not have a count on the number of participants but hoped for a good turn-out. After the completion of the local contest, the District Oratory contest will be on January 14 at the Dell Rapids Post Home, beginning at 2 pm. Winners of the eight District contests will compete in Oacoma on February 12 to decide who wins the State Oratory contest. We received a donation to the Oratorical Incentive Fund from the Neal Even family.

Daryl Sieverding reported on a possible fundraiser and hoped to have more discussion on this in the future. 

The Commander read a letter from the VAVS committee where they were looking for financial contributions. After some discussion, we had a motion to contribute money to this fund. He also read some highlights from the “Up To Now”.

Fred Lee discussed membership. We currently have fourteen members left to pay their 2012 dues. Lists of those members were given to the membership committeeman. The Commander mentioned the next County meeting would be in Dell Rapids on Jan 31.  

After these discussions and comments, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, January 2nd in the Community Center. The meeting was called to order with eleven members present. The regular reports were given. 

A thank-you was received from the VA Medical Center for the social hour we hosted. The District 7 President’s letter reminded us the Mid-Winter Conference is February 10-12 at Cedar Shores in Oacoma.

The Sunshine Committee send a get-well card to Ken Struck. 

Wanda Artz, Community Service Chairman, reported fourteen packages were sent to those in the service-three in the States and eleven overseas. Eleven gifts were taken to shut-ins and those in nursing homes.

We will take a cookbook to the silent auction at the Mid-Winter Conference.

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation chairman, Lorena Dubbe, will take the money given in lieu of a Christmas gift exchange and purchase items for hospice baskets for the VA Medical Center.

The meeting was adjourned. Donna Beck won the door prize. Lunch was served by Wanda Artz and Agnes Even.
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Adam Hentges, a senior at West Central High School, was the American Legion Oratory winner at the local contest held at the high school.

He went on to compete at the District 7 Oratory contest at Dell Rapids on January 14. He placed third in this contest behind Hope Goody from Garretson (1st Place) and Scott May from Sioux Falls Christian (2nd Place).

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FYI: At our meeting, there was a comment about funds the South Dakota American Legion Foundation received. $32,000 was received by the Foundation from Honor Flight of South Dakota. One of our members wondered if any other organizations received like amounts.

After checking with Terry Towns, the Honor Flight coordinator, she told me that very similar donations would be given to the DAV and the VFW.

EMPLOYER OF THE DISABLED WINNER
South Dakota American Legion Employment Committee Chair- man Earl Schultz of Aberdeen has announced the selection of Kessler’s, Inc. of Aberdeen as the recipient of the Department of South Dakota American Legion’s Employer of the Disabled. Kessler’s, Inc. currently has 267 employees with 12 employees being disabled. Kessler’s, Inc. was nominated by Sidney L. Smith Post 24 of Aberdeen.

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NEW BLACK HILLS HEALTH CARE DIRECTOR NAMED

The Department of Veterans Affairs Midwest Health Care Net- work has announced the appointment of Stephen R. DiStasio to the position of Director, VA Black Hill Health Care System, effective January 1, 2012. Mr. DiStasio has served as the Acting Director for the past 6 months and brings both clinical and administrative experi- ence to his new role.

As Director, Mr. DiStasio is responsible for the oversight and management of two VA medical centers located in Hot Springs and Fort Meade, South Dakota, as well as 12 other sites of care located throughout western South Dakota, western Nebraska and in Newcas- tle, Wyoming.

Director DiStasio has served as the Associate Director, VA Black Hills Health Care System for the past 6 years. Prior to that DiStasio had a career in the United States Air Force Medical Service and retired at the rank of Colonel. His military career included de- ployments to Afghanistan and elsewhere. He served as Commander of several military healthcare organizations and also served as Acting Director for both VA Black Hills HCS and Sioux Falls VA HCS in previous years.

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Lunch Committees

February

Sheryl Siemonsma/Marv & Shirley Price

March

Charlie & Donna Beck/Theresa & Lile Meyer

Minnehaha County meeting - Dell Rapids

January 31 - 8pm

Legion Meeting - Feb 6 - 8 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Feb 6 - 8 pm

Mid-Winter Conference-Feb 10-12

at the Cedar Shores resort in Oacoma

Crippen News - December 2011

Legionnaires Discuss Oratorical Contest

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, December 5th, with fifteen members present. It was preceded by a potluck meal with the Auxiliary members to celebrate the Christmas season.

We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Commander Jerry Corey reported that Ken Struck was at home after having hip surgery. Fred Lee told those present he had talked to Ken and said he was doing well but still has a few weeks of recuperation.

Post Adjutant Fred Lee reported on the County meeting held last month in Colton. Members from the Sioux Falls Post presented a plan that will help build a Habitat home for a veteran in Sioux Falls and hoped other Posts in Minnehaha County will join them. He also had names of past members that are living in the area who may be potential members. There is no meeting in December, so the next County meeting will be January 31 in Dell Rapids.

Charles Dubbe reported on the William H Crippen Oratorical Incentive Fund. He said he had interest in the program and announced the first prize would be $150 and cash prizes for all participants. It is hoped that there are more donations to this incentive fund and they can be made to the Post.

Matt Sieverding and Daryl Sieverding told the Post about their plans for a dance fundraiser for the Legion Memorial in the Park. Good ideas discussed and they will give a more thorough report at the next meeting. 

After these discussions and comments, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, December 5th in the Community Center. It was preceded by a potluck supper with the Legion members. The meeting was called to order with twelve members present. The regular reports were given. The treasurer will transfer some money to our savings account and arrange for a monthly transfer to the the account active and avoid a charge.

The soup & pie lunch on Turkey Day was well attended and successful.

The Sunshine Committee sent a get-well card to Barb Bassett.

The District 7 president’s letter was read reminding us the Auxiliary Christmas party at the VA Hospital will be Thursday, December 8 at 2 pm. Donna Beck helped at the Gift Shop at the VA, where all patients come to select gifts for their family at no charge to them.

Apples and a thank you were taken to all school staff for American Education Week by Myrna Searl, Barb Bassett, Shirley Price and Donna Beck.

Wanda Artz, Community Service Chairman, had gifts ready for the shut-ins and those in nursing homes. Several members offered to deliver them. Wanda also had the gifts for the people in the service. Those will be packaged for mailing on December 8.

Sheryl Siemonsma gave information regarding possible senior meals in Humboldt. Someone from Hartford where the meals are prepared will deliver them and help serve, so only one person from our community will be needed each day.

The meeting was adjourned. Lorena Dubbe won the door prize. Merry Christmas to all.
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DID YOU KNOW?
 It is permissible to wash or dry clean a U.S. Flag. The determination should be made dependent on the material.
 Alexander Graham Bell never phoned his wife or mother. They were both deaf.
 There are 58,267 names on the Vietnam Wall. 39,996 are 22 years of age and younger. 997 soldiers were killed their first day in Vietnam. 1,448 soldiers were killed their last day in Vietnam.
 All National Guard and Reservists who have served one day of active duty, during any of delimiting periods set for in The American Legion Constitution, under Title 10, Subsection 672 or 12301 orders and received an honorable discharge or is currently serving on federal orders are eligible for membership in The American Legion. (All Reserve components send their service members to “Basic Training” using Title 10, Subsection 672/12301 orders).

Membership Update

As of December 7, the 2012 State membership stands at 18,836 or 80.35% of our Department Membership goal. Our Post membership is at 79 members or 82.3% of our goal as of December 5, 2011.
The end of the year is coming up and we would like to finish up with membership soon.
We still have 16 members who have not paid their 2012 dues.
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VA PROPOSES CLOSING S.D. MEDICAL CENTER

According to a Dec 14 article in the Argus Leader, the VA has proposed closing the Veterans Affairs medical center in Hot Springs and transfer many of its treatment and care options from outdated facilities at the Hot Springs Center to private providers and VA facilities in Rapid City and Sturgis. 


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MIDWINTER BANQUET TICKETS
Tickets for the MidWinter Conference Joint Banquet will be by advance sale only. The Joint Banquet will be held Friday, February 10, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. The menu will consist of steak & shrimp (6 oz. sirloin and 3 shrimp), twice baked potatoes, corn o’brien and cheesecake.
Tickets are $30.00 each and can be obtained by sending $30.00 per ticket requested to Potter American Legion Post 3, PO Box 348, Chamberlain, SD 57325.
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Merry Christmas to all
Legion Meeting - Jan 2 - 8 pm
Auxiliary Meeting - Jan 2 - 8 pm
Minnehaha County meeting - Dell Rapids
January 31 - 8pm
District Oratory Contest-Dell Rapids
January 14 at 2 pm
Mid-Winter Conference-Oacoma
February 10-12, 2012
Oratory Finals-Feb 12 at 10 am

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Lunch Committees
January
Wanda Artz/Neil & Agnes Even
February
Sheryl Siemonsma/Marv & Shirley Price

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Oratorical Resolution 2011

Legionnaires Discuss Oratorical Contest

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com) 

A resolution to be used as an incentive for the Oratorical contest at West Central High School was adopted at our meeting. It will be called “The William H Crippen Post 62 Oratorical Incentive Fund”. It will be used to help motivate students of the West Central High School to participate in the annual American Legion Oratorical contest. An executive committee was also formed to set the rules for the fund. 

 Resolution:
Be it resolved that, with the approval of the Post in session, the Commander create an executive committee to be known as the Oratorical Fund Committee.
This committee is to be chaired by the Post Americanism Officer who shall appoint one member of this Post to serve with him, appoint one instructor from afore said school to complete the membership of this committee.
The duties of this committee shall be: solicit and evaluate as fairly as possible, all suggestions from interested parties, as to the operation of the local oratory contest, set all rules for the conduct of the local contest, select the judges for the local contest, be the sole decision maker as to the number and size of the incentives to be offered and dispense such incentives at the appropriate time.
Operations of this committee are to be available at the request of any member during official meetings of the Post.
This committee’s tenure shall be limited to the annual election of officers at which time it shall be extended, amended or disbanded.
The resolution stands as stated.