COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

I want to commend and salute you, "The Entire Membership of Frank E. Booma Post 6" for helping in all the ways you have throughout the year. So far every event hosted by each of our organizations and the Grille has been a great success; a lot of members have complemented about how much support we have been giving and doing for the troops, helping the community and giving back to the membership. This salute also goes out to the friends of our membership whom are non-members that have stepped-up to help us with these events. The Portsmouth Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 6, 2008, beginning at 6 p.m. Come to the Post and cheer your three time national champion and ten time state champion color guard as they march by. If you would like to march in the parade to support your Post, be at the Post by step-off time. Dress warm and wear good walking shoes, the parade route is approximately 2 miles. The Annual Children's Christmas party is just around the corner and the Ladies Auxiliary is looking for "Santa" and an elf or two, if you want to share in the party, we could sure use you, contact the Ladies Auxiliary for more information. Congratulations to our Senior Vice Commander Jim Minot (Membership Chairman), I am proud to report that recruitment across the board is growing by leaps and bounds and we are currently at 68% on membership renewal. Keep up the good work, Jim!! For those members who still have not renewed their membership for 2009, December 31, 2008 is the deadline. If you do not have a 2009 membership card by that date you risk loosing your continuous service record with the American Legion. Jumping ahead for a moment, the Mid-Winter Conference is January 31, 2009 at Post 7, Rochester, NH. Registration time is 8:00 a.m. and the conference starts at 9:00 a.m. This conference is a must show for all the delegates. If you are not a delegate and still want to attend, that would be great. "Stand up and be counted^- your act of willingness shows support for the good of the Legion. Let the Department see that Post 6 stands strong at this and all conferences in the future. The Post has a new display cabinet for "Emblem Sales," currently we have one-size-fits-all embroidered Post ball caps $10.00 each, American Legion licenses plates $5.00 each, American Legion lapel pins $4.00 each and left over (new with printed front and back) LG & XL rededication T-shirts $8.00. We ordered new post T-shirts that are arriving very soon with all sizes available up to 3X. The prices will be $12.00 for sizes up to XL and $15.00 for 2X and 3X. If you would like to purchase any of the items, stop by the Post or E-mail me at post6_cmdr@comcast.net for an order form.  It is my sad duty to report one of our Post members have passed-on (35 years) Robert "Bob" Gallagher. Our Post Charter is draped, may he rest in peace. Keep your head down and stay under the radar.

Frank Desper, Post Commander

ADJUTANT’S MESSAGE

AS OF LAST MONTH NEWSLETTER AN APOLOGY WAS GIVEN CONCERNING ‘RENEWAL NOTICES FROM THE NATIONAL OFFICE OF THE AMERICAN LEGION. THESE NOTICES ARE RELATED TO THE NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE. EACH YEAR NATIONAL SETS MEMBERSHIP GOAL DATES. IF YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS RECEIVED BY NATIONAL AFTER ONE OF THESE DATES, NATIONAL ASSUME THAT YOU HAVE NOT PAID YOUR MEMBERSHIP. I HAVE IN THE PAST PRINTED IN THE NEWSLETTER, THAT IF A POST MEMBER RECEIVED ONE OF THESE NOTICES, TO DISREGARD SAID NOTICE.  THESE NOTICES HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH NATIONAL TRYING TO MAKE EXTRA MONEY FROM ITS MEMBERS. SUCH ACTION WOULD BE DULY NOTICE BY CONGRESS, AND THE LEGION’S CHARTER WOULD BE AT RISK.

“SNOW BIRDS”  IN THE NEAR FUTURE ALL SNOW BIRDS WILL RECEIVE FORMS TO FILL OUT SO THAT ALL LEGION CORRESPONDENCE CAN BE MAILED TO THEIR PRESENT ADDRESS.

“MAIL” IN ORDER FOR ALL MEMBERS TO RECEIVE THEIR NEWSLETTERS AND OTHER LEGION CORRESPONDENCE, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE ADJUTANT HAVE YOUR CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS, INCLUDING APARTMENT NUMBER.

“DEATH OF A MEMBER” WHEN A MEMBER PASSES ON I AM ASKING THAT THE FAMILY PLEASE NOTIFY THE ADJUTANT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THIS WAY ALL CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE LEGION MEMBER CAN BE TEMINATED AND THE FAMILY NEED NOT REMINDED OF THEIR LOSS.

“TRANSFER IN OR OUT” ALL LEGION MEMBERS WHO WISH TO TRANSFER TO ANOTHER POST MUST FILL OUT AN “AMERICAN LEGION MEMBER FORM”.  NO MEMBER CAN BE AN AMERICAN LEGION MEMBER OF MORE THEN ON POST. ALSO ALL AMERICAN LEGIONS HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT PROSPECTIVE MEMBER.

“CHALLENGE”  ANY AMERICAN LEGION MEMBER CAN BE CHALLENGED BY ANOTHER AMERICAN LEGION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION. THE POST MEMBER DOING THE CHALLENGING MUST NOTIFY THE POST ADJUTANT FIRST. THE ADJUTANT THEN TAKES THE MATTER IN HAND AND NOTIFYS THE POST MEMBER BEING CHALLENGED. THAT MEMBER MUST THEN SHOW PROOF ELIGIBILITY, IF THE PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY IS NOT ON FILE IN THE POST HOME. THE MEMBER BEING CHALLENGED MUST SHOW PROOF  

ELIGIBILITY, UNTIL SUCH TIME THE MEMBER WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE POST AS A MEMBER.

AT PRESENT NO NEW PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS ARE BEING ACCEPTED WITHOUT PROOF OF SERVICE.

ALL PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS TRANSFERRING INTO OUR POST WILL HAVE TO PRODUCE A SERVICE RECORD AS WELL.

 George McCall, Post Adjutant  

JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

I want to remind everyone that the Children's Christmas Party is Sunday December 14, 2008. All the slips have been received for the children attending. We would request that we not have any walk ins for the party. It is very possible we would not have a gift for a child that was not signed up and don't want to disappoint a child this time or year.

The turnout for the Children’s Halloween Party was down in numbers this year.  There is talk that we may not have the haunted house next year due to lack of participation. I would hope that this reverses itself. We do have a couple of events on the horizon. The main one is the Children’s Easter Party which we would like to see a good turn out at this year. I thought I would mention it now.

Plans for the Children’s Outing next summer need to be started now. We changed this year from Newcastle to Stratham Hill. Once again, the turnout for this was low and we need to look at whether we should continue these with little participation.

Remember it is dark in the morning and getting dark earlier in the evenings, so let us watch out for our children on the streets and be very careful.

As this goes to print we have not had the Thanksgiving Day dinner yet but I want to thank everyone that has signed up to provide desserts and all the volunteers that have signed up to help in any capacity. Thank you, without you this worthwhile endeavor would not be possible.

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 Richard “Brooksie” Brooks, Post Jr. Vice Commander

 POST 6 COLOR GUARD MESSAGE

Our next Fish Fry will be Friday, December 5, 2008.  Thank You for your loyalty and please continue to support us. 

 Your 2 Time National Post 6 Color Guard

 SURF & TURF SCHEDULE

 December 6th – Post

December 13th – S.A.L.

December 20th – Unit

December 27th – Color Guard

 SQUADRON COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

 Hi – I hope everyone had a good month.  We were having good weather for November, but now it looks like winter is finally going to get us, I hope everyone is ready.  I would like to thank everyone who helped out with the Haunted House at the Children’s Halloween Party.  It turned out real good, I am sure the kids had a great time.  Well Christmas is just around the corner, so happy Holidays to everyone.   

Michael Hunt,  S.A.L. Commander

SQUADRON ADJUTANT’S MESSAGE

I just want to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year. Just a reminder you need a 2009 card in January so get your cards now.

From December 22, 2008 until after January 1, 2009 we will not be processing new cards so we can enjoy our Christmas and new Year

 Bob Prendergast, S.A.L. Adjutant

 Dear Legion Family Members,

On November 1, 2008 our apartment building on Union Street in Portsmouth burned down from within. The fire left five people homeless; one cat did not survive. Though we lost nearly all of our belongings, we were extremely fortunate that our little family of Erik, Daina, and Kitty had survived.

After we had stood in the cold for hours, watching our home disappear, speaking with various police, firefighters, and workers from the Red Cross, we headed to the American Legion to sort things out. After all, we come to the Legion regularly to unwind, to be around people we genuinely enjoy, to celebrate joyous occasions and feel comfort when times are tough. Where else would we go to get peace of mind when our house just burned down?

Since the fire, we have been extremely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, friendship, kindness, and generosity we have received from our friends and family at the Legion. Without the Legion-- as an organization, as well as the individuals who make up its treasured community--- we would not have been able to put our lives back together so quickly. We will never be able to accurately express our gratitude, as words cannot do justice to our emotions. Please know that our hearts swell with love and appreciation for absolutely everything everyone has done to help us.  Our deepest thanks go out to the Post, the Auxiliary, and our commander Frank Desper. There are many individuals that will be receiving personal thank you letters as well.

Please know that it is our mission to give back as much as we possibly can, to the Legion as well as our community. Doing good work in life has always been our intention, but sometimes it takes a little fire to realize just how immediately we need to get to work for others.

If there is anything we can do for anyone, in any capacity, please ask. Even if you don't ask, we will be there.

With brimming hearts and endless gratitude, Thank You.

 Erik Sanders, Squadron Sgt-at-Arms, Daina Senuta and Kitty

 BAND SCHEDULE

 December 6th – Black Brook Band

December 12th – Karaoke w/DJ Darlene

December 13th – Alan Rue Band

December  20th– Downtown Rhythm

December 27th – No Band

December 31st – Greyzone

January 3rd – Echo Tones

AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP

 Ladies – Wednesday, December 31, 2008 is coming very quickly.  Your 2008 card will not longer be valid as of Midnight, Thursday, January 1, 2009.  If you want your card to ring in the new year, get it before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2008.  You will not be able to pay your dues that night and will have to sign in as a guest at Midnight.  Your name will also be removed from the bulletin mailing list.  To keep up-to-date on what is happening in your Unit, pay your dues before January 20, 2008.

We only need 60 to meet the 75% goal and 147 for 100%.  Won’t you please consider renewing your membership in the American Legion Auxiliary?  Dues are $15.00.  Your dues will help this Unit meet it financial obligations.  Some of the thing we hope to do this year is present three $500.00 scholarships and send three girls to Granite Girls State.  We have adopted a women veteran residing at the NH Veterans Home in Tilton for Christmas, sent a care package overseas, donated towards Moore Mart’s Christmas Stocking for the Troops program and are currently collecting aftershave and after care products for the veterans at the VA Medical Centers in Manchester, Tilton and White River Junction. 

Did you know that as a loyal member of the American Legion Auxiliary you receive member discount/benefits?  Log on to http://www.legion-aux.org/ Membership/ Discounts Benefits/index.aspx for more information.  Again thank you for your continued service to this Unit.  If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to call me at (603) 988-8267.

 Karyl Horn, Unit Secretary/Treasurer

 GRILLE STEWARD’S MESSAGE

 Hello again, here we are in the month of December and this year sure has flown by!!!! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is ready for Christmas. We have some new bands for next year and they are fantastic! We will be bringing back The Jen Thayer Band as well as 52nd Street, The Delrays, Dirty McCurdy out of Portland, Maine and many more up and coming bands to the seacoast area. 2009 looks to be an entertaining fun year our Karaoke Night has been going pretty well with many talented singers.  We will continue to have Karaoke throughout the year so stay tuned for your newsletters in the upcoming months!  We will be having a New Year’s Eve Party on the Wednesday, December 31, 2008, so make plans for a fun filled evening.  We will be serving a light buffet along with party favors and champagne.   Seating is first come-first serve.  The band starts at 8:30 p.m. and goes until 12:30.p.m.  We will also have a designated driver that evening starting 10 p.m. and the last trip to beat 1a.m. Free within a 5 mile radius of the Legion. So I hope to see you and your guest join the Legion Family to ring-in the New Year! Reminder!!! Please remember to have your 2009 dues card available on Thursday, January 1, 2009.  Our bartenders will be checking them, so please be sure to have them on you when coming in.  You can only be signed-in once if your dues are not paid.  There will be officers available to take your dues prior to that date. Until next year have a safe and Merry Christmas.

 Sue Desper, Grille Steward

 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Winter weather is now upon us. Please check on your neighbors this winter to make sure they are okay. Send the kids or grandkids over to help them with snow removal when they need it or to lug in the wood.  Please remember to get your membership paid prior to Wednesday, December 31, 2008.  At midnight, NOT having your dues paid will put your benefits under suspension. This includes the discounts on glasses, prescriptions, phone, insurances, etc. If you can get them paid prior to December 5th, you can help Unit #6 meet the goals set by the National Organization. Thank you!  Sunday, November 30, 2008 is the date of setting up the VA Gift

Shop. A BIG "Thank You" to Carol Tuley for all the donations to this. They are beautiful as always. These items are displayed on Monday, December 1, 2008 for the Veterans to look over and pick items to give to the Veteran's family members for Christmas. The Department Auxiliary purchases the wrapping paper so these items can be wrapped. If the presents need to be shipped because family is not close by, The Department Auxiliary foots that bill. No money exchanges hands. If you would like to help with this please come to the Manchester VA Hospital in the morning of either day.  Also on Monday, December 1, 2008 is the 8/40 Salon 264 Christmas Party at Strafford Farms in Somersworth. Instead of swapping presents the Chapeau has asked that you bring the monies you would have spent on a present to make as a donation to the "All Partners Project"., which is the National Jewish Health’s Art Therapy Program. This provides money for the Hospital with the treatment of Children with respiratory problems.  The next Unit #6 meeting is Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 7:00 PM.  On Friday, December 12, 2008 is the District #3 meeting in Epping at 6:30 PM. Bring a $10.00 gift for your gender that you are to swap. Auxiliary members are asked to bring a dessert to share. Post #51 is providing the dinner. Everyone is welcome, come enjoy the fun and festivities.  On Tuesday, December 9, 2008 there is a Blood Drive at the Rochester Elks at 12:00 PM.  On Saturday, January 3, 2009 there is an After Holiday Party at the Tilton Veterans Home at 2 p.m.  I personally want to thank everyone for all the volunteering that you do. The American Legion Auxiliary would not be the GREAT Organization that it is if it were not for the volunteers. Please be sure you drop us a note to let us know what you have been up to so that we can ensure Congress knows what our great members do.

 Sheila Brooks, Unit President & District #3 Director