From the Commandant

On November 10, a small group assembled at the Natick Elks to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday. Following tradition, the statement of General Lejeune was read, followed by the message from the current Commandant. The cake was cut and served to the oldest Marine present, who then served it to the youngest Marine present. We have about a year to plan for next year with the hope that we can arrange a celebration that is more fitting to the day.

“The Few, the Proud, the Marines” has been a visible advertising slogan for the Marine Corps for a number of years. As a detachment we are Marines, we are proud, but we are becoming fewer. This is a challenge that many veterans’ organizations are facing. We continue to look for ways to reach out to the latest generations of Marines to encourage them to join and we will continue that effort. Another avenue that is available is to focus on Associate Members.

To be an Associate Member, one need not have served in the Marine Corps or as a Corpsman or Chaplain. These individuals who have some affinity for the values and activities of the Marine Corps League are able to participate fully, with the exception that they cannot vote or hold elected office. In some detachments, Associate Members are very active in organizing events and activities, as well as holding appointed roles. We all have friends, neighbors, relatives and others whom we could contact to suggest Associate Membership. This is an outstanding opportunity for the detachment to expand its reach and for interested individuals to participate in the numerous charitable outreach activities and events that the detachment runs, as well as adding other activities in which they have interest. Please give thought to ways to make this opportunity known to others who might have interest.

We have begun an effort to reach out to veterans who are confined to nursing homes and other facilities. Tom Foley will take the lead on this effort and has begun to contact area facilities. Our experience to date with these visits has been very rewarding, as much for those who are doing the visit as for the veteran who is being visited. More information will be available as soon as possible. Hopefully, we will be able to get some “boots on the ground” behind this effort.

With the Thanksgiving Holiday here, I want to takethe opportunity to express gratitude on behalf of the detachment for those members who attend all ofthe meetings and offer their insights and votes.I am grateful for those members and others who are able and willing to invest the time and energy to make our activities successful.  I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had to share stories and experiences with other Marines and Corpsmen. With members from World War II and beyond, we have a wealth of memories and experiences that are worth sharing. 

November Meeting Notes

The meeting was convened at 7:30 PM on November 17 as scheduled.  There were 15 members in attendance.  Minutes of the last meeting were accepted.  Roll call of officers was conducted with all in attendance except the Junior Vice Commandant.  The Paymaster report was read and accepted.  The financial condition of the detachment continues to be good.  The normal order of business was conducted.

MCL Rose Program

Marines Warren Griffin, Mac MacEntegart, and Jim Hastings participated in offering roses at local merchants.  Over $1400 was collected and conveyed to the Paymaster.  The time and effort put in by these Marines is appreciated.  All members are encouraged to participate in upcoming rose drives as it is a productive and visible fundraising activity.

Toys For Tots

Coordinator Richard Douglas reported on the continuing developments in delivery of pods and supplies.  Pods are in place in Natick and Holliston.  Posters and boxes were not yet received at the time of the meeting but have since been received.    Discussion was held about how to provide coverage for Marlborough, an area that was previously covered by a member who passed away during the year.  It is desirable to provide a list of donation to Jim Hastings so that we can have a master list to insure future coverage.  The detachment will be at the Natick Christmas Tree Lighting on November 29 from 2:00 to 5:00.  Members are encouraged to come to help with TFT collections.   As needs arise to transport large items or quantities, we will put out a call for help.  We are hoping for another successful toy drive this year.

Members Sick and in Distress

A request was made for volunteers to provide a firing detail for the funeral of long time member

James Kidd, who passed away recently.  It was unclear whether the Marine Corps would be able to provide an honor detail.  The firing detail and a bugler were assembled for the burial in Acton.

Nursing Home/Assisted Living Visitation

A suggestion was made that the detachment establish an outreach program to provide visitation for veterans who are confined to various types of facilities.  Marine Tom Foley volunteered to lead this effort and will begin contacting local nursing homes and other facilities.  Allocation of funds to provide refreshments and food for these visits was voted on and approved.  Information on scheduled visits will be publicized as soon as possible.

Marine Corps Birthday

A cake cutting ceremony was held at the Natick Elks on November 10.  Richard Douglas arranged for a cake and attendees were able to share memories and stories.  There was discussion about ways to increase attendance and improve this event. All ideas and participants are welcomed.

Donations:

We received a thank you letter for a donation to purchase IPODS for wounded veterans.  A motion was made and approved to donate to the planned Gold Star Family Memorial that is slated to be built in Fall River.

December Meeting

The December meeting is scheduled for 15 December at 7:30.  Food will be served to observe the holidays.  Please join us and feel free to bring potential members or Associate Members.

 

Message From The Commandant

We are back into the swing of things with a number of activities and events coming up.  During the fall, we again conduct the Marine Rose Drive.  This is a very productive fundraising effort that requires relatively little effort and time.  Members can identify a location that is likely to have good foot traffic.  Grocery stores and other local shopping venues are typically good.  All that is involved is to set up a small table and a collection container and have a supply of roses available.  As people come by, offer them a rose.  It is often surprising how willing and friendly people are about donating.  In my experience, many like to stop and discuss their own time in the service, or that of a relative.  This often yields about $100 an hour.  When people see a Marine Corps League member who looks sharp, they are are often inclined to stop and contribute.  I encourage all members to give this a try as we approach Veterans' Day.  The result versus the effort is typically positive and it is a good way to provide visibility for the MCL. 

We are approaching the Marine Corps Birthday again.  There are tickets available for the 25th Marines Marine Corps Ball to be held in Boxboro on November 14.  Ticket price is $65.00/person and can be purchased via Danielle Sabourin at 508 954 5048.  The proceeds from the monthly cookouts held during drill weekends are being applied to reduce the ticket prices.  Numerous MCL members participated in these events. 
On a smaller scale, we will convene at the Natick Elks on Speen Street on 10 November at 6:00 PM to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday as a detachment.  Cake will be provided.  If we can generate interest and support, next year would be an excellent time to put some energy into more elaborate celebration.   With some participation from interested members, we can identify a location and menu that would provide an opportunity for members, families, and friends to get together to observe the birthday and to socialize.  I would be happy to coordinate and those interested in participating can contact me at 781 235 8085.  With a year of lead time, we should be able to put together a decent event at a good price point.

Toys for Tots is approaching and we will continue to have opportunities to help in community events.  Much of the time the only thing we need is more participation.  Although we have time limitations and other issues that need to be considered,  please think about what you can do to help and we will all benefit.
Semper Fi
Dave Gentes   Commandant

October Meeting Notes:

The detachment met as scheduled on October 20th with 11 members in attendance.  The normal order of business was followed.  The Paymaster reported on our current fiscal condition.  We are in good shape at this time.  Paymaster Bill Costello has continued to work to submit required tax forms.  We greatly appreciate the help of John Chrisafulli Jr. in researching and preparing tax returns that were in arrears.

The dedication of the Ed Jolley Room at the Natick Community Center will be held at 1:00 on Saturday, 24 October.  Ed was a mainstay of the detachment and a prime mover behind the golf tournament.  His passing was a big loss to the detachment.  Members who are able are encouraged to attend.

The detachment was well represented at the Mass. Viet Nam Veterans Recognition Parade on 18 Otober.  Led by Jim Hastings who carried the Mike 3/7 guidon, Marines from throughout the state represented the Corps.  Warren Griffin was one of the organizers and John McGillivray was the emcee.

A donation of $100 to purchase IPods for veterans was proposed and approved.

Veterans'Day observance will be held at Walsh Middle School in Framingham at 11:30 on 10 November. Members are encouraged to attend to interact and share their experiences with students.

The town of Bellingham will be rededicating local memorials to area veterans.  Jim Hastings is seeking members to participate in ceremonies and a firing detail.  Jim can be contacted for the date.

Richard Douglas reported that Toys for Tots planning is well under way.  Pods and boxes are ordered.  We have been successful in this event for a number of years.  It is desired that participating members send a list of their donation locations to Jim Hastings at snopymike@aol.com.  This will let us maintain an updated list and provide more efficient coverage.  We will again have a presence at the Natick Christmas Season Kickoff on 29 November.  This is a very good source of Toys for Tots donations and members are encourage to attend and help with collection.

If you are a member who is not current with dues, or you know members who are not current, I hope that you will consider getting up to date.  If you have particular concerns that keep you away, I will be happy to discuss with you. Please feel free to contact me at 781 235 8085.  If it is just a lapse in dues, we will be happy to welcome you back upon payment.   Please consider returning.

We will meet again on November 17 at 7:30 at the Natick Amvets.  Members are encouraged to attend.

Message from the Commandant:

With the end of summer, we return to other routines.  The detachment has resumed the normal meeting schedule, getting together on the third Tuesday of the month at the Amvets in Natick.  We hope that you will make an effort to attend as many meetings as you can.  Meetings are typically over in an hour and give you the chance to speak your mind and raise your ideas.  Meetings for the remainder of this year are on October 20, November 17, and December 22.  Please keep these dates in mind.

Although we did not  meet during the summer, there were more than lazy, hazy days going on.  Most notably, planning and execution of the annual golf tournament continued without interruption. Jim Hastings led the effort, organizing committee meetings, overseeing donations and advertising, and making final arrangements.  Mac MacEntagert, Bill Costello, Mike Whelan, John Chrisafulli, and John Burke were active throughout the planning.  On August, the weather cooperated and the golfers were treated to a smoothly conducted day of golf, followed by a steak dinner.  The net result is a total of $14,500 in profit to support the detachment’s charitable outreach.  This is an example of what a few good men with capable leadership can accomplish.  Tom Potenza and Ed Jolley ran this event for many years.  This year’s effort and result pays homage to their commitment.   I congratulate and thank the Golf Committee and all those who helped to make this happen.  We had a strong showing of members, family, and supporters on the day of the tournament.  As a detachment, we can take some pride in a job well done.

We have been active in helping the 25^th Marines at Fort Devens.  On their drill dates, the Marine Corps League provides a cookout of hot dogs and hamburgers with all of the profit going to defer the expense of the Marine Corps Ball.

The Marine Corps League had a presence in providing food for the 25^th Marines Family Day.  Members from Metrowest Detachment and others across the state served over 300 attendees.  Our own Jim Hastings arranged for a number of Bouncy Houses and other attractions.  This was a good day for the Marines and their families. A somber note was the need to have armed Marines patrolling the perimeter as this event occurred just day after the shooting of reservists and recruiters in Tennessee.  The prudent step of ensuring safety with roving guards was a stark reminder that we live in unpredictable times.

Detachment members and MCL representatives provided support for the Enigma Rod Shop Car Show in August.  Although the weather was tumultuous and attendance was down, a record amount was raised to support the Fisher House which offers lodging for families who visiting VA patients.  The MCL Honor Guard and ceremony was a high point for many.

VA Bingo continued during the summer.  Warren Griffin and others provided this break in the day for patients.  The detachment funds snacks and prizes.  Patients have a good time and truly enjoy this event.

As you can see, there are many opportunities for you to participate.  We will be happy to have you

aboard and you can have a good time in the process.

Semper Fi.

Dave Gentes                                       Commandant

September Meeting Notes:

The detachment resumed the normal meeting schedule on September 15 with 13 members in attendance.  The Paymaster's report was read and accepted.  With the recent golf tournament, we are in good financial shape.

Tom Foley was sworn in as a new member.  Tom is a Franklin resident who served in the Marine Corps in the early 70’s.   Tom was a 2511, wireman, and served in Viet Nam with a role in communications.  Tom has already stepped in, having been of assistance in the gold tournament.  We welcome Tom aboard Detachment #1037.

Member Jim Delaney is home and welcomes contact and visitors.  Prior to visiting, please call 339 204 3683.  Address is 7 Oakland Street, Needham, MA 02492.  

Chaplain Mike Whalen announced the death of long time member Lenny Drew.  Services were held on Sept 18.

In response to a request from the Marine for Life liaison, a donation was made to assist a local area Marine reservist who has been diagnosed with Cancer.  This is a result of our liaison with Marine For Life.  Jim Hastings arranged for additional contributions from other area veteran's organizations.

Warren Griffin noted that a parade commemorating the end of the Viet Nam Wat will be held in West Roxbury on October 18.  Details were mailed with the hard copy Scuttlebutt.  For more information, please contact Warren Griffin.

Richard Douglas reported that initial planning is underway for the upcoming Toys for Tots Drive. 

 Richard explained that reorganization in the TFT structure will make things go more smoothly this year.  More information will follow.

Members, families and supporters attended a cookout on August 29 at the AMVETS picnic area.  A number of the Blackstone Valley Young Marines were in attendance.  The Young Marines have been helpful in assisting in a number of detachment events.  We are pleased to be able to continue our financial support of this organization.  A check was presented at the cookout.

Bingo at the Jamaica Plain VA Hospital occurs on the first Wednesday of the Month at 7:00.  This typically takes a little more than an hour and is greatly appreciated by the patients. Please contact Warren Griffin at griffcher@juno.com if you have interest.