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 25th 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 25th 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.