A Message from the Commandant:
Greetings Marines:
We had our elections last month and I am back as your Commandant. All we did was switch seats as a result of this election. The current group of officers is basically the same group in different positions. We have one new face at the front desk. Steve Stephan was elected Judge
Advocate. Thank you, Steve for stepping up. He hope that we can increase participation and membership to bring in new ideas and energy.
The Detachment needs to thank our Past Commandant Gerry Blanchette for
an outstanding job this past year. Gerry guided us through the Pandemic. During this difficult time, Gerry conducted Zoom meetings to keep us together and informed. Then he was able to get us back to the AMVETS when live meetings were again permitted. Additionally, Gerry took on the role of the Paymaster after the passing of Paymaster Bill Costello. A special note Gerry and Paul Carew did all the paperwork necessary for the
Detachment to be compliant with the IRS and National requirements. This is an essential task
for us, a huge thank you is extended on behalf of the detachment.
Despite COVID, the Detachment had a successful Christmas Toys for Tots.
Thanks to all who collected toys and to Richard Douglas and Chip Fagan who
coordinated the event. This is a major project that requires a lot of coordination and communication. Richard and Chip played a key role in keeping this long standing and valuable program going.
Golf is Back! August 16 ! We need prizes and people to help. This is the
major fundraiser for the Detachment. Jim Hastings will again serve as the event point person. Jim will be able to handle questions and will welcome help from all who have interest.
The detachment Rose Program is this month. Call Warren Griffin if you need roses. Participating in this program can be done in just a few hours of arranging to be at a high traffic location and soliciting donations. This is an effective fund raising activity and can be an enjoyable way to meet people and let them know what we do.
The Scholarship committee met last week. We chose five very deserving
seniors from Metrowest area High Schools to receive $1000 for their upcoming freshman year in
college. This is the type of activity that we provide using the funds raised from the Golf Tournament and the Rose Program.
The Detachment needs to recruit new members.. This past year we lost five
Marines. Every time you meet a Marine or FMF Corpsman, it is an opportunity to encourage him or her to check us out and join the detachment. We have a new brochure printed to describe our activities. If you need a copy call Dave Gentes. The brochure is also online.
This will be the final printed newsletter for the Detachment. Future newsletters
will be posted on the Scuttlebutt website. Going online with detachment communications will save time and cost. If you don’t have any electronic devices or are unable to access the website,
call me and I will send you a printed copy on request.
Semper Fi,
Mac
The following is a list of detachment officers with current contact information:
Commandant: John McEntegart: judy5mc@yahoo.com : 22 Potter Rd., Framingham
508-877-5255
Sr. Vice Commandant: Dave Gentes davegentes@comcast.net: 11 Evergreen Ave Wellesley 02482
H: 781-235-8085 Cell: 781 223 1546
Jr. Vice Commandant: Jim Hastings snopymike@aol.com:100 Plymouth Rd Bellingham 02019
H 508-966-0364 C
508-369-6227
Adjutant: Warren Griffin griffcher@juno.com: 54 Shaw Farm Rd. Holliston
W 617-720-0414 H 508-429-3002
Chaplain: Michael Whalen whalen.michael@comcast.net: 262 Wood St. Hopkinton
H 508-435-2397
Sergeant-At-Arms: David Barth: 19 Irving St. Waltham 02451
H 781-899-0436
Judge Advocate: Steve Stephan: 81 Oxbow Rd. Framingham
H: 617-306-8057
Paymaster: Jerry Blanchette jerryblanch@verizon.net 149 Summer St. Framingham 01701
Cell: 508-383-5787
Detachment meetings are held at the Natick AMVETS on Superior Drive in Natick at 7:00 PM on the third Tuesday of the month; Next meeting will be 18 May 2021