Administrative Notes:

Annual dues of $30.00 for regular members are due by August 31.   Late payment creates a lot of work for the Paymaster so members are encouraged to make their payment on time.  Life membership is a convenient and cost - effective way to handle dues.  Information on life membership can be found via the Paymaster.

At the January meeting, please bring new socks for donation to the VA Hospital.  These are a highly requested item.

December Meeting Notes:

Commandant McEntegart  called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.  As attendance was below the required quorum, the meeting was conducted on an informal basis.

 Roll call of officers was conducted.  The Sergeant at Arms was absent and the Junior Vice Commandant was excused.  The Paymaster report was read and accepted.  

Chaplain Whelan reported that Marine Chambliss is continuing to deal with a return of cancer.  More information will follow.

Donation to the Natick Veterans' Council was discussed and donation was approved.

Marine Richard Douglas reported on the recently completed Toys for Tots Program.  Although the start was a little slow, the finish was successful and pods were filled and delivered.  The last pods will be picked up soon.

Commandant McEntegart has arranged for pellet gun target shooting to be conducted after the January meeting.  Interested participants can compete in a pool to determine the best marksman.  This will be a regular event based on interest. 

Socks are one of the most requested items for patients who are confined at VA Facilities.  Beginning at the January 18 meeting, the detachment will collect socks for donation.  Ocean State Job Lot is recommended as a place to purchase as they have bundles of quality athletic socks at a good price.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM and attendees enjoyed seasonal snacks prior to departing for the holiday.  The Metrowest Detachment wishes all a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday January 18, 2022 at 7:00 PM at the Natick AMVETS.  Regular attendance at meetings and payment of dues are good resolutions to consider for the new year.

 A Message From the Commandant:

Marines and Detachment Supporters,

    By the time you receive this, the pods for Toys for Tots will have been delivered to the Marines to be prepared for distribution.   Since the founding of this detachment, we have risen to the occasion to collect toys and donations for this campaign.   We extend a huge thank you to all who helped this worthy cause, especially Rick Douglas and Chip Fagan who were the Toys for Tots coordinators.  Rick and Chip have again pulled off a successful campaign.

    The detachment again participated in collecting for Toys for Tots at the Natick events on the Town Common.  This event was very different this year because of Covid.  There were no toys and kids got balloons and they were not able to sit with Santa. Nonetheless, Santa did show up to say hi.  The Young Marines under the leadership of Amy Fagan were a great help, always polite and courteous to all the people that attended the event.  These young people are a credit to their program and its leadership.

At this time of year we must all reflect on the past two years of dealing with Covid and its variants.  It has taken a toll on all of our respective committees and our own families.  Some of us have had family members and friends hospitalized and die from this awful virus.  As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, remember those who are no longer with us and be thankful for those who are with us.  

  Let us pray for a healthy and prosperous New Year.

The Metrowest Detachment will meet on Tuesday, 21 December at 7:00 PM at the Natick AMVETS. Please bring some Christmas cookies to share.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Thank you,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Mac