Issue 5, the law banning smoking in all enclosed public places, was passed by the voters of Ohio and became effective on December 7th.  In compliance with the new law, the Post 221 Executive Committee has designated ALL inside areas of the Post a

s non-smoking.  It is our intention to obey the law and enforce the smoking restriction.  Unfortunately, this decision to obey the law will result in major financial loss to the club.
   The Ohio Department of Health has announced that they will not be enforcing the law before May.  Because of this, most of the other bars and clubs in the area are ignoring the law and allowing smoking on their premises.  This is resulting in a major loss of income for us when our tavern customers who smoke go to these other venues to drink and gamble.  A lot of our customers are smokers.
   Despite this major loss of income, we will continue to obey the law.  Please help us by patronizing the tavern for a drink or a meal, especially if you have avoided it in the past due to the smoky atmosphere.  Our Sunday afternoon bingo is also non-smoking.  While this won't eliminate our financial loss, it can help to lessen the impact.

-Mark Weldon, Commander

   Well, CONGRATULATIONS are certainly in order.  Once again, Massillon American Legion Post 221 came through and delivered a Merry Christmas to community families in need.  The generous donations of canned goods and other non-perishable items allowed us to deliver (4) large and overflowing boxes to each of our families.  In addition, each received a $75.00 gift certificate for perishable food items and each child received a wrapped toy, a stocking gift, and a new winter coat.
   Those of you who faithfully read the Post Parade are well aware of (at least) some of the programs of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Over the final (5) months of my term in office, I intend to high-light one Auxiliary program each month.  I am proud of the accomplishments of this organization, and I want everyone to have a better understanding of what we do.  This month, I am going to begin by listing the criteria for and the benefits of membership.  See if you qualify for membership.  Think about the good you could do as a member.  Then call either myself at (330) 477-9844 or Dixie Witter (our membership chairman) at (330) 833-4545, and ask for an application.
   The American Legion Auxiliary has been around for a long time, over 75 years.  If each of our almost one million members were asked what we do each would have a different answer.  Many would talk about the millions of hours of volunteer time we give to assist veterans at home, in hospitals, and in the field.  Others would talk about the millions of dollars donated to worthy causes around the world.  Some would stress the community service work we do and the thousands of special projects we have funded to assist families and children across the nation.  And of course, many would mention our poppies - the little red crepe paper flower made by and for hospitalized veterans - and the many thousands we distribute every Memorial Day.

You can join the Auxiliary if you are:
- The mother, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or grandmother of a current member of the American Legion OR of a deceased veteran who served during any of the conflicts listed below. (Eligibility also applies to step-relatives)
- A female veteran who served during any of the conflicts listed below.
- A female member of the American Legion. (Yes, women can join both.)

What are the benefits to you?
- A year's subscription to National News. (To keep you informed about Auxiliary activities.)
- Free $7,500 Travel Accident Insurance
- The Exclusive Auxiliary Credit Card
- Car Rental Discounts and Moving Discounts
- Hearing Aid and Eye Care Discounts
- Special Auxiliary Supplemental Insurance Plans
- Affinity Long Distance Phone Service Discounts

How do you join?
- Complete both sides of the membership application.
- Mail or drop off the application along with your $20 annual dues
- Your application will be processed by the Unit within 4-6 weeks

That's all there is to it.  Welcome to the Auxiliary.  We'll look forward to having you join us.

-Martha Lee Thatcher, Unit President

   Just wanted to remind everyone about Jan 6 and the first "Night at the Races."  Please come out and join us for a great night of fun.  Baseball season is right around the corner and the American Legion team will soon be preparing for it.  The teams have already planned the upcoming season.  Games start at the end of May.  I will be bringing you more information as soon as I get it.  Again, join us for some fun on Jan 6.  Thanks!!!

-William Jody Stevenson, 2nd Vice Commander

   Okay, when I wrote my article last month and put "Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow" as a subtitle, I really expected there to be some snow on the ground.  Oh well, I guess you can't really predict anything in Ohio.  Thank you very much for all of the S.A.L. members who came out for our annual bell-ringing for the Salvation Army.  The turnout was great and we raised a lot of money!  Great job!  I would like to welcome our newest member to the Sons of the American Legion, William H. Matthews.  Welcome to the squadron and congratulations on becoming a dual member.  As you can see by the signs posted throughout the tavern, we will be having a breakfast on Sunday, February 17th.  It's a great menu for a really low price of only $4.  We will be serving eggs, pancakes, sausage, home fries, and coffee, juice, or milk.  Feel free to come out to get a jump start on the day!

For God and Country
-Ben Gutscher, Commander

   Inside the blue room there is a stack of calendars on the shelves.  I would like every member, if possible, to take a calendar for each month and write down their volunteer time.  On the calendar it will explain what I need and some ideas of things to put down.  I also need the event that you volunteered in written on the date.  Your volunteering time really does as u!  You'd be surprised how much the S.A.L. volunteers throughout the year.  Please fill these out and turn them in to me.

For God and Country
-Ben Gutscher, Commander

From Pat Kelley:  Book, Crimson Imjin - Korea 1951 by Ret. Corporal Bob Ryan

The 247 page book - Crimson Imjin - symbolic title chosen for this book was influenced by the blood shed from both sides during heavy fighting occurring in the hills bordering the shore of the Imjin River in North Korea.

From Mark Weldon:  The Henderson FOP Lodge #105 - Shop with a Cop fundraiser book of pictures and ads.

Did you Know?  Terrorist acts against the United States:

1979 - Iranian students seize the US Embassy in Tehran and hold captive approximately 70 Americans; some released but 52 remain for 444 days.

1983 - 63 are killed when a bomb laden truck crashes into the US Embassy in Beirut Lebanon.

1983 - A 1200 pound truck bomb destroys a marine barracks in Beirut Lebanon killing 241 American servicemen.

(Continued next month)

-John Tsocheff

Happy New Year Ladies

   We didn't make goal (190) by the end of the year, but there is still time to pay your 2007 dues.  The unit really needs your help.  We are shy 37 member renewals.
   Please start the new year out with a paid-up membership of $20.00 or sign up a new member.  All are welcome and needed.

Thank you,
-Dixie Witter, 1st Vice President

   You can't spend it, you can't put it in your bank account, you can't even give it away.  It is a one way street, the rewards we get from making a contribution to our organization.  Some contribute more and are, hopefully, rewarded more.  You can choose your own levels and direction, but CHOOSE SOMETHING>
   I find membership to be very difficult, and yes, very rewarding.  Even more rewarding is having new or transferred members actually "join us" by showing up occasionally.  When we recruit someone, let's not forget them.  Consider bringing them to a meeting, transport them, and introduce them.  Keep a list of your recruits, their phone numbers, and call to remind them of the activities and free dinners.  The responsiveness is, well, rewarding, and surprising.  Give it a try.  We should make them comfortable here, not forget them.  We really don't want them to think they are just a name and a number here do we?  Would you?
   Our membership goal this year is 707.  We are currently at 83% or 588 paid members.  THANK YOU to all that have paid their dues.  Please welcome the following members, WELCOME ABOARD!

Serving Our Country:

Care Packages have been sent to the above 9 Military personnel.

   Thanks to Ernie and Dora Gemma and the Gold Star Mothers for their generous contribution of items which we have used in The American Legion's Post 221 Care Package program.

   The Care Package Pantry is getting low again; we could use the following items:
   Lemonade mix, ice tea mix, tea bags, M&M candy, Tootsie rolls, Vienna Sausages, Slim Jims, cheese crackers, peanut butter crackers, peanuts in the can or shell, microwave popcorn, mac and cheese, microwave meals, hair conditioner, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, potato chips (small bags), disposable razors, instant disposable cameras.
   You can leave items in box provided in the blue room at the Legion or call Bill Matthews for pickup.

Sick Call / Sick Bay:
   Earl E. Smoth, Amherst Meadows - Room 203

-Bill Matthews - Ph. No. (330) 832-7856
6341 Richville Drive SW, Canton, Ohio 44706
Billkathm@aol.com

-Post 221 membership

ATTENTION MEMBERS!  YOU MUST HAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD WITH YOU TO BE SERVED ALCOHOL.  NO EXCEPTIONS!
NO CARD - NO SERVICE! - TAVERN NOW NON-SMOKING
 

WEDNESDAY SPECIALS FOR JANUARY