Seasons Greetings! The month of December has been extremely busy with lots of things happening at the post! Speaking of activities at the post, during our regular meeting this month – we decided to begin the process of transitioning our current Doughboy newsletter to a 100% electronic form. Due to the rising cost of postage and printing, combined with the need to update our members on a more frequent basis – we will be delivering the newsletter on a monthly basis to your email. If we do not already have your email, please send it to one of your respective officers so we may begin adding it to our email delivery system. Evelyn Navarre has done an excellent job with the newsletter over the years – and i’m sure she will continue to deliver us a beautiful product in a digital form. With that being said – please be patient with us as we navigate this new process.

With the end of the year having finally arrived, the “Dinner on the Diehn” recipients were announced during our December meeting. Due to excellent attendance at our regular post meetings, 7 members will enjoy a free dinner at Eddie Lee’s in the new year. We’re looking forward to this dinner so we can enjoy camaraderie and look back on everything 2018 had to offer. The new “Dinner on the Diehn” program starts in January – and rewards members who attend 10 of 12 meetings or 80% of meetings (if a new member joins during the year). As of now – this only applies to our Legionnaires – but the other membership groups have been encouraged to explore similar options. Meeting attendance and voting are the best way to have your voice heard regarding how our post and activities are handled.

One of our favorite service projects each year, is the delivery of our no-sew blankets to veterans. This year, we decided to partner with Allison Maas and Anja Ward who helped arrange an event at Oak Leaf Village in Sylvania so we could meet and mingle with the Veteran residents. Several members representing all membership groups from our post were in attendance and report enjoying the experience. Thank you to those who not only helped distribute the blankets, but also to those who met with us in November to help make the blankets!

This month – we also attended and participated in the Wreaths Across America (WAM) event at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania, OH. This is the first time we’ve attended this event, as in years past we’ve traveled to the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky for WAM. We were blown away with how many people attended this event from the community; much bigger than what we’re used to in Sandusky. There were so many people – that many of our members couldn’t find one another! Thank you to those who showed up and represented the Diehn Post for this event – now that we know what to expect for next year, we hope to be more organized so we can enjoy the experience together!

Jim Pilkinton, SAL Commander also organized another outstanding Post Christmas Party this month. Aside from the delicious food, Jim and his wife, Connie (Canteen Manager) decorated the hall beautifully with limited resources. Attendees also enjoyed the sounds of Swingmania – Toledo’s largest dance band! Proceeds from the event are directed towards the SAL’s fund for feeding local Veterans. Jim has already begun communicating with the local Toledo VA clinic to hopefully provide a meal to the Veterans in their care. Thank you again to those who attended and helped make the night one to remember!

 

Mary Jane and Don worked their tails off this month, as the day after our Christmas Party – was our huge Kids Christmas party! The ALA always does an excellent job in preparing to make a memorable experience for the kids and their families. Each kid received a gift that was purchased specifically for them, meet with Santa, make holiday crafts and enjoy a kid-friendly meal! Thank you to everyone who made this event memorable – and we can’t wait for our next big children’s event for Easter!

This time of year is also the season for the American Legion, Department of Ohio’s Gifts for Yanks distribution! The reason for bringing this up is because we have been steadily increasing the amount of money we collect and donate towards this charity every year! Have you ever noticed that little black box in the canteen? The funds received from that box, various events throughout the year – including the Armed Forces Day 5K – all benefit this Ohio specific charity. Aside from supporting the voluntary service departments in local VA’s – Veterans also receive annual gifts from the Legion. Pictures below show this years distribution at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. Thank you to Joe Navarre from our post for representing us well!

Speaking of the Armed Forces Day 5K – registration for the 2019 run is now open! As of this date, we are on pace to beat our last years numbers of 124 runners! Last year was such a positive experience, that many runners have signed up again, and took advantage of our Early-Bird pricing. Visit this link to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Sylvania/ArmedForcesDay

I know its several months away – but please mark the date in your calendar if you think you may be able to help volunteer on the date of the event. It takes many people to run a race of this size. This is one of our most public events all year and a great opportunity to spread the word of all the good we’re doing in the Legion! Take a look at this years custom finisher medal!

Thank you again for another great year – we can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store for us! As a final thought – our Fish Fry season is right around the corner, which provides an excellent fundraising opportunity for the Legionnaires and SAL. Please keep an eye out for our start/finish dates, menu and pricing! Happy New Year!