COMMANDER'S COMMENTS-
It is truly an honor to be, once again, your Commander of the Ralph H Johnson American Legion Post 147. As I assume my duties, I want to thank our outgoing Commander, Harold Blum, for his work in shepherding our post through last year’s insurance debacle which was overseen in a fiscally sound fashion. Thanks to Harold`s efficient management, along with Mark Webster’s oversight, we are currently solvent, and I don`t foresee any price increases in the near future. What we hope to do, over time, is to look for options where we can cut operational costs as a means to respond to inflation for utilities and increased insurance premiums. Hopefully, by October, we will be able to eliminate printing and mailing costs associated with our monthly bulletins and do more on-line communications through our web site. We will also pursue internal cost cutting measures for utilities, operational supplies, and equipment rentals: any adjustments will be noted in future editions. On a positive note: If you are in the canteen, you may notice that all of the leather seating has been improved and this is the result of the generosity of S.A.L. member Pete Copelston who donated his time and expertise to refurbish all twenty-one chairs in the canteen. This has enabled us to maintain the attractive décor of our Post as well as contribute to the seating comfort of our members. For the future, we look forward to expanding our current options in support of the Four Pillars of the American Legion. In this vein, we will be offering more activities for the youth and families of our community while maintaining our endeavors within the Legionnaire`s Support Plan which include our library swap, week-day transportation service, and housing support. We will be adding on -site financial-management counseling and insurance availability for senior citizens. More details on the latter two items will be forthcoming over the next two newsletters. For September, we will launch Tuesday Team Trivia competitions which we hope to grow into bi-weekly opportunities. It will be for fun with small prizes offered. An outline and rules will be published separately and promulgated in late August via our web site. Initially, this will be for members only. To improve our overall ambiance, starting July 1st, smoking will be only at the back pavilion and restricted from the general entrance of the parking lot. In the event that the pavilion has been rented, smoking will be by the side door adjacent to the parking lot. This decision was reached by the Canteen Committee and sanctioned by the Post’s Executive Board on June 13th. On July 4th, the Post’s Honor Guard will host a complimentary buffet lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers/cheeseburgers, chips, slaw, and watermelon to be consumed at the Post from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Please try to join us as we pay thanks to our country and the generosity of the Honor Guard. *Did you know – DHEC has graded our kitchen as an A. Congratulations and thanks to our Canteen Manager Tina Baugh, Debbie Caddell, Canteen Servers, and all volunteers for another job well done! *Thanks also are extended to Squadron Commander Pete Rugheimer and the S.A.L. for his excavation and drainage work on the Pavilion. His work has mitigated the danger of this area being flooded. All the best to our Legion Family as we enter the Summer Season.
For God and Country, Steve Driscoll Commander