30 July 2008

Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Inc.             

                                                                                                                                    July 25, 2008 

Convention, Department of New York

            The Department of New York held its 77^th Department Convention in Rochester, New York, July 16 thru July 19, 2008.  With traveling companion, PNP Ruth Moyse, at the wheel, we arrived in Rochester late Thursday afternoon, enabling us to attend and participate in the full day sessions and activities on Friday and Saturday. 

            Madam President re-opened her meeting according to the Ritual, Friday Morning.  Membership Report was given by Mary Hall, Jr. Vice President – total membership matching mine!  A special note of thanks to Nancy McGowan, Treasurer, Dept. of New York, for the care and support she has given me, thru my term, to make your membership count as accurate as possible. 

 Sgt. Major Joe Houle, was escorted in, giving us a presentation, with slide show, about the “Museum of the Marine” – Community-Corps-Carolinas.  This museum is “all about people” and will honor the contributions and sacrifices of Marines, their units, their families, and the Carolina communities that support them. 

Flea Scratch was filled with scratching, fines, and carrying-on.  There were two new Flea initiates who were really good sports.  As usual, lots of fun with all dues going toward a good cause.

Friday evening we headed on over to the local American Legion Post for a night of Wings, Pizza, Karaoke, and best of all, camaraderie.  Many voices from out of the past were heard from – Alive and well once again, was Elvis, thanks to Wayne Lanning.  A rousing rendition of “Mustang Sally” by Scott VanGrol had everyone out on the floor and shouting “Ride, Sally, Ride”!!   A great evening was had by all. 

Saturday morning it was back to business with re-opening of session by President VanGrol.  It was announced that the New York Staff meeting will take place October 11-12, 2008, Kingston, New York, Quality Inn.  As awards were being presented, it will never cease to amaze me as to the actual value, the countless hours and miles you all contribute to our Marine Corps Auxiliary.  Please take pride in all you do and have accomplished while still setting your sights higher for each coming New Year.  Congratulations to you all and to Joanne VanGrol for receiving the “Recruiter of the Year” award. 

Last course of business was Installation of Officers.  Installing Officer was PNP Ruth Moyse, Installing Guard and Chaplain was yours truly.  It was indeed an honor to take part in the Installation of Joanne and her Staff for the coming year.  We wish for them another productive and successful term of office.  

The Banquet was held Saturday evening in great style. Guest speaker was James McDonough, Director, New York State Division of Veterans Affairs.  Many wonderful programs have been established and many are in the works for our Veterans in New York. 

 Thank you for all of your Hospitality, Support and Friendship given throughout my term of office.  It has always given me great pride to represent you and the Northeast Division.

                                                                                                Semper Fidelis,

                                                                                                Joan Devlin

                                                                      National Northeast Division Vice President

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June 24, 2008

Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Inc.

Convention, Department of New Jersey

Arrived Friday Morning, June 20, 2008, Woodbridge New Jersey, to attend the 80th Convention held by the Department of New Jersey Marine Corps League and Auxiliary.

Morning Business being concluded, Ladies gathered for their “Flea” Luncheon. 2:00 PM. Madam Big Flea held her Scratch. Of course, there were many fines paid, with yours truly paying her fair share! After much banging on the “portal”, their initiate was allowed to enter with her stash of items found on her scavenger hunt – was approved and initiated.

The Theme was “Fifties Night” for the Awards Dinner, held Friday evening. A casual evening spent with friends to honor awards recipients and share camaraderie. The theme certainly brought back wonderful memories seeing a “Poodle Skirt and the “Pink Ladies”.

President McIntosh re-opened her meeting for business, Saturday Morning – 9:45 AM. Madam President introduced her guest speaker from RSVP Volunteer Resource Center. This agency collaborates with over 100 different nonprofits agencies in NW New Jersey, providing opportunities for individuals 55 and over to make a difference in their community through volunteer services. Also, PDP Maryellen Boon gave her Girl Scout Gold Award report – 368 certificates mailed and she had just received a request for 181 more. Congratulations, New Jersey.

PNP Barbara Nobile was collecting hotel toiletries from ladies to send to Afghanistan. The hotel manager heard about her endeavor and donated two boxes of same. Ladies, another job “Well Done”.

Saturday afternoon – after the Chapel of Four Chaplain’s ceremony and Memorial Service, Installation of Officers was held. It was my Honor to be the Installing Officer for Carrie and her Staff. Installing Guard and Chaplain was Harriet Sklar. We wish for them, another successful term of office.

Saturday evening everyone was dressed in their “finest”, ready to enjoy the Banquet. After dinner our Guest Speakers were introduced:

1. Jack McGreevey: Served in our Marine Corps from 1945 to 1948, than again at the start of Korean War being discharged in 1951. Mr. McGreevey has held and holds many titles but now serves as a Legislative Aide for Senator Joseph Vitale. Jack was recently awarded the Globe and Anchor award from the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation in recognition of his work on behalf of the veteran community.

2. Major Jason Smith, CO of Marine recruiting in the area. The Major spoke on recruitment and
then took questions.

President Betty Sabol, James Earl Kennedy Unit, was awarded The Tillie Lanner Award. This is given to an Outstanding Auxiliary member for all she has done in the last year. Well deserved, Betty, congratulations.

It gives me great “Pride” to represent you and the Northeast Division. Thank you for your Hospitality, Support and Friendship.

Semper Fidelis,
Joan Devlin
National Northeast Division Vice President
                                                                          God Bless America

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18 June 2008

Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Inc. 

            Convention, Department of Pennsylvania                                                                                           

            An enjoyable time was spent in Carlisle, PA, where the 63rd Department of Pennsylvania Convention was held June 11 thru 14, 2008.  

            President Minchin had a full agenda, covering many topics of interest.  Hopefully, much of this information will be taken home to ladies respective Units.  It was nice to see some new faces, allowing us to not only renew our friendships, but, to make new.  

            Sr. Vice President, Pat Engel, held her Presidents Council on Friday morning.  All received handouts of a variety of forms, but one of particular interest was the Ribbon Badge and the placement of the pins permitted to be worn.  Also discussed, was placement, on our uniform, personal citations we may have received.  This subject will be brought up by the Uniform Committee at the National Convention. 

            In the past, the Department President has been honored with a Tea.  Due to rising costs, this year it was a Dutch Treat Luncheon.  While this is to honor our President, the social is dedicated to Operation Little Angel.  The Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties, PA, were the recipients of gift cards, tangible and monetary gifts.  It is truly heartbreaking when you hear how many children are in need and require the assistance of these agencies. 

            Friday evening, two buses left the hotel bound for 8^th & I, Washington, DC.  Who could not enjoy the music of the “President’s Own” and performance of the “Silent Drill Team”.  Add to that, a box lunch on the bus and perfect weather. 

            At the close of business on Saturday, it was my Honor to Install the Department President, Sidney Minchin and her Staff into office for the coming year.  Installing team also included PNP Barbara Nobile (current National Chaplain) - Installing Guard and PDC Sally Bergman - Installing Chaplain. 

            The climax of the convention was the Grand Banquet.  A time to reflect, enjoy good food and friends.  Centerpieces were boxes filled with school supplies and goodies for Afghanistan. We thank Corrine, daughter of PNP Shirley Keyes for sending us the request for these “hard working Marines” who are under great stress in challenging locations.  Spread around these boxes, were blank sheets of note paper and pens for each to write a short note of thanks.  Well done, Pennsylvania. 

            It has always given me great “Pride” to represent you and this Northeast Division.  Thank you for your Hospitality, Support and Friendship. 

                                                                                                            Semper Fidelis,

                                                                                                            Joan Devlin

                                                                             National Northeast Division Vice President 

God Bless America

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25 May 2008

   Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Inc. 

                                                                                                            May 7, 2008 

TO:                              All Members Department of New Jersey

                                    All Members Department of New York

                                    All Members Department of Pennsylvania 

            Northeast Division Conference is now a memory; it is time for us to move on to the up-coming Department and National Conventions. 

            It is most important to have your transmittals sent in a timely manner.  All Treasurers are busy preparing their end of the year membership numbers as well as National Headquarters.  Your Bond Form money should have been or should be included in your first transmittal mailing. 

            Equally important is your “Unit Installation of Officers”.  Please see National Bylaws, Section 530 – Election, Installation of Officers- paragraphs (A), (B) and (C).  Unless this is received annually, and no later than 30 June, by National Headquarters, your Unit is not in Good Standing.  It is also important when filling out your Credentials Form (Delegates/Alternates), to register your Unit Strength. 

            Forms, Forms, Forms!!  Take credit, Ladies, filling in your many hours, miles, etc. on the activity Forms.  Many hours a month are spent volunteering while many also fly our US Flag, 24/7. 

            Elections took place April 19, 2008.  I am proud to announce your Newly Elected National Northeast Division Officers: 

                        Sydney Minchen                        Northeast Division Vice President

                        Twila Gensel                             Northeast Division Assistant Vice President

Official duties will begin after taking their Oath of Office in August, close of National Convention, Orlando, FL.  Please join me in congratulating Syd and Twila on their elections and wishing them a most successful term. 

My Sincere “Thank You” to the members of the Northeast Division who contributed and shared in making our Mission of Mercy Project, a success.  The grand total of boxes sent to Iraq, now stands at thirty (30).  Your participation during Twila’s class and our Business meeting was outstanding.  Hopefully, you have been able to share some ideas/information with your Units. 

Another “Successful” Northeast Division quest was the “Trike” Project.  Your participation in the Ad program was excellent.  A Trike was presented to Joseph Englert from Staten Island, New York.  Mother, Jeanne, gave a brief history on the family and about the many wonderful people and programs they have met and been involved in all because of Joseph.  Jeanne thanked everyone for choosing their son to receive this gift of joy. 

Plans are in motion to visit each Department Convention as well as National Convention in Orlando.  I look forward to being able to see and say “Hi” to many.  The wonderful friendships I have formed through-out my term of office, will be mine to cherish, forever.  Thank you. 

Semper Fidelis,

Joan Devlin

Northeast Division

National President

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Marine Corps League Auxiliary

National Northeast Division Conference Minutes

April 18 and 19, 2008

Hampton Inn, Woodbridge, NJ 

Friday evening, April 18, was spent by many making sock dolls and packing the shipping boxes for them. 

On Saturday morning the Joint Opening Session, Memorial Service and the Chapel of Four Chaplains and Trike Presentation was held with League members in attendance.  Pauline Roberts and Clare Brown, PA, received the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor awards.  

After convening in the Auxiliary meeting room, Assistant NE Division Vice President Twila Gensel led a seminar on “Leadership”.  She stressed that the definition of leadership is influence and the prime function of the leader is to keep hope alive. She passed out take home papers showing the many aspects of leadership and how to improve ourselves in these areas.   

Following our lunch break, our meeting was opened according to ritual by NE Division Vice President Joan Devlin, Chaplain Diana Avant and Captain of the Guard Betty Sabol.  PNP Marilyn Loeven made a motion to dedicate the meeting in memory of PNP Bessie Mittelstaedt; seconded by PA Department President Sydney Minchin. Motion passed. 

The Division Vice President introduced those attending: National Judge Advocate Gerri Tuohy; Junior PNP Ruth Moyse; Assistant NE Div Vice President Twila Gensel; NJ President Carrie McIntosh; PA President Sydney Minchin; PNP Marilyn Loeven representing NY; and her staff for the meeting.  Members in attendance:  NJ-8; NY-1; PA-11; MI-1 and Guest-1. 

PNP Loeven made a motion to suspend reading last year’s minutes; seconded by Yvonne Haynes.  Motion passed. PDP Tracey Killinger made a motion to accept the minutes as mailed seconded by Pauline Roberts. Motion passed.   

Division Vice President Devlin briefly went over all the handouts in the packets.  These included her activity report, department and national convention information, information regarding the e-postcard 990-N, Bylaw proposed change from PNP Gloria Lutz, proposal for a National Funding Committee from National Senior Vice Caroline Ruhmshottel, National President’s Visitation Request form, Do’s and Don’ts for officers and members, notice for Operation Scarf’s, Legislative Committee Chair Cindy Marshall’s report focusing on Bills now in the House of Representatives, Supporting Veteran’s Legislation booklet, cell phones for soldiers information, a poem entitled “A Friend”, and a chart of fruits and vegetables with their benefits. 

In discussing the online filing of form 990-N, it was stressed that this has to be done each year and this information must be passed from one unit member to the other to ensure that this is accomplished. The timeline for filing is within 5 months after the close of your fiscal year.  The auxiliary’s fiscal year ends on June 30^th.  Filing should be between June 30 and November 15 each year. 

All the bylaw changes proposed this year must be presented at National Convention to be acted/voted upon.  

Correspondence received during the year by the Division Vice President included: a thank you from Charnita McIntosh, a letter from Sgt. Winton G. Gross regarding the state of the Molly Marine statue

in New Orleans, a donation from Bett Toomey Unit for the Mission of Mercy project, an invitation to the Department of NJ Convention, a thank you from Milly Carpenter, e-mail from Nancy Slattery-Grochowski, a letter from Don McKenna regarding a book he had written, LKC Custom design pins, a refund from the National convention for failure to include the NE Division ad in the program book, Delaware Valley Veterans Center for the donation of lap robes, Rich Basile for the Chapel of Four Chaplains ceremony, Marie Williams for the donation of rosaries and religious articles, and a receipt from the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center for our donation. 

In discussing national fund raising, Twila Gensel suggested that we could try to get a larger percentage from the League for the card and label program.  Anne Zakian reported that the Ways and Means fund raiser totaled $3543 with $850 in seed money being paid back and $500 in prize money paid out.  Evelyn Joppa is the new chairman for this committee. 

Those reported sick or in distress included the death of PNP Bessie Mittelstaedt, the illnesses of PNP Pat Horscht and Olive Montello.  A card was sent around for signatures to be sent to PNP Barbara Nobile as a former NE Division Vice she was greatly missed. 

Tracey Killinger reported on the Operation Little Angels Program for the National Convention to be held in Orlando, FL in August.  The recipients of this year’s gifts will be Harbor House of Central Florida.  

The “Mission of Mercy” sock dolls program received lots of donations of items for shipping and 17 boxes had been completed last evening.  These will be sent to two servicemen for distribution to Iraqi children in hospitals in Iraq.  Dept of NJ President Carrie McIntosh stated she would take the boxes to Dover Air Force Base to see if she could get them shipped for free. NOTE: She was unable to find anyone to talk to at Dover so she took them to McGuire Air Force Base where she was warmly welcomed and was able to ship them for free from there. 

Officer reports were given by the Division Vice President and the Assistant Vice President. Department of NJ President Carrie McIntosh reported that all is going well and that she had an opportunity this past year to go to Mississippi to help build homes that had been destroyed in the hurricane.  Department of PA President Sydney Minchin reported they have a new unit, the Lewis B.  Puller, Jr. Unit and that there is a woman veterans shelter in the Harrisburg, PA area that is in need of supplies.  Marilyn Loeven reported that the Department of NY is doing well.  Other reports received were: Department of NY-Adirondack Unit, North Shore Queens Unit, and the Lt. John Paul Bobo Unit; Department of NJ-James Earl Kennedy Unit; Department of PA-All Divisions Unit, Northeastern Unit, Gen. Smedley D. Butler Unit, Patrick W. Milano Unit, Landis-McCleaf Unit, and Keystone Headquarters Unit. 

PNP Ruth Moyse passed along a “Hi” from PNP Barbara Nobile.  She also warmly thanked everyone for the love, support and prayers during her husband John’s illness and passing. 

National Judge Advocate Gerri Tuohy stated she has enjoyed the past year in this position and has been an advisor to many and encourages compatibility within the units and dealing well with detachments. 

In old business the topic of shirts for the NE Division was again discussed.  Pat Kosut sent along information about a screen printed tee shirt but it was agreed that that is not what we wanted.  Rosemarie Weinrich sent information that the supplier she was looking into was out of business.  After some discussion, Anne Zakian and Carol Corley will try to get pricing for embroidered golf shirts and report back to the Division Vice President. 

New Business: Marilyn Loeven stated she had talked to Lamar Golden about the Chapel of Four Chaplains and he stressed that the paragraphs about the nominee should fully explain what the person is involved in including church and community involvement. She also noted that if this is to be a surprise to the nominee, it should be noted as such on the nomination.  Sydney Minchin passed out a few brochures regarding the Order of the Silver Rose which deals with veterans who have been exposed to Agent Orange. The website for further information is:        http://www.vba.va.gov/bin/21/benefits/Herbicide/AOno3.htm  

Good of the Order:  Nominations for NE Division Vice President and Assistant Vice President

Tracey Killinger nominated Twila Gensel for Vice President – Twila declined.

Anna Harrell nominated Sydney Minchin for Vice President – she accepted.

Marilyn Loeven nominated Carrie McIntosh for Assistant – she declined.

Ruth Moyse nominated Twila Gensel for Assistant – she accepted.

Twila Gensel made a motion to close nominations seconded by Tracey Killinger. 

Twila noted that there is an article in the April, 2008 issue of Glamour Magazine about the Gold Star Wives and encouraged the members to pick up a copy.  Tracey Killinger handed out questions sheets for a fun time.  

Vice President Devlin closed the meeting according to ritual at 4:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted, 

Carol Corley

Secretary

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