On Monday, February 2, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the VFW hosted a social for the veterans at St. Francis House. Food at the social included Subway sandwiches for 18 provided by the VFW, a variety of sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and dip, cheese spread, cheese, summer sausage, crackers, deviled eggs, and a variety of brownies and cookies.
A total of 42 vets and four children were served. Contributors in addition to the
VFW and Ann Penwell included American Legion volunters Anna Meaux, Jim Gruenewald, and Garry Berry with the following from the Knights of Columbus: Kerwins, Suttors, Donnellys, Voriseks, Ambrozichs, Mabuses, Krawczynskis, Pattersons, Terry Theisen, and Garsteckis.
Pictures of the evening can be viewed at PHOTOS.
A total of 42 vets and four children were served. Contributors in addition to the
VFW and Ann Penwell included American Legion volunters Anna Meaux, Jim Gruenewald, and Garry Berry with the following from the Knights of Columbus: Kerwins, Suttors, Donnellys, Voriseks, Ambrozichs, Mabuses, Krawczynskis, Pattersons, Terry Theisen, and Garsteckis.
Pictures of the evening can be viewed at PHOTOS.
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| DJ Monic Morgan |
The meal was prepared and served by the Home Plate staff under the direction of Rich Wittman. The menu offered three entrée choices served at the table – Chateaubriand in burgundy sauce or pork loin with apricot glaze or roast turkey breast with gravy. These options were complemented with Caesar salad, au gratin potatoes, asparagus, rolls, coffee, tea, and assorted desserts.
The disc jockey was Monica Morgan, who delighted the dancers with her excellent array of music, and she responded to their requests as well.
The publicity flier was designed by Carolyn Bodensteiner, and the following people set up and decorated the lower hall for the event: Lori Bussone , Mike Garstecki, Mike Garstecki, Bill Gribbon, Russ Harrison, Dave Johnston, Ed Miller, Terry & JoAnn O’Brien, Jim Passe, and Jack & Pat Widlowski. Ed Miller’s daughter, Karen, and son-in-law, Richard, who traveled from Shreveport LA, were a big help with the lighting. Refreshment center duties were handled by Ron Cuba and Dan Dilieto.
Check out the pictures by clicking Photos.
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| Knights Dave Johnston and Scott Krantz (from left) along with American Legion members stand ready to serve the Thanksgiving dinner. |
The dinner included turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, beans almandine, and rolls. The dessert, consisting primarily of pumpkin pie with whipped cream, was provided by members of the American Legion.
In addition to Tom, knights included Scott Krantz, Dave Johnston, and Mike Kerwin. American Legion members: were Tom & Sandi Durant, Dallas & Mary Erdman, Anna Meaux, and Lenny Petterson.
Since the only food remaining after the meal concluded was a few pieces of pie, everyone seemed to have enjoyed the feast.
At 5:30pm on Monday, October 6, a number of Village volunteers hosted a social for the vets at St Francis House in Little Rock. The particpating residents included 23 men, five women and three children. The volunteers represented: VFW - Jim and Bev Albright, Lew Ake and Rich Croson; American Legion - Jim Gruenewald, Anna Meaux and Garry Barry; Knights of Columbus - Mike and Ruth Kerwin, Gynnie and Ray Ambrozich, Tom Donnelly, Bill George, and Lanny and Kathy Mabus; and, Sacred Heart of Jesus - Rosemary Monarque. Tom and Eileen Coburn also volunteered.
Knights providing food but not in attendance: Dave Johnston, Mike Garstecki, Jack Widlowski, Ed Keearns, Anna (Carl) Suttor, Mike Murphy, and Bill Patterson.
The starting time will continue to be 5:30pm with the next social on Monday, December 1.
Pictures from the evening can be viewed at Photos.
Knights providing food but not in attendance: Dave Johnston, Mike Garstecki, Jack Widlowski, Ed Keearns, Anna (Carl) Suttor, Mike Murphy, and Bill Patterson.
The starting time will continue to be 5:30pm with the next social on Monday, December 1.
Pictures from the evening can be viewed at Photos.
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| Dick Antoine |
Dick talked about the Garland County United Way and the 19 agencies and 21 activities it supports. Unfortunately, while the demand for services increases, public support for United Way has decreased significantly in the last decade. It had been receiving about $500,000 each year, but donations dropped to $350,000 last year. The goal for 2014-2015 has been set at $400,000.
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| Honor Guard (l-r) Bill Nosek, Bill Patterson, and Phil Carl |
The Patriotic Rosary was recited at 10:00am in the nave. A reception followed at 11:00 in the Lower Hall. Approximately 170 people attended the reception and program. The tables in the lower hall were decorated in a patriotic theme with red, white, and blue table coverings, Knights of Columbus place mats, and American flag centerpieces. Food, consisting of finger sandwiches, fruit and vegetable trays, deviled eggs, various breads and desserts, iced tea and coffee was prepared by the widows of Fourth Degree Knights and members of American Legion. Knight widows Jean Dobes and Jackie Fayman coordinated food donations, serving, and clean-up.
Highlights of the program included:
Mike Kerwin: Program Coordinator and Master of Ceremonies - WELCOME ADDRESS
Father Bill Elser: Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus - OPENING PRAYER
American Legion and VFW Honor Guard: POSTING OF THE COLORS
Garry Berry: American Legion - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The 35 vets at St. Francis
House on Monday, June 30, were the beneficiaries of a very successful social offered by the Assembly and spouses as well as members of military vet organizations. Those in attendance included: knights Tom Donnelly, Bill George, Mike and Ruth Kerwin, Rosemary Monarque, Mike and Vicki Murphy, and Bill Nosek; and VFW members Jim Albright, Rich Croson, Rick Martin, and Doug Reed; and, American Legion member Jim Gruenewald. Also volunteering was Tom Coburn. Not in attendance, but providing food were knights/spouses Mike and Darlene Garstecki, Bill and Diane Patterson, Lanny and Kathy Mabus, and Jim and Marge Vorisek.
The food and camaraderie at the social were excellent. Just two weeks ago there were 50 vets at the House. Ken Mace, the assistant director, stated that the stays are becoming shorter, as they are having good success in finding affordable housing for the vets.
The knights are entering their third year of working with the vets at St Francis House, following an invitation by VFW coordinator Jim Albright, who has been involved for four or more years. Jim also serves as the liaison with the American Legion and Purple Heart organizations. The combined group of volunteers consist of about 50 members. However, this is a community-wide program, and anyone interested should contact Mike Kerwin.
Tom Donnelly, coordinator the meal program, has scheduled a summer barbecue at St. Francis House on Thursday, July 31, and all volunteers are always welcome, even though not signed up for dinners and special events. Cooking skills are not needed!
Go to PHOTOS to view pictures of the social.
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| Jim Gruenewald serving the vets. |
The food and camaraderie at the social were excellent. Just two weeks ago there were 50 vets at the House. Ken Mace, the assistant director, stated that the stays are becoming shorter, as they are having good success in finding affordable housing for the vets.
The knights are entering their third year of working with the vets at St Francis House, following an invitation by VFW coordinator Jim Albright, who has been involved for four or more years. Jim also serves as the liaison with the American Legion and Purple Heart organizations. The combined group of volunteers consist of about 50 members. However, this is a community-wide program, and anyone interested should contact Mike Kerwin.
Tom Donnelly, coordinator the meal program, has scheduled a summer barbecue at St. Francis House on Thursday, July 31, and all volunteers are always welcome, even though not signed up for dinners and special events. Cooking skills are not needed!
Go to PHOTOS to view pictures of the social.
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| Bill Welch and Dave Johnston |
Spouses were invited to attend and widows were guests. Knights were dressed in full regalia. The awards and the installation ceremony were preceded by a $13 per plate dinner with the following menu: Caesar salad, crusted Parmesan chicken breast, Florentine tomato and shell pasta in a sun dried tomato with Tiramisu and lady fingers for dessert.
The meeting began with awards announced and presented by Faithful Navigator Bill Welch:
Appreciation Award to Phil Carl "For all of your work over the years."
One of the backbones of the St Francis House Project, co-chair of the CPID project, and Honor Guard member, to name just a few of the many activities you have undertaken during this period of your life, we all wish you happiness in the next phase of your life.