Tuesday, December 2, 2014

FEBRUARY 2015 MEETING

At the December meeting, membership voted to suspend the January meeting. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3 @ 1900 hrs at the VFW Hall on County Road.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

The Wreaths Across America convoy will be stopping again this year at the Topsfield Fairgrounds on Monday, December 8 @ 1500.

All are invited to attend the short ceremony.  Refreshments will be served.

For more information:

http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE

The annual Christmas Food Drive for the benefit of the Ipswich Food Pantry is underway.  Donations of non-perishable food are requested and may be placed in the marked boxes located in the lobby of the VFW Hall.

The drive runs from DEC 01 - 21.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

DECEMBER 2014 MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 2 @ 1900 hrs at the VFW Hall on County Road.

Members are reminded that the annual Christmas Food Drive for the benefit of the Ipswich Food Pantry will be held DEC 1 - 21.  Please bring non-perishable food items to the VFW Hall and place in the designated containers.

VETERAN's DAY 2014

Multiple events are planned for Veteran's Day (November 11).  

VETERAN's BREAKFAST - A catered breakfast will be served to all interested Ipswich Vets at the VFW Hall between 0830 - 1000 on Saturday, November 8.  This event is sponsored by Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Brad Hill and the First Church of Ipswich.  Interested Vets should RSVP to Kelsey Thomas, Legislative Aide to Representative Hill at (617) 722-2100 or Kelsey.Thomas@mahouse.gov.

PARADE - On Tuesday, November 11, all participants will form up at the Ipswich War Memorial on South Main Street.  A short ceremony will be held.  At 1100, the parade will form up and march to the VFW Hall on County Road for another short ceremony with Representative Brad Hill reading the Governor's Proclamation.

VETERAN's LUNCHEON - As has been the custom of the last several years, the 1640 Hart House is offering a free luncheon to all Ipswich Vets and their spouses on Tuesday, November 11 @ 1300.  Vets are requested to, if possible, wear their Veteran's Service Organization or Military uniform.

ALERT - POSSIBLE FRAUD - ALERT

A local resident has complained that her elderly mother is receiving harassing phone calls for donations from the American Legion.

She has been assured that Post 80 DOES NOT solicit donations by telephone and these calls are most likely fraudulent.

This information has been passed to the Ipswich Police Department and the Department of Massachusetts.

Friday, October 31, 2014

NOVEMBER 2014 MEETING

The next monthly meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, November 5 @ 1900 hrs 
at the VFW Hall on County Road.


PLEASE NOTE THE DAY CHANGE!  

This is change is necessitated because the hall is being used for the elections on our usual Tuesday night.

This is an important meeting as we will be planning the Veteran's Day (NOV 11) Memorial Services and Parade.  Please make every effort to attend!

POSSIBLE FRAUD ALERT

A local resident has complained that her elderly mother is receiving harassing phone calls for donations from the American Legion.

She has been assured that Post 80 DOES NOT solicit donations by telephone and these calls are most likely fraudulent.

This information has been passed to the Ipswich Police Department and the Department of Massachusetts.

Monday, October 13, 2014

NOVEMBER 2014 MEETING

The next monthly meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, November 5 @ 1900 hrs 
at the VFW Hall on County Road.


PLEASE NOTE THE DAY CHANGE!  

This is change is necessitated because the hall is being used for the elections on our usual Tuesday night.

This is an important meeting as we will be planning the Veteran's Day (NOV 11) Memorial Services and Parade.  Please make every effort to attend!

SPECIAL EVENT - MEET THE NEW VSO!

On Tuesday, October 21 @ 1900 hrs, there will be a special meeting for all Veteran's Organizations and Ipswich Veteran's to meet the new Veteran's Service Officer (VSO) for this region.  The meeting will be held at the VFW Hall on County Road.

Ryan Lannon is a 10 year US Army (Airborne/Special Forces) vet that has also agreed to serve on the Ipswich War Memorial Committee.

Come and meet Ryan.
Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

OCTOBER 2014 MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7 at 1900 hrs in the VFW Hall on County Road.

NEW SHIRTS & CAPS

Uniform polo shirts and caps should be available at the October meeting for new members.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014 MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 2 @ 1900 hrs in the VFW Hall on County Road.

AL POST 255 BBQ

Topsfield American Legion Post 255 is sponsoring a Southern BBQ on Saturday, August 9 from 1500 - 1900 at the Topsfield Fair Grounds.  Profits from the event are to be donated to Honor Flight, Horses for Honor and the Chelsea Soldiers Home.

The menu includes a choice of chicken or ribs, with corn bread, baked beans, cole slaw, and drinks.  The Post has applied for permission to sell beer at the event.


A children's menu includes hot dogs, chips and juice.


Tickets are:Adults -    $13 ($15 after AUG 1)

                     Children -  $5 ($  6 after AUG 1)

Tickets may be obtained by contacting the Post:

        
                          Topsfield American Legion Post 255
                          PO Box 242
                          Topsfield, MA 01983

This is a "rain or shine" event.  In case of inclement weather, activities will be held in Coolidge Hall at the Fairgrounds on RT 1.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

AUGUST 2014 MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, AUG 5 @ 1900 hrs in the VFW Hall on County Road.

POST 255 SOUTHERN BBQ

Topsfield American Legion Post 255 is sponsoring a Southern BBQ on Saturday, August 9 from 1500 - 1900 at the Topsfield Fair Grounds.  Profits from the event are to be donated to Honor Flight, Horses for Honor and the Chelsea Soldiers Home.

The menu includes a choice of chicken or ribs, with corn bread, baked beans, cole slaw, and drinks.  The Post has applied for permission to sell beer at the event.

A children's menu includes hot dogs, chips and juice.

Tickets are:Adults -    $13 ($15 after AUG 1)
                     Children -  $5 ($  6 after AUG 1)

Tickets may be obtained by contacting the Post:
        
                          Topsfield American Legion Post 255
                          PO Box 242
                          Topsfield, MA 01983

This is a "rain or shine" event.  In case of inclement weather, activities will be held in Coolidge Hall at the Fairgrounds on RT 1.

2014 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Ipswich High School graduating senior Owen Marsh was named the recipient of the 2014 American Legion Post 80 college scholarship.  Congratulations to Owen and best wishes in his college career.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

JULY 2014 MEETING

The next meeting is planned for Tuesday, July 1 at 1900 hrs at the VFW Hall on County Road.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

The annual Installation of Officers is planned for the July 2014 meeting.  Representatives from District 8 will attend to swear in the new officers.  A small reception is planned after the ceremony.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

JUN 2014 MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3 @ 1900 hrs at the VFW Hall on County Road.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The following members were elected as Post Officers for the 2014 - 2015 year:

Commander - Jim Graffum

Senior Vice Commander - Walt Bartniski

Junior Vice Commander - Chris Gregory

Adjutant - Jack Miniter

Finance Officer - Harry Argeropoulos

Service Officer - Ted Lemieux
                               Cliff Wentworth (alternate)

Chaplain - Frank Beier

SGT-At-Arms -  Chris Gregory

An installation ceremony is planned for the July meeting.

MEMORIAL DAY - 2014

The following is the summary of events scheduled for Memorial Day:

May 16 - 18 - Poppy Drive Weekend
Volunteers needed.  Contact the Adjutant for details.

May 21 - Ipswich Public Schools ceremonies.  Interested members meet the bus at 0730 at the VFW Hall.  Lunch will be provided.

May 23 - Graves decorations.  Meet @ 1800 hrs at the Veterans Section.  1400 flags need to be positioned at all locations.  Volunteers needed.  Contact the Commander for details.

May 25 - Annual Religious Ceremony.  Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church @ 0930.  Form up @ 0915.  The Mass is dedicated to deceased Ipswich Veterans.

May 26 - Parade.  Form up on North Main Street NLT 0930 for a prompt start @ 1000.  Ceremonies will be held at the Civil War Monument, County Street Bridge, War Memorial, South Cemetery and VFW Hall.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

MAY 2014 MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 6 @ 1900 hrs at the VFW Hall.  Due to the various important items of the agenda, all members are urged to attend.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The following members were nominated for the various officer positions for the 2014 - 2015 year:

Commander - Jim Graffum (Incumbent)
                           Bill George
                           Walt Bartniski

Sr. Vice Commander - Brian Castonguay

Jr. Vice Commander - Ed Marsh
                                          Chris Gregory

Adjutant - Jack Miniter  (Incumbent)

Finance Officer - Harry Argeropoulos (Incumbent)

Service Officer - Ted Lemieux (Incumbent)
                               Cliff Wentworth (Alternate)

Chaplain - Frank Beier  (Incumbent)

SGT-At-Arms - Chris Gregory (Incumbent)
                              Patti Maguire

Voting will be conducted during the May meeting, with installation of officers planned for the July meeting.

MEMORIAL DAY - 2014

Planning for the various Memorial Day activities will be conducted at the May meeting.

1.  Poppy Drive Weekend, scheduled this year on Thursday May 16 through Sunday May 18.

2.  The Memorial Day service to be held at Our Lady of Hope Church on Sunday May 25 @ 0930.

3.  The Memorial Day Parade to be held on Monday May 26.

All members are urged to attend.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

APRIL 2014 MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 1 @ 1900 hrs @ the VFW Hall on County Road.

This is an important meeting as planning will commence for Poppy Drive Weekend and the various Memorial Day commemorations.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

MARCH 2014 MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 4 @ 1900 in the VFW Hall on County Road.

Monday, January 27, 2014

FOUR CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL SERVICE

All members are invited to participate in the services honoring the FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY on Sunday, 2 February 2014.  Local services for District 8 are being sponsored by Nahant’s Mortimer Giberson Robbins American Legion Post 215 .  The Memorial will take place in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 248 Nahant Street, Nahant, MA at 1300 hrs.  There will be a collation afterwards and light refreshments will be available.  This event is open to the public and all are invited to attend.

The FOUR CHAPLAINS, also referred to as the "Immortal Chaplains," were four US Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other civilians and military personnel during the sinking of the troopship USAT DORCHESTER on 3 February 1943, during WWII.  They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out.  The chaplains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship.
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)