Edition #4-08 November 5, 2008
Dear Fellow Members:
Here we are at the busiest time of year for all of us. And it’s a crucial time in our country with elections this week. Let us all pray that whoever is elected can guide this nation back to economic greatness. That’s all I’ll say on that matter because if I get started….
Since the last newsletter, the Chapter participated in the MDA Telethon. For those of you who helped man the phones, I know you enjoyed doing it (even though the phones were goofed up first thing!). Hopefully, those of you who watched the telethon were able to make a donation to a very worthy cause. Once you get to meet some of the folks who have been effected by Muscular Dystrophy, you realize just how lucky you are. They are truly amazing.
We’ve gotten a few new members into our Chapter but we need to get the word out about the great things the NCOA does for all of us. And we, as a Chapter, are able to do things within our community that not only helps others but makes us appreciate the things in our lives we are most grateful for.
As far as upcoming activities goes, first of all, how would you like to WIN A NEW CAR??? Who wouldn’t, right? The 5 Charities that manage 5 Star Bingo on Barrow Street are raffling a new 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt valued at $15,925. It’s a 4 door sedan, 5 speed standard, and silver in color. All you have to do for a chance to win this car is purchase a ticket for $100. The ticket includes dinner for 2 on Saturday, December 6th at the VFW banquet hall during our reverse raffle banquet. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold and you will have the opportunity to win other exciting prizes such as
hotel stays, dinners, and gift certificates throughout the Big Country. For additional details, call me or stop in at the VFW.
VETERANS’ DAY PARADE
Abilene will be holding it’s annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 15th. There has been some rumors flying that it will be on the 8th but that’s incorrect. It will start downtown at 11 AM and many NCOA members will be helping to stage all the participants. If you can help, let us know. It’s one of the largest parades in the area and a great way to honor those who have served their country. This year’s Grand Marshall will be Paul Ruska & his wife Juliann. Paul was a Army Air Corps Pilot who was shot down over France during WWII and his wife was a Navy Wave. They are also celebrating 60 years of marriage. What a way to do it!
HENDRIX HOSPICE ANGEL TREE
Each year, we help with this worthy cause by manning the Angel Tree in the Mall of Abilene for a day. We will be there on Monday, November 24th from 10 AM to 8 PM and will accept donations on behalf of Hendrix Hospice. Shifts are for 2 hours each and there will be a sign up sheet at the November General Membership Meeting. We all know someone who has been cared for by this worthy organization. Individuals are able to purchase an “Angel” in memory of a friend or loved one who has passed away from cancer. The angels are then placed on the tree for all to see.
THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER
Each year, all the veterans organizations work with the Taylor County Veterans Service Office to prepare and serve a Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the Abilene Civic Center on Thanksgiving Day from 11 AM to 2 PM. This meal is available to all veterans and their families at no cost. If you can help serve, let us know at the November meeting. If you will not be available to help that Thursday, they also need help on Wednesday evening with the cooking and preparation. It’s a truly great way to give thanks for our many blessings.
ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
We will be having our Annual Awards Banquet during our December General Membership Meeting on Friday, December 19th. We need to have a fairly accurate count of who will be attending for the food preparers. Please make sure you sign up at the November meeting or call me at (325) 743-2195. There will be a cost of $5 per person.
CERTIFIED MERCHANT PROGRAM
In the next newsletter, there will be an updated list of over 100 local merchants who offer a discount to NCOA members. This list is published in the February newsletter and we notify you of any changes during the year. Between local certified merchants and the NCOA Affinity Program, I know I’ve saved well over $500 this year alone! Our Certified Merchant Chairman, Pat Gursky, and her fellow member, Donna Carmichael, have been able to include just about every kind of business on this list. If you know of anyone who wants to be a part of this program, have them call Pat at 692-7223. She’ll have them signed up in no time.
We regret that the following businesses are no longer part of the program: Grubb Photography, Hair by Amy, MVP Awards, On Time Defensive Driving & Photo Flash. We have also added Habitat for Humanity Restore at 101 Fulwiler Rd in Abilene (325) 673-4748. This shop contains all kinds of items for the person who is repairing or remodeling their home. Members will receive a 20% discount.
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Don’t forget to keep track of your volunteer hours. They don’t have to be at an NCOA sponsored event. Such things as delivering Meals on Wheels, helping at a nursing home or anything you do that helps others can count. We record these hours and submit them to headquarters on a regular basis. Because of our Federal Charter, they are also recorded in the Congressional Record. This is one case where we need everyone to blow his or her own horn. A sign up sheet is available at all general membership meetings. If you are unable to attend any meeting, use the form below and send it to the address on the newsletter envelope.
WE’RE STILL SAVING CANS!
Yes, we’re still saving cans! Just bring your cans to one of our meetings or contact one of the board members and we’ll make arrangements to get them from you. Every little bit helps us help others.
BINGO!
Don’t forget to try your luck playing bingo at 5 Star Bingo located at 2540 Barrow Street. This is how we are able to support our numerous community activities and make donations to such things as MDA and Toys 4 Tots. It may just be your lucky night! Sessions start at 7 & 8:30 PM, Monday thru Friday and 6 & 7:30 PM on Saturdays & Sundays.
CONTACT US!
If you need to contact us, you can call any of our Executive Board members or call me, Vicky, at (325) 743-2195. For information about the NCOA, you can visit their website (major improvements in the works!) at ncoausa.org or our local website at Excalibur-ncoa.org. Feel free to contact us about anything pertaining to NCOA and our veteran community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov. 11th (Tues): VETERANS DAY
Nov. 15th (Sat.): ABILENE VETERANS DAY PARADE, 11 AM downtown.
Nov. 21st (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 6873 located across from Dyess AFB Main Gate. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member
Nov. 24th (Mon.): HENDRIX HOSPICE TREE at the Mall of Abilene. Volunteers needed for 2 hours each from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Nov. 27th (Thurs.) HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Have a safe & happy holiday!
Dec. 6th (Sat.): 5 STAR BINGO REVERSE RAFFLE – TICKETS REQUIRED – WIN A NEW CAR!!!
Dec. 19th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 6873 located across from Dyess AFB Main Gate. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member. This is our annual Awards Banquet and if you plan to attend, please call me.
Dec. 25th (Thurs.): MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Jan. 1st (Thurs.): HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Jan. 16th (Fri.): Auxiliary Meeting 6:00 PM and General Membership Meeting, 6:30 PM, VFW Post 6873 located across from Dyess AFB Main Gate. Meal and refreshments provided. Bring a new or potential member
Jan. 19th (Mon.): MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY! Have a safe holiday weekend!
Feb. 7th (Sat.): ANNUAL TET REUNION. Details in the next newsletter!