submitted by Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
Swearing in ceremony for officers was done by Department Deputy Adjutant Courtney VanZanten on April 8, 2021. Pictured above are Commander Tom Grady, Adjutant Nancy Grady, Financial Officer Jim Kurtz, Historian Mark Weisner and Department Deputy Adjutant Courtney VanZanten. (Photo Submitted by Bob Bennett)
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting was held on Thursday, April 8th at 8 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Rob Meyer with a salute to the Colors, the Pledge Of Allegiance, and preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Welch offered an opening prayer. 32 members were present. The meal was served prior was our annual steak feed for new members. Courtney VanZanten, the Deputy Adjutant and Veteran Service Officer from Department of South Dakota was present as a special guest.
Commander Meyer recognized the new members for 2020 and 2021 that were present: Brian Baustian, Bernie Citta, Sam Konechne, Bobbie McClean, and Mark Bozboom. The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. Bills were approved for payment.
Service Officer Jon Schmidt reported that cards were sent to Dean Engebretson and Andy Lyngen. A card will be sent to Bob Reed who is a local Veteran. The membership report was given by Nancy Grady and reported that the membership was currently at 207. Our goal for this year is 210 members. We currently sit at 98% of our goal and ahead of State and National monthly goals.
Americanism Officer Bob Bennett reported that one junior has signed up for Boy’s State. Another junior has signed up for the Legion Troopers Academy. Post 23 Educator of the Year Kayli Coburn competed at District and was selected as the District Educator of the Year and will go on to State competition in June. The Garretson School awards program will be on May 3rd with our Post presenting several awards. The Fireman of the Year will be presented at the August Legion meeting.
Paul Evenson gave the Legislative report. There are currently no significant bills at the State level involving the American Legion. Our Honor Guard conducted honors for Harlow Lundquist and assisted Post 15 with one funeral. The dedication for the State Veteran’s Cemetery will be held on Memorial Day at 2 pm. Our Honor Guard will be assisting with one day each month to assist with the many individuals who have elected to be buried at the cemetery.
Jeff Konechne gave the baseball report. Aaron Christianson, Jacob Schwietzer, and Chandler Austin have accepted coaching position. Sign up sheets will go out this week. Practice will begin around May 1st. Beth Welch reported that all raffle tickets are sold. The first five drawings took place at the April meeting. Of particular note: Mark Williamson sold 258 of the 500 total tickets!
The District meeting was held last month. Our Post had many members present. Pat Mullins was elected as District Commander. Andy Lyngen was re-elected as the District Vice Commander. Gary Lyngen has been elected as the Minnehaha County Vice Commander.
Tony Grandy reported that Kris Frerk from the Blue Dragon Academy wanted to wait until the May meeting to address their plan. They were asking if the Legion would consider renting the building for an extended period to the Academy. They currently have a waiting list of 20 children. They would like for the rental to begin on June 1st. There was a lengthy discussion about this topic. It was decided that an Executive Committee meeting be held with additional Post members with interest with Blue Dragon members addressing questions.
Fourth of July raffle tickets are out and being sold. Around half of the tickets have been sold. They are available at the Jesse James Country Store or from Andy Lyngen or J.R. Hofer. The drawing will be June 3rd at the Post meeting.
Bernie Citta has donated two power scooters to the Post. They are available to be loaned out. Our Post has been contacted with a request to host the Fall District Meeting. Our next Post meeting will be May 6th with the meal at 7 pm and the meeting at 8 pm. Post 23 will host a full Memorial Day Program at the Post on May 31st. There was discussion about who places flags at the local cemeteries. Those identified were: Mark Williamson for Zion, David Sorenson for Splitrock, Richard Bakken for Palisades, an Brian Baustian for Summit. The Post needs volunteers for Rosendal and Highland Cemetaries.
A Legion Breakfast will be offered on June 6th with scrambled eggs and ham. This is our first breakfast in over a year! We invite all members of the community. Tables will be spread out throughout the building to allow social distancing. There was discussion on a possible drive through or take out option – watch for final information in the paper and on social networking. Tony Grandy reported the the MyLegion website is up and running, but there are some issues being fixed. Commander Meyer and Tony Grandy have access to this site.
Andy Lyngen indicated that the city will begin construction of a new sidewalk on the South side of the building in September. Owen Wiese provided a history of Dugout improvements and how funds were raised. It is not forgotten the extremely high level of community involvement and commitment to past improvements. There was discussion about our continued commitment back to the community in encouraging their use of the facility as a community resource.
The nomination and installment of officers took place. The following officers will serve for the term of 2021-2022: Tony Grandy – Commander, Nancy Grandy – Adjutant, Randy Megard – 1st Vice Commander, Jim Kurtz – Finance Officer, Bob Bennett – Americanism Officer. Department Deputy Adjutant Courtney VanZanten lead the swearing in ceremony for the newly elected officers.
The raffle drawing was held. Winners this month were Barb Phipps, Art Jones, Shirley Johnson, Wayne Albers, and Mark Zweep. They will each receive $150. The meeting was closed with the traditional ceremony at 9:12 pm.
