Camp Merritt Post 21
Newsletter January 2020
Happy New Year - hoping this year will be a healthy one for all of us.
Good News
This just received from the Department of New Jersey, American Legion:
It has been confirmed that the $250 Property Tax Deduction enjoyed by some, but not all veterans, will be changed by a constitutional amendment to include all veterans, if passed in November. The amendment will allow any state resident who is an honorably discharged United States Armed Forces war veteran, an unmarried surviving spouse of such a war veteran, or an unmarried spouse of a service person who died while on active duty in time of war to receive the same larger homestead property tax rebate as is allowed for eligible senior citizens and disabled citizens. It will not be incremental, as originally proposed, but the full amount the Legion has been pushing for. The measure will be on the November general election ballot, and must be passed by the voters. So we have to remember to get out and vote.
Meet & Greet Coffee Hour
On Saturday, September 21, 2019, we held a Meet & Greet Coffee Hour, starting at 10 am. The purpose of it is to get members to meet and most importantly to get our members who do not have an opportunity to come to meetings and socialize. We will arrange to transport those who cannot make their way to the post. We may hold another in the spring.
Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament
On Saturday evening, September 28, we held another poker tournament. If you are into poker, you should come down and see these people play.
On Sunday, September 29, a group from our post attended the Bergen County American Legion Centennial Gala at The Elan, in Lodi. There were over four hundred guests. The keynote speaker was Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt, IV, whose grandfather was a founding member of our Legion. Mr. Roosevelt, an excellent speaker, served as a U.S. Navy officer with Underwater Demolition Team 11, and later served for two years in Vietnam with the Navy SEALs. The American Bombshells provided entertainment. The Centennial Committee headed by Chuck Robbins of Post 351, Seaside Heights, did an excellent job.
Meatloaf Dinner
Friday, October 25, was our very first meatloaf dinner. It was well attended, and everyone enjoyed the meal. Our terrific cook, Vinnie, did a meatloaf unlike any we ever had, it was great.
Remembering Medal of Honor Recipient Nicolas Oresko
Each December on National Wreaths across America Day, in coordination with the wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, we remember and honor Nick Oresko. This past December, with the weather being so miserable, we decided not to invite a large group. Commander Joe Cutolo, Dick Moloney, and Colin Mackin placed a wreath on the grave of Nick Oresko.
Veterans Day Observance
We held three services starting at our post at 10 AM. Sunrise for Living at 12:30 PM. Followed by Care One Cresskill. Thank you to all who attended. Tom O’Malley, Bob Ulshoefer, Joe Lally , Homer Vanides, Zeke Kelm, John Leonessa , Lynn Keim, Dick Moloney and Kevin Morgan.
Army Navy Game Tail Gate
The Army Navy Game Tail Gate was well attended this year and all had a good time. Navy had the better quarterback and team this year.
Thank you to Kenny Bryant, Steve Bianco, John Amicucci, and Steve Grerra who not only prepared the food but also served it. In addition, not forgetting John Cooley who collected the money at the door.
Luncheon with Santa
The best event of the year is always Luncheon with Santa this year was no exception. We had 33 children plus parents and grandparents.
The PBA 180 31st Toy Drive.
Benefitting Tomorrow’s Children Hospital – Sanzari Children’s Hospital - Valley Hospital Pediatric Center- 508 Military Police U.S. Military Families & many others.
Thanks to the effort of all our members who greatly supported this effort. It was overwhelming at the end to see the box greatly overflowing.
Dates to Remember for Upcoming Events
February 14th
Valentine’s Dinner Dance
As of this writing there is still seating available, call Dick or Joe.
Sunday February 23rd
Four Chaplains
Will be held at the:
Church of the Atonement
97 Highwood Ave and Engle Street
Tenafly, 07670
Sunday, March 15th
Bergenfield Parade St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
We will raise the Irish Flag.
Corned Beef Sandwiches at the post.
Tuesday, March 17th
St. Patrick’s Day
Corned Beef Sandwiches at the post.
Fish Fry
Friday April 3
6-8 pm
Saturday March 28th
We are hosting a
Woman’s Veteran’s Day Appreciation luncheon.
Followed by seminar dealing with woman veterans issues.
Saturday May 9th
Monmouth Race track
We have reserved this date
June
Flag Retirement – date to be determined - this falls on a Sunday and a breakfast day.
Flag Day 2019
Saturday September 19th
Post picnic
Dinners
With our fish fry and meatloaf dinners getting such a wonderful reception, we are planning a few Friday night dinners. We will let you know as soon as we set them up.
Friday June 19th & Saturday September 26
We are holding two-poker nights this year.
Post Maintenance
Now that the New Year has commenced, so has our permits and licenses, which start over again.
To date we have renewed with the Borough of Cresskill:
• Alarm Fee $30.00 for have an alarm system.
• Annual fee for Health License for food handling $60.00.
• More to come as the year progresses.
Maintenance on building
• Kane Heating - Thermostats $708.00.
• Kane Heating - winter service and parts $571.40.
• Tom O'Malley - ladies’ room auto switches $100.35.
• Tom O’Malley - additional auto switches hall restrooms $166.77.
• National Hood Cleaning - kitchen hood Cleaned $295.00.
• North East Fire Safety Equipment - $330.00.
• Sprinkler system service performed quarterly.
New potential project.
Exploring the possibility of a Pavilion for the Legions back yard.
Compiling information and cost for this project.
Donations Made
● American Legion Post 221 to help get them reestablished $500.00
● Disabled AM Veterans $25.00
● ASCPG Group 601 Hole Sponsor $100.00
● Gooney Bird Detachment journal ad $175.00
● New Jersey Mission of Honor $250.00
● Funeral Wreaths 271.00
● American Legion Department of New Jersey State Commander Project
$200.00
● AHEPA Chapter #285 Walk for Service Dogs $600.00
● Ladies Auxiliary donation bake less Sale $200.00
● Adopt A Soldier Platoon $100.00
● Funeral Flowers $200.00
● Cresskill Youth Basketball Sponsor $500.00 this covers two years.
● Merlin’s Kids service dog sponsored by Dumont Cub scouts $100 Plus the use of our facility.
● Office of concern $200.00 donation
● Salt Ministry NV Evangelical Church Luncheon at our post donation $150.00
●Wreaths Across America for Christmas, wreaths for Arlington Cemetery and on for Nick Oresko, Washington Cemetery, Paramus $331.38
● Cresskill PBA for Det. Joe Seals Fund
● Office of Concern Christmas donation of $10 gift cards $1000.00
● Luncheon with Santa $974.00
● CMA Surety for $5000 bond $100.00
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Rest in Peace
Robert S. Fuller
Robert S. Fuller, 94, of Tenafly, NJ, passed away on December 1, 2019 in his home at Cardinal Village in Sewell, NJ. He was born on May 30, 1925 in Englewood, NJ, to Floyd Merrick Fuller and Anna Louise Fuller (nee Sanford) of Tenafly, NJ. He lived in Tenafly for 92 years.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Ruth Elizabeth Fuller (nee Steger) and his long term companion, Lydia Reitz. Father of Susan Fuller Mann (J. Michael) of Stratford, NJ, Nancy Ruth Fuller Wainwright (Alfred, Jr.) of Sewell, NJ, and Robert John Fuller (Rachel) of Cedarburg, WI. Grandfather of 7 and great-grandfather of 8. Brother of Jean Fuller Sears (Richard) of Lenexa, KS. Predeceased by sisters Marjorie Gasch of MN and Carol “Colly” Chaffee of MT.
Bob was known to all as a volunteer fireman and an officer at Tenafly Fire Department, and later in life, as a Fire and Safety Inspector for the Borough of Tenafly. He was enlisted in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army in Europe during WWII, and later became a photo engraver for Alco Gravure in Hoboken, NJ, for over 30 years. A lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly, he served several terms as a Deacon.
His passion for American history led him to trace his roots to passengers on the Mayflower, and to join the Society of the Cincinnati, for ancestors of those who fought in the Revolutionary War. A lover of the outdoors, he enjoyed hiking and birdwatching, which are also embraced by his extended family. He often broke out in songs, including hymns and popular tunes from the 1940’s. His upbeat manner and zest for life will be remembered and greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held this Saturday, Dec. 7, at 10:30 a.m., at the Chapel of the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly, 55 Magnolia Ave., Tenafly, NJ, with visitation at the Chapel starting at 9:30 a.m. Burial at Brookside Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to restore the 1911 American LaFrance firetruck he recently donated to the Englewood Fire Dept. at Englewood Professional Firefighters Local 3260, PO Box 8125, Englewood, NJ 07631, Attn. 1911 American LaFrance Preservation Fund, or to the Greenbrook Nature Sanctuary, Tenafly, NJ 07670.
On behalf of Post 21 our sincerest condolences go out to Fuller family in this challenging time.
Larry Tobias Jr.
It is with great sadness we inform you that Larry Tobias Jr. (the son of post member - Larry Tobias) has passed away. A private funeral service was held in Verona, New Jersey.
Anyone wishing to express their condolences can send them to:
The family of Larry Tobias
176 W. Madison Avenue
Dumont, NJ 07628
On behalf of Post 21 our sincerest condolences go out to Larry and his family in this most difficult time.
Sylvia Bryant
It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that Kenny Bryant's mother Sylvia has passed away. A private memorial service is being held at the family's residence in Morrisville, NY on Wednesday January 29.
Anyone wishing to express their condolences can send them to:
Kenny Bryant
79 Fifth Street
Cresskill, NJ 07626
or
The Family of Sylvia Bryant
4508 Elizabeth Street
Morrisville, NY 13408
On behalf of Post 21, our sincerest condolences go out to Kenny and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
For God and Country
Commander Joe Cutolo Adjutant Dick Moloney