December Article

Greetings! So here we are, ringing holiday bells & getting ready to make the move to 2010. I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving Dinners didn’t leave all too full for this Holiday Season! Also, let me say “Thank You” to all who attended the Veterans Day Events at the Chula Vista Bowl last month. From our ladies sporting their new uniforms as color guard to our rifle squad looking sharp & firing together as one & the many other proud ceremonial events of the day, it all really reminds us of the meaning of the day & the sacrifices paid to live in a free country. Thanks again to all who participated! Now, onto business: First, friends, I owe you an apology. A few months ago, I mentioned that I submitted an article to our local newspaper & was assured it would make it to print. Well, it’s been 3 months. After nearly 6 broken promises from the editor, it looks like the article won’t make it to the Chula Vista Star News after all. You know, many senior members already told me that the local paper doesn’t generally cover must American Legion Post events. Regardless, I was very hopeful. You see, my 1^st major in college was journalism & I’ve written for newspapers, radio, & TV in my past, believe it or not. So, I thought it was good enough for print. Anyway, the article was to inform our community about our annual scholarships to area seniors, recognize our area winners, & let others know about the year around efforts Post 434 does to help area youth succeed. Despite all, I still remain optimistic & undeterred! The effort was there & it won’t be the last one I write. Next, our dental & vision plan. It’s true that we have a very competitive plan. However, I must report that the plan is undergoing some changes that hopefully will make it better in the upcoming year but currently causing some delays in administration. Earlier this year, Safeguard, our provider, merged with MetLife. Recently, the merger was complete & as a result, the plan was split into two separate plans: MetLife Dental & Safeguard Vision. This just happened. The good news is that the current prices (same for the last several years) & the coverage remains the same at this time. I have & will continue to work with both companies to ensure that all goes smoothly. In the meantime, for anyone enrolling, canceling, or making changes during this period, I thank you in advance for your patience. Once the transition is complete, we will have a better program. There will be more to report next month. Next, membership renewals. Since this is the last month of 2009, we hope to see our remaining membership renewals coming in. I ask that you get them in early. I, like many others, will be away for the holidays. Finally, as you attempt to select a New Year’s resolution, I offer that the Post has many areas where your time, effort, and contributions help those in need, our community, & our fellow members. Just tell yourself, “I will volunteer to help the Post for (at least) one event this year.” Something to think about! See you at the Post! Facebook.com fans & LegionPost434.org visitors, see you online. Cheers!