American Legion Post 362
Monthly Sentinel
Commanders Message
Commander - Tom Ricci
Officers: 1 st Vice – Keith Bender
2nd Vice – Harry Kwiek
3rd Vice – Charlie Zoerb
Adjutant – Charles Schack
Finance Officer – Gary Wald
Service Officer – Tom Ernst
Sgt.-at-Arms – Paul Pedersen
Chaplain – Ken Krieger
Historian – Joe Stapleton
Past Commander–Nat Gaghich
“Tailgate Party” raffle results of the Sunday, August 2nd drawing (as you recall, the party, band, food, drinks and basket
raffles were cancelled, with $2,000.00 grand prizes replacing two pair of Bills season tickets):
Prize Amount Winner Tkt # Sold by
1st. $2,000. Graham Brush of West Seneca
2nd. $2,000. Eric Clear of Gowanda
3rd. $500. Debbie LaValley
4th. $400. Deb Giampietro.
5th. $300. Cathy Travernier/Marcia Perry
6th. $200. Bud Thompson
7th. $100. Erin Maggiore
8th. $100. Chris Savers
9th. $100. Jim Allen
10th. $100. Jeff Stoll
Thanks to everyone who bought and sold tickets. The following six people sold more than half (58%) of all the tickets
purchased: Marcia Perry-130 ($100 winner for most sales); Rich Cowles-100; Tom Ricci-76; Bill Ramsdell-68; A.J. Bittner-
58; Bud Thompson-40.
The Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center postponed their 2020 season helping children, adults and especially veterans.
The horses and ponies still must be fed, exercised, sheltered and cared for. Please join me in sending a tax-deductible
donation to LTRC at 15 Reiter Road, East Aurora, NY 14052, visit their website at to learn more, or
better yet, visit them in person. Please mention Post 362 (on your check memo line, perhaps) so they know we appreciate
their good work during these difficult economic times.
Our parking lot has been sealed and striped as a preventative maintenance measure. It looks great and cost less than the
last application.
These are difficult times for most businesses and organizations and Post 362 is no different. The last six months with
greatly reduced events and few hall rentals are straining our bottom line. Our finance officer estimates that in late January
we will have to tap our reserve funds unless something is done. We are looking into new fund raisers. If you know someone
looking for a venue for a reunion, shower, luncheon, meeting, etc. -please mention our hall as a possibility. If you are looking
for somewhere to divest your “pandemic dividend”, please consider a tax-deductible donation to Post 362. You can even
designate where you would like the funds to go-general fund, scholarships, building fund, or Hometown Heroes account.
We appreciate all who donate more than the suggested $5.00 for the quarterly building fund raffles. Amounts of $20.00
beyond the ticket price will receive a letter of thanks.
Blood drives: We are proud to host the following blood drives at the Post as the need is great and many venues have
cancelled their usual drives:
Wednesday, August 26th 2020, from 10-3, CONNECT LIFE.
Register at or call
529-4270 for an appointment. Scheduling streamlines your donation time, although walk-ins are accepted.
Monday, November 9th, from 10-3 RED CROSS.
Register at www.redcrossblood.org.
Of course, all pandemic safety protocols are in force for everyone’s safety. You can donate at BOTH events as they are
+60 days apart.
As summer eases into autumn, please remember our men and women serving in uniform at home and abroad. Our prayers
are with them always.
Try to keep smiling, though with your mask, who can tell?
Tom