Shelby Shopper Shelby NC
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704-484-1047 www.shelbyinfo.com Our 37th Year • Issue No. 45 • November 12, 2020 FREE EVERY THURSDAY! Do you ever experience red or itchy eyelids? . /ĨƐŽ͕LJŽƵŵĂLJƋƵĂůŝĨLJĨŽƌĂŶĞǁďůĞƉŚĂƌŝƟƐƐƚƵĚLJ ƐƚĂƌƟŶŐŝŶ^ŚĞůďLJ͕E͘ &ŽƌŵŽƌĞŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶĂŶĚƚŽƐĞĞŝĨLJŽƵƋƵĂůŝĨLJ͕ please call 704-487-4099 by MICHAEL E. POWELL michael@cfmedia.info The Commander of the Shelby chapter of the Sons of the American Legion's Squadron 82, Dr. Jack Weller, said their group received their Charter Pre- sentation at a ceremony held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. Dr. Weller said, "There were about 80 people present from American Legion Post 82, Auxil- iary 82, Legion Riders, and Sons of the American Legion, with state and national offers partici- pating in the ceremony." Weller, an instructor who teaches Introduction to Business at Cleveland Community College on Tuesday and Thursday morn- ings continued. "The Shelby Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squad- ron #82 received its charter in a special ceremony from State SAL Commander Gene Bel- lando that Wednesday, at VFW Post 4066. "Joining in the ceremony was National American Legion Com- mander Bill Oxford and State American Legion Commander James Moore, who participated in the Charter presentation cer- emony." Dr. Weller noted how National Commander Oxford shared how Legion Posts are growing by involving more young people through the SAL program. "All four units that make up the American Legion Family in Shelby were honored with Unit Ribbons," said Weller. The Legion Riders, the Auxiliary, American Legion Post, and SAL officers, all received the ribbons from National Commander Bill Oxford and State Commander James Moore. "Gene Bellando, State SAL Commander, shared in his re- marks that Squadron 82 was the sixty-sixth Squadron in the state and the first in several years. There are over 2,450 SAL mem- bers across the state." As a bit of background and history, Weller said in July 2019, American Legion War- ren F. Hoyle Post #82 passed a resolution to sponsor a Sons of the American Legion Squad- ron. Under the direction of Post Commander Jim Quinlan and Past Post Commander Jim Hol- land, potential members were recruited to join the Squadron as charter members. Dr. Jack Weller agreed to be the Squad- ron Commander and worked with the Legionnaires to obtain 25 members to charter a squad- ron. Weller continued with the mini-history lesson. "Squadron 82 signed the charter application on Nov. 11, 2019, the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day in World War I. The Squadron has met monthly on the second Thursday of the month at Post 82 on South La- fayette St., in Shelby. "During the COVID restric- tions, the group met using Zoom and still offer that option to mem- bers who wish to self-quarantine. Its membership has grown from the original 25 members to 47 members, and their goal is 60 members by June 2021. "The first meeting of the Squadron was on Jan. 27, 2020, with 16 of the 25 charter members present. Those not in attendance were sons of Le- gionnaires who wanted them to be part of the charter class. The sons live in Alaska, Canada, and other parts of North Carolina. The Squadron's youngest mem- ber is almost a year old, and the Squadron believes it has one of the youngest officers serving the SALs in Cy Cook, who is 10, and is the Sergeant-at-Arms, which is the same office his grandfa- ther, David Rose, holds in Post 82. "The Squadron is honored to have as members State Senator Ted Alexander, City of Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony, and Shelby City Council member David Causby. "The Squadron hit the ground running by coordinating efforts with the American Legion Fam- ily to identify and decorate over 1,100 veteran's graves on Me- morial Day at Sunset and Webb cemeteries, located in Shelby, NC." Weller continued, "On Flag Day, the Squadron participated in the American Legion Post 82 Flag Retirement Ceremony. The Squadron also coordinated a Pa- triot's Day program in Septem- ber 2020 involving emergency first responders, veterans, and firefighters. "Also, each month the Squad- ron focuses on community ser- vice projects to help others in need. In October, the Squadron and the American Legion family raised over $900 and donated over 200 cans of food to the Church of the Redeemer Shep- herd's Table Food Ministry. "In November, the SAL hosted a Hot Dog Lunch for vet- erans after the Veteran's Day Ceremony on Cleveland County Court Square." Dr. Weller took a moment and reflected on how he got involved in the SALs. "My Dad was in the Navy during WW II. He was Radar- man, Third Class, onboard the USS Starr," he said. "I am one of six kids – number four in the batting order – and I remember how whenever an organization needed somebody to help, my Dad would volunteer. He was president of the PTA, coached our Little League baseball team, sang in the church choir, and volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce. He taught me the importance of giving back and helping those who need a help- ing hand. "My wife will tell you I cannot say 'no' to a worthy cause. At each meeting, as we go through the opening ceremony, we are reminded of why SAL exists – to honor our Dads. I know he is looking down from heaven and giving me a thumbs up for help- ing to start this SAL Squadron." See ALS On Page 11 Shelby Sons of the American Legion Squadron 82 Chartered at special October 21 ceremony American Legion officers with SAL Charter members – State Commander James Moore, National Commander Bill Oxford, and State SAL Commander Gene Bellando (far right) congratulate Shelby's Squadron 82 members on receiving their Charter. The Squadron started with 25 charter members and has 47 members as of the event on Oct. 21. (photo provided) N.C. 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