Veterans Happening June / July
Ann Arbor VA Medical Center Veterans enjoyed two bingo sessions held in May. They also received a donation of 10 $20.00 gift cards for Meijer’s. VA social workers will distribute these to veterans in need of food or financial assistance. We also donated 40 pounds of bird seed for the feeders we purchased several years ago.
The feeders are placed in the serenity garden of the extended stay Community Living Center, where they can be enjoyed by all Veterans within the facility. Thank you to committee members Ron and Carol Beier, John and Mary Felix, Curt and Mary Ann Leanna, Lee and Toni Herberger, Sue Serb, Gary Klatt, Robbi Peterson, Janet Mailhot, and Mike Pohlman.
Stew Israel 734-718-2052
Plymouth-Ann Arbor Veterans Committee
Veterans Committee Page March 19, 2025 –
Plymouth – The Ann Arbor Elks Lodge #325, in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion, hosted 28 veterans and staff from the Detroit VA – Valor Center for an afternoon of camaraderie. Attendees enjoyed a steak lunch and participated in various games.
The event’s purpose was to provide members of the Plymouth-Ann Arbor lodge, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus with an opportunity to meet and connect with participants from the VA's homeless population who are working to transition back into society. This gathering also served as a way to thank these veterans for their service to our country. It was a wonderful day, and everyone had a great time.
Cyndi Ross
**Veterans Committee Highlights**
Last month, thanks to grants from the Elks National Foundation, we donated over $4,000 in clothing, shoes, coats, and snacks to veterans at the Detroit and Ann Arbor VA Medical Centers. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated!
We hold two Bingo events at the Ann Arbor VA every month. In April, we will be visiting on the 14th and 28th, and in May, the dates will be the 12th and 28th. We carpool or caravan from the lodge at 1 PM, with Bingo starting at 2 PM. If you'd like to join our team, please let me know.
Stew Israel
734-718-2052
Veterans' Report
Good News!
I am Co-chairing the Veterans Committee with Cynthia Ross. She took my job as Elk Representative to the Detroit VA and is also the State Veterans Chair. I'll work at the Ann Arbor VA while Cynthia looks after the Detroit VA. Together, we will do Bingo, horse races, donations, and other events.
We are looking forward to the Detroit Veteran baby shower. See me if you'd like to volunteer so I can get you on the list.
Last month, we held Bingo for the long-term patients at Ann Arbor in Detroit. Cynthia also sponsored a Superbowl party, gave gift cards to the Veteran homeless program, and gave treat bags to mental health patients.
The Veterans Committee is once again collecting for our female Vets. His time for the baby shower is at the Detroit VA. In November, you answered the call for the Ann Arbor VA women's Vets. I need diapers and wipes. Here is a box in the lobby of the lodge for your donations. Ash is always welcome (see Annamarie at the bar), and we will shop together. Feel free to call for more details.
Stew 734-718-2052. Cynthia Ross. Yes, Marines get pregnant!
Be proud you’re an Elk. Be even more proud that you’re a Plymouth-Ann Arbor Elk!
Veterans' Report
Plymouth-Ann Arbor lodge donated $200.00 worth of gift cards to the Ann Arbor VA. They will be given out by medical and social work staff to those Heroes who are in need.
We also donated bird seed for the bird feeders we donated earlier. We do-nated peanuts so the long-term patients can feed the squirrels that come into the serenity garden.
February will see our lodge vet committee putting on a Bingo for the resi-dents of the Community Living Center of the VA. Your extra donations to the Vet fund make this possible.
Stew Israel
ADOPT-A-VET
Because of privacy laws, we will not be publishing names of Adopted Veterans. If you would like to continue or start sending cards to these veterans you may do so by getting their names and addresses from me by email or letter. This would put you on the Lodge Adopt A Vet committee. Anyone may belong.
Your suggested duties would be any of the following:
Send them a card on their birthday
Send them a card on holidays
Send a letter, note or post card at any time.
Give them gifts on holidays or birthdays Visits would be possible during our hospital activities
Stew Israel, Chairman,
Adopt--A-Veteran,
Stewizzy@yahoo.com or Call 734.455.456
Remember…... So long as there are veterans, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them
HOMELESS VETERANS
We are collecting good, clean, used clothing for the Homeless Veterans shelter in the Cass corridor area of Detroit. The Veterans shelter accepts clothing for men, especially Blue Jeans, and tennis shoes. Please mark your items VETS or men – a scotch taped note on the bag. These places do not have room to store items so please make sure the items fit the season (Winter). They also need linens, sheets, towels, blankets, toiletries, and other comfort items (shampoo, soap, deodorant etc.). Other items they would like to receive: Computers, monitors, printers, musical instruments, arts and craft supplies, We are also supporting a Veteran Shelter that has 150 apartments as transitional housing. They need household items (pots pans, plates etc. They can also use sports equipment, luggage, sports bags, video games and equipment, and exercise equipment. All items may be left in the coatroom.
Thank You - Stew Israel 455-4567
MVF Thrift Store
The Michigan Veterans Foundation homeless shelter has a Thrift Store/Donation Center located at the corner of Warren and Inkster. If you want to get a receipt for your donation take it directly to the Thrift Store location. If not continue to leave them in the Coat Room. Please try and patronize the thrift store. They are trying to become more self sufficient.
MVF Thrift Store/Donation center
27329 W. Warren St
Dearborn Heights, Mi. 48127
313-730-1656
C.O.T.S.
We are collecting Good, Clean used clothing for The Coalition On Temporary Shelters. This is a program for homeless people in the Cass corridor area of Detroit. C.O.T.S. accepts clothing for men, women, and Children. These places do not have room to store items so please make sure the items fit the season (Winter). Please mark your items COTS or women – a scotch taped note on the bag.
Thank You – Stew Israel
American Casket Flags wanted
We are collecting any casket flags that were given to the families of Veterans. We will donate them to the Great Lakes National Cemetery to be flown at the entrance to the Cemetery. If you have a flag and it is not being displayed or kept as a sacred memento we can see that it is put to good use in the avenue of flags at the entrance of the National cemetery. You can leave it at the lodge.
Thank You. Stew Israel
