Military Appreciation Monday to Honor Navy SEAL Foundation
On Monday, Jan. 13, monthly Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be in support of The Navy SEAL Foundation. Make your reservation for either the 5:30 or 7:30 seating at the Old Brogue by calling 703-759-3309. Visit http://www.navysealfoundation.org to learn more about this organization and the help it provides to injured combat veterans and their families.
If not familiar with the MAM events, simply come enjoy a dinner at the Old Brogue in Great Falls. The cosponsors, the Brogue and Bob Nelson of Keller Williams Realty each make a ten percent donation based on how much you spend on dinner.
The Navy SEAL Foundation stands behind all U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, Naval Special Warfare support personnel, and their spouses and children. The Foundation coordinates closely with NSW commands to support critical needs of active-duty operators while also providing resources for NSW veterans. Their work is focused on three key areas: family services and command support, educational programs, and legacy activities.
The Foundation was formed in 2000 and underwent a name change in January 2011 when the SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Foundation and the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund combined their organizations. The merger makes it easier for families to receive assistance and support from one organization, while enabling the Foundation to respond rapidly to their needs.
Upcoming dinners will support:
*March 10 -- CIA Officers Memorial Foundation;
April 14 -- Our Military Kids;
May 12 -- Operation Renewed Hope Foundation.
Lift Me Up! To Host Events Honoring Secretariat
Lift Me Up! is kicking off the new year, the Chinese "Year of the Horse" by celebrating the "Horse of the Century," Secretariat with two events.
On Jan. 31, Lift Me Up! is hosting a showing of the Disney film Secretariat at the Great Falls Library from 1-3 p.m. for ages 8 and up (free). Penny Chenery, Secretariat's owner, is portrayed by Diane Lane. Penny's daughter, Kate Tweedy served as a consultant on the film and is featured in the film.
On Feb. 8, Lift Me Up! is hosting a book signing and reception for Penny's daughter Kate Tweedy who co-authored the book Secretariat's Meadow: The Land, The Family, The Legend at the Fairfax Hunt Club in Reston, Virginia from 5-8 p.m. Tweedy will also discuss the book and her family's connections to Madeira and the military community. Tickets are $50, books are $35 and proceeds benefit Lift Me Up's Fence Fund and BITS (Back in the Saddle) program for injured veterans. For tickets, email: info@liftmeup.org.
While Lift Me Up! has been in Great Falls since 1975, Secretariat's ties to the area go back to 1939. Secretariat's owner, Penny Chenery graduated from the Madeira School that year and she served as captain of the school's riding team. Kate Tweedy and co-author Leeanne Ladin will also visit the Madeira School, Lift Me Up!, The Saddlery, and The Old Brogue.
Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Elect New Officers
In early December, the Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Committee elected new officers: President - Andy Wilson; Vice President - Sandy Pidgeon; and Treasurer - Mike Kearney.
The Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial was formed in 2002 with the mission to build a memorial site in Great Falls dedicated to the residents who have given their lives for our freedom. That Memorial was dedicated on Nov. 13, 2004 and is located beside the Great Falls Library. The Friends supports the mission with yearly ceremonial events on Memorial Day, 9-11 Remembrance, and Veterans Day plus educational programs.
We are always looking for people who would like to serve the community in a volunteer effort. If you are interested, please contact Andy Wilson at 703-450-5220.