Vets-Cars.com

Answers to Dec. Newsletter Christmas Quiz

Diane — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:12:22 +0000

1. The real St. Nicholas was born in what modern day country? Answer: D – Turkey It is believed that the real St. Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. According to legend, his extraordinary kindness led him to give away all of his inherited wealth as he traveled the countryside helping the sick and poverty-stricken. Admiration for his philanthropy eventually grew into the legend of Santa Claus.

2. Who narrated the classic 1966 TV Special “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”? – Answer: C – Boris Karloff Although Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) originally disputed casting Boris Karloff for fear that he would make the Grinch too scary, it turned out to be a perfect match, and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” became an instant classic.

3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created as a promotion for what department store? Answer: B – Montgomery Ward Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was originally created for Montgomery Ward department stores as part of a promotional gimmick. They hired a writer named Robert L. May in 1939 to write a Christmas story which could be given away to holiday shoppers. May’s brother-in-law, songwriter Johnny Marks, liked the story and decided to write a song to go with it. The resulting “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, eventually recorded in 1949 by Gene Autry, has become a Christmas classic.

4. What 3 characters sing ‘The Chipmunk Song? Answer: Alvin, Theodore and Simon

5. In ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, what part of George’s house is always broken? – Answer: D – the bannister

6. In ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas, how many Swans are Swimming? – Answer: B – seven

7. In what country are outdoor barbeques a traditional part of the holiday festiviites? – Answer: A – Australia In Australia, Christmas comes in the middle of summer and the temperature often hits a sweltering 100 degrees Farenheit on Christmas day. During this warm Australian Christmas season, outdoor barbecues have become a part of the Christmas tradition.

8. What year was Santa’s wife, Mrs. Claus introduced to the world? – Answer: A – 1889 Mrs. Claus, Santa’s wife, was first introduced to the world in 1889 in the book Goody Santa Claus On A Sleigh Ride by the poet Katherine Lee Bates. In this story, Mrs. Claus pleads with Santa to take her along on the annual Christmas Eve sleigh ride to deliver toys to all the good little boys and girls. She reminds him that she has worked hard all year long raising perfect candy trees and deserves a chance to participate in the fun. Santa finally agrees, and Mrs. Claus’s skills come in quite handy. When Santa finds one little boy’s stocking that is too tattered to hold presents, Mrs. Claus pops down the chimney and mends the stocking, saving the day. Santa is a whiz when it comes to making toys, but apparently he can’t sew!

9. Eggnog was first consumed in what U.S. city? – Answer: A. – Jamestown, VA According to the historical accounts of Captain John Smith, the first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in his 1607 Jamestown settlement. “Nog” was, apparently, a variation of the word “grog”, which refers to any drink made with rum.

10. What country started the tradition of exchanging gifts? Answer: C. – Italy

11. Who wrote ‘The Night Before Christmas’? – Answer: C. Clement C. Moore

12. What gift did Caspar bring to the Christ Child? – Answer: B. Myrrh

Answers to Newsletter Quiz

chriswalsh — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:35:41 +0000

1-D
2-C
3-A
4-D
5-D
6-2
7-B
8-D
9-A
10-B
11-C
12-A
13-B
14-C
15-B
16-A
17-B
18-D
19-D
20-D
21-B
22-C
23-D
24-D
25-A
26-B
27-B
28-C
29-A
30-C

John Gariano, USMC, Recon

chriswalsh — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 01:31:40 +0000

Westboro Protests SEAL Funeral Procession

chriswalsh — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:17:33 +0000

October 05, 2010

Military.com|by Bryant Jordan

As if to remind the everyone of why they are appearing as defendants in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court Oct. 6, members of a controversial church that protests at the funerals of fallen American troops demonstrated yesterday along the funeral route of a Navy SEAL being buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

But as the funeral procession of Navy Lt. Brendan Looney, 29, of Silver Spring, Md., drove along Memorial Drive to Arlington a group of motorcyclists revved their engines to drown out the voices of the protesters, according to a report in The Washington Post.

Typical of the members of the Westboro Baptist Church, some held signs reading “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and “Thank God for IEDs.” The church contends that God is behind the deaths of U.S. servicemembers because the country has fallen into sin.

On Oct. 6 the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case brought against Westboro church leader Frederick Phelps by Albert Snyder, the father of a Marine lance corporal whose funeral Westboro protested in 2006. Snyder successfully sued Phelps and Westboro in 2007, winning $2.9 million in damages.

But last year the U.S. Court of Appeals in Virginia overturned the ruling on the grounds Westboro’s outrageous protests amounted to “sheer hyperbole” and so was entitled to protection under the First Amendment.

The federal appeals court also ordered Snyder to pay Phelps’ court costs, which totaled more than $16,000. Snyder appealed to the Supreme Court, which now will be the final legal arbiter over whether Westboro’s protests are protected speech.

As usual when Westboro members protest a fallen troops’ service, a group of motorcyclists turned up to try and keep the sight and sounds of the church members out of eye- and ear-shot of the grieving family. Though not identified in the Post report the bikers likely were members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a mostly veteran motorcycle group that has dedicated itself to running interference against the Westboro protesters.

The Westboro protesters raised their signs as Looney’s funeral began to pass. But the bikers already had their engines revving, the Post reported, “to ear-splitting levels.”

Looney, a 2004 Naval Academy graduate, was one of nine U.S. servicemembers killed last month when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan.

Despite widespread and general repugnance of Westboro’s protests, the church has drawn some reluctant support from civil rights and media organizations who contend that the ugly demonstrations are protected speech, just as the appeals court ruled. Attorney David Rocah of the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Maryland, has been reported calling Westboro’s protests “really, really hateful and disgusting speech,” but said it needs to be protected.

But Snyder attorney Craig Trebilcock told Military.com contributor Andrew Lubin recently that the case before the Supreme Court was not a First Amendment case because Westboro did more than just protest the young Marine’s funeral.

“Instead, they subjected the Snyder family to a reign of harassment prior to their son’s funeral to two weeks afterwards, which changed the case from a federal freedom of speech issue to one of harassment and conspiracy, which is instead a civil issue.”

Greg Rinckey, lawyer and partner of Tully Rinckey of Virginia, said “sympathy is clearly with the family” on the case, but that will not be what the Supreme Court will base a decision on.

“The protesters have a strong First Amendment right,” he told Military.com. “But not all speech is protected. You can’t run up to someone and call them a ‘faggot’ or a ‘slut.’… That’s where the justices are going to look at this.”

That said, however, Rinckey believes the high court will rule in favor of Westboro.

“I don’t agree with it, but I think they will.”

Please go to http://www.military.com to join.

Rebecca Chernek: Redefining F&I

chriswalsh — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:08:33 +0000

One of the enduring triumphs provided by our work building Vets-Cars, is the opportunity to meet stellar human beings. As we introduce our company, and the simple but singular idea behind it we have dealt with Generals, PFCs, Dealer Principals, Politicians, Salespeople, Consultants, Techno-Geeks, Celebrities, Entrepreneurs, Media-types, and, alas…the occasional Knave. All have something to contribute, each providing life lessons in the grand sweep of twenty-first century commerce.

Once in a while (perhaps every three months or so) we stumble upon a Darwinian exception; someone so energetic, gifted, resolute and just plain old fashioned honest, we are compelled to hold them up for public inspection. Rebecca Chernek is this quarter’s prize.
Founder of Chernek Consulting, Inc., a leader in the “Professionalization” of automotive retail finance and insurance.
Becky has devoted twenty five years to the automotive industry. Following the lead of her car dealer Dad, she learned that honesty and square dealing are the only way to build a business. Her Atlanta based operation provides creative disciplines that foster happier customers and healthier dealer bottom lines.
As a ‘trainer’ and original thinker, Becky instills, (demands), an adherence to excellence and integrity in everything she imparts to her charges. She has been retained by hundreds of dealerships, improving the careers of literally thousands of sales and F&I people.

She has embarked on a new teaching methodology utilizing the power and practicality of the internet. Additionally, individuals interested in an automotive financial services career are invited to contact her at www.ccilearningcenter.com or toll free at 877-730-3663.
We are happy to help spread the word for her – former military, (particularly Marine Corps) are preferred.

Becky is a member of the Center For International Retail Automotive Standards,
A quote by the Center’s President, Robert W. Serum, PhD. neatly and accurately describes her commitment:
“We at the center invision high performance professions within the Trade, devoted to assuring honest, legal, satisfying and competently managed experiences for customers.”

Becky, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and your team and we look forward to a mutually enriching relationship.
GODSPEED!

A CALL TO ACTION

chriswalsh — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:57:16 +0000

Find the time to get involved

We volunteered at a fund-raiser for Veterans on Sunday called Operation Lobster Dinner put forth by Grossmann’s Seafood in Groton, CT and an organization called Work Vessels for Veterans whose mission it is to provide Service families with the tools they need to get started with a business or career path. The dedication of the organizers, staff and other volunteers was unsurpassed. In a matter of hours in 95 degree heat we somehow managed to set up, serve, and break down roughly 600 Lobster Dinners as a Thank You to our local Veterans and Troops.

We met some wonderful people, enjoyed ourselves immensely and even made a few business contacts but I wanted to share what the day meant to me personally.

I was only 5 yrs. old when my brother served in Vietnam, and was naturally unaware of certain things, but there is one particular memory of his service that stands out. It was traditional, if possible, for someone to come to your home to deliver the news of a lost loved one in person. One afternoon, a car arrived in front of our house. My father, having served in Okinawa, recognized and understood immediately why this person had come. You could visibly see the blood drain from his face. My mother started to shake and could barely stand up. As it turned out, this man just happened to be in the area, and just wanted to exchange some stories and some good news about my brother as he had recently been wounded but was not in critical condition. As soon as my parents were able to catch their breath and their hearts started to beat again they thanked him for stopping, but waiting for that man to get from his car to our front door was the longest 5 minutes they had ever spent.

We were lucky.
Sunday afternoon, while listening to the introductory speeches, I happened to be standing next to another couple who were also listening. Mention was made of a young Marine who was lost in Afghanistan and that his parents were in attendance. It was at that moment that the woman standing next to me started to crumble and I realized that she was the mother he spoke of. I witnessed her quietly fall apart at the mention of her son’s name. I saw her husband rubbing her tiny shoulders in an effort to console her – knowing that he felt the same pain as she did. I remembered my own parents and what they went through – if only for a few moments. I offered a small token of comfort, not wanting to intrude on a private moment, and knowing that it was of little consolation. And then I saw them miraculously pull themselves back together with every ounce of strength, dignity and grace. For the life of me, I don’t know how they did it. and I can’t begin to tell you how those brief moments have affected me and have bolstered my personal sense of purpose.

Fate’s a funny thing. Somehow, for some reason, those two people came unknowingly into my life yesterday and I consider myself blessed. I hadn’t thought about that day at our house for a long time and what it felt like and what it meant. I’d like to let them know that their son didn’t die in vain – that I am just one of many people, that he, and they have touched directly – and indirectly – people like me that they don’t even know, and that I am grateful for it.

The people we have met, the stories we have heard, the experiences we have had are why we have chosen to build our business (Vets-Cars, llc) and by extension our lives, around the best, the brightest, the bravest and the most deserving segment of our population. I am reminded daily of how fortunate I am – of how fortunate we all are because of them.

There are countless organizations in this country set up to support our Troops. No matter where you live, there’s a way to help out. No one’s lives are more stressful or busy than theirs are. I urge all American’s to find the time to get involved on some level. Volunteer your time. If you can’t find the time, make a donation. If you can’t make a donation, send a card or a care package. There are plenty of families in your community that need your support. Even the smallest gesture of kindness counts. When you pay it forward, it comes back ten-fold. In today’s world, it’s the best investment you can make.

Diane Walsh

Vets-Cars.llc

NOT an issue at a Vets-Cars Dealer!

chriswalsh — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:49:15 +0000

Dealers would escape oversight, face new disclosure under U.S. plan

Neil Roland
Automotive News — June 22, 2010 – 2:28 pm ET
UPDATED: 6/22/10 6:54 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON — Dealers will be largely exempt from oversight by a proposed consumer finance agency under new House and Senate proposals, but dealers would be subject to new disclosure rules that could be written by the agency under a Senate plan.

The Senate amendment also would give the Federal Trade Commission more latitude in writing rules aimed at prohibiting dealers from unfair and deceptive practices.

Senators described the amendment as an attempt to increase oversight a bit over the small number of dealers that prey on young military families and minorities.

The members acknowledged, though, that they do not have the votes to subject dealers to more extensive regulation by the new agency. A 10-9 vote by House negotiators earlier today preserved a measure to to exclude dealers from oversight by a Federal Reserve unit that would be set up to regulate mortgages, credit and debit cards and other consumer financial products.

“I would prefer to have no special treatment for the auto industry,” said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I. “But this is much better than no enforcement at all.”

What they wanted

While the National Automobile Dealers Association opposes the Senate amendment, it appears that the 17,000-member group has achieved most of what it sought.

Financial institutions that provide credit to auto consumers will be overseen by the new agency, as will the small percentage of dealerships that offer this financing themselves.

However, dealers that arrange financing will be largely exempt from this oversight.

The amendment still has to be voted on today or tomorrow by House and Senate negotiators trying to resolve differences in the sweeping financial regulation bills passed by the two chambers.

The legislation would then be submitted to the full House and Senate for final votes, and then be forwarded to President Barack Obama for his signature.

The first part of the Senate proposal would give the new agency, which would be part of the Federal Reserve, the authority to write disclosure rules affecting consumer loan contracts.

The Fed would be able to overrule the new agency’s rules if it determined that the standard “is somehow inappropriate for auto dealer loans” and publicly explains why, the Senate Banking Committee said in a statement.

These Truth-in-Lending Act rules are a small portion of the numerous regulations that affect dealer financing. Those cover credit discrimination, unfair and deceptive acts, financial privacy and credit-report accuracy.

NADA opposes this proposal because “there is no indication or evidence that the Fed has not done its job in protecting consumers,” said NADA spokesman Bailey Wood.

The Senate amendment also would give the FTC the authority to write rules barring unfair and deceptive practices without requirements that the agency conduct certain reviews.

Eliminating these reviews could lead to unintended consequences that would, Wood said, “make it more expensive and more difficult for car buyers to find affordable auto financing.”

On Air with Jim Vicevich WTIC 1080

chriswalsh — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:56:22 +0000

Thus morning I got a real treat and the opportunity to tell the Vets-Cars story on Sound Off Connecticut with my new pal and Patriot, Jim Vicevich.
Please click on the ‘News Talk’ logo to hear a portion of the broadcast.

Thanks Jim!

Operation Lobster Dinner!

chriswalsh — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:41:49 +0000

Save the date for Grossman’s second annual Operation Lobster Dinner

Published: Thursday, June 10, 2010
Dolphin (Groton Sub Base News)

Photo courtesy Grossman’s Seafood GROTON, Conn. – Service members and their families enjoy a lobster dinner with all of the fixings at last year’s Operation Lobster Dinner, hosted by Grossman’s Seafood. This year, Grossman’s is doing it again. On July 18, they plan to feed 600 service members and their families at Operation Lobster Dinner II. For more information, call (860) 448-9273.

GROTON, Conn. – Last year, Grossman’s Seafood, a local seafood market in operation since 1916, created Operation Lobster Dinner and was able to join forces with area residents, businesses and organizations to build a community event designed to show support and appreciation to local military personnel and their families. The first Operation Lobster Dinner offered 500 complete lobster dinners free of charge, events for children and fundraising in support of Work Vessels for Veterans and local scholarship programs.

This year, Operation Lobster Dinner is back and even bigger, with plans to give thanks to military families for their daily sacrifices with 600 lobster dinners, events, and a fundraising raffle, July 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m,. at Grossman’s, located at 479 Goldstar Highway in Groton.

“It is not only our honor, but our privilege, to come together with local businesses and neighbors to have this event for the very people that sacrifice for our freedoms,” said General Manager Sean Coleman and Operations Manager Christian Porter. “The sacrifices these men and women provide, often gets lost with all that is going on in our world. What better way to say thank you than to share a meal, entertain and take care of them for change?”

A supporter of the event, state Senator Andrew Maynard (D-Stonington), co-chair of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Select Committee on Veterans Affairs, will be in attendance to meet with, and offer his appreciation to, local military families.

“This is a wonderful, community-based event to thank our friends and neighbors who serve so nobly for the betterment of us all,” said Senator Maynard. “I’m very proud to support the organizers and volunteers who have worked very hard to put together this very special day for the second year in a row.”

In addition to serving 500 last year, the event generated $5,982 for Work Vessels for Veterans, an organization that assists returning servicemen and women in starting or restarting their careers when they return from duty. In addition to the color guard, live music and other entertainment, this year’s event will also feature a charity raffle with proceeds to benefit Work Vessels for Veterans. For more information on Work Vessels for Veterans, visit www.workvesselsforvets.org.

For more information on how to volunteer, donate or be a part of Operation Lobster Dinner II, contact Christian Porter or Sean Coleman at (860) 448-9273.

Veteran’s trumpet will make music for the Army

chriswalsh — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:15:22 +0000

OSWEGO, NY – When Donald Cronan, a US Army veteran who served in the European Theater during World War ll, and amateur musician, passed away at St. Luke Health Services last year, he left one of his most treasured possessions to the healthcare residence, a Bach, Stradivarius trumpet.

Among Mr. Cronan’s duties while serving in the Army was that of a bugler for his outfit. This “introduction” to the horns led to a lifelong love of music and the trumpet. He military experiences led to a lifetime’s involvement in various related organizations.

Mr. Cronan served as Commander of the Manhasset American Legion Post and a member of the Society of Forty and Eight and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the Mayflower Society and the Sons of the Revolution. Mr. Cronan was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and had been an officer of the Oswego Veteran’s Council. Donald was founder and Commander in the Chief of the Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge.

“Don left the trumpet to St. Luke as a gift, with the expressed wish that we find a good use for it – that we find someone or an organization that would most benefit from this incredible instrument,” said Diane Garcia, Assistant Director of Activities. “And being well aware of Don’s feelings about his experiences in the military, his service to our country and what an important part of his live it was, we think we found the perfect recipient, one that Don would surely approve of.”

That recipient turned out to be, the US Army! More specifically, the 10th Mountain Division’s Dixieland Jazz Ensemble which recently held a concert at St. Luke for residents.

“While watching the ensemble perform, and hearing the introductions and a bit about the band members, we just had a revelation that we had found a new home for Don’s trumpet,” added Garcia. “And after a discussion with the group leader, Sergeant First Class Scott Elliot, he immediately thought that this was a great idea and was honored to receive the trumpet on behalf of a veteran.”

Midway thought the performance the ensemble paused and Don’s cherished trumpet was presented to Sergeant Elliot, who assured everyone that it would be making music for the military, much to the approval of all gathered, the members of the 10th Mountain Division’s Ensemble, and we are sure, much to the satisfaction of Army veteran and trumpeter Don Cronin!

(Reprinted from Oswego County Today.com)