The American Legion Department of Maine P.O. Box 900, Waterville, ME 04903 Tel: (207) 873-3229 E-mail: legionme@mainelegion.org Website: www.mainelegion.org Weekly Update October 25, 2012 SMILE Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others. Congratulations to the following Posts for reaching 100% Northeast Harbor Post 103 Stockton Springs Post 157 Employer of the Disabled Award When the Employer Awards Program was established in 1947, its purpose was to recognize employers across the nation who had established outstanding records in the employment and retention of the disabled. The Legion wanted to use its awards program to educate employers and the general public about the many positive aspects of hiring disabled persons and thereby increase their employment opportunities. The purpose of the award is to confer recognition on one employer in each state for an outstanding record in the hiring and retention of the disabled. A copy of the official nomination form can be found at the end of this newsletter. Posts may reproduce this form for wider distribution. Additional copies may also be obtained by writing or calling Department Headquarters or at www.mainelegion.org. Veterans Day Specials In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, restaurants, retail stores and entertainment centers across the country are offering some deals for veterans. Please check with the following for the discounts being offered. Be sure to bring proof of military service and call ahead to confirm these offers with your local franchise. Restaurant Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies: Applebees, Chili s, Texas Roadhouse, Golden Corral, Outback Steakhouse, Krispy Kreme, Hooters, Little Caesar s, Denny s and Olive Garden. Retail Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies: Home Depot, Lowe s, Atlas Van Lines, Brides Across America, free Inn s & B&B s (http://www.betterwaytostay.com/current-promotions/bbs-for-vets/), National Parks Free Veterans Day admission (Nov. 10-12) and Knott s Berry Farm.
Local Events Veterans Day: Gardiner Elks Lodge Ticket Auction, The Elks Lodge #1293 in Gardiner is hosting a ticket auction fundraiser to raise money and awareness for Chrysalis Place (a food pantry in Gardiner that serves over 500 families in the greater Gardiner area, building code improvements at our own lodge, and the Veterans Hospital at Togus through Voluntary Veteran Services. The auction goes from 4:30- pm - 8:30 pm (drawings start at 7 p.m.), $5 admission includes 12 raffle tickets, coffee and dessert. For more information go to http://www.gardinerelks.org/benefit.php Charlotte Russe - junior clothing gives a 10% military discount to Active duty military ID card holders. District Meetings District 16 S. Aroostook: Nov. 3, Houlton Post 47, 1 p.m. dinner, 2 p.m. mtg. District 3 Androscoggin: Nov. 4, Turner Post 111, 2 p.m. District 17 N. Aroostook: Nov. 4, Frenchville Post 145, 1 p.m. dinner, 2 p.m. mtg. District 13 Penobscot: Nov. 4, Hermon Post 200, 12 noon lunch, 1 p.m. mtg. District 10 - Somerset: Nov. 12, Skowhegan Post 16, 5:30 p.m. social hour with refreshments, 6:30 p.m. mtg. District 12 Hancock: Nov. 13, Bucksport Post 93, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. mtg. District 9 Kennebec: Nov. 14, Gardiner Post 4, 7 p.m. District 14 Piscataquis: Nov. 17, Brownville Jct. 92, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. mtg. District 1 York: Nov. 18, Sanford Post 19, 2 p.m. Commander's Coffee Hour. District 11 Waldo: Nov. 18, Palermo Post 163, 2 p.m. District 7 Lincoln: Nov. 19, Wiscasset Post 54, 6:30 p.m. District 5 Oxford: Nov. 20, Bethel Post 81, 7 p.m. Directory Changes Pg. 7, District 7 Commander Paul Herald, 157 Church St., Damariscotta 04543 (C 315-5498) (687-2000) Pg. 13, Beals Hospitality House, Donald Grotton, 26 Clinton Ave. Apt. 3, Waterville 04901 Pg. 16, Department Finance Committee, remove Chairman Donald Simoneau Pg. 17, Internal Affairs and Post Development Committee, remove Chairman Donald Simoneau Pg. 18, Legislative Committee, remove Chairman Donald Simoneau Pg. 24, Biddeford Post 26, remove Adjutant Linwood Mulligan Pg. 33, Livermore Falls Post 10, remove Adjutant Donald Simoneau Pg. 42, Damariscotta Post 42, Service Officer Paul Herald, 157 Church St., Damariscotta 04543 (C 315-5498) (687-2000) Pg. 43, Bath Post 21, Adjutant Michael Scanlon, 144 Walker Rd., Woolwich 04579 Pg. 61, Eastport Post 11, Commander James Camick, 207 Water St., Eastport 04631 (853-4858) e-mail: jcamick@roadrunner.com Pg. 61, Eastport Post 11, Adjutant Gary Craig, P.O. Box 144, Eastport 04631 (853-4131) Pg. 61, Eastport Post 11, Service Officer: James Lowe (853-4484) Pg. 63, Ft. Fairfield Post 27, Commander Richard Williams, 64 Elm St., Ft. Fairfield 04742 (473-9329) Pg. 68, SAL Commander Richard Huntley (c 479-8430) Pg. 89, VAVS Home Service, Carolyn Bourgeois, 80 Longfellow St., Unit 314, Westbrook 04092 (854-0573) Pg. 91, Special Olympics, Carolyn Bourgeois, 80 Longfellow St., Unit 314, Westbrook 04092 (854-0573) 2
What s Happening? Halloween Dance/Party: Oct. 26, Winthrop Post 40, 8 p.m.- midnight; Costume contest-first prize 27" LCD HD TV plus 2nd and third place. No cover charge. Come rock the night with the band Calypso Soldiers. Refreshments, NO COVER! Halloween Party: Oct. 26, New Auburn Post 153, 8 p.m. to midnight. American Legion Commander Dave Richardson, Sons of the American Legion Commander Tim Ricker and Women s Auxiliary, 1st Vice Brenda Longton is inviting the community to stop by and visit with your costume. There will be a costume contest with three $50 prizes consisting of the most original costume, the funniest costume and the scariest costume. The judging will take place at 10 p.m. by members of the American Legion Family. DJ Roger Paradis will be on hand providing the sounds. Karaoke Contest: Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, Dec. 1, and the finals on the 8th. Auburn Post 153. The entry fee is only $10 and the individual may enter each week until they win. They must give the title of the song to the DJ (a.s.a.p.) and cannot sing the same song twice or at other entries. There is one winner weekly who will receive $50 and all weekly winners are qualified to compete on week 7 for the first prize which is $250. The second prize will be $150 and the third prize $100. The contestants will be judged on: Song choice {difficulty of song}, pitch (singing in tune), timing (singing time with music), and vocal ability and at the finals all finalists will perform two songs. For additional information on rules and information contact Commander Dave Richardson at 782-1118 or email www.legionpost153.org or send mail to New Auburn American Legion, William Rogers Post 153, 71 South Main St., Auburn, ME 04210. Strike Out Hunger Bowl-A-Thon: Oct. 27, 1-7-10 Bowling & Entertainment Center, 2246 North Belfast Ave., Augusta, 9 a.m. & 12 noon. Teams of 4, reserve now. Minimum of $35 to enter Bowl-A-Thon. Donations may be made to Veterans Memorial Post 205, 400 Eastern Ave., Augusta 04330, earmarked Hunger. FMI or to receive a pledge sheet, call 622-9061 or e-mail: post205adj@gmail.com or contact Don Demers at 621-9758 or e-mail: ddemers18097@roadrunner.com. Tons of music, grand prizes for most money raised, raffles 50/50 and drink and food specials. All proceeds will go toward holiday baskets for needy military families. Texas Hold-em Tournament: Oct. 28, Winthrop Post 40, 2 p.m. $50 buy in $5 registration. New players preregister 377-8258. Buffet meal $5. 50-50 s, cash pay-outs. Max 100 players. Stockholm Post 136 and Unit 136 Community Halloween Party: Oct. 31, Stockholm Post 136, 6 8 p.m. Prizes for best costumes and pumpkins. POC: Kathy 896-7909. Super Texas Hold-em: Winthrop Post 40, Nov. 2, game starts at 6 p.m., $100 buy in plus $5 registration. Light snacks. Come join us for the big money! Smith-Wiley Post 4 Dance: 7-11 p.m. Music by Kindred Spirits. No cover, donations appreciated. Hunters Breakfast: Nov. 3, Mars Hill Post 118, 5 to 9 a.m. Cost is $5 each, all you can eat, children under 10 years eat free. Rifle and shotguns will be raffled at 9 a.m. Hunters Supper: Nov. 3, Unity Post 50, 5-7 p.m. Adults $6, children $3. Baked beans, rolls, hot dogs, casseroles, salads and desserts. Blood Drive: Nov. 5, Unity Post 50, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. FMI 1-800-REDCROSS. 3
Veterans Day Celebration: Nov. 7, The March Wood Great Works School, South Berwick, 9 a.m. but try to come early for coffee and talk with the students. After the celebration they will serve refreshments. 12 th Annual Veterans Day Celebration: Nov. 9, the Great Works Middle School, Eliot, 8:30 a.m. Refreshments served in the library after the celebration. Supper in Honor of Adrian J. Cyr: Nov. 10, Van Buren Post 49. Social 4-6 p.m.; dinner 6 p.m. $15 single, $25 couple. The meal will be either roast beef or chicken breast with all the trimmings. Adrian will be 100 years young on Nov. 9. FMI: 868-2221 or 868-5105 or 498-3145. Benefit Spaghetti Supper: Nov. 10, Augusta Post 205, 5 7 p.m. Sponsored by Augusta Post 205 ALR s. $8 per person or $20 for a family, free for children under 5. The money raised will be divided between the Homeless Vets project and the Legacy Scholarship Fund. A 32 TV and DVD Combo will be raffled off. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Drawing will be held Dec. 7. Dedication of Battlefield Cross: Nov. 11, Mount Vernon Road Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt.Vernon Rd., Augusta, 2 p.m. The dedication ceremony is open to the public, and all are invited and welcome. For directions to the cemetery or ceremony inquiries, call 287-3481 Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information about the Mount Vernon Road Veteran Cemetery and the Battlefield Cross Fundraising project go to: www.mevetscemetery.org Applebees Free Meal For Vets and Active Servicemen and Women: Nov.11, Harpswell. If you or any members would like to come by and greet or just hang out. Twenty-One Mile March: Nov. 11, from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Capitol Park, Augusta, north on State Street, across the Lower Augusta Bridge and north on Route 201 to Winslow, 6 a.m. The soldiers will travel north on Benton Ave to the Winslow Memorial Park on Roderick Rd. Soldiers are expected to arrive at the memorial at 12 noon. Veterans and supporters are invited to march, ride or join in the memorial service at noon. Refreshments will be provided during the march. The service starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park. Free barbeque to follow the service at the gazebo at the Winslow Town Office. FMI, contact Sheriff Randall Liberty at rliberty@kennebecso.com or 623-3591 ext. 240 or 649-0132. Town Hall Meeting Discussion: Nov. 14, Maine Veterans Home, 310 Cony Rd, Augusta, 6:30 p.m. All veterans are invited to attend. This will be in conjunction with an American Legion System Worth Saving site visit to the Togus, Maine VA Medical Center. The focus of the visit is on Women Veterans Healthcare therefore women veterans in the area are invited to attend the meeting/discussion regardless of being American Legion members or not. Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Job Fair: Brunswick, ME, Nov.14. For more information go to the following site: http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes/events. Veterans Week Hunters Breakfast: Nov.18, Auburn Post 153, 8 to 10 a.m. The menu will consist of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, baked beans, white or wheat toast and the military s infamous S.O.S. with Army coffee and juice, plus an old Beaulieu family recipe for crepes that has been passed down for generations from Quebec and earlier from France. Donations 4
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Robert Mooney, Westbrook Post 197 Winterport Post 138 District 14 Piscataquis $5 VETAID $200 VAVS $200 Beals House Kudos Old Orchard Beach Post 57 for their donation of $500 to the USO and $100 to Community Partners. Condolences It is my sad duty to report that one of our Past Department Commanders, Mr. William Audet, Gray, Department Commander 1993 answered the final call to the Commander of us all on Thursday, Oct. 18. Final arrangements are as follows: Wake - Thursday, Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m. at the Wilson Funeral Home, Gray, Route 26. Burial Friday, Oct. 26, 12 noon in the new Veterans Cemetery, Augusta. Cards may be sent to his family at P.O. Box 474, Gray 04039. It is with deep regret we announce the passing to Post Everlasting of Winthrop Post 40 Past Commander Douglas Pettengill. Commander Pettengill held his office from 2007 thru 2008. Military funeral services will be at the Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. Sick Call PNC Tony Jordan is on sick call and is resting at home. Cards may be sent to him at 9 Pleasant Wood Dr., Apt 104, Augusta 04330 Sons of The American Legion Detachment News The Detachment of Maine is wishing all kids have a happy and safe Halloween. Emerson and Lane American Legion Post 132 is hosting Americanism Night this Friday, October 26, 2012. Senator Susan Collins will be in attendance, along with many members, and the Auxiliary and Sons who support them. The evening will be a catered affair with donations accepted. Just a reminder, that our next DEC meeting is Sunday, November 4 th at Post 5 in Waterville. Let s keep up the good work on obtaining our membership goals! Remember membership is the lifeblood of any organization. Keep applications handy and keep on asking! Let s work together to achieve our goal. Please continue to support the Beals House! Send donations for this cause to Dave Raymond, 976 Riverside Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330 and earmarked Beals House. 5
Remember this year s motto: TEAMWORK DIVIDES THE TASK AND MULTIPLES THE SUCCESS! Squadrons have returned to their regular meetings. The Detachment will be visiting as many of you that we can. We would like to get to see all of you but also need your help! The new directories are out and many squadrons don t have contact and meeting info in here. This is important for team success. Please contact me to schedule a visit from an officer, or if there are any questions or concerns. Richard Huntley, Detachment of Maine Commander dickie_huntley@hotmail.com, Home phone: 255-5885 Cell phone 479-8430 Good Morning Legion Family, October has been a very busy month. However it is not over and there is still much to do. The Homeless Stand Down is now history. Ninety-four veterans were served, of them nine were women veterans. Thank you goes to all who helped with this important event. Just a reminder, items for the Togus Gift Shop should be at Volunteer office at Togus by November 1st. Scottie and Ginny need to do an inventory of what needs to be purchased. Let s keep the membership coming as we are at 44.18% -12th in the nation and 2 nd in the Eastern Division. Now let s get those renewals in so our Membership Chairman Georgine will have 55% by November 11 th. WE CAN do this. Till next week-if I can be of help Auxiliary Corner Mary Jane McLoon, Department President (aka angel of warm wishes), 563-5316 mjmcloon@yahoo.com Best Wishes, Lloyd Woods, Department Adjutant 6
AWARD TO ENHANCE THE LIVES OF DISABLED PERSONS Department of: Date: Legion Post number and name: Post s name, number, address and telephone number: Post s membership: How many members worked on this project? Name and daytime telephone of the Post s Commander: Name, title, address and daytime telephone number of the person making the nomination: Describe what your nominee has done that makes the American Legion Post or employer worthy of this award. What specific project has that Post or employer instituted that enhances the lives of disabled persons by helping them participate in community activities? Was this solely a post project or were other community organizations involved? What tangible assets were involved in your nominee s project (e.g., volunteer hours, funds, etc.)? What measurable impact, if any, has your nominee s project had on the community as a whole? Please limit your written narrative to two pages. Only those nominations that include adequate documentation of the nominee s employment practices concerning veterans will be considered for the National Award to Enhance the Lives of Disabled Persons. It is recommended that the nominator provide a copy of the company s written policy on employment of veterans if available, a description of how the employer supports veterans activities in the community and any other reasons why the nominee should be selected to be the National Award to Enhance the Lives of Disabled Persons winner. Nominations need to be sent to The American Legion, Department of Maine, P.O. Box 900, Waterville, Maine 04903-0900 by Dec. 31 so that department has time to review all nominations. Approved: Department Adjutant Date: Desired presentation date at Department Convention: 7