The American Legion Department of Maine 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME 04901-0727 Tel: (207) 873-3229 Fax: (207) 872-0501 E-mail: legionme@mainelegion.org Website: www.mainelegion.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/maineamericanlegion February 11, 2016 SMILE We often take for granted the simplest things that deserve our gratitude. Congratulations to the following Posts for reaching 100% Bangor Post 12 Thomaston Post 37 Freeport Post 83 Ft. Kent Post 133 Sabattus Post 135 Holiday Reminder The Department Headquarters office will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2016 for Presidents Day. Also there will be no SMILE on Thursday, February 18. Oratorical Volunteers Needed The Department of Maine Oratorical Contest will be held Feb. 13, 2016 in the Thomas College Auditorium at 180 West River Rd., Waterville, Maine 04901. The snow date is the following Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. We request all Staff to be there by 8:00 AM and all participants to be there NLT 8:30 AM. We need Staff Volunteers to help in several areas this year. 2 Holding Room Monitors 3 Escorts 2 Door Guards If you would like to assist, please contact Oratorical Chairman Don Chase at 441-2214 or via email at ddchasejr@roadrunner.com or contact Dept. HQ at 873-3229 or email rachael@mainelegion.org. ATTENTION: We have not received all the contestant s names and District that they are from. Please use the attached form and fill-in all the information that is needed so this office may have the Certificates and other documents present for the contest. If you are uncertain we can review the form on Feb. 13, before the contest begins. Please do not hesitate to call HQ @ 873-3229 or email at rachael@mainelegion.org for assistance.
Veterans Town Hall Meeting VA Center Director Ryan Lilly and VBA Representatives will provide updates of the VA Maine Healthcare System and the Togus Regional Office operations. VA staff will be on-site to provide detailed information on VA healthcare and other VA benefits/services and answer questions. A new VA initiative for community involvement by Veterans and other stakeholders will also be discussed. Putting Maine Veterans First representatives will provide information about the committee and answer questions. Come see what the VA is all about!! WHEN: Wednesday, February 24 at 6 p.m. LOCATION: American Legion Post #5 21 College Street in Waterville VA Home Loans Join us for a fun, informational meeting on VA Home Loans on Feb. 27 from 12 2 p.m. at USM Wishcamper Center, Muskie School of Public Service, Room 102, 96 Falmouth St., Portland Maine 04103. It s free and we will bring lumch. RSVP to Kathy Dyer, KathyWeeseDyer@gmail.com or phone 653-4391. Learn about VA Home Loan Basics such as: What is a VA loan; Who is eligible for a VA loan; Do I need a downpayment for a VA loan; What kind of a house can I buy with a VA loan and My credit isn t perfect. Can I get a VA loan? Presented by The Vet Center, Avesta Housing, Harbor View Lending, Portland s Choice Realty and University of Southern Maine. Membership
Race To The Top DISTRICT COMMANDER RACE TO THE TOP CUTOFF DATE IS MARCH 31 Competition will be divided into five categories based on the membership of the District without regard to geographic locations. District Commanders will compete in each of the following categories based on final membership year totals, and a top District Commander for the National Award will be selected from each of the five categories. Post Ribbons will also be awarded to each top District Commander for all American Legion Posts in those Districts. Category I - Districts of 15 to 1,499 members Category II - Districts of 1,500 to 2,999 members Category III - Districts of 3,000 to 4,999 members Category IV - Districts of 5,000 to 7,499 members Category V - Districts of 7,500 and above members First Place Awards Trip to National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, will be presented to the top District Commander and guest in each category whose District membership on March 31, 2016, represents the largest percentage over the final previous year membership of that District. Cannot be less than 100% to qualify. This entitles each winner and guest to an all expense paid trip to attend the National Convention as a distinguished guest of the National Commander, including round-trip airfare, tickets to the National Commander s Banquet and hotel accommodations for 6 days/5 nights. These District Commanders will also be awarded a Legion Cap that signifies they are a Race-To-The-Top winner that will be awarded on stage at the National Convention. Plus Race-To-The-Top Ribbons for each of the district s posts. Second Place Awards will be presented to the District Commander in each category whose District membership for 2016 on March 31, 2016, represents the second highest percentage over the final previous year membership of that District. Cannot be less than 100% to qualify. Winners will receive a $500 check. Third Place Awards will be presented to the District Commander in each category whose District membership for 2016 on March 31, 2016, represents the third highest percentage over the final previous year membership of that District. Cannot be less than 100% to qualify. Winners will receive a $375 check. District Meetings District 3 Androscoggin: Feb. 14, Lisbon Post 158, 2 p.m. District 10 Somerset: Feb. 15, Skowhegan Post 16, 5 p.m. social hour, 6 p.m. mtg. Nominating new district officers. District 5 Oxford: Feb.16, Dixfield Post 100, nominations, 6 p.m. light supper, 7 p.m. mtg. District 14 Piscataquis: Feb. 20, Dexter Post 53, 12 p.m. lunch, 1 p.m. mtg. District 6 Knox: Feb 27, Thomaston Post 37, 11 a.m.
Military Trivia What kind of pet did Robert E. Lee have during the Civil War? Pool League Tournament: Mondays, Winthrop Post 40, 7-10 p.m. Free Pool: Saturdays, Winthrop Post 40, anyone can sign up. Public Supper: Second Saturday of the month, Dixfield Post 100, $7 adults, Children ½ price, meals vary, FMI call 562-8030. Live Music: Fridays, Sanford Post 19. Friday Night Karaoke: Fridays, Augusta Post 2, 6:30 p.m. 3 Card Challenge: Fridays, Gardiner Post 4 Club Room, 6 p.m. Saturday Night Dance: Saturdays, Augusta Post 2, 7 p.m., $7, live bands. Texas Hold-Em Poker: Sundays, Winthrop Post 40, 2 p.m, $55 Buy-in. Lakeside Dining Lunch Wagon: Sunny days, Winthrop Post 40, 12-4 p.m., in front of Post. Livermore Falls Post 10 Public Supper: Always the third Sat., 17 Reynolds Avenue, 4:30-6 p.m. The best beans and casseroles around, $7 Adults, $4 students under 12. For local delivery call 897-5676 Baked Bean Supper, Biddeford Post 26, third Sat. of each month, 4:30 6 p.m., $8 adults, $5 under 12. Line dancing: Thursdays, Sabattus Post 135, 6:30 p.m. Texas Hold-Em Tournament: First and third Tues. of the month, Augusta Post 2, 6:30 p.m. Dart Tournament: Every other Monday, Sabattus Post 135. Cribbage Tournament: Tuesday, Sabattus Post 135. Recurring Events Texas Hold-Em Poker: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30 pm. Windham Veterans Association & Post 148 at Dena s Restaurant, next to Windham Post Office - Jct. Rtes. 115 & 302. $60 buy in. Fridays Nights DJ: Come dance the night away with our new DJ, Sabattus Post 135
Current Events Valentine s Dance: Feb. 13, Gardiner Post 4, Gardiner Legion Riders hosting, 7-12 p.m. DJ Lena Bragg. $3 cover charge. Members & guests welcome. Valentine Day Dinner and Dance: Feb. 14, Westbrook Memorial Post 197, 6 p.m. $6/person. Texas Hold'em: Feb. 27, Locke Mills Post 68, 595 Gore Rd. Doors open at 11 a.m., games begin at noon. $50 buy-in, $5 license, high hand option. 50/50, meals and beverages available, BYOB. FMI, please call Ray at 890-3737. Veterans Creative Arts Show: Mar. 1, VA Maine Healthcare Theater, Visual Arts Display 10 a.m. 2 p.m. Performing Arts Show, 2 5 p.m. FMI on performing arts, please call Liz Marrone, CTRS, ATRIC 623-8411 or toll free at 877-421-8263 or e-mail Elizabeth.Marrone@va.gov. FMI on visual arts, please call Courtney Oliver, CTRS at 623-8411 x 4589 or e-mail: Courtney.Oliver@va.gov. Donations to help with the cost of this show may be sent to ALA, Department of Maine earmarked Maine Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Donations Fred s Coffee Company, Inc. James D. Julia, Inc. $25 Boys State $100 Boys State Kudos Sanford Post 19 for their donations of $250 to the SHRINERS, $250 to MCCP 7T ANNUAL FISHING DERBY, $250 to SPRINGVALE TRAVEL BASKET BAL TEAM. BOYS AND GIRLS 5-6 GRADES, $500 to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, $200 to York County Maine Community Action, $500 to Toys for Tots, $500 prize for Oratorical contest winner, $540 to Wreaths Across America, $400 to Homeless Veterans of Maine, $250 to K9 Community Corps "Rocky", $125 to Special Olympics and $300 to DAV Golf Tournament. Condolences Naples Post 155 Past Commander and Past Adjutant Russell Littlefield has passed away. Russ was also a Past District Commander, Past County Commander and Past Dept. Rehab Chairman. There will be a Celebration of Life at Naples Post 155, 26 Casco Rd. on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 12 p.m. Cards may be sent to his wife Marion at P.O. Box 408, Naples, ME 04055-0408. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Post or Unit 155 Scholarship Fund. Barry F. Knowles, died February 1, 2016, at the Maine Veterans' Home in Bangor. Barry was Past Post Commander of Hermon Post 200. Interment will be at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in the spring. Those who wish to remember Barry in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, C/O Anah Shrine Center, 1404 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401. Cards may be sent to Gladys and the family at 659 York Rd., Hermon, ME 04401.
Answer to military trivia question: A hen. Best Wishes to The Legion family, Paul L Heureux Department Adjutant
THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MAINE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR APPLICATION THIS FORM MUST ACCOMPANY ALL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SELECTION. USE ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NECESSARY. SUBMIT ANY NEWS CLIPPINGS AND OTHER SUPPORTING MATERIAL AS YOU DEEM NECESSARY TO QUALIFY THE NOMINEE. 1. (Last Name) (First Name) (M.I.) 2. (Address) (Town/City) (State) (Zip) (Telephone) 3. (Date of Birth) (Military Service - Branch and Number of years.) 4. (Is the nominee a member of the Legion Family) (If so, list Post name and #.) 5. (Education) (Marital Status) 6. (Professional Service - Length of time employed as a Law Enforcement Officer, rank attained, special schools attended, commendations, citations, etc.) 7. (Resume of any acts performed above and beyond the call of duty, special assignments or accomplishments that should merit special attention including military decorations.) 8. (Community Service service in community such as Scouting, special youth programs, public offices held, fraternal organizations, etc.) 9. (Name, number, address and telephone # of sponsoring Post/County/District.) 10. (Signature of Commander or Adjutant of sponsoring Post/County/District.) Applications must be submitted to Department Headquarters no later than May 1. Return to: The American Legion, Department of Maine, 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME 04901-0727. For any questions, call Department Headquarters at 873-3229.
The American Legion Department of Maine DISTRICT ORATORICAL CONTESTANT WINNER(S) All Districts within the Department of Maine must certify their District Oratorical Contest winner to the Department Adjutant two weeks prior to the State Oratorical Contest. To certify each contestant, the following information must be filled out and mailed or emailed to Department Headquarters. Contestant Representing District First Name Last Name Address Town St Zip Code DOB M/F Phone No. Grade/ Age 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17