Over the past few weeks, I have received questions ranging from services available with the VA to sporting activities available to veterans. I tend to go to my “Rolodex” to figure out who I can call to get the answer. But, more often than not, the answers can be found in Maine’s “Maine Veterans’ Benefits and Resource Guide.” The Legion Hall has this guide available in the “Lounge,” but it is also available at the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services web site (www.maine.gov/veterans), go to “resources.”

Just as a reminder, the Legion Hall is now available for all members to use. Some are already taking advantage of the Wi-Fi and the cable TV. Access is available via the key located in the lock-box located beside the back door. When you receive your 2020 membership card, you will also get the combination. For those with e-mail addresses, the combination has already been sent. If you haven’t received it, just send me an email. We want the Hall to be enjoyed by all members.

An update on the Hall improvements. Thanks to Lowe’s and Mr. Coulombe, we now have two storage sheds out back. As we get closer to our Yard Sale on Sept. 14, they are filling up. Last year we completely renovated the men’s and woman’s rooms and installed a new water system. Rebuilding Together’s Steve Lorrain and his team repainted the Hall’s ceiling. In November, the floor will be replaced. So, by the end of the year, the entire Hall will have a fresh new look. The goal is to ensure we have the most affordable and attractive Hall for the community to rent for all occasions. And, a Hall for all members to enjoy. While this is happening, we are still conducting the Capital Campaign to help pay for this. There have been some very generous donors already, but we need to continue to request financial assistance. As a non-profit, all contributions are tax-deductible.

In past articles I have mentioned the Veterans Emergency Funds that are now available for veterans in need. In just the few months that these funds have been available we have been able to put a homeless veteran (and his dog) into a hotel long enough for Preble Street to get him into more suitable housing and enabled another veteran to get his car repaired so he can meet the needs of his family. We are currently working with others in the community as well. So, if you are a veteran or know of any veteran who is in need of emergency funds to solve an immediate problem, call the Legion Hall at 633-4487. It is important that the veteran has his/her discharge document, the DD 214. If the veteran does not have the DD 214, the Legion can help him/her obtain it.

The next breakfast will be Sunday, Aug. 11. Spread the word, bring the family, bring your neighbors, make it a community event.