First, just a reminder that our breakfast season starts this Sunday, April 11, from 7 to 9 a.m. It will be great to see old friends again after a long winter and struggling with the pandemic. While many of us have either received our vaccinations or will soon, and as the CDC and the state have started the process of getting back to “normal,” we will still, for now, be following the rules relative to social distancing and the wearing masks. Essentially, the same process we used successfully last summer. If you are one of our many “snowbirds” who didn't make it back to your winter digs, and remained in Maine because our low COVID numbers, it will be great to have you start the breakfast season with us this year, and celebrate the process back to normalcy.

For those who attended our breakfasts last year, you know that we know have four large TV screens in the hall. During the breakfasts we have a "rolling" presentation where we present information about the Legion and our upcoming events. This year, we are adding the ability to promote your organization or events that you might be having by including your "slide(s)" into the presentations. If you would like to have a slide rolling for all 16 breakfasts, the cost would be $100 and you can modify it anytime. If you just what to show the slide for an upcoming event, it would be $25 per showing. For example, having a yard sale? You can advertise it at the preceding breakfast for only $25. For more information call the Hall at 633-4487 or email dapatch@roadrunner.com

From the VA Community Care website: "American Rescue Plan: Copayment Cancellations and Refunds — Due to the passage of the American Rescue Plan in March 2021, co-payments for medical care and prescriptions provided by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) during the period of April 6, 2020 through September 30, 2021 will be canceled. All co-payments paid to VA for medical care and prescriptions during the period of April 6, 2020 to present will be refunded." If you have any questions call 800-827-0648.”

For those who are interested in proposed legislation affecting veterans in Maine, there at least 11 going through the legislative process. 5 of them deal with the reduction of property taxes. LD 693 addresses the need for mental health case management. LD 1285 requires an official declaration of war or congressional action to call out the state militia before the Maine National Guard is released for combat duty. And there a number of LDs that deal with the state's homeless issue.

It has come to my attention that our local USCG Auxiliary is conducting a two session Zoom webinar titled: Suddenly in Command on April 26 and 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each night. Call 633-4748, 865-603-5106 or davidbeastwood@gmail.com for more information.

The next Post meeting is in person and Zoom on April 12 at 1800.