The final tally of the Honor Flight Maine telethon is $221.704! Once again, Mainers demonstrated their gratitude to our state’s veterans! This allows us to have six flights in 2024, two flights in April with 25 veterans each; then one flight in May, June, September, and October with 50 veterans each, for a total of 250 veterans traveling to see their memorials and enjoy seeing them with their fellow comrades. Anyone who has signed up and want to be sure you are in the “system,” just let me know and I’ll check.  All veterans should sign up to go by going to www,honorflightmaine.org, applications, veterans.  If you are interested in volunteering, go to the same site and click on “volunteer.” 

Last Thursday evening was the Togus Holiday Display lighting celebration for the residence of the hospice, nursing, and dementia wing (Community Living Center-CLC). It was a perfect night, mild (relatively speaking) temperature, and not a cloud in the sky, not that you could see them anyway ... But, no snow and no rain! The Togus staff was great, ensuring all the residents who were able, and that was most of them, were bundled up and wheeled out at 6 p.m.  Santa was there to lead the carolers in the traditional holiday songs. A very special thanks to Doug Gimbel for leading Steve Malcom, Martha Barrett, Kevin and Becky Alley, Tori Amborn, Scott and Jo Eliot, and Elaine Fogarty, who were in terrific voice getting everyone in the spirit of the season! When all were gathered and with everyone anxiously awaiting, the countdown began. And, when “zero” was shouted, one of the residents hit the “on” button and all the lights came on with a loud cheer and a round of applause (and a sigh of relieve from me!). We all then assembled into the building for hot chocolate and cookies provided by our American Legion Auxiliary led by Suzanne Harmon and Nancy Van Dyke. I know there were may others that helped in the baking of the cookies. More songs were sung in the Hospice unit and cookies delivered to the veterans in their rooms who weren’t able to be outside. We then assembled on the nursing facility floor for more songs and treats. And up to the dementia floor. Santa was great and getting lots of smiles. He asked the question, “was every one was naughty or nice” and, yes, a few raised their hands saying they were naughty with a big grin on their faces. What a great way to start the holiday season for all!  

The next Post meeting is Monday, Dec. 1, a potluck and Yankee Swap (under $10); dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting at 6. The next Veteran Support Group get together at the Hall is Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.