The Legion Yard Sale and Craft Fair is now here.  Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and volunteers will start setting up on Friday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. on.  The more help we have, the faster it will go.  We have items in all three storage units behind the Hall, in the Legion trailer, and at folks’ houses that all have to get to the common.  Once there, it has to be sorted. So, join us at the Hall or on the Common, lots to do. Then on Saturday, again, the more hands the better. For folks in the community who would like to participate with your own Yard Sale or Craft Sales, even if you haven’t contacted us before now, come anyway. Plenty of room! The weather is looking good (hope I didn’t jinx it) so come and join us! 

October is a busy month for the veteran community that are involved with helping homeless veterans.  The Maine Bureau of Veteran Services, along with the VA, holds what is referred to as “Standdowns” in four locations around the State; at Hannaford in Portland, Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston,  Tri-County Career Center in Bangor, and Mill Park in Augusta.  A significant effort is made to get all homeless veterans and other struggling veterans, to these Standdowns so they can get connected with the services that are available.  The VBA (Veterans Benefits Administration) is there to file disability claims for them and the VHA (Veterans Healthcare Administration) attend to be sure they are connected with VA healthcare.  Preble St. ensures those that are homeless have a case worker to help find housing. Veterans Forward has funds, case workers, and programs that help get connected with housing resources, find jobs, amongst a number of other things.  Health Affiliates Maine attends to ensure their case workers are made available. These are just a few of the organizations that attend. Of course, our local organizations the V.E.T.S. trailers and Maine Veterans in Need will be there.  Before the veteran leaves, he/she will get a “sea bag” full of clothing and other items to help get them through the winter, including warm boots and heavy coats; even a haircut if they want one!  The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and lunch is provided. So, if anyone in the community knows of a veteran who is struggling, let them know about these Standdowns. If transportation is an issue, call the Post at 633-4487 and transportation can be arranged. These events are just one of many ways that our official veteran community (federal, state and non-profits) and volunteer organizations demonstrate their commitment to help all veterans in the State.   

Next Monday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. the Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee is hosting their monthly meet at the Elks in Augusta. The VA leadership will be there. The guest speaker is Tracy Shaw, executive director of Paws For Vets who will be talking about services dogs and the laws concerning them.  All are welcome!