Last week I wrote about all the organizations I am thankful for. I am sure everyone has organizations that you know who are doing great work supporting folks in our community that need help. Most of these non-profits need financial help to enable them to do the good work they do. So, here is a thought ... Thanksgiving is behind us and we are now looking forward to Christmas. I am telling my family that in lieu of spending money on nice things that I really don’t need, make a donation to my favorite non-profit instead. That will put a smile on my face on Christmas morning but will put smiles on many more people who are touched by that donation. It should even put a bigger smile on the person making the donation.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, what a great Thanksgiving dinner the American Legion Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 36, spearheaded by Sue Burge, put on;and the over 20 volunteers that made it happen! Over 120 people shared in the fellowship, meeting new folks in the community, and having a truly wonderful Thanksgiving meal!  I know there were folks there that live alone and don’t drive that were able to share this Thanksgiving with new friends. One shared with me that he rarely is able to get out, hardly ever shares a meal with anyone, yet felt so at home with all the folks enjoying the true spirit of Thanksgiving. He is looking forward to the Christmas dinner at the Hall on Christmas day! A big shout out to Ed Harmon, the master chief who once again did his magic in the kitchen! 

As previously announced, this Friday evening, the Post has tickets to the Gardens Aglow for Vietnam veterans and a guest. The tickets are for 5 p.m. and followed by a lasagna dinner at the Hall at 7. As of this writing (Monday) there are still tickets available. Please call me (207-751-5672) and I will get the tickets for you.It is likely there will be tickets available right up to Friday so don’t hesitate to call.If you just want to come to the dinner at 7, call and make that reservation. 

The Mid-Coast Veterans Council located in Brunswick Landing has been around since shortly after the closing of the Brunswick Naval Air Station. The Council is made up of many of the veteran service organizations around the area including our Post 36 and the VFW that Ed Harmon and I are members of. The Council overseas the operation of the “Resource Center” that is open five days a week and staffed with volunteers, mostly retired veterans. Other organizations have “office hours” there during the month including Martins Point, the DAV Service Officer, the Retired Activities officer (helps with any questions and services available to retirees), Veteran Center councilors for those dealing with PTSD and other mental health issues. Go to their website www.mid-coastveteranscouncil.org to learn more about what they do.