Post Talk
NORTH BRANCH POST # 85
By Glenn Pierce, Adjutant

Meeting Schedule:

Bar Finance & Accounting March 9th at 3:30 pm
Membership Meeting March 10th at 7:00 pm
SAL Meeting March 17th at 6:00 pm

Rick Hals, Commander – Greetings to all. We had a 10th District membership meeting at Post 85 in January, which was attended well. Then came February were we had the 3rd annual 2 week remodeling project. What was done was the last tile job the Dept. of Health had told us we had to do, and with a good crew it was completed. Also there was two new vanities installed in the hall bathrooms, plus both bathrooms were painted. When all that was completed all the floors were scrubbed and waxed. I want to thank all who helped in these major remodel projects. March 14th is our Corn Beef and Cabbage supper, at our next meeting we will talk about it. Until next time, remember to thank a vet for his or her service.

Orville Otterness, Post Service Officer – The meeting held by our County Veterans Service Officer at the Legion Hall February 18 included a speaker from Ecumen care center. The speaker explained the services available at their facility. The CVSO should be contacted if care is needed. If you are using the VA Medical Center for treatment and you have an emergency notify the VA immediately.

The next meeting with the CVSO will be held Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m. at the Legion Hall. It is worth your time to attend as there have always been interesting and informative speakers. We always receive good information.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President – “Why should I join the American Legion Family?” Have you ever been asked this? Do you have a quick answer? It’s a good idea to be ready to answer that question with a couple positive points about our mission. If you have an opportunity to sit down with a potential member, be prepared to share additional information. I usually share my favorite projects and their impact locally. Do you have membership applications handy, or can you tell someone where to find them? You can recruit new members for the American Legion Family and help get members to renew. It’s still the best patriotic organization today.

Jim Hunt, SAL Commander – A big “Thank You!” to all that helped to make our Winterfest omelet breakfast a great success. We couldn’t do it without you guys! Many thanks to County Market for the $50 gift card and getting all of our groceries ready for pick-up as well.

I am very happy to report that we are at 127% of our goal for this membership year! We are also at an all-time high membership of 66 members. Great job everyone! We will be having a member appreciation night July 21st. Time TBD. There will be free pizza and 2 free drink tickets for all who attend. Bring a friend, encourage them to join!

Once again we will be donating two $500.00 scholarships to students completing the “What the American Legion means to me” essay. Must have had a family member who served in the Armed Forces. Kids! Get those essays in soon!

The new floor in the Hall kitchen and bar looks great!

Glenn Pierce, Adjutant – Need help filing your taxes?

Free tax preparation sites available across Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With income tax season now open, the Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that over 200 sites will be offering free tax assistance for those filing income tax and property tax refund returns. Most sites are open through April 15.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide programs are two free tax preparation options where volunteers help Minnesotans prepare their federal and state returns. The Internal Revenue Service certifies volunteers from both programs to prepare basic tax returns in communities across Minnesota.

“Thousands of Minnesotans are eligible for free tax preparation services or free tax preparation software this tax season,” said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly. “These free services help make filing easier and can help you accurately and securely file your income tax return and claim any refund that you may be entitled to receive.”

Last year, the VITA program prepared more than 71,000 federal tax returns, more than 75,000 Minnesota income tax returns and almost 57,000 property tax refund returns for Minnesota taxpayers. All those returns provided more than $133 million in federal, state income, and property tax refunds.

You can get help at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site if any of the following apply:

You are age 60 or older.

You are a person with a disability.

You speak limited or no English.

Your annual income is less than $56,000.

The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation for all Minnesotans, particularly those age 50 or older. Unlike VITA sites, AARP Tax-Aide sites do not have income restrictions.

Free electronic filing is also available for Minnesotans with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $69,000 or less. To see if you are eligible for free electronic filing, see the Electronic Filing Software for Individuals page on the department’s website.

You can search for a site near you on the department’s website using their search feature and interactive map. You can search for sites by zip code or county, and find sites with interpreters and volunteers certified to file military returns. The interactive map has search options by city, county, or zip code.

You will need to bring certain items with you when visiting a site such as a photo ID, W-2 information, banking information for direct deposit, and other applicable items. Visit our website for a list of suggested items to bring to a tax preparation site.

Get the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue by following the department on Facebook and Twitter or by signing up for our email subscription list.

Post Talk
NORTH BRANCH POST # 85
By Glenn Pierce, Adjutant

Meeting Schedule:

Bar Finance & Accounting February 10th at 3:30 pm
Membership Meeting February 11th at 7:00 pm
SAL Meeting February 18th at 6:00 pm

Randy Koivisto, 1st Vice Commander – Need a ride to the VA hospital? Chisago County provides residents with rides to, and from, the VA hospital in Minneapolis on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and transportation to the VA hospital in St. Cloud on Wednesdays. The van will pick you up at your door and deliver you to the front door of the hospital. The van also has a wheelchair lift, and can also be used for those with limited mobility. Patients are requested to make mid-morning appointments if possible, and to tell your health care provider that you are riding in the county van. If you receive travel pay, you are required to surrender that amount to the driver,or if you are ineligible for travel pay, the fee is $10 per round trip. A travel reservation can be made by contacting Wendy at the Chisago County Veteran’s Service Office, at 651-213-5605.You will receive a safe and comfortable ride in the new van, without the stress of driving in city traffic.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President – I am writing this Post Talk on one of my last days in Arizona (sad face). It will be good to be home only so I can be with family and friends. I had the privilege of attending events and auxiliary meetings at the local Post 81, Lake Havasu City, AZ.Jim and I were warmly welcomed and encouraged to take part, which is what I would expect from any Post.

Our next meeting is February 11th at 7:30 PM. Please come to the meeting and I will share some thoughts and ideas.

Glenn Pierce, Adjutant – The American Legion provides life-changing assistance and guidance for veterans, military personnel, their families and communities in thousands of ways every day around the world. Help comes in the form of personal assistance, cash grants, donated goods, disaster relief, labor, networking, volunteerism and advocacy.

The American Legion accepts both peacetime and wartime vets. To be in the Legion, you don’t ever have to leave the US…but MOST members have. The VFW states you have to have served in a combat area to become a member. Both are great organizations, the only difference between the two is requirements for membership.

Glenn Pierce, Gaming Manager – ATTENTION ALL BINGO PLAYERS the Legion now has linked bingo available. Booty Chaser is in play from 11am – 1PM, 4PM – 6PM and 7PM -10PM Monday through Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. This exciting new game has a mini jackpot worth several hundred dollars that goes out several times a day. A minor jack pot worth several thousand dollars that goes out about once a week and a Major Jackpot worth about $20,000 about once a month. Stop in and give it a try.

Post Talk
NORTH BRANCH POST # 85
By Glenn Pierce, Adjutant

Meeting Schedule:

Bar Finance & Accounting January 13th at 3:30 pm
Membership Meeting January 14th at 7:00 pm
SAL Meeting January 21th at 6:00 pm

Rick Hals, Commander – Greetings and I hope everybody had a great Holiday. The month of January is going to be busy, starting on the 14th we are having a dinner were the VFW, SAL, and Legion are going to have recognition for years of membership and to those organizations and individuals who helped in so many ways to make our events successful. Also, on the 25th there will be District membership meeting at Post 85. Then comes February, which means remodel time again. This year we will be doing the mini bar and the kitchen with new tile. the upstairs bath will get new counter tops and sinks and a new painting. Finally, if you know of a veteran that was not able to join the Legion, talk to them and tell them every Vet is now welcome to join.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President – Happy New Year, may you know many blessings this year! North Branch Post 85 is hosting one of the stops for the 10th District Snowmobile Membership Rally on January 25th starting at 1:30 PM. American Legion Family members from all over the district stop for refreshments and the opportunity to visit with members. Come to the Rally as every member is welcome to attend. It’s a fun event and a time to turn in membership. If you haven’t renewed your membership, it will help to do so as soon as possible.

Post Talk
NORTH BRANCH POST # 85
By Glenn Pierce, Adjutant

Meeting Schedule:

Bar Finance & Accounting December 9th at 3:30 pm
Membership Meeting December 10th at 7:00 pm
SAL Meeting December 17th at 6:00 pm

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President – When asked what is the best thing to come from your ALA membership one member answered, “The women in my unit have been mentors, friends and an inspiration to me. I enjoy the relationship I have with our other post members, too.” How would you answer?

Again, the American Legion Auxiliary is hosting Christmas parties at Bickford Senior Living and Ecumen. We will serve treats and have a small program at both places. Please bring cookies to share. On Dec. 6th we are at Bickford and on Dec. 9th we are at Ecumen. Both programs begin at 2:00 pm. The entire Legion Family is invited to help us celebrate Christmas and honor our veterans and other senior citizens.

Randy Koivisto, 1st Vice Commander – If you need a reminder of what a great community we live in, make sure to attend the Veteran’s Day events at North Branch Schools every year. Our Legion and VFW color guard presented the colors at the Sunrise School at the start of the singing programs by our smallest scholars. The little ones singing their hearts out to a variety of patriotic songs is inspiring, to say the least. To those of us of a certain generation, the song sung each year titled “Welcome Home” really strikes home, and there are many misty eyes in the group. We also have the opportunity to lead the middle school kids in our Pledge of Allegiance at the start of their school day, and dine with them over their lunch times. Our thanks to the North Branch Schools for putting on such a great program, but also in teaching respect for those that served, and for our great nation. Our color guard had a busy day that included stops at the Phoenix Academy, and ending up at the Ecumen Senior Living facility, assisting the Auxiliary with their program.

December 20th is another day when we will be active, along with the North Branch VFW, in visiting and handing out Christmas gifts to local vets living in the two North Branch Senior living homes, along with those living in Shields Plaza. If you would like to participate, please contact me for info: f-4ever@midco.net.

Post Service Officer Orv Otterness – Once again I attended the meeting held by the Chisago County Veterans Service Officer at the Legion Hall in November. There is always something new to learn or hear about. There was a presentation about a therapy and wellness center located near Forest Lake. It is an equine assisted psychotherapy and learning service for veterans and service members suffering from trauma. To find about this specific program call 651-257-4159 or check military@acresforlife.org. You can register for groups beginning in January.

There was also a presentation by a Realtor who spoke on when it is time to downsize and transition to your next home. Kari Francoix who is a realtor at Timber Ghost Realty has had over ten years of experience assisting seniors transition from houses which are now too large to something smaller and more suitable. For more information you can call her at 715-977-1344 or email at www.timberghostrealty.com.

There are contract nursing homes within 50 miles you can use but you have to be at 70% or higher with a service-connected disability. Check with your County Service Officer on this eligibility.

The second Tuesday of the month meetings with the CVSO will continue at the North Branch American Legion Hall until April and then will be held the Chisago Lakes Elementary School. The phone number for the CVSO is 651-213-5680.

Glenn Pierce, Adjutant –

Legion Family delivers the spirit of Christmas to children
By Daniel S. Wheeler, National Adjutant
DEC 08, 2017

The American Legion Family gives year-round to veterans, their families and their communities. But the holiday season is often a time that the Legion Family goes above and beyond.

This December, Legion Family members across the country are delivering presents to children to ensure they feel the spirit of Christmas during this joyous season.

I know posts, squadrons and units everywhere are participating in the gift-giving season for children and families, but the following are a few stories that came across my desk.

The American Legion Department of Kansas’ Operation North Pole program at Fort Riley Army Base has been providing toys to thousands of military children since 2010. This year, nearly 1,400 military children will receive an age-appropriate gift and have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. About 125 Legion Family members will participate in this year’s program. They dress as their favorite Christmas character, act as Santa’s elves by handing out presents, and serve cookies baked by Auxiliary members. “It’s really rewarding,” said Past National Commander and Department Adjutant Jimmie Foster. “Everybody enjoys it.”

Through donation support, the department spent nearly $18,000 on toys for the children this year, with $10,000 of it coming from the Sons of The American Legion Kansas detachment. The SAL donation “is a huge help,” Foster said.

As your Legion Family celebrates Christmas with children in the community, please share at www.legiontown.org.

Post Talk
NORTH BRANCH POST # 85
By Glenn Pierce, Adjutant

Meeting Schedule:

Bar Finance & Accounting November 11th at 3:30 pm
Membership Meeting November 12th at 7:00 pm
SAL Meeting November 18th at 6:00 pm

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President – This month the American Legion Auxiliary will celebrate 100 years of “service, not self,” as we support our veterans, military personnel, and their families. At our meeting on Nov. 12, we will celebrate the 100 years in three ways; bring a clothing item to donate to the St Cloud VACHS, wear something sparkly to the meeting, AND, we will have special treats. Please come out and celebrate with us.

We have scheduled Veterans’ Day Parties to honor our veterans at Bickford Senior Living on Nov. 8th and at Ecumen on Nov. 11th. Both parties begin at 2:00 pm. These parties are for the entire American Legion Family to participate, and your presence is requested to help entertain and visit with the residents. The seniors really do enjoy the time we share with them.

Orv Otterness, Post Service Officer – Our last meeting with the County Veterans Service Officer at the Legion Hall in North Branch again brought a guest speaker for us. This one spoke and had hand-outs on nutrition and healthy eating. Very interesting and lots of “food” for thought. Try to make the meetings.

I attended the state Legion’s Fall Conference during this past month. With the aging of the veteran population it was good to hear that there is consideration for more Veterans Homes in the future. Sites mentioned were in Preston, Montevideo and Bemidji. They are hoping to have these homes up and running in the next 3-5 years. They are working on the funding and it is thought that a couple of them will be under way soon.

Glenn Pierce, Gaming Manager – In November we will introduce a new exciting Linked Bingo experience to be played on our current electronic gaming system. This new game is designed to give the money back to the players quickly with a progressive ball count on each game. The Linked Bingo game will be played daily from 11am – 1pm, again during happy hour from 4pm – 6pm and nightly from 7pm – 10pm Monday through Friday. Haven’t had enough? It will also play all day Saturday and Sunday. Every game will have a consolation winner. There are 3 distinct and exciting progressive jackpots that can be won. The major jackpot will begin at $10,000.00!

Glenn Pierce, Adjutant – HELP NEEDED!!! We are slowly losing the programs that have benefited so many and been so successful to our organization in the past due to the declining participation of our membership. One of our last Midsummer Ambassadors, Elise Toussaint went on this year to win the Queen of Lakes. After 60 years this program is NO MORE. 2008-2009 was the first year we broke away from having a Queen and 2 Princesses to having 3 Ambassadors, sharing equal roles! It was also the 50th Anniversary of the Midsummer program and we were excited to have our 1st Queen from 1958 in attendance, Sharolyn Bloomquist Olson. Now it looks like our Legion Baseball Program played their last games in 2019. Just the most recent records in the office go back 20 years for this program and now it will fade away because there is no one to manage or coach the team. If you or anyone you know can devote some time towards the youth of our community please let us know.

Post Talk
NORTH BRANCH POST # 85
By Glenn Pierce, Adjutant

Meeting Schedule:

Bar Finance & Accounting October 7th at 3:30 pm
Membership Meeting October 8th at 7:00 pm
SAL Meeting October 15th at 6:00 pm

Orv Otterness, Post Service Officer – I attended the meeting with the Chisago County Veterans Service Officer at the Legion Hall last month. There were two presenters there to tell us about the Veterans Camp on Big Marine Lake. The camp is South of Scandia.

There is summer camping from April 15 until October 14 and there is winter camping from October 15 until April 14. The camp has rental cabins, tent sites and RV sites. They can be rented by the day, weekend or week. There are also rental boats, boat slips and ice fishing houses.

For more information you can telephone: 651-433-2699, or you can email: vetscampingmn@live.com or check out their website at www.vetscampmn.org

Randy Koivisto, 1st Vice Commander – Here’s a good local area organization that supports veterans and their families. It’s the Freedom Fishing Foundation based in Lino Lakes. They are a 501C3 outfit, and their program provides for a day of fishing, all expenses paid, including bait, gear, and meals. Their services are provided for veterans, gold star families, and military children. To donate, or to request their services, contact them at:

Freedom Fishing Foundation
631 Lois Lane
Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Phone – 612-618-3825
www.freedomfishingfoundation.com

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President – Our 10th District President, Brandi Christensen, has sent out a request for clothing for our veterans in need. An average of 20-25 veterans come to the clothing store at the St Cloud VA Health Care System every week. Some have nothing but the clothes on their back. The immediate needs are for XXL Underwear shirts, Zipper or Pullover Hoodies (Size Large and up), belts of all sizes, as well as winter clothing items. Please bring them to our next meeting on Oct. 8th, or let me know and I will pick them up from you. Keep in mind, they accept new clothes only.

Also, October is American Education Week. Literacy programs such as “Give 10 to Education” are needed to promote education and support for our schools. The unit is collecting school supply items and we are asking for 10 of any given school supply to be brought to our next meeting.

Glenn Pierce, Adjutant – This is a reminder to Minnesota service members to take advantage of a refundable military tax credit before it expires. More than 1,400 military service members are eligible for the credit but have not claimed it yet. The Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone for service in 2015 will expire October 15, 2019, for most qualifying service members.

The 2015 credit is $120 per month or partial month served.

“This is an important tax benefit for our military service members who risked their lives serving our country overseas,” said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly. “We want to ensure that the state is doing everything we can to help them claim the expiring 2015 credit before the mid-October deadline.”

To qualify for the credit, service members must meet each requirement below:

They were a Minnesota resident during the time of service
They served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area during 2015
They received combat pay that is exempt from federal and Minnesota income tax

Find more information on combat zone locations approved for tax benefits from the Internal Revenue Service.

Post Talk
NORTH BRANCH POST # 85
By Glenn Pierce, Adjutant

Meeting Schedule:

Bar Finance & Accounting September 9th at 3:30 pm
Membership Meeting September 10th at 7:00 pm
SAL Meeting September 17th at 6:00 pm

Orv Otterness, Post Service Officer – I spent several days at the National Legion Convention in Indianapolis, IN recently and we heard a speaker on Selective Service. Here is the gist of what I heard. Virtually all male U.S. citizens, regardless of where they live, and male immigrants, whether documented or undocumented, residing in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. The law says men must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. That means men are required to register sometime during the 30 days before their 18th birthday, their 18th birthday, and the following 29 days after their 18th birthday. That is a 60-day registration period. Men who do not register within that 60-day window are technically in violation of the law and should register as soon as possible. Late registrations are accepted up to the 26th birthday. Registering with Selective Service does not mean you are joining the military. Reasons to register include: Registration is the law; fairness and equity, insurance for the Nation, civic duty, and to protect eligibility for future benefits. For more information on the benefits linked to registration, as well as what the penalties are for failing to register with the Selective Service System, see: BENEFITS AND PENALTIES (/Registration/Why-Register/Benefits-and-penalties).

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President – Welcome to the start of our 2019 – 2020 year. Remember, the auxiliary is celebrating 100 years! Thank you for supporting the American Legion Family Relay for Life Team. We raised $3,170.

Did you know the National Security Program, one of the four pillars of the American Legion, promotes a strong defense nationally by supporting our service members and their families?

Supporting a strong military means providing for their families on the home front. If you know a military family in our community, please share that information with the unit. As auxiliary members and good neighbors, we can find ways to support them by helping with their day-to-day needs; such as, child care, transportation, lawn care, home maintenance, and by being available
for emotional support. Reach out and show your support. And, thank you, ladies, for all you do.

James Hunt, SAL Commander – Well, it sure feels like Fall with the below average temperatures. Just a strong hint of what’s to come. Cathy and I have spent the week at Wild River campground. It is a very beautiful place. I am happy to report that we have three new members.

The SAL, Legion and Auxiliary are teaming up for the next Border Battle tailgate party between the Vikings and Packers, September 15th at 11am. GO VIKES!!!

We are also having an omelet breakfast on September 29th. Busy times. Hope to see you there.

Post Talk
NORTH BRANCH POST # 85
By Glenn Pierce, Adjutant

Meeting Schedule:

Bar Finance & Accounting August 5th at 3:30 pm
Membership Meeting August 13th at 7:00 pm
SAL Meeting August 20th at 6:00 pm

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President – First, I want to thank everyone for their support for our Relay for Life Team. The event is on Aug. 3rd and I’m looking forward to attending again. ALL post family members are invited to the 10th District Family Picnic on August 17th starting at noon. There will be games and surprises. This is potluck so please bring a dish to share. We will serve hot dogs and the eating utensils will be provided. We will meet at Central Park unless the weather is bad, in that case we will meet at the Legion Hall. I hope many from our Post will be there to meet our district president, Brandi Christensen, district commander, Tom Allen, and many other Tenth District friends. Let’s welcome them to North Branch and show our support for their service.

Randy Koivisto, 1st Vice Commander, Membership Director – Need to get rolling? We have two wheelchairs to loan out if needed. One is a conventional chair, the other one has four of the smaller wheels intended for indoor use only. There is no charge for the use of the chairs.

Orville Otterness, Post Service Officer – I attended the July meeting the County Veterans Service Officer had at the Legion Hall. We heard speakers on the subjects of Home Health Service and Hospice. It was a very informative meeting and I would encourage all veterans to attend these meetings if you are able to get there. They are held the third Tuesday of the month so the next one will be held August 20. We had a good attendance with about 30 there, veterans and some wives. A speaker from Adara Home Health informed us we can get Home Health Service at home for the amount of time needed and if authorized by your doctor. Payment can be from insurance or Medicare. Check with your doctor and/or the CVSO. The second speaker was from St. Croix Hospice. This service is available to any patient who is experiencing a life limiting disease with a six-month or less prognosis. The benefit will continue as long as the patient needs it and if the patient graduates off hospice service at any time they are still entitled to receive the benefit again at a later time if it is needed.

Glenn Pierce, Adjutant – Congress and the White House agree to expand definition of war eras to include all who served since Dec. 7, 1941. More than 1,600 members of the U.S. Armed Forces were killed or wounded in periods of time not designated as war eras since the end of World War II. The newly signed Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act of 2019 – The LEGION Act – honors those veterans, their spouses and descendants, extending membership eligibility in The American Legion Family to hundreds of thousands who had previously been excluded. The LEGION Act offers American Legion membership eligibility to any U.S. military veteran who served at least one day of active military duty since Dec. 7, 1941, and was honorably discharged or is serving now. The act also affects membership in the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion, expanding eligibility for those groups, as well.

Post Talk
NORTH BRANCH POST # 85
By Glenn Pierce, Adjutant

Meeting Schedule:

Bar Finance & Accounting July 8th at 6:00 pm
Membership Meeting July 9th at 7:00 pm
SAL Meeting July 16th at 6:00 pm

Rick Hals, Commander – The one item I want to talk about is our Midsummer Celebration. The Legion had a pretty good celebration, advance ticket sales were good, the kiddie Olympics was will attended, the dances had good attendance, people played a lot of bingo, there were approximately 70 plus entries in the parade, the after parade events under the tent was will attended. With that being said, I would take this time to thank everyone who helped us put the celebration on, it takes a lot of planning, and hard work by so many so once more THANK YOU so much. Remember to thank a Vet for his service when you meet a vet.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President – We had a great Midsummer Celebration! The highlights of Midsummer for me was the nearly rain-free parade, the bands at our dances, the food, and of course, visiting with people under the tent and at the park. I want to thank everyone who volunteered to help with Midsummer and Military Appreciation Day on June 30th. Kudos for all the hard work of our American Legion Family.

Don’t forget to help us raise funds for Relay for Life. The event is August 3rd at the North Branch Outlets, 4:00 to 10:00 PM. You can join our team by contacting Dianne Klund (651-497-8442) or register online at RelayforLife.com and search for our team, NB American Legion Family. Can’t join us for this fun event? Help support Relay for Life and cancer research by
donating online.

Finally, Post 85 will be hosting the 10th District American Legion Family Picnic. More on this in the August Post Talk, but mark your calendars for August 17th, 12:00 noon, at Central Park (moved to Legion Hall in case of rain).

Orv Otterness, Post Service Officer – The last meeting at the Legion Hall with the Chisago County Veterans Service Officer included a speaker from MACV (Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans). She spoke on what they do for veterans. That includes helping the
homeless, providing basic need items, household items, seasonal items, clothing and gift cards.

MACV has a main headquarters in Minneapolis with offices in the north (Duluth) and south (Mankato). Their main office phone is 651-291-8756. Their vision is to provide assistance to veterans. To that end they do accept donations. They are a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization.

Tuesday, July 16, 9 a.m. the meeting will include speakers from St. Croix Hospice and Adara Home Health. It is important for all of us to keep up on what is available for veterans. It may be of use to you or someone may ask you where they can go for help.

Randy Koivisto, 1st Vice Commander, Membership Director – It’s that time again Legionnaires! Our Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in the hall on Friday, July 26th, from 11-5. Movies will be shown, and the usual treats will be offered. Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to help out someone in need. Walk-ins are welcome, but quicker service can be found when scheduling an appointment online (Red Cross.Org), or by calling the Red Cross. We could use some volunteers to process in donors, and to hand out treats. A two hour shift would be appreciated. Contact Randy at 612-718-5609. Thank you!!

Membership – Out of the 53 posts in our district, we finished in second place regarding membership growth! We currently have 237 Legion members. All credit is due to those that make sure our post remains active in many different fields. The word is getting out about all of the good we do for our community. That includes work done by our Post staff, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and the Legion Riders. We have many stars that make our post shine. Great Job Everybody!!

Joe Sausen, after receiving his 15 year membership pin from Commander Rick Hals

Boys State – Post 85 sponsored, Boys State attendees, Noah Doohen, and Jacob Goranson, sent letters of appreciation for being selected to attend this annual gathering of outstanding students from throughout the state of Minnesota. A couple of excerpts from their letters are ” I cannot express how grateful I am to have been chosen to attend Boys State. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. “, “Thank you for such a wonderful week!” The event was held at St. Johns University in Collegeville this year. Search, American Legion Boys State, to learn more about the program.

Glenn Pierce, Gaming Manager – Midsummer Coach Purse Bingo was a big success again this year at the Midsummer Days Celebration. Thank You to all who supported us. Here are a few of the Lucky Winners.