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.