CHARLES S. HATCH POST#79
PO Box 977, 11 Sullivan Street Berwick, Maine 03901-0977

The April, 2013 Message
of the Commander, Post 79,

Mark T. Pilgrim

Spring is here!!!!! It is our busiest time of the year. We lead and support a number of highly public events both for veterans and the community. We advertise who we are, what we do, and how we add to the community. As always, we need your help and support to get these things done in a professional manner. One that states, ‘The American Legion.’

36 members at the March meeting was a good turn-out.  Still a lot of snow-birds haven’t returned to swell our numbers. We still have six old members that have not renewed. Membership Committee member Frank Milinski was laid-up following surgery and Cliff Schweiger stood in for him.

Finance Officer Vigue presented a summary of our finances. The $5,000 we invested with Vangard has grown by 161 dollars. So far it has been a good venture. He also reported on the Citizen of the Year Dinner by outlining plans, checking if members wanted to attend and providing other details. Public Relations Officer Martin also spoke about coverage for the event.

The Service Officer Barry Stevens had no news to report following the report that Frank M. was just released from the hospital.

Our Liaison Officer to the Riders reported their membership was up by two. Bob Irvine reported on the Town Centennial Committee. We are signed up for a float and a car show. More details will be forthcoming in May.

We voted to recognize Boy and Girl Scouts achieving Eagle and Gold Awards with $100. We will coordinate the presentation with the VFW so that recipients are only presented the cash award once.

Paul Lapierre outlined the April 20, Spaghetti Supper needs and secured an advance funding for supplies. He canvassed for volunteers too. There are still some unfilled positions so call him at 698-1762 to sign up.

Nominating Committee Chairman, Paul Lapierre presented the names of the officers nominated: Commander Mark Pilgrim, First Vice Commander Edward Ganiere, Second Vice Commander Frank Milinski, Adjutant Chuck Bogdan, Finance Officer Ron Vigue, Assistant Finance Officer Robert Irvine, Service Officer Barry Stevens, Chaplain Paul Lapierre and Sergeant at Arms Cliff Schweiger. No others were nominated from the floor. Nominations close and the vote will be taken at the next meeting. Please attend to make your choice.

Watch here for additions and changes. This will be a very busy couple of months with the addition of all the Centennial events. We lead some and assist with others so your support is critical.

For God and Country,