The workers at Post #36's buffet breakfast on Sunday, July 15, were kept busy. There were 117 attendees, including quite a few visitors from "away." The Post thanks them for their participation. And thanks also go to the setup, kitchen, serving, busing and clean-up crews. The next breakfast will be on Sunday, June 29.

At the regular monthly meeting of Post #36 several items of interest occurred.

--A Gold Medal of Merit was awarded to Past Commander Lew Curtis in recognition of his volunteer activity.

--Vice Commander Frank Helman is now Judge Advocate as well.

--Eddie Thibault is now the Historian

--Approximately 30 of the folding metal chairs at the hall require repair. Quotes for repair were at $20 each, with new chairs about $10. Decision was made to see if there are 30 Legionnaires who will donate $10 for a new chair.

As mentioned in last week's article, work on the bridge between Randolph and Gardiner will cause traffic delays from now to October. (Believe it; I got into the hang up on Rt. 27 last week trying to come home from Augusta). People heading to Togus from this area usually take Rt. 27 into Randolph and turn right on Rt. 226. It works even better to turn earlier, onto Kinderhook Street, which is the first right after the parking area on your right just after one passes the sign saying you are entering Randolph.

For those veterans who still have G.I. Insurance, there are new features on the Web site:

www.insurance.va.gov. You may now view your beneficiary designation and apply for a policy loan online. You may also access current information about your policy. Click on the link, "Online Policy Access." You may obtain the Personal Identification Number (PIN), which is needed to log on, at this Web site. The PIN will be mailed to you. The current interest rate for new loans and existing variable rate loans is five percent. This rate will remain in effect until October 1, when it is subject to change. To apply for a loan, send a request over your signature to: P.O. Box 7327, Philadelphia, PA 19101-7327. The V.A. Insurance phone number is 1-800-669-8477.

News for veterans who use the Department of Veteran Affairs. A new service at the Department's call center is available to answer your billing questions. Call toll free, 1-800-601-6286, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time. The VA Health Revenue Center staff in Topeka, Kansas can assist you with your VA billing statement questions. A new computer system allows them to view your billing records and get the information they need to answer your questions quickly. The new system is accurate, secure and confidential.

The American Legion's State Baseball Tournament will be held Saturday, August 4 through Wednesday, August 8, at St. Joseph's College, Mahaney Field in Standish. The Regional Tournament will be held in Burlington, Vermont August 16 through 20. The 2007 World Series is scheduled for August 24 through 28, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Post #36 needs an Americanism Officer. Is there a Legionnaire who is interested in the education of the upcoming generations in what Americanism means? If so, contact Commander Bob Raudenbush, 99 Hendricks Hill Rd., Southport, ME 04576 (633-5579).