Between January and April our year was terrifying, we were using the government assistance provided during the COVID-19 pandemic just to stay afloat.
In April, that changed!! Members of the American Legion family and the community came out to support our Post in an overwhelming fashion. The "Save the American Legion" Ziti Dinner we held gave us the injuection of cash needed to ensure we would make it through the pandemic and be able to reopen.
In mid May, we reopened the doors to the canteen area. People in the area were excited to get out and they were excited to see us open. We first had to open as a "restaurant" offering food along with our refreshments. As the restrictions lifted and we returned to our normal business we were worried that we would begin to struggle again. The opposite has happened, we are continuing to get support of the surrounding area and it is only making our Post better!
On Memorial Day, we were joined by Jacob Schutz as our guest speaker at our annual event which this year was held outside of the Post by the flag pole. The Executive Committee has decided that this
event will continue to be held closer to the post to include a flag retirement ceremony.
In June, our officers attended the Department of Massachusetts Convention. They voted on Department Officers and were involved in the discussion of resolutions to be passed. The Law and Order Committee honored local Capitol Police Officer Billy Evans with a plague for his heroic actions at the Capitol Building in which he lost his life.
July, August, and September passed without much action. Newly elected officers of the Post were getting their feet wet and finding their way. They forged a path and are currently working on many projects to make the Post better. At some point during these months we had a member transfer in, Mike Blewitt, came into the Post and set up shop. He has involved himself by going to department dinners, helping clean around the post, and showing up to events inside the post and around the community. He has brought fresh ideas and plans to lead ceremonies this coming year. He also set a fire under everyone's butt and pushed to get something started that has been talked about for years.
October: Saw the beginning of our Meat Raffles, Mike Blewitt was kind enough to push for this to
start and then decided to take a two week vacation to Ireland. THANKS MIKE!! This event started with everyone that has supported us since we opened and has seen numerous new attendees. We have been able to raise money for the building and grounds funds through these raffles and they continue to grow. The November raffle saw 2 turkeys on each table. In December, 2 tables had Prime Rib on them. January's raffle will include a Leg of Lamb valued at $73.
By November, we had really seen improvement. Compressors that run the walk-in cooler broke down and were replaced within a day. To combat the rising cost of electricity we replaced the beer coolers behind the bar and saw instant savings. These small projects were possible from your support.
We were also able to have our normal Veterans' Day celebration with parade and ceremony at the Memorial Park. Wayne Soares was our Master of Ceremonies and our member John Crosier was the guest speaker.
December we closed out the year by buying new stools for the bar, throwing a Army vs Navy party during the annual football game. GO NAVY!! Members also participated in the Wreaths Across America event at Southview Cemetery.
Our "Be Our Guest" Christmas Dinner returned for the 66th year after being skipped last year due to the pandemic restrictions and went off without a hitch. We served over 300 meals to North Adams, Adams, Williamstown, Pittsfield and other surrounding areas.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR A GREAT YEAR!! HAPPY NEW YEAR and STAY SAFE!
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