Once again we come to the community to thank everyone for a fantastic summer season at the Vets Center. Whether you know us as the Vet Center, VFW or the American Legion (which is who we are), we appreciate everybody who came by and shopped with us during our sale season. Although it seemed like a really long stretch for those of us who worked every week to gather and prepare all the treasures that we had for sale, the time flew by as we greeted many of the same people on a weekly basis.

A very special thanks goes out to all the community members who donated many very serviceable items, which we offered for sale. Without those ongoing donations, we couldn’t continue the sale. For those of you who consider donating, we accept just about any Serviceable Item for the sale. Our season begins the first of April and runs through the end of August. We appreciate a call to either of our numbers so that we can accept all donations as they arrive. That way we can make sure any of your donated treasures aren’t damaged by the weather. Those numbers are 631-1839 for Jim and 846-3762 for John.

I need to specifically name three very special helpers. First of all, I want to thank Donna Shear for all of her help since the beginning. If you shopped with us, you saw Donna moving around the area, nonstop, arranging and displaying all the incoming merchandise. The other name that springs to mind is Carol Nordine. Carol spent hours working on incoming merchandise as well as the ‘Christmas Corner’ and our bookshelves. Without their help, I’m not sure we could have accomplished as much as we did this year. The last one I need to name is ‘Big’ Mike Shear. He used his culinary skills to prepare a fantastic dinner for all of those who showed up to help us close the sale down and pack it for transport to GoodwilL.

Lastly, I want to thank all the members who tirelessly showed up week after week to help us accomplish our goals. That goal is to continue to help those Vets who are in need. We also are continuing to sponsor a scholarship to a graduating senior at one of the area schools. We hope to send a couple of young men to Boys State this coming year. Boys State is an educational opportunity in which attendees earn college credits. We continue to support the Isle of Flags in numerous ways, including the storage of all the flags for the event. Most recently, we became a sponsor of a local Cub Scout Pack. The pack holds its meetings in our facility. Don’t forget the hall is available for all your grand occasions. In addition, the monies received help us keep the doors open, lights on and maintenance performed on and around the building. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will be back next year.

Jim Brakebill

Commander, American Legion Post 157