American Legion Post 88 News
Respectively submitted By Shawn Jones, Commander
Greetings from Loudon Post 88.
We had 11 members present at our February meeting. I gave a report
from the Mid Winter Conference I had attended. I also advised the
membership that the town of Loudon would help us with the cost of
putting on the Memorial Day parade. We have the Recreation Committee
members to thank for making this possible along with our town
Selectmen.
Our Commander’s Fund Raffle Winners were as follows:
February: $50 - C. Parent, $25 - C. Merrill, $10 - G. Loford, $10 -
K. Bean & $5 - A. Dyment.
March: $50 - S. Hargraves, $25 - L. Sinclair, $10 - D. Pollock, $10
- W. Stinson & $5 - D. Lowe.
April: $50 - R. Denis, $25 - A. Dyment, $10 - F. Merrill, $10 - J.
Sweeney & $5 - H. Stevens.
Congratulations to our winners and thank you for supporting our
post.
We had 10 members present at our March meeting. Department Vice
Commander Gerard LeDuc of Epsom Post 112 and his wife Jane paid us a
visit. Charlie Wilox also a member of Epsom Post 112 came to the
meeting to take photographs during the evening. Charlie will return
in April for our installation of officers. The Vice Commander
updated us on some things going on within our district and the Jr.
Oratorical Contest on March 28th.
He will be working on expanding this program for next year as we
only had two contestants come out of all the schools that had
received information about the program.
Getting back to post installations, the only change of officers this
year will be James “Don” Small who volunteered to be our Second Vice
Commander.
It’s my wish we will have a good turn out of members and their
families for the ceremonies. Some members offered to bring in food
and refreshments to share after the installation is over with. I did
talk to the members that were present about the ongoing need to
recruit new members who someday will help lead the post. Without new
members or current members willing to serve as an officer, we might,
like other posts, close our doors. We need members and revenue from
dues and fund raising in order to stay in business.
We also discussed the Memorial Day parade. I’ll touch more on this
for the May edition of The Ledger so that it will be fresh in
peoples minds.
We voted in favor of spending up to $100 on a POW/MIA flag to use in
the parade. We even had a member come forward who offered to carry
the flag as part of the color guard. We also voted to spend $48 to
buy a case of Girl Scout cookies to send to our overseas troops as
we have done over the past few years.
Our newest member Michael Hartt from Concord came to his first
meeting. We hope he will continue to come to our monthly meetings
and be involved with the direction of our post.
There is a District 5 spring meeting on April 11 at Post 28 Suncook,
43 Church St. Time: coffee 0900, meeting begins 1000. All District 5
members are encourage to attend. We will be seeking nominations for
officers. Some of the positions open are, Adjutant, Sr. Vice, Sgt.
at Arms, Service Officer and Judge Advocate.
We ask that each post send at least one representative to this
meeting. We need to have a quorum to conduct District business.
See the below announcement:
Testimonial dinnerh onoring Commander Bob Dionne, Saturday, April
25, 2015, 6-7 Social, 7PM dinner, Hooksett Post 37, 5 Riverside St.,
Hooksett, NH.
Roast beef dinner $20.00/pp. All vice commanders and the office have
tickets. Only 150 tickets to be sold.
For questions, please call Bob Blais, 493-2921
Our current membership renewals for 2015 stands at 85.53% we still
have some ground to cover to reach 100%. Last year we made 100% by
May 1st. I hope we can do it again this year.
On a good note we are still 3rd in the district, but not in first
place, like we were last year.
For any new members who wish to join our post and
have never been in the American Legion, we will pay your first
year’s dues for you as our way of saying thank you for joining Post
88. Please contact a member of the post for a membership sign-up
card, or contact me directly at
[email protected] or 603-496-0204. I can also provide you with information
about the Ladies Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion.
We meet again on April 15th at the Loudon Community building at 1900
hrs.
We look forward to seeing you there.
CRVNA Offers Healthy Eating On A Budget Presentation In
Pittsfield
Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association is offering a free
presentation “Healthy Eating on a Budget” on Tuesday, April 14 from
10 to 11 a.m. at Pittsfield Senior Center, 74 Main Street in
Pittsfield.
Eating healthy does not need to cost more. Learn tips to help you
make choices that are not only healthy, but also affordable.
To register, call (603) 224-4093 or (800) 924-8620, ext. 5815.
The Dorcas Guild
On Tuesday, March 10, the Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational
Church of Pittsfield convened their monthly meeting. The devotion, a
pastor’s story about a woman who is too busy and needs to stand
still, was from Daily Devotions by Ron Newhouse. The story was based
on Luke 12:27. The “Lord’s Prayer was led by Elaine Coffey.
The corresponding secretary’s report presented by Mary Jo Powelson
included several notes of appreciation. Concerns were expressed for
a couple members who are facing health challenges. Bouquets of
spring flowers will be delivered to them by the president. Treasurer
Reny Boyd gave her report.
The food basket was delivered to Paula Corriveau by Gailann Newton.
Evelyn Richard will be the recipient in April. The mystery package
won by Jane Osborne was a delightful collection of items celebrating
St. Patrick’s Day selected by Gailann.
Decisions were made resolving items under discussion in previous
months. Funds for the church’s vestibule project were approved.
Funds were also approved for distribution to CAP to assist with
emergent needs of several local towns.
Prayer partners, who will be revealed in April, were selected.
Members were encouraged to remain anonymous until the April meeting.
Streamlining the business meeting was considered. By consensus a new
procedure was accepted. Dorcas minutes will be printed and read
individually prior to acceptance.
Refreshments with a lovely St. Patrick Day theme followed
adjournment. Hostesses served ice cream sundaes with both chocolate
and butterscotch brownies topped with vanilla ice cream. Peanuts,
punch, cheese and crackers complimented the sundaes.
The April 14 meeting will be hosted by Peggy and Gailann. The Dorcas
Guild will continue to host the Fellowship Hour the Sunday following
the monthly meeting.
The Dorcas Guild
On Tuesday, March 10, the Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational
Church of Pittsfield convened their monthly meeting. The devotion, a
pastor’s story about a woman who is too busy and needs to stand
still, was from Daily Devotions by Ron Newhouse. The story was based
on Luke 12:27. The “Lord’s Prayer was led by Elaine Coffey.
The corresponding secretary’s report presented by Mary Jo Powelson
included several notes of appreciation. Concerns were expressed for
a couple members who are facing health challenges. Bouquets of
spring flowers will be delivered to them by the president. Treasurer
Reny Boyd gave her report.
The food basket was delivered to Paula Corriveau by Gailann Newton.
Evelyn Richard will be the recipient in April. The mystery package
won by Jane Osborne was a delightful collection of items celebrating
St. Patrick’s Day selected by Gailann.
Decisions were made resolving items under discussion in previous
months. Funds for the church’s vestibule project were approved.
Funds were also approved for distribution to CAP to assist with
emergent needs of several local towns.
Prayer partners, who will be revealed in April, were selected.
Members were encouraged to remain anonymous until the April meeting.
Streamlining the business meeting was considered. By consensus a new
procedure was accepted. Dorcas minutes will be printed and read
individually prior to acceptance.
Refreshments with a lovely St. Patrick Day theme followed
adjournment. Hostesses served ice cream sundaes with both chocolate
and butterscotch brownies topped with vanilla ice cream. Peanuts,
punch, cheese and crackers complimented the sundaes.
The April 14 meeting will be hosted by Peggy and Gailann. The Dorcas
Guild will continue to host the Fellowship Hour the Sunday following
the monthly meeting.
Maundy Thursday and Easter Services
First Congregational Church, 24 Main Street, Pittsfield, will hold a
special Maundy Thursday worship service including Holy Communion,
commemorating the “Last Supper” of Jesus, this Thursday, April 2, at
7 p.m. Special music will be provided by the Chancel Choir and the
JuBellation Handbell Choir. The service will be preceded by a
potluck supper in the Vestry at 6 p.m.
On Easter Sunday, April 5, at 7 a.m., the customary Sunrise Service
will be held in the Sanctuary with breakfast immediately following
(about 8 a.m.) in the Vestry. The traditional Easter worship service
will commence at 10:00 a.m. and will include Holy Communion. Come
and worship at either service and join us for breakfast!
For more information about any of these services, call the church
office at: 435-7471 and speak with Rev. Dave Stasiak.
Concord Women’s Connection Lunch IN Style
Spring into Fashion luncheon featuring fashion shows by Christopher
& Banks on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Red Blazer Restaurant, 72
Manchester St., Concord, NH, 224-4101.
Special speaker Dolores Cassidy from a Life of Fear and Doubt to a
Life Worth Living.
$18 program, three course lunch, tax and tip included. All are
welcome.
For reservations call Wendy 485-7446, Diane 798-5819, or Dolores
545-1780. Reservations by April 6, cancellations required.
Sponsored by Concord Christian Women’s Connections
and Stonecroft Ministries (non-profit).
www.Stonecroft.org.
Josiah Carpenter Library April Calendar Of Events
Preschool Story Hour Thursdays Story time with Mrs. Grainger
includes snack & craft. April themes will focus on weather, (rain &
sunshine) flowers, Earth Day and frogs, all in celebration of
Spring! April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 10:00-11:00 in the Children’s
room
Maker Program Projects include scrapbooking, mixed media art, book
making Tuesdays April 7, 14 @ 3:30 – 4:30
National Library Week April 12-18th Enjoy special activities at your
library everyday
Maker Program Lego Club will begin Tuesdays April 21 –May 26 @ 3:30
– 4:30 Sign up is required
Eager Readers Young reader’s book club ages K-5th grade will read
books together; write reviews; have fun with book reports Thursdays
@ 4:00- 5:00 pm
Josiah Teen Book Worms Discussing “The Grimm Legacy” by Polly
Schulman Thursday April 2nd between 7-8:30 pm at the library
Library Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, April 21@ 7 pm
Earth Day April 22nd Pick up a free packet of seeds at your Library
today. Donated by Maxfield’s Hardware in Pittsfield.
Pittsfield Writer’s Circle April is National Poetry Month. Join us
for An evening of Poetry Thursday, April 23rd @ 7 pm
Read Meet & Talk Tuesday April 28th Join us for an exciting
discussion of “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd at the
Pittsfield Senior Center @ 10:30- Noon. Stay for a leisurely lunch
served by the Community Action Program!
Requirement Of Standardized Claim, Appeal Forms Simplifies
Application Process For Veterans
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan,Chaplain
American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 Pittsfield
Washington – With the goal of making the application process easier
and more efficient for our Veterans, the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) now requires Veterans seeking disability benefits to
use standardized claim and appeal forms. These standardized forms
guide Veterans to clearly state the symptoms or conditions for which
they are seeking benefits and provide the information necessary for
VA to start processing their claims and appeals.
“This change will help VA provide faster and more accurate decisions
to our Veterans, their families and survivors,” said Under Secretary
for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “Standard forms are essential to
better serve Veterans, build more efficiency into VA’s processes and
bring us in line with other government agencies such as the Social
Security Administration.”
The easiest and fastest way for a Veteran to submit
an application for compensation is online through the eBenefits (
www.ebenefits.va.gov) portal. VA
encourages Veterans to work with representatives of Veterans Service
Organization (VSO), or their state or county representatives, who
can assist with filing electronically or in paper form. Standardized
forms are a key component of VA’s transformation, which will help
achieve the Department’s goal to eliminate the backlog by the end of
this year.
There are two claim actions that now require standardized forms:
1. Veterans’ or Survivors’ applications for disability compensation
or pension – Specific forms are designed to capture information
necessary to identify and support benefit claims.
Veterans filing for disability benefits must now use VA Form
21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related
Compensation Benefits.
Wartime Veterans filing for needs-based pension must use VA Form
21-527EZ, Application for Pension.
Survivors filing a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation
(DIC), survivor’s pension, and accrued benefits must complete VA
Form 21-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued
Benefits.
2. Notices of Disagreement with any aspect of VA’s decision on a
disability claim – The standardized Notice of Disagreement form is
used when a claimant wishes to initiate an appeal.
Veterans disagreeing with a VA compensation decision should use VA
Form 21-0958, Notice of Disagreement.
Veterans and survivors will not be required to use a standardized
notice of disagreement form to initiate appeals of pension or
survivors benefit decisions at this time.
VA recognizes that some Veterans may need additional time to gather
all of the information and evidence needed to support their claim
and therefore established a new intent to file a claim process.
Applicants may notify VA of their intent to file a claim in order to
establish the earliest possible effective date for benefits if they
are determined eligible. An intent to file a claim may be submitted
in one of three ways:
Electronically via eBenefits or with the support of a Veterans
Service Organization (VSO) through the Stakeholder Enterprise
Portal.
Completing and mailing a paper VA Form 21-0966, Intent to File a
Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or
DIC
Over the phone with a VA call center or in person with a public
contact representative.
Veterans may appoint a duly authorized representative, such as a
VSO, who can notify VA of a claimant’s intent to file using any of
the methods listed above. VA will provide an individual up to one
year from the date they submit their intent to file a claim to
complete the required application form. Veterans may wish to use
this one-year period to gather evidence necessary to support the
claim so that evidence can be submitted along with the application
form.
VA’s move to standardized claim and appeal forms will make the
process easier and more efficient for both VA and the Veterans, and
allow VA to establish a quicker, more streamlined benefits delivery
system.
Letter To The Editor
The “Make 12 Hours Count” Radio-thon for Veterans Count, a program
of Easter Seals NH, was an exceptional event that raised over
$125,000, and brought public awareness to the needs of military
families in NH! Special credit goes to Jack Heath, who along with
Veterans Count volunteer, Renee Plummer, came up with the idea to
host a radio-thon to provide help and support for New Hampshire’s
veterans. Our profound thanks goes to Joe Graham for his vision and
willingness to take a risk in providing 12 hours of content about
Veterans Count on News Radio 96-7 and WGIR-AM 610 iHeartRadio.com.
The radio-thon was executed flawlessly by his entire team.
Many thanks to Presenting Sponsor LTC Partners, the administrator of
the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program and BENEFEDS. We also
thank our hourly Supporting Sponsors: Autofair, Granite Group
Benefits, Grappone Automotive, Kittery Trading Post, Manchester
Harley Davidson, New England Dragway, Service Credit Union, Toyota
of Portsmouth, and Walmart.
Thank you to event and phone volunteers as well as incentive, phone
bank set-up, and food sponsors. We are grateful to the more than
400 callers who made donations to Veterans Count!
Larry J. Gammon
Easter Seals NH
President & CEO
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