Legion News: A New Roof and This Week’s Dinner Menu

The next American Legion dinner is scheduled for August 16, and the menu is slated to include smoked Beef Brisket. The meat will be prepared by a mystery chef collaborating with the Legion’s Chef Raj Asava and should prove to be a memorable meal.

The last meal on August 2 was in celebration of Cal Jamieson’s 90th birthday, and it was a great party with Chicken Cacciatore, roasted potatoes, green beans and cake and ice cream for dessert. We fed more than 60 people, and it looked like everyone had a great time visiting with Cal and each other.

Everyone is welcome to these community dinners, which take place on the first and third Tuesday each month at the Old Mission Legion Hall, 4001 Swaney Road in the village of Old Mission. Come and join us for another great meal and fellowship on August 16. The doors open at 6 p.m., with dinner served promptly at 6:30 p.m. Take-out meals are also available. If possible, call first, (231) 223-4433. Hope to see you there.

(Editor’s Note: Follow the Old Mission Legion on Facebook to keep up to date on their dinners and events. -jb)

The Legion Hall Gets a New Roof

Thanks to Rotary Charities and an amazing outpouring of support from the Old Mission Community, the Garland-Tompkins American Legion Post 399 now has a new roof. The new roof covers the entire building, including the Old Mission Post Office.

The roof replacement was identified as a critical need last year, and bids were taken from three companies. Based on those bids, it was determined that the job could cost as much as $30,000, depending on the state of the boards underneath, which support the shingles. A fundraising effort was begun in order to raise the needed funds prior to contracting the actual work. Two separate grant requests were submitted, and a call went out to the community, which shares the use of the Legion Hall.

We are very pleased to report that Rotary Charities came through with a grant award of $10,000, and the community raised a little over $20,000, which allowed us to contract with Storey Roofing in late June. The Legion chose Storey Roofing because their estimate was reasonable, they were willing to apply a Veteran’s discount, and they were also willing to let the Legion purchase the materials directly, which gave the Legion the ability to save money on sales tax.

Finally, and very important, they were able to do the work within three weeks of contract so that the new shingles could seal in the hot sun of summer. The other two contractors could not get to the job until September.

In addition, as you drive by the Legion, you will see that the wood deck, stairs and ramp have been cleaned and water sealed, and the flagpole has a new solar powered lighting system. You will see that the sign has been straightened and painted, and you will see new plantings in the flower beds.

All of this work, including the fundraising and contracting for the new roof, has been accomplished through the efforts of volunteers, many of whom asked to remain anonymous, but whose efforts are fully appreciated in any case.

American Legion Post 399 wants to thank Rotary Charities, the many community donors, and the many volunteers who put time and materials into making this all happen. This is truly an amazing community. Thank you, Old Mission.

–Rudy Rudolph, Post 399 Commander

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