Post 77 plans Memorial Day program, guests/public invited

Commander David Simon reminded the membership during the May American Legion meeting of Arceneaux Post 77 of the upcoming Memorial Day program hosted every year by the organization.
The 2016 event will be held Sunday, May 29, at 10:30 a.m. for the general public. Special guests will include family members of veterans who have passed on during the past year, in addition to Gold Star family members. A guest speaker is also on the morning’s agenda as announced by Chairman Ray Olinger.
Special thanks were extended to everyone who helped during the 2016 Legion BBQ Dinner Sale held Sunday, April 10, at the Legion Home. Thanks were also also extended to the many patrons who made plate lunch purchases.
Olinger also announced plans for a 7th District meeting on June 15 for the 2016 Boys Staters who will attending the week-long program this summer. The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at Post 77 in Rayne.
He also noted the Legion, along with the annual sponsors, Woodmen of the World, Rayne Lions Club and Bank of Commerce, will sponsor one Rayne High male who will be a senior for the 2016-2017 school year.
Under membership, Ray Olinger reported 188 member dues have been paid or 91% of Post 77’s goal.
Olinger also announced a Patriotic Rosary will be said Sunday, May 29, at St. Leo Catholic Church in Roberts Cove. The event will be held at 6 p.m. in observance of Memorial Day.
The schedule for musical entertainment was announced, in addition to an increase in bar sales since the Legion Home is now open on Wednesday evenings and with the addition of a pool table. Monday is still being considered for expanded days and hours of the bar area.
A list of awards and what schools will be attended by legionnaires for the end of the school year awards program to conclude the 2015-2016 school year was discussed and legionnaires volunteered their time to make presentations.
A maintenance report was given by Robert Comeaux of the many projects and repairs recently completed at the Legion Home.
Lorraine Shelton-Gaines gave a brief report of the Lafayette and Lake Charles clinics. She state work on the Lafayette location is proceeding as weather allows. Grund will soon of broken for the Lake Charles location.
Gaines also announced a donation was made by Post 77 towards the Rayne Police Memorial, with matching funds donated by Lisa Smith Soileaux on behalf of family members who have served in the military.
A report was given of the anticipated Veterans Park to be built near Gossen Park. Once weather allows heavy equipment to move into the area, the construction of the foundation will begin.
It was announced Post 77 Commander David Simon will represent the Legion during the re-introduced Frog Eating Contest to be held at the 2016 Frog Festival.
For the annual nomination of new officers, it was presented and voted upon to re-elect the entire slate of officers by acclamation. Nomination will be presented put to a final vote at the June meeting, with installation of the new slate of officers to be held in July during the annual installation banquet.
With no additional business to come before the membership, the meeting was adjourned and a delicious meal was served by the Legion cooks.