Post 77 plans Legion events, programs

Events were planned during Tuesday’s meeting of American Legion’s Arceneaux Post 77 for the month of December by Commander David Simon.
Nominations for the upcoming Fire Fighter, Law Enforcement Officer, and Educator of the Year are presently being distributed for awards.
The American Legion Blue Cap Award process was also discussed as the local nominee will be acknowledged soon.
Commander Simon announced Post 77 will again host the 7th District Oratorical Contest on Feb. 7, 2016, at the local post, while legionnaires were reminded of the 7th District Conference to be held next month at Post 1 in Lake Charles.
Members were reminded of the $5 increase in annual dues to go into effect in January. Members were urged to make their payment of dues before January to avoid the increase.
A special gift was presented by Jill Pellissier, teacher at Martin Petitjean Elementary, which included a decorated box of Veterans Day cards submitted by the MPE students, along with a special gift certificate to provide refreshments for the Post during the next meeting.
It was reported that Walgreens are presenting free flu shots to veterans.
It was voted upon and passed to extend the happy hour in the bar area to 4-6 p.m. during the week days.
The 7th District Christmas Party will be held Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the War Veterans Home in Jennings. All veterans are invited to attend and help with the event. Post 77 and Unit 77 will again make their annual donation of fruit and cash for the bingo games.
Under the memorial report, veterans who have passed since the last meeting include Orise Boudreaux and Henry “Pete” Melancon.
All veterans were invited to attend the 2015 Annual Sonic Christmas Parade to be held in Lafayette over the weekend as a veterans float will be provided.
A report was given of the Veterans Appreciation Meal held last month in honor of all veterans of Acadia Parish. The event was held at Post 225 in Church Point. Despite inclement weather, a good crowd was welcomed.
It was also reported of the ongoing process of forming a Veterans Coalition for the planning of events and programs in the future.
Announcement was made of the funeral services provided by the Acadiana Veterans Honor Guard. Contact any funeral home or veterans organization for more information or for them to provide the service.
Under the building maintenance report, it was announced that the bar area has been enlarged. All labor was donated for the project, with 99% of the materials as well. Also received was a new television and wall bracket donation.
Commander Simon also explained the replacement of light fixtures throughout the Legion Home, along with the hiring of a repairman to make repairs to the leaky roof.
It was reported a location at 309 St. Julian Street in Lafayette has been agreed upon for the location of the Intermin Mental Health Space, frequently called campus B, to serve veterans until the new large clinic is completed on Ambassador Caffey. Ground work has recently begun on the new, larger clinic that has been in need for area veterans for many years.
The membership was advised of the upcoming events to be held at the Legion Home for the month of December, including: Dec. 5 - Louisiana Swamp Fever Band; Christmas special with Warren Storm, Willie Tee and Cypress on Dec. 12; Ronnie Matthews & Throwdown on Dec 19; and a New Years Eve special event on Dec. 31 when Ronnie Matthews & Throwdown will return to bring in the new year. Tickets are now available for $15 per person which includes entry and a meal.
An officers meeting was slated for the following Monday to discuss the many upcoming events and projects planned at Post 77.