Post 77 hears ‘Ride Acadiana’ report; Legion is stop

RAYNE - During the August meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, held Tuesday evening at the local Legion Home, Commander David Guidry and chairmen lined up a number of upcoming events planned for legionnaires.
A report was presented by guest Rachelle Godeaux of the Acadiana Planning Commission for the upcoming “Ride Acadiana” bus transportation program slated to begin Aug. 20 for citizens of Acadia Parish. The new program is of special interest for the Legion since Post 77 is one of the three Rayne stops, in addition to the Southside Community Center and the U.S. Post Office.
Suzette Leonards, representing the City of Rayne, also expressed the city’s support for the new program set to take place during the next six months; afterwhich, the pilot program will be evaluated for continuation.
Legions programs hosted by Post 77 including Boys State, Oratorical Contest and awards for the annual Law Enforcement Officer, Fireman and Citizen of the Year will be re-established this term. Forms have been requested for an early start for the programs. Additional information and updates will be given during the September meeting once school begins.
Memorial report included Francis “Frannie” Dupuis of June 24, 2018.
The sick call list was given including Larry Guidry.
Commander Simon reported of the recent weekend musical entertainment held at the Legion Home, in addition to a number of events planned in the coming weeks.
Upcoming Legion events announced were: Aug. 11 - Louisiana Gold and Damon Troy will provide music for dancing between 8 p.m and midnight with a $10 cover charge; Aug. 15 - Legion will provide a free supper, free beer will be available for one hour (6:30-7:30 p.m.) with the band Louisiana Knights providing music and no cover charge for the special night; Aug. 25 - High Performance will return between 8:30 p.m. and midnight with a $10 cover charge.
Simon reminded everyone that food and beverages are available for purchase with an expanding menu at the Legion Home during normal bar hours. Call 334-4774 to place your pick-up orders.
Also continuing at the Legion Home is Cadillac and Domino games between 4 p.m. until closing every Thursday.
“Thirsty Thursday” drink specials will also be available from 7 p.m. till. All domestic beers are $1.50 a bottle.
Following the maintenance report including projects and repairs recently completed at the Legion Home, Simon thanked Robley and Chris Moroux for their help and assistance with the recent projects completed at the Legion Home. It was also announced the south Legion parking lot is in the process of being patched.
Concerning the Constitution By-Laws, Simon announced the updates are still in the works and once complete, will be turned over the Judge Advocate for review before directed to the State Department.
Robert Comeaux explained a local Woodmen of the World project planned for veterans who are residents of the War Veterans Home in Jennings. The local Woodmen Life Chapter 31 is collecting the following needed supplies for a special holiday fundraiser: men’s elastic waist pants, t-shirts, slippers, diabetic socks, body spray, Depends undergarments, thermal coffee cups, after shave and shaving products, electric razors, wall calendars, along with ladies’ medium stretch pants and matching shirts. Collecting will continue until Dec. 1st with a delivery in time for the holidays. Contact Robert (581-4317) or Bernadette (581-7484) for questions or for pickup.
Simon, a member of the War Veterans Home Anciliary Committee, noted that most Legion, VFW, Auxiliary and many other organizations contribute towards the War Veterans Home for special events and needed supplies not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. The home includes 159 beds for veterans, including an alzimer’s unit. All help and assistance is appreciated.
The membership report for the new membership year of 78 paid up dues, in addition to on-line dues that have not been received as of the meeting.
Simon thanked the ladies of Auxiliary Unit 77 for attending the Tuesday meeting stating, “We appreciate all you do for the Legion. Without your help, there is no doubt Post 77 would be in trouble.”
Announcement was made of the upcoming 100th birthday of the American Legion in March of 2019. Plans will be announced once the birthday committee meets and plans are finalized
Also noted was the 100th birthday of the local Arceneaux Post 77 on 2021. The committee will also begin making plans for the local celebration.
With no further business to come before the Post, the meeting was concluded and meal was served by the Legion cooks.