This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
08/08/2022 09:30 AMCLINTON
Thanks to $458,000 in grant funding from the state, the American Legion Post 66 building will be able to undergo serious renovations, the Post announced July 29.
The American Legion is a nonprofit organization formed in 1919 with a mission of helping veterans as well as community service. Clinton’s Post 66, over 100 years old, is the local chapter of the organization, and though it doesn’t look it from the outside, infrastructure of the building dates to the 1930s and is in major need of upgrading. On July 29 the State Bond Commission announced American Legion Post 66 in Clinton would receive $458,000 in grant funding for facility upgrades.
Post member Bob Washington said the Post has a wide range of needs to address including an electrical system dating to the ’30s, a leaky roof, and repairs to both the plumbing system and the kitchen. The Post is also interested in possibly adding solar power.
Post Commander Jack Scherban said, “We want to provide a safe and comfortable refuge for veterans to relax in.”
According to Scherban, the Post hall is used by the VFW, the Lion’s Club, and the Rotary. The Post is also involved locally in events like organizing the Memorial Day parade, providing scholarships to graduating Morgan Students, sponsoring Little League teams, and most importantly providing aid and support to veterans.
“The building we are housed in dates back to 1930 and is in need of maintenance, repairs, and renovations,” said Scherban.
The Post will need to put the projects out to bid, Scherban said, but he did not have a time table at press time for when the upgrades would come.
Scherban has been Post commander for about a month and said the push to apply for the money came before he began his term as commander. Scherban said State Representative Christine Goupil (D-35) and State Senator Norm Needleman (D-33) alerted the Post of the bond approval.
"A thank you is totally inadequate for the gratitude we owe for our representatives,“ Scherban said in a prepared statement. ”For Their work and tireless dedication in securing us this grant, we will be forever grateful. Our building desperately needs these funds for necessary upgrades. Many parts of this structure date back to 1930, including part of our electric service. The upgrades this grant will allow will ensure that this, our nerve center, will be able to continue to support the veterans of Clinton for years to come.“
Both Needleman and Goupil are candidates for re-election in the 2022 elections.
In a statement Goupil said "I’m thrilled to be bringing home this victory for the veterans at American Legion Post 66 in Clinton. The veterans at Post 66 are the silent heroes of our community who never take credit for all the amazing work they do, which includes organizing the Memorial Day ceremonies, parade and flyover, providing a space for numerous local organizations to meet and for events.”
“This funding will allow the post to make dire updates and energy-saving improvements to their facility, so they can continue to serve our community. I want to thank Governor Lamont's Office, and the Bonding Subcommittee House Chair, Representative Dorinda Borer, for recognizing this project's need in my continued advocacy. I also want to thank Post 66 for remaining a pillar of support for all in the community.”
Meanwhile Needleman said “I'm grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of our local community.”
"The American Legion Post 66 has been an integral part of our community for decades, aiding our veteran populations who have given so much back. I'm proud the Post will be able to make needed upgrades."