American Legion Post #224 facing potential closure

TICONDEROGA | The Ticonderoga American Legion Post #224 has issued an S.O.S. to the community. Confronted with the challenging decision to potentially have to close its doors after 71 years, an outcome that the Legion believes would be a travesty not only for the veterans it serves but area residents as well, is the plight from which the Legion needs relief. "I have the utmost respect for my veterans," shared Tabitha Woods, the Legion's Auxiliary President and Event Coordinator. "My grandfather, several uncles, and cousins have served. If the Legion closes their doors, it's more than losing a bar in our town, it's more than losing another building in our town; it's losing multiple memories, multiple support systems, and much more." The American Legion, the largest U.S. veterans organization with more than 1.6 million members, has worked to strengthen the nation through programs, services and advocacy for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, youth, and communities. Having witnessed acts of war, veterans had a place they could come and be amongst peers with whom they could find understanding, camaraderie, and perhaps a little therapy. They could speak candidly about their experiences, and perhaps find some healing with the walls of the American Legion. Built at the turn of the 20th century, Ticonderoga's Legion building at 104 Montcalm Street was originally known as the Odd Fellows Temple, which hosted vaudeville acts and was a place known for providing Ticonderogians with performances, laughter, and excitement. The two stories, both equipped with bars and expansive areas for hosting social gatherings and large crowds, plus the remnants of the stage up top, tell the tale of a very different time in the town's history. In an open letter to the community, Post #224 acknowledged the financial challenges that lie ahead, and fear that the closure of the building would be far more than shutting down the bar, referring to the closure as representative of a crucial support system for veterans, their children, and families. "Our veterans are the foundation of the American Legion," the Legion expressed. "Without post 224, they and their families would forfeit the numerous benefits we offer, such as veterans events, dinners, breakfast, children's parties, community events, and various initiatives designed to provide financial assistance to our veterans and local programs, such as school, scholarships and supplies, and sponsorships to Little League, Scouts, etc." The Auxiliary also hosts Halloween and Christmas parties for local children, an annual Veterans Day dinner, and is involved in the Warriors Assistance Program (which serves post-9/11 veterans and active-duty service troops). Citing the establishment as more than just a bar, the Legion conveyed its belief that it is a dedicated space for veterans and a location filled with supportive individuals and events that benefit the community as a whole. Wood was enlisted this past summer to help rebuild the Auxiliary and create and organize events to help attract members, residents, and funds back to the Legion. "They were hurting," Woods expressed. "Since August I have been trying my hardest to keep our local American Legion alive with the help of the few volunteers that we have. Our new leadership of not only the Auxiliary, but the Legion, and the Sons, were left with multiple hardships." Multiple misfortunes that included low membership, a building in desperate need of multiple repairs including a roof, and low bank accounts with minimal funds that barely paid the bills, resulted in the present state of an unknown future and possibly sealed fate. "501(c)(3)s were pulled from the IRS from the Sons and Auxiliary due to neglect of information sent to the IRS," Woods explained. "Our dinners and events have been at low attendance, leaving us with just enough to cover the expenses of what is planned with little or no profit." In the meantime, Woods has sent area businesses a letter seeking donations and planned the next two months of events. "I understand this is going to take months to rebuild, but every little bit helps," she admitted. "Both the Sons and the Auxiliary are working very hard with the Legioners to keep their building open. The mission of the Auxiliary is to support the American Legion, and to honor the sacrifice of those who served by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. We do this by volunteering, holding local events for the children in the area, and providing services for those in need. Each member is very valuable." According to census figures, the overall veteran population in the United States is falling, which contributes to the national decline in membership of veterans posts. There are 18 million veterans in the U.S., but that number is projected to be down to 12 million by 2048. Post #224 is hoping to bolster their membership in each of the three branches. To join, there is a $30 membership fee for the Auxiliary, $25 for the Sons, and $40 for veterans. Meetings are held once a month. Even if members are not able to attend all meetings or events, they are still welcomed and warmly embraced when available. "To be eligible for the American Legion Auxiliary, you must be a female descendant of a U.S. veteran, or a female veteran yourself, who served honorably during specific periods," Woods said. "The required service dates are Apr. 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, or any time after Dec. 7, 1941." Auxiliary applicants can join based on their relationship to a living or deceased veteran, including a grandmother, mother, sister, spouse, or direct and adopted female descendant. "To qualify for the Sons of the American Legion (SAL), you must be male and have a parent or grandparent who served in the U.S. military," Woods continued. "Specifically, you can be a male descendant, adopted son, or stepson of a current or former American Legion member or a veteran who meets eligibility criteria." There are no age restrictions, and eligibility is based on the service of your direct ancestors, not your own service. Post #224 has also rolled out sponsorship packages and is desiring community partnerships to keep 104 Montcalm Street's doors open. "The Legion has always tried to recognize every sponsorship letter they get from multiple organizations," Woods noted. The events calendar, open to members of the community, is also looking fuller these days. Slated for Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., the Legion will host "80s Night," a flashback for one night of fun. Guests are asked to don their favorite 80s attire and will enjoy dancing to music strictly from the decade. Prizes for best dressed, best hair, and best dance moves will be awarded. Raffles, games, prizes, and of course beverages will be flowing. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. "Since we are so low funded at this time, the 80s event will focus toward sponsoring the Ticonderoga Food Pantry," Woods explained. "Instead of a cover charge at the door, we will be collecting food items instead and then distribute them to the food pantry. Two non-perishable food items will gain an individual entrance into the party. For a complete list of upcoming events, please visit TiconderogaAmerican LegionAuxiliary on Facebook (spacing is printed correctly). "Since I have joined back into the Legion, I was more than welcomed back," Woods reflected. "It's like one big family that's willing to continue to grow, even though I may see the same faces most of the time, every once in a while we get a new face, and it's like they have been there forever. Not only do they all have love and support for our Veterans, our country, and each other, they all have love for the building, and I would hate more than anything to watch the doors close on that." Donation checks may be made and mailed to American Legion Post #224, P.O Box 214, Ticonderoga, NY 12883. Those interested in joining the American Legion Post #224 or joining the Sons of the Legion or the Auxiliary are encouraged to call 518-585-6220, or may also stop in to the Legion Monday or Thursday through Sunday after 3 p.m. Please call for sponsorship opportunities.

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American Legion Post #224 facing potential closure

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