BY CHICK CICIOTTE

This past week has been a busy one, traveling around the state and talking with people. I’m becoming convinced that a state bill, LD1280, A Casino for Southern Maine, is definitely a win-win for the people of Maine. Riding around Maine I’ve seen more Maine contractors than I ever imagined; electricians, plumbers, roofers, carpenters, glass and door people, etc., etc, and guess what — a lot of veterans employed.

A casino with a restaurant and hotel will take a couple of years to build and that means lots of people working, which would be a economic boom for Maine. Once up and running more people would be put to work; maids, maintenance people, clerks, secretaries, cooks, waiters and waitresses, kitchen help, and on and on. Some people believe gambling is wrong, but look at the good side — gambling is not going away! So let’s take the good things that it will bring, such as employment, uplifting our economy, funding for veterans, stability in the harness racing industry, funding for our education system, help with roads and bridges, strength to our fairs, funding for our Law Enforcement Agencies, (drug Treatment), and the list grows and grows.

I had the opportunity to talk to a couple of farmers who sell hay and oats to the harness racing industry. They told me they can’t keep up with the demand. I was told that oats grown in Maine (Aroostook County) are some of the best in the country, but is not a profitable business. I have learned so much about the harness racing industry coupled with agriculture and fair associations over the past month, that I truly believe the people of Maine should strongly consider supporting LD1280. I hope our state legislators will take an honest look at what this legislation can do for the people of Maine.

Cumberland Fair

The upcoming Cumberland Fair is going to hold a Veterans Appreciation Day, Sunday, Sept. 27. Opening Ceremonies will begin around 10 a.m. A gala event is being planned — food, prizes, awards, etc.. Funds will be raised to support Beal House at Togus. This is a place where the families of veterans can stay (free of charge) while their loved ones are having operations, or during a Hospice situation. The Beal House is financed by our state’s veterans organizations (Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS and others). Much, much more will be forthcoming about this event. Gov. Paul LePage, First Lady Ann LePage, many state legislators, veteran leaders and other dignitaries will be in attendance. Director Mike Timmons will coordinate all activities.

The Beal House

The Beal House is available to the following eligible people: immediate family members of inpatients at Togus Veterans Medical Center being seen for the following: Medical inpatients, surgical patients, seriously ill patients, Hospice palliative care patients, short term inpatients, Mental Health patients. Available ameneties: three bedrooms — two single beds each, one handicap accessible bedroom, one with a single bed (linens provided). There is a shared living room, shared kitchen, laundry facility, telephone (local or phone card), and television. How to obtain lodging? Ask a member of the staff to contact Beal House for you. The normal stay is three or less days. More days, if necessary, will be evaluated on a case by case basis, subject to availability. Facilities to safely accommodate children under 18 or infants are not available. For more information call (207) 621-6994.

Veterans Inc.

Veterans Inc.: Serving Maine veterans; assistance accessing permanent housing, counseling, case management, employment services, job training, family support programs, benefits counseling and advocacy and temporary financial assistance — a 501C3 non-profit. The organization’s single-minded mission is to be there for our veterans in their time of need. Veterans Inc. is open 24/7 with staff on duty around the clock. Call (800) 482-2565.

Veteran Homes

Maine has six Veteran Homes. They are located in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough and South Paris. Maine Veteran Homes provide outstanding quality care to Maine’s veterans and their spouses. The six facilities are recognized for their modern amenities, exceptional programs and full continuum of care. Most importantly, our success can be directly attributed to our staffs unwavering commitment to our mission and core values in taking care of Maine’s veterans. For more information call Mid-Cast Veterans Resource Center at (207) 406- 4103. Ask for Director Read Rich VSO Paul Loveless.

Call your congressperson

On the national level, veterans are asked to continue their calls to their congressional delegation asking them to support “Blue Water” Vietnam Vets Act (S681) and (HR969).

Hire-A-Vet and transportation network

Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign launches Sept. 7. Goals are 100-plus employers participating and 100- plus veterans hired in 100 days. The Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign will take place over 100 days, starting with its public launch on Sept 7. “We want Maine’s employers to fully appreciate the value a veteran can bring to their workforce,” said Gov. LePage. “Ann and I fully support the Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign. Media Contacts: Julie Rabinowitz, Maine Dept. of Labor, (207) 621-5009 and Norman Stickney, Maine Dept. of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, (207) 430-5759.

Disabled Veterans Transportation Network: The Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine operates a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) volunteer transportation network. The network is funded through donations to the DAV Department of Maine. The network links veterans throughout Maine to the VA Medical Facility at Togus. For more information and scheduling call (207) 623- 5790 or toll free 1-877-421-8263, ext. 5790.

Coming Events

A Day to Remember 9/11 Ceremony. Freeport Flag Ladies, it will take place at the Freeport Fire Station at 10 a.m. Sept. 11. All veterans are urged to attend this special event.

The Fleet Reserve will meet on Thursday, Sept 10 at Post 202 in Topsham. Luncheon at noon and meeting at 1:30 p.m.

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Chick Ciciotte is the legislative chairperson for the Mid-Coast Veterans Council. He lives in Topsham.