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Legion Post seeks furnace fix before winter

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Tattered and faded flags, surrounding the symbols of the American Legion Post #64. Conducting Flag Disposal Ceremonies is one purpose of the post, which also serves as a community center for local events.
Tattered and faded flags, surrounding the symbols of the American Legion Post 64. Conducting flag disposal ceremonies is one purpose of the post, which also serves as a community center for local events.

PHILLIPS – American Legion Post 64 on Depot Street is appealing for assistance in overcoming a series of issues that could result in the building being closed over the winter.

Due to state fire codes, the post’s heating system had to be moved and augmented with new parts. Post 64 members moved the furnace, but it now needs to be hooked up, with the electrical and fuel lines requiring a licensed installer. Hooking up the furnace, along with some additional duct work, is estimated to cost more than $2,500.

In a letter to Legion members, Post Adjutant Stanley Martell said that the post needed additional help. A sprinkler system must be activated and the historic building’s paint, hot water system and windows all require attention. The building, once the Phillips Depot for the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad, is overdue for maintenance, Martell said in the letter, adding “if we don’t do this work soon, it will cost more as time goes on.”

Without the furnace improvements, the weekly bingo and cribbage games will have to be discontinued for the winter, due to a lack of heat. In addition to those popular events, the Legion has made its building available for use by residents as a location for the farmers’ market, for use by the Phillips Area Community Center for feeding band members in its Celtic music series and for other community functions from time to time – often at no cost to users.

For more information, or to make a donation, write to Post Adjutant Stan Martell at P.O. Box 411, Phillips, ME 04966 or call 639-2204.

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2 Comments

  1. I hear a lot of words about supporting and appreciating veterans, but “actions speak louder than words.”

    Most of the vets in this little post are older, disabled, no longer able to do the kind of bull work that needs to be done to keep the building operational. They are doing their best to keep the post alive for the next generation of returning vets. If you don’t have money, donate a skill or time on a work crew.

  2. I think the American Legion should seek out a veteran (or any other) heating contractor, and see if the cost can be reduced to parts and materials in exchange for a Plaque of Appreciation inside the hall for all to see. That would help reduce costs and the good will generated might have greater value than the work itself. Just a thought.

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