VETERANS DAY EVENTS

November 8 (Concert): Biddeford Middle School Chorus presents Veterans Day Concert. 7:00 p.m. at the BMS Performing Arts Center. Honoring all who served. Free and open to all. 25 Tiger Way, Biddeford. 

November 9 (Luncheon): Veterans Day Harvest Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kittery Community Center, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery. Turkey dinner with all the fixin’s. Veterans free, all others $12. For more information 207-439-3800.

November 9 (Breakfast & Assembly): Brewer High School is hosting its annual Veterans Day breakfast and assembly in the school gymnasium. Coffee at 7:30 a.m. , breakfast at 9:00 a.m., and assembly at 9:00 a.m. The assembly will feature our student essay contest winners, a veteran keynote address, in addition to a flag folding and POW/MIA remembrance ceremony. The day will be featured with music performed by the 195th Army National Guard Band accompanied by select Brewer High School musicians. Please join us as we honor our community. Breakfast is free to all veterans. The assembly is open to the public.

November 9 (Concert & Reception): Falmouth High School will launch Veterans Day events in town with a special concert from 1:25 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. A reception will follow the concert. Veterans are invited to arrive at the school at 1:15 p.m.

November 9 (Breakfast & Ceremony): Annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Ceremony. 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Hodgdon High School, 175 Hodgdon Mills Road, Hodgdon. All area veterans and their families are invited. Free breakfast. For more information 207-532-2413.

November 10 (Ceremony): Oxford Hills Veterans Day Ceremony. 9:00 a.m. to noon at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, 256 Main Street, South Paris. Informational tables/booths and ceremony honoring Veterans Day.

November 10 (Lunch): Free Veterans Day lunch for North Yarmouth veterans at Toddy Brook Café, 925 Sligo Road, North Yarmouth. Lunch for veteran and all supporters. North Yarmouth Veterans Memorial Park will cover the cost of lunch for North Yarmouth veterans. For more information contact Holly Day at 207-939-0842 or hday@maine.rr.com

November 11 (Veterans Day):

• Veterans and Community Connection Expo: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Co-Hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services at Cabela's (100 Cabela Blvd., Scarborough). A family friendly event for veterans, service members, and their families to learn about benefits through State, Federal, and Community Resources. A free meal will be provided by Operation at Ease. 

• Baileyville (Brunch): 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Veterans Day Brunch sponsored by the WHS Student Council & Auxiliary Legion Unit #23. Veterans and their families are invited to the Legion Hall for a free meal. You can expect breakfast foods, baked goods, and plenty of coffee. 98 Main Street, Baileyville. 

• Bar Harbor (Open House): 10:00 a.m. to noon. American Legion Post 25 located at 70 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor.

• Biddeford (Breakfast): 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Biddeford Middle School, hosted by the Biddeford-Saco Rotarians. Donation $15, veterans free. 

• Biddeford/Saco (Ceremony): 10:00 a.m. starting at the corner of Pool Street and Alfred Road. The parade will proceed down Alfred Rd to Main Street, crossing the bridge onto York Hill in Saco, through Saco's Main Street, turning right on Beach St, and finishing at CK Burns School with a closing ceremony. To participate sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/bpayccwc

• Boothbay (Ceremony): 10:00 a.m. Please join members of the Boothbay Region Garden Club when a wreath will be placed on the Blue Star Memorial Marker in honor of all United States military members. Past, present, and future. 
• Brunswick (Ceremony): 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Plaza on the Brunswick Mall, Guest Speaker: John Eldridge.

• Chesterville (Veterans Social): A veterans’ social will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the David Archer Town Hall, 409 Dutch Gap Road in Chesterville. It is being put on by Town Clerk Melissa Letarte, Deputy Town Clerk Katlin Hilton and the North Chesterville Extension Homemakers. Light refreshments will be served.

• Falmouth (Ceremony & Luncheon): Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Falmouth Veterans Memorial located at 65 Depot Road. Following the ceremony, the Falmouth Lions Club will host a luncheon at the Falmouth Legion Post for veterans and their families and any other community members wishing to celebrate the town’s veterans. 

• Farmington (Public Observance & Lunch): 11:00 a.m. at Teague WWI Memorial Arch. 11:30 a.m. at Meetinghouse Park. Free lunch for veterans and their families at the Legion Hall at noon.

• Farmington (Presentation): 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at North Church, 118 High Street, Farmington. Presenter: Glenn Miller, writer.

• Lewiston (Ceremony): 10:00 a.m. at Lewiston Veterans Park.

• Lincoln (Breakfast): 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at 35 West Broadway, Lincoln. Free to veterans and one guest.

• Readfield (Ceremony/Lunch): 11:00 a.m. at Readfield Town Office (8 Old Kents Hill Road) honoring all veterans. Following the ceremony at 11:45 a.m. a free crockpot lunch will be available upstairs at Gile Hall with desserts provided by Readfield United Methodist Church. For more information call 207-685-4939 or email info@readfieldmaine.org.

• Richmond (Parade): 11:00 a.m. at the Richmond Middle/High School, 132 Main Street, Richmond.

• Standish (Dinner): 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 175 Northeast Road, Standish. Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Maine’s unhoused veterans. 207-322-7065 for more information.

• Skowhegan (Music): 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 27 Silver Street, Skowhegan. Music for Military House Band, featuring special guest John Hodgdon (US Navy Veteran) and Linda Coelho.

• Togus (Ceremony): 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Togus VA Medical Center, Flagpole commons outside of Building 200, 1 VA Center, Augusta.

• Waterville (Parade/Ceremony): Begins at 11:00 a.m. at The Elm at 21 College Ave., Waterville and proceeds south on Main Street to Castonguay Square, next to City Hall where a short ceremony is planned.

• Wells (5K Road Race): 10th Annual Veterans Day 5K Road Race. 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Wells Elks Lodge, 356 Bald Hill Road, Wells. The cost to enter is $20 (adults 18+), $15 (students 11-17) and kids (10 and under) are free (RunSignUp fees are extra).  As in past years, the first 100 paying registrants will receive a men's long-sleeve t-shirt.
  Proceeds to benefit Honor Flight Maine. To Sign up for the race go to - https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Wells/VD5k

• Wilton (Patriotic Program): A patriotic program will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Wilton at the First Congregational Church, sponsored by WECO, 386 Main Street. Well-known local singer Sammie Angel will sing patriotic songs, Abraham Lincoln will share the Gettysburg Address and Farmington Emblem Club #460 will provide an American flag folding demonstration. Donations will be accepted. All are welcome.

• Winslow (Lunch): Following the 11:00 a.m. Waterville parade, lunch will be hosted by MacGrillis-Roussau Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8835 at 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow.
   

HOMELESS VETERANS MOBILE STAND DOWN WRAP-UP

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services (MBVS) held six successful Mobile Homeless Veterans Stand Downs in Brewer, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, Springvale, and Togus serving a total of 78 veterans and their families (39 who were homeless and 39 who were at risk).

MBVS was proud to join partnering agencies: Event sponsored by: VA Maine Healthcare System, VA Maine Homeless Veterans Program, Veterans Benefits Administration, Vet Center, FedCap-Veterans Forward, VFW, Operation Brotherhood, Elks Lodge, Maine Veterans in Need, Maine DOL CareerCenters, Sport Clips, American Red Cross, Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness, Volunteers of America Northern New England, Veterans Upward Bound, Health Affiliates of Maine, Preble Street, V.E.T.S. Trailers, Tri-County Mental Health Services, and the Patriot Riders of Maine. 

VETERANS & COMMUNITY CONNECTION EXPO

Saturday, November 11th the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services will be joining the VA Maine Healthcare System, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and many other community resource partners at the Veterans and Community Connection Expo being held at Cabelas in Scarborough, Maine!

This family friendly event will be packed with information regarding available benefits, services, and other community resources for veterans, service members, and their families.

Plus, Operation At Ease will be providing a FREE meal for attendees!

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION

Each year, VA proudly celebrates National Native American Heritage Month, which honors the nation-to-nation relationship between Tribal governments and the federal government. This observance commemorates the history, heritage and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives and celebrates the vast achievements of America’s indigenous peoples.
 
The Pentagon Force Protection Agency, VA and other partners invite you to a live-streamed event on Nov. 8, from 1:00-3:30 p.m. ET, to celebrate the heritage and contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives for their honorable and indispensable service in our country’s Armed Forces. American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the military at higher rates than any other ethnic group.

VIRTUAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH SYMPOSIUM

This symposium will honor Native American Veterans by remembering their legacy and service to our country, and will educate, inform, and empower Native American Veterans and service members, as well as their family members, caregivers, survivors, and advocates about valuable VA resources.  The symposium will provide information on VA benefits, Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits, Tribal Health Services, disability claims - including a tutorial, Vet Centers, and the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.  Feel free to join and to share the invite information with any interested party.

Date:  Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Time:  1:00 - 3:00pm (ET)        

Quick Join:  Click Here to Join

Link to Join:  https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=mfb62116063b29c96167be2351f1aed1e

 VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED!

Maine DAV Transportation is in need of drivers! -- Many Maine veterans rely on DAV to get to their medical appointments!

Qualifications for becoming a DAV volunteer driver include:

• Possess valid drivers license & vehicle insurance.
• Pass a physical examination.
• Pass a driving record and background check.

FREE UMAINE HOCKEY TICKETS!

All Veterans and Service Members! -- Call the ticket office at 207-581-BEAR and mention the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services before Wednesday, November 8th, at 4:00PM. and you'll get a free ticket. After that time, you'll be limited to a 50% discount while supplies last. 

 VETERANS DAY DISCOUNTS!

• On Veterans Day, Hannaford Supermarkets is offering all veterans and active military service members 10% off your purchase. — Saturday, November 11th!

• Link for Free Meals, Discounts, and Great Deals! Click here. 

THANKSGIVING BASKETS

The Maine National Guard Family Program is in need of Thanksgiving/Christmas baskets for Maine Military members, families and Gold Star Families that are experiencing financial difficulties.

If you as a member or a Unit would like to be a sponsor, please call
1-888-365-9287 or email michelle.l.ouellette2@civ@army.mil
Let’s do our part to ensure that our Miliary, their families and our Gold Star families are taken care of this holiday season.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

November 9 (Ceremony): Veterans' Art Exhibition Celebration. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A special exhibition to honor the art and creativity of Maine Veterans. For more information visit www.mainearts.com, Hall of Flags, Maine State House. 

November 9 (Hiring Event): 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hire-A-Vet Campaign Event and Resource Fair at the Auburn Mall. Connect with employers and resource providers from across Maine. Open to all-job seekers. Free haircuts provided for veterans on site by Sport Clips Haircuts.

November 14 (Forum): PTSD Help and Healing Forum hosted by Veterans Forward. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hannaford Hall – Abromson Community Education Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland. Keynote Speaker, Jason Kander. For more information visit maineveteransforward.org

November 18 (Luncheon): 10th Annual Women Veteran's Luncheon. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hosted by the American Legion Post 24 and the American Legion Department of Maine, Women Veteran's Advisory Committee to Honor Women Veterans. Refreshments, reiki, and a variety of activities followed by lunch. For more information contact Tricia Thurston at 357-3289. 

November 19 (Dinner): Lasagna Dinner 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Thanksgiving dessert / pie auction at 6:00 p.m. Hosted by American Legion Post 1. 335 Limerock Street, Rockland. For more information contact 207-975-9690 or 207-594-2901. 

November 22 (Recreation): VAST Free Recreational Opportunities. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These activities are open to ALL Veterans with or without a disability. Each Wednesday, we will offer a variety of activities based on the weather (indoors vs outdoors) and interest of veterans. Currently, we are offering a warm-up session of Qigong, and bowling and indoor or outdoor bocce.  However, we may add different activities such as mountain biking, or other indoor activities such as pickleball or WC Basketball based on the  interest of the veterans. Feel free to contact Kristina to confirm the activity each week. Contact Kristina Sabasteanski at 207-310-8694 or kristina@pinelandfarms.org

November 29 (Recreation): VAST Free Recreational Opportunities. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These activities are open to ALL Veterans with or without a disability. Each Wednesday, we will offer a variety of activities based on the weather (indoors vs outdoors) and interest of veterans. Currently, we are offering a warm-up session of Qigong, and bowling and indoor or outdoor bocce.  However, we may add different activities such as mountain biking, or other indoor activities such as pickleball or WC Basketball based on the  interest of the veterans. Feel free to contact Kristina to confirm the activity each week. Contact Kristina Sabasteanski at 207-310-8694 or kristina@pinelandfarms.org

If you have an event you wish to have featured on the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services website and newsletter, please email: ryan.e.lorrain@maine.gov

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