American Legion post seeks growth after mixed 2024

BREWSTER – American Legion Columbia Post 97 is looking back at 2024 as a measure to help the organization move forward in 2025. Post Commander Greg Wagg said that while the post had a pretty good year, some tough choices had to be made to reduce expenses and payroll.

The closure of Bridgeport Post 218 several years ago left the Brewster Post as the only one still operating between Chelan and Okanogan. 

“We would really like to see more members coming to our meetings,” Wagg wrote in the post newsletter.

General membership meetings are at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month in the post headquarters at 102 N. Third Street.

Recruiting new members is a continual challenge to have a volunteer pool for community contributions. The honor guard is a case in point.

“Our honor guard is shorthanded,” said Wagg. “Remember, it is an honor to honor our friends, members, and fellow veterans who have passed on.”

“We would really like to see more members coming to our meetings,” said Wagg.

A review of the year just passed touched on some of the highlight events:

• The August golf tournament was a great success.

“We had some new sponsors and new prizes,” said Wagg. “This tournament nets us between three and five thousand dollars each year.”

• Day of the Dead Tamale Contest.

The Legion partnered with the Brewster Chamber for this new and popular attraction.

“This is going to be an annual event,” said Wagg. “A good way to reach out to our Hispanic community members.”

• Community Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

“We had lots of donated food and volunteers,” said Wagg, “Each dinner served about 50 people. We received nearly a thousand dollars from donations.”

• Friday night steak dinners ($16 price includes baked potato, salad, and garlic bread).

“These are still very popular,” said Wagg. “For those who haven’t tried one, you don’t know what you’re missing.”

• Bingo Night (6 p.m. Thursday)

“Still a great success,” said Wagg. “The last big jackpot on our progressive game was nearly $750.”

• Silent Auction

This first-time, week-long event accepted bids on items ranging from a $700 leaf and branch chipper to gift cards.

“The auction netted our post just over $2,500,” said Wagg. “We are already planning another one this spring.”

Among 2025 projects is one with the Omak Home Depot for a grant to make needed repairs to the post. Other projects scheduled or under consideration include:

• Valentine's Day Prime Rib Dinner (Feb. 14).
• Clam and oyster feed (date TBA).
• Second Silent Auction. Donated items are welcome. Items do not need to be new, just unbroken and in good working order. 
• Weekly corn hole events and tournaments.
• Guest speakers at Legion meetings. Three Rivers Hospital CEO Scott Graham will be the featured speaker at the March meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5.
• Spring Farmers Market. 
• Sunday breakfast – provided a cook can be found – the key ingredient.

The Legion is currently open three days a week: Tuesdays (1-6 p.m.), Thursdays (3-8 p.m.), Fridays (3-8 p.m.) For more information, visit Columbia Post 97 on Facebook. To become a member or donate, email amerlegion97@outlook.com or call 509-689-3307.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media