Policies for American Legion Lincoln Post331

Policies Content of American Legion Post 331

Celebrations of Life
House Rules
Facility Decorations and Postings
Canteen Committee Functions
Canteen use during a “Legion” Meeting
Donation(s) and Expenditure(s)
Hall Rental(s)
Rental Fee(s)
Rules for Children in the Post
First Year Membership Initiative
Proper Attire in Kitchen Areas
Holiday Closing(s)
Gaming Activities
American Legion Scholarship Opportunities
Veterans Transportation Network (VTN)
Veterans Assistance Committee (VAC)
 E-Cigarette(s) and Vaping

 Celebrations of Life – Policy #1

For a Veteran of American Legion Post 331:
Effective 3/11/2019 the families of a deceased Legion member will not be provided a complimentary celebration of life. Family of the deceased may be offered three (3) options to celebrate the life of their Legion member.

Option 1:
(1) Legion donates $100.00 to deceased member's charity of choice.
(2) Legion has no other financial involvement.
(3) Chaplain assists with funeral as requested by family.

Option 2:
(1) Legion donates function space for the family to use for the event.
(2) Family is allowed to bring in there own food for their own use.
(3) Legion donates lemonade, iced tea, water, coffee & maybe desserts.
(4) Legion provides applicable Flags, Memorial Table and Regalia.
(5) Chaplain assists with funeral as requested by family.

Option 3:
(1)  Legion donates function space for the family to use for the event.
(2)  Legion provides applicable Flags, Memorial Table and Regalia.
(3)  Legion provides catering options (see Canteen Manager for details).
(4)  Legion requests desserts from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 331.
(5)  Chaplain assists with funeral as requested by family.

All requests, like other requests for use of our post, must be forwarded to the Assistant Canteen Manager who handles function space utilization.

For a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 331:
American Auxiliary Unit 331 will pay the cost of the celebration of life.

For a member of American Legion SAL Squadron 331:
       a.   SAL Squadron 331 will pay the cost of the celebration of life.

American Auxiliary Unit 331 and SAL Squadron 331 are responsible for providing the rules for celebrations of life for the families of their members.
                                                             

House Rules – Policy #2

Only Members in good standing will be allowed the privileges of the post.
Members are responsible for any guest(s) they sign in.
Members shall be responsible for any minors they bring as guests.
The canteen shall close no later than 3:00 AM (“LAST CALL” means Last call).
There shall be no carry-out of alcoholic beverages.
There shall be no carry-in of alcoholic beverages.
There shall be NO firearms allowed in the canteen at any time.
The BARTENDER is the final authority on the following:

Refusal of service to any member or guest.
Enforcement of all post and ATC rules.
Checking of membership cards, refusal to show card means no service.
Signing in of guest and monitoring of sales.

Only authorized personnel (Canteen Manager, Bartenders) will be allowed behind bar (This applies to everyone).
The post shall not be responsible for items left on premises.
Member must remain at post as long as they have a guest present.
All persons must conduct themselves in a proper manner (not doing so, see below).
The Canteen Committee has the authority to recommend suspension of canteen privileges of anyone who does not comply with the rules.

 

Facility Decorations and Postings – Policy #3

Pins and staples are damaging to the walls and doors and when tape is used on walls, doors and ceilings it seems to never get completely removed.

             2.  Therefore pins, staples and tape are not to be used for attaching decorations, posters   or anything to wall, doors or windows. You may use Command Strips or, if not too       heavy, painter’s tape for attaching to walls and doors. Ceiling hooks or paper clips are to      be used for attaching to ceilings. This is the same policy as seen in the policy for hall   rentals.

 

 Canteen Committee Functions – Policy #4

Article VI – Section 18, of the post By-Laws delineate the functions, duties and makeup of the Canteen Committee for American Legion Post 331.  Canteen Committee members are not expected to be present at the post at any particular time.  However, if present, at the post at any time, a committee member shall document incidents of misbehavior or failure of patrons to abide by canteen rules.  This documentation may be used for the purpose of future actions to be taken by the committee and also for reports forwarded to the executive committee.  As stated, a canteen committee member is not under an obligation to be present within the canteen at any particular time.  If present and available at the post, the committee member’s authority shall supersede the bartender’s authority as set forth in Policy #2 herein. 

 
Canteen use during a “Legion” Meeting – Policy #5

No alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages will be sold to any “Legion” member of American Legion Post 331 while a “Legion” membership meeting is being held on the 4th Monday of each month.
All “Legion” members of American Legion Post 331 will be asked to attend the membership meeting or leave the canteen area while the membership meeting is in progress on the 4th Monday of each month.
This policy DOES NOT apply to other organizations of The American Legion Post 331 Family unless specifically addressed by that organization within their policies or by-laws.

 

 Donation(s) and Expenditure(s) – Policy #6

No donation(s) or grant(s) may be made to individual(s) except in the case of a serious illness or hospitalization and then only after the proper review by our Veterans Assistance Committee (VAC).
Donations of $500 may be approved by the membership in a regular meeting. Donations over $500 must be approved at two (2) successive regular membership meetings (reference is By-Laws Article IX).
Trustees may spend up to $500 per calendar month for incidental repair of post equipment and facilities (reference is By-Laws Article IV Section 9).
The Executive Committee of American Legion Post 331 may authorize or approve expenditures of up to $1,500 (reference is By-Laws Article III Section 2).
The Finance Committee shall review all major expense(s), greater than $2,500 before said expenses are presented to the executive committee or membership.
The following types of expenditures are covered by this policy:

Regular – utilities, insurance, CPA fees, approved monthly expenses, and license fees covered by (By-Laws Article IV Section 4) and paid by the post Finance Officer.
Special – items that have not been budgeted or approved but require approval by the executive committee.
Emergency – immediate repairs that are necessary to remain open. The executive committee should be called but officers in attendance may make approval and then present to the executive committee.

 

 Hall Rental(s) – Policy #7     

American Legion Post 331 has two facilities available for rental.

Veterans Hall.
Memorial Hall.

Reservations, through the assistant canteen manager, are required for rental.
Rental is on a first come first served basis.
There is a fee structure for renting the facilities.  These fees are set by the executive committee in coordination with the canteen manager.
Providing “free” use of any facility requires the approval of the membership                             (reference is By-laws Article IX).
The canteen manager will furnish to the executive committee the following.

Deposits, what type, how much, when deposit must be received.            
Refund policy, time limits, amounts.

The executive committee will review and approve all changes to hall rental contracts prior to any negotiations with potential renters.
Pins and staples are damaging to the walls and doors and when tape is used on walls, doors and ceilings it seems to never get completely removed.

 

Therefore pins, staples and tape ARE NOT to be used for attaching decorations to wall, doors or windows. You may use command strips or, if not too heavy, painter’s tape for attaching to walls and doors. Ceiling hooks or paper clips are to be used for attaching to ceiling

Rental Fee(s) – Policy #8

Memorial Hall fee is $75 for members and $125 for non-members.

Does not include $25 cleaning fee.
For groups no larger than 70.

Veterans Hall fee is $400 for members and $500 for non-members.

Does not include $50 cleaning fee.
For groups no larger than 275.

Veterans Hall (Half) fee is $250 for members and $300 for non-members.

For groups no larger than 125.

Deposit for each hall rental is one-half (1/2) of the rental fee.
Cancellation Policy:

60 days or more before event, one-half of deposit will be returned.
59 or less days before event, there will be no deposit returned.

Equipment Deposit Fees:

TV remote $100 each; lighting remotes $50 each; and microphones $100 each. 

ALL food costs must be paid in full seven (7) days before event date.

 

 

Damage Policy:

Renter is responsible for all damage to Post 331 property.
A damage deposit of $200 is required.

Rules for Children in the Post – Policy #9

American Legion Post 331 is a family oriented post and we encourage members to bring children to the post.  To make the experience enjoyable for everyone, it is important that no guest or child of a guest act in a way that interferes with others use and enjoyment of the post.  Children by their nature do not always understand what is expected of them.  From time to time, even if they do understand, it is the nature of childhood that obedience to rules needs to be enforced by the adults responsible for the child.  In addition, the post has a gaming and liquor license. Each of these licenses has mandatory rules that must be obeyed in order to keep the license. Some of those rules relate specifically to minors.  American Legion Post 331 has the following rules for children and the adults who bring them to the post.

No one under the age of majority (18) will be allowed to pay, handle, buy tickets or anything related to our gaming license at any time. 

No one under the age of 21 will be allowed at the bar. 
 No one under the age of 21 will be allowed to handle, buy or otherwise be allowed to be involved with alcoholic beverages. 
Adults who bring children into the post are required to remain on the property for as long as the children are present.
Adults who bring children into post buildings are required to place the children at a table and are not to sit at the bar as long as the children are on post property and will be responsible for supervising the conduct of their children. 

Children who are in the post building will be required to be seated at the tables, or to remain in the immediate proximity of the table except for the operation of the non-gambling games (digital bowling) or to obtain food from a buffet or food display.
Children who are in the canteen area will not stand at the edge of the bar in order to converse with or simply be near an adult sitting at the bar. 
Children in the post buildings will not run, or engage in boisterous play inside of the post building.  Activities that involve running or boisterous play are limited to the outside area of the post property. 
Other than for organized play outside of the post building or another organized post function, if a child is outside of the post on post property, a supervising adult must be physically present in the area where the child is. In the event of organized play or another organized post function a child may be left under the supervision of responsible adults assigned by the post to supervise the organized play or another organized post function.
Any child who breaks these rules may subject the adults responsible for bringing them to the post to sanctions, including but not limited to being required to leave the post.

  
First Year Membership Initiative – Policy #10

American Legion Post 331 may, from time to time, offer a one year membership to active duty personnel and service members within 6 months of their separation.

This membership is for one year only and subject to the following:
Service member should be a resident in or near Hendricks County.
The service member must express an interest in membership.

The total of these “free memberships” will be limited to fifteen (15) each membership year.


Proper use of the Kitchen Areas – Policy #11

The Canteen Manager has the responsibility for food service safety.  The Canteen Manager and/or Catering staff is required to be “Certified in Food Safety Management” by the Indiana State Board of Health.  Volunteer food preparation personnel should be knowledgeable and follow established safe food handling procedures.

1.      Proper time/temperature and location storage parameters.
2.      Labeling containers with content and storage date.
3.      Wash your hands frequently when handling food before it is cooked, and wear gloves.
4.      Wear sterile gloves when handling food which will be served uncooked or after cooking.
5.      Wear appropriate hair and beard coverage (nets, caps).
6.       The canteen management will supply gloves and hair nets for your use.

 
Holiday Closing(s) – Policy #12

American Legion Post 331 will close for the following holidays

Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Easter Sunday

All other holidays will be handled by the Executive Committee, in coordination with the Canteen Manger; keeping in mind American Legion Post 331 is here to serve veterans and their families.


Gaming Activities – Policy #13

There are overhead costs and resource requirements associated with post charity gaming.

Administration.
Licensing.
Management of assets.

Gaming funds are what pays the light bill, gas bill, water, etc. and items such as the insurance for the post.
The American Legion from time to time may make a donation to the AUX, SAL or ALR.
For these reasons post management must oversee all gaming activities
If any unit of the post decides they want to do a raffle or conduct any gaming activity the following applies:

Unit should request approval with sufficient advance notice with the form we use, which will ask that you describe the nature of the raffle or activity.
Unit will obtain all gaming materials from canteen admin. A record of all gaming materials will be recorded and all materials will be inventoried at the end of the gaming activity.
As soon as the event is finished, funds from all sales will be submitted along with the remaining materials for reconciliation and proper recording on appropriate Event Summary Form.  Gaming funds are NEVER to leave the post facility

All items to be raffled (if not donated) must be purchased from the gaming account.

All funds must be deposited into the gaming account. NO Exceptions!

 
American Legion Scholarship Opportunities – Policy #14

The post commander will appoint three to five post members, in good-standing, to serve on the committee for one year.  It is the responsibility of the post commander to appoint the scholarship committee each year. The current committee will appoint a chairperson.

 The application period for the current scholarship year will be from 1 February through 30 April.

 Our scholarship is an academic scholarship administered by American Legion Post 331, 636 East Main Street, Brownsburg, Indiana 46112. One scholarship in the amount of $4,000.00 will be donated each calendar year at the rate of $500.00 donated for the two semesters of an academic school year. The recipient of the scholarship must attend an accredited post high school secondary college or university located in Indiana.

 The student must be enrolled as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. The scholarship is restricted for use as follows:

 Tuition
Room and Board
Class textbooks
Other college/university required fees.

 Prompt delivery of transcripts at the end of an academic year showing the previous two semesters to American Legion Post 331 scholarship committee will ensure renewal of the scholarship for the next academic school year.

 Mandatory requirements the applicant must meet are:
 Be a child, grandchild (linear descendant), or legally adopted relative of an American Legion Post 331 member in good standing or deceased member who was in good standing at time of death.
Applicant must be a graduate of an Indiana High School.
Application must be submitted to the scholarship committee no later than close of business on 01 May or the next business day in the event the post is closed.

 The scholarship committee is responsible for the format of the scholarship application, distribution, selection and notification of the winner. Award of the scholarship gives due consideration to academic excellence as well as high school and community involvement and achievement.

 The selected winner must maintain contact during the term of the scholarship; submit transcripts at the end of an academic year; maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA); and maintain full-time student status with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

 In the event the scholarship winner does not remain enrolled in an accredited college or university within the State of Indiana or fails to maintain a 2.0 GPA, the winner forfeits all scholarship rights. If scholarship funds are paid for a semester in which the student drops enrollment, the student will be liable for repayment of the scholarships monies paid to the college or university.

 If a blood relative of a current scholarship committee member applies for this scholarship, the member must recuse themselves for that particular scholarship year

Veterans Transportation Network (VTN) – Policy #15

The Hendricks County Veterans’ Transportation Network (VTN) is operated by Brownsburg American Legion Post 331 at 636 East Main Street in Brownsburg, IN 46112-1423.  The VTN vehicle is physically located at American Legion Post 331.

Veterans of Hendricks County can access the transportation network by calling the VTN Chairman at (317) 439-4855.  Once a veteran makes contact with the VTN Chairman, appointment information is exchanged, a driver is assigned and the veteran is scheduled for transportation from their home to the Roudebush VAMC, 1481 West 10th Street in Indianapolis, IN 46202 and then back to their home.  Transportation is provided at no cost to the veteran.

Veterans can also contact the Hendricks County Service Officer at (317) 745-9239.  The service officer will provide each veteran the information necessary to get in touch with the VTN.

Brownsburg American Legion Post 331 has contact information for the VTN at www.brownsburgpost331.org.

Personnel interested in becoming a driver for the VTN should contact the VTN Chairman at the aforementioned telephone number (317) 439-4855.

 
Veterans Assistance Committee (VAC) – Policy #16

We have established a VAC, which has been charged with adjudicating requests from veterans based upon the criteria listed below.  Veterans who meet the criteria listed may be eligible for financial assistance.  If the post is contacted by a veteran in need we must obtain their name, address and telephone number.  Inform the veteran this information will be passed to our VAC and someone will contact the veteran as soon as possible to assist.

1. Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) – TFA is only for the basic needs of children living in a home supplied by the accompanying veteran and/or the legal spouse.  The following criteria must be met prior to completion of a TFA request.

Are there children (17 or younger; 20 or younger if still enrolled in High School or they are physically handicapped) living in the domicile supplied by the veteran and/or legal spouse?
Has the veteran received an honorable discharge as evidenced by a DD214?
Has the veterans served at least one day of active duty, honorably, during the specified dates listed below:

World War II:              December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946

Korean War:                 June 25, 1950 – January 31, 1951

Vietnam War:               February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975

Lebanon/Grenada:             August 24, 1982 – July 31, 1984

Panama:                  December 20, 1989 – January 31, 1990

War on Terrorism:                  August 2, 1990 – present day

2. Children’s Education and Welfare Fund (CEWF) – CEWF is provided to a veteran/family in order to protect the health and well-being of such minor children, until more permanent aid and assistance can be obtained.  The following criteria must be met prior to completion of CEWF request.

Are there children (17 or younger; 20 or younger if still enrolled in High School or they are physically handicapped) living in the domicile supplied by the veteran and/or legal spouse?
Has the veteran received an honorable discharge as evidenced by a DD214?
Has the veteran served at least one day of active duty at any time or place?
National Guard and Reserve Force veterans are also eligible.

3.Indiana Veteran’s Emergency Transition System (IVETS) – IVETS is focused on providing assistance to veterans who may or may not have a family, and who may or may not have minor children in the home.  The following criteria must be met prior to completion of IVETS request.

Has the veteran received an honorable discharge as evidenced by a DD214?
Has the veteran served at least one day of active duty at any time or place?
National Guard and Reserve Force veterans are also eligible.

 
E-Cigarette/Vaping Free Policy – Policy #17

To protect indoor air quality and to protect the health, safety, and comfort of clients, employees, customers, and visitors of Brownsburg American Legion Lincoln Post 331.

E-cigarettes (vaping) pose health risks and contain detectable levels of carcinogens and toxic chemicals. These chemicals are also present in secondhand emissions. 

This E-cigarette (vaping) policy prohibits the use of electronic delivery systems (also known as E-cigarettes, E-cigars, E-hookahs, e-pipes, and vaping) anywhere that tobacco smoking is prohibited.

No vaping is permitted within the facilities of Brownsburg American Legion Lincoln Post 331 at any time. This includes but is not limited to Veterans hall, Memorial hall, canteen, and all private offices

This policy will be effective January 1, 2018

Definition: Vaping refers to the use of electronic e-nicotine delivery systems or electronic smoking devices

Procedure

Staff, visitors, and members will be informed of the Brownsburg American Legion Lincoln Post 331 e-cigarette-free policy that will be posted on the website as well as posted signs throughout properties owned and operated by Brownsburg American Legion Lincoln Post 331.

Any member or visitor observed using e-cigarettes (vaping) on owned or leased property will be asked, in a tactful manner, to discontinue use.

Any employee violations will be handled through the standard disciplinary procedure.