In a short ceremony on Monday evening Michael McLean was sworn in as the new Commander of the Calais American Legion post. Michael replaces Pat Patterson who has stepped down due to health issues.

Fellow Legion member Dennis Woodruff outlined his duties and obligations with this position as he swore him in. He told him, "I wish you well as you assume the duties and obligations of your office. " He then presented him with his leading officer’s guide book, a special commander’s pin and his gavel. Of the pin he said, "That has been passed down for at least 25 years that I know of because I wore it." Of the gavel he said, "This is the gavel that you will conduct your meetings with. May you use it wisely." He then saluted him and congratulated him.

After the meeting Michael spoke about the problems faced by the Legion. "Times are tight. We’re trying to do what we can do. We’re also trying to see what we can do about getting the dances going again. The Calais Advertiser has been good enough to donate some space to us and I have been doing a Calais Legion column to keep people informed."

Recently the legion hosted a couple of arts and crafts fairs and Michael said that they went over well. "We made a little money. It was enough for us to be able to pay a few bills. We’re like everyone else, we’re on pins and needles each month. What we really need is to boost the membership. We need the younger veterans to come in and join."

He noted that the cost of membership is only $25 a year and that all veterans are eligible as well as sons of legionnaires.