DANVILLE — If a law related to small games of chance isn’t changed, the Danville American Legion’s ability to help the community will be reduced drastically, according to Post 40 officials.
The Legion donated $100,000 to non-profit organizations this year.
“We are in a cost reduction crunch. We are trying to reduce some overhead costs. We will have to make some adjustments to comply with the law if the legislators don’t tweak it,” Post Commander Dean VonBlohn said. “The money we have given back this year will be drastically reduced.”
While State House Bill 169 allows the Legion to pay out $25,000 per week in prizes from small games of chance, it has dramatically increased work for bar employees. Filing reports for small games of chance has quadrupled. “This is a major problem,” said VonBlohn, adding other organizations are also affected.
The Legion isn’t allowed to use small games of chance revenue to pay wages. “We are doing a time study of the bar and are trying to put a number on how much time the bar staff is spending on small games of chance. It looks like 35 to 40 percent of their time is spent on gambling-related work,” he said.
He has alerted state Rep. Kurt Masser to this and told Masser when gambling is heavy, they have to bring in additional staff “and we’re eating that cost. It’s not a free ride. We do need to have the law tweaked to help us defray some of these costs.”
“We want to continue giving back to the community. This year alone we have given $105,443,” he said, noting it was a dramatic increase compared to 2011 because more payouts were allowed this year. He didn’t have an exact figure for last year.
The Legion has been licensed for small games of chance since 1988.
In the past, they were allowed to pay out $5,000 per week in prizes.
“We still had to split the money with 65 percent going to public interest or nonprofits and 35 percent used for certain bills but not wages, alcohol and food,” VonBlohn said.
Amounts donated to non-profit organizations need to be given in the same calendar year as proceeds unless the state Department of Revenue is notified they will be retained for a specific large purchase or project.
VonBlohn said they can use games of chance revenues for utility costs, including heat, air conditioning, water and sewer, a mortgage, interior and exterior repairs and some new construction.
“When you see the administrators of Jubilee Kitchen and the Community Tree Program receiving large amounts from the Legion, it really helps them with their budgets. There are more and more people standing in line,” VonBlohn said.
The Legion recently donated $2,500 to the Red Cross, which serves the Danville, Bloomsburg and Berwick areas.
Executive Director Rita Inklovich said the chapter expects to use the funds to help military personnel.
VonBlohn said the Red Cross helped when his son, Dean Jr., of Sunbury, was serving with the Army in Germany so he could call home to his parents.
Former post commander Carl Appleman recalled nurses from the Red Cross aiding soldiers when he was stationed in Vietnam.
“We appreciate anything you can give us,” Inklovich told post officials.
“We know the Red Cross is there and that severe weather has put a strain on it with the east coast still trying to dig out,” VonBlohn said.
The largest amount the Legion gave to an organization was $13,500 for the fountain to be placed this spring in River Front Park. The Legion gave $3,500 and later was approached by organizers about the fundraising campaign falling short of the goal. Legionnaries gave an additional $10,000 to help with installation and maintenance.
The 1,300-member organization holds public, monthly $7 dinners 10 times a year to raise money for non-profit organizations.
Scouts were among the groups that benefited most. The Legion gave $10,800 to scouting organizations, including five donations to Eagle Scout projects and a fundraising dinner for Scouts.
“When we do the dinners, we ask them to send people to help with the dinner,” VonBlohn said of the non-profit organizations. “Only one Boy Scout troop showed up so they got all the $2,000,” he said.
Appleman said the Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion have held fundraisers and donated to community projects.
“With all the money we have given away, it is comforting to know we have helped the community and will continue to give back. We would like the community and members to support the club,” VonBlohn said.
Appleman invited veterans to join the post, which is open daily.
“It’s not the cost of the dues that’s an issue. It’s the cost they have paid personally. They have the right to join and should take advantage of that,” VonBlohn said.
News
American Legion: State law could decrease charitable donations
- News
-
-
Danville to share information on new cyber program at June parent session
A parent information session for the Danville school district’s new cyber program will be held June 3 at 6 p.m. in the Danville High School cafeteria.
-
Governor says distribution center near Hazleton will bring jobs
HAZLETON — Gov. Tom Corbett says American Eagle Outfitters Inc. is planning a $160 million-plus distribution center near Hazleton that is projected to generate nearly 400 jobs.
-
House panel moves to curb military sexual assaults
WASHINGTON — Members of a House panel angry over sexual abuse problems in the military are set to vote on a bill that would strip commanding officers of their authority to unilaterally change or dismiss court-martial convictions — a change that lawmakers believe will lead to a cultural shift that encourages more victims to step forward.
-
Pennsylvania Constitution Center to display Bill of Rights
PHILADELPHIA — One of the 12 surviving copies of the Bill of Rights that may have been pilfered from Pennsylvania in the late 1800s will be on display in Philadelphia for three years, beginning with the 225th anniversary next year of the drafting of the country’s highest ideals.
-
Public info meeting on Rail Trail extension takes place tomorrow
LEWISBURG -- Rail Trail fans, listen up: An informational meeting on the proposed extension of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail into Lewisburg borough takes place 7 p.m. tomorrow at the William Cameron Engine Co's. training facility at North Fifth Street and Buffalo Road.
-
Gas line break forces one-hour evacuation in Milton
MILTON — Residents in Milton were forced out of their homes for over an hour this morning after a contractor working on Carr Avenue hit a gas line, according to UGI.
-
Today's Top Videos
-
Lewisburg schools lockdown lifted within 20 minutes this morning
LEWISBURG - Schools in the Lewisburg Area School District were locked down briefly this morning due to "a potential threat," according to the district's alert system.
-
Long-time Beavertown mayor ousted by 14 votes
Political newcomer Lee Hollenbach Jr. defeated incumbent Mayor Cloyd “Bill” Wagner in Tuesday night’s Republican primary.
-
Dunkleberger wins Republican primary for prothonotary
Justin Dunkelberger defeated Jamie Saleski 2,744-2,124 in a hotly contested Republican primary election Tuesday night for Northumberland County prothonotary and clerk of courts.
-
Persing wins Republican nod for mayor
Incumbent Mayor David Persing, who fought off repeated allegations in recent months by challenger Julie Brosius, won the Republican nomination by a landslide in Tuesday’s primary election.
-
10 Things to Know for Today
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
-
FBI: Man fatally shot in Boston bombing probe
ORLANDO, Fla. — A man being questioned in the Boston Marathon bombing case was shot to death at his home by an FBI agent today after turning violent, officials said.
-
Fire destroys $60G cottage in Union County
WINFIELD — A fire swept through a Winfield home while its occupants were at work Tuesday.
-
2013 Primary Election - Top Races
Unofficial primary election returns
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts
Republican
Justin R. Dunkelberger 2,744
Jamie Saleski 2,124100 percent reporting
Magisterial District Judge
08-3-02, Milton
Republican
Larry Redington 496
Mike Diehl 684
Lisa A. Riley 328
Seth M. Cotner 132
Democrat
Larry Regington 182
Seth M. Cotner 90
Mike Diehl 221Lisa A. Riley 218
100 percent reporting
Sunbury Mayor
Republican
Julie Brosius 200
David L. Persing 378100 percent reporting
Sunbury Treasurer
Republican
Stanley E. Geiswhite 176
Kevin E. Troup 388
100 percent reportingUNION COUNTY
County Coroner
Republican
Tod M. Steese 542
Dominick T. Adamo 1,04963 percent reporting
Gregg Township
Alcohol Sales: Do you favor the granting of liquor license for the sale of liquor in the Township of Gregg?
Yes 82
No 72
100 percent reporting -
Midd-West adopts preliminary budget
Faced with a firm deadline in which to adopt a preliminary budget for 2013-14, the Midd-West school board reversed its vote late Monday night and approved the $32.85 million plan.
-
Police file attempted homicide charge in baseball bat attack
FREEBURG - A Freeburg man, who allegedly attacked two people less than a week after he was released on bail, is now facing attempted homicide charges, according to police.
-
10 Things to Know for Today
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
- More News Headlines
-
Danville to share information on new cyber program at June parent session
