Manson American Legion Post 108 invests in Community
information & photos submitted by Norm Manly, Post Service Officer, Manson American Legion
Guided by the American Legion’s four pillars, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth, Wilkinson-Beeman Post 108 continues to serve veterans, youth, and the greater Chelan Valley community.
Each year, the Manson American Legion invests $4,000 in local programs and organizations that strengthen our community and improve the lives of area residents. While supporting veterans remains its primary mission, Post 108 is equally committed to helping build a stronger future through community involvement and charitable giving.
In 2026, the Legion continued that tradition by providing financial support to several local organizations dedicated to service, education, and community well-being. Through these contributions, Post 108 remains committed to making a positive difference throughout the Chelan Valley.
Tender Loving Care
Manson American Legion donation supports local seniors through Tender Loving Care (TLC). On October 19, American Legion Assistant Vice Commander Marie Cannon presented a $500 donation to TLC Board President Sharon Patonai.
Accepting the contribution, Patonai thanked the Legion for its continued support of local seniors throughout the years.
Founded in 2017, TLC provides free assistance to vulnerable seniors by addressing social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs with compassion, dignity, and respect. The organization became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024.
Patonai recently assumed leadership of the board following the retirement of one of the founding members, Claudia Swenson.
At the same time, TLC is undergoing a leadership transition as longtime Executive Director Sandy Zimchek steps away from her day-to-day role after five years of dedicated service. She will continue supporting the organization as a volunteer.
Brandy Strode has been selected as TLC’s new Program Coordinator and is currently working alongside Patonai and Zimchek to ensure a smooth transition.
Community members wishing to support TLC may send donations to:
Tender Loving Care. Left to right – Marie Cannon, Sharon Patonai, Brandy Strode and Sandy Zimchek
Lake Chelan Health Guild B
A new addition to the community giving program was celebrated on October 21 when Craig Pittson, American Legion Sergent at Arms presented a check to Mary Lou Schoolcraft, president of Lake Chelan Health Guild B, in the Bragg Room at Lake Chelan Health.
For generations, Hospital Guild B has brought neighbors, friends, and volunteers together in support of quality local healthcare. Through fundraising, community support, and volunteer service, Guild B has helped provide important programs, equipment, and resources for Lake Chelan Health.
The Chelan Hospital Guild B’s current major project is fundraising to support the implementation of the Epic/MyChart electronic medical record system at Lake Chelan Health. MyChart allows patients to securely access their medical records online. Patients can communicate more easily with healthcare providers, view test results, and better manage their care.
Guild members are proud of their long tradition of service and remain committed to making a lasting difference in healthcare throughout our Lake Chelan Valley.
Community members who would like to support this important effort can contribute to help bring the Epic MyChart system to Lake Chelan Health. Donations may be mailed to:
Please note “Epic” on your check to ensure your gift is directed to this project.
Hospital Guild B. Left to right – Diane Tryon (Treasurer), Becky Hartwig (Secretary), Craig Pittson, Mary Lou Schoolcraft (President)
Manson Volunteer Firefighter’s Association
The Manson American Legion continued its tradition of community giving in 2026 with a $1,000 donation to the Manson Volunteer Firefighters Association’s Season of Hope program. The contribution marks the sixth consecutive year the Legion has supported the organization’s efforts to assist local families during the holiday season.
On October 23, Legion members Jim Taylor and Craig Pittson presented the donation to Association President Stefan Rehnfeldt. Accepting the gift, Rehnfeldt expressed his appreciation, noting the impact the program has throughout the community.
“We thank the Manson American Legion for their continued support of Season of Hope,” said Rehnfeldt. “This gift will make a huge difference in 2026. In 2025, Season of Hope helped make the holidays brighter for more than 100 local families.”
Rehnfeldt became president of the association in August and leads a group of 42 volunteer firefighters serving the Manson area. Among his goals is increasing public awareness of the Firefighters Association through social media outreach and participation in community events.
The Legion’s donation will help fund holiday gift cards, emergency heating assistance, essential household needs, and other support for local families facing financial hardship during the winter months.
Through the Season of Hope program, local firefighters provide more than emergency services. Each year, they deliver groceries, gift cards, and encouragement to neighbors in need, helping ensure families experience a brighter holiday season.
The American Legion’s continued support allows the program to extend its reach and assist even more households throughout the Lake Chelan Valley.
Community members wishing to support Season of Hope may deliver donations to the Manson Fire Station, located at 250 Manson Boulevard, or mail contributions to:
Manson Fire Fighters. Left to right, Craig Pittson, Stefan Rehnfeldt and Jim Taylor
Lake Chelan Food Bank
The Manson American Legion continued its commitment to fighting hunger in the Lake Chelan Valley with a $1,000 donation to the Lake Chelan Food Bank. The October 24 contribution marks the fourth consecutive year the Legion has supported the organization’s mission of providing food assistance to local families and individuals in need.
During a brief presentation, Legion member George Rohrich, who also volunteers with the Chelan Food Bank, presented the donation to Richard Springer, Director of the Lake Chelan Food Bank. The contribution arrives at a critical time, as the need for food assistance continues to increase across the Lake Chelan Valley.
“With demand for food assistance reaching record levels, the need in our valley grows more urgent, Springer said. We are deeply grateful to the American Legion for standing with us. Your generosity helps ensure no neighbor goes without and reminds us of what community truly means. Thanks to support from the Legion and other donors, we served 10,739 families in 2025.”
The donation will help the Food Bank continue providing nutritious food to families facing financial hardship and expanding services to meet increasing community needs.
More than a source of groceries, the Lake Chelan Food Bank strives to provide a welcoming and dignified experience for those it serves. Clients are encouraged to select foods that best meet their families’ needs, helping preserve independence and respect during challenging times.
For the Manson American Legion, the donation reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen the community and improve the lives of local residents. Through partnerships with programs such as the Lake Chelan Food Bank, the Legion continues its tradition of service both to veterans and to the broader Lake Chelan Valley.
Community members interested in supporting the Lake Chelan Food Bank can make donations online at Lake Chelan Food Bank or mail contributions to:www.lakechelanfoodbank.org or giving by check:
Food Bank. Left to right: Richard Springer, Food Bank Director and George Rohrich, Legion member
Chelan Valley Community Nurse
The Manson American Legion continues its commitment to supporting local seniors through a $1,000 donation to the Chelan Valley Community Nurse program. On October 30, Legion Sergeant-at-Arms Craig Pittson presented the donation to Program Administrator Sherry Palmiter, Community Nurse Suzie Zimmer, Board Secretary Beth Felker, and Board Member Bill Cagle. The contribution recognizes the vital services the program provides to area residents, helping seniors maintain their health, independence, and quality of life within the community.
Palmiter who took the helm of this exciting program in April 2026 thanked the Legion for its ongoing support. “On behalf of our staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt thanks,” she said. “Your generosity strengthens our mission and helps us better serve our community.” During the first nine months of 2026, the Community Nurse program completed 245 home visits, handled 1,035 phone calls, and provided 110 medication set-ups.
The Chelan Valley Community Nurse program helps older adults remain safe, healthy, and independent in their own homes. Through regular nurse visits, health screenings, medication reviews, wellness education, and referrals to community resources, the program supports frail and vulnerable seniors throughout the valley.
The Legion’s donation helps ensure these services remain available at no cost to local seniors. For many residents, the community nurse provides not only healthcare, but also companionship, reassurance, and a vital connection to the community.
To learn more and to make a donation, visit the Chelan Valley Community Nurse website at www.chelanvalleycommunitynurse.org or mail contributions to:
Chelan Valley Community Nurse. Left to right, Beth Felker, Sherry Palmiter, Craig Pittson, Suzie Zimmer and Bill Cagle
Quilts of Valor
The Manson American Legion continues its commitment to honoring local veterans through its ongoing support of the Quilts of Valor Foundation’s Chelan Group. This year marks the fourth consecutive year the Legion has contributed to the organization’s mission of recognizing veterans with handcrafted quilts.
During the Chelan Group’s November 5 meeting, Manson American Legion Vice Commander Brian Strausbaugh presented a $325 donation to Group Leader Sue Freden.
“We would like to thank the Manson American Legion for their support and generous donation,” said Freden. “We look forward to working with the American Legion in the coming year to identify veterans who would be honored with these special quilts.”
The Quilts of Valor Foundation recognizes veterans and active-duty service members through the presentation of handmade quilts created by volunteers. Each quilt serves as a lasting expression of gratitude for the recipient’s service and sacrifice to the nation.
Since its formation in April 2023, the Chelan Group’s 16 members have awarded 50 Quilts of Valor to local veterans, including 25 presentations during the past year alone. The Legion’s donation will help purchase fabric and other materials needed to create additional quilts, allowing more veterans throughout the Lake Chelan Valley to receive this meaningful tribute.
The partnership between the Manson American Legion and the Quilts of Valor Foundation reflects a shared dedication to ensuring that local veterans are recognized and thanked for their service.
Veterans, family members, and community members interested in nominating a veteran for a Quilt of Valor may visit the Quilts of Valor Foundation website for additional information.
Donations to support the Chelan Group’s work may be mailed to:
Quilts of Valor. Left to right, Wendy Kozuback, Ann Cooper, Gail Shaw, Brian Strasbaugh, Sue Freden, Adrienne Carpenter, Teresa Shover, Jeanne Steiner and Tracy Shaw.
About the Manson American Legion
Beyond financial contributions, members of Post 108 volunteer countless hours throughout the year, honoring veterans, supporting youth and schools, participating in patriotic observances, and responding to community needs. Their work reflects a simple belief: service to others continues long after military service ends.
As the Manson American Legion looks ahead, members remain committed to promoting citizenship, patriotism, and neighbor helping neighbor. Through their generosity and volunteer spirit, Post 108 continues to make a positive impact throughout the Chelan Valley.
Veterans who received an Honorable Discharge are invited to join the American Legion. To learn more, attend a monthly meeting on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Manson Parks Building, or contact Norm Manly at 509-293-0225.
