To the Editor:

American Legion Post 322 would like to thank, all of our community for supporting "A Night Out With Teddy Roosevelt."

From the local newspapers, free traders and area radio stations. Vinny at B99.3 FM, had a wonderful online interview, with Joe as Teddy Roosevelt, that was fantastic!

The people that took the time to meet us and a take a chance at our 50/50 raffle, (an idea of Jim Purcell). Your stories were great and warmed our hearts, on those chilly and windy days.

Local businesses; Walmart, SRF Quick Stop, David at Lampheres Market, who not only opened his store for ticket sales, and his pocket book for donations, but also food for our meal. Our own Saint Regis Falls Historical Association, and the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce. On Nov. 3 we started off, with a "Meet and Greet", for our area veterans, and school board. Welcoming those guest at the door was Joe Weigand himself, in character as Theodore Roosevelt. Our Ladies Auxiliary dressed in uniform, laid out a spread of food, that was a fitting dinner for any president. Great job ladies!

The crowd moved upstairs to our majestic conference room. The moment of Joe Weigand, in character as Teddy Roosevelt, was surrounded by honored photos and artwork of veterans. At a podium, well framed in, by our national flags a sight that will forever be frozen in time, by those who witnessed it that night. The main event was held at the auditorium in St. Regis Falls School. The location was offered to us, by the St. Regis Falls School Board.

The sound and stage work was organized by Tina Egeland. She kept the show running on track. The North Creek stage props consisted of a mock caboose, and ticket station. With the assistance of Earl Debar and Linda Jenkins, the historic background came to life. We all took a trip back with Teddy through his life. And with him as Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. On that historic night, in the North Creek Station, when he found out the president was dying and his life would be forever changed.

After a brief intermission, the stage was transformed to a presidential podium, with the American Flag and New York State Flag behind. President Roosevelt addressed the audience, in a transformation that brought us all to the White House. With stories of his family and his past, Teddy was with us. At the end of the performance Joe auctioned of a Teddy Bear he had brought and all money, he denoted to the event. Question were asked from the crowd and he answered in character, bringing a laugh to each one.

The raffle ticket was picked and Sue Strate was awarded the money the next day. Joe later told me "I love the Adirondack Area and the people gave me the lift, that I needed tonight."

Lanny Gagnier

First Vice Commander of American Legion, Post 322 in St. Regis Falls