The Lehigh County American Legion held its 32nd annual veterans dinner Nov. 12, hosted by the Catasauqua American Legion Post 215 in the social hall, 330 Second St.

Post 215 Commander Michael Rennig was beaming over the turnout and honored to hold the dinner at his Post. He noted the Post membership is growing, and it is holding activities to strengthen the local communities.

Emblematic of community support, Rennig awarded a $440 check to Catasauqua Mayor Barbara Schlegel for the Catasauqua Police Department. The funds were raised by Post 215 at a recent dinner.

Schlegel expressed gratitude to the Post for its efforts to assist the police department.

Rennig’s goals for 2023 are to continue the Post’s traditional activities, increase membership and enlarge the activities of the Post. When he accepted the commander position in 2021, he saw his role as increasing cooperation within the Legion and increasing the Legion’s presence in the Catasauqua community.

Post 215’s success, according to Rennig, depends entirely on an active membership, participation and volunteerism.

The Post also has a Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Riders and social membership. The Post offers games such as shuffleboard, pool table, darts, cornhole and deejay and live entertainment.

Rennig believes the Post is regaining the vibrancy it historically had.

The full hall of attendees enjoyed good food, drinks and fellowship. It was an important reconnection opportunity among the Legion leaders in attendance and other attendees.

Rennig welcomed a number of local Legion leaders, such as American Legion District 14 Commander Glenn Wolfe, Coplay Post 426 Commander Lawrence Gutleber, Fullerton Legion Post 367’s John Treiber and Hokendauqua Post 739’s Thomas Bohner among other Legion members.

The 2022 Lehigh County Legion leaders are Commander Bohner, Vice Commander Rennig, Adjutant James Gourniak Sr., Finance Officer George D. Burke, Chaplain Gutleber and Sergeant-At-Arms Treiber.

Bohner was the master of ceremonies at the dinner. Both he and Rennig made brief remarks thanking those who attended. Gutleber led the benediction, and Treiber led the retirement of the colors.

To join the Catasauqua Legion as a social member, call 610-264-1606 for membership information or visit legion.org. Membership is open to all. You do not have to be a veteran to join.