INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — A bill was introduced Monday in the Indiana Senate that would legalize video gaming terminals, but it falls short of a measure the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association would like to see.

The ILBA is pushing for legislation that would allow electronic games, such as video poker and blackjack, inside of Hooser bars and restaurants.

State Senator Susan Glick’s (R-Indianapolis) bill authorizes wagering on VGTs in veterans’ service organizations, like the VFW and American Legion taverns.

In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, ILBA President Brad Klopfenstein said the gaming machines would generate extra cash for businesses that have been hit especially hard because of the pandemic.

“But basically, especially now, where bars and restaurants have been hurt as hard or harder than any other industry in the state of Indiana. And they need help. I mean, we are at the cusp of your local neighborhood bar going away, unless there’s some assistance, and a lot of that’s COVID related,” said Klopfenstein.

​​Klopfenstein says the machines would generate anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 a year. The revenue would be split three ways, the bar owner, the vending machine companies, and the county where the machines operate.

He says the gaming terminals would help generate revenue for counties that do not have a casino.

“If you look at a county like Hamilton County, they get very little money from the state casinos,” said Klopfenstein.  “This is an opportunity for some of these counties that are non-casino counties to possibly help their budgets a little.”

Klopfenstein, who is also president of the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, says the Indiana legislature has been “very friendly” to casinos and out-of-state gaming interests over the past several years, including the legalization of sports betting in 2019.

“And all we’re asking for is let us have a couple of machines in our establishment so that we can stay in business,” said Klopfenstein.

Gaming analysts at PlayIndiana.com say legislation authorizing VGTs might have to take a backseat to legislation that would allow online casinos in the Hoosier state.

State Senator Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) has mentioned the possibility of introducing legislation during the current session.

PlayIndiana.com says since online casinos are very profitable, they would likely take priority over VGTs if it comes down to one or the other.  

Klopfenstein says the ILBA proposal would earmark VGT revenue for the county sheriff’s department, which could use the money for jail improvements, jail staffing, and to help fulfill pension obligations.

“State and county budgets are probably going to come in less than they were. And there’s a lot of people out there going to the legislature with their hands out,” said Klopfenstein.”There are very few people like us that are coming in and saying, ‘Hey, we have money that’s on the table if you want it.'”

Klopfenstein says he would expect the terminals to be tied into a central location, which would allow for oversight by the Indiana Gaming Commission.

Illinois started operating licensed VGTs in October 2012. The state allows a wide range of establishments to operate the gaming machines, including bars, restaurants, gas stations, truck stops, and veterans organizations.

SBA, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will open the Paycheck Protection Program loan portal on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 9 am ET.  When the PPP loan portal system opens, it will initially accept First Draw PPP loan applications from participating CFIs, which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries.

Loan Details
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses.

• PPP loans have an interest rate of 1%.
• Loans issued prior to June 5 have a maturity of 2 years. Loans issued after June 5 have a maturity of 5 years.
• Loan payments will be deferred for borrowers who apply for loan forgiveness until SBA remits the borrower's loan forgiveness amount to the lender. If a borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, payments are deferred 10 months after the end of the covered period for the borrower’s loan forgiveness (either 8 weeks or 24 weeks).
• No collateral or personal guarantees are required.
• Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.

How To Apply
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. 

If you wish to begin preparing your application, you can download the following PPP borrower application forms to see the information that will be requested from you when you apply with a lender:

• Paycheck Protection Program First Draw Borrower Application Form (revised 01-08-21)
• Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Borrower Application Form (01-08-21)

Supplemental Materials

• Top-line Overview of PPP First Draw Loans
• Top-line Overview of PPP Second Draw Loans
• Frequently Asked Questions for Lenders and Borrowers (12-09-20)
• How to Calculate Loan Amounts (06-26-20)
• Frequently Asked Questions for Faith-Based Organizations Participating in the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
• PPP Myth vs. Fact

Rob Lafary
Published in the Versailles Republican, December 31, 2020

The Versailles American Legion Post #173 junior shooting team took part in its third match in Southern Indiana Air Rifle competition this past week and came away with yet another victory as the team defeated Shoals, Corydon and Jasper in a virtual match format.

Versailles competed with two teams with both claiming the top two spots in the match. Post #173 saw its No. 1 team win the match with a score of 1063-29 while the No. 2 team finished runner-up with a 928-9. Shoals American Legion Post was third with a 775-6 and the standings were rounded out by the Southern Indiana RPC (Corydon) at 775-6 and the Southern Indiana Sharpshooters (Jasper) with a 617-7.

In the overall individual standings, Versailles took all three places with Maggie Holt winning the match with a 268-11. Tanner Franklin was second with a 267-8 and Richie Block finished third with a 267-5. Holt was also the top shooter in prone competition with a 97-7 and first in the kneeling competition at 97-4.

Trenton Franklin finished runner-up in the prone portion with a 97-5 and Block was third with a 95-4. Block scored an 82-0 and was third in a standing round that also saw Tanner Franklin finish runner up with an 85-2. The two would flip flop spots in the in the kneeling round with Block placing second at 90-1 and Franklin finishing third with an 89-1.
​
Post #173 has closed out its 2020 portion of the season and picks back up in January as they continue to prepare for a national championship run in 2021.

Source: ​https://ripleynews.com/news/post-173-shooters-continue-winning-ways/

(Military Times) Department of Veterans Affairs officials will expand coronavirus vaccine distribution to 128 additional sites this week, nearly quadrupling the locations where staff and veterans can receive the long-awaited immunization.

Previously, only 37 VA medical centers were offering the vaccine, because of logistical limitations related to the medication. The first vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration, manufactured by Pfizer, required supercooled refrigeration to remain viable, limiting the sites where VA could store and use it.

Fifteen more sites are expected to be added to that list this week, as new refrigeration equipment is delivered and installed.

A second vaccine, produced by Moderna and authorized by FDA officials in recent days, does not require those same storage requirements. In a statement, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said that means officials can reach more areas — and people — in coming days.

“We continue to implement our COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan and are grateful to be one step closer to seeing the end of this pandemic,” he said.

VA officials have not publicly released any data on infection rates or patient deaths due to the pandemic in the past 10 days. In the latest update, medical staff across the country were tracking nearly 18,000 patients with active cases of coronavirus, and more than 5,500 deaths related to virus complications.

Under current VA plans, health care personnel, community living center residents and spinal cord unit patients will be the first to receive vaccinations. Officials said that as supplies increase “VA’s ultimate goal is to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to all veterans and employees who want to be vaccinated.”

​But that could take a while.

Earlier this month, Richard Stone — the executive in charge of the Veterans Health Administration — told Senate lawmakers that about 73,000 doses would be available in the first wave of vaccinations. That’s enough to cover about 36,500 individuals, since the vaccine is a two-dose regimen.

He also warned it will be “a long process” to get the 7-million-plus vaccinations the department has estimated it will need to cover all interested, eligible individuals.

Indiana locations:

Indianapolis VA Medical Center (Moderna)

Marion VA Medical Center (Moderna)

​Legionnaires,

The current global pandemic has implicated several limitations and restrictions on the way business is conducted. This is certainly the case currently in Marion County. The health and safety of our membership is the foremost priority as our membership is the lifeblood of our great organization. Therefore, the upcoming 2021 Mid-Winter Conference scheduled for Friday, January 14 through Sunday, January 17 at the Marriott East Hotel in Indianapolis is hereby cancelled.

For those that made hotel reservations for the conference, no action is required. The hotel has been informed and all cancellations will be done by Marriot staff. Credit cards are not charged for making reservations.

Committees will be given the opportunity to meet virtually at their chairmen’s call. More information on this will be forthcoming.

Stay safe this holiday season. Thank you all for your service and for your membership in The American Legion. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will all get through this together.

If you have questions, call your Department Headquarters at 317-630-1300.

John Crosby,
Department Adjutant

Number to Call When You Don’t Know Who to Call
​
​With one phone call, Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors can easily access information on VA benefits and services or be connected to an expert for answers to questions.

1-800-MyVA411 is a national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to VA. You can still reach VA at any other direct or contact center numbers, but 1-800-MyVA411 offers the simplicity of a single number to call when you don’t know who to call. The Veterans Crisis Line is always available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1, by Chat, or by Texting 838255. You can also call the White House VA Hotline at 1-855-948-2311 to share your compliments or concerns.

Call 1-800-MyVA411 to get information on VA care, benefits and services, such as:

• Information on COVID-19 and the MISSION Act, which delivers access to health care – at VA facilities, virtually with telehealth, and in the community.
• Health care eligibility and enrollment.
• Information on VA benefits, such as disability compensation and pension, education programs, caregiver support, insurance, home loan guaranty, and burial scheduling and markers, among others.
• The nearest VA facilities to where you live or to where you may be traveling; directory assistance, and connection to VA Medical Center operators.
• Technical support for www.VA.gov.
• Financial information, such as debt and payment options.
• Referrals during business hours, with an introduction from you and your issue to a VA specialist best able to assist.
• Immediate transfer to the Veterans Crisis Line or the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans for services and support from caring and trained responders.

1-800-MyVA411 callers have the option of pressing 0 to be immediately connected with a customer service agent to answer any questions or provide a warm-handoff to the appropriate VA expert.

1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) is available 24 hours-a-day, 365 day-a-year to serve Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.

(Source: va.gov)

​The holiday season rings in Christmas movie binging and holiday treats. It’s easy to overindulge during the holidays and this year’s pandemic ushered in more comfort eating for many people. While Christmas may not be kind to your waistline, it’s important to be kind to yourself.

Holiday weight gain may be an inevitable part for many people. But there are ways to combat it while still enjoying yourself without feeling deprived or guilty! Due to COVID-19, gatherings may look and feel different this year and it can be especially hard to resist the temptation of some homemade cookies, an extra helping of mashed potatoes and gravy, or an eggnog nightcap.

Please remember before starting strenuous physical activities that you should be in good shape or be cleared by your primary care physician. The purpose of this article is to provide general guidance and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

Here are some tips to help you be your best self while still enjoying the holiday season!

1. Manage expectations. Ask yourself what is most important to you (and your family). Is maintaining your weight and healthy blood levels (blood sugar, lipids, sodium, etc.) the most important to you, or is it enjoying all that the season has to offer with loved ones, weight be damned? There’s no right or wrong answer, but if you come up with a realistic plan in advance, it becomes much easier to aim for a target and also allow for those cheat treats without feeling guilty.

2. Let’s make a deal. Consider compromising with yourself, that you're comfortable putting on five pounds with the expectation to work towards losing it in the new year, for example. It’s a great opportunity to set some SMART goals for yourself (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time bound), for yourself so you have something to work towards. Here’s a great example: Set a goal of only two holiday treats per day between now and Christmas, but allow for extra on Christmas Day. It’s a specific, measurable goal that still allows for some indulgence, but keeps you accountable!

3. Get creative in the kitchen: Another great way to combat the holiday bulge is to use substitutions while cooking. There are no shortage of recipes that use healthy ingredients and it’s entirely possible to make yummy treats and meals that are better for you. Replacing sugar with monk fruit extract (it’s granulated just like sugar, so it's perfect for baking and available at most grocery stores), can really cut down on calories and also keep blood sugar levels in check. Plain Greek yogurt is a great swap for butter in many recipes. Two tablespoons of butter have a whopping 22 grams of fat vs. just 2.5 grams of fat in a half cup of 2 percent fat Greek yogurt. Here’s another example: I’m a sucker for eggnog and I just can’t pass it up over the holidays, but it’s so glutenous. There is an almond milk version you can substitute for the real thing, that is pretty darn close to the original. Forgo the booze, sprinkle on a little nutmeg and you’ve got a sweet treat for only 70 calories — now that’s something to feel good about!

4. Keep moving: Getting in more movement is absolutely crucial to staying healthy over the holidays (and every day). I encourage my clients to get in an extra hour of walking daily. If time constraints or physical limitations keep you from getting a whole hour in, consider breaking it up into two 30-minute chunks or even four 15-minute sessions. You can easily burn a few hundred extra calories or more by moving at a brisk pace. Extra activity is an amazing bargaining chip with yourself or family members to justify some overindulgence. You could make a deal with yourself that for every cookie you eat, you walk an extra 15 minutes or take a family walk and spend some quality time with loved ones while doing something good for your health! It may not keep you from adding a little extra holiday pounds, but it’s definitely damage control. Remember to be kind to yourself. Allow for those simple holiday joys while compensating with extra physical activity, something that's good for the body and spirit!

5. Engage others: Most importantly, do it together! Everything is easier with support, so enlist the help of family and friends (near and far) to keep you accountable. The more people that participate, the less it feels like you’re missing out. The holidays are a special time of year with the opportunity to re-create special traditions and even make a few new healthy ones!

6. Move your feet and support The American Legion: If you had the opportunity to participate in American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford’s 100 Miles for Hope, I have an exciting opportunity for you! The American Legion has joined forces with TRUCONNECT fitness app for a global virtual 5k run/walk. Globe Trot 2020 is a virtual, worldwide 5k for charity taking place on Monday, Dec. 21. Join me on Team Jennifer to support The American Legion. You can walk or run, and invite your friends and family. The proceeds raised will be split among six charities, including The American Legion. It is $2 to enter or $20 to also receive a team medal. Go to https://truconnect.fit/ or download the TRUCONNECT app your mobile App Store.

​
Original story at Legion.org found here.

Army veteran Jennifer Campbell, MS, is a certified personal trainer and holds a master’s degree in Nutrition Education. She works with veterans and civilians, from elite athletes to those just starting their fitness journey. She is the commander of Post American Legion 43 in Hollywood, Calif.