Approximately 60 members representing 12 local American Legions took the time to learn more about the history, mission, projects and benefits of membership of the American Legion during an Extension Institute Training program held recently at the Lehighton American Legion Post 314.

David W. Elmore, assistant director of Internal Affairs at the American Legion National Headquarters, was the facilitator and trainer.Elmore said that it was more than a training session for those attending the program, it was also a way for him to network with local posts and learn why some posts such as Lehighton's are so successful and to use those tips to help those posts who are struggling."Your post has to be community based," said Elmore. "Your post needs to get the message out to the community about what they do and that will bring success to your post.""I want to hear about your programs," he said. "I want to see what the community sees."Harry Wynn III, past post commander, said that Lehighton has a busy post because it is constantly reaching out to the community."Among the projects we do is an Americanism project with the school children, plus we give awards to police officers," said Wynn. He noted that the Legion also is very active at Memorial Day with programs and a parade.Wynn said that the local newspaper, the TIMES NEWS is very generous in providing newspaper coverage for Legion activities so that the local community is informed.Following the four hour session, members were presented graduation certificates and pins for attending.