Sept 3, 2016
…………………….It was a hurricane threatened four day Labor Day weekend, which found members of Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64 hosting 495 Cape Cod bound travelers by offering free coffee and refreshments. The Post had set-up in a South bound rest area in Middleboro to allow motorists a break from driving.
……….. The traffic flow to Cape Cod was severely reduced due to the forecasted impact of hurricane Hermine on Friday and Saturday. A normal flow was seen on Sunday as folks headed off Cape. The first three days of the weekend proved okay weather-wise. But, Post leadership voted to cancel the Monday coffee stop due to high winds.
………..Those drivers who stopped found complimentary doughnuts and other snacks, along with coffee and cold drinks. Richard “Tex” Washburn, 2nd vice commander of Post 64, was heard to say, “This is Post 64’s way of reminding drivers to drive safely and get refreshed.”
…………Members worked the welcome tables from Friday through Sunday. Others helping staff the tables were several family members of Troop 64, which is sponsored by Post 64. Scoutmaster Barry Schuster and new Eagle Scout Thomas Grant provided helping hands..
………… Two members of Rolling Thunder riders, Dean Johansen and Mike Ryan, aided with the set up and tear down on Friday. At one point, Bob Jordan, a Post 64 member and also a member of Rolling Thunder, was presented with his vest with additional patches.
…………On Saturday, just as the members were closing down, a highly decorated and colorful truck pulled up to the last coffee table. It was a gentleman by the name of John L. Grossman, who was driving the Holyokehummus truck. He was on his way to Sandwich, Mass to help celebrate his dad’s 80th birthday.
………….His truck attracted the attention of many of the Legionnaires, who were highly impressed with the colorful paint scheme. Mr. Grossman graciously passed out samples of his product to those gathered around his vehicle. (Photos and article by Historian Bob Lessard)
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