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Newsletter – October 2014

COMMANDER Al Norton

Thank you very much for the contributions that are being received at the post. We have set a goal of $ 20,000.00, At present time we have received over $5,000.00, that’s a good start. Our goal is not a cure for problems. It is a temporary resolution to give us time to reduce our operating costs.

In the past we have been spoiled by depending on gaming revenue to support us. This is no longer the case. Gaming has dropped significantly. This is not only a problem at post 44 but all over the state.

Our goal of $20,000 is slightly more than one month of post operating cost. Some of our paid employees have temporarily donated all or part of their pay. The two clerks working the office are being paid about 50% of our previous bookkeeper.

The copy machine we lease is being returned. We have a different one that was donated to the post. A savings of 191.00 per month. The credit card machine members use to get cash is being replaced by an ATM machine. A minimum savings of $300.00. We are canceling the laundry service for aprons and bar towels. Volunteers will do the wash.

Entertainment was almost cancelled, that’s unacceptable. We have negotiated with the bands for a lower price from $250.00 to $150.00 per night. I thank you folks for your help. Karaoke is still in negotiations.

The bar pricing were not raised across the board. An in-depth study was made by the Finance Officer & prices realigned. Some went up and some went down, a lot remained the same. Further adjustments must be & will be made to lower our operating costs.

We had a productive General Membership meeting on Sept. 25th. All groups were invited, Legion, SAL, ALA & Riders, which will continue. Keeping the line of communication open within our Family.

A No Smoking policy was voted in for Wednesday Dinners from 5-7 pm effective October 1st 2014.

Remember the most important adjustment is member participation; we all need to come and support our club!

Finance Officer– Bill Conklin

 Would like to thank everyone for their help in a time of need, hope we are starting our climb to recovery. Post did take a hit like we planned. Still have not received all of gaming ($ 5300) but did have a-$4300. We have some plans in action to reduce expenses. Had a very good meeting with Auxiliary and Sal, so everyone knows what is going on. As a family we will make it. So if you have any suggestions please put them in the box, they are read daily. See you at the post and Thank you for your service.

Activities Committee – Kathy Norton and Linda Amdal

Please give Bob Acre a big THANK YOU; he has volunteered to provide Karaoke every Friday in October and DJ 2 of our Wednesday Dinners. This is saving our post tons, so don’t forget to reach into your pockets and tip him. this is 7 events that he has donated!! We have introduced a Meat raffle for Every Friday Night. 1st, 2nd & 3rd places awarded. 9-ball the 1st and 3rd Sunday. Bunco on the 2nd Thursday.

We are having a Yard Sale at the Post Breakfast on October 11th, from 8 am to 1 pm. Spots will be sold at $10, you bring your own table. $20 if the post provides it for you. We will also have a post spot where you may donate your items and we will man that area. We are considering doing this quarterly if it goes over well. We have a great location for this type of event.

Let’s not forget about Halloween! Friday October 31st. We would like to suggest folks dress up as their favorite singers. We could really have a great time doing our impersonations. Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffet just to name a few!!

Please refer to our calendar for Entertainers, Events and Menus See ya at the Post!!

Newsletter – August 2014

POST 44

American Legion NEWSLETTER – August 2014

PO Box 1073 – 1005 Hwy. 195 – Elephant Butte, NM 87935

575-744-4144

WEBSITE – americanlegionelephantbutte.com

COMMANDER Vince Barrett

The Executive Committee met on July 17 as scheduled and conducted a normal meeting and had recommendations including charity contributions to make to the General Membership meeting. However, the General Membership meeting scheduled for July 19, 2014 failed to gather a quorum and therefore no action or resolutions could be taken. The next Executive Committee will be held on August 14, 2014 and the General Membership meeting will be held on 16 August, 2014. Please attend if you are able.

The financial condition of the Post continues to remain relatively sound. However, we have had losses in both May and June ($2,500+-) and a loss for the end of the fiscal year June 30, 2014 of approximately -$15,500. There has been a significant decline across the board in revenues from last year at this time. Although the bar and kitchen are above breakeven, gaming remains below levels that we hope to see and that are required for the Post to generate a profit. Nevertheless, the Post’s overall capital position remains positive and we are meeting all financial obligations on time. Hopefully, the coming months will see a pickup in Post activity and gaming revenues. I expect to see at this time of year an overall pick up in revenues as we go forward. We are expecting five replacement gaming machines by August of this year. Hopefully they will spur an increased interest. I wish you all well.

See you at the Post!

Activities Committee – Linda Amdal

Hip Hip Hooray to all of the Chili Cook-Off participants!!  (In order of arrival:  Bob Nellis, Johnny & Kathy, Reuben, Barb Anderson, Melanie, Brad, Dave, Linda Knull, Lucy Newton, Johanna Roberts, Georgette & Gene Hill.)  YOU GUYS ROCK!!  Special thanks to Kathy Norton for rounding up the great prizes & Bob Acre for having music available.  It was a fabulous turn out, great chili’s & a good time was had by all.  Thanks to all!!  Congrats to Most Favorite Lucy Newton, Chili Cook-Off Champion Apron, First Runner Up, Gene Hill, Red Pepper Chili Hat, and Hottest Chili, Linda Knull – Red & Green Chili Ice Cubes.

Congratulations to Bette & Larry Fisher on celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary July 18th!!

Please be sure to congratulate Brittany & Karen as your new Bar Manager & Assistant Manager, thank Stan for stepping up to the plate in helping behind the bar, and welcome newcomers, Nichole, Luke & Adi (pronounce “Au-Dee”).  Thanks & good luck to you all!!

The Auxiliary will be preparing a wonderful Meat Loaf Dinner for the Post and our NMSVH Veteran guests on Wednesday, August 6th.  The remaining Wednesday’s and Friday’s the grill will be open with a variety of dining options.  Look for specials!!  Also, that night, we will be announcing the winner of the Crisp $50.00 bill raffle.  If you haven’t bought your raffle tickets, you better get after it!!  The bartenders have them behind the bar & the price to win $50.00 is just $1.00 thin dollar for one ticket, or $5.00 for 6 tickets.  Good Luck!!

Friday, August 8th, the Rider’s are starting their annual picnic.  Welcome to Rider’s from around the State.  We look forward to your participation Friday in Fun Pool, The Grill and Karaoke, plus at our All-You-Can Eat Breakfast and Bake Sale(8:30-10am) Saturday morning!

Sunday, August 17th we plan on celebrating Hot August Nights and August Birthdays with a Hawaiian/Beachy theme.  Break out your Hawaiian Shirts, Hula Skirts & coconuts for this one!!  Bob Acre will DJ & play Name That Tune for us & we will have hot dogs & ice cream sundaes!

Congrats to Post 44 Elephant Challenge Pool Players for bringing the trophy back home!!

On Wednesday, August 20th we would like to acknowledge Artie Johnston as our volunteer of the month.  Artie is a gifted wood worker & artist and has donated a considerable amount of time and items to our Post.  Thank you, Artie, for all you have done for us & we look forward to your continued involvement with us.  You are a true peach!!

Plans for the 3rd Annual American Legion Family Golf Tournament is in full swing!!  Linda Nenno is the Chairperson this year & is going to need help!  These tournaments don’t just happen.  If you or someone you know would like to sponsor a hole or provide a product or service for the golf raffle, please contact Linda N.  The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, 9 am shot gun start, 2:00 (approx.) brisket lunch, raffle and awards ceremony.  We need assistance from the Legion, Auxiliary, SAL and Rider members to gather prizes, hole sponsors and help with the tournament & lunch.  Your participation will ensure a share in the proceeds for your community projects & activities.

Happy Summer To All & we look forward to seeing you at the Post!!