Commander – Al Norton
February was another fun month and good for Post funds.

I got many compliments on the Valentine dinners, I thank you all for the positive feedback. A special thanks to Becky Burcher for taking the meat to the Moose lodge and cooking it. Thank you Tom Cleveland for baking the potatoes at your home. Charlene thanks for the presentation by using real plates and utensils. Linda, Barb, Renee & Fran thank you ladies for the great service to the members. I am happy that we had a lot members to enjoy a fantastic meal.

Officer Elections are in process. We have some nominations but we still have room for more. The list is posted on the door to the storage room by the main entrance or talk to David or Tom.

Our next big project is the “Happy Feet” fundraiser. This is to replace the floor mats behind the bar. The existing ones have become a safety hazard for the bartenders. You can get your happy feet 50/50 drawing tickets from the bartenders. We are also having a raffle for a very beautiful cross stich of an American flag-eagle. It is a very fine piece of artwork! See your bartenders for tickets. It is hanging by the Family Banner.

Let’s all say a prayer for the Troops serving our country and all the veterans who have done their duty.

God Bless you all.

Charity & Education:
This month Charity income was $3183.82, and the distribution was as follows:

American Legion Department $572.38
Auxiliary-care packages $300.00
Auxiliary-Dept. assessments $400.00
SCCA $500.00
T or C Memorial $250.00
Sierra County Computer lab $500.00
Auxiliary-Veteran Dinners $71.75
Hot Springs High -Grad Bash $500.00

The total amount allocated was $3094.13, supporting Sierra County and the American Legion Family!

Finance Officer – Bob Nellis
As we near the end of our third quarter the post revenues are still in the black with the bar and gaming leading the way. The Activities Committee is always looking for suggestions that you would like to see as fundraisers.
The Gaming Board sent two auditors from Albuquerque to review our procedures and paperwork. Thanks to all the employees that hold gaming licenses we passed with flying colors.

Activities Committee – Kathy Norton
****Please, if you want to be recognized for your birthday, put your name and birthdate on the sign-up sheet by the bar. Our current list is very our dated!

March brings a lot of fun not to mention spring!! Watch your calendar for upcoming events. Sunday pool will be offering food from the kitchen going forward beginning with a Frito Pie fundraiser supporting our Happy Feet campaign on March 4th. The following Sundays will be chef’s choice. Another new addition is free pool on Mondays. Thursdays we have Bill Martin playing for us from 5-6 pm; he volunteers his time, come out and support him! Thank you Bill! This month our dinner and dance falls on St Patrick’s Day! Yep, that means Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner and music by Sue and the Lost & Found band.

Watch for the Happy Feet fundraisers and lets help our bartenders get new mats behind the bar!

Commander – Al Norton
The time of year to search for Post Officers is here again. The nominating committee is Tom Cleveland and David Thibeau. Anyone wanting to nominate someone or themselves please submit the name to Tom or David. You may use the suggestion box to do this also. Remember the Post cannot operate without key officer positions filled.

Overall the Post is holding its own. The Friday and Sunday pool tournaments are doing awesome. The Wednesday dinner and dance, Friday karaoke and the Saturday dance still need participation. The gaming room is a little better than the last 2 months.

We are seeing an increase in new members in all the units. Welcome the new people and make them feel at home in our Post. We need to keep up our status as the most fun post in New Mexico.

Our activities committee has a few new people that will help plan more events to keep us entertained.
When you see a Veteran, thank a Veteran. Remember to wear Red on Fridays to show support to the troops keeping our country safe.

God Bless everyone and God Bless America!

Finance Officer- Bob Nellis
Decembers gaming revenue provided over $7,000 to the post operations account. This was the biggest contribution for the 2017 year. This January is on pace to do almost as well. The bar continues to do very well and the kitchen remains slow. The juke box and pool are bringing in about $150 each, every month.
All outside projects for our building have been completed and the bills payed. There are no more major expenses expected in the near future. The next project we are planning will not be expensive but will require a lot of volunteers. Painting the interior of the post.

Post Adjutant-Tom Cleveland
American Legion dues for 2018 are due. Anyone who had not paid their dues will be denied access to the facility.

When you are in good standing you will be issued a new door card. The bartender on duty will ask to see your 2018 Membership card prior to handing you the door card.

Please send a check to American Legion Post 44 Po Box 1073, Elephant Butte NM 87935 or come into the Post and pay the bartender. I will issue your 2018 membership card as soon as possible. Don’t send your remittance to National or pay on line. That will only delay you receiving your new card. Thank You !

Activities Committee – Kathy Norton
Come help us celebrate Pete Baldwin’s 88th Birthday on Saturday February 2nd from 2-5. Bring your favorite potluck dish and come wish Pete Happy Birthday!

February 4th is Super Bowl LII, Patriots VS Eagles. Kickoff is at 4:20, the Post will host a Baked Potato Bar for $3.00-sign up to bring your favorite topping. We will have prizes and drink specials, come join the fun!

Wednesday February 14th we will be having a Prime Rib Dinner. Tickets will be presold at the bar beginning February 1st. We will be having a picture booth again and flowers for our ladies.

All pool Sundays are “bring a snack” to share-no 3 ball this month due to the Super Bowl-check out the calendar for details.

3rd Saturday Dinner and Dance is a Pot luck, the post will be providing Fried Mushrooms, popcorn shrimp and other fried goodies. Come dance and bring your favorite dish to share!