Commander – Al Norton
Membership participation is very important to the operation of our Post. At our meeting in February we had a few issues that needed discussion and to be voted on. Unfortunately, we did not have enough members to vote. It is required we vote on serious issues or nothing can be done. Please join us and help run this Post.

Our parking lot has become a safety hazard when it rains. We don’t have proper drainage or a good surface. Bartoo has given a very good quote of $3900.00 to do this repair. With financial assistance from members we can get it done. Jack Hodges has donated $1000.00 and issued a challenge for anybody to match him. Linda A and Richard donated $500 and the Executive Committee members have pledged $100.00 each. All donations of any amount are appreciated and needed, even simply by throwing your spare change into the collection jars at the Post will help us reach our goal! I would like to extend a special Thank You to our new members Justin O’Daniel and Bill Novak for giving us $700.00 to replace our freezer that quit working this month.
Please join us at the Post and the meetings!
A great Thank you to all veterans and our troops still serving. God Bless us all.

Charity & Education:
Charity funds from January gaming revenues were much lower than usual, at $1730.30 which affects the amount we are able to donate for February requests. In January we were able to donate a total of $2677.17 which include American Legion Department $406.42; Auxiliary Care Packages $470.75; SCCA Cancer Patient Transportation $250; Auxiliary Veteran’s Dinners $100; Auxiliary Department Assessments $350; CAAT Spay/Neuter Program $250; Sierra Health Care $100; Laura Lorea Medical Emergency $250; SJOA Senior Meal Program $500. For February, The Executive Board approved American Legion Department $311.42; Auxiliary Care Packages $403.50; SCCA $250; Laura Lorea Medical Emergency $250; Auxiliary Veteran’s Meals $100; SJOA $500. Other requests have been postponed until the next Charity Meeting

Finance Officer – Bob Nellis
The post continues to operate in the black, even though gaming revenue for January was down. February gaming revenue is showing an improvement. The loss of Pull Tab revenue (over $15,000 yr.)will have a negative effect in the coming months. The Executive Board is looking into other ways to offset this loss.
The S.A.L. purchased a set of shaded screens to be used on the patio for the summer months. An out of state visitor donated the money to replace the freezer that quit. The pool tables were re-covered at a cost of almost $1,000. These are some of the ongoing expenses we have to face every month. An idea I had to raise revenue would be to leave free pool days as they are but have each player pay $.25. If anyone has suggestions, opinions, or comments please place them in the suggestion box

Activities Committee – Kathy Norton and Linda Amdal
First of all, we would like to give a BIG THANK YOU!!! to the gal’s that have been washing our towels and aprons!! We know it is a thankless job – So here’s some thank you’s!!! You save the Post a great deal of money!

Another big THANK YOU to Bill Novak and Justin O’Daniel for their donation for our new Freezer! The old freezer gave up the ghost (on a weekend, of course) with a mad scramble to save the food! Thanks to Terri Cramer, Charlene Spieker & Tom Cleveland for coming to the rescue by providing freezer space!

This month, it’s time to GET YOUR GREEN ON!!! Saint Paddy’s Day is on the way! Be sure to buy your lucky shamrock or beer mug ($1 each or 6 for $5) from the bartenders for a drawing to split the money on March 17th. We will have our corned beef dinner on Wednesday, the 15th, Potato Soup on Friday Grill Night and Reuben Sandwiches & Chips on Saturday, the 18th before the dance with the Lost N Found Band.

Congrats to Linda Nenno for being selected Volunteer of the Month! You are always willing to jump in & help and we appreciate all that you do for the Post!

The first day of spring, March 21st, the Easter Eggs will be coming back! We will be happy to accept candy donations to go into the eggs.

On Thursday, March 23rd at 6:30, New Mexico Gaming LLC, will be here for a Luck Diamond Party Giveaway! Each person will receive ONE ticket for a chance to win cash & prizes. Come on in for fun, pot luck, music & a great chance to win!!

Sat, March 25th, at 10:30, there will be a Memorial Service for Bob “Bluewater” Pacta at our post. The Moose and the Legion will both participate in the service. There will be a pot luck to follow.

Thank’s to all of you for supporting our Post! We look forward to seeing you!

Commander – Al Norton
Without volunteers our post would not be able to operate. This month we gave our 2nd Annual Special Awards to our nominated volunteers. The Volunteer of the Year award went to Legionnaire Bob Nellis. The rest are as follows:

A special thank you to all Volunteers, there are many. The above are just a few that were nominated by their peers. Remember to submit your suggestions in November next year.

This year is starting out well. The Saturday open house membership drive with a great band and excellent food was the most successful day our post has had in a very long time. I am very proud of all of you that made it happen! We plan to continue the open house jam every 3rd Saturday of the month.

January starts our quest for Post Officers for the 2017-1018 year, starting July1st. Anyone interested in an office please submit your name to Tom Cleveland, myself or place your name on the white board next to the open position.

Participation at January’s meeting was a record high as long as I’ve been Commander. Thank you all and keep it up.

Don’t forget to remember our Veterans & our troops serving our country today. God Bless everyone & our country!

Finance Officer- Bob Nellis
The first half of our fiscal year has ended. Revenue for December was up over 20% from 2015 but the six month total was down over $5,000. This was mostly due to a downturn in gaming revenue, however the
canteen, pull tabs, and kitchen continue do well.

The new electronic juke box has been installed and customers seem to be pleased with the change. Bob Acre put the old juke box on Craig’s List and after some negotiations it was sold to a local resident for $800. Way to go Bob.

The patio has been given the ok to open by the Liquor Control Board. That means you can enjoy your favorite beverage in the fresh air.

Membership – Adjutant Tom Cleveland
Just a reminder to all Post 44 Legion members, membership dues are past due for 2017, if you have not renewed your membership for the current year , your access to the Post is restricted.

Mail in your dues to the Post , PO Box 1073, EB, NM 87935 or stop by and pay in person.

Currently paid members total 301.

Activities Committee –Linda Amdal
Happy February to All!! There are lots of activities this month, so mark your calendars!!
On Wed, Feb 1st, come in & enjoy Char’s Homemade 5 Layer Lasagna with all the fixin’s!! You won’t leave hungry!

Be sure to buy your lucky football for a 50/50 that will be drawn on Super Bowl Sunday! 50% of the proceeds go to you and 50% goes to the bartender that sells it to you! There will be a finger food pot luck starting at 3pm with the Falcons and the Patriots start around 4pm.

Lost & Found Note: An old gold class ring has been found & is looking for its’ owner! If you can describe it to the bartender, it will have found its home!

Congrats to Linde Polstin for being selected as our Volunteer of the Month!! She is like a turquoise & purple blurrrr around the Post! She’s everywhere, she’s everywhere!! Thank you Linde for always being willing to step up to the plate!

The Tuesday Jams from 3-6 have been rockin’!!! If you haven’t been in, give it a try & enjoy great music, $2.00 well, wine & domestic beer and $2.00 tacos! On Thursday’s into April Bill & Roger will be playing their bluegrass style music from 5-6:30! It is also Free Pool Day with $2.00 margaritas & Mexican beer!

On the third Saturday of the month, the “Lost N Found Band” will be on hand to entertain you starting @ 6 pm & Char will be serving Sloppy Joe’s & Fries. Last months’ dance was a huge success, so plan on being here!

The last day of Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday” is on Feb. 28th. In addition to the Jam, Taco’s & drink specials, Richard (one of our resident Cajun’s) will be preparing Shrimp Gumbo & Jambalaya to celebrate Mardi Gras in style, starting at 5 pm. Come on in, get beaded up & dance! The jammers have a few Cajun numbers up their sleeves!

Thanks to all of you for supporting our Post! See you there!