COMMANDER – Al Norton

 The past months revenue earned by the Post was favorable. Gaming is still much lower than we are accustomed to.

We have a misunderstanding I would like to clear up. The question is, “Why are we asking members for donations when at the same time the Post is giving money away?” The answer is under New Mexico gaming laws one third of the monies paid to us by gaming must be given to charity and education. In the past we have mailed the money to the charities that were approved by the membership during our monthly membership meeting at Post 44. This is why most people have not been aware of our responsibilities and commitments to the community. The newspaper article presenting a check for uniforms is our attempt to let everyone know what the American Legion Post 44 is doing to help our community.

We had a very successful Golf tournament. Fun was had by all. Thank you to all who worked to make this a great event. I would like to give a special Thank you to the Sons of the American Legion (SALS) for donating their portion of the proceeds for the Golf Tourney back to the American Legion general fund. In addition, the SALS donated all the leftovers from the Elephant Days event back to the post. This kind of dedication to the welfare of the American Legion Post 44 goes way above the call of duty.

We are fortunate to have members that are willing to give their all and make Post 44 a sound and happy place. Please join us at the Post for our monthly meeting and supporting our events.

We will survive because we love our community. Keep your donations coming.

Finance Officer- Bill Conklin

 I would like to start of by thanking those of that made a donation. It was greatly needed and appreciated. We have made the turn, but still looking for ways to cut expenses without hurting our services to members. It looks like it’s going to be another black month. There has been question as to how we are giving money away when we are hurting so badly. The funds we give out are from gaming and are state mandate, to keep our nonprofit status and gaming. This is run by the charity committee and gaming. The post is the last to receive funds from gaming, after everyone one has been paid. Besides it is our duty as the American Legion to support our youth and community. Bare with us things will get better, the staff and officers are doing everything to make your experiences at the post pleasurable. It’s my pleasure to serve as your financial officer.

Activities Committee – Kathy Norton and Linda Amdal

 Here we go- heading into the holidays. YIKES!! Before I get into the holiday stuff I’d like to extend a big THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS to Linda Nenno and her Worker Bees for a fabulous job on and the success of the Golf Tournament! Well done. KUDOS to Bob Acre too, for your generous donation to the success and entertainment you have provided for our Post. THANK YOU!!! Continue reading →

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!!