Newsletter – November 2012

POST 44
American Legion NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2012
PO Box 1073 – 1005 Hwy. 195 – Elephant Butte, NM 87935
575-744-4144
WEBSITE – americanlegionelephantbutte.com
Click to open newsletter as pdf for print

COMMANDER – Roy Lucero – Commander & Newsletter Editor

Let me be among the first to wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Last month’s golf tournament was a huge success. Everyone who participated had a great time. Once again, thanks to all the volunteers who put it together. The whole American Legion Family benefited from your efforts.

I hope you’ve all noticed the new look as you enter the Post; the shiny new floor, the freshly painted walls, and the bright red lights over the two pool tables. Invite your friends in for a visit and get them to join us if they are not already members.

On a not-so-happy note. Discarded household items have been appearing in our trash bins, lately. The dumpsters in the Post’s parking lot are NOT FOR PUBLIC USE. Just so you’ll know—our parking lot is monitored on a 24 hour basis. So, please, don’t dump your trash in the Post’s dumpsters. I don’t think that would be a good way to get recognized in the newsletter.

Still looking for volunteers to take part in the Veterans Day observance at the Veteran’s Home in T or C. If you would like to volunteer to be a flag bearer or participate in some other capacity, let one of our officers know.

Vice Commander – Tom Cleveland

What a month October has been. If you have been in the post in the last week, you will have seen the many changes that have taken place. A big special thanks to all of the volunteers that pitched in to help paint the walls, move furniture, install new pool table and light, and clean up after the new vinyl floor was installed in the smoking section. Without your generous help, none of this could have been accomplished in the short amount of time that it did.

Bob Nellis did a masterful job painting the concrete wall in the parking lot. His special blend of colors was incredible and the outcome was magnificent. We are setting up a plan to sell space on the individual blocks for signs or logos of your business. Contact Vince Hadley for more information.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving. And See you at the Post.

Finance Officer – Dr. G. Vincent Barrett

The Post financial condition is stable. Overall for the month of September we had a small loss. Our reserve position is also stable as the bar and kitchen is experiencing improving sales. Discussions with Aries Gaming indicate that we will have a few new gaming machines in the game room by the first of the year as well as improved air circulation. The air circulation may be improved by installing ventilation vents thru to the pool table areas. We will also be conducting gaming promotions–watch for the prizes! This should help improve the gaming revenues. The second pool table and new TV, both of which are in place, are also expected to improve the bar and kitchen sales. I am confident that with these few improvements and the generally improving economic conditions the Post should be able to remain on a sound financial footing throughout this coming fiscal year.

The VFnp (Veterans and Fraternal non-profits) gaming lobby of which we are a member held its monthly meeting at the Post 44 on October 23. The meeting was well attended and proved to be very informative to everyone who attended.

Adjutant – Bob Nellis

Continue to submit your membership dues before January 2013 so that you can join us at the Post. On January 1, 2013 you’ll need a new key-card for entry into the post and gaming with your paid-up dues.

Activities Committee – Kathy Norton and Linda Amdal)

Follow-up on the golf tournament: The tourney was a resounding success and the Post netted over $3200, to be divided equally between the 4 Post entities. Many, many thanks to all of you that obtained sponsors & raffle prizes, helped at the golf course and the Post lunch. It was a lot of work, but well worth it!! Well done!!

Sat, Nov 3rd, the Auxiliary is hosting the Homecoming for NM Department President, Mary Heiligenthal with a brisket dinner at 6:00pm, for invited guests.

Mark your calendars for the next Activities meeting, Tuesday, Nov 6th at 2:00 pm. Some new fundraising ideas have been presented, so please come & brain storm for some more! We can always use the $$ and new ideas! Bob & Liz Nellis will be presenting information on plans for the Post’s 10th Anniversary in February.

Don’t forget the “AllYou Can Eat” Breakfast at the Post on Saturday, November 10th and then check out the car show & Auxiliary Bake Sale at the Veteran’s Center.

Sunday, November 18th, at 5:30, the S.A.L. is having an Enchilada Dinner Fundraiser with Sue Barr providing entertainment.

Please be advised there will be some changes with the kitchen help and we ask for your patience while getting the new helpers trained. Many thanks to Kathy and Al Norton for donating the new cash register for the kitchen!! It will be a valuable asset, once we all figure out how to use it!

Meals and Things:
Fri, Nov 2, 5:30 Burgers, Wings, Shrimp & Soup du Jour – Karaoke by Cindy
Sat, Nov 3, 6:00 Mary Heiligenthal Homecoming Dinner
Tues, Nov 6, 2:00 Activities Meeting
Wed, Nov 7, 5:30 Chicken Enchiladas, soup du jour, Music by Jim Corrons
Fri Nov 9, 5:30 Burgers, Wings, Shrimp & soup du jour – Karaoke by Cindy
Sat Nov 10, 9-11 All You Can Eat Breakfast at the Post, Car Show & Auxiliary Bake Sale at Veteran’s Center
Wed, Nov 14, 5:30 Turkey Dinner, Music by Jim Corrons & Member Appreciation for Gene Hill
Fri, Nov 16, 5:30 Burgers, Wings, Shrimp & soup du jour, Karaoke by Gene Armijo Sun,
Nov 18, 5:30 S.A.L. Enchilada Fundraiser, Music by Sue Barr
Wed, Nov 21, 5:30 Thanksgiving Eve Pot Luck
Thur, Nov 22 Post Closed
Fri, Nov 23, 5:30 Burgers, Wings & Shrimp, soup du jour – Karaoke with Gene Armijo
Wed, Nov 23, 5:3 Stuffed Sopapias, Music by Cactus Flats
Fri, Nov 30, 5:30 Burgers, Wings,Shrimp & soup du jour – Karaoke by Cindy
Anniversary: Nov 3, Sharon & Craig Pierson. Birthdays: Nov 8, Florence Schrader, Nov 12, Virgil House, Nov 22. Linda Ross

Heads up for some special December dates: Sun, Dec 2, 3:00 pm, Deck The Halls & Finger Food, Sat , Dec 15th, Employees Christmas Party, Wed, Dec 19, Post Christmas Party, Mon, Dec 24, Christmas Eve Pot Luck, Tues, Dec 25 Post Closed.

Sons of the American Legion – Bill Nenno

Membership: We are currently asking that all members pay their 2013 membership dues. Renewals continue to come in slowly but steadily but we need a big push in this area. So far we have had 29/85 or 1/3 of our members renew. We ask that you renew as soon as possible – ASAP in medical talk. Department sets various percentage renewal guidelines and these are always nice to meet.

The drawing was held for the Early Bird free membership and was won by Noah Carlton. Noah is the grandson of Marty and Tom Nowak who paid his membership. Gene Hill, SAL Finance Officer, will be writing them a check in the near future.

Finances: S.A.L. finances remain in good shape. We will be receiving a windfall with the money earned during the American Legion Golf Tournament. The S.A.L. donated $300 and a set of golf Woods up front. a “TREMENDOUS” thanks to Jeannie Wolf for handling ticket sales of the three Woods. It is my understanding that they brought in $113 alone!!! Thanks to all of you who purchased tickets even if you did not need the clubs. The Post, and especially the S.A.L., appreciates your support. American Legion Golf Tournament: Speaking of the event, the American Legion Golf Tournament was a great success. The golf was great, the shirts were great; the dinner was great –you get the picture. Our sincere THANKS to everyone who was involved. All of the players had a good time.

Just FYI my team won 2nd Place in the 2nd Flight, having been denied the winner’s circle by a single stroke. Linda did manage closest to the pin for women. If you want to know all of the results scare up an issue (how appropriate for Halloween) of the Sierra County Sentinel for October 12, 2012 and read Ginny Ashley’s article.

Enchilada Dinner November 18th: Donnie Polstin and Deone Harty are still planning to cook an enchilada dinner. The dinner will be held Sunday, November 18, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Music will be by Sue Barr. Be sure to mark this on your calendars.

Next Meeting: Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 20 at 6:30 PM at the Post. The S.A.L. meetings are always held on the third Tuesday of the month and all are invited to attend.

As always remember that organizations are not really organizations, they are just people. Help out when you can and when you see them, thank those that do help out and let’s all work together for the common good.

Thanks for supporting our club, our community and most of all —the veteran

Legion Riders- American Legion Riders Chapter NMALR 5: Jim Coslin, President
(Written by Craig Pierson, Secretary):

Our monthly meetings are held at Post 44 on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.  See you on November 6, 2012.

See our facebook page at @ http://www.facebook.com then go to Search (type) American Legion Riders NM5, then click on the Logo – all our pictures/comments are posted there for the last and previous rides or see Chuck, he has them on his computer. If you are computer-savvy, you can download them for yourself

If you are interested in being in the ALR but don’t have a bike – we have a place for you. Ask any ALR Officer or Member for details – membership is $15 plus vest and patches.

Auxiliary President – Sharon Pierson
AUXILIARY OCTOBER EVENTS

General Membership Meeting:

  • Drape the Charter: With heavy hearts our unit, yet again, Draped the Charter. Gone from us are Dorothy Michelis, Betsy Bauer and Gertrude Guerrero. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families.
  • Girls State: This month we were pleased to have as our guests this year’s Girls State attendees Tessa Jones and Eryca Bartlett. The girls opened with a traditional Girls State song (regarding men or the lack thereof I believe) and shared with us their experiences at Girls State.
  • SCVAU: We were also happy to welcome Lois Hunwick and Mary Lou Croteau of the Sierra County Victims Assistance Unit. The ladies gave us an informative Power Point presentation on this non-profit group who provide advocates (24/7) to assist those whose lives have been impacted by crime in our community. The SCVAU works with all Law Enforcement agencies in Sierra County and are available to all victims of crime, day or night.
  • “American Legion Family” Golf Scramble: This golf tournament was a rousing success with more than $800 raised for each of the 4 members of the American Legion family (Legionnaires, Sons, Auxiliary & Riders). Everyone involved had a great time at the tournament and then afterward enjoyed the B-B-Q luncheon, awards and raffle drawing, and Karaoke at the Post. Hats off to Linda Amdal and Linda Nenno for all their hard work in making this tournament happen and a special thank you to Bob Acre for providing Karaoke at no cost to the Post.
  • Sierra County Fair: This year Unit 44 chose to host a booth at our county fair and what a great turnout there was. Nearly 400 Poppies were distributed and $138 in donations accepted. Auxiliary members manning the booth wore Poppy hats, answered questions about the American Legion Auxiliary and distributed membership applications to potential members who met the qualification requirements. One exciting note was the interest of several young ladies wanting to attend Girls State and possibly become involved in our Junior Auxiliary.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas for the Elderly: The Unit approved a $200 shopping budget for Christmas gifts for Senior Citizens this year. Joyce Hudgens has graciously agreed to do the shopping for us – thank you Joyce.

Veteran’s Day Bake Sale / Poppy Distribution: On November 10th our Auxiliary Unit and the VFW Auxiliary will jointly have a bake sale at the NMSVH during the annual Car Show. We need volunteers to bake and volunteers to man the booth. We will also be distributing Poppies for donations and need volunteers to assist with this as well. Anyone interested in helping out please contact Ginny Ashley or Linda Nenno.

School Visitations: We are in the process of putting teams together to visit the local schools on November 12th in honor of Veteran’s day. These teams will be covering Flag Etiquette/Americanism and Poppies History/Importance with the children. Anyone who is interested in being a team member, please contact Sharon Pierson or Liz Foster.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • The kitchen is still providing a variety of soups and sandwiches after our general monthly meetings at minimal cost to members so please come prepared to enjoy the food and camaraderie after the meetings.
  •  New Leadership courses will begin again after the first of the year so anyone interested in attending please contact Liz Foster. I would like to encourage EVERYONE to participate in this course. Having just taken it myself I can tell you it is a wonderful way to get to know what the American Legion Auxiliary is all about and what a fabulous history we have. Members of the ALA have accomplished so much for which we can all be proud. Liz will be presenting Leadership Awards to the class that completed the course in January 2012 at our November 17, 2012 monthly meeting.
  • Our Website has had a major “facelift”, in fact it’s had a complete body work over and looks fantastic – everyone please take a look at the Auxiliary portion and give us your thoughts/opinions/recommendations. It’s up to us to keep our website looking appealing and fresh, so anyone who has suggestions please send them to Sharon Pierson or Liz Foster. If you have photos, stories to share, articles you’d like to publish – whatever – we’d love to know about it.
  • Wednesday Night Desserts – please remember the desserts set out during Wednesday night dinners are not included with the meal. These desserts are baked and donated by members of the Auxiliary to raise money for the Care Packages we send to troops overseas each month. If you’d like to have a dessert please make a donation (a $1.00 donation is typical) in the jar provided just for this.

Auxiliary Membership Report – Linda Nenno

Thank you to those who have renewed for 2013. The dues are still $30/year, and help us continue the programs that serve Veterans and their families. Membership is our most important program, since without members, we cease to exist. Tell your non-member friends about us, what we do and encourage them to join if they are eligible. Carry a membership application in your purse. You, as a member, know we have some really good things going on at the Post, and we always have a lot of fun, so spread the word. As of October 26, we have 260 paid members, which put us at 63% of our final goal. The early bird winner is Grace Lover. Congratulations! Please keep those renewals and new members coming. We’re doing great so far and are leading the units in our District.

National renewal notices list our dues as $34. This is incorrect! Our dues are still $30/yr. If you receive your National notice, please pay only $30 as we have to issue refund checks for those who over pay. Thank you.

The Chaplain’s Corner – Marty Novak

PRAYER FOR THE MILITARY: Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.

GET WELL WISHES: Delbert Smith, Papa Vince, Jim Ridens, Sofio Trujillo

OUR CONDOLENCES: Our condolences to the families of Dorothy Michelis, Betsy Bauer, and Gertrude Guerrero

IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders Fiends the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Field
By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

CARE PACKAGES AND CELL PHONES: We sent 56 Care Packages in October. Thanks to all who helped. People seem to like the earlier start time of 11AM. Thank you to all who donated supplies, made pocket flags and neck coolers. And of course, thank you to all the generous people and to the Post for their monetary help with this project.

We are an official collection site for cell phones that are no longer being used. These are sent for recycling and provide calling cards for the soldiers. We send the calling cards in our Care Packages. There is a collection container just outside the door of the Post. We received another 200 calling cards in time for our September mailing.

What is a Veteran: A Veteran…whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve…is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount of “up to, and including his/her life.” That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today, who no longer understand that act..