American Legion Post 118 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
General Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2024

Attendees

Minutes

Meeting called to order - 11:06

Prayer

OWW empty chair ceremony

Roll call

Motion to accept minutes as read made by Bill H. seconded by Bill J. Motion carried

Finance report read:

• All bills paid. More expense to come for installing the Mini Splits. Does have CDs that don't mature until December. 100 Club and other donations/raffles are currently the only fundraising opportunities Finance Report

Kitchen:

• Lost $719 (allow 3 months to give the kitchen fair shake). Need to find a way to make sure the kitchen can start to turn a profit. May need to increase prices on food items. Is there a significant difference $11000 In March vs. April $10000 - Still less than March. The building Fund was $7000 now at $0. Motion to accept the finance report as read was made by Robert Abeyta and seconded by Ron Szych, motion carried.

Membership:

• 610 members 105% (goal is 579 members) have to pay to District $32.50 now only have to pay$ 18.50 now over 105%. We are the 2nd largest in NM as of 15 of May, NM was 95.4%. We will sit upfront at Nationals due to membership percentage. Post 49 is #1 in New Mexico , SAL 438% 5th in state - 790 Membership for a small post in Hobbs will get National recognition. Membership can renew now and pay for 2025-27@ $40 before June 30. July 1 will go to $50. As long as we stay current we will have $2000 accidental life ins - if on Legion business and in an accident will increase to $5000. Site to view is TheLIT.com/legioncare2 Good for Legion, Sal, Aux as well. Motion to accept by Joe Cook Second ed by Ron Szych, Motion Carried

1st Vice Report:

• Absent - attending State ALR meeting in Clovis

2nd Vice Report:

• $20 from all officers and Trustees needed for Memorial Day food will served @ 1300-- Burgers, Dogs, Chips Who will cook. Bill H Mem service at the park. Bill J will be the chaplain at the Rio Rancho events and there will be an honor guard salute. May 31st Band 7-10 $300 ALR is not doing Dinner Pulled pork sand with all fixings 5-7 - Entry Cost $0 - Should we do a cover charge? At this time no, but that may change at a later date depending on member attendance.

Flag Day June 14 @ 1800:

• Post may start cutting out the stars to present to members with a card about Flag Day and how the Flags were disposed. June 23 Family Day (Kids Carnival) Starting @ 1400. Will have events including dunk tank, test of strength, face painting, cotton candy and popcorn.

The Post may have a Beautification day - more discussion to follow.

Chaplain absent

Service officer absent

Unfinished Business:

• Last Month the Post hosted the District 9 Meeting. The Auxiliary provided morning pastries and sold lunch. E-Board has now provided James a budget of $500 for the Kitchen. The Post needs more volunteers to help with game room (donate time or supplies such as drywall mud or Self-Level for floor).

Fundraising:

• Ron states that the 100 club was previously gave away 5 drink tickets and pin The Executive Board will decide what to give away to anyone who joins the 100 club.

Americanism Committee:

• The Executive Board will continue to discuss the Boy scouts proposal. Carla proposed each organization at the Post (Legion, Auxiliary, SAL, ALR) provide $50 each so it is not such a financial burden on any one unit.

Kim proposed having an Honor Guard here at the post. Post does only have 2 rifles. Bill J said we did have rifles that were lost in previous years. Currently, if someone wants a 21 guns salute we refer to Post 49. Howie said "Gunnie" would be willing to help. Howie says he knows of an organization that will get rifles. Can requisition for free. Movie Nights - Friday Nights can be a profit. We would need to get the word out to people that we are having movie nights.

Howie stated that we are doing a disservice to the Post with the cost of the Hall Rentals. Howie feels the cost should be less to rent the hall. He will be donating food and and has donated equipment to the kitchen. He is not happy with how the suggestions have to go to the board if someone wants to donate. He feels if it is his money, and he should be able to donate how and when he wants.

For the Good of the Order - none

Hand Salute

OWW empty chair

Prayer

Meeting adjourned at 12:10