Commander's Newsletter

In my very first newsletter I set forth the following goals for the year: “My primary objective in the following months is to get the Post operating ‘on an even keel, full speed ahead’.” “My secondary objective is to get my arms around the financial status of the Post and to get the Post making money . . . To this end, I will ask the Executive Committee to appoint a Sub-Committee, from its members, to prepare a Budget and present it to the membership for approval.” “My third objective is to get new programs started that can wean us off of our present dependence on the slot machine revenue.” It is now time to assess whether those goals were met.

With respect to the first goal, attendance at post activities has continued to increase, not just the major banquets but daily and evening participation in the lounge; we had one of the best spring work days ever, attendance at post meetings, and we made three-star on membership. You tell me if this is indicative of being ‘on an even keel, full speed ahead.’

It took me a lot longer to get my arms around the post financially, than I expected it to, but in the end we did make it. We have computerized our bookkeeping system and can now get up-to-date financial reports. At the last membership meeting we adopted a budget for the current fiscal year, which will enable us to benchmark expenses against a target. I believe that it’s the first budget we’ve ever had, even though our Constitution and ByLaws have always required it. Thanks to all who worked hard to make this a reality. As far as operating at a profit is concerned, even though we have not done so during the first half of this fiscal year, I feel it is within reach. Our Finance Officer, Pro Tem, reported that we would be in the green if we hadn’t opted to spend some additional funds to seal the building from the weather, install new windows and upgrade our HVAC control system. By the way, we should start to realize some significant savings on our electric bill from the windows and HVAC controls. They should pay for themselves within a year or so.

As for the third objective, it has proven itself to be a bigger animal to get a hold of than can be done in just one year. While this did not surprise me, I still feel strongly that it is a worthwhile goal and should be pursued over the next few years. The current Governor and our representatives to State Government continue to talk about the revenue they see coming in when slot machines are put at the racetracks and other locations in Maryland. It’s not likely that we will continue to keep 50% of our slot machine proceeds and give 50% to local charities if the state takes over the program. It will be a sad day for the charities we support if this happens. We’ve donated over to $90,000 to local charities since last July.

As to other accomplishments this year, we made three-star, and that hasn’t been done in a while. We completed a comprehensive revision to our Constitution and ByLaws. We acquired new uniforms for our honor guard. We have an Internet Juke Box, eMail addresses and a presence on the World Wide Web at www.legion-64.org Welcome to the new millennium!

Finally, I want to say thanks to all of you who supported the Post this year in achieving these goals. Without your support, it could not have been possible. Ultimately, this Post is run by the membership. Yes, we elect our leaders every year, but it is the members who always get the last word! It’s been a good year, a banner year, and I’ve enjoyed having the privilege of leading the pack.

See you at the Post!

B. Eric Rychener