Commander's Message As I complete my second year as Commander of Post 47 I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the chance to represent you and for the help that I was given to make these years a success. We've gone through some rough times these past few years but have continued to prosper and forge ahead. We still have a problem bringing in the younger eligible members and really need them to maintain an active post. If you are a member and have never attended a meeting, please consider coming down on the second Tuesday of the month. The meetings rarely last over an hour and we could really use your input. On a happier note I wish to report that we are making excellent strides in paying off the mortgage and hope to be able to "burn it" within a few short years. (A day that we've looked forward to for a long, long time!) I'd also like to thank the members that took time to attend the Red Cross blood drive that we sponsored as a response to the September 11th bombings. The Red Cross was very satisfied with the results and will likely come back again soon. Please look to the calendar of coming events for the date and time of the next one. Our Children and Youth Breakfasts continue to go well and contribute to the success of our youth sponsored programs. They're held on the third Sunday of the month and if you come down I promise you as good and reasonably priced breakfast as any in the area. In response to a meeting held with the SAL recently, we are hoping to form a committee made up of the three organizations, Legion, Auxiliary and SAL, to work on specific projects for the betterment of the post. If you have any constructive suggestions please come to your respective organization meeting and present them. There is also a "Suggestion Box" in the canteen of the post. We need the input of all members. Remember this is your Post and is only as good as you make it! Elections of officers will be held on the 12th of March and a sign-up sheet is posted in the canteen now. As the saying goes "We're looking for A few good men (or women)!" Remember you earn a right to criticize if you are willing to help change things. Please check the calendar on the web site frequently as there are lots of things going on and changes are posted there. One addition this month is a one-day cribbage tournament that Rachel Mahoney will be putting on February 23 at 1 PM. It will be a $20 winner take all. Sign up and spend a pleasant Sunday afternoon at your Post. Again I want to thank you all for the past two years and I look forward to the coming years with great anticipation. Normand "Spike" Allard President's Message Winter may slow down some people but not the members of Unit 47. The unit meetings have been very productive and have had new members taking more responsibility. Our music chairman, Vi Dube, legislative chairman, Aggie Roussin, and the Past President Parley Chairman Marge Bailey have been busy getting us involved in their projects for this year. Our Christmas project of donating shoeboxes to the Samaritans went extremely well. Those boxes are filled with items for children age 1-10 and are sent to third world countries. Marion Grant collected all the donated boxes and took them to Sanford, which had a collection center. Many children had a better Christmas with the arrival of these boxes. The Unit also adopted a veteran at the Veterans Home in Tilton and provided a Christmas gift of pajamas, robe, sweat suit and socks. They also continued the tradition of donating gifts to the Veterans Hospital in Manchester. These donated items are for residents of the hospital to select a gift for their loved ones at Christmas. After their selection is made, these gifts are then wrapped, tagged and returned to the veterans to await the arrival of their special someone. The Legion and Auxiliary joined forces and provided space for the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive. The Auxiliary turned out home baked goodies in record numbers. Marge Bailey presided over the food table making sure that everyone sat for a few minutes and had something to eat and drink. Vi Dube acted as an escort for those waiting their turn to give blood. Unit members also donated food for another blood drive that took place in North Berwick. A Boy Scout working on his Eagle badge needed food for his project and the Auxiliary answered the call. The Friday night suppers twice a month have been gaining numbers in the amount of diners attending these suppers. The aroma of home cooked food and luscious desserts are a compelling reason to "leave the cooking to us" and join with friends for a night out. Kitten Clark and Marge Bailey do the cooking and Mel does the dishes. Believe it or not, it is time to elect new officers for the ensuing year. We almost have a full slate of officers and the elections will be in March. We always look forward to spring which means summer is right behind and that means Department Convention. We will be in Manchester this year and are looking forward to seeing all of our friends form across the state. Won't you join us and take part in this great organization? We'd love to see you at our meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm. Betty Trundy TOP OF PAGE