I hope this month's newsletter finds you all well. Last month, I mentioned surviving the Polar Vortex. It continued on into February. As of this writing, we've had 26 sub zero nights so far this winter. Eleven of those happened in February. Thankfully, a warm up is on the way. We say a heartfelt thank you and good luck to 1st Vice Commander Dean Londo and his wife, Sue. It will most certainly be warmer in Florida. You will be missed.

I want to pass on to all an update of the status of our Post website. In 2008, our life time member and website administrator, Paul Barry, contacted then club manager, Russ Miner, about creating a website that was up-to-date with current information. Paul created a new website with software that he purchased. He also contracted for the website server. The current website is a continuation of that original effort, and yes, there have been many changes along the way. Effective March 1st, with Paul and Finance Officer Ashley Venburg's assistance, we are bringing the website home. That is to say Paul actually resides in Louisiana. Paul will continue to oversee the newsletter. I encourage all concerned parties to please forward your newsletter information to Paul in a timely manner. The Post and its membership extend a big thank you to Paul for the many years of website service.

Despite the cold, our bar business has remained steady and again posts good numbers. Several changes have been made on the banquet and kitchen side of our business. The staff has responded well, and we continue to push toward consistent profitability across all areas. There have been recent upgrades in our television programming, audio systems, and camera system. We continue holding three meat raffles a week and two Bingo sessions.

February has been a busy month! We had three contestants this year in our annual Oratorical Speech contest. Our winner was Titus Maart, who also, later became the district winner. From there, Titus advanced to the Department level held February 22nd, and finished just under 4th place. A heavy snowfall stopped just in time for the twelve noon start of this year's Forest Lake Ice Classic Fishing Contest on February 8th. The kick-off 4th of July committee meeting was held February 20th at 6:30pm. Dean Londo has chaired this committee the past few years, and with his job transfer, the torch has been passed to Todd Paddock. February also serves as the month several of us got away to a warmer climate. The white sand, blue water therapy of Florida does indeed help shorten winter living, here in Minnesota.

The National Commander's Tour visit is March 24 with a 5:00 PM social hour with dinner and program to follow. This is a big event, last occurring here in 2012. Our Post is the initial stop for the Commander and his entourage as they embark on several stops while visiting our beautiful state. So, let's pack Hall A. The menu will include a beef and chicken dinner at $25.00 per person, $10.00 for current members. Membership Director Terry Larson has offered his phone extension to take reservations, 651-464-2600 ext. 308.

This year's Pub Crawl is set for March 29. Contact Paul Siebert for more information or if you would like to volunteer to help with this event.

Vietnam Veteran's Day is set for March 30 at 1:00 PM. Please see the attached "news release" related to this most important event. You will undoubtedly be impressed with this year's line up. Hats off to the Vietnam Veterans Day committee.

Check calls, and if you haven't renewed for 2025, please do so. Our intent is to be at goal by the National Commander's visit. Planning continues on the remake of Forest Lake Area Veterans Memorial Project. We continue to progress along on the roof repair and replacement project. Our current design will result in the west end of our building (the area over Hall D, the back bar and hallway) having a consistent roof peak that will extend the entire length, north to south, covered with metal roofing. When the entire roofing project is completed, our entire exposed roofing, Hall A, kitchen area, main bar, Hall D and back bar will have been recovered.

In the spirit of cooperation and working together, please remember to say thank you when you come in contact with one of the many folks membering the Post, Sons of the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and Legion Riders. All of these areas have strong, committed and caring leadership, and provide the framework of cooperation toward our common goal to serve our veterans, their families and our community. Also, when you see a vet wearing a military hat or jacket, take a minute to say "thank you for your service."

Until we all meet again, stay healthy, stay positive and take care of one another.

Pat Silovich
American Legion Post 225
Forest Lake, MN

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller

NOTE: At the March membership meeting the nominating committee (Past 5 active commanders) proposes a slate of officers and then in April more can be added as we vote.