November 29, 2017
Like your family, the Post 44 “family” is quite busy this joyous holiday season. The Post will be closed on Christmas Day, but we are planning a fun event, Saturday, December 16 when we will host our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party from 6-9 PM.
Prizes will be awarded for the worst examples of “Aunt Edna’s Knitted Christmas Sweater.” We hope you’ll join in the fun.
Our New Year’s Eve dinner and dance will feature the music of Jimmy Snowden. Details regarding cost and menu will be made available very soon.
Our Queen of Hearts and 50/50 raffles are doing great on Tuesdays. Join us from 6-9 PM.
Monday afternoon Bingo continues to bring guests to our Post, as does Thursday night Bar Bingo. Come down and stake your claim to one of the jackpots.
We’ve saved the biggest news for last. On November 20, Chef Bernard Hilton was named Chef and General Manager for our Club operation. Since the announcement, Chef Bernard has been reviewing labor, food and beverage costs to determine the best way to increase profitability for our Club and our Post operations. The next time you’re at the Post, take a moment to shake Chef Bernard’s hand and welcome him as our new GM.
While we welcome Chef Bernard to his new role, we also offer sincere thanks to Tom Paul for all he has done as the previous General Manager of Post 44. Tom took over at a difficult time and he has left a positive mark. Excessive kitchen staff turnover in early 2017 caused quality issues in our lunch and dinner product. Tom turned that around and today we are very proud of the food quality. We wish him the very best in 2018.
- Randy Thomas
- Junior Vice Commander, Post 44
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September 1, 2017
In August, the Executive Board appointed me to fill out the remainder of the 2017-2018 term as Post 44’s Junior Vice Commander. I am honored to serve our veterans and families in this capacity.
The role of Junior Vice Commander is important to our club because I chair the Post Club and Program Committee which meets the first Monday of each month to discuss coming events for the next month and addresses issues and concerns from Post members. I then work directly with the Club Manager as well as the kitchen and bar managers to ensure our staff and volunteers carry out the directions of the Committee.
September will be an exciting month. Beginning Friday, September 15, we begin a Five Fabulous Fridays events calendar. That night will be billed as Little Italy night, with a special Italian food menu. Friday, Sept 22 is New Orleans night with delicious Cajun specialties, Friday, Sept 29 is All-American BBQ, Friday Oct 6 is Oktoberfest with delicious German fare, and finally, Friday Oct 13 will be Viva La Mexico night.
Speaking of Friday menus, our Club Committee recommended effective September 15, we replace the All You Can Eat fish fry and salad buffet bar with a less expensive Fish & Chips basket consisting of battered cod, fries and fresh coleslaw. Clam chowder will also be available at a nominal charge. Members will enjoy a reduced price for the new fish basket.
Due to the rising cost of prime rib roasts, effective Saturday Oct 9, in place of prime rib, Chef Bernard will begin offering a mouthwatering 10 oz. New York Strip prepared anyway you like, along with a stuffed baked potato and salad bar. Members will enjoy a price savings, too with the new dinner priced at only $14.75.
Once again, Post 44 has purchased the NFL package from DirecTv so you can watch every game on the NFL schedule.
Finally, live entertainment on Fridays returns September 15 to coincide with our Five Fabulous Fridays theme events. Our post is one of the few in the Valley with live entertainment both Fridays and Saturdays. We hope you will take advantage of these fun events.
If you have suggestions or comments regarding our club operation, feel free to email or text me. My email address is randy@randythomas.us and you can text me at 480-251-8666.
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March 6, 2017
Post 44 Club Update
We are working hard to stabilize the staffing in our kitchen. We experienced the unexpected departure of both our senior cook and a junior cook in one week, which caught us short- staffed during high season’s busiest time for every restaurant in the city. We are working to replace our staff while we rebuild the processes in the kitchen. We greatly appreciate your patience as we get back up to speed.
Kitchen Volunteers Please!
Post 44 is seeking volunteers to help with food prep and ancillary duties (washing and chopping vegetables, making toast, etc.). Shifts are Sundays (9:45am to12:30pm); Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (One to two hour shifts / first thing in the morning). Our goal is to create a Pool of Volunteers from all segments of the Post 44 family in order to allow rotation of shifts and spread the work around.
So pick a shift that works for your schedule, and ask for the volunteer sign-up sheet at the bar, or let me know if you can help. It’s actually not tough duty and is actually sort of fun. More importantly, your involvement creates a greater sense of fellowship that extends throughout the whole Post 44 family. Remember that your volunteer hours also help keep our Post 44 expenditures down. We need you! Be a Volunteer!
Jump into the pool… The Volunteer Pool that is!
Upcoming Special Events!
St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17.
Plan your calendar and make your reservations. St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and space will fill up quickly. Everyone’s Irish at this all-day celebration. There will be Shepherd’s Pie and, of course, Corned Beef and Cabbage! Randy O’Thomas will be playing Irish music for those who wish to be dancin’ a gig (or not). Wearin’ of the green is encouraged. Come on out for a great day!
Save the Date! New Orleans Party, Saturday, April 8
Post 44’s Auxiliary is hosting its annual New Orleans Party on Saturday night, April 8th. We are bringing back the highly-celebrated musical super-group of Mike Hatounian, Randy Thomas, Jared Howe and Jimmy Snowden for an evening of high energy jazz and music in the French Quarter tradition. We know this is going to be a FUN evening, so start planning your favorite “Mardi Gras” style ensemble. And as they say: Laissez le bon temps rouler!
We look forward to seeing you at “The Club”, and appreciate all you do to make Post 44 “The Best in the West!” Many thanks in advance for your help and participation.
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February 9, 2017
Parada del Sol is this Saturday 2/11! Don your favorite western attire and join us for our Western Buffet and Live Music – Fun All Day!
Post 44 Club Operations Update
The Club has had many positive changes since the first of the year. Tom Paul has accepted the position as our Club Manager, I am filling in as Jr. Vice, and we have all new kitchen staff. Tom is working diligently on our processes and improving our product consistency. We ask for your understanding, patience, and helpful feedback while those changes come to fruition.
Kitchen Volunteers Please!
We are looking for volunteer help with food prep and ancillary duties (making toast, chopping veggies etc.) on Sundays (9:45 – 12:30), On Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays (One – two hour shifts first thing in the morning).
We are going to create a pool of volunteers to allow rotation of shifts to spread out the work. There is a signup sheet at the bar, or let me know if you can help. We will do our best to make it pleasant and make you part of our Post 44 family.
Please remember that volunteering helps to keep our Post expenditures down, and builds greater Post 44 community.
Many thanks in advance for your help!
Doug Hunt
Junior Vice Commander
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December 5, 2016
I would like to start off by thanking each and every one of you helping in bringing your Club to becoming more solvent that it has been in a long time. It is because of YOU that we are progressing forward and becoming nationally known as “The Best Damn Post in the West”!! This was more prevalent by the recent visit by the American Legion National Commander. He made it a point to his schedulers that when he visits Arizona that he wanted to stop at Post 44 for lunch. ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!!
Friday’s “All You Can Eat” fish fry is starting to grow and of course dancing music along with that for only $10. WHAT A DEAL!! Also, please understand that when making reservations that it is understood that you are making reservations for dinner.
The building fundraiser party was a great success and a big thank you for all that helped out with this project, especially a BIG THANK YOU to Mike & Chris Hatounian for all that they did to put this together. Please don’t forget that we still have one of the most inexpensive breakfast on Sunday. We look forward to seeing you and the bonus of watching ANY Football game that you desire.
Can’t believe it is almost the end of 2016 already. With that in mind, don’t forget to make your reservations for the Early Bird Dinner and dare I say, “The New Year’s Eve Gala”. Promising to be a great night at a very reasonable price. Please also remember to take care of those who enjoy serving you. Last but not least, please take some time to say hello to our new cook James who has joined our team.
I am very blessed and humbled to have you all support YOUR Club & Post on a consistent basis. Keep up the good work and support and GOD BESS THE USA!!!! See you around the Post.
CHEERS!!
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October 28, 2016
A hearty Hi-De-Ho to all the members and winter visitors to “The Best Damn Post in The West”. I would like to thank ALL of you for supporting your post and making it “The Place To Be” in Scottsdale. We are continuing to strive to make the club a place to come and enjoyable for our members and the community. I would like to welcome Holiday Inn Express, Lowes, Home Depot and Rehab Burger Therapy as our Community Partners. Please support them as they support us.
Please join us on Veterans Day for fun and festivities at your Post with great food and drink specials. Also on Nov 12th is the 1st annual “Building Maintenance Fund Raiser” with great dinner, music and prizes. Cocktail hour starts at 5:00 pm and dinner is at 6:00 pm. This is a “White Tablecloth” event and the dinner is spectacular. See the bartender for tickets.
The National Commander contacted us and is coming by on November 16th for lunch. I guess he heard about “The Best Damn Post in The West”. Please make plans to come have lunch and say hello to our new National Commander.
A little housekeeping if I may. We would like to remind you that when making reservations, please understand that they are dinner reservations and those having dinner will have priority for those who chose not to. Also, the staff asked me to pass on a “Big THANK YOU” for supporting the Post and they enjoying seeing you. They love taking care of you so please take care of them.
As always, check your monthly calendar with all the daily specials. You never know, sometimes we add another special that day. For those that are not aware, we have the NFL package for you to enjoy watching your favorite team play on Sunday. So, come partake in an OUTSTANDING breakfast, inexpensive beverages and great football.
I look forward to seeing you around the Post and am very grateful for all those who volunteer to help the club run smoothly. Remember, it is “The Best Damn Post in The West” because of YOU!!!
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Sep 30, 2016
Hello to the OUTSTANDING members of Post #44. With YOUR great support and patience, your club is going on the upward path to success. The club staff works real hard for you and would like me to thank all of you for your continued support.
The Town Hall Meeting was received well and with your suggestions, Happy Hour drink prices are now from 2-6pm Monday thru Saturday. We are launching a “Name the Ballroom” contest and will begin October 1st. Please come fill out your entry at the post and put it in the suggestion box across from the office. The winner will receive several great prizes also with a special “Commanders Dinner”. Also on October 1st, the Boy Scout troop will be having a car wash here at the Post. Please come get your car washed and support your Boy Scout Troop. Octoberfest dinner is on the 5th and look forward to you coming to enjoy the festivities. On October 19th there will be an informative and special meeting to show you, the veteran, about how to maximize your benefits. Oh, did I mention that FREE dinner and drink will be available for those who take advantage of this meeting?
Bar Yahtzee is up and running at Post, come give it a try and don’t forget that we do have the NFL package to watch your favorite team. Please come take advantage of the daily special put out by the kitchen. On a last note, we are looking for a part-time cook to help us out in our already busy kitchen. If anyone knows somebody that is looking for work and can help us out, please send them to the Post and ask for Daniel or myself. KEEP UP THE GOOD SUPPORT!! See you around the Post.
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August 31, 2016
It has been a good summer for the club at YOUR Post!! The Queen of Hearts is very popular, especially with the increasing jackpot. We would like to thank you for making reservations for your dining pleasure. Please remember that the club staff tries to accommodate all specific table request and please understand that sometimes things have to be moved around for various reasons. The daily specials are becoming more popular and I look forward to some of your ideas for future specials. First Responders Lunch is on September 9th from 11-2. Please come join us and thank the brave men and women that are the First Responders of our community.
Football season is upon us and we do have the NFL package, so please come root on your team and look for up to the minute specials during football games. We also are looking forward to you joining us for Sunday’s Country Breakfast with an inexpensive meal and great drink prices.
We are starting a contest of naming our banquet room. Contest rules will be posted in the Post for you to participate and you never know, you might win the Grand Prize!! Also coming soon is Bar Yahtzee. As soon as the program and of course the rules are set up, we will have a launching party for the newest game for Post 44 members. The club staff works real hard for you and would like me to thank all of you for being a part of your continued support. I would also like to thank the entire membership for supporting YOUR Club. KEEP UP THE GOOD SUPPORT!! See you around the Post.
July 29th, 2016
Hello and THANK YOU for making this the “Best Damn Post in the West.” I want to thank you for your continued patronage to YOUR club here at Post #44. I know it’s been extremely hot and your lives are very busy with vacations and getting ready for school to start.
The best way to cool yourself down and take a break by coming down and enjoying a “cold one” here at the Post. On Sundays in the month of August Bloody Mary’s, Mimosa’s and Screwdrivers will only be $2.00. Please come join us for an outstanding breakfast on Sundays. We hope you are enjoying the different specials each day and I welcome any ideas that you might have for a future special.
Our Saturday night Prime Rib special and dancing is still the best deal in town. With that being said, please ensure that you get your reservations in early so we can order the appropriate amount of food so we can accommodate your hunger. Also please understand that these are reservations for your dining pleasure.
On August 13th we will be having and old fashioned “Country Night” and look forward to we putting on your best “Duds” and enjoy the “vittles”. The number of the day is very active and changes every day. Come on in and you could possibly get your first adult beverage for ½ off. Are you or any of your friends having a Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding or just a business meeting? Please come see us about having it here at the Post in our banquet room. It’s very inexpensive and helps support the Post charities.
Last but not least, I am looking for volunteers to help out once in a while here at the Post. As always you are the reason that this is “The Best Damn Post in the West.” I look forward to seeing you around the Post.
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June 16th, 2016
I would like to start with a Hi-De-Ho to all our OUTSTANDING members of Post #44. I am very thankful that you have instilled your trust in me to help move your club forward in a positive direction. I do apologize for my tardiness for not getting this too you sooner, however, a lot has been happening and changing in the Club. As our commander has said, we have had a few staff changes and we appreciate your patience on fine tuning various policies and programs. If you have not already noticed, ALL the menus have been updated and brought to making this an American Legion with affordable prices and the only “Country Club” thing about it is the taste. On July 1st we will be launching our Happy Hour Menu to coincide with of course Happy Hour which is now Monday thru Saturday 2pm – 5pm. Along with that, the hours of operation for the kitchen will be as follows: Lunch 11-2, Happy Hour 2-5, Dinner 5-8:30 (will close early on slow nights). For all you wine drinkers that have asked for better and different wines, your wish has come true. With that, we will no longer offer ½ or full carafes of wine. Instead we are offering you to purchase a glass or the entire bottle. If you want to buy the entire bottle and don’t think you can finish it, that’s ok, because you are allowed to re-cork the bottle and take it home with you. Of course you can only do that if you purchase food along with that bottle. We are offering an “Old School” picnic basket on the 4th of July for just $5. Also, all the soups and onion rings at the post are now made from scratch. Also note that the old policy of a 2 drink minimum during music is no longer in place. With that being said, please understand that members make dinner reservations for dinner and/or lunch. Please look at your Club calendar for specials of the day and note that there is a different special each day. We have also implemented a “Number of the Day” which means if the number of the day matches the last number on your membership card, your first adult beverage is 50% off. What a Deal!! Please “like us” on Facebook and you could possibly win a lunch or dinner here at the Post. Our banquet hall is available for any and all events or parties. We are looking for ideas and/or suggestions for naming our banquet hall and a contest for that will be coming soon. In closing for this time I am asking, begging, pleading (those that know me will say that’s Tom) to please come support YOUR club and try all the new fantastic surprises that are in store for you at the club. I thank you for your kindness, friendship and of course your patronage. I look forward to seeing you around the Post. WOOHOO!!!