MINUTES APRIL BUSINESS MEETING
The meeting was called to order by President George Brown on Tuesday, April8, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Post Home at the Amvets Post 118. There were __ members (__ signed in) in attendance. Absent were Directors Tom Archer(excused, ill), Tom Clay, and Tony D'Alterio. The reading of the Minutes for the March 2008 Meeting were read and approved without discussion. Motion to approve: Wayne Barner; second, Ron Jones.
A Moment of Silence was offered for the following deceased veterans:
Francis M. Bienkowski, USA; Thomas J. Clark, USA; William G. Gerst, USN; Joseph F. Long, Jr., USMC; Stephen D. Neri, USMC; George H. Stout, USA; and all US Troops KIA in Afghanistan and Iraq during the past month.
The following Announcements were made at the Meeting:
1.The next Board Meeting will be Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 7:30 PM at George Brown's house; and the next Business Meeting will be Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Chapter Home at Amvets Post 118.
2.A fund raising gala dinner for the benefit of the Pennsylvania Veteran's Museum in Media will be held at 7 PM on Friday, April 11, 2008 at the Springfield Country Club.
3.Jerry McManus, the late VVA District One Director will be honored by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C. at 10 AM on Monday, April 21, 2008.
4.The Chapter Installation Banquet will be held at 7 PM, Friday, April 25, 2008 at Hennessey's in Aston.
5.The Marcus Hook Memorial Day Parade will take place on Saturday, May 24, 2008 in Marcus Hook. Assemble at 11 AM, step-off at Noon. Our Memorial Service will take place after the parade at our Monument.
The following Communication was received:
1. Letter from Congressman Sestak that he will hold a Veterans Summit for the 7th Congressional District at the Ridley High School, 901 Morton Ave., Folsom, PA 19033, on Monday, May 12, 2008. Registration at 5:30 PM, concludes at 9 PM.
There was no Guest Speaker.
There was no State Council reports made.
The following Committee Reports were given:
1.Jim Ulmer, Education Committee, stated that the Committee has plans to visit 7 schools this month and will contact another 6 -7 schools. He said they are also working on speaking at some colleges. The Committee is open for any member of the Chapter who is interested to join.
In regards to Government Affairs, Jim stated that an extra 2.5 billion was included in the newly submitted V.A. Budget.
2.Ray Stankus, Honor Guard, stated the Honor Guard's first appearance will be at the fund raising dinner for the Pennsylvania Veteran's Museum in Media on Friday, April 11, 2008 at the Springfield Country Club. The Honor Guard will present the Colors at the dinner. Assemble at 5:30 PM. He stated Soveriegn Bank will pay for a table (seats 10), which will be for the Honor Guard members attending.
The Marcus Hook Memorial Day Parade will take place on Saturday, May 24, 2008 in Marcus Hook. Assemble at 11 AM, step-off at Noon. Our Memorial Service will take place after the parade at our Monument.
The Eddystone Memorial Day Parade will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2008, step off at 12:30 Pm.
The Media Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 26, 2008. Assemble at 9 AM, step-off at 10 AM.
There will be a ceremony at Havertown at Noon but no parade.
He also stated the Honor Guard has been invited to march in the Yeadon Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 14, 2008. Assemble at 9 AM, step-off at 10 AM. Form up at the MacDade Plaza across from Holy Cross Cemetery.
3.Marsha Four, Women Veterans, stated that in regards to the V.A. Budget, 2.5 million has been added for Women Veterans' Health Programs and to upgrade the women's clinics. She stated that as of 2008, 20 percent of all new recruits are female. PTSD cases for women veterans is staggering when compared to past wars.
Marsha also stated she will also attend the VVA National Board of Directors meeting in Washington, where the VVA annual budget will be discussed.
Sandy Miller stated the “Housing For Heroes” Act was passed. She stated this was public housing just for veterans only as veterans are the only ones eligible for it. 75 million is including in this Act to help fight homelessness among veterans.
4.Jack Mitch, Finance, stated our Chapter Installation Banquet will be held at 7 PM, Friday, April 25, 2008 at Hennessey's in Aston. Cost $30.00 per person, choice of Crab Cakes or Prime Rib. Let Jack know your choice. 15 people have signed up so far. Anyone who wishes to attend should pay now! The son of Jos. Mossman (a POW later identified and remains returned home) will attend the dinner. We were unsuccessful in getting a speaker for the dinner. George Brown suggested getting former Congressman Curt Weldon.
The following Unfinished Business was discussed:
1.Nomination of Officers and Directors for the coming year.
The Nominating Committee consisted of Harry Brennan and Bill Gafford.
Nominated for President: George Brown; Vice President: Jim Ulmer; Secretary: Mike Kalichak; Treasurer: Jack Mitch.
Nominated for Directors were: Wayne Barner, John Brown, Tony D'Aleterio, Lou Garay, Scott Haywood, John McKay, Bob O'Neil, Frank Roessner, and Ray Stankus.
Nominated for State Council Delegates were: Tony D'Alterio and Bill Pyle.
Nominated as Alternate Delegates were: George Brown and Bob O'Neil.
The Nominations were closed and the Secretary was directed to cast one for for ALL unopposed candidates, which was done.
Elected were: President: George Brown; Vice President: Jim Ulmer; Secretary: Mike Kalichak; Treasurer: Jack Mitch.
Elected Directors were: Wayne Barner, John Brown, Tony D'Aleterio, Lou Garay, Scott Haywood, John McKay, Bob O'Neil, Frank Roessner, and Ray Stankus.
Elected as State Council Delegates were: Tony D'Alterio and Bill Pyle. George Brown and Bob O'Neil were elected as Alternates to State Council.
2.George Brown stated that so far he and Jack Mitch will be attending the VVA Leadership Conference which will be held from July 16 to 19, 2008 in Greensville, S.C. He wants a total of four people to attend. We still have some time to decide. He recommended we use the Chapter Credit Card to make reservations at the main hotel where the Conference will take place. Rooms there will cost approximately $79 plus tax.
3.Jack Mitch stated that at the Board Meeting it was decided that the Chapter whould invite Debbie Meara, Danny Meara, and Mike Meara to attend the Installation Banquet as guests of the Chapter. They also voted to present Debbie with a plaque in Pat's honor for the years of service he gave the Chapter. Wording of the plaque was discussed. Pat served the Chapter as a Director and as President for at least ten years.
The following New Business was discussed:
1.Motion 08-001 by Ray Stankus that the Chapter re-imburse him a total of $152.20 for supplies he purchased for the Honor Guard. Second, Wayne Barner. Motion Passed.
2.Motion 08-002 by Mike Kalichak that the Chapter donate $200 to the fund for Danny Meara's education. Second, Lou Garay. Motion Passed.
3.Motion 08-003 by Wayne Barner that Chapter 67 purchase a full page ad at a cost of $100 for the Gold Star Mothers 71st National Convention Ad Book. Second, Frank Roessner. Motion Passed.
4.George Brown stated that in reference to the Veterans Summit to be held at the Ridley High School on Monday, May 12, 2008, we responded as a Chapter and will be allowed to set up a table there and put our literature out.
5.Ron Jones asked that the Chapter keep June 14, 2008 open for the dedication of the Aston Veterans Memorial.
OPEN DISCUSSION
1.George Brown stated that we need to put on something for the hospitalized veterans at Coatesville. He suggested that later on when the weather gets nicer we could throw a cook out for them as there are grills on the hospital grounds. Frank Roessner stated he would check with Genuardi's about donations of food. John Brown said he would check with his employer about donations of Coke and Pepsi. George suggested we coordinate this with Marsha Four and Sandy Miller.
Motion to Adjourn by Marsha Four; second, Ray Stankus. Meeting adjourned the meeting at 9:07 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael S. Kalichak,
Secretary
