On February 25th, the VFW Auxiliary and VVA Chapter 165 hosted a shrimp salad bar and bottle auction. The VVA bottle auction raised $1061 for our scholarship fund at Bellingham Technical College. We did not do a head count. But enough showed up that we made a night. A highlight was the song and dance by Gene and Yvonne (just kidding). A great time was had by all that attended, especially those who ponied up and bid in the auction. Our Chapter’s scholarship fund now has over $50,000 invested with the BTC Foundation which should allow three scholarship to be granted this year. Thanks to all that attended and won auction items and all those that donated auction items. You are greatly appreciated.

Minutes of February 9, 2017 meeting

General Meeting called to order at: 18:45 (6:45 pm for civilians)

Pledge of Allegiance led by President Gene Goldsmith

Invocation by: Lonnie Rose with special prayer for deceased comrade Kenny Payne

Moment of silence for POW/MIA

Roll Call of officers:

Gene Goldsmith, Pres.                           Present

Dave Loomis, VP                                     Excused

Randy Elmore, 2^nd VP                            Present

Bill Cox, Secretary                                   Excused

Tom Grinstad, Asst. Sec.                        Excused

Ken Richardson, Treasurer                    Present

David Scattum, B of D                             Excused

Bill Wilcox, B of D                                    Absent

Richard Martinez, B of D                        Present

John Bradshaw, B of D                            Present

Tom Modica, B of D                                 Present

Greg Bremer, B of D                                 Excused

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                       Present

Guests:  Liz Rose, Yvonne Goldsmith, Dorothy Rood

Secretary’s minutes
January minutes approved motion by Ken Richardson, seconded by Lonnie Rose, approved. Tom Modica asked for clarity on the statement regarding the $6000, and the plaque. Kirk Lyon advised when $5000 is given in memory of a person, Bellingham Vo-Tech has a special plaque placed on the wall in that persons honor and the mention of the Chapter will be on the plaque too.

Treasurer’s report Ken Richardson gave the report after each member received the January 2017 report. Moved by Kirk Lyon, seconded, approved

Membership Update: by President Gene, 274 members with two late in payment. 7 members of AVVA, including Jim Pace.
Old Business:

1. Bellingham Technical College memorial fund at around $9000 which will gain a plaque on the wall.
2. 25 February for the shrimp dinner and bottle auction and. Reserve that date for fun and food. It will be a shrimp dinner with the cost a paltry $10 / head. Please bring one bottle, gift wrapped. Kirk Lyon will also have 3 hand-carved wooden items for the auction. All proceeds will go to our scholarship fund.
3. Breakfasts: Post 9301, Lynden, 3^rd Saturday and Post 1585, Bellingham, last Sunday each month.
4. Car show date is established as 23 July 2017. The venue is not finalized yet. Suggested venues; K-Mart, Civic Field or Costco on Meridian. It was brought up by Sam Houston. There needs to be better parking lot control as some entries were not able to register and find places to park.

New Business:

1. Special need request from Paul Pilot at WorkSource for a veteran for $358.59 to purchase hard hat and steel-toed boots in order to report to work with Steelworkers union. Moved by Ken Richardson, second Gary Pettigrew,
2. President Gene is trying to recruit drivers for the VA van. Elizabeth Rose has filed an application.
3. Special request was granted by Board Officers to help veteran Brian Davis, Maple Falls, who lost everything in a fire. Request was to have VVA and DAV each pay one half of hotel for one week, $227.12 and $227.13 respectively.
4. Richard Brummet gave brief report of his visit to Chapter 201, in California regarding the 8^th Annual American Chocolate Social.
5. Randy Turnbull head of the nominating committee is seeking nominations for the election of Officers and Board of Directors to be held in May. The following positions need to be filled: 2^nd VP, and Treasurer as each officer is not seeking re-election. Each of you are encourage to ‘dig deep’ and see what you can offer in serving in all of the positions.
6. Memorial Day Ceremony, Greenacres, May 29^th. Kirk Lyon will compile the work list. Moved by Richard Martinez, second by Randy Elmore to give $1000 for expenses. President Gene asked for suggestions for guest speaker.
7. Bellingham Sanctuary City proposal is coming before the City Council, Monday, February 13^th. Richard Martinez asked for a definition of what is a Sanctuary City, and several responses were given. Tom Modica spoke out about this issue being political. President Gene encouraged individual attendance to voice concern about this proposal.
8. Need cooks and helpers. Wojo will be the Chef in March and then April and May will need a Chef. Tonight’s meal of Corned Beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots was exemplary and compliments to Chef Wojo and Chef Stefano.

Next meeting is, 7 March 2017.

Good of the Order:

1. Check your VFW calendar.
2. VVA business cards and membership applications available. Get out and recruit.
3. George Douglas requested bringing back the 50/50 raffle and everyone agreed.
4. Hardy announced the Cooties State Banquet, to be held Bellingham, March 11^th.
5. Hardy is in charge of the VA Recreational Rehab Raffle, $1/ticket, win a Silver coin. There are 5 coins to be given away in the raffle and you need not be present to WIN.

1. Million Vet Program was reviewed by Randy Turnbull

   Motion to adjourn: Moved by Ken Richardson, second by Lonnie, passed with ease.

Minutes of Meeting 3 January 2017

General Meeting called to order at: 18:45 (6:45 pm for civilians)

Pledge of Allegiance led by President Gene Goldsmith

Invocation by: Lonnie Rose

Moment of silence for POW/MIA

Roll Call of officers:

Gene Goldsmith, Pres.                           Present

Dave Loomis, VP                                     Present

Randy Elmore, 2^nd VP                            Excused

Bill Cox, Secretary                                   Excused

Tom Grinstad, Asst. Sec.                        Present

Ken Richardson, Treasurer                    Excused

David Scattum, B of D                             Excused

Bill Wilcox, B of D                                    Present

Richard Martinez, B of D                        Excused

John Bradshaw, B of D                            Present

Tom Modica, B of D                                 Present

Greg Bremer, B of D                                 Upstairs

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                       Excused

Guests:  Liz Rose, Agnes Kenny

New members present:  Tony Spagnola, David Stamps

Secretary’s minutes November minutes approved motion by Gene G, seconded by Ed S. Read the spectacular account of the December dinner on the chapter website.

Treasurer’s report Ken was absent sent report by e-mail. Summarized by Gene, moved by Ed S, second by David L, approved

Membership Update: by Gene, 272 members with two late in payment. Gene will follow up with letter or phone call. Seven members of AVVA.

Old Business:

1. a) Bellingham Technical College memorial fund at $6,115 which will gain a plaque on the wall.
2. b) 11 February is the date for the bottle auction and dinner. Or should that be the other way round? Reserve that date for fun and food. It will be a salmon dinner with the cost a paltry $10 / head.
3. c) The VASH party had 23 attendees.

New Business:

1. a) President Gene is trying to recruit drivers for the VA van.
2. b) Car show date is established as 23 July 2017. The venue is not finalized yet.
3. c) Dr. Brown was appointed to the Women’s Veterans Committee in Washington D.C. The state of WA now has two members of the six on the committee.
4. d) Speaking of committees Randy Turnbull head of the nominating committee is seeking nominations for the election to be held in May.
5. e) Tom Modica announced that VASH will be seeking $400 in funds from the Chapter for this year’s operations.

Next meeting is, 7 February 2017.

Good of the Order:

1. a) Check your VFW calendar.
2. b) Veteran’s Advisory Board will transport veterans to and from Skagit. Gene distributed cards with contact information.
3. c) Gene and David L have VVA business cards and membership application forms. Get out and recruit.
4. d) Gene mentioned that the WW1 memorial at Greenacres is looking good thanks to an Eagle Scout Joseph Meuller. The Korea memorial is next in line, then Vietnam a year after. You can buy a brick for the Vietnam memorial at any time. Talk to Gene about process.
5. e) Doc has VN Vets baseball caps for sale. David L has VN cowboy hats for sale. Nothing makes you look as good as a Stetson.
6. f) VFW #9301 breakfast 21 January 8:00 – 11:00

Motion to adjourn: Moved by Ed S. second by Lonnie, passed with ease

Gary Lysne received a Letter of Commendation from the Whatcom County Council and the Whatcom County Executive for his many years of service in assisting veterans. The chapter is proud of Gary’s work in not only assisting all veterans but his years of active service benefiting the local chapter and the Washington State Council. The Letter of Commendation follows.