Minutes 2 May 2017 meeting

General Meeting called to order at: 6:55 pm (18:55)

Pledge of Allegiance by: Gene Goldsmith

Invocation by: Lonnie Rose

Moment of silence for POW/MIA

Roll Call of officers:                                                                    term expires

Gene Goldsmith, Pres                                        Present      2017

Dave Loomis, VP                                                Present      2017

Tom Grinstad, Secretary                                    Present      2017

Bill Cox, Asst. Sec.                                               Present      2017

Ken Richardson, Treasurer                                Present      2017

David Scattum, B of D                                       Absent       2017

Bill Wilcox, B of D                                               Present      2017

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                                 Present      2019

Richard Martinez, B of D                                    Present      2019

John Bradshaw, B of D                                      Present      2017

Tom Modica, B of D                                           Present      2018

Greg Bremer, B of D                                           Present      2017

Guests:      Rosemarie Loomis, Elizabeth Rose, Marguerite Neyens, Jim Neyens, Agnes Kenney

New members present: Not really a new member, Jim Pace returned

Secretary’s report:      Moved Ed S, 2^nd Ken R approved

Treasurer’s report:      Moved Ken R., 2^nd  Ed S approved

Membership Update: Still showing 278 members and 7 AVVA members

Old Business:     

1. Memorial Day May 29^th volunteers meet at VFW Sunday evening at 6:00 (18:00) to load material in vehicles. Willy is providing a trailer to assist in the effort. The main speaker will be James McKinney and vocals by Malcolm Oliver.
2. Car Show – The car show will be held at the Barkley Center, 2200 block of Rimland drive. Doc H. showed off the trophies that will be awarded and described the price tag associated with each level of trophy. They range from $35 to $100 for sponsorship. Posters and flyers are available for distribution. Contact Doc. We have two participating sponsors – Farmer’s Insurance and Les Schwab Tires. Can the membership find more? The show also needs judges for the cars.
3. Gene Goldsmith reported on the state council meeting held in Yakima. Sort of distressing…
4. Gene also reported on the DAR convention in Spokane. He shared his acceptance speech. He is in the running for National Finals. Heard later he was not selected.
5. The VVA 2019 convention is set for July 22-30 at the Grand Hotel and Doubletree in Spokane. In our March 2016 meeting the chapter voted to fund a delegate to this convention.

New Business:

1. Kenny Paine’s interment is May 5, 2017 at Tahoma Cemetery 18600 SE 240^th Kent, WA at 11:30. A few from the chapter are able to attend.
2. Two veterans need help, referred by Liz. Lakai Fairbanks needs steel toe boots to accept a new job. Bill Wilcox had size 14 that were delivered and fit!!! Dan Kiermaier has MS and needs a ramp to access his residence. Discussion about how to assist Dan.
3. A short discussion about a Hepatitis C meeting occurred. To hold a presentation here we need to show about 50 attendees. Ken R. suggested tabling until next month.
4. First alert button information is available. The VA will buy the button for qualified people. There is no monthly fee.
5. The Skagit chapter is holding a Welcome Home picnic in Sedro-Woolley, 6254 Fruitdale North on August 5, 2017 11:00 to 3:00 (15:00). Be there or be square???
6. Jim Daughtery, Spokane Chapter President visited Vietnam and the article concerned 3^rd generation effects of the agent orange use in country. Richard Brummet shared a short report on his month in Vietnam – and the exciting 8^th annual chocolate festival. The chocolate bar is now 12 kilos (about 27 ½ lbs.) and now requires a Chocolate Ceremonial Ax to cut it. He also related the bigfoot race. There are now 44 kids supported by the chapter and individuals. Way to go.
7. David Loomis has the veteran’s cowboy hats for sale, talk to him.

Next meeting:    June 6, 2017. Dinner starts at 6:00, and Wojo will be cooking, the general meeting is at 7:00.

Good of the order:

1. Remember to check your VFW calendar. Check out the Memorial Day events.
2. Please take some VVA business cards and carry an application form – just in case…
3. A few organizations still need a member to attend the Festival of Flags. If you know of someone volunteer them.
4. A big welcome back was offered to Jim Pace.
5. Randy E. reminded the body that we need to find a replacement for treasurer Ken Richardson. Randy T suggested deferring discussion until after the car show.
6. It costs $200 to buy a flagpole at the Festival of Flags and you must be interred there. (Even if it is only a spoonful of ashes). Ken R reminded us that every flag at the festival once covered a coffin. A real object lesson, especially for grandkids.
7. The 50/50 raffle winner was # 0887.

Motion to adjourn: by Ed S, by acclamation