POCONO BASE –USSVI-MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2005

Meeting called to order at 1905 at the Marine Corps League Museum, Scranton, PA by Commander Jeff Owens. The Purpose of the Organization was read. The Base Bell was tolled once for each of the 4 boats and 291 crew members lost during the month of April, and a moment of silence followed. A prayer was offered by Chaplain Vaughan. Members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call: Members present were: Bill Hannon, John Saeli, Jeff Owens, Michael Smith,  Steven Vergalito, Tom Shields, Rich Holmes, Bill Klose, Robert Vaughan, Oliver Nordmark, Eugene Reese

Guests: None

It was confirmed that a quorum was present.

The Minutes: The Secretary was absent.  Printed copies of the minutes were not available at the meeting, but had been previously posted on the internet.  No motion was made regarding the minutes.
 
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer reported a current bank balance of $2, 448.86.
Motion made by M. Smith to accept,  all in favor by voice vote.

John Saeli read from Submarine Operations of WWII, an account of the loss of the USS Snook (SS-279) which occurred on 8 Apr 1945.

Committees Reports:

Membership: John Saeli reported the current member count is 44.  This is a 100% renewal rate which is excellent.  Many other bases are reporting problems renewing annual members.

Ways and Means: Rich Holmes reminded that the newsletter has space for advertising for businesses, and also that donations for the booster program to help defray newsletter costs and continue to provide this valuable communication link are welcomed.  [Newsletter costs are currently about $80 per issue, and John Saeli continues to provide the computer printing ink gratis.]

Parades: Jeff Owens related that the final instructions for the Scranton Armed Forces Day Parade on 21 May have not yet been mailed, but from phone conversations all details will be the same as last year.  Also mentioned was a  reminder that we have been invited in the past to participate in a Fourth of July flag ceremony in Scranton.  It requires only a minimum of two men to participate. Steve Vergalito indicated he has been in touch with the organizers of the Wilkes-Barre Veteran's Day parade and will continue to gather full details.

Ball Game-  John Saeli laid out the three options offered by the Red Barons Stadium for our attendance.  After discussion among all present it was decided to schedule a weekday night game with a tail gate party before the game with seating to be in the lower reserved stands.

No other committees had reports.

Correspondence: None presented

Old Business:

Moscow Fair- Bill Hannon related that the fair committee after reviewing our application decided that we would not be accepted.  It was discussed at length, and they really had far too many restrictions in any event.  He indicated that they would be returning our deposit of $400.  Discussion shifted to other possible venues.  The Covington Fire Dept. Picnic held in Daleville was suggested as a good possibility and some advantages were put forth.  Further investigation of this will be undertaken by Bill.   Any other possibilities or ideas from other members are needed if this concept is to work for a fund raising and publicity event.

New Business:

None presented

Good of the Organization:
Bob Vaughan reported:
Harold Franklin has been having continuing problems and is living with his daughter in Glenside.
Grover Kiick has dialysis three times a week.
Don Malkames had a broken bone in his neck from a fall, and wears a neck brace intermittently.
Frank McDevitt's wife, Pat is at home having a slow recovery from a triple bypass surgery.
Paul Risner has a leg problem.
Swede Schedin reports 'some good days, some bad'.

Next meeting will be held at 1900 on 18 May 2005 at the Wilson Fisher Post, American Legion, Pocono Pines, PA.

A closing prayer was offered by Chaplain Vaughan.  The meeting was adjourned at 2025.

50/50 held but winner not recorded.

Refreshments provided by John Saeli followed which were ring-sub sandwiches and salads. ($2.00 per man collected)
 
[minutes recorded by Jeff Owens]