POCONO BASE –USSVI-MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, 19 Oct 2005

Meeting called to order at 1905 at the Marine Corps League Museum, Scranton, PA by Base Commander Jeff Owens. The Purpose of the Organization was read. The Base Bell was tolled once for each of the 8 boats and 540 crew members lost during the month of October, and a moment of silence followed. Members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call: Members present were: Bill Hannon, John Saeli, Jeff Owens, Michael Smith,  Steven Vergalito, Dennis Opiela, Tom Shields, Bill Klose, Eugen Rees, Oliver Nordmark, Bob Vaughan & Frank McDevitt

Guests: None

It was confirmed that a quorum was present.

The Minutes: Minutes for September were not available.

Treasurer’s Report: Bill Klose's report included the level of the current bank balance at $2,195.61
Motion made and all in favor to accept.

Committees Reports:

Membership: John Saeli reported the current member count is 44, but one man has indicated he will not be renewing. [Renewels are due on 31 December.]

Flag Memorial: The flag box collections continue with no other news to report.

Ways and Means:  Bob Vaughan reminded that there are still a few hundred calender books to be sold.  If you haven't taken some to sell, do so at your earliest opportunity.

Parades:  Steve Vergalito briefed for the Veteran's Day participation.  The parade in Wilkes-Barre is on 13 Nov forming at 1330 in Kingston.  Directions and meeting place at 1300 to be disseminated.

Coolbaugh Day Fair:  Tom Shields gave the treasurer a check for $302 of profit.  Although our sales were not as expected, it was a learning experience which we will use in doing something similar next time.

Speaker's Bureau: Bob Vaughan reported that he and Frank McDevitt would be conducting a program for 5 & 6th grades at the Coolbaugh Elementary School on Friday, Veterans Day.

No other committees had reports.

Correspondence: None presented

Old Business:

Jeff Owens brought up the subject of the vacancy of the Secretary position.  After some discussion, Mike Smith agreed to assume the position until the next election.  Without objection, it is so ordered.  Additionally, discussion about nominations for the election in March 2006 has not produced any volunteers prior to this meeting.  After further discussion Mike Smith agreed to have his name submitted for nomination as Sec.; Bill Klose as Treasurer; Frank McDevitt as Vice Cmdr.  No one present offered to be nominated for Commnader.  The nominating committee is scheduled to present candidates after the November meeting.

Purchasing and placement of a locker in the back room at the Pocono Pines Legion Hall was again brought up by Jeff Owens.  After discussion of possibilties, it was decided that Bob Vaughan would seek specific permission for a locker about 2 ft wide x 6 ft high by 1 ft deep.  If approved we will seek a suitable locker to store items as needed, including the ceremonial bell, flags, and other items as decided.

Frank McDevitt reviewed the program of the Lake Naomi Tails Association for the details of it collection drive for items to be sent to particualr overseas service personnel with local connections.  [The list can be seen on the base web site.]  A motion was made and passed without opposition for the base to match the cash donations made by members.  The deadline for any cash or item donations is before or at the next meeting. [16 Nov]


New Business:

After some discussion it was decided to have the December meeting again be slated for a Christmas party in lieu of a business meeting.  Tom Shields will again cater the affair.  Entrees will be Prime Rib and Chicken with the full accompaniments.  Price will be $10 per person.  Starting time will be 6 PM (1800 hrs) on Wednesday, 21 December.

Because of the late date of the Xmas party meeting it was discussed how we would again participate in the Legion's 'Angel Tree' program.  In lieu of bringing gifts this year, a motion was made and passed without objection to make a donation of $200 from the base treasury.  The rationale being that in the past members donated about 20 gifts with a value of $10 each, so this would be more or less equivalent.

On the heels of our 'success' at the Coolbaugh Fair, and anticipation of revenue from the calender sales, along with some new possibilities for fund raising, the subject of what to do with increased funds raised, and possibility of expending some of the existing treasury funds was discussed.  An idea which received favorable comments is the possibility of sponsoring some kind of scholarship program in area schools.  One way of awarding same might be based upon conducting a writing contest.  The topic was tabled for further discussion.  Ideas from all members are solicited.

Good of the Organization:
Bob Vaughan made reports on some of our members which remain on the binnacle list.  Harold Franklin remains under care near his daughter's home in Glenside.  Others with continuing health problems are Grover Kiick; Swede Schedin; Don Malkames, and Bob Smith who recently had some minor surgery.  [It is suggested that you might call or send a card to our members at home.]

Next meeting will  held at 1900 on 16 Nov 2005 at the Wilson Fisher Post, American Legion, Pocono Pines, PA.

The meeting was adjourned (time not recorded).

Refreshments followed which were sandwiches, salads, and snacks. ($3.00 per man collected)

Winner of the 50/50 was Dennis Opiela.
 
[minutes recorded by Jeff Owens]