MINUTES
OF MEETING
ALBANY-SARATOGA
BASE, USSVI
Location:
American Legion Post 70, Saratoga Springs, NY
Meeting Date July
20, 2005
The regular meeting of the Albany-Saratoga Base was called to order by CDR Ondek at 7:00 PM with 23 members present.
A sheet of paper was passed around to be signed by those in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The tolling of the boats ceremony for the boats lost in July was led by Tom Glenn in Fritz’s absence.
All WWII Veterans were asked to stand & be recognized.
All members stood and introduced themselves and the boats they served on.
Al Singleman, acting as secretary, announced that there was a quorum present. The minutes of the previous month was passed around and accepted by the membership.
Fred Carlson gave a treasurer report. A motion to approve the report was made and seconded.
Diane Singleman gave a final 2004 Convention treasurer report.
Old Business
Al Singleman reported that we mailed out 3 boxes of books to the USS Ronald Reagan and 7 boxes of personal items to the troops overseas.
Bob Ondek read a rejection letter from Niagara Mohawk for the brown field land in Saratoga. He also reported that our lawyer, John Emery, is sending a 2nd request letter to Niagara Mohawk.
Bob and Fred talked about investment options for the Memorial Funds. No final decision was made. A motion was made to put the Convention/Memorial Fund money into a money market at First Niagara, since the checking account is no longer accruing interest. The motion was made by Tom Glenn, seconded by Fred Carlson and carried by the membership.
CDR Ondek explained that since we operate as a not-for-profit entity it prohibits us from using funds to subsidize KC Convention attendees or to provide money for band instruments. Memorial Funds cannot be used for the same reason.
The
September Breakfast Meeting has been scheduled for Sept. 17th at the
Denny’s in Clifton Park. A head count of attendees is needed by Sept. 10th.
New
Business:
1.
8 sub vets and 5 wives attended the Flag Day Concert at the Schuylerville high
School last month. It was an excellent program. The band has about 110 members
and the chorus about 80 members.
At
the beginning of the program, Mike Mugits Elementary School Principal recognized
our group. The audience gave us a standing ovation. At the end of the program Al
Singleman presented a plaque to the band for the Concert in the Park during the
Convention and George Gasser presented a $500 check to the band.
2.
Mike Stoneback, Jr. Vice CDR tendered his resignation due to medical and family
problems. Fritz Feldhaus has been appointed to fill out his term, in addition to
his Chaplain duties.
3.
2006 sub Vet Calendar is now in production. We can pre-order calendars with Fred
Carlson, who will pick them up at the National Convention.
4.
Letter from Charles Parker, CDR Drum Base reports that Tom Gilbert, one of their
members needs a heart transplant lost almost everything in a hurricane last
year. People from all over USSVI donated to Ed & Pat Luther when they went
thru their crisis last year. We should do the same. A discussion followed and
$100 will be sent by the base. Some individuals have also made donations on top
of this.
5.
Last month, Tom Glenn sold a number of San Francisco coins for $10 each. The
money will go to the Joseph Ashley Memorial Fund.
I
talked to Tom about this and we came up with the idea that we could use some of
these in our fund raising efforts for the memorial. I have the price list for
these from a Korean outfit which made the San Fran coins. Coins of the same size
with epoxy on one side and bronze on the other would cost about $1.50 plus a
mold fee. No mold fee is charged if we order more than 500 pieces. Otherwise, we
would pay $130 for each side.
I
received an e-mail from a lady who makes these up to order. She sells them for
$16 each.
6.
Parades: We have been participating in 2 parades a year in Saratoga and it is
likely that we could participate in others in the future. The idea of a float
has been suggested. I believe that we could design and build a float of a sail
with movable sail planes, a fake periscope and a klaxon. The whole thing should
be light and easily loaded onto an 8 foot trailer. The unit should have
provisions for chairs for those have trouble walking.
We
need someone to design and build this animal, someone with a trailer and someone
who could store the assembly. A discussion followed and Al Singleman donated a
boat trailer to be used for the float.
One
last item from Bob Ondek: Congratulations to Al on his appointment as Eastern
District 5 Commander. I can't think of a better choice.
•
Presiding Officer: If
there is no further business, I will entertain a motion to adjourn.
Please
all rise and join me in reciting the creed of USSV.
“To
perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of
their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and
supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater
accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States
Government.”
Presiding
Officer: I now declare this meeting
of the Albany-Saratoga Base of USSVI adjourned.
Our Next Meeting will begin at
7:00 PM on August 17, 2005 at American Legion Post 1450, Grooms Rd., Clifton
Park, NY