MINUTES OF MEETING

ALBANY-SARATOGA BASE, USSVI

Location: American Legion Adirondack Post 70, Saratoga Springs, NY

There was a Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Bell was tolled for Boats lost during the month of October.

All members present stood and introduced themselves and the boats they served on.

All WWII Veterans present were asked to stand and be recognized. Ray Koch, Walt Bydairk, and Vito DeLeonardis stood and were applauded.

The Base Secretary reported there was a quorum present. The reading of the Base minutes was waived and the minutes were approved as written. Motion by Fritz Feldhaus and seconded by Al Singleman.

The Base Treasurer gave his report and the Base has a bank balance of $7925.54 in the treasury. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by John Cook and seconded by Al Singleman and was passed.

CDR Ondek reported that the funds for the Foundation Fund have been moved to an interest bearing account and the balance was $40,431.27 and with interest is now $40,534.94.

No action has been taken on liquidating the Trustco Memorial Account and purchasing Trustco stock.

Nomination committee chairman John Cook reports the following members have been recommended for 2006 Base Officers:
Base Commander          -           John Cook
Sr. Vice Commander      -           Fritz Feldhaus
Jr. Vice Commander       -           Ray Koch
Base Secretary              -           Bill Preece
Base Treasurer              -           Fred Carlson

John solicited nominations from the floor for each position and none were forthcoming. Nominations from the floor will again be accepted at the November meeting. You must be present at the meeting to nominate someone from the floor and they must accept the nomination. Elections will take place at the November meeting.

Niagara Mohawk Brownfield – We are still pursuing this issue. Our attorney and Congressman Sweeney’s staff are trying to work things out so our plan is acceptable.

We are still looking at some land on South Broadway across from the Dance Museum that might be suitable as an alternative. Frank Hardick has received tax maps from his surveyor and has provided a copy to the Base. We will need this for the meetings with Senator Bruno and Congressman Sweeney.

Although the Base membership remains fairly constant John Cook is looking for ways we can not only increase our membership but more importantly increase the monthly attendance at our meetings. If anyone has a suggestion, please bring it to our attention.

We have now made Post 70 in Saratoga Springs our official meeting place and we would like to have a cabinet on site to store flags, books, paperwork, and other Base materials that members have been transporting back and forth to meetings. If anyone has a two door cabinet about 6 feet high by 4 feet wide by 2 feet deep that is willing to donate it to the base, please contact CDR Ondek. In the event no one has one to donate the Base authorized CDR Ondek to spend up to $150.00 to purchase one.

As reported last month, Base member Joe Buff will be doing a presentation on “Submarines, Today and Tomorrow” at the NY State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs. This was originally scheduled for October 29^th but has now been rescheduled for December 3^rd. An article on the Chinese Submarine Navy written by Joe Buff appears in the latest issue of the American Submariner magazine. CDR Ondek has extra copies of the magazine if anyone would like one.

Base member Vito DeLeonardis was inducted into the Holland signifying his being qualified (SS) for 50 years. Vito was presented with his Holland Club certificate, official patch, and a coffee cup. Congratulations Vito!

Saratoga County Veterans Assistance Night and Job Fail will be held on Nov. 2^nd from 6 – 10 pm. We need volunteers to help man the booth. Al Singleman, Jim Irwin, and Bob Ondek volunteered. Anyone else who is interested is welcome to show up.

The December meeting will be held on December 14^th beginning at 6:00 pm which will be our Christmas party. The Base agreed to have it catered by Associate member Tom Ondek. The cost is $10.00 per person and you must be paid by the November 16^th monthly meeting. The dinner will be a “Steamship Round” which will consist of soup, salad, assorted veggies, roast beef & gravy, mashed potatoes plus dessert. We need volunteers to serve, mess cook, and clean up. Contact Bob Ondek if you would like to help out.

Al Singleman received a request from the Mount Pleasant Middle School to a speaker to talk about Veterans Day. The dates are November 9^th and 10^th. Contact Al if you are interested.

Vito DeLeonardis spoke about a book in which author Tom Clancy feels that US Submarine Officers are poorly trained in the art of submarine warfare compared to the training of British Submarine Officers.

George and Marlene Gasser are now grandparents. Their daughter Kim gave birth to 6 lb 8 oz baby Matthew and everyone is doing fine.

Lois Asher’s mother recently passed away. We send our prayers to the members of her family.

The Base voted to use the proceeds from the monthly 50-50 raffle for use in the “Sunshine Fund”.

The next regular meeting will begin at 7:00 pm on November 16, 2005. This meeting will be held at the American Legion Adirondack Post 70 in Saratoga Springs, NY.