AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919

Meeting Minutes

08Mar2022

Opening

The regular meeting of the AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919 was called to order at 1900 on 08Mar2021 at the 1919 Post by Commander Sarah Campbell.

Present

15 members present. 1 guest Pam Smith – Beech Grove Post 276.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commander Sarah Campbell – present                      1^st Vice Dexter Albright – excused

2^nd Vice Kip Blake – present                                      Chaplain Scott Emmett - present

Sgt At Arms Jeff Emerson – excused                         Adjutant Mary Blake – present

Finance Officer Mike Tomes - present                                  

 

 

Approval of Minutes

Previous meeting minutes passed out and reviewed by members.

Motion to accept minutes: Dave Everett, Second by Jay Collars.

The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

 

Committee Reports

 

Finance Committee – Mike Tomes reported that our account is approximately $6,400.  Post 1919 paid out $300 times 3 for Boys State.

Post 1919 brought in $1,000 revenue for poker nights.  We will pay out (vote to come) $50 donation to the Legions Auxiliary for support of the PTSD speaker coming in April.

Motion to accept report: Gary Totty, Second by Michael Roderick.

 

Membership Committee – Post membership is above 110%.  We have four new members this month.  Steve Summers, Ken Seal, John Hadley, and

 

Boys State Committee – Jay Collars reported that we have three definite boys qualified and paid (by Post 1919).  It would be great to get at least one more, possibly two.  If you know anyone that knows a 11^th grader that would be interested, please let Jay Collars know as soon as possible.  The deadline is 1^st of May.  The committee would like to use some of the money that is tagged for Boys State to offset some expenses for the participants at the event.  The event is a one-week training on the Governmental processes.  Each student will run for an office (Local, State, Federal).  The student that is ‘elected’ Governor of Boys State will get a trip to the White House.

 

By-Laws Committee – Dave Everett reported that the committee reviewed the By-laws since the last meeting due to the need to ensure that the By-laws are up to date and inclusive.  The proposed By-laws were emailed to all members.  One of the key additions to the By-laws was the Nominating Committee for Post Officer elections.  The committee will be comprised of the Past Commander as Chair and two other active members to be appointed by the current Commander.  Please consider volunteering for this opportunity.  Let the Commander or another Officer know of your interest as we need these members now.  If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the By-laws feel free to reach out to any Post Officer. 

 

Sick Call and Relief

Keep in Prayers:

Don LaFontaine

Bobby Jennett

Ken Hall

Ed Dunham – past Legion member

 

Unfinished Business

None

 

New Business

Mike Tomes would like to suggest using some of the poker revenue to commit to paying one of the water bills (fire hydrant) that the VFW currently pays.  The poker can maintain $200 per month profit.  This particular water bill is $135 consistently except for one or two times a year when the hydrant is tested. 

Mike Tomes made a Motion to commit to paying this water bill every month, up to $200.

Jay Collars seconded the motion.

No more discussion.  Motion passed.

 

The E-board approved the spending of $50 to the Legions Auxiliary to a donation being made to the PTSD speaker.

Motion was made by Mike Tomes, Second by Phil Martinez.

No discussion.  Motion passed.

 

Karen Emmett asked for clarification for whether the funds for the water bill and the PTSD speaker are member donations or coming from Post 1919.  The funds will come from funds in the American Legion Post 1919 account and will not require donations from members.

 

Phil Martinez reminded the members of their work on Americanism.  They are presenting to churches currently but hope to expand down the road.  They present pieces of the 11 virtues from the Founding Fathers.  The connection between God and Country are extremely important and are not being taught to youth.  Phil would like to ask for moral support from the American Legion. 

Dave Everett spoke to membership that if any funding might be helpful in the future for things like flyers that Phil or Scott should let the Legion know and that this kind of support would also be available. 

Phil Martinez made a Motion for support of this endeavor, Second by Scott Emmett.  Motion passed.

 

Good of Legion

The 7^th District Meeting will be held at the Martinsville Post on 2Apr2022.  Please attend if possible.  The show of support from Post 1919 would be greatly appreciated.  This meeting will include the 4 Chaplains - The Four Chaplains, also referred to as the "Immortal Chaplains" or the "Dorchester Chaplains", were four World War II chaplains who died rescuing civilian and military personnel as the American troop ship SS Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943.

Dave Everett has recommended that Post 1919 host the upcoming New Members training.  More to come on this.

Our District is 8/9^th in membership.  Although we are over 100% others are not as fortunate. 

New By-laws.  Voting on the new By-laws will take place at the April regular meeting.  It requires a 2/3 vote to pass.  As part of these requirements the new By-laws are to be submitted to all members (which has occurred via email) and that the By-laws are read aloud.

Mike Tomes made a Motion to dispense with the reading of the By-laws for time purposes and that all members have received a copy of the By-laws.  The Second was made by Steve Milbourn.  No further discussion.  Motion passes.

The new officer elections will take place on Tuesday 14Jun2022 at the regular scheduled meeting.  Nominations are being accepted by the nominating committee and at the May meeting there will be open floor nominations. 

Michael Roderick shared with members that a Train show will take place in August (see flyers for details).  He would like to see 10-15 volunteers from this location as a whole. 

Guest, Pam Smith, shared with the members that the Honor Flight will take place three times this year.  Please consider signing up as it is an experience of a lifetime.  The first one will happen in April and Mike Delaney will be on this one.

Reminders:

Blood Drive April 2, 2022, at the Greenwood Library.  You can RSVP by email.

Think about volunteering to be a Post Officer.

50/50 – The total was $40.  Winner was Michael Harris and he donated back winnings to the Legion.  $40 was delivered to Finance Officer Mike Tomes.

Pass the Hat - Gary Totty asked to Pass the Hat – Collected $39 and was delivered to Finance Officer Mike Tomes.

Gary Totty requested more information on how the Post tracks community service.  Dave Everett informed the members that there are IRS requirements for tracking and reporting.  If anyone would like to know more reach out to him.

Closing ceremonies performed.

Meeting was adjourned at 1955 by Commander Sarah Campbell. The next general meeting will be at 1900 on April 12, 2022, at Post 1919.

 

AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919

Meeting Minutes

08FEB2022

Opening

The regular meeting of the AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919 was called to order at 1900 hrs. on 08FEB2022 at the 1919 Post by 1st Vice Dexter Albright.

Present

12 members present.

ROLL CALL:

 

Commander Sarah Campbell – absent                       1^st Vice Dexter Albright – present

2^nd Vice Kip Blake – absent                                       Chaplain Scott Emmett - absent

Sgt At Arms Jeff Emerson – present                          Adjutant Mary Blake – absent

Finance Officer Mike Tomes - present          

                                        

 

Welcome guests:

None.

 

Approval of Minutes

Minutes passed out and reviewed by members.

Motion to accept minutes: Jay Collier, Seconded by Gary Todd.

The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

 

Committee Reports

 

Finance Committee –

Balance: $6400.00

Earmarked for Boys State: $1500.00

Motion to accept Finance report: Dave Everett, Second by Jay Collier

 

Membership Committee –

Post membership still above 110%

1 New member

Remember you can do your renewals online or in person (right after this meeting).  Asked if there were questions.  None.

 

 

 

IT Committee -

No report.

 

Boys State-

Post 1919 has been listed on the official Legion forms.

1 New register to Boys State.

2 Possible new registers.

Post 1919 can register 4 candidates.

Registration to be paid by Post 1919 Boy State fund.

 

End of committee reports.

 

Sick Call and Relief

Sick Call:

Don Lafontaine

Ken Hall

Bobby Genet

Phil Martinez

Sarah Campbell and familhy

 

 

Unfinished Business

None

 

New Business

None

Good of Legion

Pass the hat raised $28.

50/50 Total $40. Jay Collier won and donated back to the post.

Past Department Commander Rodney Strong passed 1/14/22.

Help is needed with Saturday poker tournament. Contact Dave Everett.

Dart League and Trivia Night needing volunteers to get started.

April will start live music.

Auxiliary will be holding a blood drive at the Greenwood Library on 4/2.

Daytona 500 at the Post on February 20. Selling squares for fund raiser.

40 and 8 will be accepting endorsements for nursing scholarships on 2/28.

2/21 – Vietnam vets day at the Post bar.

 

 

Presentation on Americanism based on biblical values and the 7 virtues to start being presented to area schools.

 

 Closing ceremonies performed.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 1931 hrs. by 1st Vice Dexter Albright. The next general meeting will be at 1900 hrs. on 08MAR2022 at Post 1919.

 

12Oct2021

Opening: 1805

Motion to accept minutes Dave

2^nd Gary Totty

Finance officer – 5200 plus 500 today

1500 designated to boys state. Later next year.

Motion: Kip Blake

2^nd; Dave

Membership committee

Membership report – Wednesdays 76.8% about over 80% with outstandings.

We are doing well – our members are outstanding – talk to members to renew – point neighbors towards us for comrade

New members:  Son – Spencer Dillion grad’s basic this week – has card

Garry  -

     Garry “Percel” born 1964

Air Force – Kensbock cave out in 1976 .  Into law enforcement – LA was in defense or booz back into law in Indiana 35 years in law retired a few years back.  Been caring for grandkids since pandemic.

Other granddaughter – went to basic but due to loud mouth was recycled – post poned one week.

She is a boom on refueling…mechanic. 

Another new member – George Massy – transfer. 

    George “From long military fam.  Father – Navy (WWII – Philippine- invasion of Okinawa) Nephew – just retired 2 years ago – Master SGT – many friends retired.  All uncles exept one servied.

Army in security.  Served WA DC – then to Korea served 13+ months.  Very fortunate and happy to make it back safely. Close friends that didn’t.  Went to Warren Central HS Indpls.  After military join fire department for 20 years.  Had a business after that – enough to get the kids through school.  Live close reight off of Arlington.  Was on roaming for years – transferred me to Shirley Inidnaa – and I don’t know where that is…so here I am. 

 

Membership is doing great.  Need 20 new to hit target.  Calling to come.  Going to make phone calls to 777 members on a Saturday.  Look for email to come. 

 

Sick call or relief:

Ken Hall – calling three ish days.  Come back this week.  Was in Hospital with Cancer and blood transfusions.  At home now – nurse coming daily to check on him. 

Bobby Gennett – not 100% - been here on Friday.

Mike Delaney – double bi pass –

Don LaFontaine – doing better

Rich Harney – not feel well – has had a lot of issues (pray)

Bud Albright – was marine and a member.  Dexter’s father.  Has been in Masonic home in Franklin for the past year.  Dexter needs to be prayed for strength. 

 

Unfinished business:

Dave – Poker – we are doing it.  Saturday 10/16. Will drinks

Dave - Motion to spend - $100 to buy incidentals

Jeff – 2^nd

Discussion none.

Motion passed.

 

New business

None

 

Go to the legend –

Passing the hat Gary Totty –

$27

 

District – fall conference – last weekend.  Went to Atterbury – Good and interesting. 

“Could never remember was day it is except on Sundays when drive by chick

We are in dead last for participation.

Doing county wide calls – for membership.  To help all posts – next district meeting this weekend. 

 

Poker tournament $20 buy in.  Members and member friends.  Starting at 1pm.  Next will be $30 buy in after this.  Got a new member – wanted to sign up for poker – so he joined membership.

Hours have been changed to play poker – now 12 to 12.  

 

Live music – 6 or 7 – doesn’t charge us works for tips – he is a veteran Rocking _Rich._______.  Promote the live music – help out VFW and bringing people in!

 

There is a legion insurance for accidental death.  Free for all legion members.  Legion insurance trust…free.  Check it out.  Indiana has 20% of members signed up.

 

We are doing Boys state – haven’t been due to Covid – our post does a good job of it.  Jay leads it and does great job.

 

Steve – December 14 – 2 - ?  Give blood.  Probably set up in one of these rooms. 

10/29 – live band – Hard Stone all Gwood HS alumni – Sold about 30/40 tickets - $6 they are bringing people / visitors.

Halloween themed – contests. 

 

Close 1842

 

AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919

 Meeting Minutes
09Nov2021

 

Opening

The regular meeting of the AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919 was called to order at 1911 hours on 09Nov2021 at the 1919 Post by 1st Vice Dexter Albright.

 

Present

19 members present. ROLL CALL:

Commander Sarah Campbell – excused                     1^st Vice Dexter Albright – present 2^nd Vice Kip Blake – present                                                           Chaplain Scott Emmett

Sgt At Arms Jeff Emerson - present                           Adjutant Mary Blake – present Finance Officer Mike Toms - present

 

Approval of Minutes

Minutes distributed by Adjutant.

Motion to accept minutes: Dave Everett, Seconded by Jay Colliers.

The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

Committee Reports Finance Committee –

Mike Tomes reported that there is approximately $5,500 with $1,500 earmarked for Boys

State. The Boys State will be spent in the spring 2022. The Christmas fund has $160. No discussion.

Motion to accept the finance report by Don LaFontaine, Seconded by Mike Tomes. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Membership Committee-

Dave Everett reported: Not yet to 100%. There are 8-10 new non-paying transfers. Buddy calls were done two Saturdays ago. Approximately 200 calls were made. These calls are more important than you know until you experience it first handed.

Example: There was a gentleman and wife and brother that made calls to suicide line with no help. Dave reached out and it was the first call they received from the American Legion (he is a member). The wife felt she had no purpose and she then became involved

 

in the auxiliary and she found a purpose. Please remember you may be the difference. Ultimately this is the reason to be here to make calls and be that help.

 

Added 6-10 members off the 777 list to our post. Post is 90% with about ½ dozen away, hope to have by June 2022. We also reached another new member through emails.

 

1^st Vice Dexter thanked Dave for all of this work. Are there any other committee reports?

There needs to be a new committee set up for the Boys State – Chair person needs to be nominated. Commander will need to appoint at the next meeting to get the ball rolling soon.

 

Don LaFontaine has requested that a microphone be used in the meeting so that everyone can hear. 40/8 has offered the use of their microphone.

 

It was advised that the Sertoma Club has pledged $900 and holds to that pledge. Mike Tomes confirmed that there is still some from American Legion.

 

 

Sick Call and Relief

Keep in Prayers:

Rich Carney

Bob Jennett is doing better

Sick Call:

Ken Hall – no report

 

Unfinished Business

None

 

 

New Business

None

 

Good of Legion

The 7th District -no report

 

Americanism – Along with Phil Martinez, Scott Emerson is taking preservation to school age children. Academically there are seven traits. Please pray for this to be a success.

 

Question? Is this presentation to show younger generations to share Americanism? Will you want volunteers? We aren’t accepting volunteers yet. We will take this to churches with middle and high school students.

 

Pass the Hat - Gary Totty asked to Pass the Hat – Collected $46 and was secured in the American Legion drawers for delivery to Finance Officer Mike Toms.

 

Thanksgiving dinner – For the 6^th year in a row, Joe Vandalez and is wife will cook all the foods and bring to the Post for anyone. Not just for Veterans. Last year 40 people attended the dinner. Plenty of help, no volunteers needed but any monetary donation is appreciated but not necessary.

 

Vietnam Party - 6pm this Saturday, November 13. Tony Kirk will do karaoke and there will be finger foods.

 

Poker event update: Money was allocated for food but hot dogs and chili were donated. Post made $400ish net. Chips were provided by Tony Kirk at a cost of $140. The allocated money will be used to repay the cost of the chips to Tony Kirk.

 

Attendence each Saturday: 9, 12, 14, 18. When we are able to get about 40 to 60 it will become very lucrative.

 

Every Saturday registration starts at 12 noon and poker starts at 1300 hours.

 

The event is very laid back. Winners received 1^st: $250, 2^nd $100, 3^rd $55. Come hang out with us.

 

The VFW and 40/8 are making baskets. Donations, money and other baskets accepted.

 

Veterans Day Event – There will be a Education event on Thursday November 11 at 1300 hours. Taco’s will be available for $5 each. 2^nd Vice Kip Blake will be asking questions of Veterans (volunteer at this point is Steve Milbourn). The youth will hear experiences, ask questions and learn the meaning of Veterans Day.

 

The Historian, Kip Blake would like to create ‘Baseball cards’ on Legion members. More to come.

 

50/50 drawing – Total of $53 collected. The winner Don LaFontaine received $26 but donated back $16 to the Legion.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 1940 hours by 1st Vice Dexter Albright. The next general meeting will be at 1900 hours on December 14, 2021, at Post 1919.

 

Minutes submitted by:

Adjutant, Mary Blake