Veteran's Club Meeting Minutes From October 11, 2018
Our meeting opened at 1600 with 30 members in attendance. Total club membership is now 191.
An informal "Meet and Greet" was held from 1600 to 1620.
Formal business commenced at 1620 with the "Pledge of Allegiance".
The Secretary's Report was presented and the minutes of our last meeting were voted upon and accepted by the membership.
The Treasurer's Report was presented. We have a total of $13,018.88 in our treasury. To date, 265 individuals have signed up for our Veteran's Day Party.
The President's Report was presented. New members were introduced. Members were encouraged to sign up for our monthly meetings in advance on our website so that we can ensure that the appropriate amount of refreshments are ordered for each meeting.
Jules noted that our annual Veteran's Day Flag Ceremony will be held at 0900 on November 11th at the flagpole in front of the clubhouse.
Jules reminded all that our November Veteran's Party has been rescheduled from Friday November 8, 2018 to Monday, November 12, 2018 in order to accomodate the availability of the Kings Academy Choir. He noted that the cost of $35.00 per person reflected an increase of $6.00 over last year in order to increase the amount of our donation to the Wounded Veteran's Relief Fund.
Members were encouraged to solicit items from local businesses or service providers for our live and silent auctions at our November Veteran's Day Party. Alternatively, they were asked to consider purchasing and donating an item or gift card themselves to help make the auction a success. Jules advised that has sent a Veteran's Club solicitation letter to all hands that could be printed out and presented to potental auction item donors that highlights that proceeds from the event benefit the Wounded Veteran's Relief Fund. Members were reminded that the Veteran's Day Party and it's associated auction is our flagship event for generating funds for the Wounded Veteran's Relief Fund, and that our donations really make a significant difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Securing appropriate items for auction is critical to increasing the amount of our donation to help these veterans in distress. As a result of feedback from last year's event, members were encouraged to make a special effort to obtain auctionable gifts and services that would appeal to the women of our community.
Jules reported that 12 golf courses have donated 4 games each for this year's auction, and that the Aberdeen course has donated 4 lunches in addition to 4 games. Earl Stewart has donated for auction a day on his yacht again this year.
Volunteers were solicited to help with the gift raffel at the Veteran's Day Party. Members voted to use gift cards on hand as items for the raffel.
Volunteers were also solicited to man the three tables that would be set up at the Party--one each for gifts, gift cards and golfing related items.
Jules advised that Steve Osterman has volunteered to be our Field Trip Chairperson. Trips to Naval Air Station Key West, McDill Air Force Base and other locations are being explored for early next year.
Jules noted that the Honor Flight Program was now accepting Vietnam veterans, and that the October Honor Flight would be the first where more than half of the 82 participants would be Vietnam veterans. Jules noted that Jerry Gumpert participated as a guide/escort on last May's flight, and noted that guides pay their own costs, amounting to $400.00. He highlighted that those interested in signing up as either a participant or a guide should be sure to specify if they prefer a North Florida flight departing from Palm Beach International, of a South Florida group departing from Fort Lauderdale. Jules noted that both he and Korea veteran Lou Sarpoff would be participating as honorees in the October Honor Flight.
Jules reminded members that our annual elections will be held during our December meeting. Treasurer Steve Rosenthal has indicated that he will not be running again after six years as Treasurer. Candidates interesting in running for the Treasurer's position or any other position should make their intentions known to Jules as soon as possible.
Jules reminded members who have not already done so to submit photos for our Veteran's Day Photo Board. 8x10 boarderless pictures are preferred.
It was noted that all club materials have been removed from the clubhouse showcase while the case is being refurbished. The HOA has dictated new rules limiting the types of items can be displayed in order to reserve enough space so that all Valencia Reserve clubs could have some display space.
Members were encouaged to volunteer to talk about their experiences while in the service during our club meetings. Interested members can contact any club officer or board member to work out the details and schedule a presentation.
The 50/50 raffel was held, yielding $40.00 to be donated to the Wounded Veteran's Relief Fund.
Veteran's Club Vice President Goody Morrison made an interesting and informative presentation on "The 100th Anniversary of the Ending of World War I on November 11, 1918". The presentation was well received by all hands.
Guest speakersn Bill Rosenberg and Arlene Sysoff made an interesting and informative presentation on the Honor Portraits program. The progarm was founded in 2016 to take free portraits of Veterans as a way of thanking them for their service to our country. The portraits are taken by professional photographers who donate their time to the program. The organization is doing outreach to Veterans about the free service that they provide. The presentation was well received by all hands, and a contact list was circulated after the presentation for those interested in signing up to have their portraits taken. Those interested in learning more about the organization, scheduling a portrait session or making donations can visit their website at honorportraits@gmail.com.
Scheduled Veteran's Club Events for 2018 are indicated below:
--Veteran's Day Flag Ceremony: Sunday, November 11, 2018
--Veteran's Day Dance: Monday, November 12, 2018
--Veteran's Club Blood Drive: Friday, November 16. 2018 from 0900 to 1600
Scheduled Sunday breakfast meetings for 2018 are indicated below:
--Sunday December 9, 2018
All Sunday breakfast meetings will be held in the Social Hall from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Scheduled Second Thursday of the month meetings for 2018 are indicated below:
--Thursday November 8, 2018
All Thursday meetings will be held in the Social Hall from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Scheduled 2019 General Meeting dates may be viewed on our website under the "Upcoming Events" Tab.
The President noted in his concluding remarks that our next meeting would be on Thursday November 9th at 1600 in the Social Hall. He also noted that due to scheduling conflicts our February 2019 meeting would be held in the Arts and Crafts Room instead of the usual Social Hall location. Jules also wished Vice President Goody Morrison good luck on his upcoming surgury on October 29th.
The Meeting concluded at 1715.
Minutes Submitted by Tom Nowak, Veteran's Club Secretary