VR Veterans Club Secretary Secretary Reports

An informal "Meet and Greet" was held from 1600 to 1615.

Formal business commenced at 1615 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. It was noted that the five year total of our donations to the Wounded Veteran's Relief Fund is $58,934.00.

The President's Report was presented. Several new members were introduced, including our first female veteran member. Guests and family members attending were welcomed. The results of last month's election were reviewed, and it was noted that the funds that we have raised for the Wounded Veteran's Relief Fund were making a real difference to the veteran's receiving them. Last year  $10,600 was raised by our Veteran's Day Party, along with $3,800 at our Car Show.

Our President noted that our Veteran's Club was now the only group responsible for handling the South Florida National Cemetery holiday and special event flag raisings and lowerings. Members were encouaged to participate. Information on flag raising and lowerings at the cemetery will be promulgated well in advance of the scheduled date.

Board Member and Car Show Chairman Mike Heiserman provided an update on preparations for this year's show. It will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2018. Mike reported that the Buick dealership is very excited about holding the show, and they have indicated that they will provide more spaces for show cars this year. Several cars have already been registered for the event, and publicity for the show is in progress. A DJ has been lined up, and Treasurer Steve Rosenthal has volunteered to manage the registration desk. Plans call for a "Watch Bill" of volunteers and their assignments to be developed, so each member will know their assigned role in advance of the event. Volunteers were solicited from our membership to support the event, and coordination with the VR Car Club is in progress. 

Jerry Gumpert discussed upcoming Honor Flights for World War II and Korean veterans. These events are usually held in the late afternoon or early evening. At the last event approximately 1,500 people participated, providing a warm welcome for the veterans returning from their Washington, DC visit. Information on upcoming Honor Flights will be provided as it becomes available, and members were encouraged to participate in the events.

Vice President Goody Morrison provided an update on this year's Fleet Week event. The ship visits will be held between April 28 and May 5, with the exact date to be determined. It is anticipated that at least five ships will participate, including one guided missile destroyer, an amphibious assault ship, a nuclear submarine and two Coast Guard Cutters. Plans call for our group to car pool to the event this year, and participants will have the opportunity to join crew members at a "Happy Hour" after the ship tours. All members and guests participating must register in advance in order to obtain a security screening as in past years. Additional details will be provided as they become available.

Goody also discussed our upcoming BBQ scheduled for Saturday April 21st in the Social Hall. Cost will be $27.00 per person. 

Goody also noted that the new club shirts are available for order. Members interested in purchasing shirts should contact Goody.

Dennis Flier briefed on plans for our upcoming January 23rd field trip to the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center at West Palm Beach. Participants will meet with active duty Sailors and Marines, review current equipment and armament, see how parachutes are rigged and get an update on current events. Members interested in attending should sign up on our website. Participants will meet at 0930 near the mailboxes in the Clubhouse parking lot, and car pool to the Reserve Center.

Goody Morrison noted that preparations are underway for our Spring BBQ and Dance to be held on Saturday, April 21st in the clubhouse. Details will be promulgated when they become available.

Dennis Flier introduced Lisa Leslie, today's guest speaker. Lisa, a professional woman's basketball star for 13 seasons with the LA Sparks, winner of 4 Olympic Gold Medals, 1 Bronze Medal, and 4 World Championship Gold Medals discussed her career in sports, broadcasting, and real estate. Her interesting, informative and inspring presentation was well recieved by all hands and guests, and was followed by a lively question and answer period.

Scheduled Veteran's Club Events for 2018 are indicated below:

--Field Trip to Palm Beach Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center: Tueday 23 January, 2018

--Car Show: Sunday March 11, 2018

--Blood Drive: Friday March 16, 2018

--Spring BBQ: Saturday April 21, 2018

--Fleet Week In Fort Lauderdale: Betwen April 28 and May 5, 2018 (exact date TBD)

--Veteran's Day Dance: Friday November 9, 2018

Scheduled Sunday breakfast meetings for 2018 are indicated below:

--Sunday April 8, 2018

--Sunday June 10, 2018

--Sunday Septermber 9, 2018

--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 February 8, 2018

--Thursday March 8, 2018

--Thursday May 10, 2018

--Thursday October 11, 2018

--Thursday November 8, 2018

All Thursday meetings will be held in the Social Hall from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

The President noted in his concluding remarks that our next meeting would be held on February 8th at 1600 in the Social Hall.

The Meeting concluded at 1645.

Minutes Submitted by Tom Nowak, Veteran's Club Secretary