Veteran's Club Meeting Minutes for September 11, 2014
Meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 1600 with 40 members in attendance. Total membership is now 150 members.
Vice President Goody Morrison presided over the meeting today. In his opening remarks he noted that we would reverse our usual meeting order today and have our guest speaker's presentation first, followed-by our "Meet and Greet" and then our formal business meeting.
Program Chairman Roger Ruddick introduced our guest speaker World War II veteran Tom Kaiser. Tom made an interesting and informative presentation on the history of our flag, and also talked about the Veteran's Memorial in Veteran's Park in Boynton beach. He also discussed procedures whereby veterans could obtain copies of their service records and apply for medals and service ribbons that they may have qualified for but never received. He indicated his willingness to help veterans in their efforts to accomplish this. After his presentation he made available to members various forms to assist in this process. Tom also noted that the free trips to Washington, DC for World War II Veterans to see the World War II memorial and other historic sites have been recently expanded to include Korean Veterans.
An informal "Meet and Greet" with refreshments was held after the presentation prior to the commencement of the formal business meeting.
The formal business meeting commenced at 1630.
A moment of silence was held in memory of our veterans of all wars.
The Secretary's Report was presented and the minutes of our last meeting were voted on and approved.
The Treasurer's Report was submitted. Treasurer Steve Rosenthal noted that our club has now been registered with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect sales tax.
An update was provided on the BJ's Card Project by our Vice President. Chuck Demosy has volunteered to be the Project Chairmans. BJ's is offering new members who join via our Veteran's Club program a 15 month membership for $40. Normal membership fees are $50 for 12 months. Current BJ's members may also extend their membership and enjoy the same discounts. In addition, BJ's will donate $5 to the Wounded Warriors of South Florida for each member signed up and for each current membership extended. The sign-up period will run for two weeks from November 1st to the 15th, and a sign-up station will be set up in the lobby of the clubhouse and manned by our members during this period. The program will be publicized throughout the VR community in Reflections, on VR Channel 63, via posters and E-Mail blasts. Members were solicited to help during the sign up period. Members willing to help should contact Chuck Demosy.
It was noted that our "Heat Wave" desert and dance party yielded a $1193 profit that will be added to our donations fund. We will run the summer party again next year.
Upcoming events were discussed. Planned events and their dates include:
--Blood Drive on October 24, 2014 and May 1, 2015
--Flagpole Dedication Ceremony on November 11, 2014
--Dance Party and Auction on November 11, 2014
--Car Show on April 5, 2015 (tentative date)
--Canned Food Drive on March 19, 2015
Steve Metzger will be helping Marty Merluzzi to coordinate our next Blood Drives. Both blood drive events will run from 0900 to 1600 on October 24, 2014 and on May 1, 2015. Steve has begun the blood donor scheduling process for the October event.
Program Chairman Roger Ruddick provided an update on the April Car Show.He noted that Canyon Town Center may require us to obtain separate insurance for the event since we are no longer organizationally affiliated with GL Homes.
The March 19 Canned Food Drive was discussed. Plans call for the event to be more broadly advertised than last year with a view toward significantly increasing homeowner participation.
Plans for the November Dance Party and Auction were discussed. This year we will add an antipasto course to our usual desert offerings. Vice President Goody Morrison will manage the party preparation, and Program Chairman Roger Ruddick will manage the auction portion of the program. The event is scheduled to run from 1830 to 1000 on November 11, 2014. Letters to potential auction donors from our President soliciting donations with supplemental documentation certifying our not-for profit status and indicating that donations support the Wounded Warriors of South Florida were distributed. Flyers publicizing the event are being prepared. All members are being asked to attempt to solicit at least one item donated by local businesses or individuals for the auction.
An update was provided on our Flagpole Project. The project is on track and will be installed well before the scheduled November 11th dedication. It is anticipated that the flagpole will be installed within a week to ten days of the final permit approval. The permit is in process and approval is anticipated shortly.
The Flagpole dedication ceremony to be held on the afternoon of Veteran's Day, November 11th was discussed. Our President has secured an Honor Guard from the Deerfield High School to participate in the event. The initial ceremony will be held in the Social Hall, followed by a ceremonial flag raising at the flagpole site in front of the clubhouse. Home Owners Association President Gloria Zack will be a featured speaker representing the VR community at the event, and two military speakers have been confirmed, including Silver Star holder Army Sargent Eric Geressy and Marine Captain Sharon Baker. Music will be provided by members of the VR Band. It was noted that 75% of the funds donated for the flagpole installation were provided by veterans from our VR community. Flyers publicizing the dedication ceremony are being prepared. It is requested that our membership wear their club logo hats and shirts, along with khaki slacks at the event.
The Wounded Warriors of South Florida Annual Ball to be held on November 15th was discussed and a contingent of members is scheduled to represent us at the event. Additional members were invited to attend. The cost is $150 per person. Our club will present a donation check to the Wounded Warriors at the event.
Possible field trips for next year were discussed. These will be developed and firmed up after the November 11th flagpole dedication and Dance Party.
The meeting schedule for the balance of 2014 is as follows:
--October 9; 4-6 PM
--November13: 4-6 PM
--December 11, 4-6 PM
All meetings will be held in the Social Hall.
Meetings for 2015 will be held on the second Thursday of every month from 4-6 PM in the Social Hall.
In his concluding remarks Vice President Goody Morison urged our members to make every effort to solicit items for auction form both commercial and individual donors. Our goal is to have even more auction items available this year than last year to increase the funds generated at the event to be donated to the Wounded Warriors of South Florida.
The 50/50 drawing was held.
The meeting concluded at 1730.
Minutes submitted by Tom Nowak, Club Secretary