Veteran's Club Meeting Minutes from May 8, 2014
An informal " Meet and Greet" with refreshments was held from 1600 to 1620.
Formal business commenced at 1620 with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice President Goody Morrison chaired today's meeting.
The Secretary's Report was presented and the minutes of our last meeting were voted on and accepted as written by the membership.
The Treasurer's Report was submitted. Flagpole project collections to date total $2696.00.
Goody Morrison presented the President's Report:
The results of our Community Blood Drive on May 2, spearheaded by Board Member Marty Merluzzi, were presented. Two blood mobiles were parked at the clubhouse in the pool parking area where blood donors received a mini-medical screening consisting of blood pressure, pulse and iron level. They were given a t-shirt and refreshments after their donations. Most importantly, donors were giving back to their community by making this donation. A total of 63 individuals attempted to donate blood, with an amazing 47 pints of blood collected. Although some donors were unable to give as a result of being underweight, having low iron levels, or being on certain medications, their willingness to donate was nevertheless greatly appreciated. A special thanks was given to those who donated as well as to all who contributed their time and effort to support the event.
Steve Metzger, a guest at today's meeting, was recognized for his key role in helping to orchestrate the Blood Drive. Although not a veteran, Steve worked tirelessly to pre-schedule residents to donate blood, and was an invaluable liaison with the OneBlood organization who made the blood collections at the event.
Joe Franze presented an update on our Flagpole project. He reviewed the total cost of the 30 foot aluminum Flagpole, installation, granite base with inscription and associated electrical work to enable the Flagpole to be lighted at night so that the 6'x10' flag could be flown around the clock. The next step will be to submit the plans to the Valencia Reserve Architectural Change Committee for their approval. Plans call for the Flagpole to be installed well in advance of the formal Veteran's Day dedication ceremony.
The up-coming Memorial Day Party was discussed. All Veteran's Club members attending are requested to wear their club shirts for group pictures. Volunteers were also solicited to help out during the event.
Goody Morrison discussed plans for our August 3rd "Heat Wave Dance Party". The donation will be $15.00 per couple, and desert will be served at the event.
Guest speakers from the Veteran's Administration were introduced:
Mary Phillips, VA Chief of Volunteer Services and Coordinator for Homeless Veterans, made an interesting and informative presentation about the many volunteer opportunities available at the Veterans Administration Palm Beach Veteran's Hospital. She noted that there were currently 620 volunteers in the program, with an average of 80 to 100 volunteers on site every day. She pointed out that there were over 140 different volunteer assignments available across the medical center in both clinical and administrative capacities. She also detailed the volunteer administrative orientation, background check and TB tests required to in-process every volunteer. Mary offered to hold a new volunteer administrative orientation session here at Valencia Reserve if enough community residents were interested in signing up. Mary also discussed the Medical Center Donations Program, which is run through her office. The Donations Program received $650,000 in both monetary and non-monetary donations last year, all of which was used to support veteran's in need. None of the funds collected were used for administrative overhead.
Carla De Silva, a VA Licensed Clinical Social Worker, made an eye-opening presentation highlighting the programs for homeless veterans sponsored through the Palm Beach Veteran's Hospital. They included various programs to provide no and low cost housing, clothing, food and transportation assistance to veterans in need. She also discussed the Veteran's Court Program to provide alternatives to incarceration for veterans convicted of crimes.
On behalf of the The Veteran's Administration West Palm Beach Veteran's Affairs Office Mary Phillips recognized Vinnie D'Aquino for his award from the VA as "Volunteer of the Year for 2013" for his exceptional service. Vinnie was selected our of more than 700 volunteers who give their time and effort to the VA. He works for the Director and Assistant Director in the VA office and does many different projects ranging from answering the phone, filing data, organizing personnel information and helping out with any other job that might be required. Vinnie has volunteered over 1100 hours of service to the VA. Congratulations to Vinnie for his well deserved award!
Following is the schedule of Veteran's Club Meetings for 2014. All meetings will be held in the Social Hall. Please note that there are no meetings scheduled for July and August.
June 12: 4-6 PM
September 11: 4-6 PM
October 9: 4-6 PM
November 13: 4-6 PM
December 11: 4-6 PM
The Vice President noted in his concluding remarks that our next meeting would be held on June 12th in the Social Hall.
The 50/50 drawing was held.
The meeting concluded at 1730
Minutes Submitted by Tom Nowak, Club Secretary