December Meeting:

The December meeting was convened on 18 December at 7:00 PM.  Commandant Blanchette initiated the convening of dinner as indicated in the Scuttlebutt.  Through the generosity of the Framingham Elks, meeting attendees enjoyed an Italian feast coordinated by the Commandant. Members and guests enjoyed dinner and numerous desserts prior to the convening of the meeting.

The meeting was convened in the proper manner with 14 members in attendance.  The roll call of officers was conducted with all present but the Chaplain and the Sergeant at Arms who were absent.  The report of the Paymaster was read.  Motion was made and seconded to accept the report as presented.  The vote to accept the report was positive.

Sick and in Distress:  

In the absence of the Chaplain, members reported that former State Senior Vice Commandant has passed away.  Funeral details will be forthcoming.  Sergeant at Arms Dave Barth is reported to have health issues.  Dave Berry reported that his wife is continuing to have health problems.  the detachment extends best wishes for her recovery.

No other officers had material to report.

Boy Scout Programs:

Al Schiff reported that a communication error had led to the Eagle Scouts who are scheduled to be recognized by the detachment would not be attending the meeting as planned.  Plans will be made for the scouts to attend a future meeting to be recognized for their achievement.

Toys for Tots:

Richard Douglas provided an update on the status of Toys for Tots.  The pods are scheduled for collection and future donations will need to be brought to the warehouse in Woburn.  Overall, the campaign has run smoothly.  Richard Douglas and Chip Fagan have succeeded as the coordinators of Toys for Tots and are congratulated for their efforts.

New Business:

Jim Hastings, who has led the Golf Committee for the past few years, raised the issue that he is committed to other activities that preclude his managing the tournament this year.  He proposed alternative coordinators who can oversee the tournament.  This will be brought forward as planning continues.

New Members:

Two new member were sworn in.  Jack Callow's grandson is a recent graduate of Parris Island who attended the meeting and was sworn in as a member.  Steve Stephan is a member of the Shutt Detachment who has been an active participant in Metrowest activities.  The detachment welcomes these new members and look forward to working with them.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 with the plan to reconvene on January 15.  The detachment leadership extends holiday wishes to all members as well as hopes for a successful and satisfying new year.  We appreciate the active participation and involvement of all and encourage continued commitment.

November Events Update

The November meeting was convened in the proper manner at 7:30 PM as scheduled.  Roll call of officers was conducted with all present except for the Senior Vice Commandant who later acknowledged that he had forgotten the date.  The report of the Paymaster was read and accepted.  The detachment finances are in good shape. 

The Marine Corps Birthday cake and ceremonial sword

Detachment Commandant Blanchette is congratulated for a fine job on arranging the Marine Corps Birthday.  A luncheon was held at the Framingham Elks with a number of members and guests in attendance.  The food was excellent and the ceremony was in keeping with tradition.  Thank you for a fine event Sir Commandant.

Now that the birthday and Thanksgiving are past, the Toys for Tots campaign is in full swing.  Richard Douglas and Chip Fagan have taken the lead on this effort an have kept everything on track.  The Natick tree lighting was held and the detachment was well represented with Commandant Blanchette, Jim Hastings, John Crisafulli, Bill Costello, Richard Douglas, and Chip Fagan in attendance.  The Young Marines were out in force and kept the pace going.  Three boxes of toys were collected and $251 in cash was donated.   Special thanks to Dunkin Donuts of Natick who kept a constant flow of coffee and hot chocolate and stacks of different types of Munchkins for all who attended the Natick Tree Lighting.  They have been a regular and willing supporter of this event.  Please remember them as you choose where to stop for coffee and donuts.
Members are reminded that the stated end of the campaign is December 7 and Pods will be picked up on December 13.

Senior Vice Commandant Dave Gentes presents a check to the Young Marines

On 28 November, Jim Hastings, Mac MacEntegart, Bill Costello, and Dave Gentes attended a meeting of the Blackstone Valley Young Marines to present a donation of $1000 on behalf of the detachment.  The Young Marines teach the values and principles of the Marine Corps and the organization has been a helpful resource to detachment activities.

A motion was made and seconded to contribute $100 to the National Tree of Lights.
Certificates have been issued to two Eagle Scouts and will be distributed at an upcoming ceremony.  Al Schiff continues to be active in leading outreach to Boy Scouts.

Commandant Blanchette will be leading an effort to improve the detachment social media presence.  Ideas for Facebook, Twitter, and other postings are welcome.  Members are encouraged to insure that the detachment has current email addresses for all.  This will enable more efficient communications and potential reduction in cost of mailing the Scuttlebutt.  Email can be sent to jerryblanch@verizon.net.

The December meeting is scheduled for 18 December.  Note that an earlier start time of 7:00 PM is planned as there will be a meal provided.  This is an excellent opportunity to share camaraderie with fellow Marines.  Members are encouraged to attend.

From the Leadership Team:

As the summer weather wanes and we all segue into autumn, the holidays and winter, the detachment continues to work at being a resource to the community and the local veteran population.  A number of activities are dependent on having "boots on the ground" to provide service.  If you can find it in your heart and your schedule to participate, you will be moving the detachment forward and continuing your service as a Marine.  This time there will be no one making you do pushups or shooting at you so it can be an enjoyable time.

The September meeting was not officially convened as there was not the required quorum to conduct business.  Those who did attend discussed some ideas and potential topics for future meetings.

The October meeting was convened in the proper fashion at 7:30 PM on 16 October with 12 members in attendance.  The roll call of officers was called, with the Adjutant having been excused and the Senior Vice Commandant arriving late.  The report of the Paymaster was read and accepted.  The detachment is in good financial shape, having recently concluded a successful golf tournament.

Members reported the recent death of John Crisafulli's niece and Dave Berry's brother.  We extend the condolences of the detachment to these Marines on their respective losses.  Chaplain Whalen reported that Bob LaVoie, an Iwo Jima veteran who also served at the Chosin Reservoir, passed away.  Surely he has already done his time in Hell and is now in a better place.

The detachment budget is being prepared for submission by the November Deadline.  Mac McEntegart has registered the ceremonial rifles with the proper authorities. New by-laws require that all member who are delinquent with dues be notified by mail.  Additionally, installations of officers must be completed by April 15.  Donations of $1000 to the Blackstone Valley Young Marines and $100 to the Natick DAV were proposed and accepted via vote .

UPCOMING EVENTS -  Please Note - UPCOMING EVENTS

The detachment will observe the Marine Corps Birthday on 10 November with a luncheon at noon at the Framingham Elks.  You are part of 242 years of history and this is an opportunity to congregate with others who share that distinction.  The ceremonial cake cutting will be conducted and is always more meaningful when well attended.

The Rose Program will again be conducted in the period around Veterans Day.  Members are needed to offer roses and accept donations at local venues.  Roses can be obtained by contacting Warren Griffin.  This can take as little as an hour and is a very good fundraiser and a visible activity that increases awareness of the Marine Corps League.

Toys For Tots will kick off on November 1.  This is an earlier start to offer more time to get the necessary volume of Toys.  Need for toys continues to increase annually.  Detachment member are highly encouraged to arrange for donation points and to collect toys that can be distributed.  The time commitment for this need not be overwhelming.  There is no political statement or overriding agenda beyond trying to insure that children who would otherwise not receive toys on Christmas are able to get something delivered to them.  Details on pod locations and supplies will be forthcoming but please begin planning and contacts now.

The next scheduled meeting will be on 20 November.  Please plan to attend and participate.  Your input and ideas are valuable.  New members are welcome.

  

18th Annual Golf Tournament Successfully Completed

On 20 August, golfers again took to the links at Juniper Hill Golf Course to participate in the 18th Metrowest MCL Detachment Golf Tournament.  This event is the culmination of extensive preparation by Golf Committee Head Jim Hastings and members Mac McEntegart, John Crisafulli, Mike Whelan,, Dave Gentes,  Commandant Jerry Blanchette, and Bill Costello.  For a number of months, the committee and detachment members have worked to plan, sell ads and raffle tickets, and recruit players for this event.
On the morning of 20 August, all was in place and golfers arrived to a cloudy but dry day.  Master ticket seller Vonnie Clark was on hand to maintain her record.  Bernadette Menz, Tara and Amaya Fernsebner were there to staff the prize holes.   A number of detachment members arrived to take on their roles during the tournament.
At the completion of play, golfers and volunteers adjourned to the Framingham Elks to enjoy a catered steak dinner and try their luck in a plethora of raffles and auctions.  Tom Foley, Mac McEntegart and Jim Hastings  lead the charge of arranging prizes with numerous members adding to the effort.  The banquet provided a chance to review the play of the day and get together for another successful day
We are grateful to the participating members and supporters, the advertisers and merchants who participated and the volunteers who helped throughout the event.  The golf tournament is a large scale effort that would not be possible without the support of all.  The funds raised will be put to good use in support of detachment charity outreach.

NOTE:  Regularly scheduled meetings will resume on 18 September at the Natick Amvets at 7:30 PM.  Members are encouraged to attend and to make themselves heard.  Meetings for 2018 will be held on 18 September, 16 October, 20 November, and 18 December.

May Meeting Notes:

The May meeting was convened as scheduled on May 15 at 7:30 PM.  Commandant Jerry Blanchette called the meeting to order with ten members in attendance.   Motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the previous meeting as published.    There  was nothing to report from any of the officers.  Paymaster Bill Costello reported on the detachment finances.  Fiscally, the detachment continues to be in good shape.  Motion was made and seconded to accept the Paymaster's report as presented.

Under new business, it was presented that the Scholarship Committee has awarded 3 scholarships to local high school graduates and three scholarships to internal candidates.  This is in excess of the budgeted five scholarships.  A motion was made and seconded to approve funding for the additional one scholarship on a one time basis.  This was approved by vote.  

It was discussed that the MA State MCL convention will be held from 31May to 2 June.  the New Bedford Detachment has arranged numerous activities to offer something for everyone.  Attending members will be able to vote.  

It was also announced that dues are payable on 1 September.  This is to comply with national requirements.  

The Flag Day parade in Framingham will be held on 10 June.  Commandant Blanchette thanked the detachment for the donation that was made on behalf of the detachment.  Members are welcome to participate.. 

There being no further business, Commandant Blanchette adjourned the meeting at 8:05.  The next meeting will be held on 19 June.

New Officers Installed

The April meeting was conducted as scheduled  on 17 April at the Natick Amvets.  Commandant Jim Hastings called the meeting to order in the proper fashion at 7:30 PM. 

• Motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the prior meeting.  This was voted affirmatively.  
• Roll call of officers was conducted with all officers present. 
• Paymaster Bill Costello provided detail of the detachment financial status which continues to be positive.
• Judge Advocate John McEntegart provided information on two pending changes to by-laws.  One pertains to the tenure of elected officers.  The other pertains to the date on which officers are installed.  The changes were put to a vote and both approved.
• Commandant Hastings announced that registrations for the golf tournament are coming in and raffle ticket sales have started.  Members are reminded to support the tournament with ad sales and raffle prizes.
• Jr. Vice Commandant Jerry Blanchette discussed the upcoming Flag Day parade in Framingham.  A motion was made to contribute $100 to the parade.  This was voted in the affirmative.
• Commandant Hastings closed the normal order of business so that the new slate of officers could be installed.  MA MCL Department Commandant Dave Porter was in attendance to conduct the installation.  The new officers are:

                Commandant:  Jerry Blanchette

                Senior Vice Commandant:  Dave Gentes

                Junior Vice Commandant:  Jim Hastings

                Judge Advocate:  John McEntegart

                Adjutant:   Warren Griffin

                Paymaster:  Bill Costello

                Chaplain:  Mike Whelan

                Sergeant at Arms:  Dave Barth  

State Commandant Dave Porter swears in Detachment Commandant Jerry Blanchette

When the installation was completed, incoming Commandant Jerry Blanchette reopened the meeting for normal business.  As his first act as Commandant,  Blanchette presented a plaque to Jim Hastings, the outgoing Commandant.  The detachment acknowledges true gratitude to Jim Hastings for his service and continued commitment to the detachment.

Outgoing Commandant Hastings receives a plaque from incoming Commandant Blanchette.

Following brief comments, Commandant Blanchette closed the meeting.  Attendees adjourned to enjoy a meal and camaraderie.  The detachment congratulates the incoming leadership team and appreciates their efforts.

Members are reminded that the May Meeting will occur on Tuesday May 15 at 7:30 PM at the Natick AMVETS.  All are encouraged to attend.

From the Commandant:

The February meeting was held as scheduled on 20 February with 15 members in attendance.  We appreciate that attendance was up and look for this to continue.  The meeting was convened in the proper format at 7:30 PM.  The roll call of officers was conducted with 100% in attendance.  As there was no business conducted in January, there were no minutes to report.

One piece of correspondence was received from the US Marines Youth Foundation to express gratitude for the detachment donation at the Blue Light level in support of youth programs.

Paymaster Bill Costello provided an update on detachment finances.  We continue to have assets on hand to address needs and meet obligations.

Chaplain Mike Whalen reported that no members were reported to be sick or in distress.

Commandant Hastings reported that Iwo Jima Day at the State House was successful and well handled.  Detachment member George Vouros was one of the Iwo Jima veterans who was honored.  The Commandant and Mac McEntegart thank John Crisafulli for an expeditious ride into Boston for the ceremony.

Iwo Jima Veteran George Vouros participated in the State House observance of Iwo Jima Day.

New Member:

The detachment welcomes John Tredein who was sworn in during the February meeting.  John served as an FMF Corpsman from 1977 to 1981 with 2/2 at Camp Lejeune.  After separating for eight years, he re-enlisted and served another tour with the First Marine Division.  During this time, he was deployed for Desert Storm and participated in the taking of Kuwait.  We look forward to sharing stories with John.


The Golf Committee will meet at 7:00 PM on 28 February to plan the tournament that will be played on 20 August.  Members and supporters are encouraged to arrange for raffle prizes, ads, and other donations.  This is our major fundraiser and the efforts of all are needed.

Judge Advocate McEntegart raised the point that a by-laws change is needed to eliminate the limitation of two consecutive one year terms for Commandant.  With a small pool of potential candidates for leadership roles, this change will provide more options going forward.  The change must be posted in two monthly newsletters prior to being voted upon.  National Judge Advocate Warren Griffiin raised the point that we must install officers prior to 15 May to comply with National MCL By Laws.  This change will also be implemented prior to implementation.

Registration materials for the MA State MCL convention have been distributed.  This will be from June 1-3 in New Bedford.  Members are encouraged to attend and be heard.
The MCLNational convention will be in Buffalo, NY.

Commandant Hastings reflected that he recently laid a wreath on the grave of the Marine who pulled  him to safety during a firefight in Viet Nam 50 years ago.  The same Marine died in the medevac helicopter on the way to medical facilities.  This reminds us of the bonds between Marines and the commitment to remembering our history.  These are objective of the Marine Corps League

From the Commandant:

The January meeting was deferred due to the lack of the required quorum to conduct business.  Member are encouraged to attend meetings when possible to insure that there is opportunity to address detachment plans and issues.  Meetings are your opportunity to make yourself heard.  Meetings occur on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM at the Natick Amvets.   Participation is appreciated.

PFC Elizabeth OBrien is sworn ns an MC member

On January 25, a contingent of detachment members including Jim Hastings, Warren Griffin, Mac McEntegart, Mike Whelan, Dave Gentes and Chip Fagan visited the Blackstone Valley Young Marines.  The Metrowest Detachment is a long time supporter of the Young Marines.  Young Marines have helped with parades, cemetery observances, and the Toys for Tots drive over the years.  To continue this relationship, Commandant Jim Hastings presented a check for $1000.00 to Geoff Coffin, the leader of the Young Marines.  We look forward to a long partnership.
A highlight of the visit was the chance to meet PFC Elizabeth OBrien, an alumna of the Young Marines and a recent graduate of Parris Island.  PFC OBrien spoke with the current Young Marines and was able to relate how her training with the Young Marines was a benefit to her as she completed boot camp.  She is on leave and will next report to Camp Geiger for AIT, followed by Intelligence School in the Washington DC area.  PFC OBrien was sworn in as a member of the Metrowest Detachment by Commandant Jim Hastings.  Welcome Elizabeth.

Please plan to attend scheduled meetings at the Natick AMVETs, 1 Superior Drive , Natick at 7:30 PM.   Upcoming meeting dates:  20 February ; 20 March ; 17 April ; 15 May ; 19 June