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.