November Meeting Notes:

The meeting was convened as scheduled at 1900 on 19 November with 11 Members in attendance.  Commandant Blanchette was excused due to a prior commitment.  Senior Vice Commandant Gentes brought the meeting to order.   Chaplain Whalen was excused .  All other officers were present.

Report of the Paymaster:

Paymaster Costello reported on the financial position of the detachment.  Finances continue to be positive was assets in excess of obligations.  

Correspondence:

Thank you notes was received from the Jamaica Plain VA to acknowledge the Bingo events that the detachment has conducted there for a number of years.  Another thank you note was received from a local senior care facility to acknowledge the visitation effort led by Tom Foley.

Standing Committees:

Toys for Tots is in full swing with pods to be delivered soon.  Members are encouraged to contact collection points to get started.  Official end date is 13 December.  Pods will be in place at Natick Elks and in Sudbury.  Other locations are not clear at this time.  The Natick Town Christmas Tree lighting will be held on 1December at 1430 Hrs.  This is a collection event for Toy for Tots and member are encouraged to attend in uniform.

Boy Scouts:

Al Schiff reports that local scouts will be receiving Eagle Scout awards.  The normal detachment recognition will be in place.

New Business:

A solicitation was received from the Semper Fi Injured Marine Fund.  Motion was made and seconded to contribute $1000.00.  Donation was approved by vote.

A cookout is scheduled for 7 December at Fort Devens for the 25th Marines  reserve weekend.  Members are encouraged to participate.

The Natick Veterans Council will hold a Pearl Harbor Day observance on 7 December at 1500 Hrs.  Participation is encouraged.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for 17 December.  This meeting will include a meal as part of holiday observations. 

244th Marine Corps Birthday

Detachment Marines celebrated the 244th Birthday of the Marine Corps.  The event was held at the Framingham Elks was well attended by detachment members and guests.  Commandant Jerry Blanchette presided over the ceremonial opening prayer and viewing of the Commandant's  birthday video.  The Commandant turned over the podium to Sr. Vice Commandant Dave Gentes for the reading of the proclamation of General Lejeune.  The traditional cutting of the cake followed with detachment member Bill Costello representing the old corps and guest Kevin Allarie representing the new corps.  Following the cake, the attendees adjourned to the upstairs reception hall for a chicken and stuffing luncheon.  Members and guests socialized, shared war stories and conversed for the duration.  We congratulate Commandant Blanchette for a well planned and executed event.

Toys for Tots

The annual Toys for Tots campaign will commence shortly. Supplies are available and it is a good time to contact collection points and other contacts about the upcoming collection.  The Metrowest Detachment has a history of successful campaigns.

John Crisafulli Recognition

We congratulate John Crisafulli on the recent commemoration of a square in Natick in his name.  John is a long time Natick resident and retired educator in the Natick schools.  John is a decorated Korea war Marine Corps veteran and a respected pillar of the community.  We are proud to have John Crisafulli as a member of the Metrowest Detachment.