From the Commandant: 

Scholarship Response:

Because of the support that we get from the local area, we are able annually to offer scholarships to local students.  We are happy to be able to provide this service and look forward to continuing with future graduates.  We are pleased to have received thank you notes form the following recipients:

Anthony Allessi- attending Norwich University

Emily Melick- attending Maine Maritime Academy

Nursing Home Visitation:

Almost a year ago, the detachment launched an initiative to visit veterans who are confined to nursing homes and other types of assisted living facilities.  Tom Foley took the lead on this activity and made a real difference in the lives of vets who often have little outside contact.  We are pleased to have been able to be of  service to these veterans.  We commend Tom Foley for his efforts and hope to continue this program of visitation.   To date, visits have happened at:

Whitney Place, Natick

Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Wrentham

Elizabeth Seton Residence, Wellesley

Marine Corps Birthday:

On November 10 we will celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday at the Framingham Elks at 6:00 PM. Food will be provided and we will conduct the traditional reading of the proclamations from General Lejeune and General Nellis, the current Commandant as well as the cake cutting ceremony.  This traditional ceremony will be observed by Marines all over the world.  We invite area Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and Chaplains to join us in comradeship with all Marines, past and present.  We hope to grow this event and encourage all members to attend.  

There is not a lot of activity right now. This is the time of year when we offer the Rose Program.  We encourage all to give this a try.  Warren Griffin will be able to provide roses and all that is required is to look sharp and engage with people as they come by.  People are generally very friendly and enjoy sharing their stories.  This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the MCL as well as to raise funds for detachment outreach.

October Meeting Notes:

The meeting convened in the proper fashion at 7:30 PM on 18 October  with 11 members in attendance.  All officers were present.  

Minutes from the last meeting were presented and accepted.  

The Paymaster reported details of the detachment fiscal condition.  We continue to be in good financial shape.  The Paymaster's report was accepted as presented.  

Correpondence was read.  We have received a number of letters from nursing homes where the detachment has visited.  We have received letters of appreciation from scholarship recipients.  The Semper Fi Fund sent a letter acknowledging our contribution.

Richard Douglas provided an update on the Toys for Tots Program.  There is a new coordinator. Pods will be delivered and at that time, materials will be available.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50.  The Executive Committee met after the meeting to prepare the annual budget.

From the Commandant:

After all of the activity around the Golf Tournament, we are in a period of relative calm.  Not a lot is going on and that gives us time to plan for the upcoming events.  The Golf Tournament produced just under $15,000.  This will give us the foundation to continue with our charitable outreach and activities in support of the community.  We are grateful to all of the sponsors, advertisers, players, members and volunteers who pulled this together.  It is a lot of work but the results are worthwhile.

The next activity to supplement our funds is the Marine Corps Rose Program.  We will supply you with the roses and all you need to do is to find a place with good foot traffic and set up a table to offer roses and accept contributions.  Many people look forward to seeing a veteran out at this time and many will stop to talk and share their stories.  A few hours will produce a good financial result and it will all go to further our outreach.  Please consider participating in your local area.  Jim Hastings and Warren Griffin and Dave Gentes will be happy to get you set up.

We continue to plan for the Marine Corps Birthday.  This year, we will celebrate in the traditional fashion on November 10 at the Framingham Elks, near Bowditch Field. The cake cutting ceremony and reading of the proclamations is shared across the entire Marine Corps, worldwide.  Come, bring friends or family, and share some time with fellow Marines and Corpsmen.

What is YOUR why?

In the most recent Semper Fi magazine a feature article discussed the various reasons why members join the MCL, why they stay, and why they are or are not active.  About 3% of the all known Marine Corps veterans are members.  That number can surely grow.  One way is for members to think about and talk about their experience and objectives and reach out to others to share information and stories.  We are not a perfect organization but we are a very good and committed one.  We are challenged in getting younger Marines to look to the League and hopefully to join.  Let your story, energy, and commitment be part of helping them find their own "why".

The Detachment will meet next on October 18 at 7:30 PM at the Natick Amvets.  This is a great time to come with your ideas.  Please invite potential members or Associate members who way want to get a look the MCL.

September Meeting Minutes:

1930 Meeting opened in the proper manner.
Roll call of Officers: All present with the following excused: Senior Vice, Junior Vice.
Minutes of the previous session to be presented at a future meeting.
Correspondence:
     Thank you letter from – Elizabeth Seaton Nursing home, Golden Pond Nursing home, Whitney Place.
     Gold Star Families Memorial to be dedicated on 25 September in Fall River Veterans Memorial Park.
     Scholarship thank you note from Emily Melick.
Paymaster’s report read and voted to accept.
Sickness & distress:
     Member Bill Walenski is sick with cancer
     Madeline “Dutch” Swain passed away.
     John Clark had eye surgery
Committees
     Toys for Tots.  Rich Douglas reports that there is a new Marine contact person Gunny Gillen.
    Golf Jim Hastings reports the golf tournament had its best year made just under $15,000.
    Rose Program Warren Griffin urged members to take part in this fund raiser in November.
     Budget John Mc Entegart called for a meeting of the budget committee to come up with a budget.
New business none
Good of the League
     Commandant Hastings informed the members that the birthday cake ceremony will be held at the Framingham Elks 10 November at 1800. Rich Douglas said he will pick up the cake.
     Warren Griffin informed the members that there will be a Marine Expo in Quantico 27 30 Sept. Also the 100th Anniversary of the Marine Reserve will be held at the Boston Convention Center 12 – 13 November followed by the Birthday Luncheon at the same location on Monday 14 November at noon.
     Sgt. Major Vinnie Senna has started a limo company, see Jim Hastings for details.
2000 Meeting closed in the proper manner.