Picture at top of page

Picture at top of page
In 1945, Marines persevered to victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Saturday, October 24, 2020

October Meeting notes:

The scheduled October meeting was convened at 7:00 PM by Commandant Blanchette at the Natick Amvets.  Masks and social distancing were encouraged for attendees due to ongoing COVID concerns.  A total of 14 were in attendance.
The roll call of officers was conducted with all officers being present.  The minutes of the prior meeting were read and accepted by vote.   The Chaplain reported no members sick or in distress.  No officers had additional information to report.

Correspondence:

Mailing was received informing that the detachment IRS status needs to be updated.  This topic was later discussed.  
Donations in response to solicitation of golf tournament participants have been received.  A total of $425 has been received from golf teams who are contributing to offset the fact that the tournament had to be cancelled this year.
Notice has been sent to members/former members to encourage them to renew and get up to date on dues.

Paymaster Report:

Commandant Blanchette reported the detachment financial status as the Paymaster position is still open.  The detachment is in good financial shape to meet the current and pending initiatives.

Unfinished Business:

There was discussion of producing multiple copies of a previously prepared tri-fold brochure to be used as a tool for recruitment.  The costs for production in color vs. black and white will be checked and the potential to have it printed at the local technical high school were discussed.   Next actions will be decided when costs potential costs are known.

Since the passing of Bill Costello, the position of Paymaster has been open.  The Commandant has been managing the accounts on an interim basis.  Warren Griffin proposed Paul Carew as a candidate to fill this slot.  Judge Advocate MacEntegart pointed out that the by-laws spell out a specific process for soliciting nominations.  As it is necessary per by-laws to have two officers involved in managing accounts, it was moved that election be changed to the soonest possible date with the intent of electing and installing a full complement of officers in the proper fashion.  Available of willing members is an issue that was discussed. 

Due to the vacancy in the Paymaster role, the detachment has been delayed in filing for the needed tax status.  To avoid going through the full process again, there was discussion the form will be filed expeditiously in what is believed to be a grace period.

New Business:

Motion was made to contribute $100 to the Turkeys for Veterans Program of the Amvets.  After discussion the motion was amended to $200 and passed by vote.

Motion was made to approve funding of production for 13 ribbons for the detachment guidon to recognize deceased members, as has been past practice.

Veterans Day activities in Bellingham and Framingham were discussed.  Framingham will have a drive by event and virtual event due to COVID.  Bellingham will hold ceremonies on the town common at 11:00 on Veterans Day.

There was discussion about how to observe the Marine Corps Birthday within the restrictions of COVID prevention.  Alternatives included having a celebration on 10 November in addition to or in lieu of the scheduled November meeting.

Announcements:

Richard Douglas announced that Toys for Tots pods are to be delivered on 15 November to the Natick Elks and the Holliston Police Dept.
Details of the Natick Tree lighting event, associated with Toys for Tots, will be announced. 
The planned burger burn at Fort Devens was not conducted due to concerns about COVID and compliance with food service requirements.

The meeting was adjourned in the proper fashion at 7:50 PM.  Members are encouraged to attend the next scheduled meeting at 7:00 Pm at the Natick Amvets.