Administrative Notes:

Annual dues of $30.00 for regular members are due by August 31.   Late payment creates a lot of work for the Paymaster so members are encouraged to make their payment on time.  Life membership is a convenient and cost - effective way to handle dues.  Information on life membership can be found via the Paymaster.

At the January meeting, please bring new socks for donation to the VA Hospital.  These are a highly requested item.

December Meeting Notes:

Commandant McEntegart  called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.  As attendance was below the required quorum, the meeting was conducted on an informal basis.

 Roll call of officers was conducted.  The Sergeant at Arms was absent and the Junior Vice Commandant was excused.  The Paymaster report was read and accepted.  

Chaplain Whelan reported that Marine Chambliss is continuing to deal with a return of cancer.  More information will follow.

Donation to the Natick Veterans' Council was discussed and donation was approved.

Marine Richard Douglas reported on the recently completed Toys for Tots Program.  Although the start was a little slow, the finish was successful and pods were filled and delivered.  The last pods will be picked up soon.

Commandant McEntegart has arranged for pellet gun target shooting to be conducted after the January meeting.  Interested participants can compete in a pool to determine the best marksman.  This will be a regular event based on interest. 

Socks are one of the most requested items for patients who are confined at VA Facilities.  Beginning at the January 18 meeting, the detachment will collect socks for donation.  Ocean State Job Lot is recommended as a place to purchase as they have bundles of quality athletic socks at a good price.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM and attendees enjoyed seasonal snacks prior to departing for the holiday.  The Metrowest Detachment wishes all a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday January 18, 2022 at 7:00 PM at the Natick AMVETS.  Regular attendance at meetings and payment of dues are good resolutions to consider for the new year.

 A Message From the Commandant:

Marines and Detachment Supporters,

    By the time you receive this, the pods for Toys for Tots will have been delivered to the Marines to be prepared for distribution.   Since the founding of this detachment, we have risen to the occasion to collect toys and donations for this campaign.   We extend a huge thank you to all who helped this worthy cause, especially Rick Douglas and Chip Fagan who were the Toys for Tots coordinators.  Rick and Chip have again pulled off a successful campaign.

    The detachment again participated in collecting for Toys for Tots at the Natick events on the Town Common.  This event was very different this year because of Covid.  There were no toys and kids got balloons and they were not able to sit with Santa. Nonetheless, Santa did show up to say hi.  The Young Marines under the leadership of Amy Fagan were a great help, always polite and courteous to all the people that attended the event.  These young people are a credit to their program and its leadership.

At this time of year we must all reflect on the past two years of dealing with Covid and its variants.  It has taken a toll on all of our respective committees and our own families.  Some of us have had family members and friends hospitalized and die from this awful virus.  As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, remember those who are no longer with us and be thankful for those who are with us.  

  Let us pray for a healthy and prosperous New Year.

The Metrowest Detachment will meet on Tuesday, 21 December at 7:00 PM at the Natick AMVETS. Please bring some Christmas cookies to share.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Thank you,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Mac

 From the Commandant:

    Since I started attending the Framingham Veteran's Day events in 1974 with the Framingham Minute and Militia, November 11, 2021 was one of the most memorable for me.  Over 500 people attended the re-dedication of the Veterans Park on Concord St at the Muster field.  There are new walkways, lighting, new benches, new flag pole and bricks for veterans. If you are a veteran from Framingham and would like to purchase a brick, please contact me or Jim Hastings and we will get you the form.  Cost is $150.00 for each brick.

    The detachment observed the 246th Marine Corps Birthday on November 10th at the Framingham Elks Lodge.  A good time was had by all.  The proclamation from General LeJeune was read by Jerry Blanchette and Mac McEntegart read the proclamation from the Commandant.  The oldest Marine present,  Al Schiff, fed cake to the youngest Marine present,  Jerry Blanchette.  Al is a veteran of Korea who served at the Chosin Reservoir. Thank you, Jerry Blanchette for arranging the hall at the Elks for the party.

The boxes for Toys for Tots should be out. The last day for collections is Dec 13th. Any Toys for Tots questions can be directed to  Rick Douglas at 1-508-528-4528 or Chip Fagan at 1-508-951-5125.

I wish everyone a safe and joyous Thanksgiving with your families.

Semper Fi,

Mac McEntegart

Commandant

Metrowest Detachment #1037

November Meeting Notes:

The meeting was called to order at 1900 by Commandant John McEntegart.  The roll call of officers was conducted with all present except Senior Vice Gentes and Paymaster Blanchette.

The Paymaster’s Report was read by Commandant McEntegart in lieu of the Paymaster. A motion was made and seconded to accept the Paymaster's report as published.  This motion passed by vote.

There was no correspondence  at this time.

 No members or families were reported sick & distressed at this time.

Warren Griffin presented a Rose Program collection donation of $622.23. It was noted that we were informed by the staff at Roche Brothers that this would be the last time we could do our Rose Drive due to a corporate decision to only have one charitable entity be the beneficiary of Roche Brothers. That entity would be the Boston Food Bank. We will attempt to have this decision reviewed further.

New business – motions made to donate to  the following entities were made seconded and passed:
Dues to Natick Veterans Council = $125.00
Blackstone Valley Young Marines - $1000.00
$600.00 to the Natick Veterans Council to provide food for Veterans families at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The Toys for Tots program is operating now, with pods in place.  Natick will host their Christmas kickoff on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  The detachment will attend with the Young Marines to collect for Toys for Tots.

The request is made for members to bring desserts for the December meeting on 21 December.  Members are encouraged to attend.

At 1740, the meeting closed in the proper manner.

From the Commandant:

          The Detachment will be celebrating our Marine Corps birthday 246 years on Nov. 10th at 1700 hours at the  Framingham Elks, Union Ave. in Framingham.  We will read the Commandant’s message and Order 47, cut the cake with the oldest and youngest Marine present.  This is a tradition that will be observed by Marines of all ages, all over the world.  Bring your wife or significant other or another Marine to our birthday celebration.  This event is an excellent opportunity to introduce potential new members to the detachment.

          Remember that  November 11th is Veterans Day and a time to pay our respects to all veterans from all wars and eras in our respective communities.  Please take time to get involved in your city or town Veterans Day ceremonies.

          Members of this Detachment will be doing the ROSE program for Veterans Day.  This is another way the Detachment raises money for our many charities.  To get involved with the Rose program, call Warren Griffin Rose committee chairman.  All that is needed is to arrange to be visible in an area with good foot traffic, like a grocery of hardware store, and offer a miniature rose to passersby.  The Marines who participate in this activity typically find that is is an enjoyable way to meet people and raise awareness of the Marine Corps League.  There is still to arrange a spot prior to Veterans Day and the funds that you raise will be put to good use.  

          Toys for Tots will be starting in November.  If you have questions about this program, the detachment contacts are Rick Douglas (1-508-528-4528) or Chip Fagan (1-508-951-5125).  Rick and Chip have been attending planning meetings and the program is well underway.  Boxes and posters are available now through Rick and Chip.  Donations can be received any time between now and December 10.  Location of Pods for storage will be announced shortly.  Final pickup of Pods is scheduled for December 13.  With the anticipated shortage of toys due to shipping and supply chain issues, potential donors can be reminded that  gift cards and checks made out to Toys For Tots are also greatly appreciated. 

 Due to the lack of minimum required attendance, the last two meetings have been limited to informal discussion.  The success of the Metrowest Detachment relies on participation from as many member as possible.  Note that meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month at the Natick Amvets at 7:00 PM (Next meeting 17 November). Your attendance does make a difference.  

Remember:   recruit new members, pay your dues, and mask up.  I hope to see you all at the Marine Corps Birthday celebrataion

 

Semper Fi,

Mac

 A Message From the Commandant:

 I hope everyone had a great summer with family, friends, and loved ones.  After more than 15 months of COVID, we are all feeling the need to be with people more and spending less time on Zoom.  But again, this plague still haunts us and we need to continue being aware of best practices to avoid infection.  This year at the detachment meetings, we will be practicing wearing masks and social distancing for the safety of all attending.  Please be prepared to observe these precautions for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Jim Hastings again did a wonderful job organizing and running a successful golf tournament.  Jim will give a full report at the Sept. meeting.  This event is a huge undertaking and Jim has carried the leadership tradition passed on by Tom Potenza and Ed Jolley.   I would like to thank the people who worked the Golf Tournament that day.  These people are not all members but need to be recognized.  Many thanks to Jim Hastings, Dave Gentes and his two sisters Karen Iris  and Bernadette Menz,  John and Vonnie Clark, Steve Stefan, Glen Chambless, Mike Whelan and his daughter Sarah, John Burke, and Jerry Blanchette.  Tom Foley came through again with donations of golf equipment.  We have listed the major sponsors on this web site and encourage everyone to support these businesses as you shop for goods and services.   There is more detail on the tournament in earlier Scuttlebutt posts.

This is a reminder:  Dues are due on 1 September.  Please send in your dues of 30 dollars with checks payable to  Metrowest De.t #1037  MCL.  Payment can be sent  to Jerry Blanchette, paymaster, 149 Summer St, Framingham, MA 01701.  Next year we will send a postcard from the Junior Vice to remind members to pay dues by Sept. 1.  Your effort to get current with dues is appreciated and helpful to the detachment 

 

We all want to congratulate detachment member Warren Griffin on becoming the new National Marine Corps League Senior Vice Commandant.  Well done, Warren.  We wish you luck in your new role.

We will meet on September 21 at 7:00 PM at the Natick AMVETS at 1 Superior Drive in Natick.  Current and former Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and Chaplains are welcome to join as voting members.  We welcome all others as non-voting members.  Details on membership and an application can be at this link.

 

Semper Fi, 

Mac

Please Note:  For Members, Associate Members, and Dual Members, due date for payment of dues is 31 August.  Please send checks to Jerry Blanchette, 149 Summer St., Framingham, MA 01701.  Please make checks payable to Detachment 1037 MCL Metrowest.

The Metrowest MCL Golf Tournament Returns From COVID

    In 2020, the decision was made to cancel the Metrowest MCL Golf Tournament.  The uncertainty that existed when the planning needed to be done was very high.  In addition, many of our sponsors were struggling with lost business that would make it difficult to provide the financial support that helps us to run a successful tournament.  Although it was a tough decision to cancel, it was the right decision for the time.

    In 2021, conditions have improved enough that it was felt that the tournament could be run safely.  Golf Committee Chair Jim Hastings took on the daunting task of re-starting this long standing tradition.  Jim has carried on the leadership that was displayed by Tom Potenza and Ed Jolley in taking the reins for this tournament, even though it is a huge task.  With support from a small committee, stalwart sponsors, and dedicated golfers, the tournament was played on 16 August, in beautiful New England summer weather. 

    At 9:00 AM (0900), 36 foursomes started their rounds in a shotgun style tournament.  Many players have been in every tournament from the start, 20 years ago. This year, there were a number of new teams whom we look forward to seeing in future events.  While not all of the golf was pretty, the day was sunny and warm and could not have been much better.

    When the players completed their rounds, everyone reassembled at the Framingham Elks, who have been very supportive of the detachment.  Outback Steak House from Bellingham catered the dinner, again offering a favorable rate as they have for a number of years.  During dinner, Chairperson Hastings led the raffles of many prizes that had been donated by members, local merchants, and detachment supporters.  From hair care products to a rotisserie grill, the diversity of prizes was noteworthy.

    Following the raffles, Jim seamlessly transitioned to the role of auctioneer.  Attendees bid on and purchased a four ticket package to the opening day Patriots game, donated by Dan Bortolussi of Chambers Auto Group, and a hand-made golf themed quilt created and donated by Karen Iris.  Member Tom Foley again stepped up in arranging the donation of four well equipped golf bags that were successfully auctioned off.

    The support of area merchants, detachment members and supporters, our golfers, and our indomitable Committee Chair combined to enable a successful tournament that provided a fun day for participants and foundational funding for detachment charitable outreach.  As Jim Hastings announced, the detachment has provided over $100,000 in scholarships through the years and that is only one of the continuing charitable activities.

    We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making this a successful day.  As Chairperson Hastings can attest, it is a lot of work, but the value that it adds to the community is worth it.   Detachment members and supporters who submitted advertising include Commandant Mac McEntegart, Al Schiff, Chaplain Mike Whelan, Paul Carew, Steve Stefan and Ed Horton- Massachusetts State Police Retired. 

We are grateful to the numerous merchants and businesses who supported the tournament with advertising.  Please support these advertisers as you shop for services and products:

Brendon Properties, Southboro: 

Attorney Robert Costello, Natick: 

Ironclad Services,  Springfield: 

Riverside Garden Center, Framingham: 

Burke Financial Service, Natick: 

Khouri Industries, Bellingham: 

T & J Heating and Air Conditioning, Bellingham:         

Brian's Country Greenery Florist, Bellingham: 

Future Bearings Incorporated, Bellingham:

TJ's Food and Spirits, Ashland: 

Tosti's Service Center, Framingham

Circles CG Farm Campground, Bellingham

D & D Mulch and Landscape, Bellingham

Black Cow Ice Cream, Millis

Ken's Foods Inc., Marlborough

Pandolfi's Fine Chocolate, Bellingham

Holliston Superette, Holliston

Advanced Gems and Jewelry, Framingham

Saxony Barbershop,  Framingham

D & M /Carquest Auto Parts, Milford

Northern Management - Dunkin Donuts, Holliston

Metrowest Regional Transit Authority, Framingham

Bernardi Auto Group, Framingham 

 We welcome your interest in membership.  More information on the Marine Corps League and the Metrowest  Detachment #1037 can be found here Membership Information

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities available:

The 20th Annual Metrowest Marine Corps League Gold Tournament will be held on 16 August at Juniper Hill Golf Club in Northborough.  Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available for businesses and individual who would like to support our charitable outreach.  This is our primary fundraiser and enables our scholarships, donations to the Young Marines, VA Bingo, and community assistance.  The form for advertisers and sponsors is here: Advertising form

June Meeting Notes:

    The meeting was convened at 7:00 PM as scheduled on 15 June with 12 members in attendance.  Roll call of Officers was conducted with all present except for Chaplain Whelan who was excused.

    Jack Gunning was sworn in as a new member.  Jack served with B/1/9 in Viet Nam in 1967-1968.  This unit is renown for having faced some of the toughest combat during the war, including the Battle of Khe Sanh.  Jack related some of his experiences both overseas and at home.  We welcome JAck to the detachment.

    MA State Commandant P.J. Herbert attended as a guest.  He expressed that he wants to assure members that he value the activities and participation at the detachment level as that is central to the MCL.  We appreciate P.J. attending and recognize that he travelled a long distance to get here.

    The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as posted in a motion by Jerry Blanchette and seconded by Dave Gentes.  The Paymaster report was presented by Jerry Blanchette with the detachment being in good financial shape. A motion to accept the report as read was made by Dave Gentes and seconded by Glenn Chambliss. This motion was passed by vote.

    Jim Hastings provided an update on the continued planning for the golf tournament.  Brochures and advertising order forms were made available to all with encouragement to solicit players and ads.

    The detachment will provide food for 25th Marines Warrior Night at Fort Devens on 17 June.  Jim Hastings has arranged for pork sandwiches hamburgers and other food for the anticipated 600 Marines.

    The detachment will recognize 6 Eagle Scouts in Bellingham in coordination with the MA Department.  Scouts will receive a certificate and a $100 check.

  

    John McEntegart, Warren Griffin, and Jim Hastings conducted the MCL ROse program, raising a total of $2520.  This is an easy fundraiser that will benefit from wider participation.

    It is hoped that VA Bingo will be able to resume soon.  This has been shut down due to COVID.

The names of 64 members who have passed away since the detachment started were read by the Commandant.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:35.

There will be no meetings in July and August. See you in September!

The Commandant's Newsletter for June:

    On Saturday, 6 June,  Commandant McEntegart, Jr. Vice Hastings, and Adjutant Griffin represented the detachment at the MA State MCL Convention in Hyannis.  This year was a combined convention with the New England Division which brought members in from the entire region.  Attendees came from a few miles south of the Canadian border to the border of New York in Southern New England.

    The wider range of attendees created the opportunity more contacts and exchanges of information.  New ideas for recruitment and member retention were discussed and there will be opportunity to apply some of these ideas.  There is energy building to increase membership and to find ways to engage younger Marines.

    P. J. Herbert was elected as the MA State Commandant.  P.J. is a veteran of the Iraq incursion and brings the perspective of that era.  He has a lot of ideas that should help with growing the League. We welcome the opportunity to work with P.J.. 

    Detachment member Paul Carew was awarded the Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion in recognition of his contributions to the veterans of the Metrowest area.  We congratulate Paul and thank him for all that he does.  The MA State Marine of the Year is Ed Aucoin of the Shutt Detachment.  Ed is a Framingham native and 20 year veteran of the Marine Corps who served in Viet Nam.  Ed retired as a Master Sergeant.

    The detachment Golf Tournament is scheduled for 16 August.  Members are encouraged to solicit advertising and raffle prizes.  This is a big undertaking and our primary fundraiser so any help that you can provide will be appreciated.

    The MCL will offer a Burger Burn at Fort Devens for the 25th Marines on 17 June.  This will start at 1:00 PM and help is always needed.  Contact Jim Hastings for complete details.

    There are no meetings during the summer.  We will return to live meetings in September. In the meantime, stay healthy and enjoy the summer.

Semper Fi,

Mac

We welcome your interest in membership.  More information on the Marine Corps League and the Metrowest  Detachment #1037 can be found here Membership Information

May Meeting Notes:

The meeting was convened at 7:00 with all officers present.  With the lack of a quorum, the meeting was conducted informally, following usual format.

The report of the Paymaster was read and accepted.   The detachment is in good financial shape and the tax status has been correctly updated. Note that dues must be paid in full prior to
1 September.  Please insure that this is attended to as the national system is date sensitive.

Golf Committee:

Planning for the golf tournament continues.  Sign up for teams is progressing.  All members are encouraged to seek prizes and advertisements, recognizing that many merchants and vendors will be hard pressed to contribute due to COVID impacts on business.  Regular golf committee meetings will begin in June and continue until the tournament.  
It was decided to sponsor a tee sign for the Shutt Detachment golf tournament that is upcoming.

Eagle Scout Support:

Al Schiff reports that activity has been slow due to the impact of COVID on the ability of troops to hold meetings.  Al's grandson will be awarded the Eagle Scout rank and it was approved that he be recognized by the detachment.

Upcoming Events:

Commandant MacEntegart has arranged for attendance at the Armor Museum in Stowe.  Details will be forthcoming.

The 25th Marines will be conducting a battalion sized event on 17 June for which the MCL has been asked to provide refreshments.  There is connection with a vendor who will provide pulled pork sandwiches and associated dishes.  Funding will be sought to provide side dishes and condiments.

Upcoming Memorial Day events were discussed.  Natick, Framingham, and Bellingham observations were discussed.  

The next meeting will be on 16 June at 7:00 PM at the Natick Amvets.  Members are encouraged to attend and to work at identifying and inviting new members.  

A Message from the Commandant:

Greetings Marines:

We had our elections last month and I am back as your Commandant.   All we did was switch seats as a result of this election.  The current group of officers is basically the same group in different positions. We have one new face at the front desk. Steve Stephan was elected Judge Advocate. Thank you, Steve for stepping up.  He hope that we can increase participation and membership to bring in new ideas and energy.

The Detachment needs to thank our Past Commandant Gerry Blanchette for an outstanding job this past year.  Gerry guided us through the Pandemic. During this difficult time, Gerry conducted Zoom meetings to keep us together and informed. Then he was able to get us back to the AMVETS when live meetings were again permitted.  Additionally,  Gerry took on the role of the Paymaster after the passing of Paymaster Bill Costello.  A special note Gerry and Paul Carew did all the paperwork necessary for the Detachment to be compliant with the IRS and National requirements. This is an essential task for us, a huge thank you is extended on behalf of the detachment. 

Despite COVID, the Detachment had a successful Christmas Toys for Tots. Thanks to all who collected toys and to Richard Douglas and Chip Fagan who coordinated the event.  This is a major project that requires a lot of coordination and communication.  Richard and Chip played a key role in keeping this long standing and valuable program going.

Golf is Back! August 16 ! We need prizes and people to help. This is the major fundraiser for the Detachment.  Jim Hastings will again serve as the event point person.  Jim will be able to handle questions and will welcome help from all who have interest. 

The detachment  Rose Program is this month. Call Warren Griffin if you need roses.  Participating in this program can be done in just a few hours of arranging to be at a high traffic location and soliciting donations.  This is an effective fund raising activity and can be an enjoyable way to meet people and let them know what we do. 

The Scholarship committee met last week. We chose five very deserving seniors from Metrowest area High Schools to receive $1000 for their upcoming freshman year in college.  This is the type of activity that we provide using the funds raised from the Golf Tournament and the Rose Program. 

The Detachment needs to recruit new members.. This past year we lost five Marines.  Every time you meet a Marine or FMF Corpsman, it is an opportunity to encourage him or her to check us out and join the detachment.  We have a new brochure printed to describe our activities. If you need a copy call Dave Gentes. The brochure is also online. 

This will be the final printed newsletter for the Detachment. Future newsletters will be posted on the Scuttlebutt website.  Going online with detachment communications will save time and cost. If you don’t have any electronic devices or are unable to access the website, call me and I will send you a printed copy on request. 

Semper Fi, 

 Mac 

The following is a list of detachment officers with current contact information:

Commandant: John McEntegart:  judy5mc@yahoo.com : 22 Potter Rd., Framingham
 508-877-5255
Sr. Vice Commandant:  Dave Gentes davegentes@comcast.net: 11 Evergreen Ave Wellesley 02482
H: 781-235-8085  Cell: 781 223 1546
Jr. Vice Commandant:  Jim Hastings  snopymike@aol.com:100 Plymouth Rd Bellingham 02019
H 508-966-0364 C 508-369-6227
Adjutant: Warren Griffin  griffcher@juno.com:  54 Shaw Farm Rd. Holliston
W 617-720-0414 H 508-429-3002
Chaplain: Michael Whalen whalen.michael@comcast.net: 262 Wood St. Hopkinton
H 508-435-2397
Sergeant-At-Arms: David Barth:  19 Irving St. Waltham 02451
H 781-899-0436
Judge Advocate: Steve Stephan: 81 Oxbow Rd. Framingham
H: 617-306-8057
Paymaster: Jerry Blanchette jerryblanch@verizon.net 149 Summer St. Framingham 01701
Cell: 508-383-5787

Detachment meetings are held at the Natick AMVETS on Superior Drive in Natick at 7:00 PM on the third Tuesday of the month; Next meeting will be 18 May 2021

April 2021 Meeting notes:

Commandant Gerry Blanchette brought the meeting to order for his final time at 7:00 PM.  Roll call of officers was called with all present except for Junior Vice Commandant Hastings who was excused.  Motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the prior meeting as published.  This was approved by vote.

The report of the Paymaster was read and accepted.  The detachment continues to be on good financial footing.  There were no reported members sick or in distress.   No other officers had anything to report.

There was discussion of the upcoming golf tournament that is scheduled for August.  It is expected that advertising and gift donations will be reduced due to the continuing business slowdown caused by COVID.  Enrollment brochures have been sent out to team captains and we are hopeful for a full slate of players.

Initial information for scholarships has been sent to participating schools.  There will be five scholarships awarded if there is full participation.  

The normal order of business was interrupted to conduct the swearing in of detachment officers.  The swearing in was conducted by Massachusetts State Commandant James Sottile with Vice Commandant P. J. Herbert in attendance.  The new slate of officers are:

Commandant: John McEntegart
Senior Vice Commandant: David Gentes
Junior Vice Commandant: James Hastings
Paymaster: Gerald Blanchette
Adjutant: Warren Griffin
Judge Advocate: Steve Stefan
Chaplain:  Michael Whelan
Sergeant at Arms: David Barth

After the swearing in, Commandant McEntegart awarded certificates or recognition to past Commandant Blanchette for his service in leading the detachment through the challenges of COVID and keeping the detachment on track.  Warren Griffin and Steve Stefan were recognized for consistent presence in conducting the Bingo games at the VA Hospital.  Al Schiff received a certificate and a handmade walking stick to acknowledge his efforts with the detachment's support of the Boy Scouts. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10.  The next meeting will be on the third Tuesday of May.

 Meeting Notes:

Covid and weather continue to be a challenge for meetings but have not kept the Metrowest Detachment from accomplishing its missions.

The detachment contributed to a successful Toys for Tots Drive during the Christmas season.  With many employers continuing to work remotely, a number of the usual collection points were not available.  Detachment members were present at the Natick Kickoff event that has been traditional.  Although it was reduced in size and scope, the event resulted in donations of toys and cash that would not have occurred otherwise.  At the end of the drive, there were multiple pods of toys donated.  We hope to return to normal next year.

Scholarships continue to be paid out to local college students.  We received thank you notes from multiple recipients.  Selection of area high schools to participate this year have been chosen.  It is anticipated that five scholarships will be awarded.  It is not clear if there will be impact from remote studying but coordination with the schools is ongoing.

The detachment is continuing its support of the Blackstone Valley Young Marines.  Financial support is agreed upon and increased participation in youth meetings is planned.  Like most organizations, the Yung Marines are dealing with meeting limitations but coping as best they can.

Initial planning for the return of the Detachment Golf Tournament is starting.  The tournament will be played on August 18.  Interested committee members are still welcome.  Please contact Jim Hastings .

The nomination of detachment officers has been completed for the most part.  Discussion continues on how to best deal with vacant positions and options are being considered.   There is a stable leadership team in place and the detachment is well equipped to move forward.

State and National Conventions will be conducted in virtual format.   More details will follow.

The next scheduled detachment meeting will be on March 16.  Members are encourage to attend and new members are welcome.