Marine Corps League Metrowest Detachment #1037
Administrative Notes: Annual dues of $30.00 for regular members are due by August 31. As late payment creates paperwork for the Paymaster, members are encouraged to make payment on time. Life membership is a convenient and cost - effective way to handle dues. Information on life membership can be obtained via the Paymaster.
May Meeting Notes:
The report of the Paymaster was read. The detachment continues to be in good financial condition. Motion was made to accept the report of Paymaster as read. The motion was seconded and carried by vote.
No correspondence was reported.
Warren Griffin raised the subject that applications for scholarships have been received and need to be reviewed. There are 35 applications in total. A meeting to review was set up for Thursday morning, May and the assistance of members to participate was requested. There was discussion of the challenges of getting school personnel to be more pro-active in making students aware of these scholarships.
A ceremony was held to recognize the Detachment Marine of the Year. Sr. Vice Commandant Dave Gentes was selected and was pleased to have been nominated to have received the award. Gentes has held a number of positions in the detachment leadership team.
Following the Marine of the Year ceremony, Past Commandant McEntagert was called front and center. Commandant Whalen presented Mac with a gift card to a local restaurant to thank him for his service as Commandant. Mac has a been a long-time stalwart of the detachment and has held multiple leadership positions in addition to maintaining effective custody of the detachment's ceremonial rifles.
There was discussion of ways to increase both the number of new members and the retention of current members. Mac McEntegart raised the idea of providing a subsidy to encourage members to convert to Life Membership rather than paying year by year. After discussion of a number of options, a motion was made, seconded, and approved the provide a $50.00 subsidy to members who enroll and pay for Life Membership prior to 31 August.
Under the Good of the League, it was announced that the MA State Convention is on June 3-5 in Hyannis. The keynote speaker will the Head of the Marine Corps Association.
Marine Rich Douglas reported that member Dave Berry has suffered a fall and is recovering with the help of family. A card will be sent by acting Chaplain Whalen.
The Commandant raised the subject of deferring the June meeting until September. The detachment does not meet in July and August. The extended time will give opportunity to develop plans to increase membership and to consider additional activities. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to take this action so the next meeting will be in September.