Scuttlebutt 1037

 From the Commandant:

The December meeting was conducted as scheduled.  All officers were present and accounted for.

The Chaplain reported the passing of George MacGillivray.  George had emigrated to Australia.  He and his two brothers were all Marines.  
Past Detachment Commandant Davis Berry passed away after a long illness.  Dave was a strong contributor to Toys for Tots.  
We send the condolences of the detachment to the MacGillivray and Berry families.  

Chip Fagan reported that the Blackstone Valley Young Marines is seeing a notable decline in participation that is impacting the future of the unit.  This is a circumstance that is being seen among many organizations.

There was discussion of the continued decline in detachment membership. At one point, there were over 150 active members.  Today there are 77 registered members of which very few are active.  Current members are generally from the Korea and Vietnam era.  Time is marching on and that era of Marines are aging.   Vietnam veterans sometimes felt that veterans of prior eras were not receptive to their ideas and objectives.  If that is the case today, we want to invite all current veterans to come and discuss their ideas for the future state of the detachment.  We are open to all ideas that can lead to more members.  Since its creation, this detachment has achieved and contributed a lot.  We are open to all ideas that will bring that record into the future.  Today's Marines have continued the proud record of the Corps.  We invite them to continue the proud record of the MCL We are open to all ideas that can lead to more members.  Two Masschusetts Detachments have ceased to operate this year.  We want to avoid that fate.

  The Toys for Tots Program recap was discussed.  Two Pods were filled during this drive.  Program Coordinator Rich Douglas will provide a full report on the program at the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. The next meeting will be on 16 January at 7:00PM at the Natick AMVETS at 1 Superior Drive in Natick.  All are encouraged to attend.

Semper FI