AMERICAN LEGION POST 318 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING March 29, 2017 (Approved)

The Executive Committee Meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 PM at Post 318, by Commander Don Bishop.

Matters addressed at the Executive Committee were:

ROLL CALL OF POST OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Adjutant Dan Wolfangel conducted roll call. Present were: Post Officers: Commander Don Bishop;1st Vice Commander Bob Kamman; 2nd Vice Commander Matt Lilly; Adjutant Dan Wolfangel; Finance Officer Ron Yersky; Chaplain Jerry Porter; and Committee Co-Chair Ed Sears (Bingo); Committee Chairs Bob Alfieri (House), providing for a quorum. Also present was Post 318 Web-Master Josh Richardson.

Absent with advance notice were: Service Officer Tom Clegg; and Committee Co-Chair Dennis Sakal (Bingo); and Committee Chair Jimmy Bussey (Event Coordination). Absent were Sgt-at-Arms Rick Simpson; and the vacant Committee Chair positions representing Americanism, Fund-Raising and Community Support.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Adjutant Wolfangel, noted that the E.C. Meeting Minutes from the February 29, 2017 meeting had been reduced to print and previously distributed to E.C. members, and have also been posted in E.C. Minutes binder in clubroom. A motion (Dan Wolfangel) to accept the meeting's minutes as printed and submitted, was seconded (Ed Sears), and was passed unanimously to accept said minutes as printed.

POST EVENT CALENDAR REVIEW: Commander Bishop advised that we would not be conducting a calendar review as to content, as all respective members should have updated the electronic calendar relative to events or activities under their responsibility.

POST WEB-SITE REVIEW: Commander Bishop, with the assistance of Post Web-Master Josh Richardson, presented an on- screen review of the newly created Post Web-Site. General discussion was had regarding changes or adjustments in content, as well as the process for creating events, activities, and editing of the electronic calendar. Discussion by all regarding additional potential of site content, and that it was still a work in progress. Don and Josh both indicated they were available to assist anyone having problems with using the site, or wishing things to be added. Josh Richardson can be contacted at 551-0091 or [email protected] .

CORRESPONDENCE / ADJUTANT ITEMS: Adjutant Wolfangel noted the following items of correspondence occurred since last E.C. meeting:

Correspondence Received:  Request for Donation and/or Sponsoring Fund-Raiser for Aaron Cunningham's Campaign Seeking Election to Dept. of Ohio 2 nd Vice Commander: (Note: Action had been tabled from February E.C. Meeting to determine precedent). Commander Bishop indicated financial support for 4th District and HCC members seeking Dept. of Ohio positions was not uncommon. Upon motion made (Don Bishop) to contribute $25 to Cunningham's campaign fund from Charities, Inc (C.I.) Veterans Account [Undefined Expenses line item], and second (Ron Yersky), E.C. voted unanimously in favor of motion. Adjutant Wolfangel to so notify C.I. Treasurer Walt Geil to distribute contribution.  Info / Solicitation for HCC Commanders and Presidents Recognition Dinner – April 29, 2017: Wolfangel noted that event was moved from Post 69 (Reading) to Post 123 (Norwood). Wolfangel advised that past practice, and the current C.I. Budget, includes $100 for this event ($40 for two dinner tickets / $10 for two raffle tickets in name of Post / up to $50 for several door prizes). E.C. approved distribution as budgeted. Wolfangel to handle coordination with C.I. Treasurer Geil on dinner and raffle tickets, and Commander Bishop will handle obtaining the door prizes. 1  Request for Contribution Toward Pin for Outgoing 4 th District Commander Bob Derr: Wolfangel advised that current approved C.I. Budget has $25 allocated for this contribution. E.C. approved distribution as allocated. Adjutant Wolfangel to so notify C.I. Treasurer Walt Geil to distribute contribution.  Secretary of State Notification of Need to File “Statement of Continuing Existence “ for Post 318 Corporation – (Current certificate expires as of 7/2/17). - Cost $25.: Adjutant Wolfangel, as Corporation Statutory Representative, was authorized by E.C. to file the required statement and utilize Post credit card to pay related fee.  Receipt of 60 Year Continuous Membership Certificate for Member John Steve Justice: Wolfangel advised will be presented at Post's Annual Award Event.  Receipt of “Consolidated Post Report Form” to be Completed and to be Filed by June 1, 2017 with Dept. of Ohio: Adjutant Wolfangel advised he has started compiling info for report and will be contacting members as necessary, as specific data is needed.  Receipt of Form for Notification of Dept. of Ohio / National Regarding 2018 Elected Post Commander and Adjutant: Adjutant will file following election.  4 th District Newsletter: Adjutant Wolfangel commented on article related to the American Legion's Centennial activities (August 2018 through Veterans Day 2019). Newsletter is posted in Legion Newsletters binder in clubroom.  Solicitation for $100 Donation to Bellbrook High School Air Force Jr. Reserved Officer Training Corp”: No action taken as no funds budgeted for item.  Info on Arlington Cemetery's “Field Of Dreams” Activities for Memorial Day 2017: Posted on BB.  Receipt of $100 Contribution from Anderson Township for Post Memorial Day Activities: Forwarded to Finance Officer Yersky.  Receipt of $40 Donation (in lieu of Hoops-Mania) from Member William Beauke: Forwarded to Finance Officer Yersky.  Info from Dept. of Veterans Affairs Regarding “Veterans Family Survivors of Suicide Support Group” - Meets 1 st Monday of Month Starting April 3 rd – 7 PM: Posted on BB.  Info on U.S. Veteran Resources (Entity to assist understanding V.A. Benefits): Posted on BB.  Request from Ohio Veterans Home (Georgetown) Volunteer Committee for Support through Kroger Community Awards: No action taken as Post 318 participates in Community Rewards.  Request for Donation to A.L. Auxiliary's “Military Family Assistance Fund”: No action taken, as E.C. felt Post distributes such funds locally.

BUDGET REPORT / FINANCE ISSUES AND CONCERNS: Finance Officer Ron Yersky provided E.C. with copies of a line item budget (Revenue / Expense Actuals) update through February, 2017, with copy for Adjutant to file with March E.C. Minutes. Yersky noted current balance in Operating Account is around $14,546 as of March 29th, however, has many large expenses forthcoming. He advised the JSSP account has been closed and the funds deposited into the Post's general account. He also noted that the recent “Dine to Donate” event at Arthur's resulted in Post receiving $100. He also advised that former Post Commander Joe Baker has been removed from the Post credit card account.

OPEN ISSUES / OLD BUSINESS: Commander Bishop commented on, led discussions, or updated status regarding following items. 1) Open Leadership Positions: Bishop noted he once again had good news and bad news relative to this subject:  Service Officer Opening: Bishop indicated member Charlie Cleves is considering assuming the position of Service Officer, when current Service Officer Tom Clegg steps down, as he has indicated he will be doing.  Uniform Ceremonies Leadership: Bishop indicated he was formally accepting the resignation of Rick Simpson as Sgt.-at-Arms, as was relayed to him by Jerry Porter. Bishop stressed the importance of securing a replacement for the Sgt.-at-Arms position both because of the position being an elective officer position within the Post administration, and further that all Uniformed Ceremonies for the future are in jeopardy as they remain suspended until leadership is determined. These are inclusive of Color Guard Events; and Memorial Day Cemetery Visitation and A/T Memorial Day Ceremony, as well as Military Rites activities.

2 2) Post Computer Replacement: Bishop advised that a new computer for use by the Finance Officer had been obtained and was now in use. The old computer, whose operating system is no longer supported, has been returned to the Post's office, and is being used for the Security System. It is available to create documents for printing on Post printer (via cable) as it still has MS Office Application. This PC has no internet capabilities. Wi-fi has been disabled, because of operating system issues and no anti-virus protection. There is a wireless mouse in the top desk drawer.

NEW ISSUES / NEW BUSINESS (Commander): Commander Bishop commented on:

Nominating Committee Appointment / Issues: Commander Bishop noted Adjutant Wolfangel had provided a timetable for the Post Commander's appointment of a Nominating Committee, and the subsequent Post's Election process, which should have been initiated at the March 2017 Post Meeting. Bishop advised that he was appointing the entire E.C. as the Nominating Committee, to seek out candidates to run for Post elected offices, as well as seeking persons to be considered to be appointed to any vacant Committee Chair positions. Bishop indicated that in polling of current Post Officers, it appears at this point we have at least one nominee for all of the 2017-2018 elected officer positions, with the exception of Sgt.-at-Arms. Those elected office nominees are:  Commander - Don Bishop.  1st Vice Cmdr. (also Membership Chair) - Bob Kamman.  2nd Vice Cmdr. (also Post Activities Chair) - Matt Lilly.  Adjutant (also Internal / External Communications Chair) - Dan Wolfangel.  Finance Officer (also Finance Committee Chair) – Ron Yersky.  Chaplain (also VAVS Chair) – Jerry Porter.  Sgt.-at-Arms (also Uniformed Ceremonies Chair) - (OPEN). As for appointed Service Officer and remaining Committee Chairs, it appears that some of the positions have at least one person willing to consider an appointment at his time. The current listings are as follows:  Service Officer (also Veteran Affair/Economic/Legislative Chair) - (OPEN- but is being considered by Charlie Cleves).  Americanism Chair - (OPEN - but Jerry Porter may cover some programs should no one step forward).  Bingo Chair - Ed Sears.  Community Support Chair - (OPEN).  Event Coordination Chair - Jimmy Bussey (TBD).  Fund-Raising Chair - (OPEN).  House Chair - Bob Alfieri.  Charities, Inc. Liaison - Don Bishop Copies of the Post membership roster were provided to all E.C. members for review as to potential nominees for any of the elected or appointment positions. Various members accepted responsibility for contact of individuals thought to be possibilities for seeking an elective office or an appointed position.

The name of any additional persons desiring to run for one of the elected offices, should be provided to Adjutant Wolfangel by Wednesday – April 12th, when the slate of nominees for 2017-2018 elective officers is to be presented at the Post Meeting, following which additional nominees may be made from the floor, following which nominations will be closed. The slate of nominees will then be published in the May Post Newsletter for the benefit and knowledge of all Post membership, along with notice of Post Election to occur at the May 10, 2017 Post Meeting. Information on process for obtaining and filing an absentee ballot will also be included within such notification. Installation of the newly elected Post officers, and any appointed chair positions for 2017-2018 year will occur at the June 14th Post Meeting.

NEW ISSUES / NEW BUSINESS (Polling of Committee Chairs):

Membership: Chair Kamman, noted we are at 152 members paid/renewed for 2017, leaving us still two members short of quota. He further indicated that during current membership year we accepted eight transfers and four new members, and lost six or seven members. Commander Bishop noted that we have sufficient credit funds to pay dues for two more new members if we can find them between now and the end of May.

Post Activities: Chair Lilly reported on planning for the “Annual Easter Egg Hunt”, noting: 1) he was awaiting final confirmation on use of Wilson Elementary School grounds; 2) candy and prizes 3 were purchased; 3) scouts were working on filling eggs; and 4) he would be out of town on day of event, and Commander Bishop had agreed to be his backup and coordinate the event.

Adjutant Wolfangel noted that we had not yet set a date for the Post's “Annual Awards Recognition Program”, and we needed some lead time to order awards and get timely notice out to expected attendees. Following discussion, the date was set for Saturday – July 22, 2017.

Chaplain/VAVS: Chaplain / Chair Jerry Porter noted he had no report, other than the VAVS hosting at VA Hospital for May 30th had been rescheduled for June 6th, due to Post Memorial Day period activities.

Americanism: Chair position still vacant, however, Jerry Porter who is coordinating several of the Committee programs, noted that the “Child of a Veteran Scholarship” applications had been delivered to Anderson, Turpin and McNicholas High Schools.

Commander Bishop advised that info on these scholarships would also be in the April Post Newsletter for the benefit of any of our Post members who may have a child who qualifies for application.

Community Support & Recognition: Chair position still vacant. No report.

Law & Order Chair Wolfangel noted that Post 318 FFOY was recognized as 4th District FFOY at the 4th District Spring Conference held on March 19th. Wolfangel attended to represent our Post.

Commander Bishop advised he would be attending Anderson Township “Citizen of the Year Ceremony.

Service, Veterans Affairs / Economic / Legislative: No report in absence of Chair Clegg.

Bingo: Co-Chair Ed Sears advised he had no report, and would be distributing checks to the Post and Charities, Inc. for a total of approximately $2,800.

Fund-Raising: Bishop noted that this Chair position is still open, and further noted or commented on following:  Dances: Noted that he continue coordination of our fund-raising dances. He also noted that a new band - “Blue Stone Ivory” - would be added to the Fall schedule of bands for our dances.  Arthur's Restaurant Fund-Raiser: Noted the recent event had generated $100 to the Post.

Event Coordination: Commander Bishop, in absence of Chair Bussey, noted that Bussey had reported that the electronic tablet that he was using for credit card processing had “died”, and he was going to use his cell phone for the balance of the dances and fish fry’s, pending another solution.

House: Chair Bob Alfieri advised or commented on the following:  Roofing: Work is completed. Contractor did more than what we contracted for, out of necessity. Was awaiting a full report.  Ice maker / Convection Oven Repairs: Completed. Expect to cost in area of $200 to $300.  Sprinkler / Check Valve Testing: Completed by Concord Fire Suppression Co.

Ed Sears advised he is looking into conversion of the ceiling fixtures in the clubroom to LED s which would permit the lights to be able to be dimmed, which several members have suggested / requested. He anticipated cost would be about $30 per fixture. Commander Bishop requested he prepare a cost proposal for the project.

Internal / External Communications: Chair Dan Wolfangel reported on External Public Relations, noting today's FHJ had two listings for our Fish Fry and one article on our remaining dance schedule.

Commander Bishop reporting on Internal Communications noted he would need May's Post Newsletter submission not later than April 21st.

4 Uniform Ceremonies: Commander Bishop noted, that with SAA / Chair Rick Simpson's resignation, this was now an open position, and as a result our Memorial Day Cemetery Visitation / Memorial Services Programs are at risk of cancellation unless someone steps up to assume responsibility for coordinating the program. Bishop indicated that if no one steps forward to handle all Memorial Day activities (Cemetery Visitation Program / Anderson Memorial Bell Ceremony), he [Bishop] will organize Post participation in the A/T Memorial Bell Ceremony, however, he will not take on responsibility for the Cemetery Visitation / Memorial Services Program and related breakfast.

Jerry Porter advised that we do have a free bus for that day's transportation needs.

Charities, Inc.: Chair Don Bishop gave an update on the Poppy Days Program, noting the schedule is a mess. Total hours at Kroger stores have been reduced from 48 hours availability to just 12 hours, with only a four hour window at the Anderson Towne Center (ATC) location. Suggested we may want to consider an additional distribution location, other than Kroger for Friday and Saturday at ATC.

Hamilton County Council Issues / Concerns: No report.

4 th District Issues / Concerns: No report.

Good of Legion:

Adjournment of Meeting: There being nothing further to come before the Executive Board Meeting, Commander Bishop adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:05 PM.

Prepared by: Dan Wolfangel - Adjutant – Post 318

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