Meeting Minutes
John H. Collins Post # 24
Caroline Street
April 11, 2009

Commander Erwin Williams opened the meeting at 11:00 a.m. The salute to the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance was offered by those present. The Post Commander offered the Opening Prayer. The Commander led the membership in the Preamble of the American Legion.

Roll Call - Officers Present: Commander Erwin Williams, Sr. Vice Tony Zullo, Jr. Vice Paul Varsanik, Chaplain Clarence Douglass, Adjutant Bernard Williamson, Sgt at Arms Dave Ahearn, Trustees Joseph Vicdomino and Ray Gagne. 17 members present.

Guests – Joseph Verubbi of the Ansonia American Legion was introduced.

Minutes – The minutes of the March 2009 were read. A motion was made by Vicdomino/Hubbard to accept the minutes. Motion carried.

Finances – The financial report was not available.

Committee Reports:

Membership – Vice Commander Zullo reported that the membership is at 181. Our goal for the year is 187.

Activity - Vice Commander Varsanik reported that the St Patrick’s Day dinner netted the Post $373.00. Commander Williams reported the following upcoming events:

Sick Call – George Wright had a knee replacement – recuperating at home. Ed Sturgis in hospital with a broken hip.

Building – Bar area has been painted. The Commander expressed his thanks to those involved. Also, all tables were varnished and main serving table was refinished by Ray Gagne and Paul Varsanik. The Commander is seeking bids on replacement windows for the Post.

Service Officer - Nothing to report. The Commander noted that Tom McGowan has served his notice that he will be retiring as Post Service Officer. Commander Williams looking for a replacement.

Board of Governors - Nothing to report.

Legislative - Nothing to report.

Americanism - Commander Williams will be taking part in the annual Youth Walk in West Haven. The Post members will join with other Derby Veterans Posts in the annual visits to the grammar schools prior to Memorial Day. The dates are May 21-22

Boys State – Five applications were delivered to Derby High School. The Commander suggested having a luncheon in June to introduce the five boys along with their sponsors.

Election of New Members – The name of William Kohler was presented for membership. A motion was made by Zullo/DiDonato to accept William Kohler as a member. Motion carried.

Officers Report – The Commander stated that he sent a 50 year certificate to Joseph Salvati in Florida and that he will present a 50 year certificate to Alan Clark who is in Marshal Lane Manor in Derby.
The Commander stated that he helped out at the VA in West Haven at a Bingo for the Blind event. He stated that the Post could sponsor such an event.

Communications – The Adjutant read all communications from the Department as well as general mail. Several items were laid over for action.

Unfinished Business – None

New Business – A motion was made by Hubbard/Vicdomino to send a Post delegation to the annual Armed Forces Day luncheon at the Aqua Turf in Southington. Motion carried. A motion was made by Weaver/DiDonato to endorse Charles Morrisey for Department Commander. Motion carried. A motion was made by Ahearn/Gagne to empower the commander to obtain a booth at Derby Days. Motion carried.

Good of the Legion – The Commander noted that the Post sent a package to Lance Cpl Hubbard in Iraq. He asked Hubbard to send a list of what they really need so as not to send items of little use.
The adjutant noted that he is looking for help in placing flags at Veterans graves the week prior to Memorial Day. A schedule will be available by the May meeting.
Ray Gagne commented on the fine job the Congregational Church in Seymour did with their “Field of Flags” memorial to the war dead in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Closing Ceremony – The Chaplain read the closing Prayer. Those present rendered the salute to the Colors.

With no further business to come before the floor the meeting was adjourned at 12:04 p.m.

The next meeting of the Post will be held on Saturday, May 9th 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Post Home on Caroline Street, Derby, CT.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bernard Williamson, Adjutant