Monday, July 10, 2023

Post 91 May 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

 Minutes of Meeting Conducted by

Corvallis Post #91, The American Legion,

Department of Montana, Inc.

Type of Meeting: Regular Membership Meeting

Date of Meeting: 16 May 2023

Location of Meeting: Corvallis Rural Fire Department – Corvallis, MT

Opening Time: 1900 by Commander Harris Himes

Attendance: Post Officers - 7   Post Members - 14       Guests - 3

Minutes from April 18, 2023, Meeting – Minutes were submitted.  Doug Mason moved that the past meeting’s minutes be accepted as submitted.  John Mowat seconded the motion.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Guests and New Members – Post 134 Member Jim Henningfeld was in attendance. 

Program – Member David Smith and trainer Linda O’Leary gave a presentation about their new organization – Aspen Trail Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Services that will serve the disabled and veteran communities.

Membership – 2023 new members and renewals to date are 205.  District Goal is 185. 

Committee Reports:

·         Bitterroot Valley Military Program: Commander Himes spoke of attending the promotion ceremonies for 6 cadets.  There was a substantial interest generated from Sean Smother’s presentation at the District 5 meeting.

·         Law Enforcement Liaison – Commander Himes gave the report.  He said that Stevensville Commander Doll is forming a Facilities Evaluation team to be a resource for the County Building Department in the event of a widespread disaster.  He thanked our Post members who participated in the recent family reunification drill at Hamilton’s Daly School.

·         Radio Club – Doug Mason reported that the club helped support the recent family reunification exercise in Hamilton.  They performed another “Light Up the Firehalls” drill.  Preparations are underway to raise the 100’ tower at Jack’s place.  A workday was held there to clean up the grounds.  He still needs help moving equipment and furniture into the Office from the storage container.

·         Scholarships – See School Programs in Old Business

·         Bitterroot Marksmanship Club – No report

·         Fishing Club – No report.

·         Auxiliary – No report

·         Memorial Day Parade – Parade Chair Jack Berman said things are well organized and volunteers should show up at 0700 on parade day.  Registrar John Mowat said the online sign-up form has worked well.  He needs help at the registration booth.  Doug Mason said that the flag placement at the cemetery will be at 1000 on Saturday 5/27.  Names will be read at noon on the 29th with river wreath ceremony to follow.  Flag retrieval will be at 1000 on 5/30.  Ike Slaughter will be the Parade Grand Marshall.

·         House and Entertainment – This year’s annual picnic will be held on 7/18 at Victor Park. A casting clinic will be held at 1600.  Commander Harris spoke about the post instituting a weekly get together for members and other veterans, like what other posts and chapters are doing.  Brian Wrede motioned to establish a weekly post get together at Fin’s Pub in Corvallis at 11:30 on Thursdays.  Doug Mason seconded the motion.  Motion carried by voice vote.

 

Commander’s Report – Commander Himes reported that the awards for CHS Constitutional Essay participants were held on 5/9 at the CSD#1 board meeting.  The media was invited, and a TV station was there as well.  Commander thanked School Program’s Chair Marc Sabin for his efforts on that program and others. The Commander also reported on the recent District 5 meeting, which he thought was worth the effort.  Post 91 was well represented by attendees as well as Color Guard and logistics help with meals and room setup.  The Post was awarded the Department Commander’s Post Excellence Award for having achieved a 103% membership increase over last year, submitted its Consolidated Post Report, have a 90% renewal rate of existing members, and have community programs in place.  We also earned an award for having met the 2023 membership goal.

Old Business:

·         School Programs – Chair Marc Sabin reported that four scholarships have been awarded this year. Two to incoming freshmen and two to existing college students. Three of the four are sisters and stepdaughters of a Post member.  The other awardee is the grandson of a local veteran.  CHS student Donovan Houser placed second in the Department for his Constitutional Essay.  CHS student David Lenk placed second in the Department for his Americanism and Government Survey results.  Each were awarded a plaque and $250.

·         Social Media – Randi Thorson reported that she finished the brochure with various resources as part of Be the One campaign. It will be one of the handouts at our Parade information table. She has also posted information on the school Essay contest winners and the BVMP activities.  She is still looking for backup editors.

·         Upcoming school ceremonies – Doug is putting together a list of events that the Post will be participating in at the various schools.

New Business

·         Bitterroot Baseball and Softball Association Fundraising – Member Jeff Hakki, one of the coaches, has asked for donations from members towards the traveling expenses of the All-Star team.  His handout is attached.

Good of The American Legion: 

·         Monthly Pot of Gold Drawing – Member Darryl Graham’s name was drawn.  He was not present to win the $500 Frontier Guns and Ammo gift certificate.

·         8th Grade Flag Retirement Event – Doug Mason mentioned that he will be conducting an instructional flag retirement event with the CMS 8th graders on either May 23, 24 or 25.  He could use some help at 11:30.  He will put out a robocall once the day is confirmed.

·         Highway Fatality Markers -Member Don Helmbrecht talked briefly about the program and the Post’s geographic area of responsibility.

·         Jim Henningfeld – Florence Post Member -Jim introduced himself and said he had gotten several good ideas from Post 91 that would be applicable to his Post 134. 

Sick Call and Memorials

 Upcoming Events:

1.      Saturday May 20 – Dedication of the “Tomb of the Unknown” – Hamilton Veteran Memorial – 1300

2.      Saturday May 27 – Cemetery Flag Placement – 1000 @ Corvallis Cemetery.

3.      Monday May 29 – Memorial Day Parade and following ceremonies - 1000

4.      Tuesday May 30 – Flag Recovery – 1000 @ Corvallis Cemetery

5. Thursday June 1 - Emergency Communications and Response Training – 1900 @ CHS Library.

6. Monday June 5 – Radio Club Monthly Meeting – 1800 @ BJ’s

7. Monday June 5 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – 1830 @ Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd St., Hamilton. – Chris Haxton (406-531-2184)

8. Tuesday June 6 - Legion Riders Meeting – 1830 @ BJ’s

9.Monday June 12 – Executive Committee Meeting – 1900 @ Jack’s Place

10. Monday June 19 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd St,   Hamilton @1830

11. Tuesday June 20 -– Monthly Membership Meeting – CRFD@ 1900.

 

Closing Time: Commander Harris adjourned the meeting at 2055 hrs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Post 91 April 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Meeting Conducted by

Corvallis Post #91, The American Legion,

Department of Montana, Inc.

Type of Meeting: Regular Membership Meeting

Date of Meeting: 18 April 2023

Location of Meeting: Corvallis Rural Fire Department – Corvallis, MT

Opening Time: 1900 by 2nd Vice Commander Jack Berman

Attendance: Post Officers - 7   Post Members - 20       Guests - 1

Minutes from March 21 2023, Meeting – Minutes were submitted.  Doug Mason moved that the past meeting’s minutes be accepted as submitted.  Brian Wrede seconded the motion.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Guests and New Members – CSD1 Community Liaison Sarah Fryer was present; New member Tony Westbrook introduced himself.

Program – Sarah spoke about the volunteer opportunities at the Corvallis Elementary School that she was hoping members might be interested in.  She provided a handout with information (attached).

Member David Smith gave a short talk about the Aspen Trail Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Services he and his wife are starting.  The group will be serving people with disabilities and veterans.  He will be the main speaker at the May membership meeting.

Membership – 2023 new members and renewals to date are 202.  District Goal is 185.  Member Randi Thorson was awarded the National Commander 2023 Membership Incentive Pin for recruiting three new members.

Committee Reports:

·         Bitterroot Valley Military Program: Sean Smothers reported that they now have 17 cadets signed up.  They have had two workdays and have received good response from the cadets and their parents.  Of the 17, 5 are female cadets.  The group is made up of 7th through 11th graders from Darby to Corvallis.

·         Law Enforcement Liaison – No report

·         Radio Club – The monthly Emergency Communications class has 25 members and is wrapping up the classroom section and will move into practical activities. He has attended one tabletop exercise for the Family Reunification Center drill that will occur on April 19 at Hamilton High School.  The club held a fox hunt over the weekend on Apr 15/16.  Club elections are in May.

·         Scholarships – Marc Sabin reported that to date three applications have been received.  The deadline is April 28.

·         Bitterroot Marksmanship Club – No report

·         Fishing Club – Chair Chris Haxton reported that there are about 12 regulars now that the Post has joined forces with Healing Waters.

·         Auxiliary – No report

·         Memorial Day Parade – Parade Chair Jack Berman had held an organizing meeting prior to the membership meeting.  He said volunteers are still needed.

·         House and Entertainment – The District 5 meeting will be held at CHS on 4/30.  Breakfast will be served at 0800 with the regular meeting to start at 0900.

 Commander’s Report – Commander Harris was out of town.

Old Business:

·         School Programs – Chair Marc Sabin reported that all segments have been completed within the schools.  The winner and other participants in the Constitutional Essays will receive awards at the upcoming May 9 school board meeting.  Oratorical awards will be at the Speech Club banquet in May.  School awards will be at the respective school awards nights.  No update on the Boys and Girls State candidates.

·         Social Media – Randi Thorson reported that she has been working on a brochure with various resources as part of Be The One campaign. She is still looking for backup editors.

·         FY24 Budget Approval – Adjutant Clover presented the proposed next fiscal year’s budget that was developed by the Budget Subcommittee.  The forecast is to have a balance of $18,137 on July 1 to start  the fiscal year and a balance of $9739 at the end of FY24.  Brian Wrede motioned to accept the FY24 budget as submitted.  Keith Graves seconded the motion.   Motion carried by voice vote.

New Business

·         FY24 Executive Committee Member elections – Meeting Chair Berman asked if there any more nominations for the committee from the floor.  There were no additional nominations.  Keith Graves motioned that the open nominations be closed.  Brian Wrede seconded the motion.  Motion carried by voice vote.  Ballots were handed out to the attending members. 25 ballots were returned.  Results are listed on an attachment to these minutes.

Good of The American Legion: 

·         Monthly Pot of Gold Drawing – Member Bobby Tucker’s name was drawn.  He was present to win the $500 Frontier Guns and Ammo gift certificate.

·         Ruth Smith – Chaplain Wrede spoke about Hamilton Legion Member Smith who provides branch of service hats to residents of local assisted living facilities.

Sick Call and Memorials

 Upcoming Events:

 1.  Sunday April 30 – District 5 Meeting – CHS Breakfast 0800-0900, meeting to follow.

 2. Monday May 1  – Radio Club Monthly Meeting – 1800 @ BJ’s

 2. Monday May 1 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – 1830 @ Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd St., Hamilton. – Chris Haxton (406-531-2184)

3. Tuesday May 2 - Legion Riders Meeting – 1830 @ BJ’s

4. Thursday May 4 – Emergency Communications and Response Training – 1900 @ CHS Library.

 5.Monday May 8 – Executive Committee Meeting – 1900 @ Jack’s Place

 6. Tuesday May 9 – Constitutional Essay Awards – CSD1 @ 1900

7. Monday May 15 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd St,   Hamilton @1830

 8. Tuesday May 16 -– Monthly Membership Meeting – CRFD@ 1900.

9. Monday May 29 – Memorial Day Parade and following ceremonies - 1000

 

Closing Time: 2nd Vice Commander adjourned the meeting at 2029 hrs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY24 Executive Committee Election Results – 18 April 2023

Commander:   Harris Himes (23 Votes)

1st Vice Commander – Bobby Tucker (25 votes)

2nd Vice Commander – Jack Berman (25 Votes)

Adjutant – Christopher Haxton (25 Votes)

Finance Officer – Pat Clover (25 Votes)

Sergeant-At-Arms – Bob Koellermeier (25 Votes)

Post Chaplain – Brian Wrede (25 votes)

Post Service Officer – Dan Griffin (25 Votes)

Post Historian – Doug Mason (25 Votes)

Executive Committee Member – Ike Slaughter (25 Votes)

Executive Committee Member – Don Helmbrecht (25 Votes)

Executive Committee Member – Marc Sabin (25 Votes)

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