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 29^th 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.

·         8^th Grade Flag Retirement Event – Doug Mason mentioned that he will be conducting an instructional flag retirement event with the CMS 8^th 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. 3^rd 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. 3^rd St,   Hamilton @1830

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

 

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