Post 91 Regular November 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: 15 November 2022

Location of Meeting: Corvallis Fire Department – Corvallis MT

Opening Time: 1902 by Commander Himes

Attendance: Post Officers - 8     Post Members - 13         Guests - 3

Minutes from October 2022 – Minutes were submitted.  No motion was made to accept the minutes as submitted. Tabled to December meeting.

Program –

·         UM ROTC Program – Coordinator Tracy Mitchell and UM Military Science Instructor LT Col Brad Culver gave a presentation on the UM program and the challenges overall at finding qualified candidates.  Tracy will be attending the Post 91 sponsored Career Day at CHS on Dec 7^th.

Guests and New Members – New members Randi Thorson and Joe Tenzer introduced themselves.  Randi’s husband, Laurence, a potential member, introduced himself.

Commander’s Report – Commander Harris requested feedback for the Veteran’s Day activities.  Dinner feedback is listed under the House and Entertainment section.

Committee Reports:

·         Radio Club – Doug Mason gave an update on the activities.  The purchased storage container was delivered which allowed the closing of the Post’s rented storage unit.  This will save the Post approximately $1200/yr.  Flooring has been installed in the main room of Jack’s Place.  Awaiting cove base and trim installation.  Repeater has been ordered.  Winter Field Day is scheduled for last weekend in January at St. Joseph’s Pass

·         Scholarships – No report

·         Shooting Club – No report

·         Fishing Club – Chris Haxton sent word that he will convalescing after surgery, but there will be a substitute instructor at the Dec 8 meeting.

·         Auxiliary – Linda sent handouts for the AL Auxiliary Christmas Gathering at Higher Ground Brewing Co. evening of Dec 8.

 

Membership:

·         New/Renewed membership to date is 159.  Goal is 185.

House and Entertainment: 

o   Corvallis Downtown Trunk or Treat - John Mowat gave a report on the event that the Post Jeep participated in.  He said it was fun, and well received by the trick or treaters and their parents.  He suggested that we plan on attending next year’s event.

o   Veteran’s Day Dinner – Commander Harris asked for feedback on the dinner.  He acknowledged Jack Berman and his team for a well put together event.  Speaker MG Vallely got mixed reviews.  Some said that his talk was too political for this type of function. People mentioned that he and his staff were very friendly and spent time talking with the attendees personally.  115 diners attended.  The Post covered meals for 45 Early Birds and 8 other guests, including the speaker’s party and Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton and his wife.

 

Old Business:

·         Active Duty Reconnect – 1 family member, Ryan Wiggins, has applied for the upcoming winter ADR.  We are awaiting word from Stevensville Post 94 to see if they have any candidates.  The deadline for having any local candidates is Thanksgiving.  After that CK and John Nolan will reach out to other commands.  CK has presented a proposed budget that is under consideration by the Executive Committee.

·         Social Media – No update

·          School Programs –

o   Career Days -Adjutant Clover reported that he and Stacy Cortes have gotten commitments from all the branches, except Coast Guard and Space Command, to participate in the Dec 7 Career Day at CHS. Stacy and Pat will meet with Guidance Counselor Jennifer Gaston-Smith on 11/17 to discuss future days in 2023.

o   School Program Integration Initiative – School Programs chair Marc Sabin gave a presentation on the Post’s school focused programs.  The underlying need is for more participation by Post members and the local schools to achieve more success.  With the information he developed (presentation attached) we can determine the next steps for a higher level of engagement.  Marc, Harris, Stacy and potentially Doug will be meeting with the new Corvallis School District Superintendent on 11/21 to present our programs.  

New Business:

·         Corvallis Middle School Ski Program – Member Jack Berman and Adjutant chatted with Josh McCroffin, one of the CMS Ski Program leaders at the CMS Veteran’s Day Assembly.  He again expressed his gratitude for the Post’s donation to the Ski Program.  He said that with other donations, this year’s program is now fully funded.  Our donation was enough to cover the transportation costs this year and next.

·         District 5 Meeting – Event is scheduled for April 30.

·         December Meeting 12/20 – Guest speaker will be Sheriff Steve Holton.  We will also doing Buddy Check calls starting at 1830.

 

Good of The American Legion: 

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

·         CPR Training – Chaplain Wrede was taking signups for an upcoming CPR class, cost $55.

 

 

Sick Call and Memorials

 Upcoming Events:

1.      Monday December 5 – Radio Club Monthly Meeting – BJ’s @ 1800.

2.      Tuesday December 6 - Legion Riders Monthly Meeting – BJ’s @ 1830.

3.      Wednesday December 7 – Career Day at CHS – 1000-1150

4.      Thursday November 8 – Fishing Club – Contact Chris Haxton

5.      Monday December 19 - Monthly Executive Committee Meeting – Jack’s Place @ 0900.

6.      Tuesday December 20 – Monthly Membership Meeting – 1900 CRFD

 

 

Closing Time: Commander Himes adjourned the meeting at 2021 hrs