Meeting Minutes
John H. Collins Post # 24
Caroline Street
June 13 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, Finance Officer Larry Easter, Adjutant Bernard Williamson, Sgt at Arms David Ahearn and Trustee Ray Gagne. 17 members present.

Guests – None.

Minutes – The minutes of the May 2009 were read. A motion was made by Gagne/Lutson to accept the minutes. Motion carried.

Finances – The financial report for the months of March, April and May were read. A motion was made by Roman/Lutson to accept the reports. Motion carried.

Committee Reports:

Membership – Vice Commander Zullo reported that the membership is at 187. The Post has achieved 100 % of their quota.

Activity - Vice Commander Varsanik reported that the Ziti Dinner netted the Post about $100.00. The Post will sponsor a Steak Night on Thursday June 18, 2009.

Sick Call – Dick Dowling was transferred to Post Everlasting.

Building – The Commander reported that the work on the 2nd floor windows has been completed. The Post will hold a painting party for the 2nd floor.

Service Officer - Nothing to report. The Commander noted that Tom McGowan is still doing the job until he is replaced.

Board of Governors - Nothing to report.

Legislative – No report.

Americanism - Commander Williams took part in the Nathan Hale Day program at the capital. The Hall of Flags program will be held on July 4th at the Capital.

Boys State – Five boys will be sent to Boys State this year. Funding has been received from Wal-Mart, CWV and Friends of Russ.

Election of New Members – None

Officers Report – The Commander stated that the raffle permit is awaiting the signature of the Chief of Police. Once the permit is signed, the tix can be printed. Volunteers are needed to sell tix at various locations. Contact the Commander.

The Adjutant thanked those members who participated in the Memorial Day Service and parade. He also thanked those members who assisted in placing flags on the Veterans graves prior to Memorial Day.

The Commander reported that a Flag Disposal Service will be held Monday, June 15, 2009 at the City Garage at 9:30 p.m.

Communications – The Adjutant read all communications from the Department as well as general mail. One item was laid over for action.

Unfinished Business – The Adjutant read the slate of Officers presented by the nominating committee for the 2009-2010 term: Commander Erwin Williams, Sr Vice Commander Paul Varsanik, Jr Vice Commander Ray Gagne, Finance Larry Easter, Adjutant B.Williamson, Chaplain C. Douglass and Sgt at Arms Paul Lutson. A call was made for any other nominations. Hearing none, a motion was made Weaver/Ahearn to close the nominations and directed the Adjutant to cast one ballot for the slate of Officers as presented. Motion carried.

The Commander then administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Officers.

New Business – A motion was made by Weaver/Gagne to endorse Daniel Thurston for Department Sr Vice Commander. Motion carried.

Good of the Legion – The Commander thanked the membership for the show of support in electing him Commander. He noted that his job was made easier with the help of his fellow officers as well as the membership. Also noted was that there will be no Post meetings in July and August.

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 11:55 a.m.

The next meeting of the Post will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Post Home on Caroline Street, Derby, CT.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bernard Williamson, Adjutant