Minutes of the
President Bolen called the
meeting to order at
Members present: Jack Bolen,
John Skillman, Ken Skillman, Ed Neugaard, Alan Bell, Don Weir, Robert Yarnell, and
Welcome
guests: Dick Hurley, and Chuck Sheldon
prospective members
The president introduced the
guests.
The minutes of the October
meeting were approved.
The secretary reminded the
membership that dues are now payable for 2007. The state and national amounts
remain the same. As the state society has dropped their 365 club we will not be
soliciting additional donations for the Endowment Trust fund.
At the October meeting a
request was made for membership directories. The secretary completed this task
and brought copies to the meeting for distribution.
The Treasurer reported a
balance of $1,961.13.
On behalf of the registrar,
Luke Lloyd, the president gave an update on the status of those applying for
membership. He commented on the fine job Luke has done this year as registrar.
There are 18 gentlemen currently at some point in the application process.
Under new business Ken
discussed the newsletter. He explained to the membership how the newsletter is
currently being produced. It is a significant effort in both time and money. He
suggested the chapter consider outsourcing the production side of the
newsletter. The company he has in mind would use high quality digital printing.
The cost for everything would work out to $2.25/ newsletter for 40 copies.
There was much positive discussion about the financial issues. Bob Yarnell
moved and Ed Neugaard seconded that the chapter dues be raised to $15.00 per
year beginning with 2007. The increase would not be enough to cover the
additional cost of the newsletter but the chapter would commit to absorbing the
rest from the treasury. The motion also included adopting Ken’s proposal for
handling the newsletter. The motion passed.
With regard to paying for newsletters
sent to prospective members, Ken suggested we institute an “ambassador”
program. Each month a current member would be asked to be the ambassador. This
would entail a donation of $25.00 to cover the cost of mailing the newsletters
to these prospects. All were in agreement. John Skillman volunteered to be the
first ambassador.
The next item of business
was the newly formed color guard and items needed by the group. Allen Bell
moved that the chapter purchase a Betsy Ross flag, 2 adjustable poles, 2 parade
belts and 2 flag tops for the color guard. In addition the President is given
the authority to purchase an SAR flag if the current one proves not to be
suitable for use in a parade. The cost will be approximately $400. Bob Yarnell
seconded. The motion carried.
The slate of officers for
2007 was put forth in nomination with two additions. Ken Skillman agreed to
continue being the newsletter editor and Don Weir was nominated for Sergeant at
Arms. The slate was approved by acclamation.
Ken moved that we present a
certificate of appreciation to Debbie Hladych, the wonderful server who hosts
us each month, for her kindness over many years to the chapter. The motion
passed.
The meeting recessed for lunch.
President
Bolen reconvened the meeting and introduced Bob Yarnell who presented the
program. He addressed the question, “Which group deserves the title of having
held the first Thanksgiving?” Many groups came to the new world and most
celebrated some sort of thanksgiving event. In the course of his presentation
Bob explained the claims of these groups:
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The
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The French Huegonots, in
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The Spanish at
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The Juan de Onala Expedition,
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Popham Colony in
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-
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New Foundland, 1578
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Harvest Celebration, Separatists,
Three
criteria could be considered. First that there was a religious service; Second
that food was present; Third that the event was perpetuated. The Berkeley
Plantation is the only event that satisfied all three criteria. Bob prepared a
“tournament” bracket and the membership enjoyed working through the “contest”
to see who deserved the honor. While there was some dissention, the majority of
the members voted the Berkeley Plantation the honor of holding the first
Thanksgiving.
Don won the 50/50 drawing. The
treasury was thus enriched by $6.00.
President Bolen led the
recessional. The meeting adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Yarnell
Chapter Secretary