Cmdr Helsel called the first meeting of 2012 to order Thursday night at 7 PM, followed by proper opening ceremonies. There were no guests present. Adjutant Dust read the minutes from the last meeting, then in the absence of Finance Officer Remmers (wintering in Florida) presented the written finance report. It showed a net gain of $537 in funds (due to a transfer in from the bar) since the last meeting. The Bar Manager, Mike Ratliffe, gave his report, followed by Breakfast Mgr, Bob Isaia, reviewing last month's breakfast report. It showed 257 served, down about 50 breakfasts due to two competing breakfasts being held last month on the same morning as our fundraiser.
Service Officer Harley Aeschleman reported the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) assisted 6 Woodford County veterans in December with $1,100, and there were 23 in-office visits and 2 out-of-office ones. He also announced there would be no County Legion meeting in January or February. Sick Call report listed members Richard Burton, Gerald Girardi and Frank Schirer, as well as announcing Ron Girardi had permanently moved to the nursing home. A moment of silence was held for our member David Knapp, who had passed away on Tuesday.
The membership report was given by Dust, stating membership stood at 162, down one from last month, with 148 paid and 14 dues still outstanding. Actual activity consisted of adding new transfer in of William Gansbauer, but also a transfer out of Alan Burton due to moving away and lost of Mr. Knapp. Advisor Ratliffe, Adjutant Dust and Cmdr Helsel gave a report on the SAL, in regards to their officers attending the last Executive Meeting and Adjutant's Dust contact with the Dept of Illinois SAL officers. It was decided to table further discussion until next month.
Under Commander's Report & Correspondence, Cmdr Helsel reported about the illegal use of our Legion/City dumpster by others and after discussion, Adjutant Dust suggested labeling the dumpster to draw attention it is not for public use. Al also read a thank you card from the Fisher House for our donation last month, and read a flyer about the Eureka American Legion Baseball Team upcoming fundraiser. (See separate upcoming posting here on Sunday)
Under Old Business, it was decided to hold our annual Membership Banquet back at Mona's again (on the first Saturday of November) and the date will be reserved. It was announced that the locks had been rekeyed at the Post building and the keys had been given out to members who are on the needed list. It was also announced that our lawn riding mower had been serviced as moved last month. It was discussed we needed to get a quote on blow-in insulation in the areas of the Post lacking it, and a couple sources were discussed for bidding.
Under New Business, the committee that had been formed to suggest ideas for remodeling the bar reported and gave some estimated costs dependent on which way the remodel proceeded. After discussion, up to $5,500 was approved for the project if needed, although it is expected to fall into the $3,000-4,000 range. It was hard to get to accurate figures because of the work that needs to be done with the plumbing, electrical, walls, etc. that won't be fully determined until into the remodel. It was also reported the Executive Committee had ordered a new telescoping flag pole for use inside the building.
After discussion, due to Easter falling on our normal April Legion breakfast and Mother's Day falling on May's breakfast date, it was decided the Legion will not have a breakfast in April but will do one in May on Mother's Day. After other discussion on who was entitled to have a flag flown on our "Avenues of Flags" on Memorial Day weekend and who should pay for them, Cmdr Helsel formed a committee to come back with a suggestion so that it can be formalized for the Post and the community. It will also include who is eligible to be on the Honor Roll of the Deceased Veterans read on Memorial Day. Harley Aeschleman, Joe Amigoni, Ron Behnke and John Dust will serve on the council.
It was then announced that Bob Isaia will handle the luncheon after next month's meeting, Russ Furr won the Pot of Gold, and a motion to adjourn was made. After proper closing ceremony, the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM, followed by refreshments and pizza again, handled by Al Helsel. It was just as the good the second month.
Service Officer Harley Aeschleman reported the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) assisted 6 Woodford County veterans in December with $1,100, and there were 23 in-office visits and 2 out-of-office ones. He also announced there would be no County Legion meeting in January or February. Sick Call report listed members Richard Burton, Gerald Girardi and Frank Schirer, as well as announcing Ron Girardi had permanently moved to the nursing home. A moment of silence was held for our member David Knapp, who had passed away on Tuesday.
The membership report was given by Dust, stating membership stood at 162, down one from last month, with 148 paid and 14 dues still outstanding. Actual activity consisted of adding new transfer in of William Gansbauer, but also a transfer out of Alan Burton due to moving away and lost of Mr. Knapp. Advisor Ratliffe, Adjutant Dust and Cmdr Helsel gave a report on the SAL, in regards to their officers attending the last Executive Meeting and Adjutant's Dust contact with the Dept of Illinois SAL officers. It was decided to table further discussion until next month.
Under Commander's Report & Correspondence, Cmdr Helsel reported about the illegal use of our Legion/City dumpster by others and after discussion, Adjutant Dust suggested labeling the dumpster to draw attention it is not for public use. Al also read a thank you card from the Fisher House for our donation last month, and read a flyer about the Eureka American Legion Baseball Team upcoming fundraiser. (See separate upcoming posting here on Sunday)
Under Old Business, it was decided to hold our annual Membership Banquet back at Mona's again (on the first Saturday of November) and the date will be reserved. It was announced that the locks had been rekeyed at the Post building and the keys had been given out to members who are on the needed list. It was also announced that our lawn riding mower had been serviced as moved last month. It was discussed we needed to get a quote on blow-in insulation in the areas of the Post lacking it, and a couple sources were discussed for bidding.
Under New Business, the committee that had been formed to suggest ideas for remodeling the bar reported and gave some estimated costs dependent on which way the remodel proceeded. After discussion, up to $5,500 was approved for the project if needed, although it is expected to fall into the $3,000-4,000 range. It was hard to get to accurate figures because of the work that needs to be done with the plumbing, electrical, walls, etc. that won't be fully determined until into the remodel. It was also reported the Executive Committee had ordered a new telescoping flag pole for use inside the building.
After discussion, due to Easter falling on our normal April Legion breakfast and Mother's Day falling on May's breakfast date, it was decided the Legion will not have a breakfast in April but will do one in May on Mother's Day. After other discussion on who was entitled to have a flag flown on our "Avenues of Flags" on Memorial Day weekend and who should pay for them, Cmdr Helsel formed a committee to come back with a suggestion so that it can be formalized for the Post and the community. It will also include who is eligible to be on the Honor Roll of the Deceased Veterans read on Memorial Day. Harley Aeschleman, Joe Amigoni, Ron Behnke and John Dust will serve on the council.
It was then announced that Bob Isaia will handle the luncheon after next month's meeting, Russ Furr won the Pot of Gold, and a motion to adjourn was made. After proper closing ceremony, the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM, followed by refreshments and pizza again, handled by Al Helsel. It was just as the good the second month.
