Link back to Veterans' Council Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 3rd , 2011
The following represents the meeting of the Veterans Council held this date that was called to order at 1944 hours.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting was called to order by Keith Jermyn, The Town of Hingham's new Veterans Agent, at 1935 hours with the following committee members present: S. McMillan, Maureen Demenna, Bob Beal, E. Sofis. A. Smith, J. McHugh, W. Ramsey. The chairman excused the following committee members: H. Messmer, S. Kelsch, J. Claypoole,: Absent, J. Chapin, A. McCawley
The minutes were read from the last meeting and following a modification by B. Beal a motion was made to approve, and seconded and the minutes were then accepted.
The Treasurer's Report was made and approved.
The Sub-Committee reports began with W. Ramsey reporting of Dan Evarts' brother, Michael who died in Iraq. Michael's body was returned to the states through Dover Air Force Base. Dan has received scores of sympathetic and caring emails and wishes to acknowledge the deep appreciation from his family and parents. It is planned to make a combined contribution to a Memorial Fund (by the American Legion, VFW and the Veterans Council and others) for Michael.
Scott McMillan reported 4 recipients for the Blue Star, the Veterans Agent will contact the families for presentation. Bob Beal and Art Smith volunteered to assist.
The BSA Liaison will be as follows: W. Ramsey, Boy Scouts and Maureen Demenna , Cub Scouts.
John McHugh is the Chairman for this year's Memorial Day Celebration and he announced with enthusiasm that it is going well and he is encouraged with a possible speaker for the event. A new caterer has been selected for the luncheon to be held at the G.A.R. Hall. It is planned that the event will take place at the Common except if inclement weather, the celebration will be at the High School auditorium.
The Tax Check-Off Box, Article 56 is now law and some funding should soon be coming for distribution as needed to our Veterans. .
Since our December meeting, no contact has occurred the Veterans Agent and the President of the Lions' Club Mark Casale and therefore no donation was made for [3] 1058th members.
The Sweeney Award (Spring), will be held Thursday, May 26th the Chairman to be determined. A motion was made for perpetual tags with the names of the recipients and a suitable certificate and a check for $100 from each organization VFW / Legion.
A standing committee of Betty Foley, S. McMillan and the Veterans Agent is committed to establishing a policy and procedure for the the purchasing of Flags in the Town. The American Legion Flag & Emblem Co. to consolidate all such flag procurement maximizing the discounts to all town departments thru this combined effort. This will be in effect from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 and available immediately. This discussion led to Flag placement assignments as follows: S. McMillan at Ft. Hill; Liberty Plain, the Veterans Agent; A. Smith @High St. and B. Beal @ St. Paul's.
Warrant Article concerning Pledge of Allegiance at Committee Meetings and for other town groups to recite the pledge is in progress.
It was reported that By-Law Changes is a work in progress.
The Veterans Agent reported that the new MDVS Press Release conflicted with the Governor's reduced budget plan. More to follow.
It is with regret, but sincere appreciation, that Dan Evarts' resignation has been accepted. Larry St. Laurent was nominated and is the new member of the Council.
It was with great clamor & acclaim that John "Jack" Gerad Ramsey was welcomed as the scion of the Ramsey's fame.
The flagpole at the Veterans Memorial has sustained storm damage. Chief M. Duff has advised that infrastructure damage of the nature may be reimbursable by the Feds. More to follow.
Art Smith advised the plaques would be discussed at a later date.
There was a Press Release by IAVA concerning miscommunication between the White House and The VA 's medical record system
It was with deep sadness that the passing of WWII, US Army Veteran who served in Okinawa and a friend of us all John Snyder Overbagh was announced. He was respected and liked by all. May his memory be eternal.
Meeting adjourned at 2057 hours.
Respectfully Submitted, Ernest C. Sofis