DELAWARE COMMISSION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 16, 2013
Members Present: Lardizzone, Goss, Carroll, Corsa, Hampton, Harden, Keithley, Lank, McMullen, Newman, Showell and Weir
Members Excused: Newstadt and Sarg
Staff Present: Knotts and Peterson
Introduction of Guest(s): Ginny Yelland (VAMC), Jessica Finan and Linda Boone (Home of the Brave) and Dave Skocik (Delaware Veterans Coalition)
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to our Nation’s Flag.
Chairman Lardizzone opened the meeting by asking everyone to keep the people in Boston in their prayers.
Ms. Yelland reported that the VA Georgetown Clinic provides lab work on Fridays and they are bringing the mobile unit to the Delaware Veterans Home on Thursday, April 18, 2013, to provide shingles shots.
Ms. Finan provided an update on the Home of the Brave.
Ms. Boone spoke about the positive changes that have occurred at the Home of the Brave and she briefed about the progress of the women’s shelter. She reported the variance was granted under two conditions; it was for only two years instead of the normal five years and the maximum number of people allowed in the facility is eight, instead of the intended ten to fourteen. She spoke further about other options and obstacles that could occur to change the dynamics of the project and encouraged comments and questions, which inspired discussion.
Mr. Peterson began by thanking all the different individuals and organizations that have provided help. He provided an update for the Veterans Home. He indicated they are planning a family event in June, with more details to come.
MOTION BY CARROLL TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A DIGITAL CAMERA FOR THE VETERANS HOME, SECONDED BY LANK, MOTION CARRIED.
Commissioner Corsa commented that the program Bill Peterson put together pertaining to dementia; was a very good program and thinks everyone should have attended. Mr. Peterson also commented that they have received copies of the program and handouts.
Mr. Knotts announced that Wilmington University is hosting a “Hiring our Heroes” event on April 18, 2013. There will be a job fair in Sussex County on April 30, 2013. The Governor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held on May 2, 2013, and indicated he would like to have some Commissioners attend. Mr. Knotts also added that he needs a headcount on the number of Commissioners attending the Apple Pie Social at the Indian River Senior Center on May 8, 2013. He provided a presentation of the new Commission website and explained the purpose of the Veterans Service Directory (VSD). He explained that the VSD was silently launched a few days ago and they are planning a public launching at a time to be announced. He answered questions about the VSD and discussion followed.
MOTION BY CORSA TO ACCEPT MARCH COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, SECONDED BY CARROLL, MOTION CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PERSONNEL
No report.
NORTHERN CEMETERY
Commissioner Harden reported that the Family Advisory Cemetery Committee (FACC) meeting was held on April 10, 2013. During the past month, the Cemetery had 60 interments, 31 applications and 35 trees and shrubs replaced. The raise & realignment project commenced on April 1, 2013, and the irrigation pump was replaced.
SOUTHERN CEMETERY
Vice Chairman Goss reported that everything is progressing well at the Cemetery and had nothing new to report.
HEALTH SERVICES
Commissioner Corsa reported that they attended the Alzheimer’s event hosted by the Veterans Home and Chairman Lardizzone also made comments.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Chairman Lardizzone reported that there has been progress on the slot machines and they are working on the WWII monument.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Commissioner Weir reported that the Sussex County Elks Club, which he is a member of, donated $1,000 to the Home of the Brave.
COMMEMORATIVE AFFAIRS
Chairman Lardizzone reminded everyone that 40 & 8 will be hosting the Memorial Day service at the Bridge.
ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTS
Carroll (MOPH) – The MOPH, Department of Delaware, is holding their Convention on June 8, 2013, at Dover Downs.
Corsa (VVA) – He commented that this is the 50th Anniversary since the Vietnam War ended and the Department of Defense recognized the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs as a commemorative partner. He presented Chairman Lardizzone with a certificate. He also thanked all the veterans in the room for their service.
Chairman Lardizzone indicated that the State of Delaware, through the Commission of Veterans Affairs, is going to create a coin for the VVA 50th Anniversary with the State seal on the back.
Goss (KWVA) – They are putting together their 5th Annual Golf Tournament on May 16, 2013, at the Rookery North in Milford, DE. They are selling adds for the booklet and they are looking for golfers.
Harden (WAVES) – She reported they will have their meeting on April 20, 2013.
Hampton (At Large) - He shared that there is a national group for Iraq vets, but no local one in Delaware and he is working on establishing a local chapter.
Keithley (40 & 8) – No report.
Lank (MOWW) – He invited everyone to attend the MOWW meetings and he announced that this would be his last meeting; his term expires May 1, 2013. He wanted to thank everyone for putting up with him and thinks everyone is doing a good job. Commissioner Carroll provided words of praise.
Lardizzone (DAV) – He is attending the Connecticut State Convention and the 92nd Anniversary for the DAV in New York. Their DAV State Convention will be held in June 2013. Their long standing adjutant is retiring after 19 years.
McMullen (AFSA) – Their Division Convention will be held from April 24-27, 2013, at the Dover Sheraton and provided the itinerary.
Newman (VFW) – No report.
Showell (At Large) – She announced that the 53rd Kiwanis Armed Forces Day luncheon will be held on May 15, 2013, at the Hotel DuPont.
Weir (AMVETS) – He attended an event in Bridgeville, DE, for the Gold Star Wives. He too said that his time on the Commission expires in May, but is not aware of a replacement being appointed.
Mr. Knotts stated that a Commissioner continues to serve until or unless they are replaced or they resign.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Corsa announced that there will be a Flag Day Ceremony on June 14, 2013, 10:00 am, at the Southern Cemetery. He read a piece about the “Massing of the Colors” by the MOWW http://www.militaryorder.net/Massing%20of%20the%20Colors.htm.
ITEMS FOR THE GOOD AND WELFARE OF THE ORGANIZATION
Mr. Skocik announced that this coming Friday, April 19, 2013, the Kent County VVA Chapter 850 will have their annual oyster and fried dumpling dinner at the Felton Fire Hall and the proceeds will go to the maintenance of the Kent County Memorial Park.
Mr. Knotts introduced Mr. Skocik as the President of the Delaware Veterans Coalition and a member of the VVA Chapter 850.
MOTION BY CORSA TO CONDUCT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE WWII MONUMENT, SECONDED BY HARDEN, MOTION CARRIED.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: MAY 21, 2013 (10:00 AM)
LOCATION: Robbins Bldg, 802 Silver Lake Blvd, Suite 100
Dover, DE
ADJOURNED
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