MINUTES OF BRANCH 024
GENERAL MEETING
13 MAY 2014
BRANCH 24 Ceremonial Initiations: Brian Campbell and Barbara Anderson. Welcome aboard! We appreciate members who are active in Branch affairs.
Shipmate President, Richard Bonnett called the meeting to order at 1907. S/M MAA John Bocchicchio introduced distinguished and visiting Shipmates National President Virgil Courneya, National Chaplain Dana Wallace, Past Regional President (PRP) South East Roger Mitchell, PRP East Coast (EC) Paul Dix, PRPEC Claire Purdy, and Jr. PRPEC Don Hoover. After appropriate opening ceremonies, the meeting was declared convened.
The minutes of the 8 April 2014 meeting were provided for review and were approved as published. The minutes of the 6 May 2014 BOD meeting were provided for review and were approved as presented.
Treasurer’s Report: Was provided to the members for review. No bills need to be paid.
Communications: FRA 70th East Coast Regional Convention to be held 25-29 June, at the Fort Magruder Hotel in historic Williamsburg, VA; Banquet forms were handed out to all delegates. Delegates will need to be sent in to the Regional Chairman. This is a fun event for all FRA members.
Plan now to attend FRA’s 87th and LA FRA’s 82nd National Conventions in Corpus Christi, Texas, October 13 through 19. Convention Hotel is the Omni Bayfront Hotel,
900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Call 361-887-1600 before September 9 to reserve your room at the special convention rate of $109/night (plus state and local taxes). The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Corpus Christi International Airport. Join your fellow shipmates and ladies to renew friendships and make new ones! Full detailed information is available online on the homepage of the FRA website: www.FRA.org
Nominating Resolution for National President 2014-2015 Virgil Courneya.
Minutes from the CLC Meeting, April 26, 2014.
Next CLC Meeting is Saturday, July 6th , 1400, at Branch 93, Pax River, MD
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Audit, Budget Finance: The annual budget for FY 2014-2015 was presented to the Branch by Shipmate O’Neill; A motion was made to accept the budget as presented, 2nd/approved. Shipmate Jack O’Neill will audit the Branch books before the installation ceremony.
Americanism/Patriotism: Massing of the Colors at Ft. Meade Pavillion, 18 May at 2:30. Memorial Day participation in Annapolis Parade by FRA & Auxiliary. CLC is hosting Memorial Day at the Navy Memorial in D.C. Both Ceremonies are at 10a.m. on Monday, May 26th.
Membership & Retention: 1851 Active Members in the Branch = 6% loss
“Bring ‘Em Back” is a new award retention program for Branches who retain the most members.
Public Relations: Coverage for the Rock-on Warriors was in the Sun and Capital newspapers.
Youth Activites: National Chaplain Dana Wallace will present the FRA medal to her JROTC.
Shipmate Don Hoover requested $350 for the 2014 Soap Box Derby. A Motion was made/2nd /approved.
Contributions: A motion was made to donate $100 to the USS Olympia Family Readiness Group 2nd/approved. A motion was made to donate $100 to the Ride Across Maryland, Navy Chiefs by Kirk Towner 2nd/approved.
Adopt-A-Hwy: Chairman Fred Grady organized and led a clean-up on May 3rd. The crew consisted of John Bocchicchio, Don Hoover, Jack O’Neill, Greg De Veau, Claire Purdy and Valerie Reed.
FRC Liasion: “Pay Down the Mortgage” Lottery tickets will be available soon. A committee has been formed for the FRC to host an “Open House” to recruit members for the FRA, Auxiliary, and the FRC.
Unfinished Business: Election of Branch 24 Officers and B.O.D. for the Fiscal year 2014-15: President Max Templeton, 1st Vice President Pat Fedorowicz, 2nd Vice President John Bocchicchio, Secretary/Treasurer Valerie Reed, Jr. PP Richard Bonnett B.O.D: Don Hoover, William Maxey, Chris Erickson, Lew Bearden, Dan McGrath, Ed McGrath, , Jack Thibodeau, Jack O’Neill, Gary Van Nest, Curtis Jones.
A Motion was made for Secretary Reed to cast 1 ballot in acclimation for each of the individually nominated persons 2nd/approved.
NEW BUSINESS: Joint Installation of Branch & Unit Officers on Tuesday, June 10th; Seating and cocktails at 6:00pm, dinner at 7pm, ceremony at 8pm.
TWO BELL CEREMONY: The Two Bell Ceremony was held in honor of those who perished on the submarine USS Squalus. This ceremony is conducted each May at the request of Shipmate Bill Badders who tolled the bell while on the bottom in honor of the entombed shipmates. “It is the only bell in the world to have been tolled for departed shipmates while both were under 242 feet of water.” -William Badders
GOOD OF THE ORDER: Shipmate Collins has $5 Raffle Tickets for season Redskin Tickets or $2000 cash: proceeds go to Branch 182.
Shipmate Collins has organized a team to support and walk 2K in the Shriners Diabetes Walk on May 31st at Greenbury Point, Annapolis.
Congratulations to the new Branch Officers were offered by Jr.PRPEC Don Hoover, PRPEC Claire Purdy & PRPEC Paul Dix. Shipmate PRPSE Robert Mitchell addressed the shipmates. Finally, National President Courneya congratulated the shipmates and also thanked the shipmates for our support during his presidency.
Next Branch Meeting: Will be the Initiation Ceremony & Dinner on Tuesday, June 10th at 7pm. Dinner is $25 (pay at the door) with choice of Steak or Chicken – sign up with the Secretary. Installation Ceremony will be at 8pm.
ADJOURNMENT: After appropriate closing ceremonies, the meeting adjourned at 2150.
Submitted: Approved:
Valerie Reed Richard Bonnett
Secretary/Treasurer President