President Doug Rawlings called the meeting to order at 7:05.  Minutes were accepted as distributed.  The treasurer reported details of recent transactions, with a balance of $3,930.67.

Following discussion of the pending decision to share Maine Share funds with the Bangor Chapter.  It was voted to send $500.00 to the Chapter to assist in the further development of membership solicitation and program activities.  Details of the discussion followed the outline distributed to all parties by the Treasurer following the March 25th meeting.  An accounting procedure will be established with the Bangor Chapter Treasurer, Peter Phillips.

Honorary member proposed: To recognize Maria Holt of Bath as a tireless worker in Maine Communities for Peace.  A former legislator, she has been a long-time supporter of peace organizations and their objectives.  Approved by consensus of those present, the proposal will be presented to the membership by email.  Finding no objections, the vote will follow.

The new membership two-fold pamphlet designed by Bob Lezer from Freeport was approved with modifications (rearranging the panels) and thanks.

VFP has reserved a table at the Democratic Party Convention to be held at the Civic Center in Portland may 21-22.  Volunteers will set up Friday, May 21 at the entrance, 9:30 to 10:00am.  Volunteers at the meeting were designated to create materials and deliver them to the table Friday morning.

The Secretary will order from VFP national bumper stickers, buttons, hats, T-shirts, and arm bands to be available for up-coming VFP displays and sales.  Also to be ordered and assembled: 1,000 pie charts from the War Resistors League, VFP National Newsletters, Liberty Alliance Newsletters, the End of Fossil Energy booklet, copies of Peggy Akers's speech, a blow-up of VFP purpose, Arlington West poster, etc.

Doug Rawlings offered to print generic VFP business cards.  Negotiations were started for the reprinting of the book covers.

Other Coming Events:

April 23-24 Global Network Conference in Portland at Woodfords Congregational Church in Portland -- title -- Resisting Empire, Understanding the Role of Space in US Global Domination.  Eight to ten members indicated that they would be attending or leading workshops.
May 31st: Memorial Day parade from Mt. Ararat School in Topsham to the Brunswick Town Green.  A VFP memorial is planned; Richard Clement is bringing the display of memorial crosses.
September 18th: Discussion with Dud Hendrick on a proposal for a September 18th  VFP "mini-Woodstock" on a Deer Isle that would include local Peace groups.  Watch for details.

Bill Leonard will contact Jerry Genesio of Bridgeton to speak to VFP on the possibility of reactivating the Children's Rescue Program for children of Iraq.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.  Next meeting: Augusta City Center, May 21st at 7:00pm.

Respectfully submitted: Arthur Whitman, Secretary pro tem

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