Meeting opened by Doug at 7PM
Attendance: Richard Clement, Dan Ellis, John Morris, Rita Clement, Peter Woodruff, Peter Morgan, Bob Lezer, Don Kimball, Dave Crowley, Robin Spencer, Robert Foley, Bud Buzzell, Clarence Smith, Martha Morrison, David Larsen, Doug Rawlings.
Opening statement of inspiration-poem read by Don Kimball
Secretary’s report-January minutes accepted as written
Treasurer’s report-$3,511.14 total as of Jan. 30, 2019
Membership report-109 total, 41 currently paid up. Dan has sent 39 membership reminder letters to those who have paid no dues since 2918. He also reminded us of the importance of joining the national organization, especially for voting on issues of importance to the chapter.
Actions in February-several members attended the Feb. 23rd protest against U S involvement in Venezuela (Brunswick). Copies of the book written by student survivors of the Parkland shooting have been distributed by Don Kimball, Doug Rawlings. and Peter Morgan to various interested parties.
Doug received a letter of thanks from Eric Herter and Brian Leonard for the chapter support of their trip to Vietnam for additional research for their upcoming film.
Peter Morgan presented two gift certificates from Dunkin Donuts to Doug Rawlings in recognition of his work as interim chapter president.
Richard reported that he was given a substantial number of archival chapter documents from a Ken Perkins family member. Doug agreed to accept possession of the documents.
Doug provided an update on the Welcome New Mainers event to be held at the U U Church in Brunswick on March 23rd. Several musicians have committed to provide music and Martha Morrison has contacted numerous food establishments in Brunswick for donations. Doug will meet with members of the Midcoast New Mainers Support Group to coordinate the logistical aspects of the event and additional publicity will be provided by Catholic Charities and Amjambo Africa. Volunteers will be needed to help set up from 1pm to 3pm and also to clean up at the conclusion at 9pm.Please email Doug if you are able to help out.
Upcoming events in March:
Moms Demand Action Gun Violence Reality event at the State House in Augusta from 9am to 3pm on the 5th.VFP presence will be in a support role only.
Talk by Heather Browser on effects on children of agent orange survivors (Vietnam) at UMF at11:30 am and 7pm on the 13th.
Advocacy Day at the State House in Augusta from 8am to 1pm on the 19th for the purpose of securing legislators’ support of the red flag bill that has been submitted to the legislature.
Your attendance at any/all of these events is encouraged.
Anyone currently not on the listserv who wishes to be on it should give your email address to Dan Ellis (danellis@vfpmaine.org
Doug reported that Tarak Kauff has used the $500 provided by the chapter to purchase necessities for asylum seekers on our border with Mexico.
Lenten vigils will be held every Saturday in Lent at Bath Iron Works from 11:30am to 12:30pm. All are invited.
A motion to give $250 to help pay for the printing of leaflets encouraging the conversion of Bath Iron Works to peaceful manufacturing was passed unanimously. The leaflet has been designed by a group of activists including VFP members Dud Hendrick and Russell Wray and will be given out at the upcoming “christening” of the third and final Zumwalt destroyer at BIW as well as at other future events involving our chapter.
Don Kimball reported that he visited Senator King’s office to ask for his support of the ongoing BDS movement opposing Israel’s humanitarian crimes against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Robin Spencer reported that she will be visiting Vieques,Puerto Rico in May as part of a VFP delegation. The island of Vieques had been used for years as a bombing training area for the U S Military.
Bud Buzzell provided an update on his medical issues. We all wish him well on his progress in that regard and admire his tenacity in continuing to be an active member of our chapter in spite of all the problems he has been facing.
Meeting adjourned at 8:53pm. Next meeting on March 28th at the U U Church in Brunswick at 7pm.
