VFP TOM STURTEVANT CHAPTER MINUTES
March 30, 2017, Portland, Maine
Members present-Richard Clement, David Larsen, Robin Spencer, Martha Morrison, Peggy Akers, Clarence Smith, Doug Rawlings, Dave Crowley, Peter Morgan, Brian Clement, John Morris, Dan Ellis.
Also Fred Brancato from Elders for Future Generations.
Meeting called to order by Richard @ 7PM
Minutes of Feb. meeting approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s report. Balance as of 3/30/2017 is $4,586.95
Membership report. 68 paid up members, 98 total.
Maine Share annual meeting will be Tuesday, May 16 from 2:00-4:30 at the Bangor Savings Bank in Augusta.
Doug reported on the Calendar Project. Two grants are pending, one for $3000 (Resist) and one from the Zinn Project for $3-5 thousand. The Zinn grant is problematic due to the stringent requirements it imposes. 2000 calendars are hoped to be printed.
Peggy reported that 15 pairs of footwear were distributed to refugees. These were greatly appreciated by the recipients.
Richard will speak at the GDAMS event on April 18 in Portland on behalf of VFP.
Doug reported that the deadline for submission of Letters to the Wall is May 17.
Doug reported that the Maine Historical Society is requesting additional stories from veterans. Go to their web site for more information.
The 23rd Annual Hope Festival will be held at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center on the UMO campus on Saturday, April 8.
Lenten Vigil for Disarmament will be held at BIW in Bath on April 1, 8, and 15.
Richard expressed his intent to step down as chapter President as soon as a replacement can be found.
Richard distributed copies of the 2016 Chapter Activities report. The number of activities continues to increase from year to year.
A discussion was held concerning the necessary tax paperwork for the state of Maine re our 501c3 status. Robin will contact the state to determine exactly what is required.
Doug, Peggy and Martha will take part in the MLK speech reading event sponsored by Elders for Future Generations on Tuesday, April 4 at 5PM at the UU Church in Portland. VFP will
donate $25 to the Elders for the event. Fred Brancato thanked VFP on behalf of the Elders and indicated their desire to work with us on future endeavors.
VFP will once again have a booth at the MOFGA Common Ground Fair in September.
VFP will participate in the Brunswick/Topsham Memorial Day Parade on May 29.
We received a $78 donation from Heavenly Socks Yarns in Belfast.
A protest against the “christening” of yet another Aegis destroyer will be held at BIW in Bath from 9-12 on Saturday, April 1. All are encouraged to attend.
VFP presence at the following events was noted:
Maine Jewish Film Festival in Portland
Veterans Voices at Maine Historical Society in Portland
Movement and Music for War Tax Resistance at the Holocaust Museum in Augusta
“Thirty Seconds to Midnight” film in Brunswick
“Equal Means Equal” film in Brunswick
Elders for Future Generations MLK speech event in Portland
Elders for Future Generations March Forth (tax protest) event in Portland
Lenten Vigil for Disarmament at BIW in Bath
VFP has also endorsed the Health Care is a Human Right Campaign and is also a sponsor of the Global Network 25th Annual Conference in Alabama.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50. Next meeting on April 27 in Brunswick.
