May 27,2004
Augusta Civic Center
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 $3179.24. Major expenditures: Maine Share funds were shared with the newly organized Bangor Chapter; $500 paid 4/22 and Membership pamphlet: $190.
Honorary Member Voted unanimously: to recognize Marla 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. She will be presented at the next meeting by Jack Bussell.
The VFP table at the Democratic Party Convention at the Civic Center in Portland May 2122 was most successful. Many new membership forms designed by Bob Lezer and other material representative of VFP activities were distributed, easily covering the $250 cost of for the table. President Rawlings had ordered from VFP National bumper stickers, buttons, hats, T-shirts and arm bands. The recent VFP National Newsletter was also available. The President had printed generic VFP business cards.
The 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 was well attended by local VFP members and Global Network representatives from around the world. Speakers & workshops stimulated lively discussion and a renewed commitment.
.For the May 31 Memorial Day Parade beginning at Mt. Ararat School in Topsham to the Brunswick Town Green. VFP members are asked to dress in black. Richard Clement will make additional memorial crosses (total 600). A banner “Peace is Patriotic” was proposed for the memorial display. Stan and Luki Lofche worked on the arrangements for VFP participation in the parade. (Note: The display won 3rd Place.)
Jack Bussell was designated at Publicity Director for VFP /Maine.
$155 was voted for an ad in the National VFP Convention booklet.
Bill Leonard introduced Jerry Geneseo, Founder and First Executive Officer of VFP who then led discussion of the possibility of updating and re-activating the Children’s Rescue Project which he had so successfully directed. Further discussion and study is expected.
It was noted that Friday. August 6th is Hiroshima Day at which time a dinner is planned at the Center for Cultural Exchange in Portland as well a Vigil. an Art Walk and other events.
Dud Hendrick noted a tentative date for the VFP family Picnic: September 18th on Deer Isle.
Roger York of Waterville has agreed to keep the minutes beginning with this meeting.
With the National VFP Convention scheduled for. Boston – July 22 – 25 – Emerson College. no meeting is scheduled for July.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm. Next meeting: Brunswick, 55-Plus. Senior Center at 7:00 pm.. at which time Maria Holt will be recognized as an Honorary Member.
Respectfully submitted:
Arthur Whitman. Secretary pro tem
