Tom Sturtevant Chapter 1
May 28, 2015
USM Abromson Center
Portland, Maine
Attended by: Richard Clement (who facilitated), Dave Crowley, Erik Johnson, Clarence (Smitty) Smith, Russ Christensen, David Larsen, Minty Hyslop (guest), Martha Morrison, Peter Morgan, Dovey Balsam, Peggy Akers, Rita Clement, Robin Spencer, Doug Rawlings, Dan Ellis, Tom Whitney (who recorded)
Opened meeting with passing around the book “The Smiling Photo, Images of War” by Carolyn Snively. The author has provided the book free of charge to all Veterans For Peace chapters that have requested it.
Voted to accept secretary’s report of meeting in April.
Accepted Treasurer’s report given by Dovey. Check received from Joe Hill Fund goes to Russ Christiansen, for expenses for his book donation program.
Standing Committees:
- Maine Share – Richard gives report on recent meeting – six new groups, lost three – total 46. Maine Share Fair is being promoted – new version of Hike and Bike; now member groups have individual fundraisers. Peggy and Rita volunteered to work on organizing MVP event, Peggy suggests in memory of Tom Sturtevant.
- Membership Comm. – 129 members, 96 are paid up.
- Education, Outreach Comm. – nothing discussed.
Blue Angels event in Brunswick discussed. We need a coordinator of our effort – not yet found.
Peace Walk in October, not discussed because Bruce not at meeting
MOFGA Fair – Application is in. We need a theme, brief discussion, nothing decided, Smitty agreed to coordinate our participation. A sign-up sheet was passed to volunteers at the table.
National Convention: Dan is working on program book; MVFP ad will feature the October walk. Convention is in San Diego – theme is Peace and Reconciliation in the Pacific. Russ Christensen will go; chapter pays $500 toward his expenses. Funds are being sought for restored “Golden Rule” boat to sail from Eureka CA to San Diego
Sound System – Dan found that new power inverter worked, so meeting authorized purchase of one and storage of the unit at Bruce’s.
New treasurer: Dovey is retiring, so Robin Spencer volunteered to be new treasurer. Peggy A. will help out. The account will be moved from Franklin Bank to Credit Union in Augusta.
“Full Disclosure” effort at Vietnam Wall, Washington, Memorial Day. Doug was there, gave full report – very successful
Brunswick Peace Fair. Chapter will be there, August 1, sponsored by PeaceWorks, Richard to make presentation. We’ll have table there, need volunteers. Check to participate in Brunswick Peace Fair made out to Maine Peace Fund.
Hallowell Parade July 18. Agreed to pay $20 donation. Dud Hendricks wants presentation on BDS campaign there. Need participants
Belfast Peace Festival, August 29 – Agree pay $15 fee. We participated last year.
Agreed to donate to Auburn Library which is hosting on August 3 Iraq War veteran Luis Montalvan who will present his book on recovery from stress he suffered in the war. We agreed to donate $200.
Brief review of memorial Day Parade in Brunswick
Peggy described her tour with a Vet who in his van makes tour of camps of the homeless in Portland, many of whom are vets. We agreed to donate $400 to the program.
A guest Ms. Minty Hyslop presented her request for a speaker from the chapter to discuss at her group “Elders for future generations” the reasons not to have wars, from the vet’s point of view. Location is Falmouth. We thought two people would be better than one; Peggy will be one of the speakers and will find another.
Next meeting – Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, 1 Middle Street, June 25
