VFP meeting, Oct.27, 2016,
Buker Community Center,Augusta ME
Members present: Peggy Akers, Richard Clement, Rita Clement, Dan Ellis, John Morris, Doug Rawlings, Clarence Smith, Tom Whitney
Doug read a “Letter to the Wall” from Bill Perry, Vietnam Veteran, in which he described his participation in a firefight which resulted in the deaths of twelve Americans and four Viet Cong.
John Morris was elected chapter secretary, replacing interim secretary Doug Rawlings
Minutes of Sept. meeting were accepted as submitted.
Dan gave treasurer’s report. Current balance is $6,672.33 which includes a $1000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation for the Peace Walk. Bruce Gagnon will coordinate disbursement of the grant money.
Richard will forward a list of openings at Maine Share to Dan via listserv.
Dan gave membership report. Current total is 121, of whom 72 are paid up members.
Richard read latest report from Regis on his trip to Russia. All reports and videos are on Regis’ web site, registremblay.com
Doug reported that ten copies of “Letters To The Wall” have been distributed. He will offer copies to the high school social studies conference in Augusta on Nov. 10 and will also promote counter recruiting efforts at Maine high schools. Peggy Akers will send a copy of the book to Senji Kanaeda, a Buddhist monk who helped lead the Peace Walk.
Doug has submitted an application for a $500 Zinn grant. No action is expected until January.
VFP will vigil on Armistice Day in Portland on Nov. 11. Parade starts at 10:30.We will meet at the Market Coffee Shop (upstairs) on Monument Square at 10:00. Banners and flags are allowed-no signs.
Dan will be reimbursed $103.38 for printing supplies.
Discussion held on filing of Maine use tax. VFP did not file for July-Dec.2015 and Jan.-June 2016. Decision was made to hire an accountant for this purpose. Anyone who knows of an accountant who might be hired should forward info to Dan Ellis.
Ann Wright speaking tour in Maine schedule on listserv.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day program at 7PM on Nov. 29 at UU Church in Brunswick. Topic will be changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Peggy, Doug, and John reported on the Peace Walk. Articles and videos are on the VFP web site.
Doug will speak at UMF on Nov. 2. (happiness) and at USM on Nov. 4 (Elders)
Meeting adjourned at 8:50. Next meeting in Portland on Nov. 17.
