9/28/23 – Meeting opened at 7:03
Attendance: Doug Rawlings, Peter Morgan, Don Kimball, Lynn Ellis, Dan Ellis, John Morris, Eric Herter, Tom Whitney, Sally Chappell, Larry Gilbert, Martha Spiess, Constance Jordan, and Jeff Merrick and Pat Alviso from VFP Chapter 110 (CA).
Inspiration: Don read the Indigenous Peoples’ Greeting
Don introduced Pat and Jeff (Ch.110) who are campaigning to repeal the two Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) from 2001 (Afghanistan) and 2002 (Iraq). Both have been repealed by the Senate but not as yet by the House. They are seeking cosponsors and endorsements for their lobbying efforts. No action was taken at the meeting and Doug will email members for their input.
Secretary’s Report: August minutes accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Account balance: $4,727.23
Common Ground Fair: Doug, Peter and Lynn shared their experiences and Peter showed a photo of the (impressive) booth. Donations totaled $173.
Fitzgerald Award: November 15 in Portland. This year’s winner is our own Lynn Ellis for her efforts to promote gun safety here in Maine. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously to donate $500 to the host committee for the event. Don, Doug, and Peter plan to attend and one more ticket is still available (call Lynn if interested).
Doug reported on his recent trip to Vietnam and thanked the chapter for its support. Doug and Chuck Searcy will discuss the trip on Don’s WMPG show Friendly Fire on September 29.
Doug reported that the Golden Rule will end its voyage in Chicago and thanked all those who facilitated the boat’s stay here in Maine.
Don reported that the Samantha Smith banner has been delivered to the Maine State Museum and that he is still working with State Senator Anne Carney to secure more signage for Samantha Smith Way (Turnpike access in South Portland).
Don reported that a documentary about Reality Winner will be shown in New York City on October 11 and 12.
Don reported that he can always use help with his Saturday food distribution in Portland. Anyone interested should be at the Portland Post Office at 11am. Contact Don for more info.
Peter reported that there will be a peace vigil at Bath Iron Works on October 7 from 11:30 to 12:30. All are welcome.
Peter reported that there will be two showings of the film “What I Want You to Know”, in Brunswick on November13 and in Old Town on November 18.
Peter recommended updating our chapter website, Facebook page, and business card. Dan requested more input from members on the website, Lynn pointed out that there is currently no events calendar on the website.
Dan again brought up the question of how to dispose of our no longer needed sound system.Doug suggested that the Sunrise Movement might have use for it.
Larry encouraged efforts to promote an armistice in Ukraine.
Lynn requested info anyone might have on two recent suicides in Maine, one in Holden and a second related to an armed robbery in Falmouth.
Meeting adjourned at 8:33pm.
