Minutes for DAV Chapter 200 meeting held March 19, 2009 at Oneonta Vet’s Club in small room.
Cmdr. Keidel called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.
Officers present: Cmdr. Keidel, Sr. Vice Donnelly, Jr. Vice Hopper, Chaplain Coates and Service Officer Donnelly.
Treasurer Henriksen was excused.
Ten members were present.
Barbara Boone, sister to Stanley Fish, was a guest and Laura Thompson served refreshments.
Minutes of the January 2009 meeting were read and accepted on a motion by John, 2nd by Grant. No treasurer’s
report was given.
Adjutant Thompson asked that some checks written after the February meeting was cancelled be approved. On a
motion by Lou, 2nd by John checks #1469, 1470, 1471 and 1472 were approved.
Bill’s against the chapter: Cmdr. Keidel submitted a bill of $60.39 for flags purchased for the flag committee. A motion by
Grant, 2nd by John to pay for the flags was passed.
A motion by John, 2nd by Michael Alvin for the Adjutant to purchase a roll of postage stamps was approved.
Sickness and Distress: Harry Callahan was not able to have surgery on his knee and is at home.
Walter Henriksen has had surgery on his cheek and is at home.
Membership: Five members have passed away Norman Payne, Ernest Eglin, Frank Kristofik, Terry Lambrecht and
Frank Weinheimer. M. Tisenchek-Clapper-Kaufman transferred out of 200.
Communications were read and placed out for all to see. Special note was made of the Club activities sheet. May 15 is
a bus trip to the Intrepid Museum in NYC. Anyone interested should contact Eastern Travel @607-432-5418. ($94.00)
Committee Reports: Adjutant Thompson reported the 1996 DAV van was sold to Jack Ward for $500.00. Expenses on
the van were $161.00 for transporting from Albany, $50.00 for NYS title and $20.00 for an ad in Pennysaver. $269.00
will go into new van account.
We have received a $200.00 donation from the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club for the new van account. We thank them
very much.
As of March 4, 2009 we have received $305.00 from friends and family of Norman Payne Sr.. At the meeting Richard
Gorence and Lou Palombo each made a $20.00 cash donation and a $25.00 check from Kermit and Vivian Weaver was
turned in by John Donnelly. More has been received by Treasurer Henriksen but not an exact count yet.
It was reported that 12 members of Chapter 200 attended Norman Payne’s funeral. A memorial service was conducted
at the funeral home by Cmdr. Keidel, Adjutant Thompson and Acting Chaplain Henriksen. A hand salute was rendered
at the casket by all attending veterans at the close of the service.
Adjutant Thompson reported he attended the funeral of Michael Mayne in Edmeston. Michael is the first resident of
Otsego County to be killed in the Iraq War. A very impressive service with the Fort Drum Honor Guard and over fifteen
hundred people in attendance.
Grant Coates reported that the idea of having the VA Hospital bill service connected veterans insurance companies for
VA Hospital care was dead in the water. This had been thought by the Administration as a way to recoup millions of
dollars.
No unfinished business:
New business: A motion to open nominations for chapter officers was made by John Donnelly, 2nd by Grant Coates.
The motion was carried.
Candidates for Commander are Ernst Keidel nominated by Grant, 2nd by Lou. John Donnelly nominated by Ernest, 2nd
by Michael Alvin.
Candidates for Sr. Vice Cmdr. Are Elmer Hopper nominated by Grumpy,2nd by Lou. Michael Alvin nominated by John,
2nd by Grant.
Candidate for Jr. Vice Cmdr. Is Lou Palombo nominated by Grumpy, 2nd by Grant.
Candidate for Chaplain is Grant Coates nominated by Grumpy, 2nd by John.
Candidate for Treasurer is Walter Henriksen.
Nominations will be opened again at the April meeting and then the election will be held.
The officers elected will serve beginning July 1, 2009 thru June 30, 2010
The annual Forget Me Not fund raiser will be held in May. John Donnelly made a motion to have Adjutant Thompson
order additional Forget Me Nots. The motion was 2nd by Lou and it carried.
Other chapter activities were discussed such as a bus trip ex.(Rochester, Gettysburg), flea market/yard sale type day at
the club. All suggestions are welcome.
Cmdr. Keidel raised the question of scholarships by the DAV.
John Donnelly and Grant Coates were appointed by Cmdr. Keidel to serve as a scholarship committee and will
investigate any education scholarships by Department or National and the feasibility of having a chapter scholarship.
Lou Palombo made a motion for the chapter to pay the expenses of training our chapter service officers at the State
Convention. One (1) nights lodging and the delegate fees. John seconded the motion and it carried.
It was discussed what to do as a project with the monies donated in Norman Payne’s memory. (Ex. Steps up to the
sidewalk at the club, a scholarship?)
No decision was made.
Good of the Order was $25.00.
A Memorial Service to departed Comrades was at 8:00pm.
Meeting adjourned in proper manner with closing prayer and salute to our flag at 8:50pm.
Submitted by Ernest Thompson, Adjutant