Minutes for Oneonta DAV Chapter 200 meeting held October 18, 2007 at Oneonta Vets Club.
Meeting called to order at 7:10pm by Cmdr. Keidel.
Opening with prayer and pledge of allegiance.
All Officers present.
Eight members were present.
After the roll call of officers Commander Keidel suspended further business to allow our guest speaker
to give her presentation.
Wendy Fisher from the Education Office at A.O. Fox Hospital, Oneonta gave a slide presentation,
covering the topics of DNR Orders (Do not resuscitate), Health Care Proxies and Advance Medical
Directives.
This is a subject we don’t like to think about, but we need to make decisions now so when
something does happen, your family will know what your wishes are concerning your health care when
you can not speak for your self.
Wendy Fisher had hand outs for everyone and Adjutant Thompson passed out sheets for you to
record the information your family will need to know after you have died. These sheets are for your
personal use. Give the information to someone you want to carry out your wishes after you are gone.
If you want more information on this subject call Wendy Fisher at 607-431-5082.
We thank Wendy for her time and presenting the material to us.
The September ’07 minutes were read and accepted on a motion by John, 2nd by Norm.
The September ‘07 treasurer’s report was accepted on a motion by John, 2nd by Norm.
VVA Chapter 85 donated $45.50 to our chapter toward the purchase of a new van.
A bill of $12.58 turned in by Laura Thompson for donuts was approved.
Sickness/Distress: Raymond MacGibbon of Walton and Thomas Greek of Bainbridge passed away.
The family of Thomas Greek gave permission for the chapter to perform a ritual service after the
funeral. Cmdr. Keidel, Chaplain Payne, Past Cmdr. Henriksen and Adjutant Thompson paid our final
honors and respect in a short ceremony taken from the DAV official ritual book.
An active duty honor guard from Albany folded the flag and played taps. The flag was given to
Thomas’ daughter by a member of the honor guard.
Adjutant Thompson reported that NSO William Gibney is investigating if there is any disaster relief for
DAV members. It is a new area of aid for him. He will let us know what is what.
No new members were reported.
Ernest Thompson informed the Commander he had not been officially appointed Adjutant. An over
site from the installation of officers. Cmdr. Keidel promptly appointed him Adjutant.
During the joke of the month contest more members present contributed a story. Acting as judge,
Laura Thompson chose the one by Cmdr. Keidel as the best: A mysterious prize shaped a lot like a â
€œwhiskeyâ€� bottle was awarded.
Correspondence was read and placed out for all to see.
Committees: Requests have been made to Oneonta Wal-Mart Store and Oneonta Southside Mall to
allow the chapter to hold a Forget-Me- Not fund raiser November 9-10.
NOTE: Any chapter member or interested person willing to help would be greatly appreciated. We
will be working from 10:00am till ??. Show up at the door of Wal - Mart or to the main intersection
inside The Southside Mall, a few minutes or hours of your time will make a great deal of difference.
National Service Officer William Gibney will be at The Oneonta Vets Club on Nov. 1, 2007 to file
claims or answer your questions. IT’S FREE
Unfinished business: Otsego County residents can receive a copy of Senior Citizens Newsletter by
calling The Otsego Office for The Aging at 607-547-4232 or 607-432-9041. Do it. It has lots of
good information.
New business: Governor Spitzer has proposed a plan to issue drivers licenses to illegal immigrants.
After discussing this plan, many members at the meeting were opposed to the plan. Lou Palombo
made a motion to have the adjutant write a letter to the governor, stating that fact. The motion was 2nd
by John Donnelly. The motion was passed on a voice vote and the adjutant was ordered to write the
letter.
Adjutant Thompson suggested looking into a bus trip next year. Any ideas will be welcome. Where do
you want to go? Also December 2008 will be the 25th anniversary of DAV Chapter 200. Perhaps
we should plan a celebration.
A memorial service to our departed Comrades was held at 8:00pm.
Good of the Order donations were $18.25.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm with closing prayer by Chaplain Payne and a salute to the flag of
our country.
Submitted by Adjutant Thompson