Overview
American Legion Post 335 (Norfolk, MA) held its March meeting at the town fire station after a prior night’s session at the Federated Church. The meeting opened with the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for “seven or eight” servicemen lost and approximately “140 injured” in a recent three-week conflict. Members reviewed minutes and finances, advanced multiple community programs and trips, debated uniform standards and purchasing logistics, voted on bylaws amendments to change meeting timing and voting procedures, and confirmed outreach and fundraising plans.
Attendance and Opening
- Sergeant-at-Arms posted the colors; members saluted and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Moment of silence for recently fallen servicemen (losses cited as “seven or eight,” with ~140 injured).
- Roll call by name and branch; quorum proceeded to business.
Minutes Highlights and Key Updates
- Trips and commitments noted (details below); commitment for the aircraft-carrier trip requested by April 1 (payment can follow).
- Boys State and Girls State: continuing with two sponsored participants; outreach in progress with the high school. Purpose described as a civics immersion on elections, motions, and community service.
- Membership: 11 new members in the past six months; additional prospects active. Membership cards to be mailed; members can also print via MyLegion.
- Community/social ideas raised: museum trips, potential game night, and other activities to increase engagement.
- No members were previously reported ill or needing assistance; later updates were provided (see Health/Wellbeing).
Fundraising and Financial Status
- Poppies: first year using prior approach raised $2,700; last year’s revamped effort raised over $8,000. New locations approved (e.g., Bass Pro Shops including a popular Thursday cruise night). Targeting $12,000+ this year.
- Poker tournaments: Post runs charitable tournaments (in Walpole) for other posts that hold the required permits, splitting proceeds. Tasks are light (intake at player registration, issuing receipts) and include a raffle of lottery tickets that has yielded $300–$600 per event.
- Example results (Millis Post, three tournaments in January): Post 335 netted $2,259; Millis netted approximately $1,060 after taxes and fees. Post reimburses the host post for the permit fee; host submits required tax filings.
- Expansion: Similar partnerships are being pursued with Foxboro (paperwork pending due to past filing issues), Rentham (positive), and Plainville (under consideration).
- Treasurer’s report (treasurer traveling): assets $75,039.62; January–February deposits $2,681; expenses (poppies, membership, dinner, poker, church rental, supplies) reported. Motion to accept passed.
Uniforms and Appearance Standards
- Proposal to keep on hand basic uniform items so newcomers can participate promptly in events without long wait times.
- Debate and decisions:
- “Alpha” (dress) vs. “beta” (navy polo) uniforms: Polos available locally from Printmaster (~$36, includes emblems). Alpha components often have long lead times from Legion suppliers.
- Shirts: Members can source plain white shirts quickly (e.g., Amazon) and add patches locally.
- Hats (covers): price now ~$70.94 (previously believed to be ~$50). Post will refund $10 for new cap orders (as stated earlier in discussion).
- Motion passed to stock long-lead uniform components (e.g., patches, braids/sash, some common hat sizes/covers) in limited quantities (approx. 4–5), allowing members to buy at cost; hardship cases may be supported. Vote carried.
- Volunteer stepped up to take over ordering; prior coordinator had used a personal card and requested a better system.
- Payment method discussion (post card vs. debit/Venmo vs. prepayment and reimbursement) tabled until the treasurer can advise.
- Color Guard: Coordination with Franklin Post (rifle squad/three-volley). Noted uniform pants (blue with yellow stripe) have long Legion lead times. Resource shared for accessories/shoes: USAMM.com (Armed Forces Superstore). Volunteers for color guard invited.
Programs and Community Outreach
- Blanket-making with the Lions at the Grange next Thursday, 6:30–8:30 pm. No skills required; cut-and-knot lap blankets for VA patients. Bring fabric scissors if available; family/guests welcome. Members cited blankets going to local VAs (Brockton, with mention that some may go to West Roxbury); one member initially recalled West Virginia.
- Be the One (American Legion suicide prevention initiative): Three suicides in Norfolk last year. A suicide-prevention speaker is arranged for the next meeting (second Thursday in April). The post may dedicate the full meeting to this topic and invite broader community groups (Lions, Scouts, schools).
- Boy Scouts engagement: Veterans Q&A held; strong interest. Chris Walker (French horn; previously on bugle) offered to serve as post bugler for ceremonies. A bagpiper is being lined up for the Memorial Day parade.
- Veteran stories project: Plan for members to share 5–10 minute service histories; potential to record sessions. “Bucky” turns 100 on November 6; ideas included making him guest of honor at the veterans’ dinner and a public cake/cards event for town children to participate.
- Field of Flags: Continued partnership with the Lions; photo documentation requested for the post historian.
Events and Trips
- American Heritage Museum (Hudson, MA): Wednesday, March 25. Meet 9:00 am at Town Hall; carpool to arrive at 10:00 am. Less crowded midweek. Veterans $20; non-veterans $23; children $12. Bill Conklin will pay at the door; attendees reimburse him. No advance signup required; just show up at 9:00 am.
- USS Intrepid trip (New York City): Planned for the day after Memorial Day by coach bus (3 hours each way). Cost ~$85 (primarily bus); veterans’ museum admission is free; nonveteran admission is ~$34. Bring or buy lunch (~$13 on site). Water to be provided on the bus. Approximately 18 already signed up; commitment requested by April 1.
- Birdhouses: Norfolk Aggie donated 10. Members can take and paint them for later sale at post events (prior sales ranged from ~$10 to $25). Aim to avoid mixing sales with poppy drives.
Membership and Health/Wellbeing
- Recruiting: 11 new members in six months; several more in the pipeline; about 50 prospects on an outreach list. Noted success inviting nearby posts and the community to social events (e.g., Army–Navy game led to two younger recruits).
- Illness and death:
- Moment of silence for Richard Schmidt’s wife, who passed away three weeks ago; members offered support.
- John Pike scheduled for back surgery on the 24th (followed by neck surgery); one procedure at a New England clinic (Natick) and another at “Wilford Hospital” as stated. Members offered assistance during recovery.
Governance and Bylaws Decisions
- Bylaws Amendment 1 (Meetings): Change regular meetings to the second Thursday of each month and add the Town of Norfolk Fire Station as the venue (Federated Church retained as an alternate location). Approved unanimously.
- Bylaws Amendment 2 (Amendment Procedure): Reduce notice period from 90 to 21 days; require USPS notice; allow written votes submitted by post members who cannot attend. Approved unanimously after discussion about absentee voting notifications.
Operations and Administration
- Website: Volunteer support lapsed, creating a posting backlog (minutes, calendar, photos, news). Options compared: family member at $35/hour vs. an external contractor at $12/hour.
- Motion passed: Allocate $200 to bring the site current, then proceed at $12/hour for ongoing updates (minutes, photos, press clips). Members discussed editing minutes before public posting to avoid unnecessary internal detail.
- Contacts: Local polos via Printmaster (Dawn); photos to Post Historian Jay for archival/documentation.
Upcoming Actions
- Attend blanket-making at the Grange next Thursday, 6:30–8:30 pm; bring guests and scissors if available.
- American Heritage Museum trip on Wednesday, March 25: meet 9:00 am at Town Hall; reimburse Bill on site.
- Confirm interest and payment commitment for the USS Intrepid bus trip by April 1 (trip scheduled the day after Memorial Day).
- Implement the uniform stock decision: procure patches, braids/sash, and a few common-size covers; share Printmaster polo ordering info to members.
- Identify additional volunteers for color guard and for poker tournament staffing; pursue Foxboro, Rentham, and Plainville partnerships.
- Advance the Boys/Girls State selections; continue school and Scout engagement.
- Schedule veteran story segments; plan November 6 recognition for “Bucky.”
- Coordinate Field of Flags and Memorial Day parade elements (bugler, bagpiper, DPW approval for cemetery flag ceremony, and Fire Department participation).
- Treasurer to advise on purchasing/payment process (post card/debit vs. reimbursement) at a future meeting.
- Website: execute the $200 catch-up and begin ongoing updates at $12/hour; consider preposting edits to minutes.
- Next meeting: second Thursday in April with a suicide-prevention speaker; may dedicate the full session to Be the One.