The September 2025 meeting of the 335 Legion convened at the Federated Church Hall, Norfolk on the evening of September 10, 2025. Members gathered at 1800, exchanging warm greetings and looking forward to another productive session. The hall was filled with a sense of camaraderie as old friends and new faces joined together, all united by the Legion’s enduring mission to serve both veterans and the wider Norfolk community.

Commander Frank Zolli called the meeting to order at 1830. The colors were presented, and the assembly stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Commander offered an invocation, reflecting on the importance of service, remembrance, and unity.

Temporary Adjutant Tom Sharkey recorded the roll. Attendance was 10 members signing in. Present were Brad McCreedy, Jose Delgato, Richard Schmidt, Al Bozza, Tom Caulfield, Tom Thompson, Bob Cook, Jim Schweitzer, Frank Zolli, and Tom Sharkey. Guest attendee Chellow.

The Temporary adjutant recorded minutes.

Approval of Previous Minutes

The minutes from the August 2025 meeting were distributed ahead of time, by email. Correction to the Minutes by Jim Schweitzer that we were now a 501C19, not a 501C3. A motion to approve the minutes was raised by Bob Cook and seconded by Brad McCreedy.  The motion carried unanimously, and the minutes were entered into the official record.

Treasurer provided an overview of the financial standing. The Legion’s bank account balance stands at $65,085.31 Net Equity of assets and Liabilities as of September 10, 2025. 

Most of our state’s Legion Posts are 503C-3 so they do not have to pay meal tax of 6%. The 80th anniversary dinner will include this cost as we are a 503C-19. Plan to create a secondary nonprofit 503-C-3 if we continue to do dinners in the future.

Gaming and bingo are ok for the Post to do 3 times a year. We pay 5% to the State on the total gross receipts of the function with Walpole Poker.

Income to the post non-taxable $78 poppies and $25 for bird house. Taxable receipts from poker night, $900 and $150 Lottery ticket raffle. Not taxed at Federal level.

Motion to accept by Bob Cook, seconded by Tom Caufield.

Jim Schweitzer requesting help with his multiple post activities. Recruiting, Facebook page, fundraising and others to name a few. 

80thPost Veterans dinner information by Al Bozza

Article will be placed in local paper, mail out letters ready to go. 1 October will be the big push. Two guests will attend. 98 y/o Korean war vet and a ww II vet.  Norfolk Sherrif 

Norfolk Lions donated $750 to the dinner expenses. Dinner committee members will solicit local businesses for donations.

Commander Motion to move from Federated Church to Fire station.

Discussion Fire Station is without cost. Church is $500 a year. Fire station is modern with audiovisual equipment for presentations. 

Storage is a problem. We cannot store our property on town land with a “container” The Lions shed is owned by a 98y/o man. Question is will son continue to lease? 

Tom Sharkey will ask Bill Hawkins of the Lions if he possibly could have a key to the shed.

This will facilitate access to our property. Motion to move tabled.

Key for Federated Church obtained from Barbra Lavallie. Commander and Junior Vice Commander signed for entrance key.

Historical committee

Tom Thompson report.

To establish an Honor Guard, we should start with a color guard. Color guards are less costly, starting at about $600. A 25-year post narrative will be given in the October meeting.

Quartermaster report  

Army Donations Ceremonial Rifle Certification form completed for 4 returned M1903 Rifles and the loss of 4 Rifles to unrecoverable due to unknown past members possession of. Electronic form sent to Army and was accepted.

Signposts declaring 335 Legions presence on town roads in process. Information coming from Legion supplier.

Reports accepted by motion Bob Cook and 2ndby Jim Schweitzer.

Motion to give $100 in remembrance of Ed Jiminuchi’s daughter to Danna Farber by Jim Schweitzer. Seconded by Bob Cook. Commander to send condolence letter.

Future activities  

Field of flags, bugler, bagpipes’

Attract more members, bring back nonparticipating members of the post.

Member to contact Norfolk Middle school to speak to classes about Americanisms.

Outings to Heritage Museum in Hudson, Ma, CB’s Museum In RI, Old Iron sides and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Jim Schweitzer can look into getting a bus.

Next post meeting on 8 October 2025

Commander motioned to close the meeting at 20:00hrs 

Seconded by Tom Cook

Commander Frank Zolli

Temporary Adjutant: Tom Sharkey