I want to thank you all for attending and participating in our meeting Wednesday, August 21. I think we accomplished a great deal and understand there is much more to do. Consider partnering with the Lions Club or other American Legion Posts or VFW Posts to help better support our community and possibly other communities. (And possibly meet with other
commanders or president of the Lions Club.) There are towns that no longer have Legion Posts or VFW Posts traditions and tributes are going by the wayside. We cannot forget those that went before us.
Attendees:
Lori Scholl
Ben McCarty
Al Boza
Frank Zolli
Cathy Ward
Bill Ward
Jim Schweitzer
Tom Sharkey
Tom Thompson
Marcello (non-member invited by Jim)
We discussed structure, chain of command, authorization processes and settled on some committees, fully understanding that our Post does not have the membership to fully staff all committees listed in the By-Laws. The committees to be staffed are Publicity, Dinner and Planning/Fund Raising Committees.
Post positions filled are Service Officer (Tom Sharkey), Historian (Tom Thompson), Finance Officer (Jim Schweitzer with Ben McCarty), Adjutant (Bernie Mullaney), Senior Vice Commander (Ben McCarty), Commander (Lori Scholl).
Adjutant Bernie Mullaney has expressed his intention of retiring from his position. Bill Ward has expressed interest in the position and will shadow Bernie at our next meeting September 11. The Adjutant is responsible for meeting minutes, membership, membership renewals and other duties. The minutes will be sent to the Commander or Sr Vice Commander for review before they are sent out to all Post members. Historian, Tom Thompson will have Ben, Jim and Tom Sharkey to assist. The Publicity Committee will be chaired by Frank Zoli. We will need volunteers, as needed, to assist Frank with planning and execution of plans. The Community and Charity Committee will be chaired by Al Bozza. He will be assisted by Jim Schweitzer. Volunteers will be needed to assist with execution of plans as needed. The Dinner Committee will be chaired by Cathy Ward. She will need assistance with setting up for dinner (as needed), serving food and clean up.
I believe Ben provided everyone with a copy of the Post’s By-Laws. If not please let Ben know. He may have a soft copy to send you. Please review Article VI of the By-Laws to familiarize yourself with the committee responsibilities.
There was discussion concerning Poker games to raise funds. However this may not be viable due to rules governing our tax
ID. Further discussion/research will be needed. Ben suggested we do something for Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, Al mentioned a Veterans Day dinner at the
Grange. This dinner is sponsored by the Grange. I believe the Senior Center also does a breakfast or lunch. Ben also brought up that Post 335 has the 80th Anniversary in 2025. We should think about and plan what to do to celebrate this milestone. We can look at other Posts for any ideas on celebrations on milestones. Jim has been working on the website for the Post. Al suggested all events should be added so we all have one place to look
for upcoming events. Lori recommended making fully developed events noted in black and tentative events in blue (or some other color) to help prevent confusion with upcoming events. Lori will be responsible for sending out reminder emails and making phone calls for upcoming meetings. She will also work with King Philip HS guidance counselor to select candidates for Boys and Girls State and possibly work on an Oratorical candidate/team.
Other items I was thinking about was next year’s Community Day, Poppy Drive and Memorial Day (I’ve seen some towns have a pennant with a soldiers photo hung on street lamp posts) which we didn’t get to discuss.
8/30/24, 1:30 PM RE: Amended August Informal Meeting - sailorjim32@gmail.com - Gmail
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVzNvWDCvDlqCHnVkdTHlSgvKh 1/2
It appears that right now a decision on Veterans Day is pressing. Al mentioned possibly doing something with the Grange. Al please let me know of your progress.
At our September meeting we should let the membership know of the committee meeting and positions filled, volunteers for Dinners identified and the Posts website and when it will go live. My preference is not to have our meetings go longer than 8:30pm at the latest so please be prepared. If I’ve missed anything please let me know. On another note, I will not be available for the September 11 meeting. Ben will run this meeting. Typically I would call our members without emails. I will need someone to take on that task. Thank you.
Thank you
Lori
PS I have amended the original notes I sent out this morning for the benefit of Jim to post on our website. Jim, technically
meeting minutes that are intended for public consumption have to be voted on and accepted by the Post members at formal
Post meeting.
Since this is new territory, Ben can Jim add these minutes to the website?
8/30/24, 1:30 PM RE: Amended August Informal Meeting - sailorjim32@gmail.com - Gmail
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVzNvWDCvDlqCHnVkdTHlSgvKh 2/2
RE: August Meeting
Correction: It has been pointed out that the ‘Planning Committee’ is not in our by-laws. Keeping to the Post’s By-Laws
and for clarity the committee is identified as Community and Charity Committee. Al will be the chair of the Community and
Charity Committee.
Please note that some of the committees will overlap, planning and cooperation will be important.
I believe Ben provided everyone with a copy of the Post’s By-Laws. If not please let Ben know. He may have a soft copy
to send you. Please review Article VI of the By-Laws to familiarize yourself with the committee responsibilities.
On another note, I will not be available for the September 11 meeting. Ben will run this meeting.
I want to thank you all for attending and participating in our meeting Wednesday, August 21. I think we accomplished a
great deal and understand there is much more to do. Consider partnering with the Lions Club or other American Legion
Posts or VFW Posts to help better support our community and possibly other communities. (And possibly meet with other
commanders or president of the Lions Club.) There are towns that no longer have Legion Posts or VFW Posts traditions
and tributes are going by the wayside. We cannot forget those that went before us.
Attendees:
Lori Scholl
Ben McCarty
Al Boza
Frank Zolli
Cathy Ward
Bill Ward
Jim Schweitzer
Tom Sharkey
Tom Thompson
Marcello (non-member invited by Jim)
We discussed structure, chain of command, authorization processes and settled on some committees, fully understanding
that our Post does not have the membership to fully staff all committees listed in the By-Laws. The committees to be
staffed are Publicity, Dinner and Planning/Fund Raising Committees.
Post positions filled are Service Officer (Tom Sharkey), Historian (Tom Thompson), Finance Officer (Jim Schweitzer with
Ben McCarty), Adjutant (Bernie Mullaney), Senior Vice Commander (Ben McCarty), Commander (Lori Scholl).
Adjutant Bernie Mullaney has expressed his intention of retiring from his position. Bill Ward has expressed interest in the
position and will shadow Bernie at our next meeting September 11. The Adjutant is responsible for meeting minutes,
membership, membership renewals and other duties. The minutes will be sent to the Commander or Sr Vice Commander
for review before they are sent out to all Post members.
Historian, Tom Thompson will have Ben, Jim and Tom Sharkey to assist.
The Publicity Committee will be chaired by Frank Zoli. We will need volunteers, as needed, to assist Frank with planning
and execution of plans.
The Planning/Fund Raising Committee will be chaired by Al Bozza. He will be assisted by Jim Schweitzer. Volunteers will
be needed to assist with execution of plans as needed.
The Dinner Committee will be chaired by Cathy Ward. She will need assistance with setting up for dinner (as needed),
serving food and clean up.
There was discussion concerning Poker games to raise funds. However this may not be viable due to rules governing our
tax ID. Further discussion/research will be needed.
Ben suggested we do something for Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, Al mentioned a Veterans Day dinner at the
Grange. This dinner is sponsored by the Grange. I believe the Senior Center also does a breakfast or lunch.
Ben also brought up that Post 335 has the 80th Anniversary in 2025. We should think about and plan what to do to
celebrate this milestone. We can look at other Posts for any ideas on celebrations on milestones.
Jim has been working on the website for the Post. Al suggested all events should be added so we all have one place to
look for upcoming events. Lori recommended making fully developed events noted in black and tentative events in blue
(or some other color) to help prevent confusion with upcoming events.
Lori will be responsible for sending out reminder emails and making phone calls for upcoming meetings. She will also
work with King Philip HS guidance counselor to select candidates for Boys and Girls State and possibly work on an
Oratorical candidate/team.
Other items I was thinking about was next year’s Community Day, Poppy Drive and Memorial Day (I’ve seen some towns
have a pennant with a soldiers photo hung on street lamp posts) which we didn’t get to discuss.
It appears that right now a decision on Veterans Day is pressing. Al mentioned possibly doing something with the Grange.
Al please let me know of your progress.
At our September meeting we should let the membership know of the committee meeting and positions filled, volunteers
for Dinners identified and the Posts website and when it will go live. My preference is not to have our meetings go longer
than 9pm at the latest so please be prepared.
If I’ve missed anything please let me know.
American Legion Post #335 - Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Norfolk Federated Church, 1 Union St, Norfolk, MA
1800 Dinner was served and cleaned-up by 6:30 pm.
1830 The meeting was called to order by Post Commander Lori Scholl
A formal attendance listing was not recorded.
1849 Post Adjutant, Bernie Mullaney, read the minutes of the September 2024 meeting.
1850
A motion was proposed and attending members unanimously approved the September 2024 minutes.
Announcements
1851
1902
1910
1915
Charity and events.
Al announced that the Post has been approved to continue with obtaining donations for the Post for Poppies on Memorial Day 2025 at the Norfolk transfer station.
The WW2 Mobile historical caravan is coming soon to the Millis Legion Post.
Norfolk Welcome Wagon (Norfolk Strong) will help with the next month's Veteran's Day dinner. The goal is to allow Post members to enjoy the dinner. Sponsored by American Legion, Norfolk Lions, with the Grange providing the meal.
New Legion shirts can be made with name and the post Legion emblem. Lori reminded the Post of the requirement to get Legion HQ approval for using the emblem, especially if tagged with sponsors
Al working with Jim and local entities to provide websites. He is also looking for fundraising opportunities.
Treasurer Report
Jim S: $450 for, spent $462. Flags are more expensive. Veterans' agencies are giving the Post $180-$200 to cover the difference. Discussion broke down over procedures for budgeting for items and activities. No proposals for change were made. Everyone agreed to bring up the discussion in a future meeting with the Treasurer to talk with individuals and provide suggestions for that discussion.
Lori talk with Jim (about COA mtgs?}. Started in 2023. It was not organized by our Post. Jim, Al, and Frank helped in 2023 by seeing recruitment opportunities. Lori asked for details on cost and funding
sources.
Al and Frank make motion for funding for the veterans dinner (after a process discussion). Motion approved
unanimously.
New motion for $500 for advertising. Jim and AL will do the mailings anyway. The motion is essentially to
reimburse AL and Jim cost they have already incurred. The motion approved without dissent.
1930 Lori asked for someone to put sandwich board up Sunday evenings. It was noted that the board has
not been updated to reflect the move to an earlier start time.
1937
1943
Lori: Ben issued new by-laws in September. Everyone should ensure they are familiar with them. Motion passed to post meeting minutes on website. {Look for meeting plan in email.}
Frank discussed the use of Facebook along with the website to increase outreach.
Page 1 of 2
American Legion Post 335 Meeting
Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Federated Church, Norfolk, MA
1948 Al talking about Executive Committee meeting in between regular monthly meeting. Question about who attends that meeting......just committee chairs.....others can listen, not participate? Lori expressed concern about more time spent on meetings each month.
Frank believes that there is good reason to consider mid-meeting to ensure proper preparation for and
smoother conduction of the monthly meeting. Lori pushed back on Committee Chairs to organize their input in their meetings to efficiently present their input and conduct any necessary motions. 1956 Meeting adjourned.
NEXT MEETING: 6:00 pm, November 13, 2024 at the Federated Church
Motion was made by multiple attendees to adjourn. The motion was seconded and approved by all attending at 8:02pm.
American Legion Post #335 - Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Norfolk Federated Church, 1 Union St, Norfolk, MA
1800 Dinner was served and cleaned-up by 6:30 pm.
1830 The meeting was called to order by Post Commander Ben McCarty.
A formal attendance listing was not recorded. There were 15 of the Posts' 25 members attending.
Announcements
1850: Commander Ben McCarty opened following the agenda provided. Ben discussed developments
related to his primary employment and family and the need to identify a new Post Commander. Ben stated that he would be out of town and unable to execute his duties for a month. Ben announced that Frank agreed to act as Commander until Ben returned. However, the Post would need to select a new permanent Commander when Ben steps down as Commander in the first two weeks of January 2025.
1855 New Post Adjutant, William Ward, read the minutes of the October 2024 meeting. 1903 A motion was proposed and attending members unanimously approved the October 2024 minutes.
Treasurer Report
1903 Jim provided the financial report following the agenda approved in advance. Theresa was recognized
for her significant work in raising funds identified on the agenda.
Jim
Donations are not directed to specific purpose. Ben, thank you notes? Theresa will work on the thank you notes. Booklets to be including the Thank you notes (also tax discussion information).
1908: Jim talked about renewal of CDs for 2 years, 1.5%, already arranged with credit union. Interest moved to cash account for use each month. $1,500 to be moved to the Post checking account. Teresa asked about the Post's 80th anniversary celebration and the funding source for it. During a discussion about donations for the use of the Federated Church for our monthly meeting, Richard made a Motion for a $500/year donation for the Federated Church. Discussions for the NPD donation (coats for Veterans) have not been worked out. The Federated Church is paid by check with no formal timetable. The Post's previous meeting location was sold in the 1980s. Per Ben, Post meetings have been at the church for 18 years. The discussion about the church is that it is a donation, not rent payment.
1915: Motion made and approved to accept treasurer's report.
1917: Ben covered harassment per agenda
1919: Ben discussed accounting for the Post-owned property. Rifles, bullets, and blanks being returned.
There is a storage location at church (prior use for Color Guard) for those who do not want to store Post property at home.
1922: Griffin? discussed issuing a check(??) from Post for State Trooper Training program. 1923: Nomination for the Legionnaire of the year if interested
1925: Boys/Girls State: start of process for selection and supporting students. Post is seeking a manager for the process. KP and Tri-county.... KP had attendance conflict issues with missing final exams.
Page 1 of 5
American Legion Post 335 Meeting
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Federated Church, Norfolk, MA
1928: KP Wrestling successful season. Seeking support for the wrestling team. Supporter levels have
different publicity levels. Concern raised for others asking for whatever we donate to as precedent. $100 seems reasonable, $500 is too high. Per my (Adjundant) reading of the Post. A comment was made about considering the publicity value. Another comment was made about not excluding girl's programs....equality is necessary. Fiscal year 7/1 to 6/30.
Also request for town hill musical act. Also, fireworks. No further discussion held. Motion for $100 to KP friends of wrestling team. Motion passed unanimously.
1937: MA dept for Legion
We are in District 6
Calendar year: 1/1/ to 12/31
July 1 start of membership year
Elections by July 1, notifications
Next district meeting 11/27/24 @ Franklin, MA Post
Mass Legion website.
1940 Family members in military
Robert Cook's Grandson is in Air Force, goal of flying fighter jets
(Sharky's son) in IRR, in Ashville, NC helping with disaster relief.
Ben's son in the Army; evacuated Afghanistan, now in Ft Lewis, then to Germany
1945
By-laws (3rd meeting): Article 3 - question about bonding for Commander and Treasurer. Brad estimated a
couple of $100/year for costs. National has umbrella coverage via "NAP?".
Article 5 question about Post meetings
Article 8-2nd > 9
Ben's departure on 12/31/24 > 1/15/2025 requires the Post to elect a new Commander.
2028: Motion to correct second Article VIII to Article VIX and approve the By-Laws passed unanimously
2030: Motion to appoint Frank Zolli as Interim Junior Vice-Commander: passed unanimously by Executive
Committee
2031: Nominations for filling in vacant positions per new by-Laws
Boy/Girls State
BSA liaison
GSA liaison
Buddy checks....attendance...... deceased....
Student Trooper program:
2035: Publicity Committee Chairman Frank, publicized new Post leader and the Veterans Day dinner in
press and with posters.
Page 2 of 5
American Legion Post 335 Meeting
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Federated Church, Norfolk, MA
2040: Brad McCreedy stepped in as Co-Treasurer in Ben's absence. Jim S. has stepped down as a Co-
Treasurer
2042: Cathy - dinner committee: Does the Post prefer just Pizza? Poll taken in August did not provide
consensus. Cathy needs to be in the room, not cooking. Recommended to stick with pizza, calzone, or other easily purchased, paper plates, as necessary to keep costs appropriate.
Associated discussion about the Veterans Day dinner:
Thanks to Teresa, Frank, and Al for the Veterans Day Dinner success!! 111 diners. Frank discussed some
details. Teresa attended Franklin. Consideration for using the JHS next year.
Bellingham VFW gave us a donation along with some bunting and other support. Regional Director of
American Legion (Michael Raymond?) gave speech and check.
CG PA help next year per Ben?
Get photos about the event to send to the E-Legionaire.
Jim read letter from son of Veteran and the brother of the father.
2053:
Executive Committee meeting; November 21, 2024 @ the Norfolk Public Library.
1812 District 6 Commander John Milot was present; also Ben, Bill, Bernie, Jim, T Sharkey, Frank
Agenda provided
Ben stated that the input for a meeting is due Friday at 5:00 PM
Ben: Mistakes happen, keep leadership informed so that a suitable correction can be made.
a)Recognition for Lori's service as Cmdr. Ben, Golf shirt....balls.....gloves.....
Frank has a nice plant to give Lori, Ben recommended reimbursement from the Post-
John M. mentioned certificates or letter
Jim is resigning as Co-Treasurer and will continue his recruiting. He has brought in 20 new members since
January 20, 2024. Finalizing/approval of several new members is still in process.
Ben thanked Jim for being the one who made it possible to meet our recruitment goal in 2023.
Brad nominated to be co-treasurer with Ben (who will be departing in January 2025). John discussed having both names on the checks, but both are not required to sign a check (to avoid the search time). John mentioned a method of having the second sign a copy of a check afterwards for record purpose. Jim, operated with a similar system.
Ben suggested that Brad should do an audit if/when he is approved. Brad was last Junior Commander of the post, about 10 years ago. USNA Navy Nuc, submariner USS Columbus, then nuclear program office recruiting Navy nukes in Midwest. Another recruiting assignment before resigning. Later worked with USNA baseball team.
Page 3 of 5
American Legion Post 335 Meeting
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Federated Church, Norfolk, MA
Brad looked into bonding. $500-$1000 per year dependent on level of coverage (theft, embezzlement,
cyber...) Jim spoke with National which stated costs of $250 - $500/yr.
1841: Jim has a zip drive of all treasury info to turn over to Brad.
Recruiting: one new recruit from NH needs a manual form sent to National to reimburse.
KP wrestling donation: needs to be moved ahead/delivered.
1854: John Milot. Procedure(s)? followed to conduct? John will provide some suggestions. Turn flag
staff so that the eagle is facing away. After pledge etc., turn it round.
John recommends that the officers wear uniform shirts (several options... tie...no tie). Sgt at Arms should
wear one with yellow ascot.
Jim asked John about District 6 membership trends: John says it is going up slowly. Franklin has 87. Look
Post 462 (unassigned persons who have begun membership process). Add them to the post.
Adjutant should get a copy of the list. Ben tried contacting the three on the list in the Norfolk area recently.
Lisa McPhee is Department Adjutant for the State.
Automatic transfer of funds for new members.
Tom Thompson - post Historian is working on history of Post 335.
Frank was saying that any publicity should be provided to the HistorianT(om).
Army/Navy game...... Next year, USNA vs. Merchant Marine Academy @ Fenway Park.
Frank/John M......new members have different experiences of military service. Veteran Service Officer can
help with them. Every Post should have a VSO. Story about a vet stuck in his car with wife and child. VSP helped him get back on his feet.
Crisis counseling training. Videos based on book used by many for training.
Should we invite Bill Concklin and someone else mentioned by Ben to give a presentation to the Post.
September 7, 2025, Massachusetts recognition of POWs. Two speakers and Rifle team.
File Form 990 for Post Tax purposes.
Flag retirement: if polyester, don't burn (air pollution)
Cut stars and field line into separate pieces. Then it is no longer a flag.
Jim asked about July and August meetings. Need someone to make a motion in a meeting and have it
approved.
Ben....Frank, next meeting plans....
Page 4 of 5
American Legion Post 335 Meeting
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Federated Church, Norfolk, MA
Frank discussed steak cookout, can't do easily at Fed Church. Suggestion is that steaks be cooked by several
different people at home and bring in that night. More info going out shortly. Also considering Christmas gift exchange/ round-robin to close meeting?
John mentioned other examples. No commitments were made.
Kevin Roach (Lions) re-imbursement needs to be discussed at next meeting. Possibly a result of miscommunications between the Lion's Club and the Post. Lion's said they went overbudget.
Also discussed members of two organizations working together on something (Community day) creating
information sharing issues.
Norfolk (COA and Vet office) have money headed to the Post which can be used to repay Kevin.
December meeting preps
Adjutant inventory - call to everyone to bring what they have that belongs to the Post to the Church. Or
fully identify it to the adjutant.
Volunteer signup sheets. Need to follow through on who is on which committee
Teresa is handing some details about dinners. Teresa and Cathy need to talk.
By-laws committee (3-5 people)
Bill to get November notes out for listing in website and to officers; Six members to be contacted by US
Mail (any others?).
Frank wants recommendations (Jim, Brad, Ben, Richard) with risks of 5%, 10%, greater, for what to do with
what's in the bank.
Walpole poker tournament can provide some income (after taxes), for non-profit use like the Legion.
One old Post member and one new member......give short description of what they like and don't like.
Ritual for new members. Gifts? Assistance to purchase a shirt or other uniform part. For new officers, uniforms are important for setting a tone in meetings. Ceremonial committee item if we can get committee staffed. Also needs budget approval. District may help as well.
Eventual Quartermaster?? Outgoing uniform kept for new members who need one.
Norfolk Police has 10 winter jackets for Vets in need for this winter.
Letter from Bill Conklin about the Vets Day dinner success.
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