The regular meeting of Paul Stewart Irwin Post No. 136 was called to order by Commander John Metz at 7:00 PM in the post home. Second Vice Commander, Del Kenneson, offered an opening prayer followed by the members reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution. A short recognition ceremony for the POW/MIA's of our country was conducted.
There were 26 Legion, 2 S.A.L., and 0 Guests present
Reading of the minutes. Minutes were posted on the bulletin board and also posted on the Post Web Site. Approved as Written.
Finance Report. Finance officer and Adjutant presented finance reports. Reports were approved as presented.
New Members: 3 new members were presented to the post. James Wilson, transfer from Post 401, Waylin Kitchens, transfer from Post 58, and Wayne Galliart, transfer from Post 58. All were welcomed to the Post.
Old Business:
- Past commanders plaques are being redone. Plans call to present the completed plaques at the Veterans day ceremony to be conducted on November 11, 2014.
- Post cleaning for November conducted by the American Legion.
- Terry Houck has installed a spot light over the POW/MIA table.
- Brackets for the large screen still need to be obtained. Jerry Kirk to send information to Phil Horner to complete the procurement of the equipment.
- A new freezer has been purchased for the post and delivered. Cost was $490.00. The SAL has made a contribution of $100.00 to help cover the cost of the freezer.
- The Halloween Party was a great success. Those members that didn't make it to the party missed a great time.
New Business:
- Election for the BOG position coming vacant in December 2014 was conducted. Vickie Kalous and Jackie Johnson were candidates for the position. Vickie Kalous was selected after a vote of members of organizations present.
- Renewal of membership was stressed. The post is currently setting at 70% renewal rate.
- Gary Donaldson was thanked for his donation of a popcorn machine in the Canteen. It has been a great success used by all.
- The car rally held at the post only brought in $66.00 for the General Fund. Plans are being made to hold the rally next year on a different date to avoid any conflicts with other events in the area.
- Complaints have been received regarding sun coming into the post through the west doors. Initial estimates calling for installation of Limo Tint is $300.00. The commander is going to check into finding the cost of materials for a DIY project.
- With Veterans Day activities coming up, a request for assistance was made. The Commander and Sgt at Arms will participate with Ron Herndon giving the prayer and Rick Babinger playing Taps.
- A Thanksgiving dinner will be held at the Post on Monday 24 November 2014 at 6 PM. The Post will provide the turkeys and hams. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish to add to the meal.
- An application has been submitted to the Department of Kansas to hold the next ALR state rally at our post. Awaiting approval.
- Two new bartenders have been hired for the canteen. Stop by and welcome Tricia and Samantha to the post.
- The Mulvane High School has requested veterans to come and speak to the student body on Veterans Day. Duane Kalous, Jake DeFrees and Tom Knight have agreed to speak.
- Rick Babinger made a motion to take the money from the game machines and deposit it in the Building Maintenance Fund since the machines have been removed from the post. The motion was seconded by Tom Knight and the motin passed without opposition.
- Rick Babinger has checked into having the carpet in the canteen Scotchguarded at a cost of $180.00. He made a motion to go ahead and do this and it was seconded by Phil Giovani. Motion passed.
- The Canteen will be open on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours to be announced later.
- It was brought up to make sure that all doors are locked at the end of any activity being held at the post.
Good of the Legion:
- Legion Rider: November meeting to be held November 9, 2014
- Patriot Guard: No KIA's from Kansas so far this year..
- SAL: November meeting to be held November 9th. Children party to be held December 13, 2014 from 1-4. Shopping for the toys will be held on Wednesday 10 December 2014 at 7 PM. The gun drawing will be held at the November meeting.
- Ladies Auxiliary: Veterans dinner to be held November 11, 2014.
Upcoming Events:
- Veterans Day Flag Retirement and Auxiliary program to honor our veterans.
- Bierkrocks at the post on 13 November 2014 5 – 7 PM.
- Thanksgiving Dinner on 24 November 2014.
Sick Call:
- Rick Johnson – Continuing treatment for Cancer
- Charlie Trapp – Continuing treatment for Cancer
Having no further business to come before the members, the Chaplain offered a closing prayer.
The meeting adjourned at 8:18pm by Commander John Metz with the next meeting scheduled for 1 December 2014.
