East Windsor Veterans Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 2nd, 2009
Opening: This meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. at the Park Hill Residence Center meeting room by the Chairman, Ernie Teixeira. There were seven commission members present: Ernie Teixeira, Jim Barton, Ron Hwalek, Mark Simmons, Gil Hayes, Ken Crouch, and Ed Filipone. A quorum was established. Also present was East Windsor resident, Marilyn Butenkoff.
Absent: Nick Macsata, Bill Abbe, Sr., George Butenkoff, and Rick Webster.
Chairman, Ernie Teixeira, led the commission in reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance”
Ernie Teixeira then asked for a moment of silent reflection in memory of our recently passed member, Fred McDermott.
Added Agenda Items: None
Treasurer’s Report: Ron Hwalek, Treasurer, reported no changes to the treasury from our last meeting.
Secretary’s report: Mark Simmons, Secretary, presented the minutes from the March 5, 2009, E.W.V.C. regular meeting for those present to review.
MOTION: Ed Filipone moved to accept the March 5, 2009, regular meeting minutes as submitted. This was seconded by Jim Barton and carried unanimously.
Standing Committee Reports
Memorial Day Ceremony Committee: Ernie Teixeira reported that our Memorial Day ceremony plans are on schedule. A discussion was held regarding various preparations needed for our ceremony and all tasks were within our time table.
Poster / Essay Contest Committee: No report
Scholarship Committee: Mark Simmons presented a letter received from the East Windsor High School Guidance Office requesting our participation in this year’s “Award Night” scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2009, at EWHS. It was agreed by consensus that we would participate in the scholarship award program and issue a $500.00 scholarship each to a senior male and a senior female graduating in June 2009. Ernie Teixeira said he would be the contact person for the ceremony and would obtain the completed scholarship applications to review at our May 7th, 2009, meeting .
cont.
(2)
Veterans Cemetery Project Committee: No report.
Veterans Day Road Race Committee: No report
New/Other Business:
Ernie Teixeia mentioned the letter received from Ms. Marie Latelier requesting a donation for a new flag pole to be placed on the Four Town fair grounds. Ken Crouch reported that he had made contact with Ms. Latelier and found they were looking for a “40 foot” flag pole that would accommodate four flags. The cost of the flag pole was given as $3,000.00. Ken said that before we make a decision on this he would research this further and get back to the commission.
Marilyn Butenkoff, representing the Women’s’ Fellowship of the 1st Congregational Church in Scantic, was recognized and presented a request for a donation from the EWVC.
Mrs. Butenkoff’s group participates in a program that mails packages containing requested items to Army Troup D currently serving in Iraq. Mrs. Butenkoff’s group plans to send two such packages per month (one to a male soldier and one to a female soldier) with items such as toiletries and other products that are not readily available to the soldiers. Mrs. Butenkoff explained that her group is requesting a donation from the EWVC to cover the cost of postage to mail these packages. The cost of sending one such package is $12.00. In order to send two per month postage would cost $24.00 and the group’s plan is to continue the mailing program for at least the next nine months.
MOTION: Ken Crouch moved to donate $96.00 to cover the first four months of postage for this program. This was seconded by Ron Hwalek and carried unanimously.
Ernie Teixeira also mentioned that he received the annual invitation for our commission to participate in the Memorial Day service to be held on Sunday morning, May 24th, 2009, at the Melrose Library.
Ernie also mentioned that we were invited to participate in our town’s annual Community Day planned for Saturday, May 9, 2009. Ed Filipone offered to drive one of his vintage cars in the parade with EWVC banners attached. Ernie asked for any one else that is interested to also participate.
Ken Crouch reported to those present that for the next Board of Selectman’s meeting agenda he has placed an agenda item requesting that the amplifier system, located in the East Windsor Town Hall meeting room, be donated to our commission. Mr. Bob Yosky has agreed to restore this amplifier system for our use if the request is honored.
Ernie also read an announcement regarding the Armed Forces Day convention. By consensus it was decided to not participate as a group this year. Individual commission members may participate on their own.
cont.
(3)
Ernie Teixeira reminded those present that our next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at 7:00 P.M. at Town Hall.
Hearing of no further business to come before the commission Ernie Teixeira asked for a motion to adjourn.
MOTION: Jim Barton moved to adjourn this meeting. This was seconded by Ron Hwalek and carried unanimously.
Ernie Teixeira closed this meeting at 7:55 P.M.
Submitted by,
Mark Simmons, Secretary EWVC Approved ________________
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