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Minutes from Meeting
held on January 14th, 2009
The Bristol Veterans
Council meeting was held at DAV James McNamee #5, 191 Riverside
Avenue.
ATTENDEES:
Wilfred Lavoie, Peter Imperator, John Lodovico, Jerry Chamberland, Henry
Raymond, John Greenlaw, Jr., Bob Renta, Neal Supranovich, Diane F.
Carello, Deanne Savino, Charlie Masini, Ed Pelkey, Bob Barnett, Stanley
Piotrowski, Timothy Gamache, Mary Suchopar, Earl Dube
Excused Absence: Lori
DeFillippi, Patrick Nelligan
Members of the public present:
Peggy Sokol, Darlene Coffey from the Bristol Senior
Center
ITEM 1
Call to Order
At 7:05 pm, the meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman,
Tim Gamache; Gerry Chamberland announced that there was a quorum. Roll
call of officers. Treasurer Stanley Piotrowski, Recording Secretary,
Mary Suchopar. Vice Chair Timothy Gamache.
ITEM 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Vice Chairman Gamache asked attendees to stand and recite the Pledge
of Allegiance and then asked for a moment of silence.
ITEM 3
Approval of the Minutes
Vice Chairman Gamache asked the members to take a minute to review
the minutes from the January 14, 2009 meeting. Motion to
approve the minutes. P. Imperator made a motion to accept the minutes.
The Treasurer SECONDED THE MOTION. Following a voice vote, in which
there was no opposition, Vice Chairman Gamache declared the MOTION
CARRIED. The minutes were approved.
ITEM 4
Public Participation
Peggy Sokol, Executive Director of the
Senior Center spoke about the upcoming pasta
dinner fundraiser.
ITEM 5
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer was not present at this time, but would give the
Treasurer’s Report later in the meeting.
ITEM 6
Old Business
a.
50/50 Raffle
The 50/50 raffle was conducted. Participants could choose to
participate or not. The drawing was conducted at the end of the meeting.
b.
Slice of Bristol
Update/Patriot Board
Vice Chairman Gamache reiterated the need to get more names for the
Slice of Bristol mailing. Dee Savino is working on getting items for the
boxes.
c.
Christmas Breakfast
Vice Chair Gamache told members that there were more volunteers than
participants. It was suggested
that maybe a different format would be used for next year.
As a suggestion, possibly taking the meals to those in need. Jerry
Chamberland suggested we work with the churches in the area to reach out
to their poorer members.
d.
Update on Flag Holders
Vice Chairman Gamache informed the members that the Warrant Officers
Association will be selling flag holders in their magazine. An
application will be placed in the magazine.
The article by Jackie Majerus, the Bristol Press reporter has helped
with sales.
e.
Update on Pasta Supper (February 18th)
Bob Barnett gave the Treasurer $402.00. Henry Raymond stated that
they have $6000.00 in the bank towards the flag fund. Patty and the Boys
from 92.5 will be giving the Veterans air time.
The Press will be in attendance. There is plenty of help for serving. It
was suggested that a jar be put out for donations to the flag fund.
The Women’s Auxiliary is supposed to contribute $100.00 towards this
fundraiser. The Police Union is giving $200 dollars, annually.
Bob Barnett said that $1000.00 should cover the cost of the food. The
Vice Chair asked the Treasurer if a check could be written. The Vice
Chair stated that a motion
was needed to secure the funds.
Henry Raymond made a MOTION to have the Treasurer write a check for
$1000.00 for food for the Pasta Dinner. Wilfred Lavoie SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Following a voice vote, in which there was no opposition, the MOTION WAS
CARRIED. The members were told that tickets would be sold at the door.
The Vice Chair asked that any extra tickets be given to Henry Raymond.
Mr. Raymond will look into getting a sheet cake donated by Price
Chopper.
It was also suggested that certificates be made up for the volunteers to
give out at the Pasta Supper.
f.
Memorial Day Weekend – Volunteers
The Vice Chairman announced that Memorial Day Weekend will not be at
Lake
Compounce this year. A
list of volunteers needs to be created. March will be the time when the
committee will start planning.
ITEM 6
New Business
a.
Future Locations for BVC Meetings
The March meeting of the Bristol Veterans Council will be at the
Franco American Club on Barlow Street.
Vice Chairman Tim Gamache thanked the members of the DAV for allowing
the Veterans Council to hold their meeting at their facility.
It was requested that the DAV hall be used in the future for meetings.
John Lodovico said he would look into it.
b.
Change of Staff at
Bristol
Recruiting Station
A complete change of staff has occurred at the Bristol Recruiting
station. Sgt Steele has moved to Danbury.
The Bristol Veterans Council will invite the new staff to the next
meeting at the Franco American Club. Jerry Chamberland volunteered to
get in touch with the recruiting station.
c.
Aid and Attendance at the State Level
Another forum is being planned with State Representatives for
veterans who require Aid and Attendance information. An update will be
provided at the next meeting in March.
d.
Treasurer’s Report on Brick Sales – cutoff date for spring
placement
The cut off date for brick sales is March 31st for
placement in the spring before Memorial Day Weekend. There will be an
update on placements at next month’s meeting.
After the update on the brick sales, Stanley Piotrowski gave the
Treasurer’s Report (a copy is attached). The Vice Chairman asked for a
motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report.
Henry Raymond made the MOTION. It was SECONDED by John Lodovico.
Following a voice vote where there was no opposition, the Vice Chairman
CARRIED THE MOTION.
e.
Home Show Table for Flag Sales
The Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce is allowing the Veterans
Council to have a table at the Home Show to sell flags and flag holders.
A signup sheet was passed around for members to volunteer time at the
table during the three days of the Home Show.
The days are Friday, February 20th (5:00
– 9:00 pm), Saturday, February 21st (10:00 am – 6:00 pm) and Sunday, February 22nd,
(10:00 am – 4:00 pm).
So far, the following signed up to work: Peter Imperator, John Lodovico,
John Greenlaw, Jerry Chamberland, Dee Savino and Diane Carello.
ITEM 7
Other Business/Member Organizations Update
Jerry Chamberland drew the ticket for the 50/50 raffle. Bob Renta
had the winning ticket. He turned his winnings back over to the Flag
Fund.
Gaye Zukaskus will be honored by the American Red Cross on March 19th
for her volunteerism. Any council members who would like to attend are
welcome.
Henry Raymond will be having kidney surgery on February 23rd.
There will be a breakfast at the Elks Club on February 15th.
The monthly meeting for the Franco American Club will be February 16th
at 7:00 pm
Vice Chairman Tim Gamache introduced Charles Macari to the council. He
is looking to join a veteran’s organization.
No update from the DAV
No update from the PLAV.
ITEM 8
To adjourn
Vice Chairman Gamache asked for a MOTION to adjourn. SECONDED by
Jerry Chamberland. Following a voice vote, where there was no
opposition, the Vice Chairman CARRIED THE MOTION.
Respectfully submitted by:
Mary B. Suchopar, Recording Secretary
090304
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Minutes from Meeting
held on January 14th, 2009
The Bristol Veterans
Council meeting was held at the Capt. E.P. Zbikowski Post No. 2 PLAV
ATTENDEES:
Neal Supranovich, Diane Carello, Jerry
Chamberland, Peter Imperator, Robert Renta, Wilfred Lavoie, Henry
Raymond, Mary Suchopar, Patrick Nelligan,
Stanley
Piotrowski.
Excused Absence: Lori DeFillippi, Timothy Gamache.
Members of the public present: Dee Savino, Robert Barnett.
ITEM 1
Call to Order
At 7:05 pm, the meeting was called to
order by Chairman Nelligan; Treasurer Stanley Piotrowski announced that
there was a quorum. Roll call of officers. Chairman Nelligan, Treasurer
Stanley Piotrowski, Recording Secretary, Mary Suchopar. Vice Chair
Timothy Gamache was excused.
ITEM 2
Pledge of
Allegiance
Chairman Nelligan asked
attendees to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance and then asked
for a moment of silence.
ITEM 3
Approval of the
Minutes
Chairman Nelligan asked the
members to take a minute to review the minutes from the December 10, 2008
meeting. Motion to approve the minutes. P. Imperator made a motion to
accept the minutes. The Treasurer SECONDED THE MOTION. Following a voice
vote, in which there was no opposition, Chairman Nelligan declared the
MOTION CARRIED. The minutes were approved.
ITEM 4
Public
Participation
There was no public
participation.
ITEM 5
Old Business
a.
50/50 Raffle:
The 50/50 Raffle for members
and attendees will begin at the February meeting.
b.
Slice of
Bristol
Update:
Chairman Nelligan told the members that
they will need to pack on a Saturday in February. There are a lot of
young volunteers who are ready to help. It was suggested that credit
cards should be made for the Vets to carry instead of a lot of pieces of
paper which have the businesses on it that are participating. Jerry
Chamberland announced that “Patty” from the American Legion is
interested in helping with a Slice of Bristol.
c.
Christmas Breakfast:
The numbers for attendance at
the breakfast were significantly less than last year. Chairman Nelligan
attributed this to the fact that there were not as many homeless this
year. He also stated that there may not have been enough outreach to
media and other outlets where this population may frequent. It was
suggested that we look at more areas like the schools, churches, and non
–profits to assist with the outreach. There was a large surplus of bags
which had essential items for the needy. These were taken to Zion
Lutheran to be distributed to the people who attended their Christmas
dinner. The Crowley Auto Group funded everything. Media coverage from
the Bristol Press was very poor. Mr. Crowley expressed displeasure for
his people not receiving the coverage they should have. Chairman
Nelligan met with Mr. Crowley and explained to him that there would be
an After Action Meeting to review any shortfalls. Neal proposed putting
together a video of the breakfast to show to the Crowley Group. It was
suggested that there should be better media outreach for the next
Breakfast.
d.
Update on Flag Holders:
Chairman Nelligan told
the members that the Warrant Officers Association said “Yes” to selling
the flags and flag holders. There will be further follow up at the
February Meeting.
e.
Update on
Bristol Central Walker’s Club:
It was announced that the Walker’s
Club would begin at
Central High School on
January 20th.
f.
Update on Patriot
Board:
Chairman Nelligan stated that
we need more photos.
g.
Update on Lori
DeFillippi’svisit
to World War I veteran in
Virginia :
L. DeFillippi was not present
to give the report.
ITEM 6
New Business
a.
February Meeting
will be held at the DAV on
Riverside Avenue:
It was reported that the DAV is
out of the loop as far as Veterans Council Affairs go. Stanley
Piotrowski mentioned that the PLAV is willing to let the Veterans
Council use its facility anytime for a meeting. Chairman Nelligan
mentioned that there needs to be an outreach to young veterans for
membership into the council and member organizations. Stanley Piotrowski
announced that the PLAV had just made returning veteran, MATT
LAVOIE a life long member.
Chairman Nelligan suggested it may be good to get the different
applications from the member organizations to the Recruits before they
ship out. J. Chamberland suggested that we add the applications into the
Slice of Bristol boxes. All were in agreement of that idea.
b.
Memorial Day
Weekend Update (moved to later portion of
new business).
c.
Update on Gaye
Zukaskus:
She is going for treatments.
The tumor is shrinking. There was also an update from Henry Raymond on
his kidney situation. Doctors are telling him it may have to be removed.
d.
Slice of
Bristol Donations:
Will be covered at the February
meeting.
e.
Update on Pasta
Dinner for Flag Fund on February 18, 2009:
P. Imperator told the members
that the Korean War Veterans were willing to give their donation to the
Hiker Fund to the Flag Fund instead of taking it back. Jackie Majerus
said she would do a story on the flags. Henry Raymond has 42 dollars
from Crystal Lunch from the selling of paper flags. He suggested that we
recognize people who donate money or items to events should be
recognized with a Certificate.
f.
Memorial
Day Weekend:
Chairman Nelligan stated that
there would be a need for a lot of subcommittees. He was trying to
secure Michael Peterson to perform a concert on the Boulevard for that
weekend. M. Suchopar suggested the committee approach the Mayor’s TEAM
committee for money. It was also suggested that Corporate Donations be
sought.
ITEM 6A
Treasurer’s Report:
Stanley Piotrowski gave the
Treasurer’s Report. Copies were passed out to the members. Chairman
Nelligan asked for a MOTION to approve the report. P. Imperator SECONDED
the motion. Following a voice vote, in which there was no opposition,
Chairman Nelligan declared the MOTION CARRIED.
ITEM 7
Member Organizations Update:
January 18 there will be a breakfast at the Elks
Club.
January 25 there will be an Post Installation at
PLAV. Small meal will be served.
January 26 will be the Post meeting for the
Franco Club.
ITEM 8
To adjourn:
Chairman Nelligan asked for a
MOTION to adjourn. SECONDED by the Recording Secretary, Mary Suchopar.
Following a voice vote, where there was no opposition, the Chairman
CARRIED THE MOTION.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary
B. Suchopar,
Secretary
090203
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Minutes from Meeting
held on November 5th, 2008
The Bristol Veterans
Council meeting was held at the American Legion,
22 Hooker Court, Bristol, CT.
ATTENDEES:
J. Chamberland, M. Cote, D. Carello, A.
Cianchetti, G. Charbonneau, L. DeFillippi,
T. Gamache, P. Imperator, E. Litherland, W.
Lavoie, J. Lodovico, P. Nelligan, S. Piotrowski, H. Raymond, B. Renta,
N. Supranovich, W. Steele, M. Suchopar.
Members excused or absent:
Members of the public present: NONE
ITEM 1
Call to Order
At 7:03 the meeting was called to
order by Chairman Nelligan.
Vice Chair Gamache announced that there was a quorum. Roll call of
officers. Chairman Nelligan, Vice Chair Tim Gamache, Secretary, Mary
Suchopar, Treasurer, (not present at this time, will be here, later).
The attendees introduced themselves to the new secretary by name and
representation of organization.
ITEM 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Nelligan asked the attendees to stand for the
Pledge of Allegiance and then asked for a moment of silence.
ITEM 3
Approval of the Minutes
Chairman Nelligan asked the members to take a minute to
review the minutes from the October 1st meeting. L. DeFillippi remarked
that her name was not included in the excused or absent column of the
minutes. A MOTION was made by Henry Raymond to amend the minutes for the
October 1st to include Lori DeFillippi as excused or absent. The Vice
Chair SECONDED THE MOTION. Following a voice vote, in which there was no
opposition, Chairman Nelligan declared the MOTION CARRIED. The minutes
were approved as amended.
ITEM 4
Public Participation
Chairman Nelligan asked if there was any Public Participation.
There was none.
ITEM 5
Old Business
a)
Henry Raymond update. He is clean of cancer, but
will be having kidney surgery in the very near future.
b)
Update on Flag Order – tabled until Stanley
Piotrowski arrives at meeting.
Vice Chair Gamache added that he has 119 flags
in his possession to be used for military honors. If a need becomes
necessary, he will address the requests on a case-by-case basis.
c)
Aerators on the Boulevard. Chair Nelligan noted
that one of the bulbs was out and commented that the lights were not as
bright as he had expected. He will speak with superintendent Ed Swicklas
of the Park department. Chair asked if everyone is happy with the
result. VC was concerned that the aerators keep the algae off the pond.
Electricians were recognized by city council, as was Jerry Chamberland
of the Veterans’ Council.
d)
Slice of
Bristol
update. Chair Nelligan reported that they have had
3 meetings. Lori DeFillippi asked the chair who was on the committee.
Chairman Nelligan answered that it was Neil Supranovich, Diane Carello
Al Cianchetti, Dee Savino, Craig Minor, Tim Gamache, himself, the
reporters from the local papers, Gerry Chamberland and Ron Tessman. Lori
DeFillippi mentioned that the DAV would like to become involved.
Chairman Nelligan explained what went into the
boxes for a Slice of Bristol. ESPN hats, Lake
Compounce tickets,
coupons. Because of the size of the box being small, items such as bank
accounts from area banks are offered with $10.00 already deposited into
it.
Chairman Nelligan segued into the Patriot Board
which will be hanging in City Hall. There were be letters and photos of
the deployed and will be updated as veterans return home. Chair asked
for names of soldiers being deployed from
Bristol that could be
included for a box of a Slice of Bristol.
e)
Memorial Walkway Names. Bill Tulloch’s wife,
Rena has finished the book of names. A copy will be available for the
events on the Boulevard for the 7th and 10th.
f)
Results of Comedy Night. Gay Zukauskus was not
present. There was no report on the results. Chairman Nelligan said
there was a good turnout from Veterans’ Council.
ITEM 6
New Business
a)
Christmas Breakfast. Chair Nelligan told the
members that the first meeting will be tomorrow (November 6th at
4:30 pm)
Mr. Crowley
has agreed to take this event on as a sponsor. Two members of his staff
will be intimately involved with the planning. Korean War vets are going
to be cooking again.
The preparation will begin at 4:30 a.m.
Chair asked members of the council to attend one or two of the shelters
to join the needy for dinner. Henry Raymond stated that Barker Specialty
has donated sweatshirts and tee shirts for gifts to be included at the
breakfast. It was suggested that the person from Barker be recognized
for their generosity.
A certificate will be designed for presentation.
b)
Veterans’ Day Events. Henry Raymond asked for
veterans to attend the Post Office event at
8:15 a.m. on Monday, November 10th.
Lori DeFillippi voiced concern that if Veterans were attending this
event, she would not have enough veterans for the Memorial boulevard
student event which begins at 7:30 am. Mr. Raymond also had a
request from St.
Anthony
School to
provide an Honor Guard for that day at
9:00 am. VC asked Mr. Raymond to
coordinate with Lori DeFillippi so that she does not get caught short
and not have enough veterans to cover all the monuments.
The event on the Boulevard will be from
7:30 to 2:00 pm for
10th grade students.
Matt Carello will speak at Memorial Boulevard
School at
11:00 am on November 11th.
Pat Nelligan will be at Quinlan Park in
Forestville at
12:30 on November 11th to say a few
words regarding Veterans’ Day.
A question was asked from the floor if flags would be put on the
footstones of the WWI veterans that line the boulevard. Chair Nelligan
said they would put them up again this year, on Friday before Veterans’
Day.
Imagination
Museum requested
Veterans for
1:30 pm on Veterans’ Day to come
down and interact with the children. Lori DeFillippi stated that they
have a group put together to take care of that.
An add-on from Chairman Nelligan was that
Bristol Central
High school was
hosting a breakfast for Veterans in their cafeteria at 10:40 am. on November
20th. All veterans should wear their respective colors.
c)
Flag Holders. No sales from Henry Raymond.
Warren Steele has sold 6 flag holders. The council was waiting to hear
from S. Piotrowski about the Flag Order. G. Charbonneau and Chair will
be working on the website to accommodate orders online. Chair asked to
start a grass roots operation to recognize veterans by selling these
flag holders. They are not metal, so they are not likely to be stolen as
in many towns where they have brass flag holders. Chair Nelligan noted
that many towns do not do anything for their veterans. This may be an
opportunity to showcase what
Bristol is doing. VC
sold them at the Brainard Air Show. He found that many towns do not do
anything for their veterans.
Henry Raymond needs a letter for the undertakers
for selling the flag holders to them. The letter will be done by the
secretary when names are received from Mr. Raymond.
W. Steele stated that he can go on radio in
Torrington,
which covers the whole NW section of
Connecticut and market
them through that media. Chairman Nelligan stated that every
organization as part of the Veterans’ Council should have one in front
of their building. G. Charbonneau suggested that the website should have
a public service announcement on it to sell the flag holders and we
should be put the website on the letterhead if they are going to use
this venue to sell the flag holders.
d)
Fundraiser for Matt Lavoie. Will be held on
November 13th at Nuchie’s Restaurant from
5 – 7 pm. VC explained that he was
wounded in Iraq.
Tickets may be purchased at the door. Chair added that there may be an
opportunity to rehabilitate a house for this vet which would be a large
part of the vision that the Council is working to create. It would be
another venue where Bristol sees the work
that its Veterans Council is involved with.
e)
Veterans
Forum at
Senior Center with
Attorney Allaire. The council has adapted it as
their project. VC stated that the Senior
Center will be the
place for the forum. The date is December 10th. There will be two
seminars. One from
8:30 to
10:30 and one in the afternoon from
1:00
to 2:30. This
will focus on programs and monies for veterans who need help with
assisted living costs.
ITEM 7
Member Organization Updates
Chair announced that Wolf Pack Hockey team will have
“Military Appreciation Night on Friday December 12, 2008
at 7:00 pm.
Chairman Nelligan asked the council to support the event. (Information
attached). In addition, there is an Armed Forces flag football game
being planned by Mr. Doebel who has a son on active duty. It will be
next year because he ran out of time to put it together for this fall.
Chairman Nelligan has the information.
Neil Supranovich announced that Miss Mum is available to be present at
Veterans events to represent the City. She would like to be a part of
the unveiling of the Patriot Board in City Hall. (Information attached).
Chairman Nelligan announced that the Hiker Statue has been
reinstated. Dan Kane of Channel 3 was there for the dedication. It was
noted that the workers at the company that refurbished the statue were
all veterans and asked to be put on the project to fix the statue.
J. Lodovico asked if there would still be a rededication of the 3
monuments that have been refurbished. The date will be determined in the
spring. Most likely around Memorial Day.
501-C3 Status. J. Lodovico stated that Bill Hamzy will be helping out
now that the election is over. Is ready to take on the project to get
the non profit status for the Council.
The chairman recognized
Stanley
Piotrowski to give the Treasurer’s Report.
(Treasurer’s report is attached) Chairman
Nelligan asked the Treasurer if there was a list of names of the people
who contributed to the reward money for the Hiker. Since the likelihood
of prosecution is slim, we should contact the donors and ask them if
they want their money back or would they like to give it as a donation
to the Veterans Council. Treasurer said he would look into the matter.
MOTION was made by Henry Raymond to accept the Treasurer’s Report.
MOTION WAS SECONDED by Vice Chair. Following a voice vote, in which
there was no opposition, Chairman Nelligan declared the MOTION CARRIED.
Under other business. Chairman Nelligan noted that there will be a
Legion Breakfast on Sunday, November 9th from 8 to
11:00 am
It was announced that Mr. Lavoie is now State Commander for the
French American Legion.
Zbikowski Post #2 in Terryville donated money for the event on the
Boulevard for the students.
Chairman Nelligan asked the Member organizations to email the dates of
their meetings so that he and the vice chair could attend the monthly
meetings of the organizations.
Mr. Cianchetti asked for someone to contact Dan Kane for the unveiling
of the Patriot Board in City Hall. Secretary will discuss with Mayor.
ITEM 8
To adjourn.
Chairman Nelligan asked for a MOTION to Adjourn. MOTION to
adjourn was made by P. Imperator. SECONDED by Vice Chair. After a voice
vote, in which there was no opposition, Chairman Nelligan declared
MOTION TO ADJOURN. Meeting adjourned at
8:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary
B. Suchopar,
Secretary
081113
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