The  Bristol  Veterans'  Council


 

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Minutes from Meeting held on March  12th, 2008


The Bristol Veterans Council Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 7:07 P.M. at the American Legion, 22 Hooker Court, Bristol, CT  06010.

 

Members present were Pat Nelligan, Lori DeFillippi, Tim Gamache, Jerry Chamberland, Scott Connelly, Peter Imperator, Stan Piotrowski, Henry Raymond, Wilfred Lavoie, Dave Carello, Amy Talit, John Greenlaw, Tom Sullivan, Laura Lydem, Sgt Laney, Roger Barker, Mayor Art Ward, Chuck Wooden, Leonard Webster, Bob Renta, Richard Rafftery.

 

Members absent or excused were, Mike Hackbarth, Al Santucci, SFC Warren Steele.   

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Members of the public present:   Ed Pelkey, Neil Supranovich, Diane Carello, Gill Charbonneau, Rob Heyl.

 

Minutes of the February 6, 2008 meeting were approved with the following correction; Tom Sullivan was present, Gill Charbonneau was not present, Stan Piotrowski was in attendance at the January meeting.

 

Treasurer’s report was approved.

 PUBLIC COMMENT:  None

 OLD BUSINESS:
Receipt for flowers for Tony’s service will be given to the treasurer for payment.

 

Adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order will be strictly followed pertaining to agenda items being discussed.  Any side bar discussions will not be tolerated. 

 

Henry Raymond reported on flag holders that need to be placed on the graves in the area cemeteries.  Scott Funeral Home was given 5 flags and holders; when that supply is depleted it will be replaced.  Henry will provide an accurate count of missing and broken flags and holders to be placed at the cemeteries the 3rd week of May.

 

Flag holder application was revised and given to Gill Charbonneau to place on the web site.  This should avoid any confusion as to who is provided a flag and holder. They are provided free of charge to deceased veterans only! All others have to pay.

 

Tim Gamache reported that due in part to the location approximately 6 flag holders were sold that day in 5 hours on Sunday only.  Many visitors showed interest and took information and applications for future use.

 

Plymouth Veterans Memorial Service was attended by Chairman Nelligan, Amy Talit, Tim Gamache, Scott Connelly, Gerry Chamberland and Henry Raymond.  The Council’s presence showed that the Veterans’ Council is not just about Bristol, but fellow Veterans supporting each other in surrounding communities.

 

Memorial Day Weekend is a "work in progress" regarding exhibitors. Coupons for ½ price admission to the park for the public will be distributed to area businesses for the public prior to May 10th.  Lake Compounce Bucks ($15.00) value will be given to exhibitors instead of coupons for food throughout the day. Combining our event with Lake Compounce will benefit the entire community.

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Gill Charbonneau reported that he had to buy a new program and rebuild the Veterans Council website. Gill requested that he receive minutes of the Veteran’s Council  Meetings as soon as ready to post on the web site. He will replace them at three month intervals.  Motion was made and seconded to post minutes to the web site. Gill has encouraged all members to visit the web site and offer any suggestions on developing the site further.

 

Discussion took place on processing flag orders in conjunction with Patriot Manufacturing.  Prior to processing orders it was recommended that it be indicated on the application to “allow 7-10 days to process order”.  Shipping charges will be waived if customer is picking up the order.

 

Testimonial for Henry Raymond on March 8th was well attended.  Henry personally thanked everyone instrumental in planning the event as well as all who attended.  Gill has placed photos on the Korean Veterans' webpage. Gill will post any future special events with pictures on our website as long as prior approval is given by the Veterans Council.

 

Spring clean up will be held on May 16, 2008.  Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard and Down Street Cemetery are the areas of Bristol to be covered by The Veteran’s Council.  Gerry Chamberland recommended and encouraged all council members to be present that day.

 

Lori DeFillippi reported that a wreath will be placed at the monument by surviving family members on the 90th Anniversary of Seicheprey Day on April 19, 2008.  Motion was made and seconded approving payment of the cost of the wreath ($127.98) and stand ($7.00). Anyone that is interested in volunteering, please contact Lori.

 

The Veteran’s Benefits and Information Fair is also scheduled for April 19th and being sponsored by the State Department of Veterans’ Affairs to ensure that Connecticut residents who fought for their country receive all the services they need and deserve.  All are encouraged to attend.

 

Chairman Nelligan reported that the planned trip for Veterans is not feasible to be done in one day.  A two-day trip allows for adequate rest in between visiting areas of interest.  Fort McNair is a possible site for overnight accommodations.  More to follow.

 

Business Cards:  Tom Sullivan is the only member who currently does not have a card. Cards should be used for networking.

 NEW BUSINESS:
 All Veteran’s organizations were well represented for Secretary Anthony Savino’s funeral service. Tony’s concern for his fellow veterans was truly outstanding  He will be remembered for his contributions as a civic volunteer, community leader and friend to all with impeccable character, with his trademark unlit cigar. He was loved and respected by all who came in contact with him.  He will be missed.

 

Motion was made and seconded to send a letter to the Bristol Chief of Police with a copy to Mayor Ward commending the city on their efforts over the two day period of mourning of Secretary Savino.

 

Stanley Piotrowski reported that after March 31, 2008 there will be no more orders processed for bricks to be placed prior to Memorial Day 2008.

 

Discussion took place on who had been responsible for maintaining the book.  Tim Gamache will contact Donna Achilli, and Mrs. Tulloch for previous records.  John Greenlaw indicated that once this information was obtained he would be responsible for keeping it current.

 

Aerators should be operating in April.  Exact date to follow.

 

Tim Gamache will head up security for Memorial Day 2008 working in conjunction with the Bristol and Southington Police Departments as well as Lake Compounce.  Logistics to be determined as we get closer to event.

 

A special meeting of the Veterans Council will be held on March 20, 2008 to determine subcommittee chairs and assignments.

 

Options for Ken Crowley’s sponsorship were discussed.  He has generously donated this past Christmas towards the breakfast and possible contributions could include purchasing flag holders/contributing funds toward cost of Memorial Day 2008.

 

Memorial Day Weekend meeting schedule will be determined at the next meeting.

 

New 4-way stop signs on the Boulevard are still shrouded.  Date to be determined for uncovering and implementation.

 

Slice of Bristol:  Motion was made and seconded for the Veterans Council to take on the Project.   Packages of items unique to Bristol are sent to City residents deployed overseas. Laura to obtain the binder from Mrs. Savino. 

 

John Lodovico, Veteran of the Vietnam War, expressed his interest on being an active member of the Council. John is an active member of the DAV.  Pending DAV approval, John will become a member of the Council.

 

Robert Heyl presented information on his business of freestyle photography.  He is available to photograph veteran’s events.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

American Legion Baseball World Series will possibly take place in 2010.  Applications are being screened.  More to follow.

 

VFW will be hosting an event at Brainard Field.  Details to follow.

 

Amy Talit requested that any information relating to fund raising events relating to Veteran’s Organizations be forwarded to her.  Also, any community events, anything of human interest should be sent to her via e-mail at the Bristol Press at least 3 weeks prior to the event.

 

Shamrock Run and Walk is scheduled for March 29, 2008.  Proceeds benefit the Vincent DePaul Society of Bristol, a homeless and transitional center for families and adults.

 

The Veterans Council banner is still missing!  Anyone with any ideas of where it may be, please let Chairman Nelligan know.

 

Payment for the electrical work for the placement of the Aerators will be put on the April agenda. 


Attendance is critical for all meetings.  A quorum consists of 8 members and at least 1 member from 4 of the 5 Veterans Organizations comprising the Council.  Please try to attend our scheduled meetings.

 

The next regular scheduled meeting of the Bristol Veterans Council will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. at the American Legion Post 2.

 

Respectfully submitted,
 Laura Lydem,  Assistant Secretary
032808

 

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Minutes from Meeting held on February 6th, 2008

 

The Bristol Veterans Council Meeting was held on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 7:06 P.M. at the American Legion, 22 Hooker Court, Bristol, CT  06010.

 

Members present were Pat Nelligan, Lori DeFellippi, Tim Gamache, Jerry Chamberland, Scott Connelly, Peter Imperator, Stan Piotrowski, Henry Raymond, Wilfred Lavoie, Dave Carello, Amy Talit, John Greenlaw, Tom Sullivan.

Members absent or excused were, Tony Savino, Mayor Art Ward, Pastor Roger Barker, Mike Hackbarth, Al Santucci, SFC Warren Steele,   

 

Members of the public present:  Laura Lydem, Gaye Zukauskas, Ed Pelkey, Mayor Vincent Festa, Chuck Wooden, Bob Renta, Neil Supranovich, Diane Carello

 

Minutes of the January 2, 2008 meeting were approved with the following correction; Stan Piotrowski was in attendance at the January meeting.

 

Treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Certificates of appreciation and Bristol Veterans Council coins were presented to Ed Pelkey, Carey DuPont and Sandra Bozzutto for their contributions to the success of the Christmas day breakfast.

OLD BUSINESS:  

Golf tournament tentative date September 25, 2008, though the State Chapter of Heroes to Hometown.  Currently Bristol and Terryville do not have active chapters. Details to follow as they become available.

 

Amy Talit has been appointed as Public Relations Director to the Veterans Council.

 

Inaugural trip to Washington DC will be in July 2008.  Trip will include visits to Walter Reed Hospital, Arlington National Cemetery the Monuments, and tentatively  the White House.  Initial fact finding trip will take place on February 18, 2008.  

 

Flag holder sales are poor.  Initial projection for sales is not being met.  It is the entire council’s responsibility to assist in boosting sales.  A table will be placed at Bristol's Home Show the weekend of February 21 through the 23rd.  Tim Gamache has arranged for flyers to be placed in all paychecks of city workers and is working to see that the Board of Education employees receive them also.  Tim asked that if anyone has any business contacts in the area to please let him know. 

 

Business cards are done and all have been distributed except for two.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:
 Pat Nelligan presented an overview of Roberts Rules of Order.  Discussion regarding items relevant to the agenda is allowed, items off topic will be tabled for discussion at future meetings.

 

Memorial Day Celebration will be held Sunday May 25, 2008 at Lake Compounce.  There will be 3 different types of admission: Veterans will be free, Veterans not affiliated with the event will get a discounted rate and spectators will get a reduced rate for the day.  Parking will be free. Veterans Memorial Boulevard will be closed for the weekend.  Bus shuttles will run from Lake Compounce to Memorial Boulevard to accommodate the public to view the Monuments.  Schedule to be determined. Amy Talit and Lake Compounce will provide media coverage prior to the event. 

 

Veterans Council Certificates of Appreciation will continue to be given recognizing Veterans and non Veterans for contributions to Veterans Council events.  

 

Discussion took place regarding placing flag holders in plants as a medium to let the public know they are available.

 

Attendance/non attendance at meetings were discussed.  Members not attending must be excused or may be asked to resign due to lack of involvement.

 

The benefits of provisional memberships for local civic organizations were discussed. 

 

Status of Military Museum was discussed.  The Bristol Armory will be closing on March 1, 2008.  The expectation is that the City of Bristol will be offered the building within the next year. This location may be a potential site for the Military Museum.

 

Christmas Breakfast will be held again next year.

 

OTHER BUSINESS: 
On April 19, 2008 there will be a ceremony to recognize the 90th anniversary of the Seicheprey Battle.  Money will also be raised to repair the German WW1 Howitzer; estimated cost is $13,000 to repair the bronze and $19,000 for the granite.

 

Returning combat veterans receive 5 years free medical care.

 

Peter Imperator has requested that the language be revised on the flag holder application.  The last sentence is very confusing.

 

There will be a dedication ceremony of the Vietnam Memorial on May 17, 2008 in Coventry.

 The Veterans Council will be part of the City of Bristol's Beautification Committee.  The designated area will be Downs Street including the cemetery. This location will be kept clean and maintained throughout the year by the council.

 

Amy Talit reported that there will be a Veterans Memorial Service on February 26, 2008 at the Terryville Town Hall in the Community Room. This event is open to the public and all veterans are encouraged to attend.

 

New stop signs on the boulevard will be uncovered and in use sometime within the next month.

 

The Franco American War Veterans will have their convention on May 17, 2008 in New Britain.

 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars will be going with members of the DAV to Walter Reed and Bethesda Military Hospitals.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. 

 

Attendance is critical for all meetings.  A quorum consists of 8 members and at least 1 member from 4 of the 5 Veterans Organizations comprising the Council.  Please plan to attend scheduled meetings.

 

The next regular scheduled meeting of the Bristol Veterans Council will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. at the American Legion.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 Laura Lydem,  Assistant Secretary
031308

 

 

 

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