Minutes of the Meeting, 17 July 2008
from the Interim Secretary
The Quill According to Bill:
ALOHA !!! Wasn’t it nice to be greeted to Little Hawaii ?? Lady Margaret Little welcomed each of us with a patriotic lei of red, white, and blue. Shirts and blouses with Hawaiian motif were worn by all and the spirit of our 50th state abounded … with our high temperature today at 97 degrees and the humidity nearly matching, it was nice to fantasize about our vacation paradise. We enjoyed Social time from about 1800 hrs. to 1900 hrs., whereupon Bro. Chaplain Dan Clark offered thanks to the Grand Commander of us all for the pleasure of meeting together in harmony and the meal we were about to enjoy. The serving began … and although the chatter diminished because of our meal pleasures … the joy of conversation was still with us. As the meal concluded and the chatter became a dull roar, Bro. President Tom Little called us to Order.
OPENING/MEETING TO ORDER
At 1945 hrs. President Tom Little called us to Order at the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge No. 2188 in Fairfax, Virginia. Chaplain Bro. Dan Clark offered the Opening Prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance was rendered, we were reminded of the Purposes of National Sojourners, and Bro. Scotty Cameron recited the Toast to the Flag to our joy and pleasure. President Little introduced all VIP guests.
THE PROGRAM
Bro. Bill Turner/Natl 2nd VP was brought forward to talk about the 2008 Annual National Convention (ANC) and Encampment (ANE). He highlighted each day'sevents from Tuesday, 17 June, through Saturday, 21 June, in Wilmington, NC. Of note for the minutes, there were 63 Chapters and 125 Voting Delegates. He recalled the several breakfasts and lunches that were sponsored by various Chapters that meet at the ANC.
He also emphasized the attention and welcome afforded First Timers. He noted the many National Committee meetings that get the "work of the Order" done. The Ladies also get their billing through the Red Hats and the Camp Followers. Recognitions and Awards for time in the quarries of our great Order are always important. Bro. Bill recalled for Old Dominion Chapter #364 that in the Royal Order of Barrow Wheelers, a select 100 members across the country, we were honored to have Bros. Johnny Mayers and Woody Bentley selected. He also noted that the Barrow Wheeler of the Year was our now Junior PNP, Bro. Jim Vann. Bro. Bill then recognized the extensive and outstanding work done by our National Secretary, Bro. Nellie Newcombe/LOH, in preparing the necessary documents for the delegates, so they could perform the business of the convention. Not-to-be-overlooked, Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism (CLMA) made presentations of information and awards. Bro. Ralph Smith was recognized for his Patron Award, and Bro. Floyd Gilbert/LOH was awarded the Medal of Merit, their highest award. Bro. Bill said an appropriate and solemn In Memoriam ceremony was conducted for our departed Brethren. Bro. Bill also touched on the ANE, where he served as Commander, and his Lady Patti served as Den Mother for the Camp Followers Degree. Both events were very well received. Bro. Dick Sutton was elected and installed as National Commander of Heroes of '76, and by his side will be Lady Mary Jane. The Highest Award for Heroes of '76 is the Van Deventer Award and this year it went to Bro. Dick Williamson, PNC. The ANC's business included the presentation of 24 Committee Reports, the tabling of the one operational Resolution presented to the Convention Floor, and the adoption of the extensive financial requirements of the Order. MWBro. Joe Baker was installed as NP, and Bros. Harry Sanders and Bill Turner, ascended to the next level of Natl 1st and Natl 2nd VP, respectively. Our Chapter was also honored to have Bro. Frank Harris, PNP, receive the Highest Award in National Sojourners, the Legion of Honor. Other Awards for our Chapter include the Dallas L. Knoll Award/1st Runner-Up/Ms. Janine Kovack-Editor; Certificates of Appreciation – Connie Dunaway, Lyn Sanders, and Patti Turner; Presidential Citations – Nellie Newcombe, Bill Williamson, Harry Sanders, Woody Bentley, Gene Sizemore, and Bill Turner. Bro. Bill closed by saying that details will be presented in the next issue of The Sojourner.
SECRETARIAL
The minutes of the 18 June 08 meeting were unanimously approved. Owing to the recent resignation of the Chapter Secretary, the Acting Secretary indicated our membership was 363, he had no applications, there were no new members for Initiation, and he had no further business.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Bro. Johnny Mayers reported we have $2,423.94 in the Chapter checking account, and $8,736.72 in the Capitol One money market account.
HEROES
Commander Les Albers provided his schedule of bivouacs for the Chapter year, which is 30 July, 29 October, 28 Jan 09, 29 April 09, with a nominal victuals price of $15. Please RSVP to either him at: alberslh@aol.com or Bro. Ralph Smith at: ralph.smith35@verizon.net
SICK AND DISTRESSED
Chairwoman Patti Turner reported Get Well cards were sent to Bros. Ray Whitney, Tom Little, John Cole, and Woody Bentley; and a Sympathy card was sent to Nichole Hansel-Middleman, granddaughter of Bro. Jack Hale Hansel. Bro. Bentley reported that Bro. Phil Tilson, PNP, is doing well and is very positive about his treatment and recovery. Bro. Bill Turner reported he visited with both Lady Betty Cole and Bro. John Cole in the Warrenton Hospital / Rehabilitation Complex. He noted that Betty was still in a state of vegetation and unaware of things going on around her. Bro. John is
very weak, but attempting to recover with every breath. His mind is fine, but his body is very tired.
AMERICANISM & BRIDGE OF LIGHT
Bro. Woody Bentley said that the Natl Chair on Americanism, Bro. Ron Sortino, is looking for someone in the NoVA area – Federal Area – to join the National Committee and serve to further enhance the Order and the Area with their involvement and engagement in activities.
OLD BUSINESS
The Historical/Colonial Flag Program's kit has been returned to CLMA and is under the guardianship of Bro. Jerry Kunkle.
Bro. Prez. Tom Little is back on-line with the cyber world – that's a mixed blessing, isn't it Tom !!
Convention support to Bro. Harry Sanders – Bro. Howard Sobel and several others made comments about and solicited endorsement from the Chapter for support to Bro. Harry. Bro. Johnny Mayers moved, Bro. Tom Little seconded, and the vote was passed that Old Dominion #364 would be the sponsoring chapter with Bro. Howard as the Chapter Manager.
CLMA – it was reported by Bro. Woody Bentley that progress is being made with the American Legacy Center. It is 80% under finished roof, and some 10% of the interior dry wall is in place. The ceremonial Masonic Laying of the Cornerstone is planned for 17 Oct.
NEW BUSINESS
CLMA ~ CHAPTER BUDGET/FINANCES – An agreement was struck between CLMA and the Chapter with regard to Heroes bivouacs and Chapter meetings held at the CLMA mansion. President Tom indicated it was well within his planned budget for the year and his donation projections. Details were available after the meeting, if anyone so desired.
Appointed Secretary – the Chapter By-Laws call for certain positions, when vacated, to be filled by appointment of the Chapter President and approval of the Chapter. With the resignation of our Secretary, Bro. Tom Little appointed Bro. Bill Turner, as Secretary Pro Tempore. The motion was made by Bro. Johnny Mayers and seconded by Bro. Tom Little. Discussion resulted in resolution of the semantics issue on the correctness of Pro Tempore vs. interim. Once resolved and the motion amended, it was approved that Bro. Bill Turner would serve. It was further stated that he would serve for no more than three months and his replacement was needed post haste. Bro. Tom asked for volunteers and/or suggestions of a nominee for appointment.
Appointed Adjutant – the same exercise was accomplished for Light Horse Harry Lee Camp, Heroes of '76, with Bro. Jerry Kunkle being appointed as "interim" Adjutant. Moved by Turner and seconded by Little. Approved by all.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
The gavel was passed with several appropriate, nice remarks.
CLOSING
There being nothing further, the Chapter was closed in peace and harmony at 2110 hrs. ALOHA !!!
Respectfully submitted,
William G.L. Turner
Interim/Appointed Secretary