The July 20 board meeting of the Ohio Western Reserve Chapter of MOAA convened at 2pm. The following members were in attendance: Lynda Farkas, Andrew Emanuele, Dick Calta, Jack Harig, Dave Riegler, Don Bratton, Thomas Luczynski, Thomas Harden, Ron Smetana, John Anderson.
Chapter President Lynda Farkas opened the first meeting held at held at the Veterans Service Center since COVID. There were no minutes of the previous chapter board meeting.
Minutes of the April 17 Ohio Council of Chapters meeting were discussed. Of interest is the OCC convention. It was previously scheduled for October 2 but has been moved to May 13-15, 2022. COVID and related issues dominated the reasoning for rescheduling. There is a concern about attendance. Council chapters are being asked to try and send at least ten (10) members to attend.
The Columbus Chapter is looking for another hotel for convention attendees. The original location is too close to a problem area in downtown Columbus. Individual safety outside the hotel was cited as the reason to look for another location.
The financial report was presented by Dave Riegler, chapter treasurer. A copy is attached as a separate enclosure.
Discussions then moved to a OWRC marker at the MAPS for the chapter. A 4X8 brick can contain up to three lines of text with an option for a logo for $95. The alternative is an 8X8 brick containing 6 lines for $190. After discussion about what was donated to the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park at Clinton. It was recommended that a 4×8 brick be purchased with an additional $100 donation. The name on the brick will be Ohio Western Reserve Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. The question is “Will the proposed lettering will fit?” It was stated that some alteration may be necessary. The Treasurer will ensure funds are available for the marker purchase.
Coming back to the financial report, it was recommended there be a more detailed explanation on some financial entries be provided so they are more easily understood by the board. That will be accomplished. In a further discussion about distribution of funds, monetary support to schools with a JROTC was explained by Don Bratton. He said some schools with programs never responded to our requests during the last year. As a result, those entities did not receive funding. He said that without a response, we would not know where the money was going once it was sent to the school.
Closing out the financials discussion, Dave has received a check for $50 from MOAA and does not know what it is for. He has gone on-line to check, but so far, he has no idea.
A short discussion about the poor quality of sound from the OCC meeting ensued. A multidirectional microphone might be a solution. This will have to be discussed within the OCC. In further discussion about the OCC, funding for next year’s conference has already been received and will be distributed to Columbus before years end. In addition (for non-conference years), the MOAA funding ($800) will be equally divided among the six chapters ($134 to each). The chapters will be obligated to tell the OCC what they are going to do with that money.
A question about the visibility of MOAA in the public sector was raised by Jack Harig. He said MOAA in general has a very low profile (visibility) in the public eye. “During a national event such as Memorial Day, can advertisements made by the chapter to attract new members “. Dick Calta said that MOAA took out advertisements several years ago with low/limited results. He continued by saying it is something that the chapter can consider. In continuing the discussion, the President stated she received a press release from Ron Smetana that was used in 2017. Modified, it could be used for current public service announcements. Akron.com – Leader Publications takes care of the West Side and South Side Leader news. The chapter can also submit notices to the Akron Beacon Journal, and The Repository in Canton. In the past, articles have also been sent to the Medina Journal and the Barberton Herald.
Lynda asked if past Presidents were always responsible for accomplishing the advertising. Every past president in attendance indicated they did, but the responsibility could be passed to the Secretary. The Secretary, when asked, has accepted the task. Lynda indicated her public affairs representative at Green School has a list of contacts. She will obtain that information. In continuing the discussion about attracting new members, Ron Smetana said he obtains very few positive contacts from the information MOAA distributes.
Dick Calta discussed the status of chapter members who are ill.
The President then discussed the upcoming calendar of events. First is the outing at Andy Emanuele’s house on July 24 and then the steak and corn roast on August 15.
Ron discussed the cost of the steak and corn roast in 2019 for comparison. Looking at costs today, prices have gone up for steaks and chicken. Ron was asked what he needed in the way of support from members. We can have alcoholic beverages at Tadmor Shrine Pavilion.
Dick Calta mentioned he has visitors coming to the Steak and Corn Roast from the Copley American Legion Post. We also are expecting Bryan Bowman from Congressman Gonzalez’s office to come.
Dave Riegler mentioned he has received a letter from the Fisher House.
Dick Calta received a letter from MyHealth Vet saying you must sign-up for the VA premium program by September 1 or else they will not fill prescriptions.
An amendment to modify the original purchase of a 4X8 brick at MAPS was made. Reason: The approved verbiage does not fit the smaller brick. The chapter will now purchase the larger 8X8 stone and will also make the $100 donation that was approved earlier.
Lasty, Dave Riegler stated the chapter needs to plan on another member managing the chapter website besides him in the future.
There being no further discussions, the meeting was adjourned.
John Anderson, Chapter Secretary
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