Introductions were shared.

The social gathering from February, 2007, in Hillsborough, NJ was briefly recapped by Paul Kauffman.

Judy Murphy presented the Treasurer’s report.  Our current balance at the time was $3,750.27.  There were no outstanding bills.  The motion to accept the treasurer’s report was passed.

Ways and Means reported that recently Judy Murphy, Paul Kauffman and Rich and Peggy Vihonski had a phone meeting to discuss the purchase of items for sale.  Countdown clocks have sold out and will be reordered.  Pins have also been ordered for R-Day.  Tapestries, pillows and wooden ornaments were ordered by Paul.  Cadet survival kits will be added to our table’s offerings after R-Day. 

Beginning in May any items sold with the Academy seal will be subject to a licensing fee.  We have obtained permission to use the seal for a one time order of tapestries and pillows.  Fifty large pillows and 25 wall hangings were ordered.   These should be available for R-Day.  Any volunteers to help with sales at R-Day should contact Rich and Peggy Vihonski to let them know of your interest and availability.

A suggestion was also made to consider the sale of blankets with the class crests imprinted on them. 

Rich Vihonski reported on the National Meeting from the winter.  Attendance was good at the meeting.  Admiral Burhoe shared his vision of immersing the cadets in a sea of professionalism.  He acknowledged parents for their support in this endeavor. 

Captain May shared the Academy licensing agreement.  The purpose is to ensure that colors and forms are standardized.  Items will be purchased through a marketing group and money will go back to the Academy.  The mascot image will be standardized also.  Anything manufactured before May 1 is exempt.  Ways and means committees will need to use companies that market the licensed trademark for any products we wish to sell. 

$315,000 has been raised thus far from the 1% pledge campaign.  This has been considered to be a very successful campaign. 

Renovations to the day rooms continue.  Plaques will accompany TV’s donated by parent groups. 

Encouraging more parent involvement was discussed.  New and different ideas are welcome.  Anyone joining the national parents’ group can access the national parent website.  It was suggested that parents also have to join their local chapter in order to gain this access.  It was also discussed to have the seating at the general membership meeting during parents’ weekend by chapters so that smaller local break out meetings could occur directly after to spark the interest of parents not yet involved. 

It was suggested that parents managing web pages be paid to attract people with professional skills in this area.  This idea was well received, especially for the person who would manage the national parents’ site. 

There was overwhelming support for the idea of web streaming and web casting of Academy events.  It was suggested that acquiring a link to the web casting by tied to parent association membership. 

The alumni association supplies the challenge coins for graduation.  Parents may be approached to donate funds for this.

Next national meeting will be Parents’ Weekend.

The Swab Welcome Picnic will be at the Air Station Atlantic City, NJ on June 3 from Noon to 4:00PM.  The air station is located on the same property as the Atlantic City Airport.  Charlene Delanoy is preparing survival bags for the Swab families with guides to the Mystic area and Connecticut.  Joan Miller will send a thank you to Mystic County for the guides provided.  Two current cadets will be in attendance to talk with swabs.  Possible planned events include a tour of the facility, a helo demonstration and an Academy grad pilot to speak to the group.  Food will be hoagies and other sandwiches, salads, chips and a class cake for dessert.  Meeting attendees signed up to cover the food items.  Charlene received Coast Guard stationary for the invitations.  It was decided to both mail and email the invitations. 

The Pre R-Day Social held in conjunction with the Chesapeake and Potomac Parents Group will be Sunday evening July 1.  The plan is to arrange the same site on Academy grounds as last year.  The C&P parents made those arrangements as well as the food arrangements and we split the cost with them.  Mr. and Mrs. Gaidos are the Delaware Valley Parents chairing this event.  Paul will email Mrs. Kraemer to see if she can print name tags as she did last year.  Having signs for each company so the swabs can gather and meet was recommended as that was helpful last year. 

Lorraine Kauffman secured hotels for R-Day and Parents weekend.  Paul will send an email with the 3 hotels and the information to all membership. 

Joan Miller discussed the All Academy Ball Plans.  A motion was passed to provide the $500 dues to the All Academy Ball committee.  This covers the Coast Guard’s participation in this year’s ball and our ad in the program.  Joan will get the name and address of the ball committee treasurer and to our newly elected treasurer so that our dues can be sent. 

Paul Kauffman thanked the current officers for his/her service during the past year.  He offered to stay on as President as no new candidates have come forth.  The Vice-President position remains open, John Constantino opted to run for the newly vacated secretary position and Deb Greenley volunteered to run for the treasurer’s position.  A motion was passed to consider the positions filled by the candidates.  Congratulations to Paul, John and Deb! 

A motion to adjourn was passed.