US Coast Guard Academy Parents Association, Delaware Valley Chapter

Minutes of the Fall 2008 General Membership Meeting

September 19, 2008

USCGA Alumni Building, New London, CT

 

·         Meeting called to order by Paul Kauffaman at 1:30 PM, September 19, 2008.

·         Officers, current members, and new member introductions were made.

·         A review of the meeting minutes from May 10, 2008 was made by John Constantino. Minutes were approved without discussion.

·         Vice President’s Report – D. Rulon

o   20 new members added to Delaware Valley chapter this year.

·         Treasurer’s Report – D. Greenly

o   Beginning Balance (5/1/2008) $3,245.46.

o   Ending Balance (9/15/08) $3,752.44.

o   Income from recent R-Day sales was $1,765.00.

o   No outstanding expenses to be paid during this period.

o   Report approved and seconded without discussion.

·         Ways & Means Report – B. Stark

o   R-Day sales reviewed during Treasurer’s Report

o   R-Day table location was moved from Leamy Hall to Alumni Bldg.

·         Table location move may have led to less sales than in previous years.

o   New items being sold this year are the Garden Spinner and a 2008-09 Cadet Calendar.

o   Always considering new ideas and suggestions for merchandise.

o   Suggestion was made to possible do a raffle at the next R-Day with an award made the following Parents Weekend – subject to legal rules and those of CGA. Ed Collins volunteered to investigate this possibility with CGA and other authorities. Lyn and Mike Richter also volunteered to look at New London area hotels for possible packages

o   Report approved and seconded with discussion.

 ·         National Parents Meeting Report – Vihonski/Kaufman

o   CGA Administration spoke about the Academy

·         Renovations for Chase Hall, Leamy, McAllister, and basement of Chapel

·         Investigating new laundry facility

·         Using new livery service

·         Proposal for Congressional appointments to the Academy – Bill # HR 5280. The Bill # will need to be confirmed. Parents were encouraged to send their opinions to Congress. Cadets were also encouraged to send their opinions.

·         Delaware Valley Chapter parents were commended for activities related to the R-Day Social & Welcome Picnic.

·         Looking for new Academy partners for admissions in New York areas, specifically in New York City and the southern sections of the state.

·         Discussion of school accreditation being done in 2010. This will be a regional accreditation.

o   Program today at CGA Admissions Office for people to learn about being an Academy Admission Partner.

o   Have seen a decrease in the number of applications to all the service academies including CGA.

o   Soliciting donations from Parents Clubs to upgrade student center in Leamy basement.

o   National Meeting asking Parents Clubs to make donations to the purchase of a Luders ship for cadet training rather than donating to normal cadet activities. The approximate purchase price of a Luders ship is $750,000. Parents view is to try to help but not totally sponsor/purchase.

o   Discussed problem with local chapters filling open officer position. Want to have a mix of class parents as officers.

o   Listmaster being changed over to a portal link from CGA parents Web Site.

o   Need to have a volunteer to serv as a representative to the National Meeting so Delaware Valley has a representative to this group.

 ·         New Business – P. Kauffman

o   Suggested contributions to National Meeting projects

• $1,000 for Student Center/Union Fund
• $1,000 for Student Activities Fund

·         All-Academies Ball – N. McElroy

• To be held on December 26, 2008 at the Union League in Philadelphia, PA.
• Committee soliciting cash contributions to purchase Gift Cards for attending cadets.
• This year’s event is being sponsored by the Naval Academy parents association.
• Committee requested Del Val mailing list.

 General Discussion Topics

·         Pre R-Day Social for 2009

• Question was raised if food should be provided by ARA Food Services or purchased separately due to costs. Further discussion postponed until December meeting. P. Kauffman to seek discussion with Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter

·         Welcome Picnic 2009

• Scheduled date is May 29, 2008

 ·         R-Day 2009

o   Scheduled date is June 29, 2009

o   Need person to take responsibility for setting aside hotel blocks of rooms. Need to replace Lorraine Kauffaman for this duty.

 ·         Next Meeting Schedule

o   Next meeting to be scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2008 at Philadelphia Coast Guard Station

Meeting adjourned at 3:05 PM.