US Coast Guard Academy Parents Association, Delaware Valley Chapter
Minutes of the Spring 2009 General Membership Meeting
April 19, 2009
US Coast Guard Station, Philadelphia, PA (Sector Delaware Bay)

•    Meeting called to order by Paul Kauffman at 1:30 PM, April 19, 2009.

    o    Attendance sheets and Treasurer’s report was distributed to attendees
    o    Paul made welcome remarks to group followed by additional remarks for his farewell as President of the Del Val Chapter.
    o    Introduction of current chapter officers.

•    Secretary’s Report – J. Constantino
    o    A review of the meeting minutes from December 7, 2008 was made by John Constantino.
    o    Report approved without changes.

•    Treasurer’s Report – D. Greenly
    o    Ending Balance (4/17/09) $4,246.87.
    o    Have added 1 new member from Class of 2013.
    o    No outstanding expenses to note.

•    Ways & Means Report – B. Stark
    o    Noted items needed to be ordered to for sale
•    Distributed list of needs
•    Distributed list of current inventory
    o    $1,300 - $1,400 needed for purchases for R-Day
•    Will need about 40 calendars
•    Will need 10 more picture frames
•    Have about 40 floor mats
•    Most of inventory is set and stock is available
•    Picture frame cost would be additional $200-$250 to above
•    Consider the purchase/introduction of new spinners. May display one at next R-Day. Can be seen on internet. Cost to club is $25 each so selling price will be high – not yet determined.
    o    Need to review list of CGA licensed vendors from CGA Parents web site. This impacts any time CGA logo on it.
    o    Will have R-Day table on June 29. Any help welcomed for both R-Day and pre-R-Day social.
    o    Decision on purchasing more picture frames
    o    Approved and accepted.

•    Other Business / Discussions – P. Kauffman

•    Welcome Picnic – C. Delanoy
    o    Approved to be at Atlantic City Air Station
    o    Set for May 31 from 12:00-4:00 PM
    o    Updated letter to CGA admissions will be included in admission packet.
    o    Have a 2012 cadet to speak at picnic. Any other current cadets that are available are welcome to also speak.
    o    Lt. Kimmel from Atlantic City Air Station has volunteered to speak at picnic.
    o    Picnic menu will be hoagies, salads from current parents, and desserts from new cadet parents.
    o    Parents requested to e-mail their contributions to C. Delanoy.
    o    Need to have reservations by May 24 so station knows who to expect.
    o    C. Delanoy has a list for people to sign-up for contributions.
    o    Need a volunteer to take over survival bag distributions. Will need about 20-25 for the picnic.
    o    Members can make donations to help defray picnic costs
    o    Ed Collins volunteered to get hoagies from local WaWa.
    o    Will need a new person to assume the responsibility for next year’s picnic.

•    Pre R-Day Social – M. Greendyk (submitted but not in attendance)
    o    Will now be working with Chesapeake & Potomac chapter.
    o    .CGA is requiring that groups work with ARA for CGA events.
    o    Cost to our chapter will be $750.
    o    Date for event will be June 28.
    o    Del Val will acquire list of new cadets, get name tags and balloons.
    o    Will need at least 5 parents to help to sign in people. Others needed to answer questions from new cadet parents.
    o    Ed Collins to have a banner made telling people that the event is sponsored by the Del Val and C&P chapters.

•    All-Academies Ball – N. McElroy (submitted but not in attendance) and M. Greendyk (new)
    o    CGA and Merchant Marine Academy to sponsor AAB this year.
    o    Will need donation from chapter - $750.
    o    Have information to get corporate sponsors
    o    AAB date is set for December 26 at the Union League in Philadelphia.
    o    Have Union League hotel rate at $145/night.
    o    Will use same photographer as last year.
    o    Girls will be able to change into regular dress after photo’s and toast.
    o    Del Val Ways & Means will donate remaining light houses from inventory for tables.

•    National Parents Association Report – D. Pitcarin
    o    Last meeting held in February 2009.
    o    Agenda topics:
          -  Summary of activities at CGA.
          - CGA finances are in good shape because of being part of Department of Homeland Security.
          - Will not be buying new Luders (boats) this year.
    o    Discussed relationships between National Association and local chapters. No resolutions made on open issues.
    o    Next meeting of National chapter will be the day before R-Day.
    o    Vihonski’s membership will end at next Parent’s weekend with the end of their term.
    o    Applications for CGA admission were up approximately 20% this year.

•    New Business Items
    o    Graduation gift suggestion made for graduating cadets from Del Val chapter with a price range of $25-$30.
    o    Chapter has 24-25 graduating seniors.
    o    Motion made to purchase CGA folding picnic chairs at a cost of $20 per chair.
    o    Approved.

•    Other Business Items
    o    Fund Raising Activities:
        •    A proposed raffle would involve too many legal concerns and will not be pursued further.
        •    Travel bus for cadets for Thanksgiving discussed. Options made available. No decisions made.
    o    Discussed chapter donation to help CGA crew team coming to New Jersey for ECAC Nationals.
    o    Overall estimated chapter expenses for rest of 2009 is $3,700.
        •    All Academy Ball             $750
        •    Ways & Means Purchases        $1,700
        •    Pre R-Day Social            $750
        •    Graduation Chairs            $500
        •    CGA Crew Even            $200
        •    Total                    $3,900

•    New Officer Elections
    o    President        Ed Collins
    o    Vice President   Don Rulon
    o    Secretary        John Constantino
    o    Treasurer        Randy Wright
    o    Ways & Means    Bill Stark
Voted on as a complete slate with a unanimous approval vote
•    Next planned meeting will be part of New Cadet Welcome Picnic at Atlantic City Air Station.

•    Meeting adjourned