The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 8 August 2008, in the Garden Room of Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA. The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Bill Henry with Compatriot Gary Smith giving the Invocation, followed by the Pledge to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. In attendance were fifteen compatriots: President Bill Henry, Vice President Ward White, Registrar Ron Risley, Treasurer Richard Caldwell, Past Presidents Steve Hurst and Richard Hawley, Bob Taylor, Gary Smith, Burt Jacobs, Bob Colbern, Bill Bays, Ken Lynch, Gilbert Anema, associate member Garland Middleton, and youth registrant Mr. Nathan Huynh. The ten guests included our guest speaker, Bill Conroy, executive director, Ventura Maritime Museum; potential member Mr. Rick Manzer; compatriot Steve Hurst’s son, Kevin Huynh and his wife, Karen, and her parents, Mel and Donna; and compatriots’ wives Mrs. Nancy Jacobs, Mrs. Rosalee Middleton, Mrs. Lois Lynch, Mrs. Rosemarie Risley, Mrs. Elaine Colbern, and Mrs. Bernie Smith.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

• The Secretary Bob Taylor presented the minutes of the 11 July chapter meeting, which were approved as presented.
• The Treasurer Richard Caldwell presented the treasurer‘s report, which was approved as submitted.
• The Registrar Ron Risley presented the registrar’s report. Membership application for Louis Kreuzer II (ancestor Pvt Griffin Lewis, VA) was sent to applicant for signature 5 Aug, while the applications for Rick Manzer and Garland Middleton are awaiting documentation. The membership application for Ken Lynch was approved by NSSAR. The supplemental applications for Gary Smith and Dick McMullen were respectively submitted to NSSAR and CASSAR, and are pending.
• President Henry presented and swore in compatriot Ken Lynch (ancestor Pvt. William Gatton, Montgomery County, Maryland militia, 1777-1781) as a full member.
• Steve Hurst reported on his presentation of two flag certificates to local citizens for the proper display of the United States flag.
• Steve Hurst reported on the 118th NSSAR National Congress meetings conducted in Sacramento last month.
• Chaplain Gary Smith had no inputs for the Chaplain’s report.

Standing committee reports: nothing to report.

Old Business: None

New Business: Dick Hawley discussed Larry Magerkurth’s request for endorsement letter support as a candidate for Treasurer General of NSSAR. Endorsement letters are required by 31 Dec 2008, and should be sent to: President General Bruce A. Wilcox, Chairman NSSAR Nominating Committee, 1103 Belle Vista Drive, Alexandria, VA 22307-2014.

Additional report: The Treasurer, Richard Caldwell, asked for recommendations from the membership regarding the two CD’s, which are maturing in 2 to 3 months. Richard is dissatisfied with the current interest rate. Ron Risley recommended waiting until after the Presidential elections, as the financial institutions are presently in turmoil.

Program: Following lunch, Bill Henry introduced the guest speaker, Bill Conroy, executive director of the Ventura Maritime Museum, who gave the history and an overview of the museum and its programs, and its future plans. Of particular interest were the models and art in the museum pertaining to the Revolutionary War, and a depiction of the boat-building techniques used in that era. The museum is slated to move to the old Port Royal restaurant on the other side of Channel Islands harbor. Bill was presented with a certificate of appreciation by President Henry.

Closing: The meeting was adjourned following the SAR recessional and the benediction by Gary Smith.

Respectfully submitted by,

Robert Taylor, Chapter Secretary.