The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 14 November 2008, in the Garden Room of Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA. This meeting was a combined meeting with the CA Chapter, General Society of the War of 1812. 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. President Henry introduced David Hayball, CA State President, General Society of the War of 1812, who greeted the Chapter. In attendance were sixteen compatriots: President Bill Henry, Vice President Ward White, Registrar Ron Risley, Treasurer Richard Caldwell, Past Presidents Steve Hurst, Dick Hawley and Hale Hamilton, Frank Budroe, Bob Taylor, Gary Smith, Ken Lynch, Bob Colbern, Bill Bays, David Bosworth, Bill Hurley, and Burt Jacobs. Members of the General Society of the War of 1812 included 6 members: President David Hayball, Vice President & Treasurer Ron Risley, Secretary Steve Hurst, and members Richard McHargue, Bill Henry and Ward White. The six guests included our guest speaker Dr. Rainer Buschmann, Professor of History at CSUCI, and compatriots’ wives Mrs. Rosemarie Risley, Mrs. Shirley Hamilton, Mrs. Nancy Jacobs, Mrs. Bernie Smith, and Mrs. Karen Bosworth. Total attendance was 24.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

The Secretary Bob Taylor presented the minutes of the 10 October chapter meeting, which were approved as amended. Amendment was Dick Hawley’s attendance at the CASSAR Board of Managers meeting 7-8 Nov in Burlingame, CA.

The Treasurer Richard Caldwell presented the treasurer‘s report during the Budget Committee report, and was approved as submitted.

The Registrar Ron Risley presented the registrar’s report. Changes from last month include the membership application for Louis Kreuzer II (patriot ancestor Pvt Griffin Lewis, VA) was approved by NSSAR 5 Nov; pending. The membership application for Rick Manzer is ready for signature; while the application for Garland Middleton (patriot ancestor Private Jacob Butler, Sussex Co, DE) was submitted to CASSAR 14 Nov, and is pending. The supplemental application for Richard McMullen (patriot ancestor Private Benjamin Force, Dutchess Co, NY, militia) was approved by NSSAR 12 Nov; pending. The supplemental application for Gilbert Anema (patriot ancestor Pvt. Alexander Tucker, Frederick Co, MD, militia) was received by NSSAR 22 Sep; also pending.

Chaplain Gary Smith reported Garland Middleton had knee-replacement surgery, with a subsequent allergic reaction. Steve Hurst reported his 87 year-old mother’s condition following 8 hours of open-heart surgery was good. Bill Henry reported his wife, Fran, was doing well after shoulder surgery. Gary informed the membership he has SAR bereavement cards, but not SAR sympathy cards, which were described as not attractive.

Standing committee reports:

Recognition:
President Henry reported the Knight Essay contest will be supported by the Superintendent of Schools. Private schools Christian Oaks and La Reina will be contacted. The contest rules were given to the membership.

Website status: Dr. Alan Buckley is seeking a web host, since the AOL site cannot be accessed.

Chapter Development: Ron Risley reported providing certificates for 4 Eagle Scouts in Simi, which will be awarded at their Eagle Scout Court of Honor on 29 Nov. The honored scouts are Robert Anderson, Samuel Murphy, Neal Morrissette, and Christopher Thomas Follett.

Budget: Richard Caldwell reported successful negotiations with Marie Calenders for 2009 luncheon costs. There will be no change from the current $15 entrée cost, plus $1 for dessert.

President Henry officiated over the election of Chapter officers for 2009. When there were no nominations from the floor, it was moved and passed that the slate be elected as nominated. The officers to take office on 1 January 2009 are:

President: Ward White
Vice President: Robert Taylor
Secretary: Gil Anema
Treasurer: Bill Bayes
Registrar: George Horne
Chaplain: Gary Smith
Historian: Hale Hamilton

Old Business:
Bob Taylor reported on the 11 Nov Veterans Day ceremony at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, which was impressive and well done.
Dick Hawley reported on the CASSAR Board of Managers meeting conducted 7-8 Nov in Burlingame, CA. Two meetings were held, one for the Board, and another for the membership. The 3 nominees for NSSAR office were presented: David Simpson for Sec-Gen, Larry Magerkurth for Treasurer-General, and Mr. Brach. Three amendments were presented for the bylaws, with two being accepted unanimously. The third was voted down by a 9:1 majority.

New Business: None

Following a half-hour break at noon for lunch, the General Society of the War of 1812 called their meeting to order, with President David Hayball presiding.

Treasurer’s report was presented by Ron Risley, who noted the dues are $25 per year.

Ron Risley presented proposed changes to the bylaws:

Article 5 amendment to allow officers to be elected by the state societies to two-year terms vice one-year terms.

Article 3 deals with an administration issue regarding submission of certain documentation to National 3 months of year; changes dates of allowable service for membership to June 1815 from Feb 1815 due to Naval battles and the Battle of Sinkhole, MO; and includes warrant officers, descendents of the President & state governors (CIC of militias). Ron recommended approval, and the proposed changes were approved through a motion.

Ron Risley informed the membership of additional items of business:

The new Registrar-General is Rev. Crisco, Jr.
Work is progressing on a new electronic application for membership.
The General Society is now charging $20 for supplemental applications, whereas they were previously free.

Under new business, Ron Risley informed the membership of a report from Mr. McCard that Dennis Simpson is moving back to CA from AL.

Meeting of the CA General Society of the War of 1812 was adjourned.

Program: Bill Henry introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Rainer Buschmann, Professor of History at CSUCI, who gave an interesting presentation regarding Captain James Cook’s final voyage to the Pacific, 1776-1780, which fell across the years of the American Revolution. Captain Cook’s exploration efforts were summarized, and interesting details concerning his death in Hawaii 14 Feb 1779 at the hands of the Hawaiians were presented. At the conclusion of the presentation, President Henry presented Dr. Buschmann with a certificate of appreciation.

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

Respectfully submitted by,

Robert Taylor, Chapter Secretary.