The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 8 May 2009, in the Garden Room of Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA. The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Ward White with Chaplain Gary Smith giving the Invocation, followed by the Pledge to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. In attendance were seventeen compatriots: President Ward White, Vice President Bob Taylor, Secretary Gil Anema, Registrar George Horne, Treasurer Bill Bays, Past Presidents Bill Henry, Steve Hurst, and Ron Risley, Bill Hurley, Bob Colbern, Harry Brown, Ken Lynch, Dick McMullen, Frank Budroe, Burt Jacobs, Dick Hawley, and Eric Strassforth. The nine guests included Mr. & Mrs. Steve Stocks (Ginger), Ms. Alana Brown (Harry Brown’s daughter) and compatriots’ wives Mrs. Rosemarie Risley, Mrs. Marly Hurley, Dr. Sunny McMullen, Mrs. Willette Budroe, Mrs. Nancy Jacobs, and Mrs. Marion Brown.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

Secretary Gil Anema presented the minutes of the 10 April chapter meeting, which was approved as read.

Treasurer Bill Bays presented the financial report, which was approved as read.

George Horne presented the registrar’s report. Eric Strassforth’s application was approved. An additional supplemental application for Garland Middleton has been submitted. The applications for Travis King, and Rick Manzer have been submitted and are pending, with Rick’s at NSSAR. Application for Darron Ottley is pending additional info. Joel Schmaeman’s supplemental is at CASSAR. And there is one prospective applicant, Bryan Swopes.

Old Business:

Ron Risley presented the new Distinguished Service Award, to Frank Budroe for his many years of SAR service to this Chapter.

Ron Risley discussed Form 990-N filing for non-Profit. In the past unincorporated chapters as ours used to be covered by National. IRS records failed to identify the chapter as non=profit. It has now been corrected. The form will be filed 25 June electronically when becomes available.

Bob Taylor stated we need the chapter Color Guard for the upcoming Memorial Day ceremonies at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. The US flags will be on display 23-30 May, with setup 23 May. Assistance requested for setup and take down of flags. A buffet will be provided by the BPO Elks lodge 1430 after the services 25 May, and after the flag removal 30 May. An awards ceremony is planned for 30 May. Ron Risley provided wreaths for the Ivy Lawn and Conejo Valley celebrations.

Ron Risley heard from the Pleasant Valley School District regarding the “Spirit of America” awards. The names of the selected students were being provided and presenters of the awards were needed.

Compatriot Dick Harleys wife had a stroke. They would be moving to Colorado to care for her. Today would be his last meeting with the chapter.

New Business:

President White covered the events of the CASSAR meeting last month. Dick Hawley was to receive the SAR Patriot Medal at the convention. Ron Risley will present before he leaves for Colorado. It was noted the Patriot Magazine will no longer be mailed and only available online in the future. CASSAR expects the Chapters to make available to those with access. An executive meeting will be held to discuss further. There are currently about 20 members without access.

Program: Rosemarie Risley, spoke regarding her childhood memories of WW II in Germany.

Next Meeting: Friday, 12 June 2009. Speaker will be Steve Schleder on “Fighting to Restore Ventura’s Stolen Past” and his progress in organizing support to restore three pioneer cemeteries now used as parks in Ventura.

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

Respectfully submitted by,
Gil Anema, Chapter Secretary