By Mark Weisner, Post Historian
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting was held on Thursday, June 2nd at 8:00 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Nancy Grandy with a salute to the Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Tara Hough offered an opening prayer. 17 members were present. No special guests were present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment. Service Officer John Schmidt reported that a get well card was sent to Paul Evenson. A card will be sent to the family of Karen Williamson. The membership report was given by Nancy Grandy. She reported that we currently have 205 paid members. Our total goal is 212 by June. We are at 97% of our goal. We are actively seeking 7 additional new members or renewals to hit our goal.
Bob Bennett, the Americanism Officer, reported that Drew Pederson is currently at Boy’s State. Another student with a Garretson address, but not attending Garretson schools showed up to Boy’s State.
We will seek out further information before paying for that student. Our street flag order is finally in. Bob has ordered additional flags up to the approved level. We are looking good for current flags available for holidays.
Legislative Officer Paul Evenson had no report. Baseball Chair Jeff Konechne had no report. The fireworks display will take place on July 3rd at the ball diamond, not the football field. Our Post will pass the hat for donations. Brian Baustian, Mark Williamson, Tara Hough, and Beth Welch volunteered to assist.
New carpet has been installed in the dugout. A special thanks was given to all who helped move furniture and clean out the building. Discussion took place on replacement paneling for the walls and possible colors. A motion was made to not replace the paneling. The motion did not pass.
Commander Grandy will assemble a committee to present additional information at the next Post meeting.
Commander Nancy Grandy thanked all who assisted with cemetery flags and the Memorial Day program. The speaker, Brian Gregg’s presentation has been posted on Facebook. We now have a book with a list of Veteran’s in each cemetery that we serve. Our consolidated Post Report has been submitted to the Department.
Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, July 7th with the meal at 7 pm and the meeting following at 8 pm. Our next Post breakfast will be June 5th with omelets and scrambled eggs served. A motion was made and passed to accept free will donation for breakfasts instead of charging a set fee. We received a resignation from the roles of building maintenance and baseball coordinator. We are looking for help in filling those roles.
Joe Vandersnick presented a proposal to improve drainage on the east side of the building. It would remove some curbing, create a berm, move an existing storm sewer drain, and add crushed rock to create a better flow for run off water. It would also create an area for the dumpster and possible future storage shed. A motion passed to approve the project. Work will start June 11th.
The American Legion State Convention will take place June 16th through June 19th in Watertown, SD. Mark Wiesner presented information provided by The Combine and The Gulch restaurants related to a Jesse James street dance. They are requesting volunteers to assist at the gate and for security of the event. John Flanagan, Brian Siemonsma, Tara Hough, Mark Williamson, Mark Wiesner, Sam Williamson, and Mary Beth Wiesner volunteered for the event.
A thank you note was received from Jenna Van Holland, the recipient of a recent citizenship award. The Post approved a donation to the Boy Scouts of America for $200. Brian Siemonsma received awards for membership and go-getter achievement.
The monthly drawing for June took place. Winners were: Mitch Monen, Kelly Nussbaum, Ross Hanson, Karen Luebke, and Allen Nedved. Each will receive $150. Commander Nancy Grandy closed the meeting at 9:24 pm.
