Veterans For Peace, Clarence Kailin Chapter 25, Madison, WI
www.MadisonVFP.org
	 	 February 17,  2021 General Membership Meeting Minutes  					(Zoom Meeting)

Meeting Chair Daryl Sherman opened the meeting at 6:00 pm. In checking for an adjustment to the agenda, Larry Orr, and Brad Geyer requested one item each in New Business.  In checking with a "COVID-19" check-in with members, and one guest, all were doing well so far, with most members reporting being immunized.  One item still relevant to advise/promote is that the Madison V.A. also administers the vaccine(s). Larry read the VFP Statement of Purpose.  The VFP on-line “hat” is working with Pay Pal, and members can also send donations via USPS too. (address below). The February minutes were reviewed, and approved.  Other members attending included Paul McMahon, Judy Miner, Fran Wiedenhoeft, Joan Kemble, David Giffey, John Fournelle, Tom Glassel, Guest Norm Stockwell, and Steve Books.

Treasurers Report – Paul reviewed his detailed report for the month of February, and reported good month. He highlighted new items such as an addition of $250.00 via the Prairie Farms milk caps program. VFP Chapter 25 happened to be the lead Non-Profit Veteran organization in the program for 5 straight weeks. The current cap total is 894 caps. The total savings and checking total is close to $ 14,000.00. Chapter 25’s Mailing address is:  Madison Veterans For Peace – Clarence Kailin Chapter 25, P O Box 1811, Madison, WI 53701 - 1811 for U.S. Postal Service mailing.

Committee Reports
Counter Recruiting – David reported receiving two essays from two schools so far.  The essays are somewhat less this year no doubt due to the Pandemic. David is continuing to work with the schools for the essays.
Fran reported several VFP website offerings via the National VFP Website, Facebook, and on YouTube.  NOMY has several counter-recruiting videos. National VFP has various items in their Library.  David reports various games that the military is using for recruiting efforts, however there are games, Gamers For Peace that can be used as video games in lieu of violent games.  Judy also reported knowing and promoting the Gamers for Peace due to her grandson knowing about the video games from the National VFP Website.
Memorial Day – Norm Stockwell, Publisher of the Progressive Magazine, reported that Memorial Day Program could be planned, but on video this year if Chapter 25 was interested.  Norm offered to help produce a virtual version of VFP Memorial Day Program. The Progressive could stream various channels, and some segments could be pre-recorded. Students who win the essay contest could also per-record their essay if interested for the program. David has been in contact with the Old Cool Band, and Sean Michael Dargon.  Discussion ensued. David mentions Judith Klehr could be acknowledged as a supporter, now passed away, and other past members of VFP should be remembered as what was done before. Norm suggested  carnations could still placed at the stone Abraham Lincoln Brigade Memorial and be recorded. Fran discusses diversity requests as with the past programs, and to bring in additional younger Veterans. Norm said that various video clips could be used for showing the Memorial Mile. General agreement to work with Norm for the Memorial Day event.  People interested in working on the program should contact Norm.  Norm leaves the meeting. 
A motion is made and 2nded let go of the Gates of Heaven venue reservation with Madison Parks due to going virtual via Norm and all involved with the Virtual Memorial Day Peace Rally 2021.  The motion passed unanimously. 
Memorial Mile – A discussion was held regarding whether it might be possible to set up the traditional “mile long” display with social distancing.  There was general agreement that there were too many problems doing this, and as an alternative, there was a discussion to have a reduced effort similar to what Tom proposed and initiated a couple of years ago, with 4-5 people (with masks and distancing) and which last year was set up around the July 4th week last year.  This year it would be during the usual Memorial Day weekend, Memorial Day, and week and location near the Tennis Courts in Olbrich Park during May 29th – June 5, or 6.  Memorial Day is May 31.  A motion was made and 2nded to hold a VFP Memorial Mile reduced version event near the tennis courts in Olbrich Park.  The motion passed unanimously.
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Planning Committee – Fran reported the committee is on hold for now.  However, There are possible Tic-Toc videos on-line that are 1½ to 2 minutes long that could be planned.  More later.
Website – Brad reported people are visiting the VFP website, 3 to 30 per day, and the Facebook site has around 389 members.  Visiting the sites are good to do.
Tabling/Outreach – Books reports the    VFP National News Letter has good written information from Fran and John regarding Chapter 25, Madison, WI.			

New Business
Chapter 25 Fiscal 2021 Budget Proposal – Paul reviewed the details of the yearly budget by screen-sharing it for discussion and asked for any changes. The plan is to keep most of the in place initiatives, and continue with the two Fund Drives in June and December. There were some adjustments to purchase supplies (- 1,000), yearly VFP Convention travel/registration fee if virtual. The WNPJ honorarium for Tabling on hold for now.  Paul’s very accurate detailed Chapter 25 Budget proposal was widely seen as positive especially with the note that Chapter 25 promotes peace using the donations for peace projects.  A motion was made and 2nded to accept the Budget as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.
Warrior Songs, donation proposal to Jason Moon – Fran will be in contact with Jason for next month.
Win Without War Petition(s) – possible efforts to sign as a Chapter, more discussion later.
Select April Chair – Fran
Any other business – Larry to bring up the agenda item of possibly starting a Wellness Committee for next month.  Brad brought up the US Bombing in Syria issue.  Suggestion of letters to the editor, and any other media.  Also, the blockade of Yemen.  More people could be more interested why and how we are still meddling in the Middle East. The United States’ military conduct in the Middle East needs to be constantly scrutinized.

Announcements
The times of the next VFP meetings were read by Daryl and, activities of a No F-35 petition is still in the works for the full Dane County Board.  Brad reported that 2 lawsuits regarding the issues of the F- 35, and the PFAS pollution were underway by filed  in conjunction with Safe Skies Clean Water WI.   2019 RES-548.  The  full Dane County Board meetings are on the 1st  and 3rd   Thursdays at 7:00 PM.  Register before 6:30PM. 

Judy reported that peace related events can and will be posted on the WNPJ Website if it’s sent to her email at :  info@wnpj.org. (Thanks Judy!)  Also on April 24th there will be a virtual WNPJ Spring meeting, and VFP members are invited to join the zoom to attend.  Also check www.wnpj.org for information and events.

A short discussion ensued regarding the next monthly membership meeting on April 21st, and the decision was to stay virtual for April, and wait for May to hold a meeting outside.   Place to be determined then. Bring ideas.

Fran reported that she will be updating with e-mails regarding the new YouTube Video Library, and other interesting events. (Thanks Fran!)

March 19 – Anniversary of going to war in Iraq.

Brad also reported a Safe Skies Clean Water WI action item on Saturday, April 3 from 12-3 PM, City County Building on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.  Eken Park area residents will be bringing glasses of Water as a demonstration for clean water vs. the chemical pollution from PFAS related contamination from the area of the Dane County Airport, Truax Field, and Starkweather Creek.

Adjournment
The  meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM.  

Minutes by Books