Meeting Minutes
Date: Saturday, January 6, 2024
Location: Holmes House, Elkhart, Indiana
Start Time: 3:00 PM
The meeting was opened in due form by President K. Holmes, who gave the opening and closing prayers. President Holmes declared the business session open.
Roll Call of Officers:
Completed by Secretary J. Schrock.
Reading of Membership Applications:
No reports.
Reading of the Minutes:
Secretary J. Schrock read (emailed) the minutes from the last meeting and asked if there were any corrections or amendments.
Media Coordinator L. Zeugner made a motion to accept the minutes as read. E. Director S. Holmes seconded the motion, and it passed.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer J. DeFrees reported on the financial status (details redacted and available upon request).
Media Coordinator L. Zeugner made a motion to accept the report, subject to audit. H/R Director J. Schrock seconded, and the motion passed.
Treasurer DeFrees added that next month she will provide a more detailed, line-item report.
Bills:
Treasurer J. DeFrees reported the bills have been paid (refer to Treasurer’s report).
E. Director S. Holmes made a motion to accept the report. M. Kauffman seconded, and the motion passed.
IT:
President K. Holmes (in absentia for Tony) asked about IT issues. Dave Mickelson reported his email has not been working for some time and needs fixing.
Unfinished Business
President K. Holmes opened the floor to discussion about the upcoming May 2024 fundraising dinner.
Sponsorship Letters:
Some letters have been sent; some have not. A list will be compiled in Teams to track who has contacted which businesses to avoid duplicates.Grants:
The VA denied a grant application despite initially indicating 501(c)(3) approval.Food:
E. Director S. Holmes, J. Schrock, and J. DeFrees are still securing a restaurant. Chubby Trout and The Skillet are being considered. Questions regarding entrée, sides, desserts, and supplies are ongoing.Press Releases:
Media Coordinator L. Zeugner is preparing press releases. Mike Reinheimer from WNDU Channel 16 has expressed interest in helping with media and joining the Board of Directors.Media Seating:
It was suggested media be seated center-front or center-side for optimal photo/video opportunities.Stage:
Discussion about renting a stage for talent and speakers ensued. Renting from the event center costs $500; J. Schrock will get alternative quotes.Food and Beverage:
Coordination ongoing for food, bar, and bartenders with proper liquor licenses.Music:
Sam Brown confirmed to play. Other bands considered include Autumn Academy and possibly Paul Decker. The BoD prefers an upbeat 70s-90s dance band.Posters:
President Holmes will send finalized posters and flyers for printing in early March.Weapons:
H/R Director J. Schrock tasked with securing two weapons for raffle; a Smith & Wesson 9mm EZ was requested. Toby Crowley will purchase and donate the second weapon.Trash/Clean-up:
The event center requires trash removal and cleaning to avoid an $825 fee. FSO is not responsible for tables or chairs but must clean decorations. A parking plan for patrons is needed.Ticket Sales:
Tickets will be sold online and reserved for limited at-the-door sales.Gaming License:
E. Director S. Holmes is working on a one-day state permit; BoD driver’s licenses are required.Drawing Tickets:
J. Schrock has sufficient rolls of colored tickets for all drawings.Challenge Coin:
A new 2024 challenge coin will be made; design pending future approval.Resume Writing Class:
Scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, 6:30 PM at the Goshen VFW. Media Coordinator L. Zeugner will assist.Podcast:
Season 1 of the FSO/Common Veterans Podcast ended with 12 episodes; Season 2 starts Monday, February 12.
Bill for 2023 was $120.
Sessions will be limited to one hour.Hometown Hero Program:
M. Kauffman introduced the program. A sponsorship letter will be developed later.
Nominations available on FSO website; monthly winners get a goodie bag including plaque, challenge coin, shirt, and a Casey Hendrickson knife (sponsored by M. Kauffman).
Winners invited to May fundraising dinner with reserved table, sponsored by Russell Billapando.
95.3 will collaborate on the program; promotion planned via Facebook and on-air.Mountain Bike Program:
D. Mickelson suggested participating in the 2024 Christmas parade and Goshen Memorial Day Parade. The BoD approved.Get Wet for a Vet:
FSO invited to a check presentation dinner on Sunday, January 7, 2 PM at Mishawaka American Legion Post 203.
President Holmes, VP F. Schlorke, Treasurer J. DeFrees, and H/R Director J. Schrock will attend.
New Business
President K. Holmes distributed the new brochure and business cards.
Discussion about updating business cards with Hometown Hero info took place; no decision made.
Good of the Order
President Holmes requested board members with outdated headshots to arrange for updated photos.
Next Meetings
Saturday, February 17
Saturday, March 16
Saturday, April 13
Saturday, May 11
Saturday, June 8
Saturday, July 20
Saturday, August 24
Saturday, September 14
Saturday, October 12
Saturday, November 16
Saturday, December 7
The Christmas party location will be chosen from Doc Pierce’s, McRee’s, The Rue, or Uptown Kitchen.
No further business was brought forward. H/R Director J. Schrock made a motion to adjourn; VP F. Schlorke seconded. Motion passed. President Holmes gave the closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
J. Schrock, Secretary
