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American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment Convention Scripted Agenda
Friday, June 23, 2017 11:00 A.M.Hotel Elegante, Salon D Colorado Springs, CP
Reconvening President Evelyn Espinola called the meeting to order
at 11:15 AM. There being no objection Donna Jones,
Kellie Hayes, and Pat Steranka were appointed to the
minute’s approval committee.
Reports of Convention Committees
The convention rules were read by Rules Committee
Members Donna Jones and Pilar Bottoms. Donna Jones
moved the adoption of the convention rules. The
motion was seconded and approved by 2/3 in the
affirmative.
The next item of business was the reading of
credentials by Ann Ritacco and Laurie Kuntz. Karen
Boehler, president of newly chartered CSU Unit 1879
respectfully requested that they be allowed to pay their
delegate fees and be allowed to vote. Sue Paterson
moved the acceptance of the delegate fees. The motion
was seconded and approved.
There were no resolutions submitted to the resolutions
committee prior to convention. Announcements were
read, and the body adjourned for lunch at 11:50 AM.
The meeting reconvened at 1:38 PM. Constitution & Bylaws chairman Roberta Morrow gave her report. She reported that she has broken the 31 changes to the procedures manual down to 13 sections to be considered. Two provisions were added at the DEC meeting the previous day. They were to not charge the president-elect as the VA&R chairman and
Convention scripted agenda for Friday and Saturday 6-24/25-2017
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that the vice president takes that chairmanship. The proposed changes to the bylaws, standing rules, and procedures manual are attached as a permanent part of these convention minutes.
Committee
reports
President Evelyn called for the Department Committee
reports.
Donna Thompson, Americanism Committee Chairman
reported that Pueblo Unit 2 was the state winner.
Marilynn Centa, Auxiliary Emergency Fund Chairman
recommend that all units have a fundraiser for AEF to
help nationwide, and to encourage their members to
apply if they need funds. Denver Unit 1 won the AEF
award.
Alma (Smitty) Smith, Cavalcade of Memories
Chairman was not present. Secretary/Treasurer Rhonda
Larkowski thanked the History Committee for
purchasing the new light weight Auxiliary Flag that
will be used when we are traveling and for parades.
Susie Bozella, Centennial Committee Chairman
recommend a new plan to further involve units, that we
check on best ways to spend the money already
awarded from national, and that we continue to
advertise and promote the national plan.
Laurie Kuntz, Children and Youth Chairman Convention scripted agenda for
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Recommended that we continue the bridge being built
with the legion family, and continue working with the
Colorado Veterans Kids Fund. Pueblo Unit 2 won the
State Children and Youth award, and have submitted a
Unit of the Year award application to national for
consideration.
Donna Jones, Community Service Chairman reported
that the state winner was Berthoud Unit 67.
Susie Bozella, Education Committee Chairman
recommended combining Dept President’s
Scholarships of two $500 scholarships into one $1000
scholarship, and that we work to get the word out about
our Department scholarships that are available. Unit 2
Pueblo was the state winner.
Linda O’Riley, Colorado Springs Clinic representative
reported the clinic uses their donations differently from
the other facilities as they don’t have in house
residents. She thanked Unit 5 Colorado Springs and
Unit 30 Wray for donating $50 every Christmas.
Diane Erickson reported for Beatrice Montoya, Denver
VA Medical Center representative. She reported that
Beatrice had received an award for her many years of
service. She reported that there are many ways to
volunteer at the Denver VA. She thanked us for our
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donations to the facility and to the Christmas Gift
Shop, and reported what those funds are used for.
Diane Erickson, Fitzsimmons Community Living
Center representative thanked us for our donations and
that they go to their recreation fund which is
administered by the residents. They plan their own
activities. She also reported that as well as money the
veterans need our time with them.
Marie Moll, Denver Fisher House representative
wasn’t present.
Theresa Brandt, Florence Community Living Center
representative reported that Bruce McCandlis
celebrated 40 years this year. She reported they attend
their Memorial Day ceremony each year, and the ice
cream social which is hosted by District 7 in August,
and the annual Christmas Party hosted by Unit 13.
They used their donations this year to purchase a
commercial towel warmer. She also reported each
resident has a garden and some donations go to
purchase seeds.
Julie Dominguez-Aysse, Grand Junction VA Medical
Center representative reported she attends the quarterly
VAVS meetings. Grand Junction is planning a separate
building with a private entrance for their female
veterans. She reported that Gift Shop monies were used
to buy fleece blankets, gloves, socks, toiletries, and
other items and that they have a large Christmas party
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for the veterans. They also held a female veterans
workshop in August. They also held a tea. They
participated in the stand down, and work in partnership
with the VA.
Mary Jane Neal, Colorado Mental Health Institute at
Pueblo representative wasn’t present.
Tracy Trujillo reported for Beverly Trujillo, VA
Community Living Center Pueblo reported that they do
the memorials at the CLC and that they work with the
art program which is very important to the veterans,
furnishing all the supplies for the program, and that
they participate in outings. They host the veterans
monthly for tacos at Unit 2 in Pueblo, as well as other
activities. JoAnn Quade, Colorado State Veterans
Nursing Home Rifle wasn’t present.
Margaret Gleisberg, Spanish Peaks Veterans
Community Living Center Walsenburg wasn’t present.
Evelyn Espinola, Homelake Nursing Home
representative reported the celebrated their 125th year
this year. They have a large Memorial Day celebration
and a Veterans Day Social. They are also
commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam.
Ann Ritacco, Service to Veterans Chairman reported
that the tea she attended in Grand Junction was a lot of
fun and very informative. Longmont Unit 32 was
awarded first in state for Service to Veterans.
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Eve Gallaher, Finance Committee Chairman
recommended that we hire someone to fix email
situation. She reported we donated to each hospital at
the VA&R reception $1000 from VA regular fund,
$212 from poppy monies, plus any donations received
from units, and that the CLC’s each received $800,
$212, and unit donations. She reminded us that the dues
increase comes into effect July 1st. She reported that
we were paying for Past National President Sharon
Conatser’s visit with us.
Chris Harvey, Fund Raising Chairman reported we had
a very successful fund raiser this year, with the help of
the Junior Auxiliary. She thanked us for our donations.
Susan Wagner, President’s Projects Chairman didn’t
have a report as fundraising hadn’t been completed.
She reminded us to buy our tickets for the Broncos
Quilt, and to purchase our president’s pins.
Theresa Brandt, Legislative Chairman recommended
that we encourage our congressmen support the
adoption of the American Legion 100th year
commemorative coin. The Legislative award went to
Brush Unit 68.
Laurie Kuntz reported for Membership Chairman
Nancy Diefenderfer. She asked that we continue
working the 2016-2017 membership year as well as
beginning on the 17-18 year. She encouraged us not to
hold dues. Our objective is to have our goals met by
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midyear.
Julie Dominguez/Aysee, Poppy Committee Chairman
recommended that when reports are written they give
more information. First place award for the Poppy
Committee was given to Broomfield Unit 58.
Susie Bozella, National Security Committee Chairman
recommended we do narratives for National Security.
First place was awarded to Lakewood Unit 178.
Roberta Morrow, Permanent Membership Chairman
thanked all permanent members who sent in a donation.
Laurie Kuntz, Public Relations Chairman
recommended we revise our reports to include Public
Relations. She reported that as Northwest Division PR
chair it was good to see what other departments are
doing so we can learn from them. The first-place award
went to Canon City Unit 13.
Announcements
recess 5:00 p.m.
President Evelyn announced the Past Department
President’s dinner at the Village Inn at 6:00 pm.
President-elect Ann Ritacco announced the hospitality
rooms at 7pm, and dinner at Post 38.
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American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment Convention Scripted Agenda
Saturday June 27, 2015 9:30 A.M.
Reconvene 9:00 a.m.Guest Speaker
Credentials
President Evelyn Espinola opened the meeting by
donning the apparel she was given at her induction into
the Past Department President’s Club last night.
She introduced NEC Susie Bozella for the purpose of
introducing our distinguished guest.
Past National President Sharon Conatser addressed the
assembled delegates (including the Junior Auxiliary) on
the number 2 goal of the centennial plan ‘creating a
culture of goodwill’, and the principles of good
leadership.
Cheryl Rogers, deputy representative, reported on
Spanish Peaks Living Center, Walsenburg. They
worked on a special project with sixth grade students
making lap quilts for every veteran in the center.
Dee Chappell Haley, Leadership Chairman reported that
leadership is about mentoring. Several leadership
conferences and meetings were held throughout the
year. The leadership award was given to Unit 20
Sterling.
The Rules on Debate were reread by rules committee
member Donna Jones.
The final Credentials Report was read by Ann Ritacco
and Laurie Kuntz. There was a total of 166 votes. 84
votes were needed for a simple majority and 113 for a Convention scripted agenda for
Friday and Saturday 6-24/25-2017Page 8 of 20
Resolutions
Constitution and Bylaws
2/3 vote. JoAnn Kidd moved the approval of the
credentials. The motion was seconded and approved.
No resolutions to come before the convention body
were submitted to the resolutions committee.
Roberta Morrow and Nancy Diefenderfer presented the
constitution and bylaws report.
Susie Bozella, Education chairman moved that the two
$500 department junior scholarships be combined
resulting in three $1000 scholarships. And to combine
the two Department Scholarships into one $1000
making two of $1000 each. The motion was seconded
and approved.
Robbie explained the scope of notice in the C&B
changes that have come forward and state, “on behalf of
the C&B committee, I move the adoption of the
changes.
Article III- Duties of the department office to change
the publication of Department Convention Minutes to
‘by January 1st.’ The committee recommended adoption.
Seconded and approved after discussion.
Article IV- Duties of department officers to reflect the
above change. Moved by the Committee. Seconded and
approved.
Section I- item 3 Committees add chaired by a Past
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Department President. 4. Add to children and youth
allow $500 for a special project. 18. Chairman must be a
permanent member. The committee moved the adoption
of these changes to the standing rules. Seconded and
approved.
Section III- audit Remove one member shall be a past
department president. The committee moved the
adoption. Seconded and approved.
13 XIII Adding new #3 delete 2 and 4 to reflect the
changes to scholarships and renumbering them all. The
committee moved the adoption. Seconded and
approved.
Finances- clarification to read before June 30th.
Committee moved the adoption. Seconded and
approved.
Finances #11 clarified to read to cover the Honorary
Junior President’s expenses. The committee moved the
adoption. Kristi Hensley moved to amend by removing
Honorary Junior President and inserting Junior
Auxiliary Delegate. The committee agreed to make the
change and moved the adoption. Seconded and
approved.
Finances: adding ‘up to $500 will be allowed for the
Children and Youth Chairman to be used for a special
project’, and renumbering. The committee moved the
adoption. Seconded and approved.
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation – changed reps
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must report monies from the VA regular fund only.
Change home service pins to Service to Veterans of
Hospital Volunteer pins. The committee moved the
adoption. Seconded and approved.
Robbie explained the changes to the Department
procedures and stated, “on behalf of the C&B
committee, I move the adoption of the changes to
the procedures.”
Section 1. Northwest Division and National
Executive Committeewoman. Removal and new
section. Seconded and approved.
Section 2. Department President- 3 removals and one
new. Seconded and approved.
Section 3. Department President-elect; remove item
2 serving as VA&R chairman, remove item 8,
remove item 12. 4 additions. Remove item 17. 4
added. Seconded and approved with a standing count
vote after discussion.
Kristi Attarian, Girls State Director, introduced
Emma Kerr, Girls State Governor from Colorado
Springs Unit 209, who reported on her experiences at
Colorado Girls State and what it meant to her. Kellie
Hayes presented Kristi with a quilt signed by the
girls and staff of Colorado Girls State.
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Constitution and Bylaws
There was an amendment to the credentials report to
add Unit 17 Edgewater who are in attendance. New
totals were 169, 85 majority, 114 for 2/3 approval. Ann
Ritacco moved to amend the report. Seconded and
approved.
Section 4. President-elect, her unit, and Vice President.
2 removals, 1 new section. Committee moved for
approval. Seconded and approved.
Section 5. Department Secretary/Treasurer. 2 removals
and 3 new. Committee moved for approval. Seconded
and approved.
Section 6. Directory, DEC’s, 3 new in DEC, removal of
directory. The committee moved for approval. Seconded
and approved.
Section 7. Chairmen 1 change, remove 1 item Awards
and plaques will be removed if motion later today
passes. AEF one removed. The committee moved for
approval. Seconded and approved.
Section 8. Juniors; 5 removals, 4 new. The committee
moved for approval. Seconded and approved.
Section 9. Past President’s, permanent membership 2
removals 2 new. The committee moved for approval.
Seconded and approved.
Section 10. Poppy Program, 2 removals, 5 new. The
committee moved for approval. Seconded and approved.
Section 11. VA centers and Nursing Homes. Changed to
Service to Veterans Committee. The Committee moved
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for approval. Seconded and approved.
Section 12. DEC, District Pres 2 new, checklist 1 new,
agenda no changes. National President’s visit, no
changes, NDVP Visit 1 new. The committee moved for
approval. Seconded and approved.
Section 13. National one removal, National gifts 1
removal. The committee moved for approval. Seconded
and approved.
Section 14. Pages 2 removals ALA Emblem 2 new
changes, Death and illness, 4 changes. The committee
moved for approval. Seconded and approved.
Section 15. Allowable travel, 3 new sections. Credit
card policy, 2 removals 2 new. The committee moved
for approval. Seconded and approved.
Section 16. Finance 3 removals, 1 new. The committee
moved for approval. Seconded and approved.
Section 17. 990’s 1 removal, 1 new. The committee
moved for approval. Seconded and approved.
Adjourned for Past President’s Parley Luncheon.
Kristie Attarian, Girls State Director, reported on the
just completed Colorado Girls State session, with
special emphasis on the added day and the trip to the
state capitol. She thanked the body for being allowed to
serve as director of Girls State.
Ayana Espinola, Junior Vice President and outgoing
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junior member introduced the new Honorary Junior
Officers. They are KaLey Nurry, President; Kailey
Fobare Vice President; Angelica Guitterez, Secretary;
Kailey Girrord, Treasurer; Brianna Blake, Chaplain;
Abbianna Macaranas, Historian; and Katie Kernan,
Sergeant-at-Arms. Past President Betty Janata installed
the new junior officers.
ELECTIONS
Susie Bozella was nominated for National Executive
Committeewoman. There were no further nominations.
There being only one nominee, the chair declared the
nominations closed, the ayes carried, and Susie was
elected as NEC.
Laurie Kuntz was nominated for president elect. There
were no further nominations. There being only one
nominee, the chair declared the nominations closed. The
ayes carried, and Laurie was elected as president elect.
Tracy Trujillo was nominated for vice president. There
were no further nominations. There being only one
nominee, the chair declared the nominations closed. The
ayes carried, and Tracy was elected as vice president.
Teresa Brandt and Julie Domingues/Aysee were
nominated for chaplain. There were no further
nominations. There being two nominees, the chair
deferred their election until the end.
Marilyn Miyazima was been nominated for historian.
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There were no further nominations. There being only
one nominee, the chair declared the nominations closed.
The ayes carried, and Marilyn was elected as historian.
Janelle Patton Unit 38, and Sharon Wilson Unit 2527
were nominated for sergeant-at-arms. There were no
further nominations. That election was also deferred to
the end.
Rhonda Larkowski was been nominated for Northwest
Division Vice President for 2019-2020. There were no
further endorsements. The ayes carried, and Rhonda
was endorsed for the office of NDVP.
Sharon Wilson and Janelle Patton were given two
minutes each to introduce themselves to the delegates.
The delegates also heard from Chaplain nominees
Theresa Brandt and Julie Dominguez/Aysse.
The Teller’s oath was administered, and ballot
instructions were read by Secretary/Treasurer Rhonda.
Ballots were distributed, and the meeting was adjourned
for units to caucus and vote.
Committee reports continued
Deb McBride, Past President’s Parley Scholarship and
Audit Committee chairman announced the PPP
Scholarship Winner is Justine Salazar who is studying
mortuary science, and that she was awarded a
Committee reports continued
scholarship of $2000 dollars. She reported the audit was
conducted last year looking at reimbursement requests.
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To date the books for this year all seem to be in order.
President Evelyn awarded the Poppy Centerpiece
Award to Brush Unit 68.
She awarded Keenesburg Unit 180 with the Junior
Activities first place award.
Theresa Brandt, Chaplain, presented the prayer book to
President Evelyn. The Chaplain’s Award went to Unit 2
Pueblo.
The Poppy Poster Contest winners were both sponsored
by Peetz Unit 134.
Marilyn Miyazima, Historian presented the Scrapbook
Award to Unit 13 Canon City.
Eve Gallaher, Citations Chairman spoke about retiring
the plaques that was discussed at midyear. At midyear it
was decided to bring it to the convention body. The
matter was opened to discussion. Eve moved to
continue plaques until full then retire them to the unit
who has won it the most. Seconded. After further
discussion the motion was approved.
Officers reports
The following district presidents reported to the
delegates about the activities conducted by their units
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throughout the year.
District 3- Dee Chapple-Haley reported, highlighting
the progress made by Unit 20 in Sterling who is
revitalizing their unit. She reported there were more
new people assuming district offices and that they were
participating in leadership training.
District 4- Laurie Kuntz reported the district has been
very busy. District trainings have been successful.
Almost $3000 was donated to the district project;
‘Hearts for Horses’.
District 6- Diane Erickson reported 30 women veterans
attended their annual luncheon. They gave information
on where to go for services.
District 7- Jackie Bowen reported their units were also
very busy supporting veterans and that the district had
sent 62 delegates to Girls State.
District 8- Marilyn Centa reported their small district
has some units that are struggling, and that Unit 16
Walsenburg is making great strides. They are also
planning a district training session covering numerous
topics.
District 13- Julie Dominguez-Aysse reported they only
have two or three active units. Many of their efforts are
for veteran’s assistance.
President Evelyn presented a special gift to Jackie
Bowen for their help for offering her a place to stay
Convention scripted agenda for Friday and Saturday 6-24/25-2017
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during her travels, and for being close and helping her
out throughout the year.
The election tellers report was as follows: Chaplain:
Theresa Brandt and Sargent at Arms: Janelle Patton.
Susie Bozella- NEC recommended that we read her
report, and thanked us for placing our trust in her.
President-Elect Ann Ritacco recommended we support
all our elected officers and committee chairs through the
upcoming year.
Laurie Kuntz-Vice President recommended we continue
to foster good will within our units, districts, and
department.
Rhonda Larkowski Secretary/Treasurer recommended
we appoint a special committee be appointed whose
responsibility would be to gather and distribute the
midyear and annual reports, and to add a footer to the
directory that information published in the directory is
for official ALA business only. And to let everyone
know if they’re receiving email that’s not from the
office or President Ann that they’re not official emails.
Theresa Brandt Chaplain recommended we get our
chaplain books in early.
Marilyn Miyazima Historian recommended we record
our information for our units for the future generations.
She asked that we contact her if we need any help or
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information.
Tracy Trujillo Sergeant-at-Arms asked that we consider
how much effort it takes to set up and clean up for these
meetings and that we consider offering our assistance.
Evelyn Espinola recommended that we get reports in on
time, that we stop and think about what we are saying to
each other and just be nice to each other.
Courtesy resolutions
The courtesy resolutions were read by Dee Chappell-
Haley. The courtesy resolutions were unanimously
adopted.
Apportionment of national convention delegates
The Department of Colorado is entitled to nine
delegates to national convention. NEC will be a
delegate at large. Ex-Officio delegates will be the
department president, president-elect, department
secretary/treasurer, and those members who serve as
national committee members. The other delegates were
determined by their district membership and their ability
to attend. Secretary/treasurer Rhonda moved she be
allowed to fill vacancies with available attendees.
Seconded and approved.
Installation of newly elected officers.
Newly elected president’s remarks and
The officers for 2017-2018 including the DEC’s were
installed by Past Department President Betty Janata.
Outgoing President Evelyn congratulated the new
officers.
Betty asked that we all stand and pledge to support
them.
Newly elected Department President Ann Ritacco gave
her remarks. She thanked all of us for supporting her. Convention scripted agenda for
Friday and Saturday 6-24/25-2017Page 19 of 20
2017-2018 membership turn in
Her theme for this year is ‘As a family we are working
together for our vets.’ Her project will be the ‘Rocky
Mountain Dawgs Project’. She explained the activities
of the organization. She asked that all previous
department chairmen mentor the new chairmen, many
of whom are new this year. She announced that the fall
conferences this year will be held jointly with the
American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion.
She thanked us for the opportunity to serve.
Several units gifted incoming President Ann with 2017-
2018 memberships, including her own Aurora Unit 23
which presented her with 69 members which is 77%.
Recess NEC Susie Bozella asked the DEC’s if they’d like to
meet for a short training after tomorrow’s meeting,
before the Memorial Service, or immediately following
this session. It was agreed they would meet right after
the session.
This meeting was recessed.
__________________________ ____ _________________________ ____Kellie Hayes date Donna Jones date
__________________________ _____ _________________________ ___Patricia Steranka date Rhonda Larkowski date
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