March 13 Meeting Notes

BLUE STAR MOM MEETING NOTES
March 13, 2007

· MEMBERS Present (at Carson Tahoe Hospital’s Aspen Rm.): Mary A., Ana A., Barbara C., Marge G., Paula F., Amy FJ, Wendy M., Jo S., Suzzie W., Robin P., Guest: Trish J., Nancie B., P.J. D.
· MINUTES: NOTES from meetings posted as Blogger Update for review. Feb. approved as posted.
· CALENDAR: Monthly Meetings (2nd Tues. 6pm Aspen Rm. Carson Tahoe Hospital) on Apr. 10th, May 8th, June 12th. Bowers Military Family Picnic Sept. 8th, 2007; Nat’l. Convention: Aug. 2nd thru Aug 4th, in Albuquerque, NM - additional information available from Suzzie or Barbara.
· BLOGGER UPDATES: hard copy with pictures circulated.
· TREAS. REPORT: given by Amy FJ. Balance on 3/13/07: $668.32 – detail attached. - Expenses from 2006 presented. Barbara (chapter president) will review to propose chapter/committee budgets for remainder of 2007.
· UPDATES ON SONS/DAUGHTERS:
o Mary’s son Chris remaining at Ft. Bragg but looking forward to upcoming transfer from HQ to Battalion.
o Ana’s son Gieorag has deployed…hopefully home in mid spring. Andrew is still at Ft. Benning and is to attend Airbourne and Ranger training later in the summer.
o Barbara let us know that Patrick is doing fine now with no recurrence of any medical issues. His ship has returned to port and he will be reporting back.
o Paula’s was happy to report that Josh is back home after “re-upping” while deployed. He’s doing some testing now for a school he’s hoping to go to.
o Marge’s son Stuart is in the midst of helping to plan his August wedding in Elko in addition to his work and his class load @ UNR.
o Joyce shared her joy at getting to spend some time with Christopher while he was home on leave! He’s due to discharge in early summer and will likely move to Oregon.
o Amy let us know that Nick is fine and that “all is good”!
o Wendy happily let us know that Nicholas made her a mother-in-law! Her new daughter in law was recently discharged (honorably) from the Marines. The happy couple is still in N. Carolina. (Wendy is already hoping for grandbabies!)
o Robin received word from Andrew about how much he loved the deployment package from the BSM’s…..especially the Air Force Pez dispenser which gave him a smile! He’s due to discharge this coming summer and is considering joining the NV Air Guard after meeting so many Reno folks in Baghdad from the Guard.
o Jo reported that she is eagerly awaiting Mark’s leave this spring to spend some time with him.
o Suzzie’s daughter Jacquie is still serving as the aide to Brig. Gen. Oates and enjoying her work. Tawofik (Jacquie’s husband) is still attending his Captains Career Course in S. Carolina. They’ve been able to get together for a couple of long weekends!
o Erin sent word that she is visiting her son, Tony, her daughter-in-law and grandson while Tony is home on leave!!! They’ll celebrate her grandson’s first birthday too!
o Patti sent word that Nicholas is doing okay and doing some patrolling outside of Baqubah.
o Leslie (sent word via Barbara) is off taking Henry to Ft. Lewis. Please continue lifting them up in prayer.



· NEW BUSINESS:
o The party for Daniel Tingle was a rousing success and many donations for decorations were received. Barbara read a very touching article from the paper about it wherein the BSM’s received some very positive press. Among the donations were some pins from the Flag Store. There are quite a number remaining and they shall be given to new members as they join our chapter.
o Barbara also read a very moving thank you from Tina L. for our support for Daniel’s party.
o National BSM has put out a request for yearbook submissions: 500 word story; group photo; one photo of child. Due date April 15, 2007. Additional info available from bsmyearbookeditors@yahoo.com or from Barbara.
o National BSM Presidents Project, “Sew Much Comfort” information presented. For additional information: president@bluestarmothers.org
o Girl Scout Cookie request was read and group consensus was made to decline involvement at this time.
o Discussion was begun regarding the possibility of having a table at the Fernley Veteran’s Cemetary event on Memorial Day. Since there are numerous possibilities for Memorial Day participation, a decision for participation in a Memorial Day event was tabled. We are to pick an event at the April meeting.
o Guest P.J. (from Web of Support) shared the following information with us:
1. She is shipping 600 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to deployed military members.
2. Freedom Team Salute is an avenue for military members to provide recognition for their family members who support them. P.J. is now an “Ambassador” for Freedom Team Salute.
3. UNR student groups banding together to support military families.
4. NV Chief & Sheriffs are donating protective vests and P.J. has secured permission from the Commander of the 593rd to ship them to the troops.
5. Republican Women are working with Wounded Warriors to make patriotic totes filled with toiletries for the troops.
6. Boys & Girls Club adopted 256 soldiers of the AZ Army Nat’l Guard Aviation Unit!
7. P.J. has been nominated as a Nevada Hero for her work on behalf of the military and their families.
-- Please visit www.webofsupport.com for more information.


OLD BUSINESS:

o BSM business cards were handed out and the remainder of stock will be held by Suzzie (recording secretary).
o The following fundraisers were decided to be a “go”:
1. Cason Valley Days – date to be added to calendar
2. St. Gall High Tea on April 21.
o A discussion regarding Memorial amounts was held with input from numerous members. Barbara will take the suggestions under advisement and look over the budget and report back.



COMMITTEE REPORTS:

o Deployment Support:
· Ana reported that 5 boxes were shipped following the February meeting.
· She asked that she be kept informed of deployment status of our sons & daughters.
· Please bring a list to the next meeting of items that our deployed soldiers are asking for/need.
· Priority of shipping deployment boxes to be as follows: 1) our own deployed, 2) our own stateside – i.e. boot camp, away from “home” at schools…., 3) NV deployed
o BSM to BSM Support: Cheryl G & mom in need of prayer/support.
o Blue to Gold Marge reported that there are still five families to present with Gold Star Banners.
· Soldier from Elko is to have a service in Las Vegas and the chapter there will do the presentation.
· Father of Brian Williams wishes to have presentation in May @ Law Enforcement ceremony in Incline. Date/time TBA.
· Marge also reported that the committee would like to be able to decide where to send/give memorial from SV/BSM’s based on needs/desires of families once allocations/memorial amounts are decided.
o Welcome Committee: There were 6 sign ups from the Tingle party of those interested in BSM. (Trish J. is here tonight!)
o Operation Postcard: Nothing new to report.
o BBQ Committee:
· Much discussion was generated about whom to invite/allow at this years BBQ. Eventually it was decided that beyond our own membership & their families, we would open to military moms and their families. Any military members home are also welcome.
· Wendy provided us a list of amenities provided at Bowers Mansion as well as a list of prohibited items.
· Continue to bring ideas to our meetings for ideas for the picnic. Donations of product (i.e. food/beverage/paper…) and services (i.e. dunk tank, bounce house….) are open for possible use so if you have “connections” let Wendy know or bring the info to the meeting.


There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned following a closing prayer.

THESE NOTES WERE FORMULATED BY Suzzie, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT her at: TweetySuz@aol.com

February Meeting Notes

BLUE STAR MOM MEETING NOTES
February 13, 2007

· MEMBERS Present (at Carson Tahoe Hospital’s Aspen Rm.): Mary A., Erin A., Ana A., Carol B., Jeanne BP, Patti C., Heather C., Barbara C., Cheryl G., Marge G., Shelley I., Amy FJ, Wendy M., Jo S., Suzzie W., Sally W. Guest: Robin P.
· MINUTES: NOTES from meetings posted as Blogger Update for review. Jan. approved as posted.
· CALENDAR: Monthly Meetings (2nd Tues. 6pm Aspen Rm. Carson Tahoe Hospital) Mar. 13th; Apr. 10th, May 8th, Bowers Military Family Picnic Sept. 8th, 2007; Nat’l. Connvention: Aug. 2nd thru Aug 4th, in Albuquerque, NM - additional information available from Suzzie or Barbara.
· BLOGGER UPDATES: hard copy with pictures circulated.
· TREAS. REPORT: given by Amy FJ. Balance on 2/8/07: $564.88 – detail attached. - Projected budget for 2007 tentatively to be presented at March meeting.
· UPDATES ON SONS/DAUGHTERS:
o Mary’s son Chris is still enjoying being “home” with his wife & children at Ft. Bragg and is busy remodeling their home when not busy with military endeavors.
o Erin’s son Rosendo should be headed stateside on leave from Iraq soon. She’s eager to go visit with him, her daughter in law and grandson!
o Ana’s son Gieorag is stationed on the Uss Henry M Jackson out of Bremmerton and son Andrew is going to be on the move through ROTC in Syracuse in May ’06 on to Ft. Benning, Ft. Knox, then back to Ft. Benning for Airbourne school and then Ranger school! Mom has a lot to keep up with!
o Carol’s son Joe was discharged in early February and is now living & working in Reno. He’s going to school and is considering going to work as a policeman or firefighter!
o Jeanne’s son Jason is going to UNR and doing well. He’s taking tango lessons…ask Jeanne why!!
o Patti’s son was home for a visit! His girlfriend came to visit too. If not extended, Patti hopes to have him back stateside in the fall.
o Barb was happy to report that Patrick is in the USofA! He’s been sent back to the states due to a health issue. He’s to be seen at Balboa Naval Hospital. They are keeping positive about it. (As I write this, it has been reported that he is doing well!)
o Heather’s son Travis is a Seabee in Okinawa, Japan but she looks to have him back in the states early summer. Her older son, Trent, just joined the Marines! He’ll soon ship out to Camp Pendleton for basic and is to be going into Combat Engineering.
o Amy’s son Nick being reassigned to Patrol Squadron 46 a.k.a. the Grey Knights.
o Cheryl’s son Matt was home last month and a wonderful visit was had by all! Looks like he got a new girlfriend before heading back to Iraq!
o Marge’s son Stuart still enjoying civilian life...but still subject to being called up until June ’08. Still attending UNR, working as a teller at Bank of America and planning an August wedding.
o Shelley’s son Sean still stationed in that tough area….Hawaii! Due to deploy overseas late fall ’07.
o Wendy’s son Nicholas in N. Carolina beginning his 2nd phase of school for the Osprey aircraft.
o Jo’s son Mark is driving “monster trucks” to move equipment from northern to southern Iraq.
o Suzzie’s daughter Jacquie is scheduled to accompany the general she’s serving as an aide for to Afghanistan next month for 10 days. Tawofik (Jacquie’s husband) is still attending his Captains Career Course in S. Carolina.
o Sally’s son Sean still happily at Ft. Lewis!
o Leslie (sent word via Barbara) is off taking son Will to Navy boot camp @ Great Lakes, IL! Henry is still in Reno. Please send prayers their way.
o Donna sent word letting us know that Deirdre is working 7 long days a week in Iraq and looking forward to 3 weeks of R&R in April. Hearty congratulations to PFC Steadman on receiving the ARCOM Award!! Hooah!
· NEW BUSINESS:
o Sacramento MEPS has space on their “Hallway of Heroes: for pictures. - For additional info contact Suzzie.
o Brenn Hill concert on Saturday. Tickets donated by David & Denise Baronio of Tahoe Mortgage. Leslie, Marge, Wendy, Sally and Suzzie to attend concert at CVI.
o Discussed need to generate fundraising ideas. The following possibilities were
raised:
St. Gall Women’s Society High Teal – Table of 8 – April 21st
Carson Valley Day’s float/booth/raffle – June
Memorial Day - May 28th
BBQ @ Bowers Mansion – Sept. 8th
Nevada Day – Oct. 31st
Veteran’s Day – Nov. 11th
bring additional ideas to March meeting!

o Wendy M. has graciously volunteered to be the BBQ Committee Chair and will gather info and report back with ideas and information in March
OLD BUSINESS:

o Business card design was approved as presented at the meeting last month. Donations were taken at the meeting to help defray the cost of having the cards printed and any remaining cost is to be paid for from the treasury. Once permission is obtained from BSM National president the cards will be ordered. (At time of minutes preparation, permission for use of the logo has been granted.)
o Discussions tabled from last meeting regarding donations to the Veteran’s Guest House, individual memorial’s of fallen NV soldiers and the GSM K. Hamilton Fire Relief Fund were opened for discussion again. It is the general feeling of the members who were present that as budgets are decided upon and given to individual committees that, from those budgets, proposals can be brought forth on how to address memorials. Specifically the budget of the Blue to Gold Committee could bring forth a proposal at a future meeting addressing memorial donations.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

o Deployment Support: A wealth of donations were available and packages were put together while members visited and brainstormed.
o BSM to BSM Support: Committee responsibility was clarified to be “Mom to Mom” support.
o Blue to Gold Marge reported that there are still five families to present with Gold Star Banners. The committee is still trying to arrange for presentations, but time must be given for the families to be accepting.
o Welcome Committee: Further definition of committee objectives to include information and referral for those inquiring about membership and services of the group. Committee will consolidate membership information into a folder for prospective new members.
o Operation Postcard: Box of postcards was returned from Walter Reed. Due to the large volume of mail, they can not take mail addressed to “any soldier” . / Overwhelming support has resulted in over 12800 cards ready for next holiday season! / Barbara read a thank you from the chaplain from the USS Bunkerhill for the postcards sent to the sailors on board.
o BBQ Committee: See New Business
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned following a closing prayer.

THESE NOTES WERE FORMULATED BY Suzzie, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT her at: TweetySuz@aol.com