Minutes of the 623^rd Membership Business Meeting

September 13, 2008 at the Academy Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado

The meeting was called to order at 1404; some 40 members, several spouses, and some guests were present. It was impossible to get an accurate count because about half the people were no longer wearing their name badges.

Ed Beck read the minutes from the 2006 meeting in San Antonio; they were approved as read.

Stan Duro gave the treasurer’s report; Stan again reported that – before final reunion expenses – we had $7847.02 in our treasury. Stan also provided some information on producing and mailing the Scanner, about $850 an issue; and upkeep of the web page, about $450 a year.

We briefly discussed our non-profit status; Stan reported that we did not qualify for a 501c(3) classification. Ed Beck then mentioned a relatively new classification for fraternal groups – a 501c(8). Stan will investigate this possibility.

The membership entered into a brief discussion on the welfare of Gail Walker. Dave Cory reported that he had a discussion with Gail, and the good news was that Ray’s doctor declared his cause of death as being the result of the auto accident. This should result in some monetary compensation for Gail. Jim Simpson reported that he had talked with Gail and invited her to the reunion. Gail had to decline because of her ongoing involvement in the court proceedings. Gail was very appreciative that we made this a memorial reunion for Ray Walker.

We then entered into a discussion of officers. Gary Friesan led the discussion with a report on our webmaster, John London, who had previously requested to be replaced as the webmaster for health reasons. John called Gary this morning and told him his health was improving and he felt well enough to continue as webmaster. This announcement was greatly appreciated and applauded by the membership.

Next on the agenda was the election of officers. The setting president was nominated and elected. And, since no members had expressed an interest in any of the officer positions, Dave Cory made a motion that all existing officers be re-appointed. The motion was unanimously approved by the membership.

We then entered into a discussion of new business items from the board meeting. The members were told the board’s recommendation of having the 2010 reunion in Biloxi (in the late fall of 2010) and the 2012 reunion in Seattle. Joe Pearce made a motion to adopt this plan, John Buell seconded. This reunion plan was unanimously accepted by the 623^rd membership. Dave Hammond will be the reunion coordinator for Biloxi; David Law will be a possibility as coordinator for Seattle.

After deciding on the next reunion site, the board expressed their thanks to Jim Simpson for hosting this year’s reunion. The meeting was then adjourned at 1540.