Minutes for November 2020 Meeting
Monday, 09 November,2020, at 1903, Post Commander Ed Harwood called to order the monthly (second Monday) meeting of William E. Dillard American Legion Post 104, Inc., at the American Legion Hall, 915 West Main St., Sylva, NC. Present were fifteen Post members.
Opening Ceremony
Sergeant of Arms, Ron Short marched the colors to the front of the room- posted them in their stand and Commander Harwood led the members in a hand salute. Chaplain Burrus Jones offered the opening prayer. Commander Harwood read the American Legion statement to honor all missing U.S. POW and MIA’s. Members viewed the empty POW and MIA logo embossed black chair on display. The Commander led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution.
Previous Minutes
Meeting substitute Adjutant Rick Blomgren summarized the minutes of the October 2020 meeting (available at www.sylvalegion.org/minutes/) which received approval by a voice vote, with Jim McGill making the motion and seconded by Burrus Jones.
Finances
Rick Blomgren presented the current financial report, including a report that the Post and the Auxiliary Unit each received $173 from the proceeds of a garage sale last month. The report received approval by a voice vote, Debra McGill making the motion and seconded by Phil Haire.
Membership and Recruiting Report
Ed Harwood gave report in the absence of Linda Nee and there are currently 118 members who have paid their dues for 2020 – 2021 fiscal year. This represents 66% of total membership and on track where the Post should be for ½ of the reporting year. The 2020 dues (1 July 2020 – 30 June 2021) are now due and members can renew by mail, in person, or online. Dues are $35.00, with the Post keeping $7.50 and the balance going to the Department of North Carolina ($9.00) and the National American
Legion ($18.50). Mail payments to American Legion Post 104, at P. O. Box 104, Sylva, NC 28779.
Members can pay their annual dues on line at the National Headquarters web site http://www.legion.org/renew. To complete this action, have your American Legion membership number and a credit card available. As you finish, you can print off a temporary membership card plus a receipt to serve as “proof of membership” until Membership Officer Nee mails or gives you a permanent card.
Business and Announcements
- Joe Hurt was welcomed back as a returning member after a hiatus of some medical issues. Ed Harwood recognized Joe as a long-time supportive member and Viet Nam Vet and was very pleased to see his return.
- No report from the Legion Riders meeting as they did not meet this month.
- Commander Ed Harwood reminded everyone of the upcoming “reverse” parade flag line on November 14th to be composed of Legion Riders and regular Post members in front of the Post in recognition of Veterans Day. This is scheduled for 1300 to 1500 hours. The announcement(s) for this event is being made by Roy Burnette at his radio station, notification to the Ladies Auxiliary by Debra McGill, and the WCU Veterans Events. Ed Harwood will look into an announcement to be placed in the Sylva Herald newspaper.
- Ed Harwood reminded everyone that our usual and busiest time of year events in November and December will not be held due to the on-going pandemic restrictions. Our usual traditional December meeting/Christmas dinner will not be held this year. There will be a short meeting followed by some sharing of a few snacks and fellowship.
- Jim McGill reported the new Post preamble sign is still being looked into.
- Ed Harwood reminded everyone of the Flags Across America project that occurs every year. The cost of wreaths are $15 each. Some of the post members participate, every year, in placing wreaths on graves at the Black Mountain veteran’s cemetery. In the past, members have made contributions to the post or individually in addition to the Post contributing; last year the Post contributed $500. A discussion was held by the attendees as to the amount the Post should make this year. After motions, followed by further discussion, amended motions were made by Jim McGill and seconded by George Elliott and the approval by voice vote was made to contribute $1,000 by the Post. Jim McGill reported the Legion Riders would contribute an additional $105.
- Jim McGill gave a brief report on the state level fall conference conducted via “Zoom”. Delays in member reports are getting lengthier due to the pandemic restrictions. The five applicants and only five were awarded $600 each for Boys/Girls/Legion college support. The location for the next State college is to be finalized in the future.
- Jim McGill reminded everyone that the gun part of the hunting season begins on November 23rd and ends on December 12th. He reminded everyone, who is hunting, to be extra mindful of each other’s safety and to wear orange hunting attire.
- Jim McGill made a special note of “thanks” to both Ed Harwood and Larry Agle for their dedicated stewardship to the Post and the Legion.
Funeral Details
Vice Commander Roy Burnett reported the post performed one funeral detail plus one remembrance this past two months.
- Louis Lazano - Army (Detail)
- Bruce Jones - Army (Remembrance)
- Carl Richardson - Air Force (Remembrance)
- Lawrence Hornsby – Air Force (Remembrance)
Sick Call
- Sarah Candito, USN, friend of Commander Harwood, has now been released from hospital and in physical therapy. She is returning to Florida and has a long way to go in her recovery.
- Howard Rohner’s wife Barbra is continuing in her positive recovery.
- Harold Hensley has been seen to be doing much better and his wife is taking very good care of him.
- Bruce Jones, Andy’s grandfather passed away.
- Terry Zachary, David’s cousin, is still battling brain cancer.
- Police, firefighters, and first responders.
As always let’s keep these folks and our vets around the world in our thoughts and prayers.
Closing Ceremony
After Chaplain Jones offered the closing prayer, Commander Harwood led the group in a hand salute and declared the meeting adjourned at 1953.
Respectfully presented,
Rick Blomgren, Meeting substitute Adjutant
