American Legion Riders

Chapter 495

March 22, 2021

 

The meeting was opened in due form at 7:01 p.m. by Assistant Director Dennis Brinsfield. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited followed by the Riders Response.

Chaplain Donna Lewis gave an opening prayer. A roll call of officers was called for and showed the following:

Director:                      John Scott                                Stepped Down
Asst. Director:              Dennis Brinsfield
Secretary:                     Tina Smith                               (EX)
Treasurer/                   
Membership:                Shawn Miller
Communications:         Michael Harris
Historian:                     Rhonda Barth
Chaplain:                     Donna Lewis
Ride Coordinator:        Steve Smith
Sergeant at Arms:         Jeff Belttari

16 members in attendance.

Asst. Director Dennis Brinsfield said that Secretary Tina Smith had resigned and that he was appointing Supporter Raymond Giehll Jr as the temporary Secretary. Asst. Director Dennis Brinsfield said that newly appointed Director John Scott had resigned. Dennis said he was opening nominations for a new Director.

Shawn Miller nominated Steve (Biggin) Corbin for Director, 2^nd Michael Harris. Steve Corbin accepted the nomination. With no other nominations Asst. Director asked for a vote for Steve Corbin for Director. The membership elected Steve Corbin as ALR Director by acclimation.

New ALR Director Steve Corbin assumed the lead of the meeting. Steve thanked everyone for electing him the new ALR Director. Steve said that everything will be voted on by the membership and this will not be in any way a dictatorship. Director Corbin asked for Officer Reports.

Asst. Director Dennis Brinsfield had no report.

Run Coordinator Steve Smith had no report.

Treasurer Shawn Miller gave the following financial report: Previous Balance:  $1019.83 Income: $115.00 ($100 raffle, $15 dues)
Current Balance:          $1134.83 Shawn said that $25 of the raffle money would be given to the Post as voted on at a previous meeting. Shawn said that American Legion member Boots Howard had done an audit of the ALR accounts and all was good.

Sgt.-at-Arms Bear Belttari said that new member Jim Searcy, a transfer for Chapter 76, was in attendance at the meeting.

Chaplain Donna Lewis said she sent a card to Dennis Brinfield’s ex-wife Carol.

Communication Officer Michael Harris said he will need an email address for any new members.

Shawn Miller said he has an email list and everyone should check to see that we have the right email address.

New Business: Michael Harris made a motion to move the ALR nomination to April of each year and the elections to May of each year to correspond to the Post American Legion elections, 2^nd Donna Lewis. Mark Sellers asked why the nominations and elections were at the time they were now. Director Corbin said that they were changed based on suggestion from the State ALR. Motion passed. The motion will take effect immediately with nominations the April 2021 meeting. 

Run Coordinator Steve Smith said that he is open for suggestions for the Breakout Ride. It was suggested that the Breakout Ride be to Crawfordsville to the military museum there. Steve said the museum had closed in 2017 and again would welcome suggestions for the Breakout Ride. It was stated that the Breakout Ride should include supporting other American Legion Posts.

Sgt.-at-Arms Bear Belttari said that the Breakout Ride will need a chase vehicle with trailer.

Director Corbin said he wants to see the contest begin again for those who participate, Steve said he realizes that the pandemic had stopped them. The signup sheet needs to be put out at the Post.

Director Corbin said he would like to start an Iron Butt challenge. You would be on your own and log how many miles you ride each week. Director Corbin wants to start a Journey Around Indiana contest. Members would be on their own and would take picture of American Legion Post they visited in Indiana. Director Corbin asked that each member who participates donates $10 that would go towards a trophy to the winner of the Journey Around Indiana challenge.

Old Business: Rhonda Barth spoke on the upcoming benefit for her nephew Dylan Abel. The benefit will be May 23, 2021 at Post 495 from 2-8 pm. Food will be served, pork, ham & turkey and sides. Gene Deer Band will start at 4:30 pm. It will be open to the public and will be $10 at the gate which will include food and the band. Flyers are in the Post. There is not a ride scheduled. Rhonda said that we will need members to volunteer for the event.

Run Coordinator Steve Smith said that he will look into a possible ride on Saturday May 22^nd. He will send out details when available.

Director Corbin said when we are helping the community we are doing the right thing. Director Corbin said volunteers are always needed around the Post. Director Corbin said he would like to see the ALR have at least one activity each month all year around. It does not have to be a ride. Steve said if members have places they would like to go or things the ALR should do, let him know. Director Corbin said that if anyone wants his contact information see him after the meeting. Steve asked all his officers if they would be willing to share their contact information with the members, they all agreed. There will be a contact sheet made for distribution.

Susan Totton said she would like to do something in Mike Totton’s name. Susan would like to collect donations for esophageal cancer in Mike’s name. Susan said the donations would go to an organization that does research and awareness for esophageal cancer.

Sgt.-at-Arms Bear Belttari said that we have members certified for the Spur Ceremony. Bear said we should have the equipment for the ceremony. Shawn Miller said the equipment was purchased and should be here.

As part of the 9/11 ride this year there is a Harley Davidson motorcycle being raffled off. It was donated and is in perfect running condition. It is being painted with a 9/11 design and the paint will include ashes for the World Trade Center. Only 5000 tickets printed, ticket are $10 apiece.

Director Corbin said again for member to step up and tell us what you want from your Chapter.

With no further business Director Corbin called for a closing prayer. Chaplain Donna Lewis gave a closing prayer.

The meeting was closed at 7:52 pm