Monday, November 25, 2013

West Point Society of Denver Directors Meeting July 9, 2013


Meeting called to order at 11:35 by Lindy Blackburn.

Lou Schroeder ’59, Robby Robinson ’68, Chuck Jones ’68, Lindy Blackburn ’69, Sam Thiessen ’73,
Dave Jackson ’73, Bob Walcott ’78, Brian MacDonald ‘83, Ed Hlopak ‘89, Amy Efaw ’89, Lynn
Streich ‘00, Brad Streich ’00, Joel Martin ’02, Tim Griesmer ’02, Mary St. Onge ’02, . A quorum was

Secretary’s Report

Board approved minutes from May 7, 2013 board meeting provided by Chuck Jones.

Treasurer’s Report

Board approved treasurer’s report from May 7, 2013 board meeting provided by Dave Jackson.

Membership Committee Initiatives

Tickets are still available for the Rockies/Reds game on August 31, 2013. Point of contact is Brian

MacDonald. Committee is marketing this event through word of mouth and email.

The board approved changes to the by laws, which are as follows:

See By-Laws at website, click here




Founders Day
Board members discussed future Founders Day speakers and decided it would be a good precedent
for the board to find speakers as a society rather than work through the West Point AOG. Board will
begin brainstorming possible speakers.

The meeting was adjourned at 13:05.


Mary St. Onge ‘02

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

West Point Society of Denver May 7, 2013 Board Minutes



West Point Society of Denver
1130-1400, May 7, 2013
1400 Wewetta St, Suite 600
Denver, CO 80202

Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 1138 by Lindy Blackburn.

Roll Call

Chuck Jones ’68, Lindy Blackburn ’69, Sam Thiessen ’73, Dave Jackson ’73, Bob Walcott ’78, Brian MacDonald ‘83, Ed Hlopak ‘89, Amy Efaw ’89, Dan Young ’94, Tim Griesmer ’02, and Joel Martin ‘02.  A quorum was present. 

Secretary’s Report

Minutes of the previous meeting were not available for review.


Treasurer’s Report

Board approved Dave Jackson’s treasurer report.   We made $57.00 profit at Founder’s Day.


VP2H

The Veterans Passport to Hope conducted a seminar recently.  In addition, they are producing a pamphlet on Colorado charities for assisting veterans.  They will conduct a golf tourney on July 22 to raise money.

Membership Committee

Ed Hlopak and Joel Martin reported on their results. They distributed a three page summary of their results. They plan to conduct a Leadership seminar for businesses in the near future.  Also they will conduct a survey of members to see how we can assist the greater membership.

Tri-Service Golf Tourney
Joel Martin reported that the Tourney is scheduled for June 21 in the morning.  Al Blumberg is the POC for Air Force.  We need to get information out on registration.  There will be a AUSA tourney the week before the Tri-Service as well.

Summer Picnic
Mark Frank was not present but reported through Lindy that it will be held in August with a similar format to last years.

By Laws
The By Laws Committee has been reviewing the by Laws and will report back at the next meeting with a set of recommended revisions.  Dave Jackson reported that the By Laws state that we need minutes of the Founder’s Day formal meeting.  This will be helpful to memorialize the election of Directors.

Election of Officers
Sam Thiessen proposed a slate of new officers for consideration for this year.  They include
        President Lindy Blackburn
        Vice President Bob Walcott
        Vice President for Admissions Tom Carroll
        Treasurer Dave Jackson
        Secretary/Scribe Mary St. Onge
The slate was unanimously elected.

Admissions
Amy Efaw reported that 24 candidates had been accepted with 3 more offers still out.  There were 4 candidates for the one Summer Leadership Seminar session.

Academy Day
Joel Martin was the Master of Ceremonies for the session, held in Aurora.  Over 450 candidates and parents attended.

Parent’s Club

The Colorado WP Parent’s Club elected new leadership for next year.  They are Deb and Mick Venrick. Send Off will take place June 9, 2013.

Quarterly Luncheon
There was no report.  Next event will be in the fall.

Leadership Conference
Bob Walcott will be attending this year.

Distinguished Society Update
Robby Robinson ’68 is currently collecting information for the Distinguished Society application.  He reported to Lindy that the criteria are changing and would provide more details when they were available.

Army Air Force Football
Air Force tickets will be obtained individually again this year.  

Army Navy
The Board discussed the format and concluded by majority opinion that we prefer to have the event at one or more sports bars and to order off the menu, instead of having a buffet at half time.  We need a volunteer to set this event up. 

Founder’s Day Speaker

Lindy reported that MG Paul LaCamara ’85 is the new CG of Fort Carson. Unfortunately the division will be deployed in March of 2014.  We are looking for another local general officer to present at Founder’s Day, because of budget cuts and the uncertainty of getting a West Point speaker.

 

New Business

There was no new business.

Next Meeting
The next WPSD meeting will be held July 9, 2013.

Meeting Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 1300.


Chuck Jones ‘68

West Point Society of Denver February 26, 2013 Board Minutes



West Point Society of Denver
1130-1400, February 26, 2013
1400 Wewetta St, Suite 600
Denver, CO 80202

Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 1135 by Lindy Blackburn.

Roll Call

Lou Schroeder ’59, Robby Robinson ’68, Lindy Blackburn ’69, Dave Jackson ’73, Bob Walcott ’78, Tom Carroll ’78, Ed Hlopak ‘89, Amy Efaw ’89, Dan Young ’94, Mark Frank ’00, Joel Martin ’02, Mary St. Onge ’02, Tim Green ‘02.  A quorum was present. 

Secretary’s Report

Board approved the minutes from the Annual Planning Meeting, January 22, 2013. 


Treasurer’s Report

Board approved Dave Jackson’s treasurer report.    


Membership Committee

Mark Frank ’00 talked about the committee members’ discussion since the planning meeting.  Some topics discussed included supporting West Point recruiting efforts and awareness, professional and social networking, and leadership and education within the community.  Committee also discussed launching an outreach campaign asking members and graduates in the Denver area how the WPSD can better support them.

Admissions Update/Congressional Panels
May 1, 2013 is national decision day and candidates will make their final commitment to attend West Point.

Founders Day

Details for Founders Day were finalized, including sequence of events and finalizing which board members would lead toasts.  George McDonald ’46 will provide the oldest graduate speech and Tim Griesner ’02 will provide the youngest graduate speech (subject to change based on RSVPs).  Four tickets for an Army 2013-14 football game will be auctioned during the event. 

Meeting Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 12:34.


Mary St. Onge ‘02

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Annual Planning Meeting January 22, 2013



West Point Society of Denver
Board of Directors Annual Planning Meeting
1830 – 2100 January 22, 2013
Heather Ridge Country Club

Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 19:12 by Bob Walcott ‘78.  A quorum was present.

Roll Call

Lou Schroeder ‘59, Jim Harrington ‘62, Robby Robinson ‘68, Sam Thiessen ‘73, Dave Jackson ‘73, Bob Walcott ‘78, Tom Carroll ‘78, Ed Hlopak ‘89, Mark Frank ‘00, Joel Martin ‘02, Mary St. Onge ‘02.  A quorum was present. 

Secretary’s Report

Board approved the minutes from the December 4, 2012 board meeting. 


Treasurer’s Report

Board approved Dave Jackson’s treasurer report. 


2013 Budget

Board discussed proposed budget for 2013.  Board concluded that planning for a budget deficit is not in the WPSD’s best interest.  Board talked about reducing expenses.  Motion put forth to cut free lunches for board meetings and to reduce the amount of money designated to the President’s Conference.  Board voted unanimously in favor of motion. 


Admissions Update

Tom Carroll ‘78 provided update on Admissions program including how redistricting will affect congressional nominations.  Files are complete for the class of 2017.  24-28 candidates from Colorado are likely to accept offers to West Point.  34 files are currently open for the class of 2018.  Academy Day will take place this year, location and date TBD.  Once college fair dates are known for this year, funds can be requested from Academy to reduce costs.

Parents Club

The Parents’ Club will have a new president by Founders Day although no name has been announced yet.  The All Academy Ball held in December was a success and West Point had the largest contingent present. 

 

Founders Day

The contract with the University Club is finalized and is waiting on signatures.  Details for the event including members to give toasts will be finalized by the February board meeting.  Mary St. Onge ’02 will take the lead on printing documents and name tags for the event this year.  Board discussed the need to start brainstorming potential future speakers now and not relying on West Point to provide speakers. 

Quarterly Luncheon

Next proposed luncheon for April/May timeframe.   Potential speaker is Amy Efaw’s husband.

Tri-Service Golf Tournament

Air Force will host event June 21, 2013.

Summer Picnic

Mark Frank ’00 will take lead to plan this year’s event, tentatively scheduled for July/August timeframe.

Annual Leadership Conference

Lindy Blackburn ‘69 and Bob Walcott ‘78 are planning to attend conference again this year.

VP2H

VP2H board is considering five local charities as beneficiaries of this year’s event.  Three of the five charities will receive a portion of the money raised this year.  Kick off meeting is 24 January, 2013.

Bylaws

Sam Thiessen’73 volunteered to chair a committee to review and update bylaws.  Lou Schroeder ’59 also volunteered to be on committee. 

New Initiatives

Mark Frank ’00, Joel Martin ’02, Ed Hlopak ’89, and Roby Robinson ’68 volunteered to meet to discuss and propose a mission statement for the WPSD and brainstorm how it can be a value added to graduates who join the society.  The committee will give feedback at the February board meeting.

Board Roster

Johnny Karpuk ‘01 and Dan Young ‘94 will not serve on the board after Founders Day.

Old/New Business
Sam Thiessen ’73 informed board that there is a AUSA Pike’s Peak Chapter luncheon at Cheyenne Mountain Resort on 7 February.  AUSA President, General Sullivan will be the guest speaker.  Sam will send out an email to board members for those interested in attending. 


Proposed 2013 Meeting Schedule

February 19 (FD), May 7 (Plebe Parent/SLS), July 9 (Leadership Conf), Oct 8 (Air Force), Dec3 (Navy), January 21, 2014 (Annual Planning Meeting)


Meeting Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 21:52


Mary St. Onge ‘02




Sunday, February 3, 2013

Minutes of the Dec 4, 2012 Board Meeting



West Point Society of Denver
1130-1400, Dec 4, 2012
1400 Wewetta St, Suite 600
Denver, CO 80202

Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 1135 by Lindy Blackburn.

Roll Call

George MacDonald ’45, Lou Schroeder ’59, Robby Robinson ’68, Lindy Blackburn ’69, Sam Thiessen ’73, Dave Jackson ’73, Bob Walcott ’78, Tom Carroll ’78, Ed Hlopak ‘89, Amy Efaw ’89, Dan Young ’94, Mark Frank ’00, Shane Schmutz ‘01, Mary St. Onge ’02.  A quorum was present. 

Secretary’s Report

Board approved the minutes from the October 9, 2012 board meeting. 


Treasurer’s Report

Board approved Dave Jackson’s treasurer report.    


Army/Air Force Viewing

Viewing held at The Tavern downtown, which was a great venue for the small group of attendees.  Venue would not be suitable for larger gathering like the Army/Navy viewing.

Army/Navy Viewing

Viewing held at the Heather Ride Country Club in Aurora.  Thirty-nine people attended 

Admissions Update/Congressional Panels
In Northern Colorado, 134 files are open, 12 of which are for current Soldiers.  10 letters of encouragement have been sent to candidates in Northern Colorado thus far.

Parent’s Club

The Colorado WP Parent’s Club shipped 400 Christmas boxes overseas to troops.  The All Academy Ball will take place December 29, 2012.

Distinguished Society Update
Robby Robinson ’68 is currently collecting information for the Distinguished Society application.  If a society donates to the Long Gray Line Endowment Fund, points will be awarded toward becoming a Distinguished Society.  Board unanimously voted to donate to the Long Gray Line Endowment Fund. 

New Business

Shane Smutz held a Veteran symposium on October 10, 2012 to encourage more collaboration and less competition between organizations that aim to help Soldiers and Veterans.

Annual Planning Meeting
The WPSD planning meeting will be held January 22, 2013 at the Heather Ridge Country Club at 1830.

Meeting Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 12:34.

Mary St. Onge ‘02