Meeting opened at 5:32pm on 6/25/26 by Pres. Toothaker (Zoom)
Attendance: Adam Toothaker, Doug Rawlings, Sareena Toothaker, Peggy Akers, Diana Merenda, Lynn Ellis, John Morris,Peter Morgan, Kathy Coughlin, Dan Ellis, Martha Spiess, Seth Berner, Jason Tkacs, Brian Leonard, Eric Herter, and guest Jim Rine
Jim Rine, who is on tour protesting the Military influence on Air Shows throughout the country, gave a short history of NO MAS and the impact of the U S Military on the environment and on global warming.He will also take part in the showing of Abby Martin’s film “Earth’s Greatest Enemy” (on the effects of militarism on climate change) in Brunswick and Scarborough.
Discussion followed on our participation in the protest at the State of Maine Air Show at the Brunswick Executive Airport on July 11. We will be joined by the Ideal Maine Band and by PeaceWorks of Brunswick. Adam pointed out that the U S Navy acrobatic flight squadron “Blue Angels” (the featured attraction of the show) consumes roughly 58,000 gallons of high octane jet fuel for a single show.
Secretary’s Report: May meeting minutes accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Bank balances as of 6/25/26 are as follows:
Checking Account: $2,407.40
Savings Account: $5,293.56
Five Month CD: $20,431.19
Total: $28,132.55
Lynn reported that the supplementary fund raiser for the World Central Kitchen brought in $370.
Lynn reported that the Chapter is still operating at a loss annually. She will present a profit and loss statement at the next meeting.
Lynn read a thank you letter from the student (and his mother) who received the Doug Rawlings Scholarship for the coming academic year.
Membership report: ninety eight members total, two new members.
New member Jason Tkacs spoke briefly about his background and his reasons for joining VFP.
Sareena will work with Peggy to update the Chapter website.
The Chapter ad for the upcoming National Convention will feature Martha’s photo from the Memorial Day parade.
The Chapter will receive twenty free tickets to the August 12 Seadogs game at Hadlock Field in Portland as part of the Seadogs group recognition event before the game.
Upcoming Events:
July 4 – “Veterans Against Fascism” march in Philadelphia
July 7 – “Earth’s Greatest Enemy” film in Scarborough
July 10 – “Earth’s Greatest Enemy” film in Brunswick
July 11/12 – Air Show in Brunswick
Sept.25,26,27 – Common Ground Fair in Unity
Nov,11 – Armistice Day in Portland (Media Center show 1pm-6pm)
Send notices of one time or recurring events to Adam for posting.
Lynn reported that this year will be the 50th anniversary of the Common Ground Fair.
Peggy reported that a VFP T-shirt will be sent to Suzanne Hedrick as a 95th birthday present.
Meeting adjourned at 6:35pm. Next meeting July 30th (Zoom)
