VFP Maine Chapter Meeting, March 26, 2026 via Zoom
April 21, 2026 | Meeting Minutes
Meeting opened at 5:33pm on Thursday,March 26 (via zoom) by Pres. Toothaker
Attendance: Adam Toothaker, Dan Ellis, Peter Morgan, John Morris, Kim Hodsdon, Lynn Ellis, Sally Chappell, Martha Spiess, Peggy Akers, Doug Rawlings, Don Kimball, Eric Herter, Zeb Hundley, and guest speaker Michael Ambler.
Adam introduced Reverend Michael Ambler, a former resident of Bath and the founder of Restoration Laos, an organization dedicated to the removal of unexploded ordnance in Laos resulting from United States bombing of the country, more specifically the portion of the Ho Chi Minh Trail within Laos, during the Vietnam War. Much of this UXO has resulted in the injury and death of countless numbers of Laotians during and since the end of the War and continues to this day, especially among farmers as they attempt to reclaim land that was subjected to the massive bombing campaign. Michael’s talk, which included photographs and maps, described the techniques used by trained teams to deactivate the remaining explosives, a complicated and extremely dangerous task.He spoke of the warmth and generosity of the Lao people and of his fondness for the country, which gave him the resolve to form Restoration Laos. A question and answer session followed his talk, during which he asked for any help the Chapter could provide and which resulted in a $100 donation from us to Restoration Laos. Don Kimball extended an invitation to Michael to become a member of VFP to which he replied in the affirmative.
Lynn read a list of the ten new Chapter members in the last six months. The new veteran members are:
Zebulan Hundley of Lincoln, Phaedra Bond of South Portland, Paul Sutter of Windsor, Bruce Grant of Northport, Tina Smith of Cornish and Joshua Reynolds of Falmouth. The new associate members are:
Doug Dransfield of Cape Elizabeth, Connie Jordan MacVane also of Cape Elizabeth, Sareena Toothaker of Brunswick, and Mary Ann Libby of Mount Vernon.
Secretary’s Report: February minutes accepted as written and edited.
Treasurer’s Report: Bank balances as of 3/26/26:
Checking Account – $2,109.82
Savings Account – $10,292.75
Certificate of Deposit – $20,243.22
Total – $32,645.79
Lynn reported that the current CD will be rolled over into another five month CD.
She also reported that the newly formed Budget Committee (composed of Doug, Lynn, Adam, and Sareena) will convene to adopt a budget which will then be voted on at the April monthly meeting. Anyone with a budget request should email it to Adam at AdamVFP@proton.me.
Membership Report: Lynn reported that there are currently seventy six members in the Chapter of which thirteen have not paid dues, two lifetime members, and six active honorary members of which three pay dues.
Upcoming Events:
No Kings protest on March 28th at various locations in Maine.Most of the meeting attendees expressed their intention to participate in one of the protests.
Film “Earth’s Greatest Enemy” at Eveningstar Cinema in Brunswick on April 18th. Tickets are free to this event and can be reserved by calling or texting 207-508-2848 or emailing lindiesean@eveningstarcinema.com. Lynn will set up a table with informational materials along with Rosie from Peace Works.
Earth Day celebration in Brunswick (together with Peace Works) on April 25th.Peggy will operate our button making machine and Rosie Paul could use some helpers as well. Contact her at gaia@gwi.net.
Eric suggested the possibility of a one day strike on May 1st (May Day) and will send an email with more information.
New Business:
Peter reported that some BIW union workers are planning to strike and that we could improve mutual relations by standing with them on the picket line.
A $100 donation to the USM radio station WMPG Begathon was approved.WMPG broadcasts Don Kimball’s show “Friendly Fire” among a number of social justice programs.
Lynn reported that she still has a number of polo shirts and tee shirts available for a donation
Meeting adjourned at 7:27pm. Next meeting will be on Thursday, April 23rd (instead of the usual last Thursday of the month).
