Meeting opened at 5:30pm by Pres.Adam Toothaker
Attendance: Adam Toothaker, Peter Morgan, Richard Clement, Rita Clement, Seth Berner, Doug Rawlings, John Morris, Dan Ellis, Sereena Toothaker, Peggy Akers, Lynn Ellis, Kim Hodsdon, and via Zoom Martha Spiess, Sally Chappell, Jon Chappell.
Doug gave a short review of the VFP “Letters to the Wall” project, which are letters about the American War in Vietnam written by veterans of that war and by those who had a connection to a participant in the War or simply wanted to express their own views of it. Letters are read each Memorial Day at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC.Doug then read a letter written by one of his students at UMFarmington. Peggy followed with her letter and Richard read three letters by Chapter members Peter Morgan, Dave Larsen, and Clarence “Smitty” Smith.The letters are all archived in Washington and have been consolidated in book form. Doug will arrange for copies of the books to be provided to anyone who may be interested.
Secretary’s Report: Approval of the April minutes carried over to the June meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Bank balances as of 5/28/26 are as follows:
Checking $1,766.11
Savings $8,293.61
CD $20,369.12
Total $30,428.84
Lynn reported on the meeting of the Finance Committee. The annual operation of the Chapter shows a net loss and will continue to do so primarily due to decreased income from Maine Share. She read a list of expenses and discussion was held on the advisability of balancing expenses and income. A vote was held on the proposed budget for the coming year and was passed with three abstentions (Peter, Dan, and Sally) and no opposition.
Membership Report: Current Chapter membership stands at ninety six of which eighty two are paid up. One new member: Meredith Bruskin (a long time peace activist).
Recent events involving Chapter participation were as follows:
Earth Day Festival on 4/25 in Brunswick. Sereena assisted with tabling in coordination with Peace Works.
Day of Democracy on 5/16 at USM in Gorham. Adam represented the Chapter.
Memorial Day Parade, Topsham to Brunswick. Twelve members walked with flags and a banner. Peter thanked Martha for videoing our participation. He also mentioned that we were joined by Soong Won (Sven) Lee, who was a soldier in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and who appeared in full uniform. Peter will contact him regarding Chapter membership.
Upcoming Events:
June 4-free online film premiere of “An Ordinary Insanity” about Daniel Ellsberg and the threat of nuclear annihilation. Register at AnOrdinaryInsanity.com.
June 6-National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Lynn will represent us in Brunswick.
July 7-Peace Action Maine sponsored showing of “Earth’s Greatest Enemy” at the Scarborough Public Library at 1:30pm.
July 10-“Earth’s Greatest Enemy” showing at the Eveningstar Cinema in Brunswick at3:30pm. Sponsored by the Chapter together with No MAS.
July 11 and 12-The (so called) Great State of Maine Air Show at the Brunswick Executive Airport. We will protest in conjunction with No MAS (Military Air Shows).
August 6 thru 9-VFP Annual Convention at the Univ. of Missouri in Kansas City MO. Adam will represent the Chapter.
September 25 through 27-Common Ground Fair in Unity. Lynn has secured table space and obtained necessary insurance coverage.
Doug reported that the recipient of the DRS (Doug Rawlings Scholarship) plans to attend Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota for the coming academic year.
Peggy suggested a $1000 contribution to the World Food Kitchen.Motion made and passed to donate $1000. Doug encouraged individual contributions in addition to that made by the Chapter.
Discussion was held on the necessity of attracting younger members to the Chapter due to the advanced ages (relatively speaking) of most of our current members. No specific action was taken.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25. Next meeting on Thursday, June 25. Location not yet determined.
