Minutes
Overseers Meeting 11-18-18
Present: Ralph Bentley, Lon Burton, John Hooker (and companion), Mark Schuster (and companion), Walt Kyle (and companion), Mike Haslage (and companion), James Webb, Jeff Kaple, Don Alberts (and companion), Eric Robson, Keith Miller, Brian Barker
Minutes read
Pledge recited
1. 2019 Rally – discussion of dates and locationHuron County Fairgrounds is the frontrunner. Brett is the primary contact. They have all the buildings/shelters/hook ups/facilities we will need.
KOA in Sandusky is the backup location so far. It is comparable in price and we’ve used that location before.
Motion to pursue Huron County Fairgrounds as primary and KOA as backup made by Eric, seconded by Donnie, brief discussion on possible third site at Erie County Fairgrounds. Eric will be the contact. All ayes.
2. Donnie made motion to give Secretary access to website. Seconded by Brett. All ayes.
3. Change to Article V Section 1 Election of Officers – DiscussionDonnie presented proposal to change election from the month of May to November beginning in 2019. Officers would then have a full calendar year to manage the club from January 1 to December 31, 2020 and beyond. We can make this change, and the Secretary is asked to provide to State Secretary as a courtesy heads up. A special meeting will be held on December 21 2018 to do final reading and vote. Motion made by Donnie, Seconded by Brett, all ayes.
4. Christmas party discussion – Friday December 21 at 6:30pm at Pogies in Amherst (same place as our fun run this past summer)Discussed taking donations at the door. Keith is keeping a head count. We are at 40+ attending already
5. Brett brought up a clam bake at Pogies for a fundraiser in 2019. Possibly as our fun run too. Date proposed for June or September. Further discussion about fundraisers in general and 2Cans…should be continue with 2Cans? General opinion was to stop doing 2Cans.
6. Toys for the Needy – Western ReserveThey wanted to use our non profit status. We can not and will not allow. Instead we passed the hat and collected $190 cash for their cause and gave to Gibson Lodge to distribute.
Next meeting to be on Friday December 21 at beginning of our Christmas Party. Remember to BYOB!
Respectfully submitted – Brian Barker, Secretary
Overseer’s Chapter Meeting Minutes: 9/16/18
Chapter Meeting Called to Order at 10:00am by President Lon Burton
Present: 15 Members (Lon, Ralph, Brett, Brian, Eric, Don, Hooker, Hoop, Mike, Steve, Walt, George, Chuck, Ken, Rick)
Pledge of Allegiance recited
Old Business:
Wakeman and Sandusky parades were represented by Overseers.
Treasurer Brett reported business account balance: $9,032.90. All bills paid.
Discussed the need to order 8 new sets of patches and 4 companion patches.
2 Cans: slow year, we’re still counting our cut of the funds, 2 Cans wants it run by Overseers next year.
Outdoor Raising on 9/15/18 represented by 4-5 Widows Sons.
About 24 Overseers still haven’t paid their dues; Per By Laws, all unpaid are now suspended effective immediately.
Keith Miller, GOM, will be given the names of those suspended to (1) notify them and (2) ask for their patches.
Brett and Brian will be comparing member list with States info and our outstanding’s.
Overseers received Thank You Cards from 3-5-7 and Science Lodge for our support.
New Petitions:
3 new petitions presented. Matt Oullette (full member), Amy Szymkowiak (companion- Don Alberts), Shawna Taylor (companion-Shaun Taylor). Ralph moved to approve, Brett seconded, all ayes.
New Business:
Marietta Ride discussed; Eric proposed possible weekend ride to Cleveland. Brief discussion held and Trustees have been put in charge of planning.
Grand Lodge: October 12 & 13 at Kalahari, collecting ballots. Participation encouraged, good time/good event.
Christmas Party: December 15 2018, 5:00pm Happy Hour, 6:00pm Dinner. Discussion about location and other event ideas. Pogies in Amherst has a hall adjacent to where we had Fun Run. This is the front runner and will be a BYOB situation that the club will provide for. Let Prez or VP know what types of leaded and unleaded beverages we want.
Wooly Bear Festival: Vermilion on 9-23-18. Ely Lodge invited brothers to walk or ride on a float. NO Bikes. Meet at 11:30am, parade starts at 1:30pm.
State Rally:
July 2019, 3rd Weekend: This is the Overseers year to host, locations discussed, KOA was the front runner, Ralph will talk to James Webb and get in touch with KOA management, Sub Committees were outlined: Tents (Eric), Sponsors (Eric and Ralph), Raffles (Eric), Food & Beverage (Hooper), DJ & Entertainment & T Shirts (Haslage). Brothers are asked to help with one or more committees if possible.
With no further items to discuss, President made the motion to adjourn, Seconded by VP Ralph Bentley, motion passed.
Respectfully: Brian Barker, Secretary
Overseers Meeting 11-18-18
Present: Ralph Bentley, Lon Burton, John Hooker (and companion), Mark Schuster (and companion), Walt Kyle (and companion), Mike Haslage (and companion), James Webb, Jeff Kaple, Don Alberts (and companion), Eric Robson, Keith Miller, Brian Barker
Minutes read
Pledge recited
1. 2019 Rally – discussion of dates and locationHuron County Fairgrounds is the frontrunner. Brett is the primary contact. They have all the buildings/shelters/hook ups/facilities we will need.
KOA in Sandusky is the backup location so far. It is comparable in price and we’ve used that location before.
Motion to pursue Huron County Fairgrounds as primary and KOA as backup made by Eric, seconded by Donnie, brief discussion on possible third site at Erie County Fairgrounds. Eric will be the contact. All ayes.
2. Donnie made motion to give Secretary access to website. Seconded by Brett. All ayes.
3. Change to Article V Section 1 Election of Officers – DiscussionDonnie presented proposal to change election from the month of May to November beginning in 2019. Officers would then have a full calendar year to manage the club from January 1 to December 31, 2020 and beyond. We can make this change, and the Secretary is asked to provide to State Secretary as a courtesy heads up. A special meeting will be held on December 21 2018 to do final reading and vote. Motion made by Donnie, Seconded by Brett, all ayes.
4. Christmas party discussion – Friday December 21 at 6:30pm at Pogies in Amherst (same place as our fun run this past summer)Discussed taking donations at the door. Keith is keeping a head count. We are at 40+ attending already
5. Brett brought up a clam bake at Pogies for a fundraiser in 2019. Possibly as our fun run too. Date proposed for June or September. Further discussion about fundraisers in general and 2Cans…should be continue with 2Cans? General opinion was to stop doing 2Cans.
6. Toys for the Needy – Western ReserveThey wanted to use our non profit status. We can not and will not allow. Instead we passed the hat and collected $190 cash for their cause and gave to Gibson Lodge to distribute.
Next meeting to be on Friday December 21 at beginning of our Christmas Party. Remember to BYOB!
Respectfully submitted – Brian Barker, Secretary
Overseer’s Chapter Meeting Minutes: 9/16/18
Chapter Meeting Called to Order at 10:00am by President Lon Burton
Present: 15 Members (Lon, Ralph, Brett, Brian, Eric, Don, Hooker, Hoop, Mike, Steve, Walt, George, Chuck, Ken, Rick)
Pledge of Allegiance recited
Old Business:
Wakeman and Sandusky parades were represented by Overseers.
Treasurer Brett reported business account balance: $9,032.90. All bills paid.
Discussed the need to order 8 new sets of patches and 4 companion patches.
2 Cans: slow year, we’re still counting our cut of the funds, 2 Cans wants it run by Overseers next year.
Outdoor Raising on 9/15/18 represented by 4-5 Widows Sons.
About 24 Overseers still haven’t paid their dues; Per By Laws, all unpaid are now suspended effective immediately.
Keith Miller, GOM, will be given the names of those suspended to (1) notify them and (2) ask for their patches.
Brett and Brian will be comparing member list with States info and our outstanding’s.
Overseers received Thank You Cards from 3-5-7 and Science Lodge for our support.
New Petitions:
3 new petitions presented. Matt Oullette (full member), Amy Szymkowiak (companion- Don Alberts), Shawna Taylor (companion-Shaun Taylor). Ralph moved to approve, Brett seconded, all ayes.
New Business:
Marietta Ride discussed; Eric proposed possible weekend ride to Cleveland. Brief discussion held and Trustees have been put in charge of planning.
Grand Lodge: October 12 & 13 at Kalahari, collecting ballots. Participation encouraged, good time/good event.
Christmas Party: December 15 2018, 5:00pm Happy Hour, 6:00pm Dinner. Discussion about location and other event ideas. Pogies in Amherst has a hall adjacent to where we had Fun Run. This is the front runner and will be a BYOB situation that the club will provide for. Let Prez or VP know what types of leaded and unleaded beverages we want.
Wooly Bear Festival: Vermilion on 9-23-18. Ely Lodge invited brothers to walk or ride on a float. NO Bikes. Meet at 11:30am, parade starts at 1:30pm.
State Rally:
July 2019, 3rd Weekend: This is the Overseers year to host, locations discussed, KOA was the front runner, Ralph will talk to James Webb and get in touch with KOA management, Sub Committees were outlined: Tents (Eric), Sponsors (Eric and Ralph), Raffles (Eric), Food & Beverage (Hooper), DJ & Entertainment & T Shirts (Haslage). Brothers are asked to help with one or more committees if possible.
With no further items to discuss, President made the motion to adjourn, Seconded by VP Ralph Bentley, motion passed.
Respectfully: Brian Barker, Secretary
Wakeman Firemans Parade 7/29/19
Overseers gathered behind the Firehouse along with all other parade entries. It was HOT and lil flying bugs wouldnt leave anyone alone. But there we were, next to all the Corvettes.
We had a pretty good showing of Brothers and Companions that rode in the parade. I ll try and name everyone, but if I omit someone its just the fact I don t remember things like I used too. So here goes;
Lon & Chrissy Burton, Brett & Eric Robson, Dave & Summer Michalski, Kenny Webb, Mike & (soon to be) Karen Haslage, Skip and his Lady, John Hooker, James Webb, Mark Shuster and lady, Shaun Taylor and Lady, Steve Logan, and myself.
The parade went well and we received kind words from the parade announcer. Candy was thrown to the children on the parade route. After reaching the Wakeman Eagles Club we headed North on Rt 60 to Vermilion and gathered at the Pit restaurant. Had a great meal and fellowship.
On another note; two upcoming events are Two Cans and. the Outdoor Raising. PLEASE contact our President Lon Burton or V.P. Ralph Bentley and advise of your participation in these two events.
State Rally next year is ours, contact them on your ideas and a place to hold the event.
GET INVOLVED Brothers, this is our club.
Respectfully,
Don Alberts
Former Secretary
Overseers gathered behind the Firehouse along with all other parade entries. It was HOT and lil flying bugs wouldnt leave anyone alone. But there we were, next to all the Corvettes.
We had a pretty good showing of Brothers and Companions that rode in the parade. I ll try and name everyone, but if I omit someone its just the fact I don t remember things like I used too. So here goes;
Lon & Chrissy Burton, Brett & Eric Robson, Dave & Summer Michalski, Kenny Webb, Mike & (soon to be) Karen Haslage, Skip and his Lady, John Hooker, James Webb, Mark Shuster and lady, Shaun Taylor and Lady, Steve Logan, and myself.
The parade went well and we received kind words from the parade announcer. Candy was thrown to the children on the parade route. After reaching the Wakeman Eagles Club we headed North on Rt 60 to Vermilion and gathered at the Pit restaurant. Had a great meal and fellowship.
On another note; two upcoming events are Two Cans and. the Outdoor Raising. PLEASE contact our President Lon Burton or V.P. Ralph Bentley and advise of your participation in these two events.
State Rally next year is ours, contact them on your ideas and a place to hold the event.
GET INVOLVED Brothers, this is our club.
Respectfully,
Don Alberts
Former Secretary
2018 Widows Sons State Rally 07/19 - 21st
The following Brothers attend the State Rally held in Springfield sponsored by Solomons Sevens;
Lon , Ralph & Janet, John & Cindy Hooker, Mike H., Keith & Chris Miller, Skip, Don
Pretty low attendance this year as the weather was lousy.
I don t believe any of us camped out as the rain was steady. On Saturday the rain broke and the bike games were held. The patch lady was there and stayed busy for two days. A tattoo artist was there also on Saturday and had lots of Brothers getting Tats. Most of the time was spent in conversation with Brothers from other Chapters. There was a great sound system trailer playing great tunes the entire time along with a live Band on Friday evening. Beer wagon with two dollar beers and mixed drinks. Of course there was the big Saturday night dinner with an auction of items that followed dinner. Then the Branding and vest burning for fallen Brothers. A wine tasting event for the ladies, while Branding was going on.
Although it was a wet weekend everyone had fun. Next year our Chapter hosts the event once again. So please contact Lon or Ralph with your ideas on a location to hold it.
Keith & Chris celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary .
Respectfully Submitted,
Don Alberts
Former Secretary
The following Brothers attend the State Rally held in Springfield sponsored by Solomons Sevens;
Lon , Ralph & Janet, John & Cindy Hooker, Mike H., Keith & Chris Miller, Skip, Don
Pretty low attendance this year as the weather was lousy.
I don t believe any of us camped out as the rain was steady. On Saturday the rain broke and the bike games were held. The patch lady was there and stayed busy for two days. A tattoo artist was there also on Saturday and had lots of Brothers getting Tats. Most of the time was spent in conversation with Brothers from other Chapters. There was a great sound system trailer playing great tunes the entire time along with a live Band on Friday evening. Beer wagon with two dollar beers and mixed drinks. Of course there was the big Saturday night dinner with an auction of items that followed dinner. Then the Branding and vest burning for fallen Brothers. A wine tasting event for the ladies, while Branding was going on.
Although it was a wet weekend everyone had fun. Next year our Chapter hosts the event once again. So please contact Lon or Ralph with your ideas on a location to hold it.
Keith & Chris celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary .
Respectfully Submitted,
Don Alberts
Former Secretary
Overseers Ride to Masonic Home Day
On 06/10/18 the following Brethren met at the Wildcat Cafe in New London.
Lon, Ralph, Eric, Brett, Mike, Keith, Steve & Don
A nice breakfast was had and we departed for Springfield Ohio. It was overcast with rain threatening but we made the ride there without getting wet.
Upon arrival we all ate food from the numerous vendors. The Officers then went to the OGC meeting.
While there was supposed to be a parade the event was cancelled due to approaching storms.
President Lon called for boots and saddles as the rain slowly started. We all geared up in rain gear and departed the Masonic home. we traveled Rt 4 instead of the interstate and it was an enjoyable ride. We only rode in a light mist and that was't for very long. Managed to beat the rain home.
Don Alberts
Former Secretary
On 06/10/18 the following Brethren met at the Wildcat Cafe in New London.
Lon, Ralph, Eric, Brett, Mike, Keith, Steve & Don
A nice breakfast was had and we departed for Springfield Ohio. It was overcast with rain threatening but we made the ride there without getting wet.
Upon arrival we all ate food from the numerous vendors. The Officers then went to the OGC meeting.
While there was supposed to be a parade the event was cancelled due to approaching storms.
President Lon called for boots and saddles as the rain slowly started. We all geared up in rain gear and departed the Masonic home. we traveled Rt 4 instead of the interstate and it was an enjoyable ride. We only rode in a light mist and that was't for very long. Managed to beat the rain home.
Don Alberts
Former Secretary
Widows Sons MRA
Overseer’s Chapter Meeting Minutes: 05/19/18
Chapter Meeting Called to Order at 10:15 am by President Lon Burton
Present: 6 Members (Lon, Ralph, Brett, Eric, Don, Brian)
Prayer given / Pledge of Allegiance recited
Old Business:
Treasurer Brett Robson discussed our chapter’s 509c3 designation as nonprofit. Specifically our tax-exempt status. Discussion also regarding our need to file form 990 each year.
President Lon Burton reiterated our dress code, and the need to remove patches that are inappropriate.
New Business:
President discussed the need to acquire white polo shirts to be worn by Overseers during official business, parades and other functions. Eric Robson will order demo shirts for the 6 members present today.
President presented 3 new Widows Sons Chapter petitions. Existing chapters are asked to vote on the names and give overall approval of the new chapters. The chapters and votes were:
13th district – Twisted Travelers. Overseers voted to approve the chapter but voted against the name as the term Twisted is not consistent with our association
15th district – Brothers Keepers. Overseers voted to approve the chapter and name.
24th district – Pillars of Strength. Overseers voted to approve the chapter and name.
The Wakeman Parade is on July 29. Sign ups at 1pm. VP Ralph Bentley to put info on the website.
Sublime Principles fundraiser – poker run on August 18th in Wadsworth
Euclids Problem - Pathway for Freedom on Memorial Day weekend. Overseers voted to donate $35 for a flag in our name since most members couldn’t make it during Memorial Day.
Masonic Home days – VP Ralph to post more info on our website. Kickstands up early that morning due to the long ride and start time.
State Rally:
July 19-21 at Fireman’s Campground. It is a bare bones camping site. More info to be posted on our website or go to the states site.
New Petitions:
2 new petitions presented. Due to low member turnout, By Laws needed reviewed to confirm there was a quorum. After determining a quorum consists of 5 full members, President presented the following:
George Shimpano
Charles Ward
Both paid and Dan Brake signed their petitions. Brett moved to approve, Ralph seconded, all ayes.
With no further items to discuss, President made the motion to adjurn, Seconded by VP Ralph Bentley, motion passed.
Respectfully submitted: Brian Barker, Secretary
Overseer’s Chapter Meeting Minutes: 05/19/18
Chapter Meeting Called to Order at 10:15 am by President Lon Burton
Present: 6 Members (Lon, Ralph, Brett, Eric, Don, Brian)
Prayer given / Pledge of Allegiance recited
Old Business:
Treasurer Brett Robson discussed our chapter’s 509c3 designation as nonprofit. Specifically our tax-exempt status. Discussion also regarding our need to file form 990 each year.
President Lon Burton reiterated our dress code, and the need to remove patches that are inappropriate.
New Business:
President discussed the need to acquire white polo shirts to be worn by Overseers during official business, parades and other functions. Eric Robson will order demo shirts for the 6 members present today.
President presented 3 new Widows Sons Chapter petitions. Existing chapters are asked to vote on the names and give overall approval of the new chapters. The chapters and votes were:
13th district – Twisted Travelers. Overseers voted to approve the chapter but voted against the name as the term Twisted is not consistent with our association
15th district – Brothers Keepers. Overseers voted to approve the chapter and name.
24th district – Pillars of Strength. Overseers voted to approve the chapter and name.
The Wakeman Parade is on July 29. Sign ups at 1pm. VP Ralph Bentley to put info on the website.
Sublime Principles fundraiser – poker run on August 18th in Wadsworth
Euclids Problem - Pathway for Freedom on Memorial Day weekend. Overseers voted to donate $35 for a flag in our name since most members couldn’t make it during Memorial Day.
Masonic Home days – VP Ralph to post more info on our website. Kickstands up early that morning due to the long ride and start time.
State Rally:
July 19-21 at Fireman’s Campground. It is a bare bones camping site. More info to be posted on our website or go to the states site.
New Petitions:
2 new petitions presented. Due to low member turnout, By Laws needed reviewed to confirm there was a quorum. After determining a quorum consists of 5 full members, President presented the following:
George Shimpano
Charles Ward
Both paid and Dan Brake signed their petitions. Brett moved to approve, Ralph seconded, all ayes.
With no further items to discuss, President made the motion to adjurn, Seconded by VP Ralph Bentley, motion passed.
Respectfully submitted: Brian Barker, Secretary
Widows Sons MRA
Overseer’s Chapter Meeting Minutes: 04/15/18
Chapter Meeting Called to Order at 1:00pm by President Lon Burton
Present: 21 Members and 4 Companions
Brother John Hooper gave prayer
Pledge of Allegiance was recited
Roll Call of 2017 Officers taken: Present were; Lon Burton, Ralph Bentley, Brett Robson, Mike Haslage, John Hooper, Keith Miller, Walt Kyle, Jeff Kaple and Don Alberts
Old Business:
Treasurer Brett Robson reminded the Chapter of our ability to accept payments online. A brief discussion was held and brief Question/Answer session was conducted.
President Lon Burton reiterated our dress code, specifically the acceptable versus unacceptable patches that may be worn on our Chapter vests. Vulgar images or verbiage is considered unacceptable along with anything considered racially degrading.
New Business:
None
Report of Committees:
None
2018 Charity:
President Lon Burton and Vice President Ralph Bentley called for a discussion and ultimate decision for our 2018 charity. After brief discussion by all in attendance, the Salvation Army was chosen as the Overseer’s Chapter 2018 charity.
2018 Fun Run:
President Lon Burton and Vice President Ralph Bentley called for continuing discussion on the date and location for our Chapter Fun Run. Pogies BBQ in Amherst Ohio was revisited. After discussions by all in attendance, Pogies was chosen for our Fun Run to be held on July 7, 2018. Additional suggestions on destination ride(s) during the Fun Run were requested; suggestions are expected to be presented at our next meeting in May 2018.
Fundraising:
2 Cans Tiki Bar is still on our fundraising agenda for August 31-September 3, 2018. Even though weather didn’t cooperate in 2017, it was still a successful event. The Chapter hopes that the weather will be better than last year and that more brothers help out than in the past. VP Ralph Bentley will remain in contact with 2 Cans to make sure we can participate this year. A brief discussion ensued and no other suggestions were made for a different fundraiser.
New Petitions:
None
Election of Officers:
2018 Election of Officers was conducted; the results of the elections are as follows:
President: Lon Burton
Vice President: Ralph Bentley
Secretary: Brian Barker
Treasurer: Brett Robson
Sergeant at Arms: Mike Haslage
Guardian of Membership: Keith Miller
Chaplain: John Hooper
Trustee: Ken Webb
Trustee: Walt Kyle
Trustee: Jeff Kaple
With no further items to discuss, President Lon Burton made the motion to adjurn, Seconded by VP Ralph Bentley, motion passed.
A potluck meal followed the meeting; all had a great time and ate their fill.
Respectfully submitted: Brian Barker, Secretary
Overseer’s Chapter Meeting Minutes: 04/15/18
Chapter Meeting Called to Order at 1:00pm by President Lon Burton
Present: 21 Members and 4 Companions
Brother John Hooper gave prayer
Pledge of Allegiance was recited
Roll Call of 2017 Officers taken: Present were; Lon Burton, Ralph Bentley, Brett Robson, Mike Haslage, John Hooper, Keith Miller, Walt Kyle, Jeff Kaple and Don Alberts
Old Business:
Treasurer Brett Robson reminded the Chapter of our ability to accept payments online. A brief discussion was held and brief Question/Answer session was conducted.
President Lon Burton reiterated our dress code, specifically the acceptable versus unacceptable patches that may be worn on our Chapter vests. Vulgar images or verbiage is considered unacceptable along with anything considered racially degrading.
New Business:
None
Report of Committees:
None
2018 Charity:
President Lon Burton and Vice President Ralph Bentley called for a discussion and ultimate decision for our 2018 charity. After brief discussion by all in attendance, the Salvation Army was chosen as the Overseer’s Chapter 2018 charity.
2018 Fun Run:
President Lon Burton and Vice President Ralph Bentley called for continuing discussion on the date and location for our Chapter Fun Run. Pogies BBQ in Amherst Ohio was revisited. After discussions by all in attendance, Pogies was chosen for our Fun Run to be held on July 7, 2018. Additional suggestions on destination ride(s) during the Fun Run were requested; suggestions are expected to be presented at our next meeting in May 2018.
Fundraising:
2 Cans Tiki Bar is still on our fundraising agenda for August 31-September 3, 2018. Even though weather didn’t cooperate in 2017, it was still a successful event. The Chapter hopes that the weather will be better than last year and that more brothers help out than in the past. VP Ralph Bentley will remain in contact with 2 Cans to make sure we can participate this year. A brief discussion ensued and no other suggestions were made for a different fundraiser.
New Petitions:
None
Election of Officers:
2018 Election of Officers was conducted; the results of the elections are as follows:
President: Lon Burton
Vice President: Ralph Bentley
Secretary: Brian Barker
Treasurer: Brett Robson
Sergeant at Arms: Mike Haslage
Guardian of Membership: Keith Miller
Chaplain: John Hooper
Trustee: Ken Webb
Trustee: Walt Kyle
Trustee: Jeff Kaple
With no further items to discuss, President Lon Burton made the motion to adjurn, Seconded by VP Ralph Bentley, motion passed.
A potluck meal followed the meeting; all had a great time and ate their fill.
Respectfully submitted: Brian Barker, Secretary
