Presidents Report August 19,2022
August 19, 2022
President Report
There has been a tremendous amount of activity during the first eight months of this year. I am extremely proud of all our officers and members who have dedicated their time and effort to create a successful atmosphere within the organization. We are still refining the operation at the Lawrence House since we had the official opening on June 12, 2022. Our most significant challenge is getting our members to volunteer at the facility on Saturday and Sunday. Please reach out to Roy Plummer and schedule when you can provide a few hours to act as greeters and docents at the Lawrence House. Instructions will be provided when you arrive at the facility. Roy will be providing an update at the meeting today.
As we enter the final four months of this year, we have major events taking place and will need total cooperation and involvement if we are to be successful. On Wednesday, August 16th we conducted a ZOOM Call Meeting with key officers and committee members to ensure we implement prudent management to ensure we generate resources needed to support the activities of the organization.
We are currently conducting a coffee fundraiser in coordination with Mike Ferraro, CEO of Bridging the Gap. It has been advertised on Facebook and Mail Chimp, but we have not experienced the amount of participation we had anticipated. So, I appeal to everyone to support this effort as we still have two weeks remaining and purchase coffee for your personal use and encourage you friends to do so also.
The major fundraiser for the organization is the Annual Dinner that will be conducted on October 29, 2022. We will be honoring Senator Troy Singleton and our own Executive Director Roy Plummer. Dinner packages have been sent out last month and the response has been sparse to date. I encourage everyone to invite your friends to attend this event and solicit Ads and donations for the Commemorative Journal. I also encourage members to participate with the Booster Page, it only cost $10.00 for a line on this page. O’Connor’s Restaurant provides an excellent sit-down meal and excellent service. This is also a great social opportunity for everyone.
We have experienced outstanding success with the deployment of the Mobile Museum. Thanks, to Bryan Branson and his Friend Mike Rajeski who loans his truck to tow the trailer we have realized a significant increase in donations this year. Here again we only have a core group of members to support this initiative. Bryan does an outstanding job advertising the scheduled events and need our members to come out and assisst in fulfilling our mission statement to promote the vast military history of New Jersey and surrounding area. I encourage everyone to visit the Lawrence House and see firsthand the magnificent displays that are available for viewing.
The Armed Forces Heritage Museum offers our Deepest Sympathy to the Glisson Family. Alex Glisson who has constructed several dioramas at no cost recently unexpectedly lost his father. The family requested donations be provided to the AFHM on behalf of his Father. We have received several donations and are planning to acknowledge this kind gesture in the Annual Dinner Commemorative Journal.
In closing, please keep Mick Shanklin in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recuperate. Also consider sending Mick a text or email to keep his spirits up. Bob Vonbargen is also undergoing some health issues so please do the same for him.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert S. Dutko Sr.
