convention day 1 - memberclicks · 2013. 10. 28. · minutes blue star mothers of america, inc 71th...

MINUTES BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA, INC

71TH ANNUAL CONVENTION AUGUST 14TH – 17TH 2013 San Francisco, California

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CONVENTION DAY 1 Wednesday August 14, 2013

Opening Ceremonies commence: This year’s Convention was opened at the Marine Memorial Club in San Francisco, CA with a multi-unit Color Guard from Travis Air Force Base to post the Colors. Opening prayer: Chaplain Robin Barnes McCarthy Star Spangled Banner: Jana Clark (CA101) Pledge of Allegiance: Patriotic Instructor Jean Burlingame Blue Star Mothers Preamble: Historian pro-tem Judy Kwarta Draping of the Charter and Opening of the Bible: Chaplain Robin Barnes McCarthy.

NP Pat Soler made opening remarks welcoming the delegates, attendees, and guests. The current board members and committee chairs were introduced:

President Pat Soler 1st Vice President Judy Dorsey

2nd Vice President Cyndi Ventura 3rd Vice President Teresa Bullock 4th Vice President Ginger Novak Recording Secretary Charilyn Damigo Treasurer Anne Parker Financial Secretary Kathryn Venable Dept. of Michigan Kristine Wirgau Dept. of Minnesota Mary Johnson Past Nat. President Robin Barnes McCarthy Past Nat. President Karen Stevens Finance Chair Karen Stevens Chaplain Robin Barnes McCarthy Convention Chair Tami Jenkins VAVS Representative Marilyn Steichen DC Representative Teresa Sumners Bylaws Chair Pat Pell



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Parliamentarian Solveiga Unger Compliance Chair Rose Ann Elliott Webmaster Nancy Aubel Grievance Chair Carla Brodacki Discipline Chair Judy Kwarta The following appointments were made without objection to assist with the Convention:

o Judge: PNP Jean Burlingame o Sgt. at Arms, Judye Sinclair-Leczel (NM1), Rita Gibson (NM1) o Timekeepers – Melissa Farmer (MI184), Sandy Seitz (NY6) o Spotter: Linda Bayer (CA4)

The following delegates were appointed without objection to serve on the minutes approval committee:

o Rose Crutcher (AZ3) o Christy Payne (CA30) o Teresa Sumner (VA4)

NP Pat Soler explained the use of voting cards during the Convention. The following reports were adopted by the delegate body:

Credentials Certification:

Judy Dorsey presented the Credentials Committee Report. o As of 8:30 am on the first day of the BSMA convention there are:

132 Members Registered 7 Associates & guests in attendance 139 Total Registered 132 Total Voting Delegates

o Attached to the report is a list of all registered members, associates and guests.

o MOTION from committee: to adopt the Credentials Committee Report.”

Motion passes on vote.

Convention Committee Report:

Tami Jenkins Chairman of the Convention Committee presented the Convention program. There are no changes to the program at this time. If necessary changes should occur, they will be presented to the Convention body in a timely manner.

o MOTION from committee: to adopt the printed program with no corrections. Motion passes on vote.



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Tami Jenkins, Chairman of the Convention Committee presented two sets of rules to be adopted. The first set is 20 rules referring to conducting convention business, and second set is 5 election rules.

o MOTION from committee: to adopt both sets of rules found in the delegates’ notebook under the tab Convention Rules. Motion passes on vote.

NP Pat Soler declared, “The delegates have adopted the three necessary reports for the delegates to conduct business. The 71st Annual Convention of the Blue Star Mothers of America business sessions will come to order.” (9:09 AM PDT) Approval of Minutes: MOTION from Committee: The minute approval committee for the 2012 convention haS

reviewed the minutes and submitted to the NEB their recommendation that the minutes as posted on our website be approved. Motion passes on vote. Special Presentation

Kris Dervin, DP (OHIO) worked with Rep. James Renacci to obtain a copy of the original, signed, revised National Charter. This was presented to NP Pat Soler by representatives of the Department of Ohio. Officer Reports Officer reports were given for information only and no vote is taken to accept the report. A copy of all reports will be attached to the minutes.

NP Pat Soler

1st Vice President Judy Dorsey Memorial Service

Convention Photo Break for Lunch Officer Reports (continued)

2nd Vice President Cyndi Ventura

3rd Vice President Teresa Bullock

4th Vice President Ginger Novak

Treasurer Anne Parker

Financial Secretary – Kathryn Venable

Recording Secretary – Charilyn Damigo

Department of Michigan - DP Kristine Wirgau



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Department of Minnesota - DP Mary Johnson

Department of Ohio – Pat Pell for Kris Dervin Audit and Financial Report

The Audit and Financials report was given by NFC Karen Stevens .

MOTION from Committee: that the last part of the external audit report (stated below and read aloud) be adopted by the convention. Motion is seconded and passes on vote.

o From Joseph R. Castellano, CPA: “In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. as of August 31, 2012, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”

The Finance Committee, Financial Policy and Budget Approval were presented by NFC Karen Stevens

o MOTION: To Increase the budget for the National Chaplain’s Mailing from $2000 to $3000. Motion is seconded and passes on vote.

o MOTION: The Finance Committee suggests an increase in the budgeted amount for our Insurance policy from $12,000 to the actual amount of $12,533.08. Motion passes on vote.

Special Guest

The Convention body was addressed by Major General Mike Myatt, USMC (ret.) General Myatt welcomed the Convention body to the Marines Memorial Club. He gave a brief history of the club and welcomed comments and concerns from the delegates, which he will address in writing and present at a later date to the National President. Financial Report (continued)

<135 voting delegates>

The Finance Committee presented proposed changes to the BSMA Financial Policies.

o MOTION: to specify in our Financial Policy (sect. 3) that the IRS statutory charitable mileage rate is to be used for reimbursement. Motion is accepted and passes on vote.

o MOTION from Committee: that the proposed 2013-2014 annual budget be adopted as amended.” Motion passes on vote.

o MOTION from Committee: that the proposed 2013-2014 financial policies be adopted as amended.” Motion passes on vote.



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As directed by our Financial Policy, The finance committee recommends a donation of 10% of our net profit from the previous year ($3800) to a qualified charitable organization. By a counted vote, Fisher House has been selected has this year’s recipient. (count is shown below):

Suggested Organizations:

Honor Flight – 21 votes

Fisher House – 37 votes

USO(undesignated) – 16 votes

USO (designated for overseas use) – 23 votes

Defenders Lodge at Palo Alto VA – 26 votes Big Dipper Report – Big Dipper President Paulette Gloden Convention Day 1 adjourned.



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Convention Day 2 – Education Day Thursday, August 15, 2013 Credentials Certification:



o Report was accepted without objection.

Convention Committee Report: o Tami Jenkins Chairman of the Convention Committee presented the

Convention program. There are no changes to the program. Report was accepted without objection.

Education Seminars:

Financial, Compliance, and 990 update – Anne Parker, Kathryn Venable, and Ginger Novak

Website update – Charilyn Damigo (CA4)

Returning Veterans’ Support – Nathan Johnson, VSO

Gold Star Protocol – Teresa Bullock (CA9)

Fundraiser Idea – Carolyn Silberman (CA4)

Fundraiser Idea – Blue Jean Ball – Kathryn Venable (CA9)

Fundraiser Idea – Golf Tournament – Michelle Miller (CA101)

Convention Day 2 Adjourned.



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CONVENTION DAY 3 Governing Documents Day Friday, August 16, 2013 Credentials Certification:



o Report was accepted without objection.

Convention Committee Report:

Tami Jenkins Chairman of the Convention Committee presented the Convention program. There are no changes to the program.

Education Seminars:

VAVS Report – Marilyn Steichen (CA101)

Parliamentary Procedures – Solveiga Unger (Parliamentarian) Governing Documents The Bylaws Committee received proposed changes to the following documents:

Bylaws; o Article V – Section 1 – Charters

Submission is not accepted. o Article VIII – Financial Matters

Submission is not accepted. o Article IX – Section 8 – Elections

Submission is not accepted.

Code of Conduct; o Article I – Section 1 – Subsection “d” Organizations and Members Rights

Delete Sub-Section “d” d) To establish eligibility requirements and procedures governing the

admission of Members, and to grant or refuse membership according to

the law the Corporation’s Governing Documents.

MOTION: To amend section “d” by only removing the words “eligibility

requirements and”

To establish eligibility requirements and procedures governing the

admission of Members, and to grant or refuse membership according to

the law of the Corporation’s Governing Documents;

Motion is seconded and passes on vote.



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Submission is accepted. o Article VI – (after Section 6 a new Section 7) – Chartering a Chapter

Submission was withdrawn. o Article XV- Section 2 – Disciplinary Procedure – substitute new Section 2

Submission is not accepted.

Affiliation Agreement o Section 5 – Sub-section 5.4 – Agreements by Chapter

Chapter agrees to provide each Member and the Associate Member access

to website where the following documents are found: with a copy of the

following: Chapter’s Charter and standing rules; if any, Department’s

Charter and standing rules, if any, the Governing Documents, and all

correspondence from the NEB, so that all Members and Associate

Members can be informed and be active participants in the organization. Proposed Amendment: Reword the submission to say the following:

“Chapter agrees to provide each Member and the Associate Member

access to the following documents:”… Motion is seconded and passes on vote.…. Submission is accepted.

o Section 5 – Sub-section 5.5 – Agreements by Chapter Submission is not accepted.

o Section 5 – Sub-section 5.7 – Agreements by Chapter Replace 5.7 which currently reads

Chapter shall submit with an annual renewal of this Agreement,

Corporation Annual Report, Financial Reports and receipt from the I.R.S.

indicating that the chapter has filed the necessary 990 form(s) and/or a

copy of the tax extension filed to National by January 15th of each year.

These reports shall contain any changes in Officers, as well as information

about upcoming programs, including at least the date and location of such

programs.

Replace with proposed 5.7 below

5.7 Chapter shall submit by January 15:

Officer Roster

Proof of filing of 990 form(s) to the IRS or a copy of the

extension

Receipt of State Charity Registration Filing

Annual Report with chapter activities including:

A. Profit and Loss

B. August of current year bank statement

C. Reconciliation of August bank statement of current year

Chaplain Fund Donation



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Affiliation Agreement signature page

“Locate a Chapter” for National Website information

Amendments (shown in bold) were accepted by the Committee

Submission is accepted. o Section 5 – Sub-section 5.8 – Agreements by Chapter

Submission is not accepted. o Section 9 – Sub-section 9.3 – Suspensions and Revocation of Charter:

Disbandment Submission was withdrawn.

MOTION: to accept the changes to the Governing Documents as voted on during

Convention. Motion is seconded and passes on vote. Live Performance – Tim Maggert

NP Pat Soler requested that we start the program tomorrow morning at 8:00am rather than 8:30 as we have not had time to hear any chapter reports and we have a full schedule of elections and installation. Convention Day 3 Adjourned.



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Convention Day 4 Election Day Saturday August 17, 2013

Credentials Certification:



o Report was accepted without objection. Convention Committee Report:

Tami Jenkins Chairman of the Convention Committee presented the Convention program. There are no changes to the program.

Big Dipper

Elections were held last night for the Big Dipper Auxiliary and the officers were installed this morning. NP Pat Soler announced the names of the elected and appointed officers as follows:

o President – Linda Bayer o VP – Lori Thoeme o Recording Secretary – Kade Rutherford o Financial Secretary – Brenda Ternullo o Treasurer – Carolyn Silberman

Appointed Positions:

o Sgt. at Arms – Ginger Novak o Chaplain – Robin Barnes McCarthy o Historian – Laura DeRoo o Patriotic Instructor – Teresa Sumner

Silent Auction

NP Pat Soler announced the results of the Silent Auction were announced with a total income of $5,029. The highest single bid was for a stay at MMC – monies will go to President’s project (USO). The live auction netted $840.

Elections

Prior to the election of officers, NP Pat Soler gave a review of the tellers and judges, and what their duties would include. Elections were held with the results listed below:



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Parliamentarian Solveiga Unger noted that the only reason for counting the voting delegates is to ensure that we do not receive more ballots than delegates present. Not all eligible delegates are required to vote. <126 voting delegates>

o President Pat Soler – 121 votes

o 1st Vice President

Judy Dorsey - 63 votes Charilyn Damigo – 62 votes

o 2nd Vice President

Cyndi Ventura – 124 votes

o 3rd Vice President Gloria Cervantes – 120 votes

o 4th Vice President

Ginger Novak – 56 votes Charilyn Damigo – 69 votes

o Recording Secretary

Pat Pell – 37 votes Teresa Bullock – 69 votes

Ellie Ramsey – 18 votes *Note: Ellie Ramsey was required to leave convention early due to word of an injury to her son. NP Pat Soler excused her and accepted her letter indicating that she was willing to be nominated for the office of NRS.

o Financial Secretary

Kathryn Venable – 123 votes

o Treasurer

Anne Parker – 123 votes Adjournment The 71st annual convention was adjourned. (Time not noted). Installation:

An installation ceremony was held for the new officers.



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Officer Reports for 2012-13 are attached.

Minutes Reviewed by Committee:

Charilyn Damigo (NRS)

Rose Crutcher (AZ3)

Christy Payne (CA30)

Teresa Sumner (VA4)



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2012-2013 NATIONAL PRESIDENT REPORT

I want to thank the membership for the confidence they have shown in me over the past year. It is a privilege to serve you and our mission. The National President is required to travel to certain events on behalf of the organization. I attended the Gold Star Family Weekend activities in DC, forging new relationships with the leadership of the American Gold Star Mothers; attended three State Department Conventions (MI, OH and MN; and experienced down-home hospitality in all 3 states); represented our org in DC for Veterans and Memorial Day activities, laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns and paying respect at WIMSA and other national monuments honoring our military. I presided over all NEB meetings and a very successful mid-year meeting in Los Angeles. Most are not aware that our NEB and Committee meetings are held via telephone, sometimes the first time we see/meet each other is during the short time we have together after elections. The mid-year meeting not only addresses significant issues, but further binds the Officers together. I will be the first to admit that the NEB is made up of strong-willed, capable women, and like true sisters, we do not always agree on items. I am so pleased and proud that all of our meetings were very open and frank, every Officer had a chance to speak (and speak) and then decisions were made by a majority vote. All decisions were honored by the Officers and there was no back-stabbing, no telling of tales; it was totally professional and they should be recognized for their ability to focus on the mission, not personal agendas. Financially, we remained fiscally conservative and are better off financially than we had budgeted for. In terms of significant activities during the year, the NEB addressed the investigations into the Departments of AZ and OK and resolved the litigation brought about by Wendy Hoffman (I will discuss those 3 issues in greater detail tomorrow). We also spent countless hours on Compliance matters with chapters and are in the process of finalizing our new website, which will provide an updated design, additional security levels and the ability for chapter to create their own websites, using National’s as a base. In closing, I want to thank my son, who gave me the title of Blue Star Mother, the members of my NEB, my chapter, and of course, Tami, for their everlasting support and



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honesty. And I humbly thank all of you for allowing me to lead this wonderful organization; I will treasure the memories forever.

Respectfully Submitted, Pat Soler



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2012-2013 NATIONAL 1VP REPORT

I started my first year as your First VP in Cincinnati at the 2012 National Convention. My first honor was representing NP Pat Soler, at the VJ ceremony in Washington DC, laying a wreath at the WWII Monument.

My main duties are working with membership. I update membership dues, renewals and new member applications. When chapters send in a Chapter Roster Report, I update the profiles of each member to show the correct expiration date. For the chapters that have departments, some are Roster Dues are sent in by the department, and the process is the same to update each member. When new member applications come in, that information is sent to the correct chapter to make contact with the new member to welcome them to the chapter. When a member joins on line, the chapter sends me the information, and the chapter membership chair creates a profile for that member. This helps each chapter to keep a accurate roster and if a roster is need by the chapters, I have the ability to forward a updated roster to the chapter. This past year there have been over 735 new members join our ranks. During that time, over 430 Roster Dues were sent in by chapters and more than 1600 dues renewals done online. The numbers are fluid and continue to change each day. With the new website getting ready to be introduced, I have asked chapters to send in names of associates and members that are no longer active in the chapters, moving them to inactive so that the new site will be as accurate as possible.

I also answered and sent new membership cards to the chapters. This year 5000 plus cards have been sent. I am out of membership cards right now. New cards will be ordered at the end of convention and all request I have will be filled as they have come in, so if you have sent in a request for membership cards, it will be a little while till they are ordered, shipped to me and I am able to send them to you. I have worked on the Sub Compliance Committee with our National 4TH VP Ginger Novak and Compliance Chairperson Rose Ann Elliott, helping chapters work through compliance issues. We have tried to make the process as easy as possible. I also had the privilege of installing chapter officers for chapters in Kentucky, Tennessee and California.

During the past few weeks I have worked with National Treasurer Anne Parker, with delegate count for chapters attending convention. I have also worked along with Tami Jenkins making sure the registration for convention was accurate. Many thanks to all the chapters for their hard work and dedication to making this year a very successful one, Membership chairs, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done to make my job go smoothly.

Respectfully Submitted, Judy Dorsey



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In total 10 Newsletters were delivered via email – All 10 Newsletters are archived on the National site for viewing. I would like to say; thank you to everyone who sent in articles to make our Newsletters a success. I want to extend a special Thank you to Charilyn Damigo, who put together our last Newsletter. I wasn’t able to get it together due to my younger Marine’s accident.

Our 71st yearbook for 2012-2013 is complete and available for sale here at convention. I tried very hard to use every picture that was sent in, unfortunately there were some that the quality was just too poor and I wasn’t able to use them. Some also came in after the completion of the book, so I do apologize. Our National President Pat Soler had a vision of “UNITED WE STAND” I took her vision and incorporated in some of my own, with the help of a graphic designer, Deb DiRoma, a Gold Star Mother from my Chapter. We put together something very different, a patriotic yearbook that we are very proud of. Please purchase one for $25.00 at the National vendors table through Kathryn Venable National Financial Secretary and Anne Parker National Treasurer. I hope you all enjoy it, and purchase one.

This year I had the opportunity to meet our NP in Washington D.C for Rolling Thunder on Memorial Day weekend. Rolling Thunder are our Vietnam Veterans. To see all of these wonderful veterans together was an amazing site. They welcomed me and my husband with open arms as both Gold and Blue Star parents. I also participated in the Gold & Blue Star candlelight Vigil at the Vietnam Memorial wall. It was an experience I will always treasure.

I also had the opportunity to chair the committee into the Investigation on The Department of Oklahoma. It was a difficult task and felt that we treated the people involved with respect and courtesy. I was honored to have been given the vote of confidence to fulfill this task.

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to serve you this year.

Respectfully Submitted, Cyndi Ventura



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August 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013. The Department of Defense announced 243 casualties.

Since August 1, 2012, I have facilitated the ordering of Three Hundred Eighty Six banners from Service Flags to honor the families of 251 fallen heroes. I attended the 2nd annual Gold Star Families BBQ in Riverside, CA at the Fairmont Park on Saturday, August 11, 2012. This event was sponsored by the Gold Star Fathers Organization with help and assistance by BSM Chapter of Blue Star Mothers H.O.M.E (Hearts Of Mothers Embraced). I installed the new board of the CA30 chapter on September 10, 2012. I also attended the board’s first board meeting and assisted with understanding how to implement the Governing Documents. I developed a response letter for the NP and Blue-to-Gold representatives to use when asked about who should receive the Gold Star Banner and Pins. Parts of this letter are being used in the new Blue-to-Gold guidelines. I attended the Blue and Gold education and awareness event on 9/28/2012 at Fort Irwin PX. Spoke with active military and family members about what Blue and Gold Star Mother’s organizations are and how they and their family members can get involved. I attended a Day to Honor event and dinner for Gold Star Families on Gold Star Family Day 9/20/2012 in Los Angeles with 30 Gold Star Family members. This event was arranged and sponsored by the SOS ( Army’s Survivor Outreach Services) of Fort Irwin, CA.

Respectfully Submitted, Teresa Bullock



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This year I have answered inquiries concerning chartering Chapters in 50 locations:

Five chapters have chartered since September, 2012.

OH21 (Bellevue)

LA6 (Northeast LA)

LA7 (Baton Rouge)

MT2 (Boulder Area)

TN4 (Sweetwater)

2 additional chapters in Michigan will be chartered at the Michigan Department

Convention (Meceola and Newaygo) MI 189 and 190.

Eight groups are processing paperwork in preparation for chartering.

Ten chapters have, unfortunately, sent notice of disbanding since September, 2012:

CA35, CA99, ME1,FL1, MN14, CA21,IA2,MN5,PA11, CO4

Update on 1023 chapters:

Many of our chapters troubled by IRS problems have found assistance from Helen

Franz, TX6, a CPA who has given freely of her time and expertise.

Approaching the 2013-2014 year

The Compliance Sub-Committee (Rose Ann Elliott, Compliance Chair, Judy Dorsey, 1st

VP, and Ginger Novak, 4th VP) are suggesting a change to the Governing Documents

bringing the reporting deadline forward to October 15. In this way, reports would be

completed before holiday activities begin, and long before the IRS deadline of January

15. This would allow chapters to begin reports as soon as the new officers are elected,

plus the huge bonus of getting them off their backs early in the year.

Respectfully submitted,

Respectfully Submitted, Ginger Novak



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2012-2013 NATIONAL RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT

I was privileged to serve a second term as your National Recording Secretary. I

attended and kept minutes for all National Executive Board (NEB) meetings this year,

including the mid-year meeting. My personal goal was to have all minutes distributed to

the NEB for review within a week of the meeting, while our memories were still fresh. I

was often able to exceed that goal.

Minutes are posted to the national website upon approval by the NEB. I would like to

encourage you to take time to read those minutes so that you are aware of what your

officers are doing each month. This is your organization! If you want to know when the

next set of minutes will be posted, check the next meeting date that is listed at the end

of the minutes. Previous minutes should be posted within a day or two of each meeting.

In addition to keeping minutes, I was also able to assist the National President with her

correspondence this year. I also assisted with compliance and would love to continue

making this process more streamlined for the chapters. In addition, I served on the

website committee. We are very close to having our new website up and running. I

have remained active in my chapter and especially enjoy assisting our veterans and

their families.

If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact any of your board members.

We are here to serve you and make our organization stronger.

Respectfully Submitted, Charilyn Damigo



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2012-2013 NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT

Fiscal Year 2012/13 has been a productive year as Financial Secretary. As your FS, I have entered deposit details on over 650 deposits. Most entries required 2 or more entries per transaction. Reconciled the checking account monthly and prepared all financial reports that have been presented to our NEB for approval and posting to the National Website. I have answered numerous financial questions for our Blue Star Mothers Chapters from the simple “where did this transaction go?” to the more complicated “may we do this” to help someone out? I have sent in several requests to the IRS to make sure that all of our active chapters are under the BSMA, Inc. 501(c)3 umbrella and removing those chapters that for their own reasons have needed to close. I have worked with Treasurer, Anne Parker to send out our quarterly dues payouts to the chapters. This continues to be a challenge because of addresses not being updated in our system. There of course is the occasional “human error” that has caused a few issues in making sure everyone received monies due to them. As FS, I have been part of the National Finance Committee that oversees all expenditures of the National Organization to make sure that all approved expenses fall within our Financial Policy and/or our approved budget. This committee worked on preparing our new proposed budget and financial policy. I have also worked on other projects as requested by our National President and National Finance Committee Chair. It has been an honor to serve as your National Financial Secretary and to work with such a wonderful group of women that have made up this NEB and NFC.

Respectfully Submitted, Kathryn Venable



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2012-2013 NATIONAL TREASURER REPORT

It has again been my honor to serve on the National Executive Board and to work with

National Financial Secretary Kathryn Venable. We have made a great team in my

opinion, and together we have paid the organization’s obligations with the approval of

the Finance Committee. I have answered innumerable questions about a variety of

questions from members and the National Executive Board. Those questions have had

to do with dues payments, reimbursements to chapters and departments, bill payment,

compliance, closing of chapters, and many more topics. I tried every day to answer all

phone calls and emails within 24 hours. Some days it was not possible but at least that

was my goal.

I worked closely with our CPA to get our audit, tax return and paperwork for the

Combined Federal Campaign completed. As they say, the job is not finished until all of

the paperwork is done.

It is my hope that your financial officers have provided guidance to the members and

that the upcoming fiscal year’s compliance process will be even smoother than this

year’s. Education is the key to compliance, and trust me, no question is too insignificant

to ask or re-ask if you do not understand.

To my home chapter, SC7, who has shared me with the organization’s members and for

their help whenever a project required a team, I am so grateful. I am from a chapter of

about 20 members, so this is quite an accomplishment to support a national officer for

three terms. This is a great group of ladies. We tell everyone we are little but loud in

making a difference for our soldiers and our veterans.

To the officers I have served us on this National Executive Board I cannot say enough

good words about the cooperative spirit this board has had. Our decisions have been

tough but this group of ladies has, in my opinion, always had the organization’s best

interests at heart. To Karen Stevens, the National Finance Committee chairman for the

past two years, you have made my job so much easier by your spirit of always listening

when I needed someone to talk to or to gain a second opinion.

To those who will succeed this National Executive Board you have big shoes to fill. This

Board has amplified United We Stand and have shown me that a group of women can

indeed work in harmony. You must realize during most of my working career I

supervised women and this is surely not the case as you all know.



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In closing, Kathryn and I have processed over 600 checks in the past fiscal year and we

are not done yet. We still have the last quarter reimbursement to do, so I am confident

we will process more than 700 checks before this year is over.

It has been a year of personal heartache as my son has deployed for the second time

but we had a great Christmas with all three of my children and their spouses and my

three grandchildren. My son-in-law had just returned at Christmastime from

Afghanistan and by April of 2013 my son was gone again. Again, this organization and

its members stepped up to cry, pray, and just listen to me on those bad days of a child’s

deployment. I love this organization and its members and have felt the love of all of you

as I held this office.

Respectfully Submitted, Anne Parker



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2012-2013 DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN REPORT

I represented the Department at the National Convention held in Cincinnati, OH July 31

– August 4, 2012, the NEB conference calls (throughout the year), and attended the

mid-year NEB meeting in Los Angeles, CA Feb 15 – 17, 2013.

The Department of Michigan 2012 Convention was held October 5 – 7, 2012 in Clare,

MI with 11 chapters represented. There were 47 attendees, 32 of them were voting

delegates. Big Dipper Fun Night was lots of fun and elections were held for the Big

Dipper of Michigan board. We had several officer and chapter reports, a report on

National Convention in Cincinnati and the revised governing documents which were

distributed to attendees. Other subjects spoken about included: Best financial

practices, financial software, and compliance reporting. A traditional Memorial Service

was held on Saturday. We held elections for the Department and are proud to have

officers from several chapters. After the close of convention installation of officers was

held and we were honored to have NP Pat Soler install the new officers.

School of Instruction was held April 27, 2013 - we had 23 attendees with 11 chapters

represented (including one of our grand mothered chapters). Topics covered included

PTSD, Deployment Preparation, Wounded Warrior (what to do if),Upcoming events

(National/Department Conventions and FunD Day), Yearbook submissions, Sisterhood,

Officer duties and succession planning, Parliamentary procedure, Blue to Gold, Big

Dipper, Financial policies, Compliance, and Chapter rosters. DEB meeting was held

prior to the start of the day.

FunD Day was held June 22, 2012 - we had 6 chapters represented. There was a

Chinese style auction, played “minute to win it” games and then had a scavenger hunt,

and we played Bingo too! $368.00 in total was raised. DEB meeting was held prior to

the start of the day.

I represented the Department at a variety of events throughout the year, including:

Detroit VAVS Valentine’s Concert, Veteran’s Day ceremonies at Great Lakes Cemetery

and Shelby Twp. Memorial, Memorial Day events at Great Lakes Cemetery and the

Heart of America Memorial, Macomb County, MI and Cost of Freedom, Paw Paw, MI.

We worked with several chapters regarding compliance documentation and other issues

and I have visited 4 chapters thus far. We am currently preparing for the 2013

Department convention September 27 – 29, 2013 in Clare, MI.



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We are currently working towards installing 2 new chapters in August.

Respectfully Submitted, Kristine Wirgau



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2012-2013 DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA REPORT

The state of Minnesota Department had good and bad news this past year. Our bad news is that we lost two chapters due to low membership and their inability to seat a board. The good news is that many members from one of the chapters that closed did join a close by chapter. We had some great news. MN9 worked through all the IRS hoops and is now a fully functioning chapter. MN1 celebrated its 10th birthday on April 14th. I was invited, but, was unable to attend due to a snowstorm and did not want to drive the 2 hours each way! Our Fall Convention was a 2 day event at a resort in central Minnesota. We had perfect fall weather. It was well attended. We were fortunate to have National President Pat Solar in attendance as well as PNP, Robin McCarthy. MN Department events throughout the year included: Table at MN State Fair on Military Appreciation Day, and we also marched in the parade. Participated in the St. Cloud VA Veteran's Day event Participated in the Minneapolis VA Valentine's Day event Had a table at the 203rd Reserves FRG Family picnic

Our Spring Statewide meeting was held on April 20th. There were still huge snow banks in the parking lot, but, no snow fell that day, so the meeting was well attended. We had a guest speaker from our local Veteran's Resource Center. Our main fundraiser continues to be the Blue Star Mothers Memorial/Garden markers. We are looking forward to a great Fall Convention in October and an exciting new year.

Respectfully Submitted, Mary Johnson



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2012-2013 DEPARTMENT OF OHIO REPORT

The Department of Ohio Convention was held from November 2-4, 2012. It was well

attended by the chapters along with Pat Soler, our NP, who was also one of the guest

speakers. Attendees also included Judy Dorsey, NEB 1st VP and Robin McCarthy,

PNP.

On November 3rd, new Department officers were elected for the 2012-2013 term as

follows:

Kris Dervin as DP replacing Pat Pell Dawn Woodings as 1st VP replacing Kris Dervin

Christina Moos as 2nd VP filling a vacancy Pat Pell as Recording Secretary replacing Sally Botson

Brenda Russell as Financial Secretary (returning for 2nd term) Marge Pizzino as Treasurer returning for (returning for 2nd term)

On Saturday, November 3rd in the evening the Big Dipper Fun night was held and

orchestrated by Anita Wagner, president of Big Dipper.

On Sunday, the convention concluded with installation of officers and a memorial

service for the fallen and our Blue Star Mother, Virginia Leasure, who had passed away.

North/South Conference

On April 20, 2013, the Department of Ohio held their North/South Conference. Our

President, Kris Dervin emphasized that our mission should include helping our Heroes

as they return home from war. We had 6 guest speakers, from various governmental

agencies that provided helpful information on how chapters can help these returning

veterans.

Chapter Updates

We chartered one new chapter (Chapter 21 - Lake Erie Shores) and their charter was

presented to Barb Cook, president, at the North/South Conference.

It appears that Chapter OH4 will be closing (Ohio Valley BSM in Mingo Junction) due to

lack of membership/officers.



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Awards

Kay Sellers announced that Marjorie Bryan, PDP, had been awarded the Jefferson

Award for Volunteerism and will now represent the Blue Star Mothers in Washington DC

to compete on the national level. This is a wonderful accomplishment and well

deserved! Information about this award can be accessed by typing in

www.jeffersonawards.org.

Since November, the Department has held monthly conference calls and we invite the

Chapter presidents to be included in these calls every other month. This year the

Department started a quarterly newsletter, which is distributed to all the members in

Ohio. Christina Moos, our 2nd VP volunteered to work on this for the Department.

Financials

Financial status as of July 2013 reported by Brenda Russell by a DEB conference call is

as follows.

The balance of the checking account is $8,572.04. Included in that balance are funds

from the closing of chapter 5 - $1,417.41 and chapter 41 - $113.94. Therefore, there is

a working balance of $7,040.69.

The current balance for the Dept. of Ohio Big Dipper is $1,320.

Lastly, our Department president, Kris Dervin, has taken ill unexpectedly this past June.

Dawn Woodings, 1st VP has taken on the role of Interim DP in Kris Dervin’s absence

while still assuming her duties as 1st VP for the Ohio DEB. A formal letter was written

and sent to all chapter Presidents by email along with the exception of hard copies to

those who do not have or use the internet. The DEB is working closely to fulfill all of

Kris Dervin wishes and goals for the DEB.

Our 2013 Department of Ohio Convention is scheduled for November 1-3, 2013.

Respectfully Submitted, Department of Ohio Executive Board

http://www.jeffersonawards.org/



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CONVENTION DELEGATES

Doreen Berggren AZ3 Certified Rose Crutcher AZ3 Certified Laura Sutton AZ6 Certified Sarah Young CA1 Certified Luisa Oriti CA101 Certified Peggy Conklin CA101 Certified Marilyn Steichen CA101 Certified Emma Luntey CA101 Certified Tami Jenkins CA101 Certified Shirley Kocourek CA101 Certified Patty Harris CA101

Roseanne Phillips CA101 Certified Pat Soler CA101 Certified Mary Thompson CA101 Certified Jana Clark CA101 Certified Rozlyn Franklin CA101 Certified Michelle Miller CA101 Certified Shirley Stinnett CA11 Certified BethAndrews CA12 Certified Cindy McVay CA12 Certified Kathy Atkinson CA12` Certified Brenda Ternullo CA15 Certified Amy O'Campo CA15 Certified Lori Danby CA16 Certified Susan Coats CA16 Certified Allison Bettencourt CA16

ALTERNATE

Dawn Chesini CA16 Certified Loretta Nesting-Glass CA16 Certified Cheryl Bottum CA16

Nancy Parkerson CA16

ALTERNATE

Jeanne Vasquez CA16

ALTERNATE

Patty Floyd CA20 Certified Carol Prell CA20 Certified Sally Ryan CA20

Eloise Risner-Stone CA20 Certified Mary O'Keefe CA20 NO VOTE Shannon Looper CA20 Certified



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Nancy Porfioro CA20 Certified Tammi Fuller CA20 Certified Christine Beach CA22

Christine Boyd CA22 Certified Darla Kay Brown CA22 Certified Joanne Darlington CA22 Certified Stacy Huff CA22 Certified Becky Neely CA22

Berva Treat CA22 Certified Michelle Passwater CA22 Certified Barbara Bochner CA24 Certified Marilyn Spoja CA24 Certified Stacy Anders CA26 Certified Cindy King CA26 Certified Norma Florez CA26

ALTERNATE

Julie Jaquez CA26` Certified Teri Figueroa CA30 Certified Christy Payne CA30 Certified Moira Fisher CA30 Certified Valerie Holmes CA30 Certified Deborah Miller CA30 Certified Veronica Wheeler CA30 Certified Kellie Cole Johnson CA36 Certified Kris Urdahl CA36 Certified Anna Vanegas CA4 Certified Ida Henscheid CA4 Certified Charilyn Damigo CA4 Certified Cathy Rainwater CA4 Certified Carolyn Silberman CA4 Certified Debbie Parks CA4 Certified Joan Schenck CA4

ALTERNATE

Jacqulyn Jauch CA4 Certified Linda Bayer CA4 Certified Gloria Cervantes CA4 Certified Mercedes Rowlan CA4 Certified Patricia Giordano CA4

ALTERNATE

Sue Martinez CA4 Certified Deborah Omori CA4 Certified Susie Montgomery CA4 Certified



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Nancy Rayner CA5 Certified Mary Nelson CA5 Certified Julie Morgan CA5 Certified Barbara Fishel CA5 Certified Patricia Gall CA5 Certified Heidi Bacon CA7 Certified Kimberly Steinman-Elmquist CA7 Certified Lee Escato CA7 Certified Lorraine Browning CA7 Certified Linda Battles CA7 Certified Vivienne Yamamoto CA7 Certified Teresa Bullock CA9 Certified Kathryn Venable CA9 Certified Jennie McFarling CA9 Certified Diane Rardin CA9 Certified Marsha Pickrell KY6 Certified Ginger Novak KY8 Certified Sharon Kramer MI178 Certified Marcia Janik MI178 Certified Elizabeth Buchanan MI179 Certified Linda Scherer MI179 Certified Starr Rife MI179 Certified Kristine Wirgau MI180 Certified Paulette Gloden MI180 Certified Lori Theueme MI180 Certified Melissa Farmer MI184 Certified Marie Center MI186 Certified Sharon Skaro MN1 Certified Jennifer Pecarina MN13 Certified Jeanne Ulmer MN7 Certified Mary K Johnson MN8 Certified Cindy Castle NM1 Certified Karen Stevens NM1 Certified Rita Gibson NM1 Certified Judy Sinclair-Leczel NM1 Certified Kathy Frazier NM2 Certified Gloria Chavez-Sampson NM6 Certified Jo (Edna) Sprinkle NV2 Certified Dorothy Wingard NV2 Certified



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Susan McElfish NV2 Certified Julie Straw NV3 Certified Robin Maguire-Jones NV3 Certified Bobbie Metcalfe NY1 Certified Joyce Mader NY1 Certified Ellie Ramsey NY1 Certified Deborah Milsop NY2 Certified Jean Burlingame NY5 Certified Judy Kwarts NY5 Certified Cynthia Ventura NY6 Certified Theresa Uffmann NY6 Certified Sandra Seitz NY6 Certified Lynn Sheehy NY6 Certified Debbie DeVito NY6 Certified Margaret Miller NY6 Certified Brenda Russell OH2 Certified Connie Steinberg OH2 Certified Joann Garauz OH2 Certified Judy Dorsey OH2 Certified Nancy Jo Frank OH2 Certified Donna Checca OH2 Certified Regina Soley OH2 Certified Susan Simmons OH2 Certified Patricia Pell OH26 Certified Robin McCarthy OH3 Certified Brenda Bingham OK11 Certified Becky Bushey OK11 Certified Jolene Taylor OK11 Certified Ellen Bernstein PA201 Certified Susan Donaldson PA201 Certified Mary Arrowood SC4 Certified Anne Parker SC7 Certified Cheree Barrett TX13 Certified KD Rutherford TX6 Certified Sarah Nuche TX6 Certified Teresa Summers VA4 Certified Sherri Fujihira WI2 Certified