The June 27, 1999 meeting of the VADM R. T. Nelson Chapter of the Coast Guard Academy Parents Association was held at the McKeever home in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Families arrived between 1 & 2 p.m. We had a pot luck meal (thank you everyone) followed by a meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Steve DiGaudio who initiated informal introductions of those present and the current status of their respective cadets. Kevin & Pat Keffer were introduced as members-at-large of the National Parents Association Executive Committee. They provided a brief report on the last meeting of the Executive Committee held at the Academy in April 1999. Topics discussed included: planning for Y2K, changes in the athletic department, accreditation, library upgrade and problems with collection of association dues renewals. These issues will again be discussed at the National Association meeting July 5, 1999 at the Academy. That meeting will be attended by the Keffers and DiGaudios.
Steve reported that our chapter does not have by-laws. The Chesapeake & Potomac chapter bylaws were proposed last year, but they are too complex for a small chapter such as ours. In the near future we need to form a committee to write a set of bylaws. A partial draft of bylaws was distributed. We will continue to operate within the guidelines of the National Parents Association until we approve our own bylaws.
Treasury balance is $180.37. Last December, we donated $400.00 to the Cadet Morale Fund. It was discussed that we are unable to use any cadet money for administrative costs. Our chapter dues have been $2.00. It was discussed and agreed that all cadet families within the geographic area of the chapter will have automatic membership, and a voluntary donation in lieu of dues is requested, but not required.
There was some discussion of our membership becoming involved with USCGA and CG recruiting. However, several people indicated that even though they had taken CGATE training, CG auxiliary has some difficulty with our becoming involved..
Upcoming events include:
- Induction Day, July 6, 1999. Keffers and DiGaudios will be present. A Chapter table will be available to provide information to new families and perhaps offer
a few items for sale.
- The USCGA Windjammers Band will be featured at the Upper St. Clair Band Festival Saturday, September 18, 1999.
- Parents Weekend will be September 24-26. There is some concern about getting reservations and about cadet activities not being ready so early in the school
year.
- December 26, 1999 will be the date for the Pittsburgh All Academy Ball - more information forthcoming.
Ideas for possible future activities were brainstormed, including: a brunch for possible recruits, creating boodle bags for cadets, sending cards to cadets for special occasions for no reason at all and possible need for officers and committees.
Kevin Keffer moved that Steve and Anna DiGaudio be presidents of this chapter for 2 years from this date. This was moved, seconded, voted .and passed.
Connie McKeever offered her centrally-located home for our meeting next summer. Following this, our meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Anna DiGaudio