American Legion Riders

#85 North Branch,

MN

Meeting 6/28/11 (unofficial)

ALR met at Carbone’s Pizza

Meeting began approximately 1910hrs.

Attendance: Ron Rollins, Kate Rollins, Diane Rollins, Diane Johnson, Larry Johnson, Keith Peterson, Sam Tallarico, Ed Chromey, Andy Specht, and guest Sheri Evgen.

Ron Discussed Midsummer and how well it went considering the lack of Riders due to other commitments. A call went out to the Mighty 10th and we had several 10th District Riders arrive to pull us together. Through that experience and the visual to the public we gained four new members and one transfer. A big “thanks” went out to the tenth district.

Red Bull Days was attended by Ron and Larry & Diane Johnson. This was also a lot of fun and we did not have to work very hard. Larry and Ron volunteered to be road guards for their ride. It was definitely a new experience for Ron.

Larry & Diane Johnson, Keith Peterson, and Ron Rollins attended the Blessing of the Bikes” at Maranatha Church south of Wyoming on Sunday June 26. This has been a tradition for the Johnson’s for several years meeting old friends there.

Upcoming:

Convention: Ron encouraged everyone to attend the State Convention in Mahnomen, MN on July 14-16, 2011. Ron asked how delegates worked for the ALR and Andy stated that delegates for the ALR are not recognized as of yet. This year they may be voting on it.

Commander Johnson contacted Ron earlier in the week and asked if the ALR was interested in attending a fund raiser that Old Navy store is putting on at Tanger Mall during the weekend of the fourth. It is called Operation Care & Comfort.  Staff explains to customers that they may purchase clothing, especially socks, and donate it to the troops. We would greet people at the door and assist kids to write letters or color pictures for the troops overseas.

Ron passed around the current preamble the district was suggestions to change and hopefully vote on it at the State Convention. It will be sent out to the membership in a separate email.

Ron asked Larry about the Motorcycle Safety Class that he spoke of at a previous meeting. He told us that he knew an instructor that offered the class for approximately $25.00 per person. He stated that a person can take the class and then take their permit/endorsement test. Larry was given the task to set up a class for late Fall or early Spring.

Ron asked a question of Andy about membership transfers. Ron suggested that Tony make contact with the District membership chair to gain more knowledge for membership. Also, the Riders will be looking into creating a tab on the American Legion web page that will provide information to current and potential future members. One goal discussed for this task is that the Legion Riders’ web page will provide the opportunity to fill out new member applications online.

Meeting adjourned and the ALR went for a ride on part of the route for the upcoming Independence Run on July 30th. We ended at the Rustic Inn in Stacy.

Sincerely,

Kate Rollins,

Secretary Post #85 ALR