American Legion Riders
#85 North Branch, MN
Minutes 12/18/11
Meeting began 1443hrs.
In attendance were members: Ron, Diane, Grace, Kate, and Tony Rollins, Keith Peterson, Larry & Diane Johnson, OJ & Linda Volkman, Bob Schule, Greg & Mary McCarthy, Jimmy & Jill Bigley and guests for a total of 33 in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer for the day was given by Chaplain O.J. Volkman. All guests introduced themselves.
 Goals of the Legion Riders were given (veteran, Children, and Community Projects). The primary function was that the group was supposed to be fun.
 Information was given to the group of the first fruits of our labor was donated to the Family Pathways Food Shelf in North Branch. $72.00 raised at the Minnesota Washout was donated Last Wednesday.
Ron thanked Keith, and Larry & Diane for all the time they donated and all the support they gave Ron the last year. With their help everything ran smooth and they kept Ron on task and things running smooth.
 Larry gave a brief description of the Google Calendar that we would be using the coming year and we received positive comments about it and several people gave their email addresses to Larry for inclusion. Remember, you must have a Gmail account to see the calendar. You will receive invitations on any email account. Gmail accounts are free through Google.
 Keith gave an update on his ride “Operation Independence II” on July 28, 2012. This ride will begin at Running Aces in Forest Lake and end at the North Branch American Legion. The Legion Riders will be Sponsors of this ride and all members will be asked to volunteer. Keith stated that the Inglorious Hellcats band will play under the tent at the Legion. He also informed us that he has a WWI searchlight scheduled to come that night. He is also working on a raffle for a 2010 Harley Fatbob. Only 5,000 tickets will be sold for $5.00 apiece.
 The Donnie Smith Bike Show will be held the end of March and Keith will have a booth there for his ride with Thunder Roads Magazine at the bottom of the escalator and the Legion Riders will also again be there. Volunteers will also be requested at this event.
 Ron also explained how the Legion Riders became official and permanent program of the Legion at the Department Convention this last summer. We will now be a part of the Legion’s budget and possibly receive Department funding.
Jill Bigley made a motion to adjourn. Keith seconded. Motion was carried.
A pot luck meal and a great time of fellowship followed.
A small silent auction occurred at the time of the party and a little over $100.00 was raised for the Legion Riders.
Thank you all!

Respectfully submitted,
Ron Rollins for

Katelyn Rollins, Secretary
North Branch American Legion Riders