MTA 88 August Meeting

M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes

August 3rd, 2010

Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD

In attendance: (14) President B. Kloos, Vice President D. Seiler, Treasurer B. Blubaugh, Secretary (excused), C. West, W. Talbert, D. Bittinger, D. Caldwell, R. Plante, K. George, Allen Swope, T. Mckendrick, A. Smith, Phil Draper, P. Martin, D. Yohman, J. Eichelberger, E. Burke, R. Poffenberger Sr., and numerous other Lodge members coming and going throughout the afternoon.

Guest Speakers: Delegate Chris Shank

Morris Crome, ret. Major

This meeting was called to order by President Kloos at 3:30 p.m.

Prior to conducting official business, the Lodge recognized Delegate Shank and Morris Crome as guest speakers to the lodge.

Delegate Shank discussed numerous informative and interesting topics regarding the MSP, especially in Washington County. He discussed his immediate concerns to our car situation, speed cameras, money going to the county and local police departments bypassing the need of MSP. He discussed community concerns involving education, business practices of local establishments, prescription plans and health care. Thanks goes to Delegate Shank for his very informative speaker and numerous members asked very important questions about our future within the county. We wish him the best of luck in the upcoming election and we recognize that Delegate Shank is always willing to hear our concerns.

Morris “Mo” Crome directed his talk to the retirees of the meeting. He discussed retirement benefits, future of the drop program, what direction the state of Maryland is going with social security, and where the retirement system is going to be in years. Please feel free if you did not attend this meeting to contact other members who were present for clarification on these topics. Having a dedicated person like Mo to come the meeting was a benefit to the lodge, again the lodge thanks Mo for his time and knowledge.

President’s Report: Turned over to VP Seiler who attended the board meeting in Pikesville.

Vice-President’s Report:

• Vice-President Dan Seiler attended the MTA Board Meeting in Pikesville on July 20th, 2010.  Topics of interest included:
  • Endorsement for the candidates for Governor was tabled to a later date for further discussion. President Kloos is attending the August 17^th board meeting and will advise further on this topic at next meeting.

• The Lodge website is fully functional and members are encouraged to join the website and view it on a routine basis. 
• As a reminder, the poll concerning endorsing political candidates is posted on the website.  The address is: http://mta88.org.
• The primary is September 7^th, so get out there and vote. The lodge’s poll result will be tallied at the September 14^th meeting.

Treasurer’s Report:

Account Balances:

• Checking: $15,261.94 not to include bi-annual dues received
  • $366 was spent for food for the meeting, steaks, beverages and condiments.
  • $144 was spent for retirement statues.
• Community Donation Fund: $2,000
• Death Relief Fund: $7,087.00

Old Business:

• VP Seiler suggested the lodge form a committee to head up the “Cecil Bittinger Memorial Award” The committee will be formed at the next meeting in September to decide on a plaque that is appropriate and deserving of our missed member.     

• Retired PCO Karen Davis attended the River Meeting and presented President Kloos with a check for $1000 to go into the newly formed training fund. It was an honor to receive such a contribution and refreshing to see that retired personnel still have a “sense of comradery ” to the past and present members of MSP. Thank you again, Karen !!

New Business:

Kyle George made a motion to have trees planted at the new barrack for fallen members past and future. It was tabled till the new barrack was completed and more information could be brought to the members.

Good of the Order:

• We want to congratulate member Russ Plante on his retirement from MSP after almost 26 years of loyal and dedicated service. We wish the best in all your future tasks. Russ was presented with his trooper statue.
• The Lodge took a moment of silence in respect to Cecil Bittinger. The members acknowledged Donna Bittinger for her hard work and dedication to put on such a great picnic, without her and Doug the lodge’s yearly get together would not be possible. Thanks Again!
• Marvin House, ret. PCO wife passed away. We send out our prayers to him and his family.

**Ground breaking for the new Hagerstown Barrack is going to be August 26^th, 2010. 11:00 a.m. Please contact the barrack for further information on any special activities that day.

Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting: Tuesday September 14th, 2010 at 4:30p.m.

Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m

Respectfully submitted by President Brian Kloos – 8/17/10.