96 th GRANDE PROMENADE GRANDE VOITURE DU CALIFORNIA June 20, 2016 Ramada Inn, Fresno Airport

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1 GRAND PROM Page 1 of 5 96 th GRANDE PROMENADE GRANDE VOITURE DU CALIFORNIA June 20, 2016 Ramada Inn, Fresno Airport The 96 TH GRANDE PROMENADE was called to order at 1645 by Grand Chef de Gare Frank P Campo. Colors were in place. Grand Conducteur Chuck Camarato led the Pledge to our Colors. Grand Aumonier North Michael Hughes offered the Opening Prayer. Grand Chef de Train Steve Villegas draped the POW banner. Roll Call of Officers by Grand Correspondant Joe Donovan: All Members of the Grande Promnenade were present except Alternate Cheminot Nationale Oliver Taylor, Drapeau John Fee, Medicine North Andrew Salontai, Medicin South James Cooper, Organizer Bernard Foley, Publiciset David Eby, and Aide de Camp Ralph Duncan. A quorum was declared. Distinguished Guest Chairman North Gary B Leach introduced Chef de Chemin de Fer Donald Emley and his wife Faye from WI. CA National Officers/Directeurs: Sous Aumonier Michael Hughes, Sous Avocat John B Bartos, Sous Commissaire Intendant Daniel Dumas, Directeur Child Welfare Joseph R Donovan, Sous Directeur Loco & Box Car Dennis Matarrese, Sous Directeur Special Awards Jim Carpenter, Time & Place Committee Member Robert S Mattson, and himself Cheminot Nationale. Past Grand Chef s present were John M Lea , Robert S Mattson , Court Bradbury , William J Reed , Honorary Joseph R Donovan, 2011, Howard L Darter , and himself Gary B Leach President LaFemmes de California Sheryl Palsrok introduced her escort Ken Ostrich from SD and other LaFemmes present were La Correspondant Stella Fimowicz, and member Bette Caster. The Grande Promenade was recessed till 0900 tomorrow Tuesday June 21 at American Legion Post 509. Breakfast for Past Grand Chefs at 0700, others beginning at 0730 at Post 509. The colors were retired. RECONVEIN 96 th Grande Promenade 0900 Tuesday June 21, Colors were advanced by the Grande Color Guard from Alameda Voiture 257. Altar cloth was draped by Aumonier North Michael Hughes. Rules of the Grande Promenade were read by Avocat Robert S Mattson. Notion to approved, CARRIED Grand Chef de Gare Frank P Campo presented a two page report outlining his travels to 40 & 8 and other Fraternal Group activities, many of which had several questions regarding his beloved escort Paul. He dutifully described Paul s mission and purpose to all. He gave special recognition and thanks to Grand Correspondant Joe Donovan and Commissaire Intendant Dan Dumas for their efforts in keeping our Grande Voiture alive and functioning. Special thanks also to Grand Chef de Train Steve Villegas for membership successes, Conducteur Chuck Camarato for Ways & Means, and all Past Grand Chef s for their guidance and advice during the year. He praised all Grand Directeurs and urged everyone to submit their Locale required reports to the Directeurs. Chef Frank has traveled 21,700 miles, given 2920 hours, and spent $3117 on behalf of the 40 & 8 this year. Grand Chef de Train Steve Villegas since February has attended many Veteran meetings, worked 40 & 8 Bingo, and participated in several Funerals and Memorials for a total of 295 hrs, 590 miles, and contributed $545 toward the 40 & 8 Grand Conducteur Chuck Camarato thanked all who have participated in the Raffle and fundraising efforts. This year we have exceed our Goal of $4000 by over $ By District, $ 100 donations to Ways &

2 Means were received from District 1-2 of 5, District 2-4 of 5, District 3-3 of 4, District 4-5 of 6 + Cheminot & District donation, District 5-6 of 6 + Cheminot, Conducteur, and District donations, District 6-3 of 5. Grande Raffle was successful, thanks to all who participated. Chuck has traveled 1450 miles, spent 120 hours, and expended $875 on behalf of the 40 & 8. GRANDE DIRECTEURS (In reverse order due to scheduled medical appointment later today) YOUTH SPORTS Ted Tabarango The CA Youth Sports Guide was reviewd and revised. It will be available on the Grande Web Site Requests for grants from the Grande Voiture must utilize the Grande Request for Reimbursement Form (available on the Grande Web Site.) Requests for National Reimbursement must utilize the National 40 & 8 Youth Sports Application for Grants on the National Web Site. There was 1 request for $100 from the Grande Voiture. Notion to approve, 2 nd CARRIED 150 pins cost $ ($3.00ea) VOITURE ACTIVITIES James Hadley Outstanding Report this year Freemont Voiture Outstanding Rolling stock Report Stanislaus Voiture 653. Both will be submitted to Voiture Nationale for judging. VAVS Vick Kestner Only 5 reports have been received Keep the Wheel Chairs Rolling disbursed $ CA Fairfield, Livermore, and Menlo Park all received Grants. It s real simple to request grants, the assigned Deputy or Representative submits a 200 word (or less) narrative of needs. SPECIAL AWARDS Jim Carpenter Hero Deputy Brian Flick Santa Barbara Sheriffs, City Mountain View, Voyageur Carl E Asher Jr V-1406 (PGC). Only 10 reports received. Grand Chef Frank expressed appreciation that CA had 3 of the 4 categories selected this year. We can do better with more participation. Directeur Jim urged participation in the National Generals Club that funds awardees travel to National Promenade. PUBLIC RELATIONS Ralph Jacob Reminder our Voiture Activities programs: (Child Welfare, Carville Star, Americanism, Special Awards, Loco & Box Cars, Youth Sports etc ) emphasis on and publicity of will aid in recruitment of prospective members IF we utilize available publicity avenues. POW/MIA Robert Huey 8 Reports received. Lets all keep in mind the 1700 POW/MIA numbers from the Viet Nam conflict. Also remember, there are more than 70,000 POW/MIA/KIA s from WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, Afganistan, Iraq, Also remember the 2 nd Friday in September is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. NURSES TRAINING Tim Mosman Stanley Fund is not permitted to fall below $ Pins cost $2.75ea, have been selling them at $3.00ea. Proposed to raise sales to $4.00, motion, defeated in committee. 25 Locales took pins, 7 did not. 36 unsold pins to be donated to Cabane 365 with appreciation for their donation of $200 toward our program. Grants approved for Voitures 31, 104, 257, 268, 394, 395, 653, 1179, 1406, and Request from Voiture 912 denied as they took no pins last year. Notion to approve report, CARRIED MEMBERSHIP: Steve Villegas: Current Membership Report submitted. 100% or over Certificates were presented to Voitures 31, 268, 394, 653, 1119, 1303, 1406, and Pins for the Chef and Correspondant were distributed to Voitures 394 and 1406 previously, today to Voitures 31, 653, 1119 and Voitures 268 and 1303 just recently made goal and will be presented later when they arrive Grand Chef Frank and his escort Paul departed to visit the LaFemmes. Returned at GRAND PROM Page 2 of 5

3 1045 LaFemmes Visit: Altar Cloth removed. President Sheryl noted they are down to 3 Cabanes in CA. She asked Voyageurs to get more involved and endeavor to create more enthusiasm for LaFemmes. Departed at Altar cloth replaced. LOCO & BOX CAR: Gary Blackburn: Current CA pin is Solano V-395. Nest year will be Palomar V Hopefully pins will be available in Escondido at Fall Grandes Cheminots Mtg. All Locales should support the Loco s as they are the premier Public Relations Image of the 40 & 8. Payment for Loco pins goes to Secretary Dennis Matarrese as the Loco Committee operates a separate fund to cover insurance. INSURANCE: Joe Donovan, Shasta will be non-oped next year leaving 9 Locos in Grande. This year s $300 payment will be used to off-set next year s bill. Premium notice is not available yet. MERCI-BOX CAR COVER Mildred Wright-Pearson: The original agreement signed by the City of Fresno accepting the Box Car from Gov Earl Warren mandated the City erect a shelter over it. They never did, which prompted the Grande Voiture and Fresno Federal Post 509 of the American Legion in a joint venture to move the Box Car to Post 509. The Box Car has now been designated a Historical Landmark. Architect and Structural Engineers are working on designs to present to the city. If the city continues road blocking our efforts to cover the Box Car, we intend to seek assistance from the public media. The Grande Voiture does have sufficient funds to get the job done.. NBCA Dennis Matarrese: All 5 collectable coins are available at $10.00ea. The 2017 NBCA pins are now available also. NBCA donated $6000 to the VAVS Keep the Wheel Chairs Rolling Program. HOBO Clowns Fred Clegg Secretary: There has been discussion regarding the formation of a hobo band for participation at Voiture Nationale Pilgrimage. May involve a possible by-laws change to permit children in the band and is being pursued. Need anyone with an instrument to join! 1100 Memorial Service Grand Aumoniers Michael Hughes and Danielle Duffaut : Grand Correspondant Joe Donovan read the names of 20 deceased since last Grandes Cheminots Mtg including Past Grand Chef Tony Dias, Past Grand Aumonier Joshua Laws, Past Dept Cdr American Legion Don Drumheller, and Past Dept Cdr American Legion Lloyd Higginson V-99 WA 77 YTD CHILD WELFARE Joe Donovan: New pins are available from next year s Directeur Mildred Wright- Pearson. Pins sell for $4.00ea, recommend Locales sell for $5.00 to fund their own Child Welfare Program. 1 Request for Reimbursement was received from Palomar Voiture 1406 for their Annual Shoes & Socks Christmas Program. $ was approved by the committee. Hopefully all Locales that took pins have paid for them, Joe has been unable to make contact with Grand Directeur George Curtis who resigned. Notion to approve the report, CARRIED CARVILLE STAR Art Castro reminding all of the various programs within star, including the Star annual, Buy a Country, Buy a making Star subscriptions available to medical professionals, the Museum and Maintenance Funds at Carville LA. Hansens Disease still exists, and is treated here in CA, TX, LA, and HI. The 40 & 8 remains a major player in providing info to the world. AMERICANISM Ken Newman. 10 reports have been received. 200 Americanism pins for 2017 were ordered in advance resulting in a saving of 50 cents per pin or cost $2.75. A Request for Reimbursement for Loco Rides for 150 children was received from Voiture 365 and approved for $ The Grande Guidelines for the Americanism Program were reviewed, sections revised, and presented to the Promenade for action. A critical aspect is the new requirement that to be eligible for grants, at least 10 pins must be bought and paid for by the Locale seeking a grant. Notion to approve, CARRIED GRAND PROM Page 3 of 5

4 FINANCE Howard Darter turned over to Dan Dumas. Fund balances were read. It was noted that our General Fund includes $ belonging to LaFemmes as they have yet to open a new checking account of their own. Budget for 2017 was presented based upon declining membership of 1000 members. Ways & Means Goal remains at $ For more accurate accounting, Grand Directeurs are requested to provide the Grand Correspondant a listing of pins purchased, their cost and distribution at each Grandes Cheminots Meeting. The Grand Correspondant will provide a form for each Directeur. Notion to approve report and budget. CARRIED INSURANCE Joe Donovan: Loco s in CA are down to 9, bills will be presented when received from our agent. Each Locale with rolling Stock will be credited with $ pd in Liability Insurance will go up to $2.50ea due to declining membership. (It is still a loss to the Grande as the cost is $2.61per) Notion Bob Brown, Payment must be received by Oct Grandes Cheminots Mtg, if after, price increases to $2.75ea. 2 nd James Hadley, CARRIED Chef de Chemin de Fer Don Emley acknowledged the hospitality of CA during his visit. He mentioned our organization cannot continue in our membership decline. Chef Don noted that armadillos still spread Hansens Disease and urged all to visit Carville LA some time as is a most impressive facility that gets large support from the 40 & 8. Chef Don acknowledged his home Grande of WI that contributed toward permanent flag poles with lighting at our new National Headquarters. He noted Memorial Day at Arlington was hampered by rain, but still well attended Recess for lunch. Altar cloth removed Reconvene Altar cloth replaced. AVOCAT Bob Mattson: No changes have been proposed to the Grande Constitution or By-Laws. Standing Rules will be revised at the October Grandes Cheminots Mtg. Only V-621 has yet to submit a revised Constitution. CREDENTIALS: Correspondant Joe Donovan presented the Promenade Credentials Report. 32 Voiture Locales in CA, 6 non-paid Delegate Fees, Potential vote 204, Grand Officers 26, Past Grand Chef s 19, Total potential voting strength 249, Actual Voting Strength 173. Grand Chef Frank appointed Howard Darter, Bill Reed, and Court Bradbury to the Resolutions Committee. Notion Chuck Camarato Promenade suspend Rule 10 for the purposes of elections. 2 nd Bob Mattson, CARRIED (Member must be present to be elected) Nominations: Grand Chef Steve Villegas, Grand Chef de Train Chuck Camarato, Grand Condicteur Will Williams, Grand Garde de la Porte Robert Huey, Cheminot 1 Ted Tabarango, Cheminot 2 Ronald W Parshall, Cheminot 3 James McClurg, Cheminot 4 Frank R Flores, Cheminot 5 Ed Jordan, Cheminot 6 Victor Kestner, Sous Cheminot 1 Joseph Handy, Sous Cheminot 2 Fred C Clegg, Sous Cheminot 3 Juan Tony Mejias, Sous Cheminot 4 James A Hadley, Sous Cheminot 5 Michelle De la Cruz, Sous Cheminot 6 Gary Blackburn, Cheminot National Frank P Campo, Alternate Cheminot Nationale James P Leyser. Joe Donovan Nominated delegates to the National Promenade: Incoming grand Chef Steve Villegas, Outgoing Grand Chef Frank Campo, Correspondant Joe Donovan, Cheminot Nationale Gary Leach and Howard Darter. Alternate Delegates to be named from amongst attendees at National Promenade by Grand Correspondant. GRAND PROM Page 4 of 5

5 Avocat Bob Mattson: Since there are no unopposed candidates, notion that the Correspondant declare all candidates elected by acclamation. So ordered by Grand Correspondant Joe Donovan NEW BUSINESS Correspondant Joe Donovan offered a notion to accept the Charter of Voiture 27, 2 nd Terry Schrecongost, CARRIED, Voiture 466, 2 nd Jim Leyser, CARRIED, and Voiture 732, 2 nd Mildred Wright-Pearson, CARRIED. Membership has been transferred into other Locales GOOD OF THE GRANDE VOITURE Chef de Train Steve Villegas noted the Great Western Promenade was sparsely attended. Upcoming venues are WY, AZ, OR, and AK in succession. Details will be available at National Promenade. Potential attendees at National Promenade in Perrysburg OH: Dan Dumas, Bob Mattson, Frank Campo, Steve Villegas, Chuck Camarato, Michael Hughes, Danielle Duffaut, Court Bradbury, Mildred Wrigth- Pearson, Dennis Matarrese, Howard Darter, Jim Carpenter, Gary Leach, John Bartos, and Joe Donovan. Attendees were requested to remain after closing of Grandes Cheminots Mtg for committee assignments. Correspondant Donovan stated the leading candidate for Chef de Chemin de Fer for is Mark Moots from Alabama. Conducteur Chuck Camarato offered an American Legion/40 & 8 metal emblem for a silent auction. It was noted that the American Legion National Hq has mandated total separation of the organizations and expressly forbids using their copyrighted emblem in any 40 & 8 depictions. The Ways & Means program and raffle has raised over the goal of $4000, tickets are still available for the flag basket. Resolutions Committee Chairman Bill Read presented the Bread & Butter Resolutions to Mildred Wright- Pearson, Voiture 31, American Legion Fresno Federal Post 509 and the Ramada Inn. There being no further business, the 96 th Grande Promenade was adjourned at Colors remained in place GRANDES CHEMINOTS Mtg: Opened in regular form with colors in place by Grand Chef Frank Campo. Roll Call by Grand Correspondant: Cheminot s 2 & 5 Not present, Sous Cheminot s standing in. Quorum declared present. Correspondant Joe Donovan read newly elected Grand Chef Steve Villegas s appointments: Notion to approve, 2 nd Vic Kestner, CARRIED. There being no further business, the Grandes Cheminots Meeting was adjourned at Colors were retrieved by the Grand Color Guard, Altar Cloth removed by the Grand Aumonier. Banquet tonight across the hall at 7:00pm 57 Actual Delegates, 20 Grand Officers, 9 Past Grand Chef s TOTAL Registered 86. Banquet 102 Joseph R Donovan Grand Correspondant GRAND PROM Page 5 of 5