WPPC of LI Minutes April 6, 2008

Club President Laurel McMahon (Michael ’08), called the meeting to order at 4:45 p.m. After the pledge was recited, Laurel introduced the new Executive Board: President, Tom Dunne (Thomas ’11); Vice-President, Janet Donohue (Matthew, ’11); Secretary, Barbara Chesaniuk (Ross ‘11); Treasurer, Pat Gill (Justin ’10); Newsletter/Website, Ellen Perry (Chris ’11); Fundraising, Steve and Mary Malandrino (Steven ’11).

Treasurer’s report: Pat Gill: There is approximately $5000 in the account, however, there are still more outgoing expenses. The annual ad in the Howitzer (yearbook) costs $650; there are still expenses for Firstie Recognition. Laurel also discussed Gerri Mulligan’s group. On April 23 rd, they are packing boxes for Alumni Cadets/Soldiers. Volunteers are welcome. Many parents brought nuts and power bars to contribute to this important event. Laurel would like to make a monetary contribution from the WPPC of LI. Pat reported on the WPPC Founder’s Day Event. The club sponsored Congressman Peter King, and two guests from Cadet Activities, as well as all cadets in attendance form the club. The club was -$20 after all bills were paid. Thanks to the hard work of Laurel McMahon, Joanne and Gerard Connelly (Gerard ’11), and many others this event was a tremendous success! A wonderful time was had by all!

The new dues for the club will be due in June.

President’s Report: Tom Dunne announced that he and Janet Donohue will be attending the President’s Parent Club Annual Gathering/Reception on April 17 at Ike Hall. Tom also discussed plans for the future of the club, and upcoming dates. He would like to continue with everything that Laurel and the outgoing Executive Board has done, and build upon it. Tom thanked Laurel and John McMahon, and Linda and Mike Hanna for the tremendous amount of time and effort they have put into the club.

Upcoming Club Dates/Events :

Thursday, April 23, 7p.m. at the Hibernian Hall pack-out for the troops (no home baked goods are accepted)

Sunday, May 18, from 10-2 at Molly Malone’s in Bayshore. Firstie Recognition Brunch- $30pp, Firsties and Cadets are the guests of the club. Cadets need not wear uniforms. At the brunch we will honor our class of 2008 cadets and bid farewell to our Firstie parents. A regular meeting will follow. Linda Hanna will put this in the club newsletter.

Friday, June 13 th, from 7-11 p.m . at Molly Malone’s. New Cadet Welcome Dinner-

$30pp, new cadets /cadets that attend will be guests of the club. Cadets need not wear uniforms. At this dinner we will welcome the Class of 2012 and their parents. We need our cadets to attend, so they can give advice and information to incoming cadets.

We will discuss a date and location for the summer meeting at the next meeting.

Parents gave updates on their cadets, including summer plans. Joyceann Musel-Winn, an alumni Parent gave a report on her son Bradley Winn (’05). He is stationed in Italy and has been deployed to Afghanistan . Linda Hanna (Michael ‘08), stated how much informative the WPPC meetings are, even for the parents of Firsties.

Graduation Discussion: Terry McKenna (Dennis ‘07) spoke about graduation, and elaborated on the very informative handout. She advised to do everything in advance, make reservations for restaurants and hotels well in advance; wear comfortable shoes; and to be ready for change (flexible). Laurel presented Terry with a certificate of appreciation from the club.

Firstie Questionnaires and Photos: Laurel and Linda discussed the Firstie questionnaires and the photo that must be submitted for each Firstie for the WPPC Howitzer ad. The class of 2007 just recently received their yearbooks.

Update of Plebe and Cow Handbooks: Tom requested volunteers for the update of the handbooks. The handbooks will be online at our website, and copies will be provided to members. Carolyn and Thomas Taylor (Haleigh ’11), will update the Plebe handbook. Patty and Bill Kennedy (William ’10), will update the cow handbook.

Mentor Parents: Tom requested mentor parents and cadets for new WPPC members. The Taylor ’s (request a female cadet), Donohue’s, McGrath’s, Chesaniuk’s, Dunne’s, and Gill’s, and Perry’s volunteered. Ellen Perry also volunteered to help on R-Day (June 30 th).

More Dates:

Sunday, April 27 - Military Tattoo- The cadet bagpipe band hosts other bagpipe bands for a day of fun at the amphitheater

Saturday, May 17 th the USMA Jazz Knights jazz band will perform in Farmingdale at the Brookhaven Amphitheater

Friday, July 4 - the Jazz Band will perform at Westhampton Beach

Linda distributed a brochure describing what the organization Wheels for Warriors/Operation Support Our Troops does. The group needs donations for their worthy cause.

Laurel McMahon will transport the donations for the pack-out to the site (for those who cannot attend). The club thanks Laurel .

Tom closed the meeting at 6:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Chesaniuk