Mystic Flag Committee Meetings

MYSTIC FLAG COMMITTEE
Annual Meeting Minutes
June 14, 2019

The meeting was called to order by President Eric Garofano at 8:15 AM.

Rev. Stacey Kohl, Pastor, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, offered the Invocation.

First Selectman Rob Simmons introduced, as special invited guests, members of his Infantry OCS Class who were in Mystic for their class reunion. He also presented the Committee with a contribution from the group.

Minutes from the last Annual Meeting held on June 14, 2018 were distributed as part of the day's agenda and have been posted on the Committee's web site as well. There being no corrections, the minutes were accepted as presented.

Treasurer Adam Strelczuk distributed the Annual Treasurer's Report for the period June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019 which are included as part of these minutes. Adam noted that since the report was prepared grants from the Mystic Women's Club and Mystic Lions Club had reduced the operating deficit to $700. The report was approved as presented.

Flag Captain Richard Dussault reported that no accidents had occurred during the past year involving the flag pole base. A fair amount of flags were purchased and new halyards were installed.

John Kennedy recognized Scout Troop #76, sponsored by St. Patrick Church, and commended them for their continuous efforts since the mid-1970's placing the street flags as well as raising the ceremonial flag. A check for $600 was presented to Scout Master Beth Jara who reported on another successful year for the Troop.

Eric reported that approximately 700 membership letters were sent out and commended Rob Simmons for introducing the idea of creating an Endowment Fund which was established three years ago and is growing steadily.

Eric thanked S&P Oyster House for hosting this year's meeting once again and Mark Densmore of Densmore Oil for their work over the years in keeping the membership records. He also expressed appreciation to Boy Scout Troop 76 for their faithful support. Special thanks were also expressed to Mystic Seaport for their work in restoring the anchor at Liberty Square and installing the halyard lines, as well as to Mystic Shipyard for their labor and providing a truck to move the anchor back into place. Also mentioned were Mystic Knotworks for their help with the halyards and Custom Canvas for providing the boot around the flagpole base. Special thanks were expressed to the Town of Stonington for their appropriation of $1,000 which will be used to prepare the plaque at Liberty Square.

Jonathan Greene, Webmaster, reported that visits to the web site: www.MysticLibertyPole.com and Facebook are steadily increasing. He then presented the list of nominations for officers for the 2019-20 year which was approved as follows:

• Eric Garofano, MFC President
• John Symons, MFC Vice President
• John Kennedy, MFC Vice President
• Jonathan Greene, Secretary
• Adam Strelczuk, Treasurer
• Rich Dussault, Flag Captain
• Mark Densmore, MFC Membership Chairman
• George Sylvestre, MFC Nominations

Eric Garofano thanked those in attendance.

Benediction was offered by Reverend Kohl.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 AM.

Respectfully submitted,
George R. Sylvestre
Secretary