The 2009 Grande Voiture de Wisconsin Fall Cheminot was called to order by Grand Chef de Gare Al Ross at 1:00 P.M. on October 24th, 2009 at the Holmen American legion Post No. 284.

Following formal opening ceremonies to include an opening prayer by Grand Aumonier Jerry Benzschawel, and the placing of the POW-MIA seat cover by Grand Sous Chef e Train Don Jahnke, the Fall Cheminot was opened.

Grand Chef de Gare Al Ross welcomed all Voyageurs present to the Cheminot.

Roll Call of Grande Voiture Officers showed 13 present 1 absent and 2 were excused. Roll Call of Cheminot had six present, 2 excused, and 4 absent.

Grand Chef Al asked for any highlights of the National Promenade. Bob Stukel wanted to let everyone know what happened at the Constitution & Bylaws Committee meeting. He was informed that that he'll get his chance when it is time to give his report.

The following are the reports from the Committee meetings that were attended at the National Promenade in Rochester, New York.

• RESOLUTIONS - Dave Wegener reported that there were no resolutions that were presented. However John Digilio announced that a sensing resolution will be brought up on the floor. No one has ever heard of a sensing resolution. This resolution is about putting the monies from the POW-MIA program in a trust fund to protect it. The committee couldn't do anything with it due to not having anything to go by. There was opposition to the so called resolution. David offered a notion to his report. Seconded by Wayne Faber and carried.
• CARVILLE STAR - Dave Wegener stated that Wayne Faber and Clint Robson also attended this meeting. It was reported that the Carville Star program had a very good year. $300.00 was taken in from the Cajun Wreck in Lafayette, LA. The Monument is now paid for. Funds are still needed for Jose's Ramerz's travel to the Vatican for the canonization of Father Damien, which was approved by the Committee last year. The new curator for the museum is Vicki Joseph. Wisconsin received a 9th place award for funds raised. Dave offered a notion to accept the report as given. It was seconded by Jim Vaghy. Carried.
• FINANCE MEETING - Dave Wegener also attended this meeting along with Jim Vissers. Chairman Rich Vasina stated that there was a decline of membership by 4.9% so income was down. He also reported that investment was down due to poor interest rates. The budget for the upcoming year was printed for all to read and it was approved. Copy of the budget is attached to this report. David offered a notion to accept the report as given. It was seconded by Richard Schuh and carried.
• CREDENTIALS - Grand Chef de Train Jim Vissers was excused due to work. The Grand Correspondant read the report that Jim had sent. Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer Hank Kwiatkowski chaired this meeting. Thirty Grande Voitures had sent in credentials for five votes per Grande. With the Grande's and Locales, there were approximately 300 votes. There was not much to vote on this year except for election. It was suggested that the Credentials Committee Meeting should be changed to Friday instead of Thursday because not everyone has registered by the time of the meeting. Tom Orval offered a notion that the report be accepted and read. Seconded by Don Jahnke and carried.
• RULES AND ORDER - Attended and reported by Gary Dotzauer, he stated that this was one of the longest Nationale Committee meetings he has ever attended. The Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer who chaired this Committee meeting actually read the entire description of what Rules and Order are. There was no old or new business. Gary offered a notion to accept the report as given. Seconded by Dale Peterson and carried.
• POW-MIA - Gary Dotzauer also attended this meeting. Nationale Directeur Rick Blish addressed some off the wall issues brought to the floor by a few idiots in attendance. Mike McCary gave the finance report. It was accepted with separate action on the Trust Fund issue. The Committee needs about $15,000.00 each year for their expenses. The Nationale Finance Committee wants to put $125,000.00 of the $129,000.00 in a Trust Fund. That would leave the POW-MIA Program with just $4,000.00 to operate.
  There will be no new pins for 2010. The Harley POW-MIA pin will be recycled.
  The new National Directeur is Richard Skilstead of Minnesota.
  Gary also had some very positive comments concerning the "3 or 4" Amigos at National and the way things are now being run on that level. The shakeup in the Program and other Committees are very encouraging.
  Notion was offered by Gary and seconded by John Helgeson to accept the report as given. Carried.
• CHILD WELFARE - Ron Pfalzgraf attended and reported on this meeting. For the first time, all Grande Voitures had paid for their pins. There is no change in the disbursement of funds. $200.00 per child and $800.00 per family. For discretionary caps, you must get a hold of the Chairman before you are allowed to proceed. The most important thing on the report is to explain the need and what happened. 28 days is the average response time. Last year 101 applications were submitted and 29 were denied due to forms not being filled out correctly or the applications were not due to disasters. A total of $25,280.00 in claims was approved.
  The Grande Voiture de Wisconsin was pointed out as the example on how to correctly fill out the forms. A total of 5,500 pins were handed out this year. $10,000.00 was donated to the Charles Ardery Fund. Nationale would like to receive the money as the Grand Directeur gets it.
  Ron made a motion to accept his report as given. Seconded by Bill Steifvater and Carried.
  NOTE: Motions can be given at Cheminot Meetings
• NURSES TRAINING REPORT - Ron Pfalzgraf stated that this last year $6,900.00 were received in donations, $13,952.00 in pin sales, $20,587.00 in total income.
  For expenses, $6,945.00. $24,000.00 in the money market. $20,000.00 was moved to the Boland Fund.
  Only 25 Grande Voitures reported. 521 Nursing Students graduated and 742 are currently in training.
  6,100 pins were sold last year.
  32 days for Scholarship Turnaround approval. 23 applicants were approved for $17,430.00 and 7 applicants were denied. Total applications were down this last year.
  Ron then spoke on the eligibility rules pertaining to the Boland Trust Fund. Blue applications are for Advanced Schooling. They had six of these applications in the last two years. Ron made a motion to accept this report as given. Seconded by Joe Ternes and carried.
  
• HISTORIANS MEETING - Chaired and reported on by Ron Pfalzgraf, he stated that from now on 5 Chef de Chemin de Fer Passe will now do the judging. This will be done prior to the meeting. Ron then read off the results of the awards. Grande de Wisconsin took 2nd place on the History Book and the Mayville News (Now the Dodge County Pioneer) won the Newspaper and Newspaper editor was won by Sally Kahlhamer of the Mayville News. Ron then offered a motion to accept the report as given. Seconded by Vern Soltau and carried.
  Grand Correspondant Tom Orval offered a notion to fine Grand Avocat Wayne Faber $1.00 for flatulating (FARTING) at the head table. Seconded by everyone at the head table and carried.
• VAVS - Dale Mitchell reported that one year ago 34 Grande Voitures reported. This year only 25 sent in their reports. 129,092 hours were volunteered this last year. There is a POWER POINT PDF on VAVS on the 40 & 8 web site. There are $21,000.00 in Wheel Chair Fund money so if you know if one of the Wisconsin VA's needs anything, apply for some of this money. It's not just for wheelchairs. A VAVS Committee Person should make at least 2 of the 4 scheduled meetings each year. Notion was offered by Dale and seconded by Gary Dotzauer for acceptance. Carried.
  It was announced that Bob Clampitt will be retiring after many years as VAVS Directeur at the Middleton VA. Jerry Scalissi will be taking over as the new Directeur and Al Decker is the new Deputy Directeur.
• PUBLIC RELATIONS - Grand Directeur of Public Relations Dale Mitchell attended this meeting. It was suggested to get the name of the 40 & 8 out in the newspapers and brochures. That will make it easier to recruit new members. Make sure you get your name and picture in the papers for the Flags for 1st Graders program.
  It was also suggested that you get involved in helping new Veterans and their families in the community. Also sign up for the PALS newspaper.
  Voyageur Mitchell offered a notion to accept the report as given. Seconded by George Katcher and carried.
• TIME AND PLACE - Attended by and reported on by Don Jahnke, an update was given on the Springfield Illinois 2010 National Promenade. Rod Strickland gave an update on the 2011 National Promenade in Vancouver Washington.
  The 2012 National Promenade will be held in Fort Mitchell Kentucky. New forms for submitting bids for a Nationale Promenade are now online. Don offered a notion for acceptance of his report. Seconded by Doug Schaller and carried.
  Don Jahnke added some insight and other items to the Historiens Committee meeting. Notion was offered and seconded by on Pfalzgraf for acceptance of the report. Carried.
• RITUAL - Don Jahnke attended this Committee meeting. South Carolina was the only one who showed up with a Color Guard for competition. Wisconsin will be in competition next year. Missouri also made a challenge for next year. 24 Grande Voitures reported. Wisconsin did submit a report.
  There is a new National Password. It is XXXX.
  The new Ritual books were already sold out.
  Don offered a notion to accept the report as given. Seconded by Bob Stukel and carried.
• YOUTH SPORTS - This meeting was attended by and reported on by George Katcher. Twenty Grande Voitures were in attendance. There are $51,000.00 in the checking account. 24 Grants were given.
  A report on the 2009 Special Olympics in Pennsylvania at Penn State University was given. 2,500 volunteers and 1,000 coaches were involved in this event. 14 Grande Voitures and 2 Grande Cabanes reported $130,000.00 spent. Many questions were asked and answered. George offered a notion to accept his report as given. Seconded by Bob Thomas and carried.
  New National Youth Sports Directeur Dave Wegener spoke on a new fund raiser being started called POCKET CHANGE FOR KIDS with the proceeds going to Special Olympics.
• CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS MEETING - Bob Stukel stated that not much went on there. Nothing was brought up. However H. Omby stated that the Constitution does not change. The bylaws do change. Bob did explain about what National Bylaws are the rules and regulations governing each program. He offered a notion for the acceptance of the report. Seconded by Lloyd Granberg and carried.
  The Grand Correspondant asked for a copy of the report. It was not written down or typed up. He then offered a notion that Voyageur Stukel be fined the sum of $1.00 for failing to submit a report at the Fall Cheminot. Voyageur Stukel protested but to no avail. Seconded and carried.
  Voyageur Stukel also spike on {THE WALK} There were 58 to 60 people involved this year. Where they walked, it wasn't the most crime free area but they made it through OK. The Walk took in about $2,100.00.
  Voyageur Faber brought up the fact that thee are no Bylaws to the National Organization. Let the record read that there are no Bylaws to the National Forty & Eight Organization stated Voyageur Faber.
  This is the same conversation that took place at the Grande Promenade. The Grand Chef de Gare rapped the gavel and declared CASE CLOSED. Move on.
• SPECIAL AWARDS - All major awards were won this year by the State of Louisiana. Hero of the Year, Law Officer of the Year, and Voyageur of the Year.
  A discussion on how to improve the program. There were other announcements and information passed on by Clinton Robson. He offered a notion to accept his report as given. Seconded by Jim Romnek and carried.
• MEMBERSHIP - Attended by National Sous Directeur Don Emley, he spoke on the way numbers are figured for 100%. On paper it sounds good. However we are losing out every year. Less and less members and are renewing. Last year 2,885 or 7.5% did not renewal. 2,103 were lost to Voiture Everlasting and 2,103 were Wrecked.
  Don spoke on what will continue with awards and continue to work on membership.
  Question on if they will ever change the NO TAPS rule. Not as of yet. The goal this year is 110%. Another question was about the awards and if they will give them out for those Grande Voitures who go over 110%.Notion was offered by Don to accept the report as given. It was seconded by Carl Sjolander. Carried.
• BOX CAR - Attended by Wayne Faber. An increase of 18.5% to plus $35,000.00.
  Awards were presented in all categories. A chapeau was passed for $1.00 for each Grande Voiture for 1 Associate card.
  An increase in the Merci Box Car Maintenance Fund from $125.00 to $150.00 was made.
  A change in the chapeaus from Box Car Committeeman to Sous Directeur was announced by Directeur Jim Maxwell. A notion was offered by Wayne for acceptance and was seconded by Dale Mitchell. Carried.
• BOX CAR ROUND UP- Chairman Mike Klump spoke on the results of the Round Up so far. A total of 325 American Legion and 156 Forty & Eight memberships were turned in. A big thanks to Mike Klump, Dennis Moe, and Dick Wallinger for manning the Membership Round Up table that day.
  Grand Chef de Gare Al presented Grand Directeur of Carville Star Jim Witte a plaque for the Big Ten in donations and monies raised with the Carville Star program last year.
  Child Welfare and Carville Star Directeurs Carl Sjolander and Jim Witte each have new program pins that they can give out on consignment.
  John Helgeson gave out information on the 2010 Midwinter Petite in New Richmond, WI.
  Wayne Faber spoke on the Box Car program. Pins are $3.00 each. 600 pins were sent out on consignment. $1.00 Crew and $1.00 Associate cards are for sale. 300 pins were already sent back to National.
• NEW BUSINESS - Chef de Gare of Voiture No. 260 in Trempealeau County and Grand Commis Voyageur Lloyd Granberg spoke on his Locale drawing membership from Trempealeau, Buffalo, and Jackson Counties. His Locale would like to seek permission with Grande on changing their name to reflect these counties. It would actually help with the recruitment.
  After some discussion, a resolution submitted by Trempealeau County No. 260 will be submitted for the Grande Promenade pertaining to this where it will be voted on and most certainly approved.
  Grand Commissaire Intendant Jim Romnek spoke on the check he received from the National Box Car Association for $125.00 that will be forwarded to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay. Since he received this check, he wants permission to send a check to the museum for said amount.
  Don Emley asked on what has been happening to the Box Car these days. Don Jahnke spoke on the plaques that are currently being made. Don will check with the museum on an update.
  Gary Dotzauer asked a question on protocol. His question was answered.
• GOOD OF THE VOITURE - Wayne Faber spoke on showing respect to the organization. What he means is when in the swimming pool or hot tub, when you are done to then parade around in just swimming suit on is just plain unacceptable. We need to put on a good showing whenever we are gathered as Voyageurs. Cover up when not in the pool.
  Don Jahnke spoke on the 2010 Great Lakes Promenade in Appleton this coming year.
  Dick Schuh talked on the new PASSWORD. He is not in favor of the password.
  Lloyd Koeller gave an update on the 2010 Grande Promenade.
  Grand Chef Al spoke on the wood box of booze bottles he has for a raffle. All proceeds will go to the Grande Cabane for their new Flag.
  Jim Romnek stated that the Grand Correspondant has copies of the proposed budget for the year.
  Don Emley stated that he does not want to sound negative about membership. He hopes he is motivating everyone with his comments.
  George Katcher wanted to know where the Alter Cloth was. The Alter Cloth is not presented at a Cheminot. Only an opening and closing prayer.
  Lloyd Koeller had some comments. He attended the National Americanism Committee meeting with Grand Americanism Directeur Shelly Klapste. This last year three National Sous Directeurs were fired by the National Directeur. A year ago all the Americanism pins came out to the penny. This year it's a real mess.
  Get your order in ASAP for flags for the 1st grader program because you'll have free shipping and handling.
  Lloyd also mentioned that Grand Chef de Gare Passe Roger Oleson is having a very difficult time right now getting use to his replaced knees.
  6th District Cheminot Bill Stiefvater spoke on the District Wreck that will take place April 17th at 1:00 P. M. He stated that the Shawano Wrecking Crew will do the initiation.
  He was interrupted by the Grand Correspondant who let him know that the Jefferson County Wrecking Crew was asked to perform the Wreck. He stated that Chris Cerney was working with the Shawano Wrecking Crew on this. Then why was the Jefferson County Wrecking Crew asked? Voiture No. 750 will back off and not be involved with the Wreck anymore on that date.
  

A notion was made for adjournment by the Grand Correspondant and seconded by Gary Dotzauer.

The Fall Cheminot was closed in proper fashion by Grand Chef de Gare Al Ross at 2:45 P. M.

Immediately following the Fall Cheminot there was a quick meeting of the Finance Committee. It lasted about ten minutes.