Meeting minutes from meeting of 8/25/05

• The initial meeting of SAMA was well attended. Prior to the official start of the meeting 15 minutes before the start at 7:30 p.m., a crowd of 11 gathered for discussion of general topics, and discussion of possible preliminary 'posting' assignments. One possible posting: J Birkenhauer volunteered for Association secretary and will hold the post until the group decides otherwise or post is brought to a vote.
• It was also decided prior to the official start that Bob Thinnes would serve as President as the founding member and driving force until such time as the organization votes otherwise.
• The official meeting 'kicked off' with a common prayer lead by pastoral advisor, Fr. Tony.
• Bob Thinnes gave a brief speech laying out the goals of the Association as he envisioned them: The organization is designed to focus on the relationship of the Men of St. Ann's to their parish, and to strengthen their ties to each other and to the parish through whatever services we can offer. Striving to be better fathers, sons, brothers and husbands. The initial goals of the Association are seen to be: 50% 'social' and 50% 'service'. Bob stated that he envisioned a first year goal of 4-6 Association 'projects' (service oriented goals), along with a number of social events. (100 community service hours)
• Kevin Schwab from the Florence Freedom introduced himself and explained the upcoming 'night out at the game' on Friday September 2^nd (this coming Friday). Kevin explained the costs ($7.00 per person is enough for entry, snack and a drink) and meeting arrangements (at the Stadium St Ann's pre game social 5:30 PM-6:30 PM., ask for the St. Ann's 'block' at the ticket counter), and handed out Freedom Bucks. Our reserved seats are down the 1^st base line. What a great way to kick off the Association! First pitch is at 7:05PM Thanks to Kevin for his generous help, looking forward to seeing you all there!
• Rick Ceddia and Rick Merk spoke about their involvement in the Catholic Men's conference, and voiced their desire to have more of our members attend next year. They gave some examples of the value of this unique event. 2005 attendance from our parish was only 5 members in March.
• Bob Thinnes spoke about some of the service projects he has in mind, including a Halloween run and a Feed the Mentally ill outing. These sound like some great ways to serve and have fun!
• Bob spoke some about officers and several persons volunteered to take the positions. Formal elections to be held next meeting September 20^th at 7PM room C.
• President: Bob Thinnes
• 1^st Vice president: Brian Ante
• 2^nd Vice president: Mike Waldman
• Treasurer: Jim O'Shaughnessy
• Secretary: J. Birkenhauer
• Recruiting and Marketing: Greg Harding Sr.
• Pastoral Advisor: Fr. Tony
• Spiritual Coordinators: Rick Merk, Rick Ceddia, Ray Roesner
• Volunteer Coordinator: Greg Harding, Jr
• Social Coordinator: Tom Wissel

• Jim O'Shaughnessy brought up an upcoming motivational seminar that will be September 7^th at U.S. Bank Arena. There is a group rate apparently. We'll send out more info if we get it!

• The schedule for the Men's Association meetings was set: Meetings will be the 3^rd Tuesday of every month.
• NEXT MEETING IS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20^TH AT 7PM ROOM C.