*** No agenda or minutes from July. Meeting not held because of the Isanti County Fair. Thanks to all the volunteers that staffed the BYR booth!!

Due to new web site format the more recent minutes and agendas will be on top as PDF links. For older Agendas scroll down to near the bottom. For older Executive Board* meeting minutes scroll down to the bottom, or look for * after Minute month

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Meeting March 17, 2011 Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:28 p.m.
Attendance: Monica B, Jim J, Don G, Dale S, Helen S, Denise B, Bob F, Mary F, Scott F, Gaylen S, Amber S, Curtis A, Jim R, Bob B, Susan M, Brad R, April T, John T, Michael G, Steve C, Bryce H, Seth G, Al B, Dave S, Patti M, Gail G. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.Special guests were introduced: 2Lt Seth Goreham – Yellow Ribbon Outreach Coordinator; CCM (Ret) Steve Campos, Washington County BYR Chairman; Bryce H – will be working with our Congregational Committee; Al Budde – Chisago County Veterans ServicesDirector; Dave S – father of one of our troops serving in Afghanistan who is using the “Dragonfly” camp stove sent by our organization. A motion was made by Brad and seconded by Jim J to approve the minutes from our last meeting that were e-mailed. The treasurer’s report was presented with a balance of $5,196.29. All specially designated funds for the quilt project have been used for the quilt project. A motion was made by Gail G with a second by Don G for the Executive Board to cover expenses for designated projects from the general funds as needed. Web site report by Scott F – we have had 1,845 hits. February minutes, the updated Action Plan, the new mission statement, and one friend application needs to be updated. Scott also has samples of certificates of appreciation for our BYR friends. Billboard report by Gaylen S – placement of additional signs will wait until frost is gone from the ground. We need contact name and phone numbers for all locations of new sign placement. Resource/Brochure committee report by Denise B – updates are in process including the new mission statement. Support our Troops – 18 packages have been sent out. We have 4 more ready to go. We have asked those receiving packages to send us a potential date of their return. Congregational Support committee reported by Curtis A – On Friday April 1st from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bethel Seminary there will be an event, "Ministry to Our Military and Their Families." CH (Col) Glen Bloomstrom and CH LTC) John Morris will be keynote speakers. CH Bloomstrom is presently Army Special Operations Command Chaplain and plans on retiring this summer back to Minneapolis. Both he and his wife have been very involved in (military) chapel and family counseling programs, and look forward to continuing after he retires. Fund Raising report by Gail G – we have received the following funds this past month: MN Deer Hunters Banquet $106.00, Donation from a veteran $150.00, and Artic Plunge $125.00. Quilting Project report by Bob and Mary F –We continue to meet every Monday from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. There will be a Camo Quilt presentation at the Princeton Library March 23, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. We have completed 20 quilts and have sent 2 to our service persons deployed. School Liaison – Candi L was not available for a report. Law Enforcement Training –Ron S was not able to be here. Bob B will be attending a meeting the end of March to set up training. A report will be presented annually to town boards. This will also be posted on our web-site. The Executive Committee is working on plans for recognition of Friends and major donors as well as BYR Grief Response. Seth G will contact the Blue Star/Gold Star Organization for the official Gold Star to place on the plaque for any service persons who do not return home. We need to make sure to use acid free paper when assembling the project. A motion was made by Don G with a second by Jim J for the Executive Committee to proceed with the project as presented this evening. Thank you to everyone who has submitted their Release of Personnel Information forms – the information has been sent to everyone who submitted a form. If anyone has not yet turned one in, we have blank forms available to complete. Gail G has contacted the Princeton Speedway and the Ogilvie Speedway contact persons regarding upcoming Armed Forces Night (May 20 and May 21) at their race tracks. Information will be presented when it is available. We will be asking for volunteers to participate. The following new Friend of BYR was presented. o Cambridge Cleaners - 20% discount on services. Available to active duty and guard/reserve. A motion was made by Don G with a second by Jim J to accept this new friend. A reception celebrating the Senate confirmation of Commissioner Larry Shellito will be held Friday, March 18, 2011 at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Minneapolis from 2 – 4. Please contact the Executive Committee if you are interested in ride-sharing. A request was made to distribute the minutes from Executive Committee meetings. These will be sent out with the Agenda for the following meetings. A thank you note was presented from a family of a deployed service person who received BYR assistance in removal of carpet from their home.A motion was made by Jim R with a second by Mary F to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 p.m.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the AFRCC.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Meeting February 17, 2011 Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:32 p.m.

Attendance: Monica B, Jim J, Erven S, Don G, Dale S, Denise B, Bob F, Mary F, Scott F, Gaylen S, Dawn S, Amber S, Jessica H, Carol A, Curtis A, Jim R, Bob B, Susan M, Brad R, April T, John T, Ron S
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance
A motion was made by Jim J and seconded by Don G to approve the minutes from our last meeting that were e-mailed
The treasurer’s report was presented with a balance of $5,927.71. All grant funds have been used. Of our balance, we have designated funds of $362.14 for the quilt project.
We will be selling patches and cool ties for $5.00 each.

Web site report by Scott F – a thank you was received from Major Sukut for the breakfast. Pictures from the breakfast and the first quilting session will be sent to Amber S for the Facebook page.
Billboard report by Gaylen S – placement of additional signs will wait until frost is gone from the ground.
Resource/Brochure committee report by Denise B – a meeting will be scheduled soon for any updates needed.

Support our Troops – 5 packages were sent this month with 12 more ready to go. We have received 2 new names. Thank you notices will go in the paper for Caseys and Lumberland, the cost of which will be covered from our general fund.

Congregational Support committee reported by Susan M – Breakfast with the Troops report - The Lions did a wonderful job preparing the breakfast and there was extra food left over, no one should have gone away hungry. Each table had a BYR representative and I saw interaction at each table, I am sure the members now know who we are and have somewhat of an idea of how we can assist them and their families. Continued contact with this unit will be key. The Sea Cadets did a fine job and it was nice for them to be introduced to this unit which they will be sharing space with as the Sea Cadet program grows. It appeared to me that the Cadets were pleased with the outcome and they were definitely a lot of help in setting up and clean up. The BYR folks continue to present a very professional and approachable demeanor, we can all be proud of the organization that has been created. Thank you to Curt and Carol for the wonderful job tying everything together.

Fund Raising report by Gail G – sent from a warmer climate. Jim and I attended the Cambridge FireFighters Fundraiser on Saturday February 5. We had on display our camo quilt. We had several people stop by our table and had an opportunity to explain to them our mission. We also had available, decals, patches and non-combat cool ties. Donations totaling $120 were received -- $70 for camo quilts and $50 for other items (general fund). We also received a donation of $70 from one of our task force members. While having her taxes done, she was talking about BYR and her tax preparer indicated that he had been meaning to donate to our cause. As a result, he gave her a 50% discount on the tax preparation and she has, in turn, donated that amount to BYR.

Quilting Project report by Bob and Mary F – Quilt training was held January 22, 2011 at the Cambridge City Hall from 9:00 – 4:00. We continue to meet every Monday from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. We have completed all quilt kits received and have ordered 30 more; Army, Air Force, and Marines. Additional training was held this week to correct stitching problems.

School Liaison – Candi L was not available for a report.
Law Enforcement Training –Ron S presented a two day training program that he is working on.
Our new Community Service Resource Committee consists of Jessica H, Amber S, and Erv S. If anyone knows of someone wanting to help or someone needing help, please contact Jessica.

The Executive Committee is working on plans for recognition of Friends and major donors as well as BYR Grief Response.
Thank you to everyone who has submitted their Release of Personnel Information forms. If anyone has not yet turned one in, we have blank forms available to complete.
The Executive Board will put together a letter to the clerk of each town board requesting permission to place a 4 x 8 sign at each Town Hall.
Jessica H and Amber S will work a table at the Artic Plunge. Susan M will make contacts looking for someone to participate in the Artic Plunge.

The Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Action Plan has been updated. A copy was sent to all task force members to review. The following changes were suggested: remove the names in the “County to mentor, Apprentice County Point of Contact, and Date of Apprentice County Training”; add page numbers. With these changes, there was a motion to approve the Action Plan from Ron S with a second by John T. Motion approved, the updated Action Plan will be placed on our web-site.

The following new Friends of BYR were presented.
o Snap Fitness in Isanti - $3.00 discount on monthly dues available to all veterans.
o Scottie and Son’s Auto Center - $17.50 oil change to include standard oil filter and 5 quarts standard oil. Must present military ID to redeem. Available to all veterans, families of deployed, active duty, guard/reserve.
o Great Clips of Cambridge and Isanti - $9.99 haircuts with ID. Available to all veterans, active duty, guard/reserve.
A motion was made by Don G with a second by Gaylen S to accept these new friends.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the AFRCC.

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Meeting January 20, 2011 Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 9:05 p.m.
Attendance: Monica B, Jim J, Erven S, Don G, Gail G, Helen S, Dale S, Denise B, Bob F, Mary F, Scott F, Gaylen S, Amber S, Jessica H, Carol A, Curtis A, Jim R, Dave S, Bob B, Susan M, Brad R.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance Special guest speaker Dave S spoke to the Task Force regarding their donation to his son who is currently serving in Afghanistan. The donation was greatly appreciated. Dave also gave an update of the living conditions of his son and the soldiers with whom he is serving. Thank you letters were read from soldiers who received packages from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

A motion was made by Susan M and seconded by Jim J to approve the minutes from our last meeting that were e-mailed The treasurer’s report was presented with a balance of $6,699.60. All grant funds have been used. We have designated funds of $200.00 for the February breakfast, and $300.00 for the quilt project. Gail G moved to accept the treasurer’s report with a second by Mary F.

Web site report by Scott F – we have two new Friend requests that will be presented next month. We have been contacted by a cub-scout pack wanting to know what they can donate. Amber S presented the Facebook page that is being created. Billboard report by Gaylen S – A picture was shown of the new sign placed on the Cambridge Medical Center property. This is a great time of the year to be looking for locations for sign placement. We have enough material for fifteen 4 x 8 signs. Resource/Brochure committee report by Denise B – the Mission Statement needs to be updated, resources need to be updated to the correct contact person, Grief Support needs to be added. Support our Troops – 5 packages were sent this month with 10 more ready to go.

Congregational Support committee reported by Susan M – February 8, 2011 at 6:00 pm meeting at the VSO office to finalize details for the breakfast. A volunteer sign-up sheet was circulated for the breakfast. A motion was made by Curtis A with a second by Don G to spend up to $400.00 for the breakfast. Fund Raising report by Gail G – during the last month we have received $300.00 from the VFW Auxiliary for quilts, and a $100.00 donation. Thank you notes and receipts are being sent for all donations.

Quilting Project report by Bob and Mary F – Quilt training will be held January 22, 2011 at the Cambridge City Hall from 9:00 – 4:00. We will be meeting every Monday from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. after completion of the training. A Janome 6500 sewing machine has been donated for our quilt project.

School Liaison – Candi L was not available for a report. Law Enforcement Training –Ron S was not available for a report. Veterans Court – Jim D was not available but asked to share the following information: Some folks from the Veterans Administration are putting together a check list for me to ask veterans when they first come before me. If we get it and it works well I hope to share it with all the judges in the state.

We still need a Community Service Resource Coordinator. If anyone would like to take on this job, or you know of anyone who would be interested, please contact Bob B. A resource library is being developed at the Veterans Services Office. Discussion on recognition of Friends and major donors – Susan M showed samples of possible appreciation plaques that we could use with our new coin attached to the plaque. We discussed plans for a Gold Star Family memorial for the family of Sean Osterman who recently died serving our country. These plans will be further developed for presenting at our next meeting.

Gail G presented information on Stamps for the Wounded. A link will be placed on our web-site. The BYR patches and coins have arrived and were displayed. The Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Action Plan has been updated. A copy will be sent to all task force members to review at our next meeting. Current Friends of BYR will be reviewed within the next 30 – 60 days to verify they are still offering the services listed on our web site. Two new friends will be sending applications which we will review when we receive them.

The Personal Information Form was reviewed. These will be e-mailed to all task force members to be returned to the Veterans Service Office. Please complete the top of the form. The bottom of the form needs to be completed with information that members are willing to share with the rest of the task force.

The annual town board meetings need to be presented with a request to place 4 x 8 signs. These meeting will be held the second Tuesday of March. A volunteer is needed to participate in the Artic Plunge held on at Captains on Long Lake in March. Jessica H volunteered to staff a booth at the event.

A family of a deployed service person needs assistance with carpet removal in their home. Further details will be sent via email later this week. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the AFRCC.

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Meeting December 16, 2010 Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:47 p.m.

Attendance: Monica B, Ron S, Jim J, Carol A, Curt A, Bob F, Mary F, Amber S, Brent L, Jessica H, John T, April T, Gaylen S, Erven S, Dale S, Helen S, Lance B, Brad R, Gail G, Bob B, Susan M, Jim R, Denis B, Don G, Mary M.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance
The Star 95 Car Wash Fundraiser raised $1,500.00.
Thank you to Brad R for getting the flag and the certificates hung.

A motion was made by Jim J and seconded by Gail G to approve the minutes that were read by Susan M. The minutes were e-mailed this evening to task force members.
Jim R is at the Isanti Cub Scouts meeting thanking them for their donation to the packages for the troops.

The treasurer’s report was presented with a balance of $4,880.01. All grant funds have been used, the remainder covering the cost of advertising, signage, decals, magnets, patches, and bronze medallions. The 4 X 8 aluminum signs have arrived and are ready to be placed. Susan M moved to accept the treasurer’s report with a second by Brad R.
Scott F is at Camp Ripley and not able to present a report on the web site. Amber S is helping to get a Facebook page up.

All the lumber for the sign posts has been painted and is ready to be placed.
Resource/Brochure committee will meet before our next meeting to review the brochure for any necessary updates.

Support our Troops – 41 packages have been assembled and mailed out to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Collections were received from the Isanti Cub Scouts and from the Anoka Ramsey Community College English Honors class in addition to the collection sponsored by the Scotsman. Caseys and LumberLand will have a collection site year-round. A thank you was read from a soldier who received a package.
Shoveling has been arranged for a family of a deployed soldier (just in time for the winter weather to hit!)

Needed are the number of families and number in each family for deployed soldiers. Bob B will work with Mark S to get names of families needing help.
Jim R presented a thank you from the Isanti Cub Scouts for helping them to support our troops.

Fund Raising report – the last month we have received $165.00 from the College English Honors class for mailing packages to our troops, $11.75 from miscellaneous donations, and $1,500.00 from the Star 95 Car Wash Fundraiser.
Quilting Project – the December 11, 2010 training scheduled needed to be postponed due to the weather. A motion was made by Bob F with a second by April T to pay transportation of $200.00 and meals for the trainers coming from Wisconsin when the training is rescheduled.

School Liaison – Candi L will be attending Military Child Education Coalition’s training March 8 – 9, 2011 in Moorhead, MN. The flyers for this training event will be e-mailed to all members and placed on the web-site.
Congregational training – next meeting will be January 27, 2011 at the Government Center.

Lance B gave a report on the February Breakfast with the soldiers. The date will be changed to February 12, 2011, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, moving it from Sunday to Saturday. This will be a community event, soldiers will eat free. Any funds brought in will go toward the Family Readiness Group (FRG). There will be speakers from the American Legion, Lions,

National Guard, Reserves, etc. Possibility of having a raffle. Tickets will need to be purchased in advance so we will know how much food to purchase.
We still are in need of a chair for our Community Service Project.

Law Enforcement Training – Monica B will e-mail sample training presentation to Ron S.
Resource Library – nothing new.
A motion was made by Don G with a second by Jim J to approve payment to LeeAnn R for the graphic design of our logo, signs, patch, and coin. Jim R abstained from voting, motion carried unanimously.

Thank you to Jessica H for organizing our entry in the Snowflake Parade. Pictures were displayed. It was a very cold evening. We won the Community Pride trophy which will be displayed at the Armed Forces Reserve Community Center trophy case. Culvers in Cambridge donated meal tickets for those who participated. We borrowed the banner from the Culvers in Forest Lake. Our banner will be completed early next year.

New Business –
We received a report that a soldier from Isanti County has suffered some type of injury while serving in Afghanistan. We are awaiting further information which will be provided to the Task Force once we have an official report.
We have a local soldier in need of brake work done on his truck. He has not been able to find work since coming home from Iraq. Don G made a motion with a second by Bob F to authorize up to $500.00 to complete the brake work for him.
We have received no new BYR Friend applications.

Steve J from Winona County has contacted us regarding becoming a Yellow Ribbon County.
Mary Jo M from Pine County was at our meeting regarding Blue Star Mothers and getting a group starting in Pine County. We offered to use our web-site to advertise their meeting dates, times, etc.

A motion was made by Brad R with a second by Mary F to allow the Executive Board to spend up to $400.00 as necessary between meetings.

Executive Board position descriptions were approved as e-mailed to the task force. Motion was made by Don G with a second by John T. These position descriptions will be posted on the web-site.

Committee chairs were appointed as follows: Brochure Committee – Denise B, Quilt Committee – Bob F and Mary F, Website Committee – Scott F, Congregational Committee – Susan M, Billboards – Gaylen S, Packages for the Troops – Military Support Group.

We reviewed a Permission to Release Personal Information form that will be e-mailed to all task force members. This form will need to be completed and returned to the Veterans Services Office and information will be assembled into a directory to be used within our task force.

The coin and patch were presented as designed. The mission statement on the back of the coin which reads “To support Isanti County’s military service members, veterans, and their families by coordinating services and resources available to them”. There is no setup fee for a patch, but may be a setup fee for embroidery. Task force members approved the designs with one change – to add a period at the end of the mission statement on the back of the coin. This change will be submitted.

A motion was made by Jim J with a second by Mary F to pay $158.52 for the dragonfly single burner heater which was purchased to sent to a soldier serving in Afghanistan.

Christmas wishes will be appreciated by serving and/or recovering soldiers. Addresses to send greetings are:
If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.
OR --
You can mail a card to a recovering soldier at: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20307-5001
{Web Masters note: This is not true, Walter Reed Hospital does not accept these cards}

All former and present members of the United States military, law enforcement officers, safety and rescue squad members, and fire fighting personnel, are invited and encouraged to attend the high school wrestling match at Cambridge-Isanti High School free of charge The dual will feature Cambridge-Isanti High School vs. St. Francis High School on Friday, January 7, 2011. You are asked to be there at 6:40 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the AFRCC

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Meeting November 18, 2010, Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:30

Attendance: Monica B, Bob B, Jim J, Curtis A, Bob F, Scott F, Mary F, Denise B, Jessica H, Cody P, William S, Alice S, Brent L, Erven S, Kim M, Susan M, Don C, Lance B, Gail G, Howard L, Claryce L, John T, April T, Kurt L.

Open with the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Gail G with a second by Mary F to approve the September minutes as e-mailed.

The treasurer’s report was presented. Grant money still available is $1,954.15 with a total balance of $8,258.90.
We have had more than 1,100 hits on the web-site. Scott is still looking into how to accept donations online.
Painting and placement of the signs are being completed. Lance B volunteered to check on getting a post-hole auger.
Nothing new regarding the brochures. We can order more holders.

Packages for troops – more names are needed. Geri H from East Bethel sent 37 packages from their Military Support Group.
Star 95 Car Wash has collected over $1,500.00 in their Beyond the Yellow Ribbon fund raiser. The donation will be presented at the December Beyond the Yellow Ribbon meeting.

Quilts for Troops will have a training session on December 11 at the Cambridge City Hall. Nine experts are coming from Wisconsin. We will need volunteers to pin the quilts as well as folders and ironers. We will also need coffee makers. The group will meet Mondays from 1:00 – 9:00. A motion was made by Bob F with a second by John T to buy lunch for the trainers’ during the training session. Thank you to Linda W from the City of Cambridge for setting up the room with no rent. Thirty people were at the organizational meeting. We could use shelving for storage of the quilts.

Congregational report – the next meeting will be the 4th Thursday of January. We are in need of a Community Service Project Coordinator. Breakfast with the soldiers will be February 13, 2011. A chairperson is needed, Susan M will help. The Isanti Lions will serve. We need to determine who will be invited. Lance B volunteered to chair the committee. This is a great opportunity to get the churches involved. The Breakfast committee members are: Lance B, Denise B, Susan M, Jim R (Lions), and Curtis A. A motion was made by Jim J with a second by Curtis A to accept this committee.
A committee needs to be formed for Community Service Projects and a chair is needed. This committee will connect people who need help with those who want to provide help.

Snowflake Parade – line-up is at the Anoka Ramsey Community College. We are at #68 with line-up starting at 4:00 p.m. on November 20.
The design of the embroidered patch and the coin will be completed Thanksgiving weekend.

Law Enforcement training – nothing new.
School Liaison – nothing new.
Election of Officers – Bob F made a motion with a second by Candi L to do a blanket vote. Motion carried.
John Kriesel will speak and sign his book ‘Still Standing’ on Monday, December 13, 2010 at Forest Lake High School. The flyer for this event will be forwarded to all task force members.
Volunteers are needed for the Thanksgiving Dinner at Captains. Anyone interested in helping should contact Sue L.
Position descriptions for the Executive Committee will be sent to all task force members. These will be voted on next month.
Meeting adjourned at 8:24.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the AFRCC.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Meeting October 21, 2010, Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:30

Attendance: Monica B, Bob B, Don G, Jim J, Dale S, Curtis A, Gail G, SueAnn M, Brad R, John T, April T, Gaylen S, Denise B, Scott F, Erven S.
Open with the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Don G with a second by Jim J to approve the September minutes as e-mailed.

The treasurer’s report was presented. Grant money still available is $1,954.15 with a total balance of $8,158.90. A motion was made by Gail G with a second by Gaylen S to approve the treasurer’s report as presented.
An order will be placed for 200 small decals, 200 large decals, 50 magnets, and 2 metal signs. We are still looking into doing patches and coins. We also are working on getting a parade banner.

The web site has had over 1,000 hits. Any donations to be received from the web-site needs to go through the Auditor’s Office. We have received e-mail from community organizations requesting to help where needed.
Signs are ready to be picked up. Posts are up on the County Line Road. We will have metal signs on the Cambridge Hospital site. We still have more painting to do. Gaylen S would like to have instructions available to be used for sign placement for those with sign placement locations.

Hospital updates – Monday November 8, free depression screening. There will be a resource brochure rack at the hospital.
Curt A reviewed the Congregational training and presented pictures taken during the day. Curt A will meet with Chaplin Tim from Redwing to discuss interaction with churches. Congregational Committee members are: Susan M, Bob F & Mary F, Candi L, and Curtis A.
Candi L has volunteered to work with the school districts.

Fund Raising – we have received a donation from Isanti K of C for the February 13, 2011 breakfast food costs. The Isanti Lions have volunteered to prepare the meal with donated labor. Star 95 will have a car wash fundraiser November 1st through the 14th. All fund raising needs to go through Gail G, our Fund Raising Chair person.
We have received via email a military kids activity kit put together by a 9th grade student who is a military kid. This activity kit was circulated and will be emailed to all task force members. Please feel free to copy and pass this information on where it can be used.
We will have a table at the Isanti Farmers Market on October 23, 2010 from 9 – 1. Volunteers are needed if anyone can be there. Bob B and Jim J volunteered.
A motion was made by Don G with a second by Dale S to pay for the magnets, decals, etc ordered from Synergy.

The Braham VFW has a pancake breakfast the first Saturday of each month from 7:00 – 11:00. The cost is $6.00 for adults.
There will be an organizational meeting for the Quilts for Troops project at 7:00 p.m. on October 27, 2010 at Long Lake Lutheran Church.
A White-Ballot motion was made for nomination of officers by Don G with a second by Jim J.

The Isanti County BYR Action Plan is being revised and will be ready before the January meeting.
The breakfast for soldiers and their families will be February 13, 2011. The Isanti Lions will volunteer labor. Jim R has contacted Mark S to work out the details; we need to determine how many people will be invited. Bob B will contact Mark S to ask what is wanted.

There will be a Resource Library developed at the Veterans Services Office where brochures, books, etc. will be available to be checked out.
Local 4H and Cub Scout groups have contacted us to do a community service project.
The annual Support our Troops drive is being conducted and will be in the paper October 28, 2010. Names and donations need to be submitted to the Scotsman. Any excess donations will go to the Family Support Group who is taking on the Packages for our Troops Committee for BYR.
Monica B will forward information to Jessica H for the Cambridge Snowflake Parade. A motion was made by Scott F with a second by Don G to provide up to $200.00 for parade expenses.

The Braham Girl Scouts have a rededication scheduled in conjunction with Veterans Day at the Braham High School on November 11, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. They have asked for our presence at this event. We will supply brochures and decals for a display table. Volunteers are welcome.

A motion was made by Monica B with a second by Gail G for Ron S to further pursue in depth training options for our community law enforcement.
New Friends of BYR application have been received from ARCC Small Business Program, offering discounted entrepreneurship and small business development to all veterans, family members of deployed service persons, Active duty, Reserve, and Guard; Panky Jai Attorney at Law, offering free estate planning, wills, power of attorney, and health care directives to family members of deployed service persons, and Active duty; Remax Associates Plus/Sayler Team, offering $200.00 towards closing costs for all veterans, family members of deployed service persons, Active duty, Reserve, and Guard. Motions were made by Jim J, seconded by Dale S; Don G seconded by John T; and Jim J seconded by Don G to accept and post all these organizations on our web-site. PC’s for Vets have contacted us to become a friend, but an application form needs to first be completed.
A Yellow Ribbon Rally has been scheduled for November 8 at Oakdale. All task force members are encouraged to attend. Zylstra Harley-Davidson in Elk River is having a military appreciation dinner November 11, 2010 – the flyer will be posted on our web site if you are interested in attending.

There will be a Stand Down at the St Cloud Armory on October 29, 2010
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Monica B with a second by Jim J at 8:40 p.m.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the AFRCC.

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Meeting September 16, 2010, Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:30

Attendance: Scott F, Monica B, Bob B, Ron S, Kurt L, Kim L, Mary F, Bob F, John T, Carolyn T, Gaylen S, Brad R, Erven S, Janelle C, Lisa S, Jim J. Members not in attendance: Amber is at home with her new baby, Jim R needs to be at a memorial service.

Open with the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion was made by Brad and seconded by John T to approve the July meeting minutes as e-mailed. Welcome to new members Kurt L and Kim L. Kurt’s son will be going to Afghanistan soon.

Synergy gave us a quote on the price of magnets, decals, and signs. Jim R recently attended the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers conference. At the meeting, Lt Col Barbara O’Reilly, Annette Kyper, and others from the Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon presented to the CVSOs. Isanti County was recognized specifically for the event where the Isanti County deputy assisted a returning veteran.

The state BYR also invited CVSO’s to the September 22nd Governor’s Yellow Ribbon Summit. Jim will be attending and encourages other members from the Task Force to attend. The treasurer’s report was presented. Grant money still available is $2,004.15 with a total balance of $8,147.07. Donations received since our last meeting are: $2,400.00 from the Captain’s Motorcycle ride and $122.25 from donation jars at the motorcycle ride and the Isanti VFW. A motion was made by Mary with a second by Susan to approve the minutes as presented.

There have been 894 hits on our web; this is an increase of approximately two hundred since last month. Scott will explore the “Network for Good” to set up a bank account. The web site was reviewed for all members who had not seen it yet. Signs will be placed at Neighbors to Nations Church and at the County line. We need to get the addresses for location of signs, including mile markers and cross roads, to Gaylen for placement. Reminder - all the signs need to be placed before November, 2010. There is nothing new on the brochures.

The date for our Congregational Training will be October 2, 2010 from 9:00 – 1:00 at North Isanti Baptist. A letter has been sent to area churches with bulletin inserts and RSVPs to list number attending. Chaplin Morris and Bob Schirm from North Heights Lutheran will be guest speakers. There will be breakout sessions for Pastors, Congregational Care, and Children/Youth Ministry. A motion was made by Jim J with a second by Brad to pay $85.00 for rental of the church. A motion was made by Jim J with a second by John T to cover the food expenses.

Fund Raising/Finance – Gail G reported that Captains donated all proceeds of $2,400.00 from their motorcycle ride to Isanti BRY. There was also a donation jar of $111.25 at the ride. Participants requested our logo on a patch. This will be explored. Star 95 Car Wash will have a fund raiser for two weeks in November. They will support our administration costs as well as support of veterans and their families. All fund raising moneys need to go through Gail G. A motion was made by Denise with a second by Bob F to pay the $138.00 for the welcome home party expenses. Policies will be put in place listing what the BYR will donate and the maximum amounts donated. Susan reported on the participation at the Ruffed Grouse Society banquet.

Law Enforcement training – Ron S will coordinate. Dan Carlson Chaplin from Eden Prairie will be the instructor. There will be a $250.00 fee to bring in the instructor for this 2 hour “Instruct the Instructor” one time session. Ron will work with Brad to coordinate date to use the classroom at ARFCC. Ron will donate treats. Gaylen made a motion with a second by Gail to pay for the instruction fee.

We will have a booth at the Isanti Farmers Market on October 23 from 9:00 – 1:00. Volunteers are needed. Brown County will be the third Minnesota Yellow Ribbon County proclaimed at the Governor’s Yellow Ribbon Summit on September 22, 2010. Thank you to everyone who attended the funeral of the Pine City soldier killed in Afghanistan. Jim J made a motion with a second by John T to have the Executive Committee make the decision on spending funds for magnets, decals, signs, etc. A suggestion was made to check with ITL Patch in Savage, MN for a possible Isanti County BYR patch. Lisa from Synergy circulated a new product to be used for decals.

Bob reviewed presentations he recently made to Retired Teachers Association and the VFW Auxiliary (who will support Washington County and Isanti County BRY). Motion was made by Monica with a second by Denise to make local veteran’s organizations Friends of Isanti County BYR. The flyer for the VVA Veteran’s Appreciation Banquet needs to be sent to Scott to put on the web site. Breakfast with the Soldiers and the Community will be February 13, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. at the AFRCC. Gail will speak to the Isanti Lions to coordinate with them. The Knights of Columbus and Masonic Hall will have their fundraiser for the Harbor Room at the Hospital on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. A motion was made by Monica with a second by Brad to accept Synergy as new friends of Isanti County BYR.

Bob F and Mary F presented the VFW Quilt project – camouflage quilts made for troops. They will work with Gail to pursue this project. Motion by Susan with a second by Jim J to support the quilt project Bob B, Gail, and Gaylen will meet with Isanti County News on October 14, 2010 regarding the packages sent to troops for the holidays.

A motion was made by Susan with a second by Mary to adjourn the meeting. Our next meeting will be Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the AFRCC.

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Meeting August 19, 2010, Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:30
Attendance: Monica B, Bob F, Helen S, Dale S, Jim D, Scott F, John T, April T, Gaylen S, Jim J, Curtis A, Ron S, Lisa S, Janelle C, Jessica H, Amber S, Don G, Sharon F, Jim R, Gail G.
Susan is not able to be with us tonight and invites the task force to her fund raiser at the close of our meeting.
Open with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guests – Lisa and Janelle from Synergy Factor spoke on services they can provide to our organization. They will work with Bob and provide quotes on magnets, decals, signs, digitizing our logo for clothing, etc.

A motion was made by Don G and seconded by John T to approve the July meeting minutes as e-mailed.

The treasurer’s report was presented. Grant money still available is $2,004.15 with a total balance of $5,624.82.

We still need to purchase a banner for use in the Isanti parade. A motion was made by Jim J with a second by Gail to purchase magnets, decals, etc.
The web site needs to be updated with July information and new friends of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

Gaylen has placed a 4x8 framed sign on Hwy 65. All frame parts are assembled and ready to put up. Susan has a list of sites where these need to be placed. There also is a map in the VSO office. Any one putting up a sign first needs to contact Gopher State One Call at 1-800-252-1166 or (651) 454-0002 before digging holes. Gopher States One Call recommends going to their website at http://gopherstateonecall.org/index.php/home-homeowner2.html prior to calling them. All the signs need to be placed before November, 2010.

All changes made to the brochure need to match the website. Scott will review and make any necessary changes.

The date for our Congregational Training will be October 2, 2010. The training will run from mid-morning through mid-afternoon with lunch provided. Chaplin Morris and a couple of people from the state will be there. North Isanti Baptist is a possible location.

Jim D gave information about Veterans Court. He is working on a Veterans Court to handle veterans with special needs. He recommends a district court for efficiency and cost. Need to make available Mentors for those veterans just getting out of theatre. Older veterans may have experienced a different war, but the circumstances are similar. If anyone is interested in becoming a mentor, please contact the Isanti County Veterans Service Office at 763-689-3591. Training is available for mentors. Jim D will be observing the Veterans Court in Minneapolis to get ideas on what we may be able to use in Isanti County – one size does not fit all.

Review of the Isanti County Fair Booth – Opening day, Wednesday July 21, 2010 was impressive! Thank you to everyone who volunteered to work at the booth.

July 17, 2010 – Run to the Castle – we had a booth and exposure to the community. Bob briefed the Unit on what we are about.

Grace Pointe Crossing will have their Annual Memory Walk on Friday, August 20, 2010. Volunteers are requested to help push wheelchairs, if anyone can help, contact Deb at GracePointe.

There will be a Welcome Home Party for a soldier returning from Iraq/Afghanistan from 2:00 – 5:00 on Sunday, August 22, 2010 at Bluebird Park in Isanti. We are invited and encouraged to welcome him home.

The Ruffed Grouse Society has their Annual Banquet on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at the Cambridge American Legion. Requesting volunteers at a table to hand out brochures, etc.

We will have a booth at the Isanti Farmers Market on October 23, 2010.

There will be a motorcycle run fundraiser out of Captain’s on Long Lake on September 5, 2010. We will have a table set up during registration; volunteers will need to be there at 9:00 a.m.

We will have a breakfast at the AFRCC possibly the first weekend in October with the soldiers and the community.

Ron from the Isanti Police Department is joining our task force. He will work with Scott to do law enforcement training.

We have added a Fundraising/Finance Committee. Gail G will chair the committee.

Packages for the Troops Committee currently does not have a chair person, if anyone is interested, please contact Bob B.

A new Friend of BYR application has been received from Gorilla Computer Support, LLC, offering half-price for computer optimization – including tune-up, security check, installation of trial data backup to all veterans, family members of deployed service persons, Active duty, Reserve, and Guard. Motion was made by Jim R with a second by Jim J to accept and post on our web-site.

State BYR will have a booth at the State Fair and are asking for volunteers from Isanti BYR to work at the booth. The booth will be inside the MN National Guard Recruiting booth near the 4H Building. If anyone can help, please contact CMSGT Steve Campos at steven.campos@us.army.mil or 651-268-8276.

The second Saturday of each month, Spirit River Community has a food donation at the Isanti Community Center. Jim R made a motion with a second by Dale to put this information on our website.

August 28, 2010 at the AFRCC from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. there will be a benefit honoring Officer Dewey. A spaghetti dinner will be served from 4:00 – 8:00. Tickets are $10.00. The family originally planned a benefit to raise money for a new house for Chris and Emily, but will now hold it to fund a youth crime prevention program in Mahnomen County.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the AFRCC

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Meeting July 15, 2010, Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:30
Attendance: Monica B, Bob F, Mary F, Scott F, Erven S, Gaylen S, John T, April T, Amber S, Curtis A, Mark S, Jim J, Cindy F, Jessica P, Helen S, Gail G, Denise B, Patti M, Judy S, Bob B, Lance B, Jim R, Larry B, Don G, Susan M.
Open with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The flag presented by Senator Klobuchar will be placed in the Armed Forces Community Center.
Guests this evening were Jessica and Cindy from Pine City Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. The Pine City Beyond the Yellow Ribbon has asked us to mentor them. We are also mentoring Brown County. These task forces are welcome to copy and use everything that has been developed by our task force in creating the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon in Isanti County.

A motion was made by Mary F and seconded by Mark to approve the June meeting minutes as e-mailed.
Bruce D has asked to be added to our mailing list.

The treasurer’s report was presented. The new order of magnets, decals, signs, and brochures have been paid for. Jim J made a motion for the treasurer’s report to be set aside for audit with a second by Gail.

The web site has been updated with all new friends of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon as well as the success stories.

The large billboard located near Northland Landscaping has been removed. We will be having a new sign placed in East Bethel just coming into Isanti County. The lumber for the frames for the 4X8 signs have been cut and pre-drilled. They need to be primed and painted, please contact Don or Gaylen to arrange a time when you can stop by Don’s home to paint. They are located in Don’s garage. The order for the signs has been placed using 87% color for the signs. They should be available for the Isanti County Fair.
1,000 brochures have been purchased. We will make sure that the information matches the website.
Denise will check with the owner of the State land property for placement of a 4X8 sign.

Congregational Committee will meet next Thursday. Congregational training is being planned for late October. Ann from South Isanti Baptist is doing a military support month at their church. The Medical Center is doing Christmas in July for the military.

The sign up sheet for volunteers at the Isanti County Fair Beyond the Yellow Ribbon booth was circulated.

Jim R reviewed the opening program at the Isanti County Fair where Veterans and our military will be honored. We should encourage any veteran that we know to attend.
If anyone can help with the August 22 memory walk at Grace Point Crossing, please contact Deb Ryberg at 763-691-2106.

We had a table set up at the Patriot Ride and received donations of $287.70. We received a lot of exposure.

A huge thank you to Jessica H for all the work she did as chairman of the parade committee! The float was awesome containing many children of our deployed military. A motion was made by Monica with a second by Don to use grant money to purchase a banner to use for next year’s parade. Susan will pursue this.

We had a booth at the Isanti Farmers Market where we were had exposure to the community.

The web site for the Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon t-shirts was reviewed. There was some discussion to check with Lee’s Pro Shop in Pine City for having them made more locally. The Pine City BYR team suggested that 30 shirts could be made at $5.50 each.

The Run to the Castle will be at the Armed Forces Community Center on Saturday July 17. Registration starts at 7:00 a.m. Curtis and Bob will be here at 6:30 a.m. Bob will make a presentation on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon at 1:00 p.m. Scott will be here to help. A gift card donated to the BYR will go toward this event to help purchase food for the meal.

The breakfast with the soldiers and the community will be held sometime in October.
The following new friends of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon were presented: Curves Fitness Center, and Bullseye Shooting Range. A motion was made by Susan with a second by Jim J to accept these new friends for our website.

Military couples marriage retreat information was presented with dates still available in August and September. The information will be forwarded to Scott to place on the website.

We received a list of job openings for veterans at Cummings Power Generation in Fridley. Don made a motion with a second by Jim J to put this information on our website.

The local chapter of the VVA has asked to announce their annual picnic on August 7 at Bluebird Park in Isanti. This picnic is open to all veterans and their families.
Everyone is reminded of the Military Appreciation Day at the Isanti County Fair. All veterans and members of the military will have free admission. There will be a special flag raising, drawings for 30 - 5 X 8 flags, and a program with Major General Larry Shellito as guest speaker.

On August 3, the Masons will be doing Kids ID at National Night Out at 2nd & Cypress in Cambridge. If anyone would like to volunteer, please contact Bob. Practice will be on August 2 at 5:00 p.m.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m

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June 17, 2010 meeting held at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Attendance Susan M, Amber S, Patty M, Terry B, Jim R, Brad R, Candi L, Brent L, Judy S, Mark S, Monica B. Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Terry B from Northbound Liquor presented a check in the amount of $300.00 to the Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon from donations collected at Isanti Liquor, Hometown Liquor, and Northbound Liquor.

An article from “All the Dirt – Racing News” featuring the Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s participation at the Ogilvie Speedway on May 15, 2010 was handed out to members.

A sign-up sheet was passed around for volunteers at the Isanti County Fair’s BYR booth. Motion was made by Candi and seconded by Brent to approve the Secretary’s report as read by Jim R. The Secretary’s report was e-mailed this afternoon.

The Treasurer’s report was presented. We have a balance of $4334.78 in the grant funds and $2,334.09 in donations for a total of $6,665.87. Motion was made by Brad and seconded by Mark to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.

3,500 motorcycles are expected for the Patriot Ride on Saturday. Mark S discussed the Patriot Ride June 19, the plans for the Isanti Rodeo Parade July 8, and the 2nd Annual Renegade Run July 17. We will have a table set up at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center for both the Patriot Ride and the Renegade Run. Volunteers for the Patriot Ride need to be here by noon. Riders are expected to be here between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Meet at 5:30 on July 8 in Isanti for the parade, we are the 2nd float. Jessica is working on locating kids to ride the float. A vehicle and driver will be supplied to pull the float; little kids will ride on the float, older ones walking along side.

The Renegade Run to the Castle race will be at 9:00 a.m. on July 17. Mark will check on putting up a permanent sign on Hwy 95 and Spirit River Drive to be built at no cost. We have the materials for the sign frames; a work schedule still needs to be set up for completing them.

Motion was made by Monica and seconded by Candi to purchase 500 more brochures. We also need more brochure holders. Tammy has indicated that she would like to step down from the Support our Troops committee.

A date for Congregational Training is being planned for sometime in October. The Isanti County Fair will be doing a Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. All Veterans will have free admission. There will be a program at 6:00 p.m. All veterans will be encouraged to register for a drawing for a flag. Gail G has taken care of a table skirt for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. T-Shirts/Polo Shirts are available via onlinespirit.com.

Additional stock needs to be ordered for magnets, decals, and yard signs. A motion was made by Brent with a second by Brad to have the Executive Committee place the order.

A motion was made by Brent and seconded by Brad for acceptance of the following new Friends of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Rush Point Reality, Mike’s Small Engines, Cambridge DQ, and Isanti Lions. Grace Point Crossing will have their annual Memory Walk on August 20, 2010. The theme this year is “Red White and Blue, American Pride”. They are requesting volunteers to push wheel chairs. If anyone can help, please contact Deb Rydberg at 763-691-2106. Motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Monica with a second by Candi at 8:14 p.m. Our next meeting will be July 15, 2010.

May 20, 2010 meeting held at the Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Attendance Monica B, Bob B, Jim R, Jim J, Curtis A, Erven S, Don G, Gaylen S, Dawn S, Danielle J, Benjamin M, Candi L, Kim M, Denice B, Gail G, Lance B, Brad R, Mary F, Bob B, Scott F, Jessica H, Tim S, Susan M.

Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion was made by Jim J and seconded by Don to approve the Secretary’s report as e-mailed. The Treasurer’s report was approved as presented. We need to make sure we have enough stock (flyers, brochures, etc) for the County Fair. Thank you to Gail for the donation of the yard sign stakes. Scott is checking into adding a link to PDF minutes and the current agenda, the current procedure needs to be changed. We will pay ahead on the web-site.

Success story of the magnet (Sheriff Deputy and Iraq veteran) will be added. A shopping trip to Lowe’s is planned for tomorrow morning to pickup materials for the 4X8 sign frames. Date, time, and location of work sessions will be e-mailed to task force members to assemble the frames.

Resource/Brochure report – need to make minor adjustment and then order more. Congregational Committee – letters should be ready next week to send to area churches. Isanti Rodeo Days Parade – Jessica has contacted Kathy Willis about using the float. Brad will talk to the local National Guard about using their truck to pull the float. Mark Shields will be contacted to see if we can get the local unit’s kids to participate.

Ogilvie Speedway – tremendous exposure. Thank you to Tim S for his work with this. Princeton Speedway and Mille Lacs County has asked for our participation and help to set up a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Task Force. A presentation has been made to Isanti Chamber of Commerce and the Citizen/Warrior Best Practices where we shared what we are doing. Our Congregational Committee has enlisted Bob Schirm from North Heights Lutheran for help; we will follow their best practices in adopting our local units. Farmington is doing a Military Family Day. Next spring we will do a dinner with high school students enlisting in the military as they graduate.

A signup sheet was circulated for volunteering at the Isanti County Fair Beyond the Yellow Ribbon booth. Military Appreciation Day is at the County Fair starting at 5:00 on Wednesday, July 21. There will be a flag raising of a brigade size flag. The program starts at 6:00 p.m.

July 17, 2010 will be the annual “Run to the Castle” Family Day sponsored by the 850th Horizontal Engineering Company. T-shirts and/or polos will be produced with our logo with plans of these being completed before the County Fair. Danielle will check on design and somewhere to get these made.

Denise reviewed a health care directive and will add this information to our brochure and get information to Scott for a link on the website. New friend’s applications were reviewed for Chilson Jewelers and Brian Satterlee Music Instruction. Don made a motion to accept these friends with a second by Brad. Candi will check with the Cambridge Theatre becoming a friend. An Employment Resources sheet was reviewed. This will go to Scott to add to the website. We reviewed a new KBEK radio advertisement.

On Saturday June 19, the Patriot Guard will be stopping at the Armed Forces Reserve Community Center between 1:15 and 3:15 during their Patriot Ride. Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

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BYR Task Force meeting April 15, 2010 held at the Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Attendance Jim R., Bob B., Monica B., Jim J., Curtis A., Don G., Susan M., April T., John T., John M., Kim M., Ben M., Scott F., Bob F., Jessica H., Robert H., Brad R., Lance B., Gaylen S., Dawn S., Tammy K., Joyce F., Les A., Jesse P.
Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion was made by Lance and seconded by Scott to approve the Secretary’s report as e-mailed.
The Treasurer’s report was presented. There was discussion on grant monies vs. donations for families and service persons. The grant funds need to be spent before December 31, 2010.

The 25 – 4’ x 8’ signs have arrived and are being stored temporarily in Lance’s garage. We need to have frames built for these corrugated plastic signs. Please see Susan to be on the sign frame building committee. We have 7 locations for the 4’ x 8’ signs, please mark the map for any possible additional locations after the meeting and let Susan know.

Robert H (just returned from deployment) discussed the packages for soldiers. We need to keep an eye on who receives packages; some get more than what they can use, while others are receiving little – check their address code.

Les A. reported a contact from the web site requesting assistance from the Master Gardeners. They will be doing the work next week. We asked for before and after photos for posting on our web site.

Curtis has been in contact with the 850th regarding faith based support.
Bob modeled his polo shirt with the Isanti County BYR logo. We may want to pursue having these made for our group.

Scott reported that our web site’s counter is now at 283. He reviewed Network for Good as a possible link; Susan will check with the County Attorney regarding donations. We will locate a photo for the Adopt a Service Person page. Scott will check into a calendar format for the Calendar of Events. Monica needs to get a list of brochure contacts to Scott for the Brochure page before the brochure can be added. Compliance checks need to be completed for those collaborating as BYR friends.

Packages – correction to last month’s minutes should be $80.00 collected in donations at the Arctic Plunge for packages for troops. Dawn reported she received a letter of appreciation from a soldier who received one of our packages. This will go on our web site. The amount collected in March for packages was $57.95. A huge Thank You to Joyce F for all her support and donations to the packages sent to our troops!

Congregational Committee – we have contacted 43 churches and are working on how to get as much participation as possible. The Congregational training is being planned for sometime in September.
Upcoming Events –
• A sign-up sheet will be circulated at the next meeting for volunteers to work at the Isanti County Fair booth.
• Opening Day Ceremony at the Isanti County Fair, July 21, 2010, will be ‘Military Appreciation Day.’ Special activities are being planned and all veterans will receive free admission.
• Isanti Rodeo Days Parade – July 8, 2010; need volunteers to ride on the float. A motion was made by Susan, and seconded by Don to appoint Jessica as chairperson of the parade committee. Lance will help.
• Ogilvie Speedway May 15, 2010 – need volunteers to man the table.
• Isanti Chamber Fund Raiser April 17, 2010; Jim R and Susan will attend.
• April 21, 2010; presentation to the Isanti Chamber of Commerce.
Project New Hope – their link will be added to our web site.

A motion was made by Monica with a second by Don to approve the following new Friends of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon as listed in the agenda: T M Johnson Bros, Landmark Bank, and Cambridge Floral.
Ads from KBEK were received and reviewed. These have already been approved at a previous meeting.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, June 17, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center.

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BYR Task Force meeting March 18, 2010 held at the Armed Forces Reserve Community Center 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Attendance Jim R., Bob B., Monica B., Erven S., Jim J., Curtis A., Don G., Gail G., Irene B., Susan M., Jim D., Denise B., April T., John T., John M., Kim M., Scott F., Bob F., Mary F., Guy K., Jessica H., Brad R., Brent L., Tim S., Lance B. Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. A correction was made for the prior month’s minutes: Congregational Support will include training for both pastors and congregations, not just pastors. Motion was made by Gail and seconded by Don to approve the Secretary’s report as e-mailed with this correction. Motion was made by Don and seconded by Gail to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented. Scott is researching options to put the video of Bob’s Arctic Plunge on the web site, we may need to link to youtube. We currently are on Facebook, Scott is looking into twitter. We can get money back if we get referrals for promoting the web site hosting company. Don made a motion to pursue this option with a second by John T.

Changes need to be made to the BYR Application form adding fax number, address and e-mail address to send back to us. Jim J made a motion with a second by Don to add the following links to our website: Minnesota Military Family Support, Minnesota Military Appreciation fund (Appreciation for serving during a period of war), and Military One Source. Bob participated in the Arctic Plunge on March 6, 2010. He had a 1 ½ minute radio interview, received commitments, and made contacts with spouses of deployed service members.

Billboard and Brochure Committees – Bob received a quote for replacement supplies. Don motioned with a second by Jim J to purchase the items. These supplies will be purchased from the grant funds. The 4’ x 8’ signs need to be double sided in order to be seen in both directions. Jessica’s son will cut out the magnets when these arrive. The brochures are completed. We received 1000 brochures and 25 holders. Distribution of the brochures will start with friends of BYR. We will have them available at the Government Center Information Desk. Scott will need an electronic copy for the web-site.

Support our Troops Committee - $100 was collected at Arctic Plunge to use for packages.

Congregational Committee – Bob S from North Heights Lutheran is willing to come and help us set up. We need congregational representatives; a sign-up sheet was passed around for volunteers and forwarded to Susan M.

The Yellow Ribbon County Proclamation has been framed and will be hung in the Government Center above the Information Desk. The cost of framing was $328.24. A motion was made by Jim J with a second by Don to pay for the framing from the BRY funds.

Jim R from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve made a presentation to the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Task Force acknowledging their support. Bruce D from the Cambridge High School will take on the CLIMB Theatre “Return to Honor” project. The plan will be to have one play for the High School and one in the evening for the public.

A motion was made by Don with a second by John T to approve the following new Friends of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon as listed in the agenda: Leandor Limited, Isanti County Master Gardeners, Central Insurance Agency. Motion was made by Curtis and seconded by Don to adopt the local 850th Horizontal Engineers and the 704th Chemical Company and support the Family Readiness and family picnics.

Jim D is working with Jim R and Jim Cleary at the State Capital on Isanti County Veteran’s Court. Jim D will be sending information that will be forwarded to the task force members. The Isanti County Attorney’s Office will need to be involved.

The Spirit River Community Food Distribution to the community is the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Isanti Community Center. 250 – 300 people are served. If anyone is interested in helping, contact Gail.

May 15th is Armed Forces Day at the Ogilvie Speedway starting at 6:30 p.m. There will be a table or booth set up, will need volunteers to staff the table. A military ID will get a patron in free.

The Cambridge Lions are supporting Project New Hope. They have a meeting April 6 at 6:30 at the Pizza Pub in Cambridge. We discussed cooperation in supporting this project. Item tabled until next meeting. We will have the same booth at the Isanti County Fair as last year. Consider volunteering sometime between July 21 and July 25. Isanti Rodeo Parade is July 8. We will need to contact the person who offered the float at last year’s fair.

The Request for Assistance Application was reviewed, we need to add contact information and then forward the form to Scott for our web site. If anyone has a potential location for one of the 25 - 4’ x 8’ signs, please mark the map with the location. Mary made a motion to adjourn the meeting with a second by Tim S. Our next meeting will be Thursday, April 15, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center. http://yellowribbonnetworkwashingtoncounty.org/index.html 

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BYR Task Force meeting Feb 18th, 2010 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Attendance: Tammy K, Jim J, Dawn S, Jessica H, Connie N, John T, April T, Bob B, John J, Gail G, Tim S, Scott F, Bob F, Mary F, Curtis A, Deana W, Candi L, Brent L, Kim M, Denise B, Don G, Les A, Al G, Jim R, Brad R, Susan M, Terri R, Bruce R, Michael R, Monica B.

Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guests- Mike, Bruce, and Terri. Mike just returned home from Iraq. Just prior to Mike's return home members from the Isanti Lions and Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Task Force combined forces to prepare his home for arrival. The Isanti Lions made repairs to the walls and trim and painted the inside of the house. BYR cleaned the carpets and windows, purchased food for the refrigerator and cupboards and cleaned ice from the driveway. The family expressed thnks for a wonderful job.

SBA Patriot Express Presentation by Connie N for Landmark Bank covering services for veterans and members of the military community wanting to establish or expand small business. More information can be located at http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress/index.html

Deana W from KBEK made a presentation and discussed the purchase of advertising.

Les A of Isanti County Master Gardeners made a presentation. They are available for horticultural education and recommendations but can not do the work. If a spouse is deployed, we can get a work group together from BYR and complete work with recommendations of the Master Gardeners.

Motion was made by Don G and seconded by Jim J to approve the Secretary's report as e-mailed.

Motion was made by Brad R and seconded by Don G to approve the Treasurer's report as presented.

Scott reviewed changes to the BYR website. A BYR resident check form has been added as well as the Friends of BYR application form. A motion was made by Jim J and seconded by Don G to approve both forms.

Potential locations for new 4X8 signs need to be placed on the map after the meeting. The 4X8 signs need to be ordered soon in order for them to be placed once the frost is out of the ground. Frames for these signs need to be constructed; Dawn S has a contact person. Magnets and decales are available and can be picked up tonight.

Other Minnesota Counties are asking about our program. Bob B and Susan M are making a presentation to State Community Health Advisory Council (SCHAC) tomorrow, February 19th, 2010.

Denise received price quotes for the brochures- $443.00 for 500 with a digital copier, $380 for 500 using a color copier. The brochure will be added to our website with buttons linking to the services provided. We have permission from the artist to use the print. Jim J made a motion seconded by Don G to spend up to $443.00 on the nicer quality brochure. Tim S will do some additional checking on prices. Gail G will reasearch getting holders.

Tammy K made a report on packages for deployed service members. Seventh and eighth graders wrote 104 letters which were included in 13 packages sent today. Tammy is checking with local churches to start an "adopt a soldier" program once a month. MN Nice participants adopt a single service person and provide packages to that service person on a monthly basis.

A new Congregational Training committee was formed of: Susan M, Tammy K, Dawn S, Brent L, Bob F and Curtis A. There are three key pastors participating. The purpose of the training is to teach pastors how to council families of deployed service members. The Guard, Warrior to Citizen Group, and the Deployment Cycle Support Team have resources available for this training.

New BYR friends are: Cambridge Floral, Westrom's Corner, Scotty and Sons, Napa Stores, Wells Fargo Mortgage, and Rush Point Reality. Don G made a motion seconded by Tammy K to accept the Disabled Veterans Rest Camp as a friend of BYR. A motion was made by Don G and seconded by John T to accept Leander Limited.

The procedure to accept new members will be to list businesses on the agenda with a vote at the next meeting.

The Arctic Plunge will be March 6th, 2010 at Captain's on Long Lake. We will have a table for Beyond The Yellow Ribbon. "Brave" Bob B will be jumping in the frigid waters of Long Lake.

Jim R presented information on the "Return to Honor" the re-integration play of CLIMB theatre. Jim R will get the grant application; Bob B will reach Bruce D for help in writing the grant. Tammy K will work on the grant.

Our next meeting will be Thursday , March 18th, 2010 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center.

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BYR Task Force meeting January 21, 2010 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Attendance: John T, April T, Don G, Jim J, Dawn S, Tammy K, Monica B, Scott F, Jim R, Susan M, Bob B, Brad R, Guy K, Mary F, Bob F, Curtis A, Terry B, Joseph T, Gail G, Howard M, Ervin S, Al G, Lori A,

Denise J. Denise Jorgensen presented information on Operation Minnesota Nice. OMN is a not for profit volunteer based organization who show appreciation to the soldiers abroad by ensuring that those soldiers who do not receive packages or mail from home receive a monthly care package. They want to make sure that no one is forgotten. Because of the number of service people, their focus is only on Afghanistan and Iraq. A suggestion was to place “Honor a Service Member” in the newspaper and use the information to build a database. Tammy will check out the program’s brochure and figure out how we can participate. Operation Minnesota Nice’s website is located at www.operationminnesotanice.com.

Lori Ahlness presented information on the Disabled Veterans Rest Camp located on Big Marine Lake in Washington County. DVRC, a Yellow Ribbon camp-ground, is a non-profit campground dedicated to veterans and their families, and active duty/reserve forces now in service to our nation. Their website is www.vetscampmn.org.

Terry Baar from Northbound Liquor was welcomed as a new member. Northbound Liquor will offer a discount (see our website for discount information) to veterans.

We reviewed the Green Care for Troops video at http://www.projectevergreen.com/gcft. GreenCare for Troops is a nationwide outreach program coordinated by Project EverGreen. According to their website they connect local green industry professionals with men and women serving our country in the armed forces away from home. Check out the web site for more information.

The Treasurer’s report was reviewed with a current balance of $11,333.00. Activity since our last meeting includes donations from Star 95 Carwash, donations from individuals as well as our purchase of the yard sign holders. Donations made to the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program need to be made out to “Isanti County” with “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” in the memo. One hundred percent of the Star 95 donation will go to service members.

Jim R provided an update of the status of the home repairs made to the house of a returning service member: The Isanti Lions, contacted through the First Lady's Military Family Care Initiative, completed painting and minor repairs. Bob B and Jim J will clean the carpets tomorrow. Susan and Tammy will work together to purchase groceries. A kitchen table was donated by an employee of Wells Fargo Mortgage in Cambridge. An inquiry was made by Susan should the windows need to be cleaned it would be taken care of tomorrow. Check with Jim R for directions to the home to complete necessary work by end of day Friday, January 22.

Additional Friends of BYR have been added to our website. Photos of the Governor’s Yellow Ribbon Summit and a link to the WCCO news video are on the Calendar of Events page. Don G made a motion and Jim J seconded to add Changing Gaits as a “Friend of BYR”.

The Brochure Committee has identified contacts to all items on the brochure. The brochure is ready to go to the printer.

The big billboard has been placed on Highway 65 south of Cambridge. We will be working on 4’x8’ signs with a constructed frame. Task for next meeting will be to order signs and locate places to put them. We will keep track of placement on a map to assure county wide coverage. Howard will put a sign in front of The Fish House. We will check into the aluminum clad 4x8 signs that last up to 4 years.

Thank you to 4th Degree Knights of Columbus who donated DVD’s for the troop packages. 2 cases of toothpaste were donated by Tammy’s dentist. Homemade caramel corn has been included in the 4 boxes just sent, and 4 more boxes are ready to go. Susan has baked goods to ship. Cody’s brother should be added to the mailing list.

The magnets are not ready yet; the materials are still not available. Bob picked up the decals today.

Don G made a motion to spend $300.00 on advertising with KBEK, second by John T. Jim R will ask Diana from KBEK to come to our next meeting for a presentation.

Thank you to everyone for all the hard work in allowing Isanti County to become a Yellow Ribbon County. The Proclamation from the Governor is being framed and will be hung behind the new information desk at the Government Center. The possibility of making copies of the proclamation for the local VFW and Legion was discussed.

Jean from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Vicky from Rush Point Realty were introduced as new Friends of BYR. Bob is working with many new contacts for new Friends of BYR. Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 18, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center.

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BYR Task Force meeting December 17, 2009 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Prior to our meeting, we assembled boxes for packages to be sent to service members. Attendance: John T, April T, Don G, Denise B, Jim J, Dawn S, Tammy K, Monica B, Dale S, Scott F, Jim R, Susan M, Bob B, Brad R, Guy K, Ardis S, Cody P New members were introduced:

• Guy from Changing Gaits in Brook Park reviewed their program of equine assisted addiction services. • Ardis from 704th Chemical Company • The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association who is offering two scholarships to camp for children of deployed service persons • Cody from the Army Recruiting Station A motion was made by Dale S and seconded by Jim J to approve the previous months minutes as e-mailed to all members.

Treasurer’s report was reviewed with a current balance of $9,388.00 after purchases of signs and magnets.

Website Committee Report – two more businesses have been added as friends of BYR; Outward Bound, and AIS Fitness. We will continue compliance check for link to our web site. Items listed on the brochure will be added to the web site as we have links in place for services listed.

Billboard Committee Report – yard signs have been produced, they are available for pickup tonight, or in the VSO later. Magnets had some printing problems that need to be resolved and will be available at our next meeting. A 10.6’ X 36’ sign will go up by the second week in January on Highway 65 south of Cambridge. This will be completed at the company’s cost of $720.00. A sample decal and magnet was passed around for discussion. The group felt we should purchase both magnets and decals. Cost of the magnets is $3.13 each, decals $1.25 each. Sign companies do not have used signs available for us to purchase. Sign holders for the yard signs have been purchased from Reller Signs at a cost of $175.00.

Brochure Committee Report – the newest draft was displayed. Two options for production are $433.00 or $380.00 for 500 brochures depending on how they are printed. Jim needs to check on permission to use the painting. Items on the brochure need to be defined. If it is on the brochure, we need to make sure we can provide the service. Once this is completed, these items will be placed on the web site with a link to the service.

Support our Troops Committee – Tammy distributed a summary of donations received for packages and postage. A collector beer stein will go to the Family Readiness group for their silent auction. Susan will bake cookies to send with the packages assembled prior to the meeting. Cody suggested using small zip lock bags when these are sent. Home-made cookies always are more appreciated than purchased.

Rapid Response Team – discussion on participation, professional organizations will be contacted regarding desire to participate. This will need to be available before our local guard unit deploys in 2011. A link to the First Lady’s web site is on our web site.

Ministerial Association – no congregational training at this point, will look into after the first of the year.

We have received word from Col Kevin Gerdes, MNNG Director of Personnel that we will become a Yellow Ribbon County. The Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Task Force will be presented this award at the Governor’s Yellow Ribbon Summit. Susan will accept the award from Governor Tim Pawlenty during the presentation at Century College on January 5, 2010. The Summit invite will be posted on the web site.

Jim R reviewed information about Operation Minnesota Nice for troops who are not receiving much or any mail. Denise from the Zimmerman chapter will be at our next meeting with a presentation. Bob B met with Dave M, the director of District #911 Community Education and reviewed the BYR program.

Assignments for next meeting: • The brochure committee needs to define items listed on the brochure to make sure we can provide the service. • Review www.changinggaitsinc.com to discuss at our next meeting. • Place the yard signs that were brought into tonight’s meeting. All signs not taken for distribution will be available from the Veterans Services Office. At the next meeting, Susan will bring an Isanti County map to track where the signs have been placed to allow for thorough distribution. A huge thank you to everyone for all the hard work completed to allow us to become a Yellow Ribbon County! Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 21, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center.

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BYR Task Force meeting November 19th 2009 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Attendance: John T, April T, Don G, Marv E, Colleen E, Irene B, Denise B, Bob R, Jim J, Dawn S, Tammy K, Gaylen S, Curtis A, Erv S, Gail G, Monica B, Dale S, Scott F, Jim R, Susan M, Bob B, Brad R

Website Committee Report – a Friends of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon page has been added to the website. There was discussion on how businesses differentiate between Veteran and deployed service persons. The minutes of our meetings have been added to the web-site. Committee approval is required before businesses will be posted on the web-site as Friends of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

Billboard Committee Report – Reller Signs will be producing yard signs and magnetic stickers. These will be ordered in 1 ½ weeks, the approximate cost will be under $600.00. There should be 50 signs and 125 magnets here for our next meeting. These will be given out as promotion, they can be sold later. The Lamar sign is up at the intersection of 65 and 107. Franklin Sign Company will be doing a sign for us at their cost of under $700.00. We will look into doing 4 X 8 signs in the spring after the ground thaws. Cards were signed to send to Jesse’s unit of 180 members.

Red Cross Service to Military Families (SMF) was discussed. This is the organization that communicates messages between active duty members and their families. These messages usually consist of health and welfare checks, notices of illness and/or death, notices of new born baby, etc.

Brochure Committee Report – additions made to draft were displayed. Quantity and distribution locations will need to be determined. Irene will check with the AFRCC to see if the facility can be used for meeting location for the Military Support Group monthly meeting.

Support our Troops Committee – procedures for accepting and distributing donations were reviewed. We are working with county staff to determine how to handle the funds for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Using the Chamber as a pass-through entity was suggested. Names and addresses of those making donations will be taken and a receipt will be sent with a thank you note as soon as possible following receipt of donation. Gail made a motion that we approve the procedures as presented, Don seconded, motion carried. There was $272.00 in donations for the Christmas boxes in addition to chapstick, cards, beef jerky, and a collector stein to be used in a silent auction at a later date. Some businesses want to keep collection boxes up year-round for sending packages to service members. Last year 13 small boxes were sent, this year 40 large boxes were sent. The items that could not be sent were donated to local food shelves or were put in storage for the next shipment. The Scotsman will be collecting for a shipment to be sent near Valentine’s Day.

The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program will need to be promoted in the collection advertisement. Jim R reviewed the process for collecting information for active service members. The intake sheet was distributed for collecting information on service members that the task force were aware of. Our goal is to get these service members in contact with the VSO while they are active duty to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of the application process for any benefits the service member may apply for following their discharge from active duty.

Monica will design thank you cards and a certificate of appreciation for those who are supporting the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon cause.

Ministerial Association – There will be a card signing at Curtis’ house on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Cpt Lano has Sunday Bible study. The Unit is starting FRG readiness – we will need to have someone from their group to contact and work with us, also someone from the Army Engineer Society of Military Associations.

The Isanti-Chisago County Star article on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon was distributed and reviewed. Bob, Susan, and Jim were interviewed by KBEK on November 11 when they promoted the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. The planned calendar will not be able to be completed before the end of the year. We will complete this for September of 2010 and will produce a 16 month calendar through the end of 2011.

Jim R reviewed policy and procedure for the Rapid Response Team. Elections were held with no additional nominations from the floor. Our officers for the next year are: Chair – Bob, Vice Chair – Susan, Secretary – Monica, and Treasurer – Jim R. If anyone knows of a deployed service person’s family that could use some assistance over Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, please let Jim R know. Our next meeting will be Thursday, December 17, 2009, 7:00 – 8:30 at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center. Please consider coming a half an hour early to help pack boxes for “Adopt a Service Member”.

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BYR Task Force meeting October 15, 2009 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Attendance: Jim R, Erv S, Dale S, Gail G, Monica B, Curtis A, Jessica H, Jim J, Scott F, John S, Gaylen S, Tammy K, Colleen E, Joseph E, Susan M, Bob B, Irene B, Don G, Brad R

Website Committee Report – Scott showed us the website and Facebook pages. Changes requested – 1.) Add Bob’s name and phone number to the web-site, 2.) We will start posting minutes. The www.IsantiVeteran.org website is operational with the Isanti Beyond the Yellow Ribbon logo as a link to the www.beyondtheyellowribbonisanti.org web site.

Billboard Committee Report – The final proof of the sign has been approved and was displayed. Lamar has donated a sign that is located on property owned by a business just inside the county line at the intersection of 107 and Hwy 65. The 24 x 8 foot sign should be completed within a month. A second possible location is on Highway 65, we will need to build the structure to specifications from Lamar. John S can do welding. Jim J motion to spend money to build structure, Don G seconded. We will need to contact Lamar for specifications and cost. We will also check to see if there is a used sign available. Susan will contact Lamar. Task force members will bring ideas for possible locations and count of 4 x 8 signs (yet to be designed) to November meeting. Discussion on a possible different design for smaller sign to reach veterans of all ages emphasizing thank you for their service.

Brochure Committee Report – additions made to draft were displayed. All items highlighted on the brochure will be incorporated into the website. We will need to assign committees to cover each area listed in the brochure. We will check on getting magnetic signs of our logo and website produced. A motion was made by Don G and seconded by Jim J to use grant money to purchase 50 yard signs “Help and Support for Veterans and their Families”. There was discussion on making these available for purchase to be picked up in the Veterans Service Office.

Support our Troops Committee – we need to develop a letterhead. Donations have been requested for the items listed in the Adopt a Service Member page of the website. Requests have been going to churches. The Scotsman drive will be in the paper October 18. Drop off points will be at Casey’s and Lumberyard. We are still looking for names of persons to send packages to. Jessica will work on additions to list of items that service members can use. We will include thank you notes in the packages. Junior High students have made cards to send.

Action Plan Committee – the most recent changes were reviewed listing the addition of a sustainment plan and the action plan for medical and social services. Options are being researched for management of funds. We cannot have the county accept donations for us.

Budget report – Review of Grant – we have $10,132.00 which can be used for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Media/advertising, Signs/billboards, Brochures. This grant covers 2009 – 2010. We cannot expect another grant in the future due to state budget cuts. Scott was reimbursed the $5.00 start-up fee for the website.

Ministerial Association Report – there were 20 ministers at the October 6 meeting. Howard M and Curtis A are our contacts. Further congregational training is being planned. Proposed ideas to enhance services – Jim R presented his idea for a “Rapid Response Team” to involve our younger veterans in assisting veterans or military families in need. A list of services available and another list of those willing to help will need to be created. This will work similar to the First Lady’s Initiative, but only local. All task members felt this is a good plan and Jim will continue to develop. A second idea is creation of a calendar highlighting the units that use the Armed Forces Community Center. Each unit member would get 2 copies at no cost. Erv motioned to pursue the calendar with a second by Jim J. A committee was formed to produce the calendar consisting of Don, Dale, Jim R, Kathy R, Susan, and Jessica. Calendars need to be completed by our next meeting if they are to be ready for this year. Veteran’s service organizations should be willing to help sell these.

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Harbor Room will be having a benefit. If any knows of needy veterans, we have tickets available; contact Bob or Jim R. Don motioned and Gail seconded that we nominate the current executive board to continue as officers. Additional nominations will be accepted from the floor at our November meeting. Our next meeting will be Thursday, November 19, 2009, 7:00 – 8:30 at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center.

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BYR Task Force meeting September 17, 2009 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Attendance: Bob B, Jim R, Scott F, Monica B, Curtis A, Howard M, Denise B, Jesse P, Dale S, Gaylen S, John and April T

Website Committee Report - Thank you to Scott for getting our web site up at www.beyondtheyellowribbonisanti.org The cost of the site is free for the first year and then $4.99 per month. Scott also set up a Facebook page. You need to be a member of Facebook to access this page.

Billboard Committee Report - Susan found a location on hwy 65 – a private business man has offered a billboard on his property located at the intersection of 107 and 65. Lamar Sign Company from St Cloud will print and place a graphic on the 24’ x 8’ sign for free. If an advertiser wants to lease that sign at some time in the future, our sign will need to moved to another location. Need to get graphics from LeeAnn to forward to the people printing the sign. In addition to purchasing billboards, the grant money can be used to purchase multiple small signs which can be placed around the county and moved from location to location as necessary.

Resource/Brochure Committee Report – Monica needs to send Denise a copy of the action plan (e-mail) so she can add to brochure. There is money from grant available for brochures due to a billboard location being donated (see billboard committee report above) or at a much reduced price. No update from last meeting. We will add the same graphic that will be on the billboard to the brochures.

Support our Troops Committee Report – Gaylen talked to Tonya at the Scotsman. There will be an ad run October 15 for sending packages to our troops. There will be drop boxes at the Scotsman, the Bakery, and Casey’s for anyone wanting to donate. We will add an “Adopt a Soldier” tab to our web-site including Chris S’s list of items that deployed service members could use (from our last meeting). If anyone is interested in donating a box with postage, contact Bob or Jim R. Tammy has picked up a case of boxes from the post office. Checks written out for $12.00 to the USPS can be sent to the Scotsman to cover postage.

Action Plan Committee Report - Need to elect officers etc. for sustainability (we may get our action plan back because of no sustainability). Mission Statement/Purpose tells what the officers will be responsible for. For October’s meeting – Nomination of Officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Election of officers will be held in November with nominations from the floor. Bob waiting for a response from Lt Col O as to approval of the action plan, no report for tonight’s meeting. The Action Plan will go on the web site when it has been approved. When the action plan is approved, we will need a press release, etc. Jim R checked to see if the county can accept donations for us, he is expecting an answer early next week. There have been meetings concerning the possibility of pursuing a 501(c)(3) with a recommendation to proceed cautiously.

Budget – Review of Grant – we have $10,132.00 which can be used for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Media/advertising, Signs/billboards, Brochures. This grant covers 2009 – 2010. We cannot expect another grant in the future due to state budget cuts. Bob, Susan, and Jim met with representatives from Washington County Yellow Ribbon Network. Isanti and Washington counties are working collaboratively to assist each other with becoming Yellow Ribbon Counties as it’s all about the service members and their dependents, not competition.

One item discussed during the meeting was a suggestion for legislation that would allow counties to waive the cost to service members of obtaining certain documents necessary for their deployment. Many documents are already available to veterans free of charge if required to obtain veterans benefits. Current legislation could be amended to include deploying service members as also eligible for obtaining certain documents without charge. Col Eric H has requested a list from Bob of items going to legislature. Jim and Bob will review and forward. Another suggestion from Washington County for deployed soldier’s families was to request law enforcement to randomly drive by their house (similar to vacation checks currently being done).

Information on a workshop working with veterans & soldiers with substance abuse problems was passed around. Pastor Howard M is interested and will contact them for registration.

Ministerial Association Report - Bill B scheduled congregational training for Tuesday October 6, 2009. First Baptist Church Cambridge noon – 1:30 Karen S will be presenting. Lunch provided. Youth Programs – Bruce N is working on Yellow ribbon schools – grant to pay for staff development. Gail M is working with Bruce to contact other schools. Isanti Primary School has completed training. Bob will work with school staff meetings to explain the program. Pastor Howard M is working with Intervention services. Dale S. has offered certain services to service members and their families. It was suggested that these services could be posted on our website. Dale will make a list and send to Scott to put on web site Additional tasks from last meeting -

Bob checked on scholarships for Deer Hunter’s Camp - no report yet. Jim D has information on military court jurisdiction vs. state court jurisdiction. Jim R. reported on behalf of Jim D. pertaining to the question of whether the civil courts and military courts in certain states have agreed to either share jurisdiction on some offenses or the civil courts have acquiesced to allow military courts to have exclusive jurisdiction over otherwise civil matters. Jim D. found that MN Stat. Sec. 192A.02 addresses the issue of primary and concurrent jurisdiction between the military and civilian authorities in MN. Generally speaking, other states have the same or similar provisions in their state codes. However, states that have large federal military installations tend to be a little different in that the military may retain jurisdiction over any crime committed on a federal military installation. Jim R – Service members to voluntarily register with the CVSO – Service members can go on web site – contact Jim if they would like to be on the email list so we can send them a newsletter or our minutes, send them a business card with e-mail address, web site, etc.

Jim R also reported that the County Veterans Service Office website is now set up and can be found at www.IsantiVeteran.org. Tasks for next meeting – check on magnetic sign of our logo etc. to put on our vehicles – Denise will check with Minnesota Sign to see if they can make the magnetic signs and determine their cost. Date and Time of our next meeting - Thursday, October 15, 2009, 7:00 – 8:30 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Task Force meeting August 20, 2009

Attendance: Bob B, Jim J, Denise B, Ervin S, Tammy K, Jim D, Dale S, John & April T, Bruce C, Gaylen, Dawn & Christopher S, Monica B, Susan M, Charlie A, Scott F, Jim R

Review of Isanti County fair booth. A contact was Kathy – owner of Culver’s of Forest Lake has a float they use in 4th of July parade where “our smallest heroes” ride. The float will be available to use at the Isanti Rodeo parade; we will just have to come up with our own banner. The county was exposed to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon; people got to see who we are.

Chris S is currently home on leave from Iraq. He presented a list of items that soldiers could use for those wanting to send packages to troops.

Tasker # 1 – Bob B – check on scholarships for children of military to attend Deer Hunter’s Camp.

The Action Plan Committee met and finalized the Action Plan. This was submitted to LTC O and 2nd Lt Jim N on August 13th. This will be sent to all members when it is approved.

Commitment from Bob B and Dave T (Family life support) to attend the Isanti County Ministerial Association October 6, church location still to be named. Review of the Action Plan: Add – Legal advise, legal services, probation services; Additions to High Demand Services – heating/air conditioning, add marriage retreat, family counseling, single service member retreats, communication skills outside of the religious area.

Tasker # 2 – Jim D – It was mentioned that 29 states have a special agreement on handling courts (military court jurisdiction vs state court jurisdiction). Jim D will check with Jim Cleary of the Minnesota legislature this issue. Minnesota Military Family Foundation has dollars available to families in need. Bob is working with Bruce N and will review K-12 Action Plan for revisions. Point of Contact for children of deployed soldiers is Gail M. Our regular meeting schedule is the third Thursday of each month 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center. Thank you to Lee Ann R for the wonderful job creating our logo.

Discussion of possible job fair – it is a tough job market out there now, not something that would be valuable at this point.

Review of the Brochure – keep the services within our own county group. There was discussion on available money for mailing packages to our troops. It was also mentioned that the post office has flat rate boxes available free of charge. Anything that can fit into a flat rate box (up to a maximum weight) is shipped for a flat rate depending on the size of the box.

Tasker # 3 – Tammy, Gaylen, Dawn – check with Tonya at the Scotsman regarding packages to troops for Thanksgiving. Chris S will work on providing soldier addresses to his parents who will bring the list to our next meeting. Attached is a list of items that service members would appreciate receiving. Web site update – Bob has been working with Ron K on a rough draft of our web site. With advertising, there is no fee, if no advertising the cost is $4.95 per month. There is also an e-mail address which Ron is answering. Whoever takes over the email address will responsible to keep up with it. It was recommended we need to include my-space and facebook connections with the website.

Tasker # 4 – Scott, Jessie, Monica need to be involved and connected to Ron with the web-site. Scott recommended we buy the domain name BeyondTheYellowRibbonIsanti.org – the cost is $3.99 per month. A suggested billboard was displayed and reviewed.

Tasker # 5 – Jim & Susan – check on possibility of multiple smaller signs, is it OK to use grant money for? Tasker # 6 – Jim R – Voluntary Deployment Registry with Veterans Service Office.

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July 14, 2009 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon meeting held in the upstairs training room at the Isanti County Government Center.

Attendance: Bob B, Chad M, Charlie A, Curtis A, Dale S, Denise B, Don G, Gail G, Gaylen & Dawn S, Jesse P, Jim D, Jim R, John S, John T, Larry & Donna N, Monica B, Paul Z, Scott F, Tammy K. Special Guest: Josh K, MN National Guard Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped at the Armed Forces Reserve Community Center open house on Saturday, July 11, 2009. The County Fair booth signup sheet was sent around for anyone interested in helping. Schedule will be provided to volunteers prior to fair. Josh K is our new point of contact for the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. He was here for a presentation on the program and showed the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon DVD. This same DVD will be available at our booth at the County Fair. Josh reviewed the brochures that will be available at our booth. The Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon web site (www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org) was brought up and reviewed. The First Lady’s Initiative was accessed to show that the Isanti Lions have posted here with help available for mowing lawns as well as many other services for military families needing assistance. The Power Point presentation to the County Board will be reviewed at our next meeting. Bob has contacted Dave T and the local Ministerial Association; there will be an October 6, 2009 presentation with congregational training.

Web Site Committee report – Jesse has spoken to a family member who has designed web-sites. This person is willing to meet with our group to show us samples of what he has completed. He will need $10 per link included in the site. Scott has information on a host for the site with a six month fee of $25.00. Jeff S (not present at this meeting) has indicated that he would like to be on the web-site committee. The new website will need to tie into Facebook. A potential name for this web site will need to have “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” and “Isanti” included (possibly “www.btyr_isanti.org).

Bill board Committee report – still looking for a location. We would like two billboards, one on Highway 65, and one on Highway 95. The proposed size of the billboard is 12’ X 24’. The amount of our budget is $10,317.10; this should be enough to cover the cost of the construction of the billboards.

Resource/Brochure Committee report – samples have been brought in that can be modified to meet our needs. We will need to include the VetLink information on all brochures as well as the billboard and the website. Job Fair – it is tough to get employers to participate. Perhaps we can get something going in the spring.

New committee formed tonight to send packages to troops. Members on this committee are: Tammy K, Irene B, Don G, and Galen & Dawn S. The paperwork needs to be completed for Isanti County to become a Yellow Ribbon County. Jim, Bob, Don, Jesse, and Tammy will get together to finish this and submit the information. We also need to become a 501(c)(3) which may take 6 months to a year to complete once the application is sent in. Pastor Howard M is interested in becoming a member of our core group. Next meeting will be August 13, 2009 from 7:00 – 8:30 in the 2nd floor training room of the Isanti County Government Center. We will continue to meet the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 – 8:30. Due to the availability of room, the location will change.

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BYR Task Force meeting June 18, 2009 Isanti County Board Room
I want to thank each and every one of you for attending the meeting this evening. I believe a lot was accomplished and we are off to a good start. I just want to recap what was covered at this meeting.

A. The staffing of two events

1. July 11th dedication of the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center volunteers:

2. County Fair booth volunteers:

B. Three Committees were formed
1. Website/Email/Electronics Committee

2. Billboard/Posters Committee

3. Brochures/Resource Manual Committee

C. Time and place for the next Core Group meeting set: 7/14 (7-8:30 pm) Upstairs Training room at Government Center

Please review the following proposed Goal, Purpose, and Mission Statement and provide suggestions for improvement as we will finalize them at the next meeting (7/14):

Goal: establish an Isanti County-wide Deployment Cycle Support program that provides information, services, referral, and proactive outreach opportunities for Service Members and Families throughout the entire deployment cycle, pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment.

Purpose: inform and solicit all available resource providers to support all past and present service members and their families.

Mission: support and inform Isanti County service members and their families throughout the entire deployment cycle of the resources and services available to them.

The agenda for the next meeting will be sent out on June 30th along with the power point presentation Bob Boone presented to the Isanti County Board of Commissioners.

Again, thank you for attending this evening and your continued interest.

Respectfully,

Jim R

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AGENDAS IN PDF

2014

January 2014 Agenda

February 2014

March 2014 Agenda

April 2014 Agenda

May 2014 Agenda

June 2014 Agenda

July 2014 Agenda

August 2014 Agenda

2013

January 2013 Agenda

February 2013 Agenda

March 2013 Agenda

April 2013 Agenda

May 2013 Agenda

June 2013 Agenda

July 2013 Agenda

August 2013 Agenda

September 2013 Agenda

October 2013 Agenda

2012

January 2012 Agenda 

February 2012 Agenda

March 2012 Agenda

April 2012 Agenda

May 2012 Agenda

June 2012 Agenda

July no meeting

August 2012 Agenda

September 2012 Agenda

October 2012 Agenda

November 2012 Agenda

December 2012 Agenda

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2011

September Agenda in PDF

August Agenda in PDF

July Agenda in PDF

June Agenda in PDF

May Agenda in PDF

BYR Task Force Agenda
April 21, 2011
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Pledge of Allegiance
Special Guests:
Minutes from March 17, 2011 meeting
Treasurer’s report
Committee Reports
1. Website Committee Report – Scott
a. Facebook page - Amber
2. Billboard Committee Report – Gaylen
3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise
4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Isanti Family Support Group
5. Community Resource Coordinator – Jessica H
6. Congregational Committee Report – Susan
7. Fund Raising Committee Report – Gail G
8. Quilts for Troops – Bob F
9. School Liaison – Candi L
10. Law Enforcement Liaison – Ron S
Old Business
1. Contact town boards to request placing of BYR sign at each town hall.
New Business
1. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B
a. Cambridge Collision
2. Camp Ripley – 1/34 BCT deployment brief for BYR leadership - May 20, 2011
3. Renegade Run – June 18, 2011
4. Volunteer to coordinate Friends of BYR
5. Volunteer for Parade Coordinator as Jessica will be out of town
6. Future breakfast for Army Reserve Chemical Company
7. Concert with Anna Johnson band
8. Hot dog stand at WalMart
9. Discounts for veterans website
http://www.bradsdeals.com/blog/2010/09/22/160-stores-with-military-discounts/
10. Armed Forces Day at Princeton Speedway May 20, Ogilvie Speedway May 21
11. Next Meeting - Thursday, May 19, 2011, 7:00 – 8:30 at the AFRCC
Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda
March 17, 2011
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Pledge of Allegiance
Special Guests:
Paul Allen
CCM (Ret) Steve Campos, Washington County BYR Chairman.
Minutes from February 17, 2011 meeting
Treasurer’s report
Committee Reports
1. Website Committee Report – Scott
a. Facebook page - Amber
2. Billboard Committee Report – Gaylen
3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise
4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Isanti Family Support Group
5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan
6. Fund Raising Committee Report – Gail G
7. Quilts for Troops – Bob F
8. School Liaison – Candi L
9. Law Enforcement Liaison – Ron S
Old Business
1. Distribution of personal information will be emailed out to those who responded.
2. Contact town boards to request placing of BYR sign at each town hall.
3. BYR Grief Response
4. Recognition for Friends and major donors
New Business
1. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B
a. Cambridge Cleaner’s
2. Meeting with Lt Seth Goreham, Yellow Ribbon Outreach Coordinator
3. Next Meeting - Thursday, April 21, 2011, 7:00 – 8:30 at the AFRCC
Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda February 17, 2011
7:00 – 8:30 PM Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Pledge of Allegiance Minutes from January 20, 2011 meeting Treasurer’s report Committee Reports 1. Website Committee Report – Scott a. Facebook page - Amber 2. Billboard Committee Report – Gaylen 3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise 4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Isanti Family Support Group 5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan a. Breakfast with the Troops report 6. Fund Raising Committee Report – Gail G 7. Quilts for Troops – Bob F 8. School Liaison – Candi L 9. Law Enforcement Liaison – Ron S Old Business 1. Select Community Service Resource Coordinator 2. Stamps for the Wounded 3. Release of personalinformation form needs to be turned in to Monica 4. Contact town board meetings to request placing of 4x8 signs at town halls 5. Volunteer needed for the annual Arctic Plunge to be held in March at Captains on Long Lake New Business 1. Recognition for Friends and major donors 2. BYR Grief Response 3. Approval of Action Plan Update – emailed with January minutes for Task Force review prior to this meeting 4. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B

a. Snap Fitness b. Scottie and Son’s Auto Center5. Next Meeting - Thursday, March 17, 2011, 7:00 – 8:30 at the AFRCC Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda January 20, 2011
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center Pledge of Allegiance Minutes from December 16, 2010 meeting Treasurer’s report Committee Reports 1. Website Committee Report – Scott a. Facebook page - Amber 2. Billboard Committee Report – Gaylen 3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise 4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Isanti Family Support Group 5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan 6. Fund Raising Committee Report – Gail G 7. Quilts for Troops – Bob F 8. School Liaison – Candi L 9. Law Enforcement Liaison – Ron S Old Business 1. Breakfast with soldiers and community at the AFRCC on Saturday, Feb 12, 2011 at 7:30 am – Susan M a. Need to order small decals for presentation to soldiers b. Items to be put in envelopes 2. Select Community Service Resource Coordinator 3. Resource Library at VSO for veterans working on issues New Business 1. Recognition for Friends and major donors.
2. The patch and the coin. 3. BYR Grief Response. 4. Stamps for the Wounded. 5. Minnesota Military Family Foundation (MMFF). 6. Approval of Action Plan Update a. Committee Chair descriptions b. Executive Board job descriptions 7. Review www.redshirtfridays.org. 8. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B 9. Release of personal information form needs to be turned in 10. Attend annual town board meetings to request placing of4x8 signs at town halls 11. Volunteer needed for the annual Artic Plunge to be held in March at Captains on Long Lake 12. Next Meeting - Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:00 – 8:30 at the AFRCC Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda December 16, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center Pledge of Allegiance

Welcome Guests - Star 95 Presentation

Minutes from November 18, 2010 meeting

Treasurer’s report Committee Reports

1. Website Committee Report – Scott

2. Billboard Committee Report – Gaylen

3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise

4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Isanti Family Support Group

5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan

6. Fund Raising Committee Report – Gail G

7. Quilts for Troops – Bob F

8. School Liaison – Candi L

Old Business

1. Purchase of more product – Bob B

2. Breakfast with soldiers and community at the AFRCC on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 8:00 am. a. Update from Lance B (committee chair) b. Committee members Lance B, Susan M, Denise B, Curtis A, Jim R

3.Community Service Project - Establish Community Service Coordinator a. 4H – Joan L b. Scout Pack – Jean P and Machelle L c. CIHS Civics Class – Shane W d. Church Youth Groups

4. Report on the Cambridge Snowflake Parade Jessica H

5. Law Enforcement Training - Ron S

6. Resource Library at VSO for veterans working on issues

7. Isanti County News Support Our Troops Package Drive with the Scotsman - Gaylen

8. Need to approve payment for design of logo, billboards, signs, coin, and patch – Bob B New Business

1. Appointing Committee Chair persons

2. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B

3. Release of personal information form needs to be turned in

4. Approval of dragonfly purchase

5. Next Meeting - Thursday, January 20, 2011, 7:00 – 8:30 at the AFRCC

Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda November 18, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes from October 21, 2010 meeting
Treasurer’s report
Committee Reports
1. Website Committee Report – Scott
2. Billboard Committee Report – Gaylen
3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise
4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Isanti Family Support Group to fill position
5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan
6. Fund Raising/Finance Committee Report – Gail G
7. Quilts for Troops – December 11, 9:00 – 5:00 at Cambridge City Hall – Bob F
Old Business
1. Purchase of more magnets, decals, lawn signs, road signs and brochures – Bob B
2. Breakfast with soldiers and community at the AFRCC on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 8:00 am.
a. Need a Chair to head this up
3. Community Service Project
a. 4H – Joan L
b. Scout Pack – Jean P and Machelle L
c. CIHS Civics Class – Shane W
d. Church Youth Groups
4. Task Force Participation in the Cambridge Snowflake Parade
5. Discuss possibility of embroidered patch for BYR
6. Law Enforcement Training - Ron S
7. Resource Library at VSO for veterans working on issues
8. School Liaison – Candi L
New Business
1. Election of officers
2. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B
3. Still Standing – Representative Elect John Kriesel book signing and speaking December 13th from 6 – 8 pm at Forest Lake High School auditorium
4. Isanti County News Support Our Troops Package Drive
5. Establish Community Service Coordinator
6. Fundraising Chair Position Description
7. Next Meeting - Thursday, December 16, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 at the AFRCC
Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda October 21, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Pledge of Allegiance Minutes from September 16, 2010 meeting

Treasurer’s report – Jim R Committee Reports

1. Website Committee Report – Scott

2. Billboard Committee Report – Gaylen

3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise

4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Isanti Family Support Group to fill position

5. Congregational Committee Report held on Oct 2nd – Curt

6. Fund Raising/Finance Committee Report – Gail G

Old Business 1. Lynn True from Isanti Farmers Market –Oct 23 – we need volunteers

2. Purchase of more magnets, decals, lawn signs, road signs and brochures – Bob B

3. Quilts For Troops Project – October 27th organizational meeting 7 pm Long Lake

Lutheran

4. Add to Events on website Veterans organizations activities. a. East Central Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 684 Veterans Appreciation banquet

New Business 1. Nomination of officers

2. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B a. ARCC Small Business Program

3. Breakfast with soldiers and community at the AFRCC on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 8:00 am.

4. Law Enforcement Training October 28th 3:30 – 5:30 pm AFRCC- Ron S

5. School Liaison – Candi L

6. Flyer on Veterans Appreciation dinner with the Harley Davidson club out of Zimmerman.

7. Resource Library at VSO for veterans working on issues

8. Community Service Project For 4H – Joan L

9. Isanti County News Support Our Troops Package Drive

10. Operation Community Connect at Cambridge Lutheran Church on Oct 21st

11. Task Force Participation in the Cambridge Snowflake Parade

12. Community Service Project For Scout pack – Jean P and Machelle L

13. Discuss possibility of embroidered patch for BYR

14. Next Meeting - Thursday, November 18, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 at the AFRCC Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda September 16, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Pledge of Allegiance Minutes from August 19, 2010 meeting Treasurer’s report – Jim R Committee Reports

1. Website Committee Report – Scott

2. Billboard Committee Report – Susan

3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise

4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Open position

5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan a. Our Congregational Committee meets the 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Board Room of the Government Center – date for congregational training will be October 2, 2010 North Isanti Baptist Church, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

6. Fund Raising/Finance Committee Report – Gail G

Old Business

1. Welcome Home Party August 22 at Bluebird Park in Isanti – Jim R

2. Ruffed Grouse Society at Cambridge American Legion – August 26 at 5:30 pm – Susan M

3. Lynn True from Isanti Farmers Market –Oct 23 – we need volunteers

4. Motorcycle Run fundraiser out of Captain’s on Long Lake – Sept 5, 2010 – Gail G

5. Mentoring Brown County / Pine City – Brown County will become a Yellow Ribbon County at the Governors Yellow Ribbon Summit on 22 September at Farmington. Members encouraged to attend.

6. Purchase of more magnets, decals, lawn signs, road signs and brochures – Bob B

New Business

1. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B a. No new applications to review b. Add local Veterans organizations i. Veterans organizations having websites should link to Isanti County BYR

2. Breakfast with soldiers and community at the AFRCC on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 8:00 am. 3. Add to Events on website Veterans organizations activities. a. East Central Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 684 Veterans Appreciation banquet

4. Discuss possibility of embroidered patch for BYR

5. Next Meeting - Thursday, October 21, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 at the AFRCC

Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda August 19, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Pledge of Allegiance Minutes from July 15, 2010 meeting Treasurer’s report – Jim R Committee Reports

1. Website Committee Report – Scott

2. Billboard Committee Report – Susan

3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise

4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Open position

5. Congregational Committee Report – Bob F a. Our Congregational Committee meets the 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Board Room of the Government Center – date for congregational training will be October 2, 2010 (Time/Place to be determined).

Old Business 1. Frames for 4’ x 8’ signs – Gaylen S

2. Discuss County Fair Booth participation – July 21 – 25, 2010 – Jim R

3. July 17 “Run to the Castle” 850th Horizontal Engineer Company – Bob B

4. Purchase of more magnets, decals, lawn signs, road signs and brochures – Bob B

New Business 1. Memory Walk participation August 20, 2010

2. Welcome Home Party August 22 at Bluebird Park in Isanti

3. Ruffed Grouse Society at Cambridge American Legion – August 26 at 5:30 pm

4. Lynn True from Isanti Farmers Market – Sept 4 or Oct 23 – we need to choose a date, either or both.

5. Motorcycle Run fundraiser out of Captain’s on Long Lake – Sept 5 (add to website calendar)

6. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B i. Friends applications received - Gorilla Computer Support, LLC (Half-price for computer optimization - includes tune-up, check security, install trial data backup)

7. October – possible breakfast with soldiers and community

8. Mentoring Brown County / Pine City

9. Isanti Police Chief Ron Sager is joining BYR

10. Fundraising Chair/Finance Committee – Bob B

11. Packages for the troops committee – Bob B

12. Next Meeting - Thursday, September 16, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 at the AFRCC Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda July 15, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Pledge of Allegiance Minutes from June, 2010 meeting Treasurer’s report – Jim R Committee Reports

1. Website Committee Report – Scott

2. Billboard Committee Report – Susan

3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise

4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Open position

5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan a. Our Congregational Committee meets the 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Board Room of the Government Center – date for congregational training.

Old Business 1. Isanti Farmers Market – July 3rd/July 10th/August 7th - Susan M

2. Frames for 4’ x 8’ signs – Gaylen S

3. Discuss County Fair Booth participation – July 21 – 25, 2010

4. Isanti Rodeo Days Parade – Jessica H

5. Veterans Appreciation opening day of Isanti County Fair – MG Shellito Opening Remarks - Jim R

6. T-shirts/polo shirts – Danielle J

7. Purchase of more magnets, decals, lawn signs, road signs and brochures – Bob B

8. Memory Walk participation August 20, 2010

9. Patriot Ride report – Susan M

New Business

1. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob B a. Friends applications received: i. Curves Fitness Center – 3 month full membership $99.00 plus tax. Available to all veterans, families of deployed, active duty, guard/reserve. ii. Bullseye Shooting Range – Discounts on Firearms and Accessories and Discounted Range Passes. Available to all veterans, families of deployed, active duty, guard/reserve.

2. July 17 “Run to the Castle” 850th Horizontal Engineer Company – possible booth and participation

3. October – possible breakfast with soldiers and community

4. Mentoring Brown County / Pine City

5. Decals and Magnets are now on the majority of every Emergency Vehicle in Isanti County and the cities of Braham, Cambridge, and Isanti.

6. Next Meeting - Thursday, August 19, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda June 17, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Pledge of Allegiance Minutes from May meeting Treasurer’s report – Jim R Committee Reports
1. Website Committee Report – Scott

2. Billboard Committee Report – Susan

3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise

4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Tammy

5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan a. Our Congregational Committee meets the 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Board Room of the Government Center

Old Business

1. Frames for 4’ x 8’ signs – Susan M (Generosity of Lowes - $500 grant and rest at cost) (10% discount with ID)

2. Discuss County Fair Booth participation – July 21 – 25, 2010 – Jim R

3. Isanti Rodeo Days Parade – Jessica H

4. Veterans Appreciation opening day of Isanti County Fair – Jim R

5. BYR Presentation to Isanti City Council on June 15th - Susan M

6. T-shirts/polo shirts – how many to order, what color(s) to order? – Danielle J

7. Conference cloth table skirt for the County Fair and other events – Gail Genin

New Business 1. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Susan M a. Friends applications received: i. Rush Point Realty LLC – Free private consultations on real estate maters of buying and selling and what your options are in these cases. Available to all veterans. ii. Mike’s Small Engines – Lawn and garden equipment, saws, trimmers, mowers, riders and ATV services at no charge. Cost only on parts. Available to all veterans, families of deployed, active duty, guard/reserve. iii. Cambridge DQ – 30% Discount on all purchases with ID card for Active Duty or Guard/Reserve. iv. Isanti Lions – chop wood, clean gutters, handyman (minor home repairs), help with farm chores, help with household chores, mow lawns, paint or repair a fence, purchase and deliver groceries, rake leaves, shovel/plow sidewalks or driveways, stain decks, trim hedges, wash cars, wash windows and weed gardens. Available to all veterans, families of deployed, active duty, guard/reserve.

2. July 17 “Run to the Castle” 850th Horizontal Engineer Company – possible booth and participation

3. Purchase of more magnets, decals, lawn signs, road signs and brochures – Susan M

4. Next Meeting - Thursday, July 15, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda May 20, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Pledge of Allegiance

Minutes from April meeting

Treasurer’s report – Jim R Committee Reports

1. Website Committee Report – Scott

2. Billboard Committee Report – Susan

3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise

4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Tammy

5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan a. Our Congregational Committee meets the 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Board Room of the Government Center Old Business 1. Frames for 4’ x 8’ signs - Susan 2. Isanti Chamber of Commerce Fund Raiser - Susan 3. Isanti Chamber meeting - Susan 4. Discuss County Fair Booth participation – July 21 – 25, 2010 – Jim R 5. Isanti Rodeo Days Parade – Jessica

6. Ogilvie Speedway report – Tim S

7. Veterans Appreciation opening day of Isanti County Fair – Jim R New Business
1. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob a. Friends applications received i. Chilson Jewelers – 20 percent off in-store purchases for all veterans, families of deployed, active duty , and Guard/Reserve ii. Brian Satterlee Music Instruction – 10 percent discount on private or group music instruction and music therapy services to families of deployed service members and active duty members
2. Returning guard length of time on job for home loan (e-mail from Joan Rusco)
3. July 17 “Run to the Castle” 850th Horizontal Engineer Company – possible booth and participation
4. T-shirts/polo shirts – how many to order, what color(s) to order?
5. Conference cloth table skirt for the County Fair and other events
6. completing health care directives for service men and women who are being deployed - Denise Next Meeting - Thursday, June 17, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda April 15, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes from March meeting
Treasurer’s report – Jim R
Committee Reports
1. Website Committee Report – Scott
2. Billboard Committee Report – Susan
a. Frames for 4’ x 8’ signs
b. Additional sign locations
3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise
4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Tammy
a. Donations from Arctic Plunge
5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan
a. Our Congregational Committee meets the 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Board Room of the Government Center
Old Business
1. Discuss County Fair Booth participation – July 21 – 25, 2010
2. Isanti Rodeo Days Parade – July 8, 2010
3. Ogilvie Speedway update – Tim S
4. Project New Hope update – sponsored by Cambridge Lions – Jim R
New Business
1. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob
a. Friends applications received
i. T M Johnson Bros, Inc. – 10% discount to all veterans on service work, 5% discount on new system. Emergency help to families of deployed personnel (case by case basis)
ii. Landmark Bank – SBA Patriot Loans and all business/personal banking needs for all veterans, families of deployed, active duty , and Guard/Reserve
iii. Cambridge Floral – Ten percent off in-store purchases for all veterans, families of deployed, active duty , and Guard/Reserve

2. We need to have storage for 25 4x8 signs – will be picked up Tuesday 4/13/2010.
3. Isanti Chamber Fund Raiser.
4. Isanti Chamber meeting will be April 21, at 11:30 at Spectacular Events.
5. Veterans Appreciation opening day of Isanti County Fair – Jim R
Next Meeting - Thursday, May 20, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda March 18, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center

Pledge of Allegiance
Presentation from Nirvana Education & Counseling – Judy Wilkening
Minutes from February meeting
Treasurer’s report – Jim R
Committee Reports
1. Website Committee Report – Scott
2. Billboard Committee Report – Susan
3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise
4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Tammy
a. Donations from Arctic Plunge
5. Congregational Committee Report – Susan
a. Our Congregational Committee meets the 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Board Room of the Government Center
Old Business
1. Arctic Plunge – video
2. Order more product
a. 200 large magnets
b. 50 small magnets
c. 100 large decals
d. 50 small decals
e. 200 – 18”x24” signs
f. 25 - 4’x8’ signs
3.
New Business
1. BRY Presentation to Isanti Chamber of Commerce
2. ESGR Presentation - Certificate of Appreciation for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Task Force
3. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob
a. Friends applications received
i. Leandor Limited – 15% discount for personal tax services for all veterans, families of deployed, active duty , and Guard/Reserve
ii. Isanti County Master Gardener – Educational assistance (horticulture) and recommendations for all veterans, families of deployed, active duty , and Guard/Reserve
iii. Central Insurance Agency – Free financial and budget counseling for families of active and deployed personnel
b. Contacts received by Jim
i. Bachmans
ii. Project New Hope
iii. Ogilvie Speedway
4. Discuss County Fair Booth participation – July 21 – 25, 2010
5. Isanti Rodeo Days Parade – July 8, 2010
6. Present a request for assistance form
Next Meeting - Thursday, April 15, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Adjourn

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BYR Task Force Agenda February 18, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 PM Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center
Pledge of Allegiance
Presentation from Landmark Bank – Connie Nelson and Jessica Harris
Minutes from January meeting
Treasurer’s report – Jim R
Committee Reports
1. Website Committee Report – Scott
2. Billboard Committee Report – Susan a. Locations and number of 4’ x 8’ signs
b. Status of magnets/decals /signs

3. Resource/Brochure Committee Report - Denise
4. Support our Troops Committee Report – Tammy a. Status of working with Minnesota Nice

Old Business
1. KBEK advertising - Jim
2. Discuss adding Disabled Veterans Rest Camp to ‘Friends of BYR’
3. Discuss Rotary presentation - Susan

New Business
1. Discuss new application form for ‘Friends of BYR’ and adding to website
2. Discuss forming a new committee for Congregational Training – Susan
3. Review new and current members of Friends of BYR – Bob a. Introduce Leander Limited Accounting and Tax Service
b. Introduce Cambridge Floral
c. Discuss application with Central Insurance Agency (CIA)
d. Discuss application with TM Johnson Brothers Plumbing and Heating
e. Discuss application with Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Isanti Co Chapter
f. Discuss application with Landmark Community Bank
g. Discuss application with Community Pride Bank
h. Discuss application with Dr. Monte, NAPA and Scottie and Son’s

Executive Board Meeting Minutes

Executive Minutes April 2014

Executive Minutes February 2014

Executive Minutes March 2014

Executive Minutes October 2013

Executive Minutes August 2013

Executive Minutes July 2013

Executive Minutes June 2013

Executive Minutes April 2013

Executive Minutes Feb 2013

Executive Minutes November 2012

Executive Minutes April 2011 in PDF

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