AVMS Meeting Minutes May 11, 2026

Christopher DiBiaseMeeting Minutes, News & Events

AVMS Meeting Minutes May 11, 2026

Call to Order: Bob Turner, President, called the meeting to order at 6:30.

Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation: led by Kelly Naughton.

Guest Speakers: Walter Finkelstein spoke of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and what the auxiliary is about and the hope to form a Lakewood Ranch Flotilla with membership needs.

Deb Lemmons spoke about Del Webb’s Team Memory Keepers, the purple ribbon campaign, June 2nd speaker and the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Officer Reports

Treasurer’s Report – Steve Milbrod:

There was a beginning balance of $15,510.03 and we ended the month with $19,416.56.

Deposits of $4,245 in gross revenue are as follows:

  • $740.00 Dues collection
  • $2,125.00 Music Bingo Proceeds
  • $180.00 50/50 raffle proceeds
  • $1,000.00 Corporate Sponsor – Pulte
  • $200.00 Friends of AVMS

On the expense side there was a total of $338.47:

  • $277.22 Expenses associated with Music Bingo fundraiser
  • $61.25 To register AVMS with SunBiz for the State of Florida

Secretary’s Report – Gail Boyle:

April meeting minutes were approved by the Board and are available on the AVMS website. Gail thanked Tom for stepping in for her during her absence.

Gail thanked Mary Lartz who was this month’s sponsor and asked for other members to sign the upcoming monthly meetings sponsorship list, located on the table where the snacks are located.

Attendance – 31 members, 6 guests

Other Business

Bob Turner –

  • Bob discussed Elisa Massaro, the 2026 AVMS Scholarship Recipient and his presentation to her last week,
  • Bob spoke about the upcoming Steel Across America to be held at the Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota on May 19th at 5:00. The event has an I Beam from the World Trade Center,
  • Bob asked Mary Northrup to provide an update on the membership work she has been doing with a growth of 4 new members and 7 renewals,
  • Bob announced Mary Northrup as our Member of the Quarter and spoke of her many contributions to AVMS,
  • Memorial Day May 25, 2026:
    • Flags will be posted along Del Webb on the Friday before and taken down on the Tuesday after with about 8 volunteers needed to place and remove the flags.
    • At 9:30am a flagpole ceremony will be held in honor of all who passed.
    • At 3:00 AVMS will join Taps Across America gathering at the fireplace.
  • July 4th will be the 250th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence:
    • AVMS will line our community with flags from front gate to the back gate. Flags in will be placed around the community.
    • AVMS will hold a Golf Cart Parade with the time TBD.
    • AMVS will assist at the Del Webb Pool Party.
  • Planning for the AVMS calendar was mentioned to include an Army/Navy tailgate party with tailgate food inside the Oasis with TV screens and a possible joint theatre night with the Del Webb Players.

The Vice-President’s Corner – Gerry Northrup

Other Business

Bob asked if there were any questions or suggestions from members or anything to mention:

  • Kent Goodger spoke about Misson Barbecue’s participation in military week offering free sandwiches each day to various branches of the military.
  • John Bastiani spoke about the golf tournament he attended organized by Phil Orapallo which raised $35,000 for Operation Warrior Resolution.
  • Mary Northrup announced Rick Davis’s move and the loss for the community. Herman spoke about Rick’s impact on AVMS.
  • Maryanne Lartz said the next Making A Difference coffeehouse will provide free coffee to all veterans.

50/50 – Ellen

The 50/50 was drawn at the end of the meeting. A total of $99 was collected and $49.50paid out.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Respectfully submitted, Gail Boyle – Secretary