Saratoga Battle Chapter President Edward Munger Jr. conducted a ”first reading” during the Annual Meeting February 22 for a resolution aimed at getting the chapter’s semi-annual meeting out of the Month of February.

The resolution would change the Annual Meeting date – when the election of officers is held, marking a point in the two-year officer term – to a meeting to be held in the Autumn. The second meeting would be held in the Spring. The date of each meeting would be set during each prior meeting.

There isn‘t much need to discuss the reason. February is the worst month possible to hold a meeting that requires people to drive somewhere. We all love General George Washington, who we‘ve named the Annual Meeting after. As long as we continue to honor the memory of our ancestors who followed Washington into battle, we‘ll continue to do them all justice.

I expect we‘ll hold a vote on this resolution at the meeting coming up in September. Meanwhile, anyone with thoughts is welcome to send me an email or give me a call. Thanks very much – Edward Munger Jr.

Here‘s the resolution‘s text:

Resolution to Amend the Constitution and Bylaws Regarding Meeting Dates

Saratoga Battle Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution

WHEREAS, the current Constitution and Bylaws of the Saratoga Battle Chapter require the Annual Meeting to be held on or near Washington‘s Birthday in February; and

WHEREAS, inclement winter weather consistently poses a significant safety risk to members traveling to said meeting; and

WHEREAS, the Chapter seeks to ensure maximum participation and the safety of its compatriots by meeting during more temperate seasons; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that Article VII MEETINGS of the Chapter Constitution and Section III MEETINGS/or BY-LAWS be amended by striking the existing language regarding the February meeting date and inserting the following:

"The Chapter shall hold at least two regular meetings annually: the Annual Meeting, to be held in the Autumn, and a second regular meeting to be held in the Spring. The specific dates and locations for these meetings shall be determined by a vote of the membership at the meeting immediately preceding them."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following Proviso shall be adopted to facilitate this transition:

PROVISO: All officers currently serving, as well as those elected at the current meeting, shall have their terms of office extended until the first Annual Meeting held in the Autumn following the adoption of this amendment, to ensure the continuity of Chapter leadership and the secure management of Chapter records and assets.

Motion made by: ________________________

Link to: Resolution to Amend the Constitution and Bylaws Regarding Meeting Dates - First Reading