14th MP FRG minutes 8/23/2011 Called to order by Cpt Craig @ 1826 Mrs. Stearns, current FRG leader was unable to attend. Currently have approx $900 in the FRG funds for use. Also have approx $656 and $689 to use towards Christmas party from FY12 funds, making total available for Christmas party and other spending just over $2000. Nominations are being accepted for new FRG leader. Mrs. Stearns will be leaving soon and we need to get a new leader in and trained ASAP. Email/call Cpt Craig with nominations. Home visits for new soldiers were successful and need to be continued. Welcome packets need to be taken to all new families and contact made, there are approx 6 new families that need to be visited in the next month or so. CG wants each new family to be reached out to and made to feel welcome. New baby gift baskets and visits also need to be continued. 3 new babies last month were taken gift baskets with essential baby items. It was suggested to make embroidered or silk screened onezies with MP emblem on them to make a more personal item. These can be found at the MP gift shop at the museum. Car wash is the next fundraiser being held. Remember that no off post fundraisers can have the 14th MP BDE name or FRG endorsed. A “group” of people may do a car wash and donate the funds to the FRG. 16th of September is tentatively scheduled for the Pork BBQ sandwhich lunch fund raiser. At least 3 ppl at all times operating the lunch must have attended the food safety course. Baked goods must be individually wrapped and 1 sheet of all ingredients for each item listed as well. Lunch will begin @ 1130. It was brought to attention that the golf tournament is that same day and many people may be attending that. Cpt Craig will research days and get back with everyone on a finalized date. 16 September will still be the final date. Christmas party will be December 19 at 1800. There will be seating for 140 ppl and a playroom for kids. We need someone to play Santa at the party and nominations will be taken. All noms will be asked if they are ok with playing Santa and then soldiers may “buy” votes for $1, whoever has the most votes will play Santa. $$ made will go toward the party. Each family needs to bring a prewrapped toy no more than $15 for each of their children for Santa to hand out. There is no age limit on children. Possibility of having a photographer take photos of kids with Santa and print out at the party for fee as well. Create cheap table decorations by using cereal boxes and wrapping them up like gifts, create stack and center pieces are done! We will need everyone attending the Christmas Party to bring some kind of covered dish. Typical Christmas food. More details and more organized tasks for food preparation will come in November. We want to make sure we have enough of the basics and plenty of alternatives. Meat will be purchased by the Company and volunteers will be selected to cook them. Dan with ACS came to speak to FRG group. He suggests all soldiers attend the command newcomers briefing, family members are invited to attend as well.

ACS financial readiness offers classes and assistance for vehicles, balancing check books, investments, etc. AER also has spouse employment assistance with the Dept of the Army. Go to www.cpol.army.mil for list of current openings. AFTB classes offered to family and soldiers from basic level to advanced. Promotion points are sometimes available to soldiers who attend and complete AFTB classes. CARES is going on this Friday, several social service agencies will be there as well as 80 tables with vendors. If interested in volunteering for ACS, contact Rhonda Hudson, volunteer coordinator. Meeting closed @ 1904 Discussed after meeting, FRG doing Christmas wrapping fundraiser at PX.