tfp meeting, at designated time

Can you believe that someone had the nerve to ask me where I was for the Two First Posts meeting two weeks ago?

Yep, and I think it was Kat that asked, in hearing range of her husband Mike, as well as Eric, Sabrina, and John.

I was absolutely truthful: I'm a busy, vibrant woman and I cannot, and will not, keep changing my plans just because TFP doesn't adhere to its calendar.

That had been a meeting changed to a Monday, then canceled that day. 

Had it been rescheduled back to its Tuesday slot?

Nope, it had not, so I had a movie with Ethan Hawke.

Then, all of a sudden, it was on for the Wednesday?!

No, I don't think so, I already had plans with others, as that was not designated as a TFP meeting day on the calendar.

They all got tickled at my response!

That's because they are all well aware that I am a busy, vibrant woman, as Eddie is good about using that phrase every time he sees me.

(smile!)

I like that he listens.

(smile!) 

Well, that he listens sometimes.

The door to protect TFP's tenant at 5509 Montgomery Street from those people who enter at 5511 Montgomery Street has still not been fitted with a lock.

Kat lodged a complaint at the meeting tonight about someone - like we don't all know who - has been going into the bar area and leaving a mess.

 

I suggested going through the camera footage and having the person arrested for trespass into Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.

I swear, a pin dropping would have made a huge racket after I said that!

I then added that it was akin to someone breaking into the dry cleaners or the church, noth of which are also tenants of Two First Posts.

Deep silence once again, but the message was definitely heard.

 

Mike and Kat have been busy getting their restaurant stocked with both foodstuffs and cooking utensils.

They don't need other people going in there without their permission.

Period.

Also, with all the televisions and furniture in there, it's too much temptation.

No one else needs a key to that door at 5509 except the building manager.

No one else should be in that space except the tenants, Kat and Mike, plus their staff, so the restaurant can one day open.

That's why it was important tonight that we passed a motion concerning access to the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Barbeque and Grill. 

The motion was made, and unanimously passed, that Post 36 and Post 500 be informed that no one is allowed to use the WTF spaces except WTF. 

Eddie said he will draft a letter at once concerning that.

Yeah, that felt good to get accomplished tonight!

Meanwhile, to take action to prevent further trespass, Mike is going to install a hasp and lock on their side of that pocket door tomorrow.

(Mike will also repair the dishwasher so it works; it's currently missing a part.) 

I hope that will be done.

Trespassers will be something they don't need.

Eric is in charge of calling Home Depot to get that door measured for a more permanent solution to that problem.

He is already working with Home Depot concerning the back door on the church, as that door is swollen and cracked and presents a fire hazard, as it cannot easily be opened at this time.

Eric is a pretty big guy, and it took him and another person to open it.

How had Eric known about that particular problem?

The church had called their landlord - that would be Doug, of course - and he had contacted Eric to get it done.

Doug wasn't at the meeting, except by phone, and that was sporadic.

Billy was there, as he had been replacing various faulty electrical outlets when I had arrived around 5:30 PM.

Kat and Eric where there then, too, then Sabrina arrived and Mike returned with his and Kat's dinner. 

John came in shortly after, followed by Brenda, then Eddie.

The meeting started about 6:20 PM, which was earlier than usual, but still later than the scheduled time of 6 PM.

(Sigh.)

Eddie again said the Brenda should have copies of all leases, as well as all contracts for use of the event hall in 5511. 

The commander of Post 500 has yet to sign the contract for his event held on September 5th, nor has he paid the security deposit for that event.

Moreover, he held it over at 5509, which was the wrong location, especially as he had said it would be an outside event.

Plus, that commander has lied and said that Doug gave him permission to use the canteen for seating for the fish fry.

Seriously?!

Then Eric piped up with some blame having to be with Two First Posts, as TFP has been allowing monthly meetings of other groups to be held in the WTF space!!!

Unfortunately, he's correct, as the event room doesn't currently allow more than one group to meet at any given time, so the smaller groups - like the Navy League and the Marine Corps veterans - have been shuttled into the restaurant.

Admittedly, that was wrong, but it's because the conference room is too full of stuff and nonsense to allow it to be useful.

That needs to be rectified at once, even if it means moving that stuff into the offices designated for Post 36 and Post 500.

Get it done, Eric - you raised the issue and you're the building manager!

Fortunately, the event room doesn't have anything special scheduled.

Kat and Mike have the "Hail And Farewell" for the 68th Cavalry of Fort Stewart scheduled this week, but that will be in WTF.

They had planned to use part of that revenue to pay a portion of their October rent to Two First Posts.

However, a motion was made, initiated by Doug, that their rent for this month be waived and their first rent payment will be made on November 1st.

Believe it or not, that vote only passed by a vote of 4 to 2.

Still, Kat and Mike were so pleased that they have waived the repayment of their insurance costs from the last three months - when they still were not open due to liquor license delays - and also the repayment of the fees for the health inspection, the grease trap inspection, and various other business costs.

I suspect the reason that Sabrina and Brenda voted against that motion had to do with the current finances.

The rent checks from the other tenants, as well as that from the previous bank, are all having holds placed by Navy Federal Credit Union, as standard business practice, especially for such a new account.

Meanwhile, Sabrina is owed for the extra she paid for the alcohol permit; Brenda is owed for money she paid for TFP's electricity bill; Billy is owed for money he paid for the rolling TV cart; and Eric is owed his paychecks for August and September.

Even with the money due from the rent checks, there's not going to be much of a cushion left behind for the next utility bills coming in this month.

No fear, Doug Andrews is here to save the day, yet again!

He will meet with Sabrina at NFCU tomorrow to make the account solvent until we get some paying events in this space.

Sabrina also has permission from the TFP committee to speak with an accountant she knows about setting up recurring payments and debts, including those to come from the Georgia Lottery games as well as Queen of Hearts.

The meeting finally adjourned about 8:20 PM.

I sure look forward to shorter meetings in the near future.

Now, I'm getting some supper to enjoy while I watch "Best Medicine".

Glad I taped it! 

contract signed, once more

Remember how happy I was that the canteen management contract had been finalized right before my cruise?

Well, apparently, I was mistaken. 

Those changes that needed to be addressed never got made.

Like, never.

(sigh)

Doug had written the contract, I had made the corrections, and then that contract had been put forth at that meeting, right?

Meanwhile, Kat had enlisted Brenda to make changes to the contract, and that version of the contract was also presented at the meeting.

So there were two versions, each by a different writer.

That must be where the confusion arose.

Neither writer knew which was to make the final changes to legitimize the contract, so neither did... and it's been in limbo all this time.

Oh, how very frustrating!!!

Tonight, we spent another two and a half hours ironing that out. 

At least all the necessary people were there to sign it...

although there are still some changes to be made...

but Kat said that's the version she is using to get her business license...

so I guess that's a good thing.

Brenda is in charge of making the necessary changes and emailing the final version, signatures and all, to Kat and interested parties. 

There's Kat Hancock putting her ink on the line as the owner of JKLM, operator of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Barbeque and Grill, with Doug Andrews sitting right beside her waiting to add his signature as President of Two First Posts.

 

Eddie Robinson, the Vice-President of Two First Posts, had already signed from the other end of the table. 

There to bear witness were the rest of us: Brenda Pough, Sabrina Scales, Eric Bolden, John Parker, Billy Cope, Michael T. Powers, and me.

With luck, the canteen will open in a few weeks.

Why not now?

Kat and her husband and family are going to a family reunion that's been planned for months, set up when it was anticipated that this would have all been done in time for an opening for Memorial Day.

Best-laid plans and all that.

Right now, she's just wanting to get the Health Inspection taken care of - that will be tomorrow - and have the business license in hand so WTF can start earning some money when they return from their trip.

That will be just days before the next American Legion meeting of TFP on September 21st, prior to the September 24th City Council meeting to hear our request for a liquor license. 

At least, that's what Larry Jackson tells us.

I feel better about that this time, though, as Sabrina has been speaking with someone on the City Council, too, and the 24th has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, there's to be a meeting with the contractor, Justin Wells, this Friday at 3 PM to talk about things he still hasn't done.

In Justin's defense, he's been on vacation the last week or so. 

I will not be attending that extra meeting this week.

Like as not, it won't start until 3:30, as all our meetings start at least half an hour late, and I can't be dawdling along like that on a Friday.

Busy, vibrant, woman, remember?

Plus, it's all about issues like the concrete walkway and pad out back, the concrete mess that was left in the kitchen, the lack of caulking on the bar island, the lack of support brackets under the bar top, the electrical outlets not working in several areas (including to a refrigerator and the ice machine), and the lockable door needed between the canteen in 5509 and the entry hall in 5511.

Plus, there now seems to be an issue with the air conditioning in that hall.

(sigh) 

What else did we discuss?

The fact that Post 500 - i.e., Trey - still has not paid the $250 security deposit for the one event (fish fry) held last Saturday.

That was supposed to have been paid when he booked it, remember?

Plus there was to have been a $300 fee for holding the event here at Two First Posts, but that hasn't been paid, either.

(sigh)

One major bit of good news, though: Sabrina and Joe Cetti have opened the business account  at Navy Federal Credit Union for Two First Posts!!!

That was accomplished last Friday.

All rents and monies received will henceforth go to that account.

Doug will generously supply a cashier's check from his personal account to fund it for now, though all of that should be repaid to him at some point.

The bill for the storage center - Locker # 44 - is paid up to date.

Eric has been paid $3890 for the month of July for his services and supplies, plus another $2000 for August as his usual monthly fee.

I'm glad he is making sure to submit receipts and his time sheets.

 

Meanwhile, Club One is being restarted in a new location. 

After the building that housed it for so long was sold, the LGBT and theatre community mourned its loss.

Never fear, part of that community - Rick Garvin, Travis Coles, and his brother - have formed a partnership and bought a new space.

Now, to get it ready for occupation and business.

They do have one advantage over us: this isn't their first rodeo.

I'd be surprised if it wasn't open in time for Garvin's annual Christmas murder mystery show to open.

Anyone wanna take that bet?

(smile!)

two zooms and an a*list (partial)

This morning, I'd had every intention of maxing out my A*list dance card, I did, but that's not how things went down.

I had known about one ZOOM meeting for several weeks, as the AARP-GA meeting is always on the last Thursday of the month.

So, there I was, right at 1 PM, ready to go!

And guess what?

My microphone on the laptop is working!!!

I don't know if it was because I was pushing the spacebar or what, but I'm glad that hitch is gone from my giddy-up.

Now, if I can only ditch that hitch in my right leg... but, back on track!

So, for this meeting of AARP volunteers, it was all about events coming up.

There's a training session on September 15, as well as an "Estate Planning Workshop" on October 21 that promises to be huge and hybrid, but in-between is the one that excites me!

That's the AARP 'Movies For Grownups' event, at the AMC, and I'll be the lead for that!!!

Yes, I even volunteered for it, too!

In fact, when I hadn't heard back from Gabrielle, I'd send the email to her twice!

I'll have six others to assist me, but, as I told her, I have the contacts at that cinema, so the event should be smoothest with me.

(smile!)

Now, if only the American Legion meetings for Two First Posts were as smooth and productive, that would be great.

Even though we just met on Tuesday, an "emergency" ZOOM meeting was called tonight, like none of us had better things to do.

Honestly, if I had not checked my email in time, I would have missed it.

The change was instigated by Eddie, who has actually missed the last few.

So what was it all about?

Money.

As per Sabrina Scales, the business account at NFCU must first be applied for online, then an appointment needs to be set for the actual opening of the account. 
So, that meant she and Joe Cetti were not yet on the signature card.

So, that meant all bill-paying was still squarely on Doug Andrew's shoulders.

Not good.

I was at the ZOOM at 7:30, as requested, as were Brenda and Eddie.

Sabrina joined us about 8 PM, as did Joe and Billy Cope by 8:20.

Note: the meeting was to have ended at 8:30 - yeah, as if.

As money was the topic, and paying delinquent bills was the emergency, I thought it vital that Doug be there, but it took me calling him to make that happen.

Then he had connection issues with his phone; by the time he had logged into the ZOOM at home, it was almost 9 PM and his microphone wasn't working.

So, my Alcatel to the rescue, once more.

Within 20 minutes, we had a game plan: Doug would meet Joe and Sabrina at Huntington Bank at 3 PM tomorrow, to settle up and give them check-signing responsibility for any future debts.

Seriously, this couldn't be handled with a couple of phone calls???

Apparently not.

That meant I missed the two movies I was going to see this evening to complete the foursome on my A*list dance card.

That wouldn't be so bad, but one of those will be gone tomorrow, so I will have to wait for it to come to TV.

At least the two movies I did get to see were both great!

"Coyote Vs. Acme" was a fabulous mingling of toons and humans, just as "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" had been - hooray!!!

The Coyote stayed with his lines on signs, just as in the cartoons, and the Roadrunner stayed with his "meep meep"s, too - perfect!

That was a sneak preview screening on a Sunday morning, and the room was nearly full of people of all ages, laughing along with me - wow!!!

Will Forte was the lawyer for the Coyote, while John Cena was the hotshot defense for the corporation in the lawsuit.

Yes, lawsuit, and it was so much fun!!!

I can't wait to see it again next week!!!

I'd like to be able to catch "The End Of Oak Street" one more time, too, but that marvelous bit of science fiction is gone from AMC.

I had wondered what on Earth Anne Hathaway was doing in a horror flick, but I had misunderstood the genre, as have others.

The film is most def scfi, with her as a would-be writer, in a loveless marriage to Ewan McGregor, with two teenaged kids.

Then, at 11:07 PM one night, during a storm, their neighborhood gets whisked back in time to the Mesozoic era, when dinosaurs roamed this planet.

Such an adventure they had... with so many frights, so many deaths... and an ending that took me by surprise.

Nope, it was not a dream, just to set the record straight.

 

Now, I'm going to unwind with a movie in memory of Dolly Parton.

Comcast has rewarded me with a $1 Movie Night, and I'm going to spend it at "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas".

That 1982 musical not only features her alive and well, but also Burt Reynolds, Jim Nabors, Charles Durning, and Dom DeLuise.

Except for Dom, they all made it to 80 or better before they died; Dom was 75 at his death in 2009, and the first of them to go.

Alrighty then, off to the Chicken Ranch I go!

I'll have to find another movie to see for Tim Curry, but not tonight.

what in the fudge is going on with TFP?

"Uh oh, that doesn't sound good. What's with this outpost of the American Legion? I thought things were moving along... right?"

Wrong. Moving the Two First Posts account to Navy Federal Credit Union has not yet occurred. I thought that was done at least a month ago, but, nope! Joe Cetti said tonight that he would set up the appointment to open the account, then let Doug and Sabrina know the time. Joe also said he'd opened the letter from Georgia Power to find TFP had been assessed a bounced check fee for the electric bill. Say what???

"You're kidding, right? I thought that bill was on auto-draft direct from the TFP bank account. Isn't that true?"

it is, but the TFP account didn't have enough in it. All the more reason to move the account from Huntington Bank to NFCU, so mistakes like that wouldn't happen. Money from savings would have been shifted to checking to handle it and prevent an overdraft. There are a lot of debts to be paid monthly. Kat Hancock brought up the laundry list tonight. As well as Georgia Power, there's Yates Astro (pest control), Republic Waste (trash disposal), DirectTV (sports for TVs), Comcast (wifi), and City of Savannah (water and sewer).

"I know all about overhead. I remember all the bills that came in for Smitty's Hardwood Floors, that I made sure got paid on time."

That's part and parcel of running a business! And tonight, Paul Lambert of Celestial Business Solutions, was there at the request of Billy Cope to talk to us about various options for the two business phones and for monitoring the six security cameras. Ring Central will be the plan for the phones. RING is for the cameras, which currently are sending their feeds to Billy's computer. However, it isn't like anyone is monitoring those. RING Multi, the lowest cost option, would provide 6-month continuous monitoring and data storage for $9.99/month, but no live monitoring. For that, we would need Virtual Security Guard, at a cost of $99/month, but that includes live monitoring, proactive-verified dispatch requests, and real-time intruder deterrence. I spoke up for that option, as we are going to have lots of cash around here, with that Queen of Hearts game and those Georgia Lottery games from Eagle Global. Even if TFP does invest in a safe, it will need some serious security measures.

"Let me guess: the others wanted just the Multi pack."

Yes, and, truth to tell, that's the one Lambert was pushing. As he said, TFP could always buy a larger package if it found that was needed. Of course, first TFP needs the business license to it can even open. Sabrina has called the chairperson for the City Council. Right now, we are on the docket for September 24, with Larry Jackson to speak on our behalf. Kat said she wants to script his speech and will talk to him tomorrow. Then the talk turned to issues with Wells Construction. Eric said that a diverter was not installed over the canteen's back door. With all the rain we have been having, the water pours off the roof and onto whoever is coming out, as well as splashing mud up from the ground.

"You have got to be kidding..."

Oh, it gets worse. Remember the walkway I took photos of two weeks ago? Yeah, well, no vapor barrier was installed under any of that, so it needs to be torn up and reinstalled properly. Apparently, it isn't level, either. Eric has talked to Justin about it, but needed the backing of the TFP's Board before he brought it up again. Joe recommended a letter be officially drafted to Justin about the problem. Then Kat spoke up about the concrete that was splashed up on the inside surface of that back door, as well as concrete handprints on the freezer. She also suggested that the air vents and filters should be cleaned, as they are likely full of sheetrock dust, and that would need to be done before the Health Inspection for the canteen. What the fresh hell is going on??? And Brenda said she would draft a letter to Justin about his responsibilities, but she needs a copy of the contract with him, to check out just what those responsibilities are.

"I thought Doug said a month or so ago that all papers were to be sent to Brenda so she could put them into the files for the business."

Oh, he did say that very thing. However, that has not yet come to pass. In fact, I was the one who sent her the insurance binder for TFP, with the addition of the required DRAM liability for anyone who gets drunk here. Doug emailed to all the signature paperwork he's received from Mount Vernon Fire Insurance Company, and I determined the two pieces needed for TFP records. Not that any of that is needed right yet. Kat reminded us that she is still awaiting the final draft of the contract between TFP and WTF.

"You have got to be kidding..."

Oh, if only I were. Yes, I had thought that was  done deal, but the changes decided on at the last minute have not yet been worked in. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot cannot get a business license until it has that final, signed, contract. So, that's been hanging fire since... well, since the Wednesday before I left on the cruise. That'll be six weeks, come tomorrow.

"You've got to be kidding..."

Nope. But has that stopped anyone from scheduling events here? Nope! Kat has scheduled a birthday party, with a jazz band, for September 24. Brenda has a class reunion for Johnson High School set for September 18. And Trey, of Post 500, has an event scheduled for September 5, to run from 9 AM until sometime that night. I brought up that events are limited to four-hour durations, so that needs to be set up as three events, each with a separate rental contract for $300, and each with its own security fee of $250. That brought a gasp, but also nods of agreement. I guess I will wait to see what happens.

"I bet Trey had something to say about that!"

Surprisingly, he was not there. That is probably because we switched the meetings to Tuesdays instead of Wednesdays. (smile) I guess John may leave it up to Brenda to broach that topic with him. Here's what I know: the even cannot be placed on the calendar unless the contract is signed and the security deposit paid. So the membership recruitment, fish fry, and dance, just may have to be postponed if Trey cannot get those contracts signed and deposits paid. I do know that John stated tonight that Post 500 will not be getting 8 days of each month, so that's good. Also, at last night's Post 500 meeting, the Women's Auxiliary stated that they wanted their own meeting day, but that was shot down. They also seemed to believe that the conference room was theirs, but that was a misconception on their part. They had wanted a key for that space.

"Oh, really?"

Yes. What they don't know is those lockable doors are to be relocated. Remember that I have been pushing to get a lock on the interior door to the canteen? Right now, that has a sliding pocket door.  Now that the two Post Commanders have keys not only to their offices, but to the 5511 entrance, it's urgent that the leased space for Whiskey Tango Foxtrot be secured. No one, and I mean NO ONE, but Kat and Mike need to be using that area. That means a lockable door is required, just as the dry cleaners has and the church has.

"Does that mean new doors have to be ordered?"

Nope! Eric noticed that the doorway to the canteen and the doorway to the conference room are the same size. That double door can be shifted over to the canteen, and the pocket door can go on the conference room. Eric thought that would be an easy, and quick, fix, so I look forward to having that completed before that Labor Day event that the new Post 500 Commander wants. What a relief that would be!

"It certainly would be. No temptation for the fryers to get utilized by the wrong people, either. I am sure the insurance wouldn't allow that."

For sure. Okay, I'm done for the night. Later.

party of 1 at 2FP

Even though it was announced last week that this week's meeting would be on Tuesday, not Wednesday, no one seemed to have listened except me and Brenda.

She had even updated the google calendar to reflect the change, but she never made it there, due to weather where she was.

As I told her, it wasn't even raining there at 5511 Montgomery Street, at the Two First Posts of Georgia building.

I should know.

I'd arrived just a few minutes before 6 PM, hoping that the American Legion space would be already open from the summer swelter.

Ah, silly me.

I sent out texts to make sure others were on the way.

Brenda Pough was the only one who responded.

So, I set about to wait them out.

That meant walking around and taking photos, naturally.

I am, after all, the Historian for Post 36 and I've been documenting the progress of work at this building for several years. 

The following are what I noted during the 45 minutes I was there.

 

First, the dumpsters have been delivered, so that's good.

Republic will be handling waste management, as they are the company of choice for JKLM, LLC, the canteen managers.

I thought there was to be one dumpster for recyclable materials, but maybe not?

These both seem to be for trash. 

Justin has been busy with this change order from a month or two ago.

He's poured the concrete pad behind the dumpsters, as well as the long concrete walkway that runs up to the back door of the canteen.

The rain almost every afternoon had slowed him down, but at least our few days of just sun have allowed the work.

Next up will be a gated fence to keep out anyone who might illegally use those dumpsters or the forthcoming grease trap!

That means yet another key on Eric Bolden's key ring, as Building Manager.  

So far, he has the keys to both the front and back doors of both 5509 and 5511, as well as to the offices of Post 36 and Post 500, the storage closet, the conference room, and the event ballroom.

That's 9 keys so far.

Glad that's not my responsibility!

I've done my duty, and then some, this evening.

At 6:48 PM, I sent out the following to the other TFP members.

"As no one else has yet arrived, I am taking my leave. 

Hoping to see all next Tuesday."

Anyone else hear those crickets?

... other trey tries to take away

The newly-installed commander of Post 500 came to the Two First Posts meeting tonight with a posse in tow.

As well as Emmett from last week, he also had David, Solomon, and Ulysses (husband of Sabrina, who may have been there to support our side).

Yes, Trey Singleton wanted to present a front for his position.

This Two First Posts meeting was held to answer any questions that still lingered from last week's meeting, and so was open to any and all members of both Post 36 and Post 500.

It was important that all understood the landlord relationship that TFP held with respect to all the tenants in that building on Montgomery Street.

John Parker started the meeting by explaining what had happened 18 years ago, when Post 500 lost its charter due to lack of young membership, and how Post 500 had fought to regain its status as an American Legion entity.

He also talked about Post 36 having given up its charter several years ago, as it was about to be taken by the national group, again for lack of young membership.

Doug Andrews said he left Post 184 five years ago and worked with James Putney, the then-Commander of Post 500, to locate a space to purchase for their post's monthly meetings. 

Then, as per John Parker and Doug Andrews, each post put up $450,000 to purchase the building on Montgomery Street.

(I don't know if the Army Surplus store/pawnshop was still a tenant in the building, but I think it was gone; I just know that the drycleaners and the church were tenants at the time and still are.)

The almost million-dollar bank loan for the renovation of the space at 5509 and 5511 began about two years ago, with work still progressing at this time. 

John ended with explaining about the Two First Posts of Georgia LLC being the managing and governing party for the entire building, with a governing panel which had 3-year terms to lead the building toward a goal of serving active military at Hunter AAF, as well as veterans in the community.

(So, as with the last meeting, it was made clear this place has a hefty debt that needs to be paid, as well as current utility bills and such.)

Doug explained that the current President of TFP is Eddie Patterson, who will have that position for approximately another two years, at which time the new President of the LLC will be taken from Post 36, as the position switches hands at the end of each term.

Doug is currently the Vice-President of the LLC, and will hold that title for approximately another two years, at which time it will switch to a member from Post 500.

The two Finance Officers of TFP LLC were the two Treasurers from each Post at the time, meaning they are Joe Cetti and Sabrina Scale, each of which will hold those titles in the LLC for approximately another two years.

John added that the board is currently working on the Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and regulations for operation of the building; that will be forthcoming whenever those have been completed.

Doug added that the facility's focus is on serving active duty military and veterans, not civilian groups.

John remarked that there will be a sign-in book for guests who are not members of either Post 36 or Post 500.

Trey then began his questions, which really were thinly-cloaked demands.

He wanted 8 days (!!!) of each month to be set aside for the monthly meetings of Post 500, including the general meeting, the e-board, the SAL (Sons of American Legion), the Auxiliary, and one other, as well as 3 days for fundraising events.

Brenda explained to him that those five regular monthly meetings are already listed on the TFP google calendar.

John also explained that a screen of events would soon be posted, with street view, so all passersby and interested parties would know who had rented out 5511 Montgomery Street at any time. 

It was also reiterated at that time that all veteran groups meeting in the space needed to sign a Use of Facility Contract, as well as pay $250/quarter, to cover expenses of TFP.

Trey balked, expressing the amount as "$1000 per year" to make it sound like a weighty sum to suddenly spring on the Post's members.

(Note: they are currently paying $250/month at another facility! That comes to $3000 annually, so TFP would be saving them money.)

I spoke up with a countering tack, explaining that the amount was "less than $20 per week", and that it covered "all five regular monthly meetings" of Post 500.

(I think I stunned everyone with those numbers.)

John then proposed that a "ceiling date" be set by TFP, at which time neither Post 36 nor Post 500 would have to pay for its monthly meeting space.

Trey brought up that he wants keys for the four officers of Post 500, so they can access the office for Post 500.

John advised him that would be better after TFP has the 20-foot storage container installed behind the building, as both of the offices, as well as the conference room, are stuffed with items at this time.

Eric tried to give Trey a key to the Post 500 office, but Trey declined to accept, as there are currently no forms to serve as a paper trail for that transaction.

(I have made it clear to all that a locking door needs to be installed to protect 5509 from  unwarranted access by folks in 5511 when the restaurant is not open for business; all agreed that Justin is to return for that change order.

I believe it was decided that Eric would do that.)

Trey then brought up a veteran group, Beauties in Boots, that have been trying to access meeting space in the building, to no avail.

Brenda advised him that she has spoken to them and they have permission, they just need to sign a Use of Facility Contract, like everyone else.

There was then some general talk about how one gets elected to the TFP board, though it was repeated that will not be occurring for at least two years.

Then it was 8 PM and the visitors all left.

Whew.

We of TFP stayed about another 30 minutes, then called it a night.

Mostly, we agreed that Larry Jackson was to blame for stirring up this "ownership" business with Trey,

While helping sort out the business license application, he found that the deed for the building was in the names of both Post 36 and Post 500.

Larry interpreted that to mean that he could schedule whatever he wanted there, and so he did, and he was given special permission because he was helping get the liquor license and the business license, right?

But when that largesse dried up after the calendar was created and he couldn't cherry pick the dates he wanted for family graduations and birthdays, he may have felt a bit shut out... and that's when he apparently tossed the ball to Trey.

Geez.

Sabrina and Brenda are onto his game now.

Doug is to handle changing the deed over to Two First Posts LLC, which should bring an end to this thrusting for power and control.

I just hope Trey realizes how Larry used him.

queen of hearts at TFP

Hunter Griffin is a very patient man.

He's the area sales rep for Youngco Enterprises, the company owned by Olin Young.

He was invited to be at the Two First Posts meeting tonight to discuss use of his games as fundraisers for the American Legion business.

He arrived at 6 PM with all his materials, as requested...

then was relegated to the small game room almost 90 minutes while we carried on our business meeting.

That's mostly because we had two special visitors from Post 500: their new Company Commander (Trey Singleton) and Vice CC (Emmett Prescott).

That's Trey at the end of the table, trying to stake his claim. 

They two were inducted Monday night at the special meeting of Post 500 and lost no time trying to gain a foothold in Two First Posts of Georgia.

Their bid for that stake in the LLC was unsuccessful.

I'm glad we had a good turnout for tonight's meeting.

I'd had a call earlier from Doug, during my lunch with my first niece.

I had another call a little later, from Brenda, wanting to make sure I knew Trey was stirring up trouble, wanting to make sure I would be there.

So I was, as were both of them, plus Joe Cetti, Billy Cope, John Parker, Sabrina Scale, Eric Bolden, and Eddie Patterson (albeit briefly).

Kat was also there, mostly to talk about the grease trap inspection (earlier today), the 8 cubic yards dumpster cost ($328/month), pest control cost ($150/month for 5509 and 5511), and the need for the DRAM rider on both the WTF liability as well as the TFP liability.

Doug confirmed that he has filled out the 14-page application to have the DRAM rider added to the Hartford policy for TFP, as well as having spoken to the insurance rep about getting that done.

Kat reminded all that rider is needed as one of the stipulations for TFP's liquor license request to be on the City Council's docket for August 27th.

Billy spoke of the outstanding bill he has for reimbursement from TFP for the TV cart, wire, and other supplies used for setting up the internet and TVs.

Billy also talked about the 3-year contract cost for two phones to be installed by RING Central at TFP, one for scheduling events there and the other for WTF; his contact is Paul Lambert at Celestial Business Solutions.

Billy said he has two more security cameras to install (at grease trap area and in the bar at WTF), with all billing for RING monitoring and security camera footage stored in the 'cloud' to be set up with TFP.

Doug said all paperwork is to be submitted to Brenda to go into Two First Posts for official purposes, including an inventory of all materials and equipment currently at the 5509 and 5511 Montgomery Street addresses.

Brenda stated that facility use contracts must be filled out for any groups wanting space in 5511 for meetings or events.

Brenda reminded all that military and veteran groups will pay $250/quarter to regularly meet once monthly at TFP.

Brenda said that schedule will be posted on a TV facing outside so all will know who is to be in 5511 at any given time.

John told us that several groups - Catholic War Veterans, the Marine Corp League, the Navy League - have already signed their quarterly contracts and paid.

Kat reminded us that TFP is to bill WTF for their portions of utility bills, rent, and other items as agreed in their lease.

Eric requested that a 10-day notice be required for scheduling of an event, to allow time for him to get the space ready; all agreed.

Get the gist?

We wanted all parties present to realize that the Two First Posts building had bills and obligations, and was not by any means debt-free, still having a sizable mortgage as well as utility bills.

That emphasis was not lost on our two visitors from Post 500.

Trey requested that he receive a key to the Post 500 office, as well as a key to the exterior door of 5511; John agreed that he should have such.

What that means is another locking door will need to be erected between 5509 and 5511, as no one but the tenants of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot need access to 5509.

Sounds like yet another change order for Justin and Wells Construction.

Trey also wanted to discuss having a veteran organization paint a mural on the building's wall, though it was not clear to me if he meant the exterior wall or an interior wall of 5511.

In either case, the matter was tabled until next Wednesday's meeting.

The visitors left and we adjourned to the game room, to the oh-so-patient gaming rep who had been waiting.

Did I say gaming?

I did, as in not lottery.

Queen of Hearts consists of a board with pull tabs, with money-winning 'cards' beneath several of the tabs, and a cost to TFP of $110 per board. Players purchase raffle tickets (a roll of those costs $6) for the opportunity to pull a tab, with the raffle drawings occurring at some set frequency. The game continues until the Queen of Hearts is revealed.

Two First Posts is responsible for paying for all wins, but TFP keeps all proceeds from selling the raffle tickets, in hopes of raising money.

My only problem is that it's all cash, so security will be needed, as well as someone to deposit said funds into the TFP bank account.

The other game that was discussed was bingo, though that has a larger initial outlay of funds and would require hosting a game night that did not interfere with already scheduled meetings or events at 5511.

I think I will suggest either Queen of Hearts or Bingo be a once-monthly event, preferably during the week.

My question would be: will TFP need to pay the $250 security/cleanup fee?

Good question!

Paradise: day 2

What's better than a day at sea for a veteran sailor?

A day of pomp and circumstance, of course!

But first, breakfast with my peeps at the High Tide Market after a few minutes enjoying this view in my cabin!

Today I dined on Belgian waffles with orange marmalade, as well as pancakes with sliced ham - just what I needed to get some energy!

I was the first one up and I managed to snag a table for 6 for our party of 5 - perfect!

My next stop was the Euphoria (Deck 8-mid) for a game of "Name That Tune" with Cruise Director Terry Ann Barrett!

The first thing she did was ask me where her "friend Chloe was, and her sister, Miyah" - how about that!

They made quite an impression when they hugged her last night after the variety show!

Part of that was their closeness in age to her daughter, who is 8, and is living at home in Jamaica while her mom works on the Paradise for 3 months.

I had to tell her they were still at breakfast, but they joined us before the game was done, so that was good!

As for the photo, the folks as dancing to "Cotton Eyed Joe" while the contestant who guessed the song is singing it for an extra point.

Very much a lot of fun to watch!!!

Christina and family went down after that to change into swimwear.

 

Not me!

The "Salute To The Heroes" was coming up in the Euphoria, again with Terry.

Recognize that setup, with that little table and empty chair?

That's familiar to everyone in the American Legion, regardless of which branch of the service, as the spot for the MIA service member.

I'm going to have to share that with Post 36 and Post 500 at home!

 

Then came the big part of the celebration: the parade of the flags that represent each branch, as well as a brief narrative of their mission.

They even included the Coast Guard, the Emergency Responders, and, as I recall, the National Park Rangers.

That was very nice!

Plus, I was given a free Margarita to commemorate my service!

I turned down the first one, saying that I couldn't drink...

but when they came around again, I accepted that $15 gift.

As my first alcoholic drink since I was diagnosed with A-fib, I can state this for certain: either that was a strong drink, or I'm a lightweight now!

I suspect a bit of both was true.

 

After just a couple of sips, I decided that food was needed to offset that dose of tequila, so up to Deck 10-mid I went.

I headed straight for Mexican Cutie Cantina, as it's Taco Tuesday! 

Yes, that was a very good way to get back to me again!

My next plate was from the High Tide Market, fetching some Jamaican fish, Pollo adobo, and pork loin with lemon.

I sat with a trio from Panama, of all places, and we talked - kinda sorta - about life there in Colon and Panama City.

See, only Isabel spoke any English, and that was sparse.

Glad I had a chance to pull out my high school Spanish from Mrs. Gary!

Then I bopped back down to the Euphoria for "Charades With The Fins Up Crew" and found Christina and Anthony there!

She'd dropped off the girls at the Parakeet Club, so it was just us adults.

She and I each took a turn trying to get the other to guess -

me trying to be "Minions", her contorting as an "Elf", with no help from Anthony either as a guesser or a charade artist -

and didn't win a free margarita at this game, but still had fun.

 

Then she had to collect the girls and I went off to the "Love & Marriage" Game Show at the Stars On The Water Theatre (Deck 8 Fwd).

That was only for 18+, so they went off to the "Family Parrot Quest" with Pete The Parrot over at Keys On The Water Lounge, at the opposite end of the ship (Deck 9 Aft). 

Cruise Director Terry hosted the game show, eventually getting four couples on stage with varying amounts of time together: 51 years, 34 years, 28 years, and 3 days.

Such newlyweds they were!

His answers tended to be the raciest, so it was good the children weren't there and were off chasing parrots!

At game's end, they were all announced to be winners and each won a free future cruise with Margaritaville At Sea - woohoo!!!

 

I managed to beat feet back over to the Euphoria Lounge just in time for the 5:30 PM "Captain's Margarita Toast"!

All of the ship's officers were introduced and lined up in formation behind Captain Dimitrios Papatsatsis...

and all of the spectators of age were given -

that's right! -

a free margarita to drink with him!

Again, I took a couple of dainty sips, then put it down.

 

Christina, her girls, and her boyfriend were there, too for the occasion!

Then she and Miyah and Chloe headed over to "Strike A Pose" for the free photo shoot, that had no strings attached.

Just look at them vogueing it up there! 

 

Then we all headed over to Fins Dining  - not to be confused as the 'Fine Dining', lol! - for some elegant fare! 

The good news was it was right beside Euphoria Lounge, so no need for elevators or traipsing off to another end of the ship!

I started off my four-course dinner with the Trinidadian Vegetable Curry, which followed the bread lead-off.

Then, for my entree, I chose the Antigua Shrimp - ah, fond memories of a much earlier cruise in the Caribbean that visited that lovely isle!

(I think that was in 2006? Or was it 2004?) 

I finished up tonight as I had last night with the Key Lime Sponge Cake.

Jimmy Buffett is right - sponge cake is quite delicious! 

Then it was time to work off that meal and take a hike.

I'm not kidding!

We went from Deck 8 mid, to Deck 9 Aft, to the Keys On The Water Lounge, where they had been for the Parrot search.

That meant going through the casino, which is huge!

At least we had a sunset waiting for us at the Lounge.

 

Then it was time for "Lip Service Family Karaoke"!!!

First up for our group were Chloe and Miyah.

It was originally going to just be Chloe singing "Party In The USA", with Miyah as her back-up dancer.

However, the emcee encouraged Miyah to take the microphone...

and off they went, singing and dancing and never once looking at the screen for the words of the song!

Hahahaha!

Christina and Anthony went next, and guess what she chose?

"Barbie Girl" - hahahaha!!!

Honestly, every time I see anyone do that song, my mind flashes back to Sam Johnson singing it at his birthday fundraiser! 

Good times, good times, so long ago.

More good times were to be had tonight, though!

 

No time for me to sing a song as we needed to go back through the casino, catch an elevator to Deck 8, then bop over to Stars On The Water Theatre (Deck 8 Fwd) for the entertainment!

"Showtime Radio Margaritaville Live At Sea" was set to begin at 9:30 PM.

This time we had second row seats, in the reserved section, courtesy of Cruise Director "Auntie" Terry, who was serving as the D J tonight.

All music was provided by the Fusion Groove Band for all the song and dance routines up there on the stage.

My favorite was the skit for "A Pirate Looks At Forty", one of my favorite Buffett tunes, especially as I've gotten older.

 

All too soon - at least for me! - the 45-minute show was over!

We hung around for the girls to greet Terry when she came out of the D J Booth and guess what? 

As well as hugs, she had gift bags for them!!!

Then she and the girls had a photo session in the D J Booth and even invited Christina up there for the fun!

How very nice for sweet dreams!

Christina and family headed back to 4024 (Deck 4 Fwd), but I said I was going to change into my Spring Dress and go dance!

The "White Hot Neon Nights" shindig had started at 10:30 PM at Keys On The Water Lounge and I was excited when I'd heard about it on fb before the trip.

However, now that it was 'go' time...

and knowing how far off that lounge was...

and my right leg letting me know it was too tired for shenanigans...

I opted to give it due consideration before I set off.

 

Then I opened my cabin door and saw this towel critter waiting!

What a sweet and funny crab!!!

The schedule of events for tomorrow was waiting with it, tempting me to sit a minute and glance at my options for Wednesday.

After all, I'd have the day to myself, as they were going onshore to swim with pigs at some beach.

Seriously.

So, I sat... and before I knew it, I was asleep!

Sweet dreams of pirates and key lime sponge cake!

contract signed between TFP and JKLM!!!

After what seems like forever, Two First Posts officially has a manager of the restaurant and bar at this location - hallelujah!!!

I'm so thankful that Doug has persisted in putting his legal expertise into that contract, and that I was able to lend my proofreading skills to it.

Kat had even engaged Brenda to rewrite some portions, but those met with the approval of all there tonight - hallelujah!!!

We actually had a pretty good crowd: me, Doug, and Joe Cetti for Post 36; John Parker, Sabrina, Brenda, and Eric for Post 500; contractor Justin; and Kat and Mike for the JKLM Enterprises team.

Sure sounds like a quorum to me!

The others agreed and once the contract was revised for the last time and printed, both parties for JKLM signed it, as well as the President of TFP (Doug Andrews) and proxy Vice President (John Parker).

Surely opening the doors of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Barbeque & Grill can't be too far distant now!

Justin has the chandelier installed and it looks quite nice!

The tray needs another coat of paint, but it does dress up the joint! 

He's to pour a concrete pad for the dumpster and the grease trap, then install a fence around it to keep out any riffraff.

 

Eric brought in some tasty treats to sustain us during the meeting.

The green ones are key lime cakes, the red are red velvet cakes, and the dark orange are sweet potato cakes.

I had been concerned that they would be crazy sweet, but, to my delight, they were actually quite good and hardly sweet at all!

I had one of the sweet potato and one of the key lime.

Oh, one more thing: Eric and Doug found my NFCU koozie!!!

 

I had left it there about a month ago, at the meeting when Doug had brought sandwiches and Kat had the kids with her.

I had put it down, with my almost empty water bottle, to help clean up.

Then, I'd been distracted by trying to remember to take a photo of the street light pole so I could report it.

And just look at it now!

Such a nice light there in the parking lot, isn't it?

What else was there of interest at this meeting?

 

Oh, yes, the folks from Eagle Global came to give us their pitch!

Brenda and Eric met them at an American Legion meeting in Columbus and was quite impressed with the fundraising abilities of their gaming machines.

So, Craig Franklin, the co-founder of that group, came in with the district guy (Sam) and the local guy (Addie) to talk of the different possibilities.

Here's the important part: Two First Posts gets 43.5% of all income from the gaming devices, free and clear.

The partnership is in conjunction with Georgia Lottery, who gets 13%, with the other 43.5% going to Eagle Global.

All we have to do is deposit the cash from the game players into the TFP account; then, every Wednesday, Georgia Lottery will remove 56.5% (their cut and EG's cut) and we just watch out bank balance grow.

Sounds pretty sweet, right?

We would have to invest in the rental of a minimum of two machines from Georgia Lottery, as a cost of $125/machine/year.

I do hope we'll vote to do so next week, though I've let all know I will be on a cruise, so they'll have to do so without me.

(smile!)

I do feel that we've accomplished so much tonight!

Let's keep that momentum going!