Meeting Minutes
Torch Club of the Fox Valley
12 April 2018
Atlas Coffee Mill & Café
Notes taken by: Jude Kuenn
Attendees: Karen Bachhuber, Jim Baumbach, Sue Bennett, Nancy Bodway, David Debbink, Marcia Debbink, Mary Flanagan, Paul Freiberg, Jean Hedges, Walt Hedges, Jean Jepson, Barbara Kelly, Bill Kelly, Jude Kuenn, Cam Maurice, Mary Paulson, Richard Schoenbohm, Katie Shaw, Bob Swain, Helen Thiel, Peter Thiel, Donna Weis
Guests: Brian Bushaw, Betsy Dana, Rachel Kubsack, Bill Scheier, Chris Stahl, Marge Swain
BUSINESS MEETING
Meeting called to order at 6:40pm.
- Guest Introductions: Walt introduced Chris Stahl; Richard, Brian Bushaw; Bill, Rachel Kubsack; Mary, Bill and Betsy. It was a pleasure to see Marge again when Bob re-introduced her. All were welcomed to the evening.
- Meeting minutes from 3/15/18 were accepted, motioned, seconded and approved.
- Treasurer’s report: 4/05/18 balance is $2,787.49. Report was accepted, motioned, seconded and approved. We hosted three potential new members by treating them to dinner. Barb passed around IATC’s club membership roster for each to review and make corrections.
- Unfinished Business:
A. Memoriam for Webb: Barb and Katie created a list of topics Webb enjoyed and gave it to the Appleton Public Library. APL will assemble a list of suggested books. Proposed titles to also be books that will enhance the library’s collection.
B. IATC Convention and Annual Meeting Delegate: Donna has offered to attend this year’s event in San Antonio, June 21-24, 2018. IATC will reimburse the club $300 for delegate’s attendance. And, as was done last year, we will reimburse Donna $200 for representing The Torch Club of the Fox Valley.
C. Paper Schedule for 2018/2019 Torch Year: Walt circulated a sign-up sheet for those interested in presenting a topic next year.
D. Vacant Officer Role – Secretary: with Sofia’s relocation to Florida, Paul reminded everyone the position of secretary is open. Please talk with him if interested in completing the second year of office’s two-year term. Karen suggested each speaker email the secretary a brief overview of their topic for inclusion in the meeting minutes. Everyone agreed this is a good idea. - New Business: none.
- Announcements:
1. Richard is on the Board of the River Alliance of Wisconsin. Their annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival will show a series of short films Wednesday 4/18/18, Backstage at the Meyer Theatre. Doors open at 6:30pm, films begin at 7pm. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
2. Mary shared 4/18/18 Noonhour Philosopher’s speaker will be Martin Rudd, Ph.D. C Chem FRSC, Regional Executive Officer and Dean, UW Colleges, Northeast Region. His topic is ‘Changes in Higher Education’. Talk will be held at the First English Lutheran Church, Appleton.
3. Barb, having been on the Board of the Fox Valley Foundation, understands the old Board wants to reinvigorate the Foundation and help to maintain its 501(c) (3) status. If interested in becoming a Board member, please talk with her.
Business segment adjourned at 7:00pm for dinner.
Bob Swain: Religious Freedom Restoration Act
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 was a response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision holding that some religious practices could be curtailed or limited by Congress. Twenty-one years later, in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, the Supreme Court ruled that under RFRA, owners of closely held, profit-making corporations cannot be forced to provide employees access to contraceptives mandated by the Affordable Care Act but whose use the owners opposed on religious grounds. The decision raised the question whether corporations are "persons" that have religious rights and freedom under the First Amendment.
The evening adjourned at 8:50pm.