Meeting Minutes
Torch Club of the Fox Valley
9 January 2020
Touchmark
Notes taken by: Mary Flanagan
Attendees: Karen Bachhuber, Sue Bennett, Nancy Bodway, Brian Bushaw, Terri Daugherty, Dave Debbink, Marcia Debbink, Mary Flanagan, Paul Freiberg, Erik Hanson, Walt Hedges, Barbara Kelly, Bill Kelly, Mary Poulson, Richard Schoenbohm, Jan Smith, Bob Swain, Peter Thiel, Scott Valitchka, Donna Weis
BUSINESS MEETING
Paul called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm.
Walt introduced his guest, Bert Wiegand.
Meeting minutes from 12/12/2019 were motioned, seconded, and approved.
Barb gave the treasurer’s report:
Balance in account as of 12/06/2019 - $3495.74
Payments made for Touchmark dinners in December - $180.00
Dues received - $325
Meal payments received - $188
Balance as of 1/3/2020 - $3828.74
Barb noted that dues payment will be made to IATC this month. Twenty dollars of everyone’s dues remains with our club, the rest goes to IATC.
The treasurer’s report was motioned, seconded, and accepted.
NEW BUSINESS
Reed Taylor, Peter’s brother-in-law, will be attending our next meeting to advise us on membership growth. He will also talk about the upcoming 2020 Torch Convention in North Carolina in June.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mary Paulson brought the Noonhour Philosophers Winter schedule. There were over 100 attendees to hear Professor Arnold Shober discuss politics on January 8. Future presentations at noon in First English Lutheran Church include:
- January 15 – “Laughter is the Best Medicine . . . Unless You’re Sick” by Rob Brackenridge, Professional Standup Comedian, California and Appleton
- January 22 – “The History of Hearing Health: From Ear Trumpets to Made-for-iPhone Hearing Aids” by Stephanie Long, Dr. of Audiology, Arizona School of Medicine
- January 29 – “Philosophy, Hobbies, and Other Useless Things” by Evan Kreider, PH.D., University of Arizona
- February 5 – “Thornton Wilder” by Dr. Rev. Steven Savides, First Congregational Church
- February 12 – “Imagine Fox Cities: An Update” by Walter Rugland, Retired Executive Vice President, Thrivent Financial
Barb brought 19th Amendment Centennial Celebration pamphlets. Jessica Neuwith will be speaking on The Equal Rights Amendment on February 18 from 4:30 to 6 pm, location TBD and on February 19 from 11:30 am to 1 pm at Pullmans at Trolley Square. Jessica Neuwirth is the Co-president of the ERA Coalition. See https://hervoicehervoteourvictory.com/ for more information. Barb noted that Women’s Equality Day is on August 26.
Richard said the new Democratic legislature and governor in Virginia are expected to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment making them the 38th state to ratify the amendment. Barb noted that unfortunately the amendment will still have trouble becoming law because the deadline has passed, and some states have rescinded their ratification.
Jan announced that the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum will be hosting two new daytime programs. On the second Tuesday of the month they will host a SPARK! activity for people with early- to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners. On the third Tuesday of the month they will hold “Coffee with a Curator” discussions about museum collections. The museum is open every Thursday evening until 8 PM. For more information see https://bmmglass.com/.
The business meeting adjourned at 6:18 pm.
PRESENTATION
At 7:08 Erik began his presentation, Electric Cars… Really?
See the link to access the presentation slides.
We adjourned at 8:20 pm.