Meeting Minutes
Torch Club of the Fox Valley
16 May 2024
Touchmark
Notes taken by: Sue Bennett, Secretary
ATTENDEES: Sue Bennett, Nancy Van Rooy Bodway, David Debbink, Marcia Debbink, Paul Freiberg, Walt Hedges, Barb Kelly, Bill Kelly, Dale Lewellyn, Jan Mirenda Smith, Kris Stahl, Peter Thiel, Bert Wiegand. Lindsay Kaminski and Scott Valitchka, via Zoom Guest: Sofia Wilson, via Zoom
BUSINESS MEETING: Bill called the meeting to order at 5:59, p.m.
Bill welcomed guest Sofia Wilson who joined us via Zoom.
MINUTES: There were no corrections or additions to the minutes. A motion was made by David to accept the minutes, which was seconded by Walt. All were in favor and minutes were approved as published.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Barb reported a balance of $2,255.54 as of 4/14/24. There were no receipts or disbursements, so the balance as of 5/10/24 remained $2,255.54. It was moved by Marcia and seconded by Bert to accept the Treasurer’s report. All were in favor and the report was approved.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Bert reported that he still needs a presenter for September. Lindsay is scheduled for October, Sue for November and Scott for December. All of 2025 meetings are still in need of presenters. Please sign up for your presentation soon.
OLD BUSINESS: Update of Chapter By-Laws. Bill thanked Bert, Jan and Scott for their work on proposed by-law changes. The proposed by-laws were emailed to members to review. A motion was made by Barb to amend the by-laws, which was seconded by David. All were in favor. Chapter by-laws will be amended.
NEW BUSINESS: David reported that he spoke with Mary Poulson’s niece and Mary has been moved to memory care at Touchmark. We’re sorry to lose a long-time member and wish Mary the best.
IATC treasurer, Paul, reported that the Board is promoting the Torch Convention in Richmond, VA. International’s marketing and public relations has a new toolkit for increasing membership or starting new clubs called, “Torch is Best Kept Secret”.
At the encouragement of fellow members, Kris has submitted the paper she presented last month, “Child Labor, Should We Be Concerned”, to be considered for publication in the Torch Magazine. She states that it has been accepted. Congratulations Kris!
Bill and Barb announced a tentative date for our annual summer gathering at their home of August 15, 2024. Barb also said that other members are also welcome to host the summer gathering and then she reviewed the setup.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Barb stated that she had received an email from Reed Taylor from Buffalo. Reed was one of the original organizers of our Torch Club and asked if our club website needed an update? If you have any thoughts with regard to this let Barb know.
It was moved by Paul and seconded by Jan to adjourn the business meeting. All were in favor and business meeting was adjourned at 6:12p.m.
Dinner was enjoyed and followed by the evening’s presentation.
PRESENTATION: Beautiful Baskets by Barb Kelly (See PPT here)
Barb gave a very interesting and informative presentation on the history, beauty and functionality of baskets. Barb brought several of her own baskets to demonstrate their beauty and utility.