Meeting Minutes
Torch Club of the Fox Valley
Touchmark
November 20, 2025
Notes taken by: Sue Bennett
ATTENDEESs: Sue Bennett via zoom, Nancy Van Rooy Bodway, Paul Freiberg, Walt Hedges,
Barb Kelly, Bill Kelly, Dale Lewellyn, John Palmquist, Jan Mirenda Smith via zoom, Peter
Thiel, Scott Valitchka, Bert Wiegand.
Guests: Elaine Lewellyn, Sofia Wilson via zoom
A buffet dinner was served by Touchmark.
BUSINESS MEETING: Bert called the meeting to order at 6:17 p.m.
Bert introduced Dale's guest, his wife, Elaine. Elaine is considering joining Torch. Welcome
Elaine.
MINUTES: There were no corrections or additions to the minutes. A motion was made by
Bill to accept the minutes, which was seconded by Dale. All were in favor and minutes were
approved as published.
TREASURER'S REPORT: After one correction Barb reported a balance of $2,011.09 as of
10/9/25. There were receipts of $85.00 for dues and no disbursements leaving a balance as
of/25 of $2,096.09. It was moved by Bill and seconded by Dale to accept the Treasurer's
report. All were in favor and the report was approved. Barb reminded members that dues
need to be paid by the December meeting, as she has to pay dues to IATC in January.
VICE PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Walt reported that April and May, as well as September,
October, November and December of 2025 are still available for presentations. Please
contact VP Walt to schedule your presentation.
OLD BUSINESS: Barb brought the last of the books donated in memory of Mary Poulson for
members to see. The other books are now available to check out the Appleton Public
Library.
NEW BUSINESS: Barb shared that former member, Jim Baumbach, has died. Jim was one of
the earlier members of our chapter and served as a delegate to IATC. Several shared
memories of Jim saying that he had a great sense of humor and gave wonderful
presentations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Paul announced that IATC is planning for the 2026 Convention which
will be held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
It was moved by Bill and seconded by Walt to adjourn the business meeting. All were in
favor and the business meeting was adjourned
At 6:28 p.m.
Presentation: The Miracle of the Grocery Store by Paul Freiberg
Paul gave an engaging presentation on the history of how Americans have acquired their
food and dry goods, from the trading post on up the self-checkout. It was fascinating to
hear how marketing groceries has evolved to include high tech data and algorithms.
Thank you Paul.