Meeting Minutes
Torch Club of the Fox Valley
Touchmark
15 October 2025
Notes taken by: Kris Stahl, Secretary
ATTENDEES: Sue Bennett via Zoom; Nancy Van Rooy Bodway, Paul Freiberg, Walt
Hedges; Barb Kelly, Bill Kelly, Dale Lewellyn, Elaine Lewellyn, Jan Mirenda Smith via
phone, Kris Stahl, and Sofia Wilson via Zoom
Guests: Dave and Shirley Strange
A buffet dinner was served by Touchmark.
BUSINESS MEETING: Bert called the meeting to order at 6:24 p.m.
MINUTES: There were no corrections or additions to the 9/17/26 minutes. A motion was
made by Bill to accept the minutes, which was seconded by Dale. All were in favor and
the minutes were approved as published.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Barb reported a beginning balance of $2,285.26 as of
9/13/26. There were disbursements of $24.19 for the domain name renewal, and
$100.00 to the Appleton Public Library for books in memory of our member, Peter Thiel,
who recently passed away. There were no receipts. The balance on 10/09/26 was
$2,161.07. It was moved by Bill and seconded by Walt to accept the Treasurer's report.
All were in favor and the report was approved. Barb alerted the group that 2027 dues
will be payable in November and December. Dues are expected to be the same as last
year -- $85 for the primary member and $45 for an additional member, such as a
spouse. Barb also reported that Go Daddy notified her that they are discontinuing their
"plesk hosting." It's a bit confusing at this time, but she expects more clarification for the
November meeting.
VICE PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Bill reported that speakers are needed for the meetings
from February going forward.
OLD BUSINESS:
Paul updated the club on the International Torch Club Convention that was held June
11-13 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Bert reported that he had talked to our Region
6 & 7 Director, Gail Hoffmann, who wants to get to know representatives from each
Chapter. Bert confirmed that at this time our Chapter is not interested in hosting a
future Torch Club National Convention. Members noted that our Chapter had
successfully hosted one of the Torch National Conventions some years ago.
Paul reminded all members that the Torch Club is looking for submissions of articles for
the Torch Magazine.
NEW BUSINESS: Bert and Barb reported that Touchmark has given notice of an
increase in the dinner prices for the monthly meetings. There are a few options to
consider for the future. Barb will discuss the situation with Megan, the Touchmark
Representative, and report back at the November meeting.
Bill made a motion, seconded by Paul, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried. The business meeting
was adjourned at 6: 55 p.m.
Presentation: Walt gave a talk entitled "History of the Rifle." Thank you, Walt, for this
very informative presentation!