VFP50 Meeting Minutes - October 19, 2024

Meeting at F&M Park in T.C. 

Bob Nichols called the meeting to order. 

Members Present: Tim, Bob, Rich, Dave, Lydia, Paul, Penny, Anne, Dave, Mary P, Mary E, Denise, Lon, Gayann

Moment of Silence.

Comments. Update on activities regarding War on Palestine. Lydia and Denise shared information about the upcoming community discussion hosted by MidEast:JustPeace entitled, “How Does A Compassionate Person Vote In This Election?”. Event is Wednesday, October 23 @ 5:30pm, Traverse City Library.

Lon recommends a documentary film called “Join or Die”. 

International Peace Day

All who attended raved about it being a wonderful morning! It is one of the best things VFP does. A Peace Pole was planted at TC Central High with a dozen or so students who were very involved and appreciative. Penny led the group in a stellar Peace Chant! Thank you Penny!

Peace Poles are on sale for 20% Off. We unanimously agreed to order 2 PPs. Tim still has 1 at his home.

Peace Wall Update

Tim presented the new design for our Peace Wall. It’s a very beautiful sculpture reaching to the sky with a dove on top! THANK YOU to EMILY and BOB (and A.I.)  for your beautiful design! T.C.Commissioner, Heather Shaw loved it!

Tim is getting a quote from Ace Welding. 

Anne Rogers’ daughter is a sculptor who could help with this process as a consultant.

What’s next? Get the quote, go for approval from the city, then start fundraising.

Let’s think of a new name for this - not Peace Wall; but Peace ___? To be discussed.

Veterans/Armistice Day - November 11

Meet at Open Space as usual (corner of Union & Parkway).

Lydia will get application for reserving Open Space and bring it to Bob.

Tim will bring signs. Tim will contact a bugler.

Should we make more signs recognizing all the lives lost in Palestine and Ukraine? It was decided that is more appropriate for Memorial Day. 

Lon wants a sign about all the disabled veterans. He’ll contact the VA.

How do we recognize Armistice Day? Reclaim Armistice Day.

Paul contributed some important history. He’ll write up a flyer about Armistice Day - what it was and its importance. To be handed out November 11.

Discussion about other Peace Groups with whom to connect: Peace Builders (are they active anymore?) , CodePink…

Scholarship Fund Name

Original Name: John Lewis VFP Scholarship Fund 

Current Name: John Lewis VFP Scholarship Fund in honor of Jim Concannon 

Do we want to change it? Lydia motioned to keep it as is for another year. All in Favor!!

We will keep the name for another year.

Officers of VFP50 - Any change? All will remain except the Secretary position will be rotated between Penny, Mary Povolo, and Denise.

President - Tim Keenan

VP - Bob Nichols

Secretary - Penny, Mary P, Denise (Mary P will do November)

Treasurer - Denise Sica

VFP member, Elliott Morrison passed away. A couple of members were able to attend his memorial. Tim suggested we make a $100 contribution to the G.T. Land Conservancy in Elliott’s name. Bob motioned. Mary E seconded. All Ayes. 

Tim stressed the importance of having a presence at memorials of our members. Please communicate any info to the group about a member ill or passing.

Treasurer Report: Report given by Denise

Tim requested the check from Patriot Games last fall be transferred to Peace Wall Account. That was his intention. Also, a donation from Tim’s book sales be transferred into Peace Wall Account. 

These transfers will be made from the Checking Account to the Peace Wall Account.

Public Relations: The Marys will promote the Veterans/Armistic Day event.

Other Comments:

The Patriot Game (T.C. West vs T.C. Central) is this Friday night at Thirlby Field. Wear your VFP shirt!

Sally Neal, former VFP member passed away recently. Condolences to Sally’s family. A memorial will be scheduled for next spring/summer.

Tim suggested we get Governor Whitmer to read the Peace Proclamation as our local mayor does on International Peace Day. Does anyone have a connection?

Tim suggested we make a donation to World Central Kitchen for Hurricane Victims. Dave R disagreed. We can make our own contributions to other non-profits but that’s not our purpose as a group. All agreed.

Next Meeting: Saturday, November 16 @ 10:00 am. T.C. Library (Thanks for reserving it Lydia!)

In Peace.

Submitted by Denise Sica