august 14th, 2025 meeting minutes

Present: Cheryl VanVliet, Hal Hultman, Vivian VanVliet, Elijah Canfield,  Thad Bogert, Diana Bolton Julie Pelletier, Dan Mercurio & Maureen Posler
Meeting called to order: 6:30 PM by Elijah Canfield
Additions & Corrections: Elijah added a bullet under “Open Discussion.  7(f): Goodies on the Grand was added.
Minutes: Minutes of last meeting were passed out. Hal made a motion to approve and Thad seconded the motion.  All agreed and minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Diana reviewed the Treasurer’s report. Please see the Treasurer’s handout for account balances.  There was no activity in the MP account so the balance remained the same. Diana noted that Krazy Kops increased their fees once the maximum chip amount increased to $20K.  The Treasurer’s report was approved.
Correspondence: Maureen read a thank you letter from the South Lyon Water Guardians Organization expressing their thanks for KVC’s Sponsorship and donation for the 21st Annual South Lyon Creek Clean-up and Earth Day Event. 
MRR Committee:  Carol Sienko was not present. Elijah reported that he sent out emails to 73 families asking them to join us and make a difference. He invited them to come to a monthly meeting.  He did not receive any responses so far.  Cheryl suggested putting the email on the website.
Club Elections: The remaining officer’s position that was open was for Treasurer.  Dan Mercurio & his wife Bonnie have agreed to serve as Co-Treasurers.  Dan will officially be listed since only one officer can be named in each position.
Open Discussion:

1. Civitan International: Elijah & Karissa attended the convention on August 6-9, 2025. He said that convention was good.  He especially liked hearing what other clubs were doing and meeting new people.  One idea that Elijah brought to the table was that since our account balances have remained fairly consistent for several month that perhaps we should transfer some of the money to a CD or high interest account.  This would mean another account and everyone holding a credit/debit card would have to sign the new account paperwork.  There would not be a lot of additional on-going work for the treasurer.  All present seemed in favor of getting more information from the bank and considering this. Not doing something like this is leaving significant interest on the table. Another idea was establishing auto pay for dues. This would eliminate the issue of the club paying dues to International for people who have quit the club
2. Civitan Region & Fall Convention: This will be held on Sept. 19-21 in Lafayette, Indiana. Elijah is going sine he is now on the board in charge of Philanthropy.   Cheryl and Hal are also attending. 
3. Group Home Good Gestures: No report on this.
4. Generations in Business: The was an idea presented by Elijah and involves bringing together two of our community’s  greatest resources, the talented youth from YEM and interested, talented seniors from Abby Park or the Senior Center for an afternoon of collaboration, creativity and connection.  Both groups would spend a Sunday afternoon working side-by-side to design and create a unique product line for the 2026 Youth Entrepreneur Market.  Seniors will share their skills, stories and wisdom, while the students bring fresh ideas, energy and marketing savvy. Examples might include handcrafted jewelry, hand painted mugs or tote bags, or knitted/crocheted items. The proposed timeline would be identifying seniors and students in January and select the product type(s). In February & host a workshop for both groups.  During Spring/Summer, continue product production and refine branding. Then during the 2026 Market, launch the “Generations Collection” with a tag honoring the seniors that helped make each item. Everyone thought this was a great idea with more discussion at future meetings.
5. Desert Angels Packing Event: Everyone present agreed that we do this again, however Hal suggested finding a bigger location and preferably one that would allow us to get in earlier to set up.  Diana was going to check with the high school about use of their gym and if a cost was involved and Thad was going to check with Bartlett Middle School regarding gym availability.
6. Goodies on the Grand:  Elijah brought up whether the club wanted to participant this year.  Every one present thought we should. The date is Oct. 18 at Inspiration Park.

Project Updates:

1. Music on the Grand: Last event for this year will be on August 20.  Several members who are our biggest volunteers are not available for this event.  We need club members to volunteer!  This simply means handling a bean bag type toss for kids and putting on temporary tattoo stickers.  If you have not volunteered much this year, or, even if you have volunteered, this is a good opportunity to help the club.  The location is Inspiration Park (in front of the New Hudson Methodist church at 56730 Grand River in New Hudson).  Volunteers are needed to be there at 5:30 to set up.  Concert runs from 6:00-8:00.  Bring a chair, wear your club t-shirt and name tag.  While you are volunteering, you get to hear some great music from a live band.
2. Youth Entrepreneur Market: In July, 20 students attended and $63 in Civitan Cash was refunded (100% of vouchers were redeemed). In August, 29 students participated.  This was the biggest market to date!  The inflatable was a big hit. Next market is Sept. 13 and everyone present thought we should continue the vouchers. There was a lot of discussion because Pontiac Trail will be under construction next year. Some members suggested moving the market, however for return visitors; we lose the convenience of being in the same location year after year.  The Farmer’s Market will remain open so perhaps best option is to stay where we are.  A Southbound lane will be open.
3. Adopt-a-Highway: Next clean-up will be on September 20.  Meet in the Biggby New Hudson parking lot at 9:00 am.
4. Pumpkinfest: This event will be held on Sept. 27-28.  Volunteers will be needed to staff the tent.  The game is a simple- spin the wheel, like “Wheel of Fortune”, and pick a prize. Thad will send out a “Sign-Up Genius” to sign up for a shift.  Please sign up!
5. Focus Hope: This event is spearheaded by the Plymouth Canton Civitan Club; however they always invite our club and need the help. Everyone has a great time followed by a great lunch and bakery visit in Hamtramck.
6. Wellness: Cheryl gave an update on Theresa’s knee surgery and also mentioned that Kris Krzyzanski will be out of commission for 3 months.  He injured his knee and is waiting to see an orthopedic doctor.  He is also having surgery on his shoulder.

Motion to Adjourn made at 7:47 pm Vivian made a motion to adjourn and Diana seconded the motion.
 
Minutes taken at the August 14, 2025 Business Meeting and respectfully submitted by Maureen Posler on August 17, 2025.
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