VNA Council Minutes – ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday, November 16th 2022, at 7:00pm – via Zoom
Term Ending - 2022
Sarah Bahauddin- President
Ben Blitz
Bonnie Gruber
Pat Scheckel
Term Ending - 2023
Rachel Bennett, Treasurer
Regan Botsford, Secretary
Doug Carlson
Wendy Fearnside
7:03 Call to Order
Meeting Rules: Stay on mute unless talking.
October minutes unanimously approved.
Introductions and overview of role on VNA (Sarah Bahauddin, Rachel Bennett, Doug Carlson, Mary Clare Murphy, Mike Rewey, Leon Maurer, Bonnie Gruber, Wendy Fearnside, Bethany Nelson, Rosalind Woodward, Benjamin Blitz, Craig Stanley, Regan Botsford)
Announcements
o Join the listserv: Send an email to VilasNA+subscribe@groups.io
o Website: vilasneighborhood.com
o Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vilasna
o Donations: (Dues no longer required for membership) https://www.vilasneighborhood.com/take-action
7:05 Existing Business
Zoning Committee: Ben Biltz and Wendy Fearnside
No no current updates. Possible update to definition of ‘family’ re housing. Waiting on OTC.
If anyone is interested in joining the Zoning Committee, please do reach out.
Social Report: Bethany Nelson
Holiday Festivities:
Garth’s Holiday Celebration will take place on Sunday, December 11.
Cookies, Candy and Cocoa night on Friday, December 9 at 6:30PM. This will take place in front of 1919 Jefferson.
Request for a coffee urn for hot chocolate.
Charity Auction
Note: 70% of nursing home residents don’t receive gifts at this time of year.
VNA was very generous last year.
Auction site will go live shortly after Thanksgiving.
Craft Event for Kids: Potentially partner with Greenbush and rent space from Temple Beth El. Either donate crafts or keep. Bethany will also reach out to Neighborhood House to check availability. Tentatively Sunday, December 4.
Book Club to meet December 1 – Sarah lead (reading Lincoln Highway)
Vilas Ink: Pat Scheckel: In need of new editor
Last newsletter of 2022 will be put together next week
Wendy suggested forming a small committee.
Bonnie said she would be willing to be Editor if she could have loyal contributors. Wendy and Doug would consider supporting.
Zoo Liaison Committee Report: Bonnie Gruber and Ann Rivlin
The zoo will send out information about Zoo Lights, including a preview night, soon.
The zoo is working on better signage for their parking lot on Randall; the liaisons are contacting city officials to help with this effort, too.
Jim Lorman wrote a letter to parks staff for recommendations.
President’s Message (Sarah Bahauddin)
Sarah took this time to thank all of the council members and everyone who contributed their time and energy to better the VNA and community over the past year. This includes, but not limited to, the Zoning Committee with Ben and Wendy at the helm as co-chairs, the Zoo Committee with Bonnie and Ann as co-chairs, Rachel for her work as Treasurer, Doug and his work with the joint campus committee. Pat for his work on the newsletter. Everyone has been doing so much. It’s been such a pleasure. Besides the Council Members, Roz, Bethany, Mary Clare, District 13 Committee and Dana, and Bethany for all of her help with the amazing events. Election Committee members and Flavia for creating the FB page. Thank you for your hard work on projects such as the Transit Oriented Development project, Metro Transit Redesign and the alcohol license issue on Regent Street. Let’s not forget that Doug sat through the ALRC meeting so well and they ended up adopting our suggestions. We participated in the forming of the new zoo liaison committee. Service events: litter clean up with Lake Wingra, service oriented projects and donations through Bethany and the holiday giving. Great events such as Garth’s celebration, Hallowen, summer party, 4th of July parade with popsicles, Back to School night. Thank the council members who are leaving us this year. Farewell to Ben and Pat.
Announcement of New Council: Congratulations to Bonnie Gruber, Lee Lazar, Leon Maurer, and Michael Rewey!
Motion to vote in Bonnie, Lee, Leon and Michael unanimously approved.
New President’s Message (Doug Carlson)
Thank you to Sarah for her leadership, we have formed so many committees and events. Sarah has been such a great leader. Sarah will continue to do the book club and stay involved, especially with the community events.
Wendy: Thank you for keeping everyone informed through the listserv.
Doug President
Rachel Treasurer
Regan Secretary
Motion on table by Lee, seconded by Mike. Any other discussion.
Adjourn at 8:00PM.