August 28th, 2023 Minutes
President Dennis Pratt called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM at Kro Bar.
Officers and Directors: Present – Ed Chaplinski, Glen Hill, Courtney Johnson, Mick Killoren, Dennis Pratt, Mike Sierszen, Dennis Smet, Walt Swanson, Jim Waletzko, Dean Wellman and Mike Zicus.
Minutes of the July Meeting: The minutes as written in the August newsletter were approved following a motion by Dean Wellman, second by Mike Zicus and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s Reports: President Dennis Pratt reported for Treasurer Jeff Stollenwerk that July’s beginning balance was $24,260.70 and the ending balance was $24,448.06 with the following expenses: Pro Print (June Newsletter – $30.16); Dennis Pratt (4 rolls postage stamps – $252.00); Constant Contact (Annual service – $462.00); Katie Thompson (July Newsletter – $200.00) Pro Print (July Newsletter – $30.16). The Treasurer’s report was approved following a motion by Jim Waletzko, second by Courtney Johnson and unanimous approval by voice vote. Financial Secretary Dean Wellman reported that there were $400.00 in total deposits into the general fund since the last meeting and that the Club had 3 new members. The Financial Secretary’s report was approved following a motion by Walt Swanson and a second by Dennis Smet.
Committee Reports
Legislative: Tom Sklebar mentioned Senate Bill 265, which has to do with the Hunter safety program requirements for hunter under 18. He also said that wolf Management continues to be a hot topic.
Habitat: Dennis Pratt – Dennis discussed the August 5th volunteer workday. Seven volunteers showed up for the last 190 tough feet of this project.
Audit and Scholarship: Nothing currently.
Education: Ed Chaplinski picked Club stickers up this morning and brought them to the meeting. These looked very nice. The artwork for the stickers was done by Ed’s granddaughter and Club member Sophia Drier. They will be handed out to all the Northwestern 6th graders during our aquarium project presentations next year.
Membership: Jim Waletzko/Ed Chaplinski – Ed Chaplinski handed out about a dozen newsletters, while Dennis Pratt handed out two membership forms at family fun day.
Social Media: Mike Zicus/Dennis Pratt – Mike Zicus – one inquiry from a lapsed member who mentioned a documentary being produced about Lake Superior. He wanted to know if we could advertise it on the website. Dennis Pratt – September newsletter articles – Family Fun Day; July/August Habitat Projects; South Shore Grade.
Other Business
Establishment of a Club Email – Mike Zicus/Walt Swanson things seem to be working as expected. We will review this again next month.
Nebagamon Creek Culvert Removal Progress – Project began in mid-August. A few board members have visited the site and commented about how it was going.
Fly of the Month – Seven Minute Swing Fly (seven minutes to tie).
Potential TU addition to the Club’s store: Mike Sierszen – Perhaps we could list some of Wild Rivers TU’s merchandise. Discussion next month.
Veterans Support Idea: Mick Killoren – Vets on The Lake event, honoring our Veterans with a great day of fishing, followed by a tasty fish fry. Support was approved following a motion by Tom Sklebar and a second by Mike Zicus. Discussion on how to support exactly will happen closer to the event next summer.
Family Fun Day – Turnout was very good although temperatures reached the upper 80’s later in the event. We sold five hats and received a donation of $200 from a club member. Also, Western Lake Superior Trollers donated $500 to the Family Fun Day account for next year. Club volunteers included: Dennis Pratt, Den and Erin Smet, Ken Lundberg, John Simonson, Ed and Mary Chaplinski and their granddaughter Sophia Drier, Bretta Chaplinski and her daughter Marianna, Tom Bydalek, Mick Killoren and Jim Henzie. We entertained 75 families with 136 adults and 157 children for a total of 293 attendants.
Upcoming Events – Listed on our Club Calendar https://bruleriversportsmensclub.com/category/club-calendar/.
The business meeting adjourned at 7:05 PM.
Recorded by Walt Swanson