June 24th, 2024 Meeting
President Dennis Pratt called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM at Kro Bar.
Officers and Directors: Present – Ed Chaplinski, Paul Helbach, Glen Hill, Courtney Johnson, Mick Killoren, Dennis Pratt, Mike Sierszen, Den Smet, Jeff Stollenwerk, Walt Swanson, Jim Waletzko, Dean Wellman and Mike Zicus.
Minutes of the May Meeting: The minutes as written in the June newsletter were approved following a motion by Mike Zicus, second by Courtney Johnson and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s Reports: Treasurer Jeff Stollenwerk reported that May’s beginning balance was $10,936.81, and the ending balance was $12,340.50 with the following expenses: Northwestern High School (Annual Scholarship) $1,000.00; Transfer to Savings (April Donations) $80.00; DP – Postage and Supplies Apr 01 – May 13 $418.53; KL – WWF Meeting Travel & Lodging $200.00; Katie Thompson (May Newsletter) $200.00; Pro Print (May Newsletter + Raffle Tickets) $198.69; Vets on the Lake Donation $500.00. The Treasurer’s report was approved following a motion by Walt Swanson, second by Dean Wellman and unanimous approval by voice vote. Financial Secretary Dean Wellman reported that there were $1,905.00 in total deposits into the general fund since the last meeting and that the Club had 1 new member and 42 renewals. The Financial Secretary’s report was approved following a motion by Mike Sierszen and a second by Ed Chaplinski and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Committee Reports
Legislative, Audit and Education Committees: Nothing to report currently.
Habitat: Dennis Pratt – Paul Piszczek has been removing the beaver dam and lowering the water at Beaupre Spring pond after the APHIS trapper removed the beavers.
Scholarship: Mike Sierszen/Paul Helbach – Mike reported that the Scholarship Committee was nominating Ben Fromm who is attending UW Stevens Point in the Forestry program for the 2024 College Scholarship. The nomination was approved following a motion by Paul Helbach and a second by Mike Zicus and unanimous approval by voice vote. Paul reported that Jay Kaufman was the 2024 High School Scholarship recipient chosen by Northwest HS faculty.
Membership: Jim Waletzko/Ed Chaplinski – Ed has been distributing paper newsletters to clubs where he lives. Dennis Pratt mentioned that we were almost out of thank you cards. An order for more was approved following a motion by Mike Zicus and a second by Dean Wellman and unanimous approval by voice vote. A suggestion was made that we offer a one-year appreciation membership to non-members volunteering at habitat events. This was approved following a motion by Walt Swanson and a second by Dean Wellman and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Social Media: Mike Zicus/Dennis Pratt – Mike Zicus reported a couple of inquiries on Big Lake permits through the website. Ideas for Newsletter were discussed. A piece on Lamprey removal was suggested for the next newsletter and discussed at length.
Other Business
Fly of the Month – Dean Wellman – Blue-winged Olive.
Spring Raffle: Mike Sierszen – Tickets sales are going well, and tickets were distributed to board members. Discussion on ticket sales strategies followed.
Club Store Items Status: Pratt – May send out Constant Contact announcement promoting the Fly of the Month booklet soon.
Challenge Center Canoe Trip: Den Smet – Den reviewed the plan for July 27th volunteers and passengers will meet at 9 AM between Twin Gables and the Brule Post Office. About a dozen clients are expected. We still need a few volunteers in waders and guides/drivers for the event. Please contact Den if you are able to help.
Family Fun Day: Volunteers and station assignments were discussed for the August 17th event.
Upcoming Events – Please check our Club Calendar at https://bruleriversportsmensclub.com/category/club-calendar/ for the latest events.
The business meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM.
Recorded by Walt Swanson