February 10, 2004 Meeting

DUCKY 56ers NEWS:

• Terri Gelz was officially voted in as Secretary.
• The Current Balance for our Treasury is $4,473.07.  The portion for charity is approximately $3,500.  Because our treasury is currently at approximately $900, we discussed possible ways to increase our funds.  Possibilities are:
      1. Raffles become 50/50 - half to the club and half to our charity
      2. During Brandon's Display classes conduct a raffle
• Club Pins - The club pins have been ordered.  They measure 1-1/4" with the Tie tack back.  They will be available at our March meeting.  Initially the prices were $5 for the public and $3 for our members.  After a unanimous vote, we decided that the members will also cost $5 and the $2 will go towards our club's fund.
• Holy Cow is a store located at the corner of 63rd and Main Street in Downers Grove.  They have shirts available with the club insignia on them.  Shirts, long and short sleeve, are available for both Men and Women for $25.00.  If interested the shirts can be ordered through Rich Wyllie or purchased directly at the store.
• Website - The website may be moved to a new provider.  The club approved spending up to $50 for a year with a re-evaluation at that time.
• Members Only Christmas Housewalk may be changed to Saturdays.
• Chicago 2004 Gathering - There will be 35 seminars.  Currently in need of proctors (volunteers).  Duties of proctor include Welcoming guests, introduce speaker(s), pass out raffle tickets, seat people, conduct drawing and present prizes.  As of 2/10/04 there will be 53 tables of vendors "in the Market Place".  Some events during the gathering: Thursday - Bus tour, reception and Bingo.  Friday - Opening Session, Welcome to Gathering with a Department 56 History, Seminars, Buffet with Sports Theme and Bingo.  Saturday - Seminars, Plated Dinner and Live Entertainment provided by Route 66, Auction, Room Hopping.  Sunday - Breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, LOTS OF PRIZES.
• Rich Wyllie wrote thank you's to the newspapers who covered our activities over the holidays.  Vicki Martinka from Suburban Life wrote Rich back to inform him that they will be happy to cover our housewalks again this year.  Rich is currently working on a press release for next years' housewalks.
• George Raetzke informed us of a BIG sale at Gonterman Jewelers in DeKalb, IL.  Items are 75% off.  Their address is 143 East Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, IL.  Their telephone number is (815) 756-4952.

Presentation: Ron Blazek did an excellent job with an electrical demonstration and explanation.  His information will be included in the March digest.

Contest Winners: George Raetzke for most purchases - over $1600!! and Carol Cavanaugh for providing most information on sales and store hopping!! Each won a $25 gift certificate to Just Ducky.

Raffle Winners: Bonnie Peterson and Betty Fink