October 10, 2006 Minutes

Meeting brought to order by Rich Wyllie, president.

·Visitor introductions – 3

·Secretary Report - The position of secretary remains open with Michelle Eckerle serving as temporary secretary for the October meeting.

·Treasure Report – Cheryl Merkel – Printed treasurer report was distributed

·Newsletter Report – Beth and Chuck Lazzara - Digest will resume with the November issue; a discussion ensued about the monthly cost of printing and mailing the Digest to all club members.  It was agreed that the Digest will be emailed to club members and a printed copy sent through the U.S. postal system for members without email access.  Beth and Chuck want input/ideas from the membership for articles to be published in the Digest.

·NCC Representative Report – Provided an overview of the National Collectors Club and the benefits of membership.  NCC pins were distributed to new members in attendance.  A copy of the bi-monthly publication Village D-Lights was available for viewing. 

·Latest from Just Ducky – Gifts sets are in and available for purchase.  During the Oct. meeting members receive a 20% discount on purchases of D-56 village pieces excluding gift sets.  Watch the mail for details about the up coming annual retirement party the first Friday in November.

·General Announcements

1.      Murder Mystery Update, Oct. 14 – there are still tickets available for purchase

2.      Birthdays, Anniversaries – well wishes were expressed for members with October celebrations

3.      Secondary Dealers – Harry and June McGowan, owners of Dept. 56 Retirees. Donated village items for club raffle prizes.  They also provided an updated price list and invited interested collectors to visit their website at www.dept56retirees.com.  Another secondary website for D-56 items is www.dept56.biz.

4.      Ronald McDonald Halloween set-up – Marilyn and Don Alton are spearheading the set-up on Oct. 11, 2006, interested members should meet there at 10:00 AM

5.      Members should contact Kirk Wyllie if interested in joining the Windy City 56ers for a spring 2007 trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan.

·Business

1.  Kirk Wyllie reported on news from D-56 and conducted a collector’s 

     preference straw poll about cost, trees and retirement re-issues.  He will

     report the results directly to Department 56.

 

Text Box: * Should buildings come with a battery pack or a light cord? Buildings should come with    a light cord and if a battery pack is wanted it can be purchased separately   * What type of trees do buyers want?  All seasons, but not the kind that the leaves come    off   * Do you want trees brought out of retirement?  Yes, bring trees back.  No need for a   general accessory or tree cut off date before bringing back to current line   * Ideas to pass on to Department 56 – Reduce price for trees      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

2.      Officer Nominations – Dan Collander, vice-president/programming and there is a vacancy for secretary position.  Voting will take place a the November meeting

3.      Members Only Halloween Housewalk, Oct. 22 – house display volunteers are Michelle and John Eckerle,   Lourdes Soto-Smith, Wendi Kim and Rick Rempert and Bill Novak

4.      Dues for 2007 – Cheryl Merkel, treasurer is collecting dues for 2007

5.      Member Claudie O’Connell donated a building for the October club raffle

6.      Member Bill Novak invited members to an open house on Sat., Oct. 14 from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM

7.      Member Patti Nordhem has a D-56 Halloween Barn Dance piece for sale

8.      Volunteers are needed for the Holiday Housewalk for the public in January.  This is a fundraiser for the club charity, The Ronald McDonald House.

·Program

Electrical Questions, Continued – Ron Blazek answered previous questions submitted by members and addressed new ones.  Members with electrical question should submit them to Ron through email:  ronblazek@aol.com

·Raffle – winners

Just Ducky $25 gift certificate – George Raetzke

Just Ducky $25 gift certificate – Carol Cavanaugh

Dickens – Holly and Ivy – Patti Nordhem

Dickens – Rock Creek Mill House – Wally Merkel

Halloween – Franklin Residence – Chuck

 

Next meeting to be held: Just Ducky, 7511 Lemont Rd., Darien Ill

                                         Tuesday, November 14, 2006

                                          7:00 PM