VFP50 May 2025 Minutes
Veterans for Peace, Chapter 50
Monthly Meeting Minutes
Date: May 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Horizon Books (upstairs)
Traverse City, MI
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1. Moment of Silence
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2. Welcome
In attendance: Mary P., Bob N., Tim K., Lydia H., Richard B., Ann R., Dave P., Dave F., Emily K., Paul D.
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3. Committee Reports
A. Public Relations (Mary P. and Bob N.)
Regarding Memorial Day event:
Mary P. contacted Northern Express and will be writing to TV7&4.
Bob N. Called the Record Eagle and is in the process of contacting IPR.
B. Treasurer (Denise)
Bob presented Denise’s Treasurer’s Report regarding new donations, the General Fund and the Peace Monument Account. Current members interested in specific figures can contact Denise S. or Tim K. directly.
Denise is in the process of arranging for two debit cards for official chapter use.
It was suggested and approved that Treasurer, Denise Sica should acquire a Debit Card from TBACU to be able to make purchases from our checking account. If possible, two cards. One in the name of President Tim Keenan and one in the name of Treasurer, Denise Sica. Tim Keenan and Denise Sica are authorized to hold and use said debit cards (linked to our TBA Credit Union checking account) for Veterans for Peace, Chapter 50 purchases.
Hat was passed for donations to VFP50
(If you missed the “passing of the hat”, please consider making a contribution:
To donate to VFP50:
Visit VFP50.org and click the “DONATE” button to make a one-time or recurring contribution.
Or mail a check to:
Veterans for Peace, Chapter 50
P.O. Box 1421
Traverse City, MI 49685
Note: To designate your donation for the Peace Monument project, include this in the check memo or comment section online.
C. NMC John Lewis Veterans for Peace Scholarship Honoring James Concannon (Bob, Mary P., Tim)
The deadline for applications is June 1, 2025.
More info: Scholarship Info
Bob will schedule a scholarship committee meeting. Bob, Mary, and Tim will begin pre-sorting applications once they receive applications from NMC.
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4. Old Business
A. State Theatre “Naneek” and “Coming Home” Event Recap (Tim)
The event was a success and many folks expressed how moved they were by the films. Thanks to all who attended! If you were unable to attend, you can see the film Naneek, here . Coming Home (1978) is available through several streaming services.
Tim expressed his apologies for forgetting to mention VFP50 folks in his introduction (Although VFP is mentioned in the documentary)
(As a side note, Tim highly recommended the new documentary series about the Vietnam War and it’s aftermath, “The War That Changed America” (available on AppleTV) stating it was the best documentary of the topic he has seen to date.)
B. MidEast Just Peace (Lydia)
Lydia gave a brief recap of MEJP’s recent event: https://mideastjustpeace.net/eyewitness-palestine-stories-from-the-front/
Hopefully there will be a video recording of this informative and moving event available soon
C. NMEAC Environmental Awards Recap (Ann R.)
Ann gave a brief recap of NMEAC’s 36th annual Environmentalist of the Year event that took place on May 16 at the Milliken Auditorium/Dennos Museum in Traverse City.
She highlighted what she believes to be the two biggest threats to our world today, climate change and the threat of nuclear war.
How YOU can help make a positive impact on climate change TODAY (from the United Nations “Act Now” initiative): Actions for a healthy planet | United Nations
There was discussion of the interconnectedness between the peace movements and the environmental movements.
More information about the effects of militarization on climate change can be found here: Climate Crisis & Militarism Project | Veterans For Peace & here: Military Conflicts & Climate | Veterans For Peace
Ann suggested inviting Kevin Kamps of https://beyondnuclear.org/about/to speak here in Traverse City
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5. New Business
A. Memorial Day Display/Event at Open Space
Monday, May 26 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Open Space, Traverse City
Set-Up: 8:30 AM
*Volunteers needed to set up the rows of “grave markers”, read names of fallen Michigan soldiers at noon, hold signs, flags, etc. during the event, and to tear down at 2pm. Please let Tim know if you can help by calling him at 231-357-4776.*
Denise will provide the VFP flag to Lydia.
Tim will secure a microphone and amp and bring the signs, etc. that are stored at his home
Mary P., Dave F., Bob N., and Tim K. volunteered to arrive at Lydia’s at 8:30 a.m. to transport totes, flag holder etc. to the Open Space
Lydia volunteered to take photos of the event and possibly film taps and the name reading for social media.
Lydia will reach out to MEJP folks about attending and bringing signs to the event
B. Peace Monument Update
Tim, Bob, Denise and Emily to meet again soon to discuss next steps
C. Membership
Emily reminded attendees that members and friends of VFP50 who are unsure of their member status with Veterans for Peace National can contact the national office at 314-725-6005 to inquire.
Annual dues:
• Veterans & Associates: $50
• Reduced rate: $25 (students or those with financial need)
• Member scholarship applications for those in need of financial assistance are available through the national office: membership@veteransforpeace.org
• If none of these options are feasible for you, please contact Tim. We don’t want any of our committed members to be left out!
If you have been a member at any time in the past, you can renew here: Renew Membership
If you have never been a member of the National VFP, no worries! You can join here: Join National VFP
A new member roster from the National Office that includes information on member status was to be sent monthly to Tim and Denise. (It appears this needs to confirmed again. Tim plans on calling the National Office.)
D. International Day Of Peace
Penny not present. Likely date of Sept. 22, 2025 tentatively agreed upon.
Hopes for a peace pole and ceremony at T.C. West Senior High School were discussed, Tim will reach out to them.
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6. Discussion: Current events, issues, concerns from members or guests
Paul will be attending “Know your rights and de-escalation training” for Traverse Indivisible in preparation of June 14 rally.
Ann suggested books in lieu of toys for our Christmas giving program. The consensus seemed to be that an educational book along with toys would be a great idea.
Garage Sale Fundraiser: Postponed. Bernie and Jalene will most likely not be in a position to host this year.
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Upcoming “Sister Group” Events
Tuesday, May 20 @ 7pm - From Strangers to Neighbors: Listen to, Learn From and Love Immigrants & Refugees in our Community. Watershed Church 720 Elmwood Ave
Every Sunday - Open Space Sidewalk (Parkway & Union)
Daily & Weekly “Good Trouble” Pop-Up Protests @ 12noon-1pm
Hosted by Traverse IndivisibleDaily vigils occur at various locations around Traverse City
Saturday, June 14 @ 12-3pm - Flag Day Celebration-NO KINGS!
Hosted by Traverse Indivisible. Community Event & Parade. F&M Park.
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8. Next Meeting
Saturday, June 21
10:00 AM – Noon
Location: F & M Park *
*if weather prevents us from meeting outdoors: Thirlby Room at the T.C. Library on Woodmere
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Minutes recorded by Emily K.
#VFP50
