Veterans for Peace Ch.50 - Meeting MINUTES - 9/19/26

Location: F&M PARK
Time: 10:00 -11:30 am

Moment of Silence

Introductions (if needed)

In attendance: Tim, Bob, Penny, Lydia, Lon, Gay, Denise, Dick, Mary P.

Agenda Items:

1. International Day of Peace - 

Monday September 21

8am: Sunrise Ceremony at Clinch Park (near concessions and bathrooms)

9am: Mayoral Proclamation outside T.C. Governmental Center on Boardman (around peace-pole near utility drop boxes) 

10am: Peace pole planting at Medalie Park (Logan’s Landing) 

Emily to post on FB and Website and send a reminder email

Tim invited Compass Montessori 

Mary P. Invited TC Sings choir

Peace pole will be planted at Medalie Park (Logans Landing) near “middle bridge” and “Moirai” outdoor sculpture.

Remind Tim to bring peace pole this time :)

2. Peace Monument Update (Bob)

Scott Nells came up with his own version of the design and those in attendance who voted, voted unanimously for updated design (with 1 abstention).

Using granite veneer around concrete base instead of solid granite was discussed. Could save thousands of dollars. More information needed but sounds like a good alternative.

City’s contracted engineering folks running into ADA compliance issues with our 2 preferred potential sites, could cost potentially 3-5k more.

Lon suggested getting our own engineering company to give recommendations 

3. Billboard Update (Tim, Mary P, Denise) 

Sept. 21 Billboard to go up on Cass across from Sara Lee

“Families Cry in Every Language

Stop Endless Wars

Teach Peace”

Tim to send out reminder to whole group about the billboard with graphic included

4. Armistice Day - November 11

Lydia asked if we’d approve of her inviting MEJP members to hold a series of fear protest signs, group agreed.

Tim will try to arrange student to blow taps at 11:11

5. Treasurer Report (Denise)

Denise gave report

Tim had several donations to report

Tim to write thank you to Oryana board for once again raising money for us through the “Beans for Bags program”

6. Update on members who have recently passed. (Tim)

Bernie H. and John N. will be missed

Phil H. Has been released from hospital and is resting at home

7.  Announcements for other upcoming events

Tim to respond to Grand Traverse Indivisible No Kings Vote Early Rally October 17 Community Day invitation to participate

NMEAC planning showing of doc. film on impact of war on environment at MIWorks (more info to come), VFP50 agreed to be a sponsor and table event if possible 

8.  P.R. Committee 

7&4 was contacted regarding IDP events.

Suggestion was made to contact press regarding billboard? Check it out on way to Medalie Park on 21st (assuming it’s up!)