Hello Williamsburg Torch Club Members, as we prepare for our upcoming meeting, we want to thank you for your ongoing support of our Club. We are growing with new members, and our speakers have been fantastic in their presentations on a variety of interesting topics.
As we prepare for our meeting on February 20th, please RSVP to me on or before noon on Friday, February 16th of your plan to attend, along with the names of your guests, and any dietary restrictions.
Meeting Agenda
5:30 p.m. — Mingling; registration; cash bar
6:00 p.m. – Announcements and reports
6:15 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 p.m. – Program/Questions
8:00 p.m. — Adjourn
A Word from our President……
Happy Valentine’s Day! We next meet on February 20, 2024 at 5:30 pm at Colonial Heritage to share Valentine (and President’s Day) wishes and hear the next presentation for the Torch Club of Williamsburg.
According to several sources, Valentine’s Day is tied to the ancient festival of Lupercalia, a raucous, wine-fueled Roman fertility rite. Like many pagan rituals, it was co-opted by the Catholic church and has evolved into the less bawdy, Hallmark expression of friendship and love that we celebrate today among elementary school students and friends.
Thanks to Torch Club member Megan Tschannen-Moran, at our February meeting, we will hear from an expert on education about some of the educational issues in our schools. Given the effects of the pandemic and political pressures on what can be taught in schools, the talk is both timely and will offer insights into another important policy issue. Join us for William and Mary School of Education professor Tschannen-Moran’s talk on, “The Crisis and the Betrayal in our Schools.”
At our January meeting, 26 attendees (including one guest and our new members Gretchen and Ryan Bedell) joined us for Bob Spitzer’s talk about the politics of gun control. As expected, it was thoroughly researched and well received. We welcome additional speakers, so please contact Kathi Mestayer or Lois Manes if you’d like to sign up to present between September 2024 and May 2025.
Also, please be reminded that the International Association of Torch Clubs is holding its centennial convention in Richmond in June. You can learn more about the convention and sign up at www.torch.org. We are also looking for delegates from the Williamsburg club. If interested, please let me know.
I am glad that so many of you continue to see the value of Torch in our personal lifelong learning. Your Board has continued to work hard on putting together the details of the meetings and appreciates your feedback on the setting, meals, and meeting topics. Denise Harrington is spearheading a committee which will look at our venue options. I know that she will appreciate your thoughts, and welcomes your participation.
Please speak with one of the current Board members or me if you have thoughts on how we can improve our meetings and communications, or if you would like to assist in some way.
Williamsburg Torch Club 