Please join us on October 21st for dinner and a presentation by Dennis Litalien who will discuss “The Great Decisions Foreign Policy Program.” We look forward to a fun evening with you and your guests.
Your timely response about your plans for dinner is very important-RSVP by October 17th at noon.
TORCH CLUB OF WILLIAMSBURG MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
October 21, 2025 Dinner Meeting
LOCATION: Colonial Heritage Clubhouse
6500 Arthur Hills Drive Williamsburg, VA 23188
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
MENU
Salad-Spinach Salad w/goat cheese, blueberries, onions; or penne pasta tossed/tomatoes, fresh herbs
Entree-Butter crumb cod w/chardonnay cream sauce; pan seared chicken filet w/piccata sauce; broccolini; vegetable risotto
Dessert
Our greeter for the evening is Mike Mason.
A Word from Our President…
Autumn is in full swing with students back at their studies, pumpkins on the front stoop, and the beginning of leaves that will keep us busy for the next few months.
The new season of the Torch Club is also part of the fall tradition, and we started off in style with Mike Mason’s presentation at our September dinner on “Never a Tumbleweed: Living Life with Exuberance.” His motivational talk reminded us that it is important to challenge ourselves with new experiences and knowledge, regardless of age. Unlike the directionless tumbleweed blowing in the wind, we can direct our activities, achieve our goals, and stay vibrant.
Our presentation this month by Dennis Litalien is titled “The Great Decisions Foreign Policy Program.” Dennis is currently director of the local Great Decisions Program, which encourages greater discussion about foreign policy issues around the world. The daily news is full of stories about conflicts in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and elsewhere. Trade agreements also affect our daily lives, be it lumber from Canada, car parts from Mexico, or rare earth minerals from China. It is important that we gain an understanding of these issues in an environment that is conducive to learning. This Torch Club presentation may be the first step to making this happen.
As far as the day-to-day administration of our Torch Club, your board remains busy.
While our Programs Committee has laid out a great series of presentations for this season, Kathi Mestayer and Lois Manes are always open to ideas about future speakers, so please contact either of them with ideas.
The Membership Committee is busylooking for ways to spread news about our Torch Club and increase membership. Please talk with Mike Mason or Camilla Buchanan if you have some marketing ideas. While we are posting signs at libraries and considering new marketing approaches, we have found that one of the most effective ways to bring in new members is for current members to invite a friend. Please consider extending an invitation to someone you know who might enjoy our programs.
The Audit Committee, consisting of Steve Berke and Camilla Buchanan, completed their audit of the Torch Club’s finances. Their final report, shared with the board, found the financial records accurately reflect the transactions entered into by the club. The auditors also made one recommendation that has already been implemented. The board thanked both Steve and Camilla for all of their hard work over the summer to ensure our finances are in good shape. With this, our Treasurer Peter Mellette has a good starting point for the new season.
We look forward to seeing everyone on October 21st, and please be sure to let Denise know by noon on Friday, October 17th if you and your guests plan to attend. Knowing this count ensures Colonial Heritage will have enough place settings and food for the meals.
Williamsburg Torch Club 