NWI CHAPTER
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
October 2020 from
Jerry Pyfer



The chapter meeting for October 24th has been cancelled. (Updated 10.20.20)

Meeting Protocol

With St. Mark’s church approval, the NWI membership will follow these guidelines at the September meeting:

1. We will have a maximum of 25 attendees. After 25, the door will be locked.

2. Everyone must allow their temperature to be read. Any temperature above the limit will not be allowed in the building.

3. Everyone will properly wear a face mask, covering the mouth and nose. If you cannot or will not wear a mask, you cannot attend the meeting.

4. We will social distance in the building. Chairs with paper on them may not be used.

5. We will all sign waivers along with our telephone numbers at the request of the church. In the event someone should test positive afterward, all in attendance can be contacted.

NWI Officer Nominations

In accordance with NWI by-laws, October 25, 2020 NWI Meeting will see Chapter officer nominations. We have set up a nominating committee lead by Norm Hoisington. Please consider this as we approach the October meeting and contact Norm at zebratiger7@gmail.com or one of the Board members of your intent.

NWI Zoom Meetings?

The NWI Chapter was contacted by several regional chapters asking how we are dealing with the Covid problem.

Among the options, a Zoom Meeting has been started by some chapters. If you are not familiar with a Zoom meeting, it goes like this: The host sends an email to all chapter members announcing the meeting will take place over the internet as a Zoom meeting. Imbedded within the email is an address for the invited guest to click on. As the meeting time grows close, the host, in most cases it’s the president, will acknowledge those authorized to participate. When the start time arrives, the host opens communications with those in attendance to view the meeting and join in the conversation.

I have participated in several Zoom meetings over the last few weeks. After putting the offers off, I decided to give it a try to see if it is an option this chapter could use in the absence of face to face meetings.

There are a few things that limit the Zoom meeting. First, all programs would have to be digital. Second and perhaps more important, the host needs to be familiar with the program to run a flawless presentation. Third, steam power slide show folks, such as myself, will need to learn the system as well to make a quality presentation. Otherwise, the show will leave you wondering why you just wasted three hours. Fourth, all participants must do so on-line. Fifth, we would need all of your email addresses which we don’t have at this time. Sixth, you have to be aware of your background scene as everyone joining in can see everything behind you from the dirty laundry to the cat licking herself.

There are some advantages to conducting a Zoom meeting as well. Members can gather in a totally safe environment. Participating in the Wisconsin Chapter meeting, their membership participation ranged from Boston to California.

I have participated in Zoom programs both viewing and presenting ranging from bad to good. This has left me less than enthusiastic about taking the NWI Chapter down that track at this point in time.

NWI “Railph” Pins

The NWI Chapter has “Railph” lapel pins for $5.00 each available now. They will be on sale at Chapter meetings and events. If it is difficult to attend a Chapter meeting, you can order them via the Chapter P.O. Box for $5.00 plus $5.00 for shipping and handling. Make your check out to the NWI Chapter.

For more information about the Chapter, see Meetings and Join.