August 19, 2026 - Owen United Church of Christ
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 – Present were: Ruth Thompson, Cathy Laube, Cindy Cardinal, Chuck Petersen, Lyle Roe and Noel Barteck
Treasurer’s Report: Ruth reported that expenses and income have been normal. The current balance is $6,988, with a substantial donation ($2,500) being made by Aspirus Health. Cathy moved to accept the report, Cindy and Chuck seconded, all ayes.
Ordering Specialists report: Cathy had taken food to two families during the summer every two weeks. She also reported that last year we averaged providing food for fifteen families, serving thirty-two children. Ruth moved to accept the report, Chuck seconded, all ayes.
Feed My People input for the program: The 2026 Partnership Agreement has been filled out, signed and emailed to FMP.
Feedback from school: Elementary Open House is tomorrow, 8/20, from 3:30 - 5:30. Julie Van Ark thought we should start the year with 36 bags of food. She said several new families have moved into the district; she feels some of them could benefit from the W-O-W program. If there are left over bags, they will either put the food into the mini-pantry or give some families food every weekend.
Summer schedule: Cathy Laube delivered food to the student’s homes during the summer. Students were also provided food during the summer school sessions.
Old business: None
New business: This will be the fourth year for us putting together Christmas Shoe Box gifts for the children who receive W-O-W meals. The project is already well underway. The UCC church has already been gathering shoe boxes and items to put in the boxes. We already have enough shoe boxes to pack over 50. The storeroom is beginning to fill with items to put in the boxes. A list of needed donations is available from Noel. We will plan on filling boxes and wrapping gifts on Sunday, December 13. The UCC church service usually concludes around 11:30. We will have a light potluck lunch following the service, and then wrap boxes. Anyone desiring to donate items or participate in the packing and wrapping gala can contact Noel Barteck at (715)229-2694 (H), (715)965-8225 (C) or nebarteck@frontier.com.
Set date for next meeting (if needed) – Wednesday, September 16? If no major decisions need to be made, we will “meet” via email.
Other business: None
Adjourn 5:52 – motion by Chuck, seconded by Lyle, all ayes.