Dave, Joe, Shirley, Lenny, Roberto and Mike welcomed Kathleen, Mary and Allen to their first meeting. After a brief round of introductions, we began talking about the following items...

• NO MARCH Voluntary Simplicity CHICAGO MEETING!...
  The Crossroads Center is closed on March 11th for St. Pat's celebrations. The next VS Chicago Meeting will be April 8th. Please spread the word, no March VS Chicago Meeting.
  
  
• Earth Day (April 22, 2006) requests for Simplicity Presentations and table space...
  Mike has received requests two requests for VS talks/participation at Earth Day 2006 Celebrations.
  
  One request is in Beecher, IL at the Plum Creek Nature Center. Interpretive Specialist Emily Thiel is offering space for anyone willing to talk about voluntary simplicity.
  
  Jamie Johnannse, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District "... would like to find someone to do a one-hour presentations on the topic of voluntary simplicity at an Earth Day event in Rockford, IL on Saturday, April 22. We have a small budget to pay an honorarium. I would like someone who can deliver a professional program with PowerPoint or other visuals to embers of the community. Any suggestions? Jamie B. Johannsen, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 877-6100 fax: (815) 877-6124"
  
  If anyone feels called to attend to one of these events, please let me know and/or contact Emily or Jamie. This is the first time in 10 years of VS Chicago anyone has asked for Earth Day support.
  
  
• Your Money Or Your Life (YMOYL) Audio Workshop on Saturday, February 25, 2006...
  Transforming Your Relationship with Money And Achieving Financial Independence (Audio Workshop)
  Times: 9:00am to 5:00pm
  Location: Unity Church of Christ
  740 River Drive
  Hammond, IN 46324
  219-931-5284
  Reverend Geraldine Colvin
  Facilitators: Roseanne and Dan
  Costs: $12 for workbook + Love Offering for the Church
  Contact Name: Mike Lenich
  Contact E-Mail: VSChciago@JUNO.COM
  Contact Name/Address/Phone: Reverend Geraldine Colvin, 219-931-5284
  Sponsor: New Road Map Foundation Speakers Bureau/Unity Church of Christ
  Sponsor Web Site URL: http://www.newroadmap.org/default.asp
  Description:
  Learn the principles of saving, getting out of debt, and how to live more consciously so money doesn't just disappear. Listen to best selling author Joe Dominguez' via this audio series, as he explains how to figure out your attitude toward money, what role money plays in your life and how to manage it so you can spend your time and resources doing what you really want to do. Together, we'll listen to all eight audiotapes and do all twelve workbook lessons. We'll then discuss options and arrangements for follow-up sessions.
  
  
• Types of Bonds, Equities and Treasuries...
  Group discussion included differences between bonds, stocks, and other places to "put money" you've saved. Mike & Linda continue to follow the Your Money or Your Life program, using Step 9's investment criteria (they began YMOYL in 1992). Discussion included indexing, relativity of rates of returns, and context for placement of savings (how much money do you need, what is your plan, be aware advisers in the "know" are also selling you something...)
  
  
• Kids/Community/Simplicity...
  The Center for a New American Dream has many helpful resources for parents. Booklets such as Tips for Parenting in a Consumer Culture other materials are available at their web site.

We closed the meeting and space at 12:02pm
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Recorded by Mike Lenich
2/12/06