Walpole Players Annual Meeting
January 4, 2026
Board Members present: Judy Epstein, Tom Winmill, Barbara Kasper, Jim Baucom, Jan Kobeski, Melissa Whittaker, Gretchen Markiewicz, Jeff Miller. Absent: Tom Durnford, Juliana Stevens, Meg Kupiec. Non-Board members present: Jenny Plante, Deb Robarge, Mike Delaney
Jeff Miller called the meeting to order at 4:06 pm.
I. Minutes: Tom W. moved and Judy seconded that the minutes from the November 2, 2025 board meeting be accepted. Unanimously passed.
II. Treasurer’s report: Tom sent the annual report by email earlier in the week. Jan moved and Jim seconded that the treasurer’s report be accepted as mailed. Unanimously passed.
III. Board nominations:
Jeff announced that the 3-year terms for Meg, Barbara, and Tom D. were all up last month, and that Meg declined to serve again. Jenny Plante has agreed to serve. He also noted that there would be an opening when ________’s term expires next December, and that Mike Delaney has agreed to serve beginning in 2027. Jan moved and Jim seconded that this slate of officers be elected. Unanimously passed. Discussion followed that the limit for serving on the board for only two consecutive terms be removed. Tom W. moved and Gretchen seconded that the limit be removed. Unanimously passed. Further discussion revolved around Jeff’s position as acting President. He subsequently agreed to formally accept the presidency. Gretchen agreed to assume his former post as Vice President. [Secretary’s note: this last item should have been voted upon. Further note: the same motion re term limitations was introduced and passed at the last Annual Meeting. For discussion: Should we review past Annual Meeting minutes each year?]
IV. New Business:
Junior Players Production: Jenny announced that the Junior Players would be performing “James and the Giant Peach” on Friday, March 13, and then Sunday, March 15, as a matinee. Rehearsals will be Sundays and possibly Wednesdays after school, and times will be reserved with the Town. She will need help building the peach. Judy raised the issue that the performance will be too close to that of the Radio Follies. Jeff suggested moving the Follies to Saturday, March 21. Judy hopes Meg will assist again, and said to send scripts.
New Year’s Eve party recap: Barbara reported that although attendance was not as great as hoped, all who attended enjoyed themselves. Gretchen said many stated they would like it to become a tradition. Deb said she counted between 30 and 40 attendees. Judy decried the acceptance of the menu without prices. Jeff replied that the caterer did not provide the menu (and eventual estimate) until shortly before the event. Tom suggested there be no food provided, should we decide to repeat the event. Others concurred, referring to the established custom of BYOB and BYO food for other productions. Shamus Martin, the DJ, was considered very good.
Spring Production: Jeff asked if anyone had ideas or was inclined to direct a Spring Production. Judy mentioned that the readings on the Common were very popular and the Board might consider a Summer production as an alternative to the Spring event. A director would be needed for such also. Tara Sad, Gail Golec, and Mairin Keleher were suggested as possible directors. Jim recommended sending out a general email requesting ideas and interest, and setting a deadline for responses. If there are none, we will move on to possible Summer activities.
Mike Delaney expressed an interest in resuming “A Christmas Carol” productions to general enthusiasm, but declined to direct. Jim suggested asking Tara and Ray.
Jan noted the difficulties encountered with finding keys for the building and the closets when setting up for New Year’s. There are two building keycards: the president carries one, which s/he lends to the current director, and the second has been kept by Judy. Jan offered to take it from her, as he and Jean are also close by and frequently available. Judy agreed.
Deb asked for a location to find general information about board meetings so as to be aware of proposed productions and activities. The minutes of board meetings may be made public, so Melissa will create a special menu item for them on the website.
Jenny recommended creating lists of locations of items on the closet doors so borrowers know where to return them. Sign-out sheets exist already, but many do not know where to put items back. Jenny, Gretchen, Deb, and Becky are willing to help with this project.
The next quarterly meeting will be on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
Jim moved and Tom seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Unanimously passed. There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 4:42 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Kasper
Secretary
The Walpole Players 