Hi, FroghairFarm.
Thanks for the update, good to hear that the coup would be illegitimate, although there was never any doubt in my mind that it was simply 'coz it excluded so many members from having a say in the matter.

Just my 0.02.

Glad to hear the BOD has set up some zoom meetings. Another thank you is in order for all their effort.

There are still a lot of lingering questions.
How did the coup group get the mailing list and email list?
Who helped prepare and mail the flyer? Paper looks suspiciously like the same paper our magazine is printed on.
Were any sitting BOD members involved in the preparation of the flyer and its mailing?
Who of the 20 on the so called signature list actually signed off on the mailing? That should be a direct question by the BOD to each of the 20.
Are some members of ACMOC going to be banned for such a diabolical plot and their participation? Dispute is one thing and insurrection another.

The reason the above questions are appropriate is this attempted coup was orchestrated to be a complete overthrow of the BOD and virtually destroying the club as we know it. The coup was not just a difference of opinion but a radically planned sabotage of the BOD and the club. I repeat this was a quite dastardly plan by the coup perpetrators.

Hi, D4Jim.
I agree that these questions need to be answered and, hopefully, they will be. I do know that some of the current BoD members are more than a little 'irritated' (To put it politely.) by these events.

So far, two people have put their hands up and said that they did NOT give permission for their names to be on that list - one of these two spoke for another who is a family member which makes a total of three who did not sign off on it - and one of the two current BoD members on the list has resigned from the BoD - sounds like an admission to me. The other current BoD member on the list needs to step up and state their position or resign also, maybe both.

I personally think that banning would be appropriate even though at least one of them is a founding member. How-wevver, I think that is a decision for either the current BoD or the entire membership.

Just my 0.02.

As an 18 year member of ACMOC, I have enjoyed tremendously sharing in enthusiasm for Cat machines and history with other members over that time at National Shows, local shows, and online. I have also, unfortunately, watched several rifts among members play out over the years. In spite of those past controversies, I have remained a neutral but active member, a faithful servant to multiple ACMOC committees, frequent magazine contributor, and Chapter 20 president for the last several years. Perhaps I am guilty of not stepping up to run for the board, but felt being on the board would take away from my time available for other ACMOC activities for which I may be better suited. I know I am by nature reserved and often don't speak up when I probably should, but I don't feel I can just stay quiet here.

I have found myself spending an alarming amount of time recently considering the actions of various factions within ACMOC and don't feel I am 100% aligned with any of them. The actions of the current board appears to be the end of my chapter, which obviously I don't like. I think not utilizing the low-royalty license given to ACMOC by Caterpillar for merchandise is a missed opportunity, even if that means selling something other than models. I have looked up to many of the "Concerned Members" since my early days in ACMOC. I am conflicted with some of their actions, but do not question that they want what they think is best for the club.

I didn't come on here to debate individual topics related to the future of ACMOC, but would urge all here to think about what they want from the club and to actively participate in upcoming meetings. Beyond that, please encourage others to participate that aren't on the BB, because the BB crowd can be a fairly small group in the grand scheme of club membership. I will be encouraging as much in-person and virtual dialog as possible.

I had someone early in the pandemic tell me that "we are all in this together", but never assume that "we are all in the same boat". I think that is good advice here as well.

Sincerely,
Dave Tallon
President - ACMOC Chapter 20