On the morning of November 9, the English Subchapter of the BLIA Chicago Chapter held its “2024 Annual General Meeting and Committee Elections” at the temple. The meeting was presided over by President Steve Haverkos, with Subchapter Advising Monastic Venerable Miao Wei in attendance to provide guidance. A total of 10 members participated both in-person and online.
President Haverkos began by thanking all members for their hard work over the past year. He noted that their active participation in temple and BLIA activities has allowed the small but dedicated English Subchapter to grow steadily. In addition to reviewing the year’s activities, the meeting included discussions on five proposals and the election of the new committee. Seven committee members were elected: Lauren Pittelli, Edna Haverkos, Dean Isensee, Steve Haverkos, Jonathan Sallee, Samatha Boie, and Mark Kanter. Among them, Lauren Pittelli and Edna Haverkos were elected as the incoming President and Vice President, respectively. Jonathan Sallee will continue as Secretary, and Mark Kanter will take on the role of Treasurer.
Edna Haverkos, a long-time member who has enthusiastically supported the temple and led her family in volunteering and participating in various BLIA activities, was deservedly elected as the Outstanding Member of the Year. During the session for motions, Trudie Kanter proposed the formation of an English “Sounds of the Human World” choir, which received unanimous support and the hope for its early establishment.
To conclude, Venerable Miao Wei provided a Dharma talk on the concept of Ichigo Ichie (One time, one meeting). She shared that in life, many encounters happen only once. Having recently been posted to Chicago, she noted that the opportunity to practice and grow alongside everyone is a unique and precious condition. She encouraged members to work in unity, find common ground, and strive together for the future of the subchapter. The meeting concluded successfully with the singing of the BLIA theme song.