About Us
Who We Are
Who We Are
Who We Are
The Hagerstown Torch Club is a social organization for professionals from various backgrounds intended to promote friendship, conversation, and learning across disciplines. Members present original papers on professional, scholarly, or timely topics in an open, tolerant, and friendly environment.
Our Vision
Who We Are
Who We Are
We take no particular political, philosophical, or religious view, but seek to provide a forum for members to share their knowledge, experience and interests, providing new perspectives and insights. We do not avoid controversy, and when it occurs, present and discuss such topics with care and grace.
Our Values
Who We Are
Our Values
We value friendship, knowledge and curiosity, and enjoy sharing our perspectives and experience. This includes both the challenge of writing and presenting papers, and the enjoyment of listening to and discussing the information provided. We view club meetings as both social and learning events, and appreciate the efforts of presenters.
Meeting Schedule (Continued)
February 17, 2026
Jack Druger
"Pete or the D.M. Bowman Ctr."
March 17, 2026
Tim Barr
"Community Analysis: Clear Spring Example"
April 21, 2026
Mike Parsons
"Technology & the Death of a War Criminal"
May 19, 2026
Brenda Hassinger & HCC Program Chair
"Changes in Radiography"
June 16, 2026
David Washington
"Washington Co. Health Dept. Challenges"
Newsletter
TORCH CLUB
Hagerstown, Maryland
September 2025 Newsletter
SEPTEMBER MEETING: Mark your calendar today for Tuesday, September 16 when Larry Zaleski will present "How to Identify Birds."
Larry Zaleski holds BS and MS degrees in Biology from Northern Arizona University. He has worked primarily with the federal government in biologically oriented programs within the Departments of Commerce, Interior, and Agriculture. For 27 years, Larry held various training posts within USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service where he managed, designed, developed, and delivered both e‑learning and classroom-based courses. Larry Zaleski serves as Immediate Past President of the Hagerstown Torch Club.
RESERVATIONS: Let Mindy Marsden know if you will attend the dinner meeting on Tuesday, September 16 at Nick's Airport Inn. The meeting will begin with a social at 6:00 p.m. and reservations may be made by contacting Mindy at jim.mindy@myactv.net. Make your reservations by noon, Friday, September 12. Dinner is $31 per person.
2025-2026 DUES: Time to renew your membership. Yearly dues are $75 for an individual and $112.50 for family membership. Make your check payable to Hagerstown Torch Club and give to Jim Marsden at the September meeting or mail to Jim at 19570 Leitersburg Pike, Hagerstown, MD 21742.
Club Officers
Mindy Marsden
Mindy Marsden
Mindy Marsden
Secretary.
Jim Marsden
Mindy Marsden
Mindy Marsden
Treasurer
Open
Mindy Marsden
Open
Assistant Treasurer
Papers and Publications
Defenders of the Alamo: Who Were They, and Why Did They Do It?
By: Michael E. Anderson
(Continued...)
Photo Gallery
Meetings are both social and learning events
Built around and evening dinner and presentation, meetings are a great way to socialize and meet new people.
October 2017
Ron Williams, graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, presents a paper entitled "All Men are Created Equal - Founding Myth or Fact."
Food for Thought
Topics vary widely
Dr. Mike Parsons presents 'Food-for-Thought.' Sometimes serious, sometimes not. meals are often started with a 5 minute segment featuring an icebreaker topic for enjoyment and discussion.
Topics vary widely
Topics vary widely
Topics vary widely
In his presentation "The U.S. Tuna-porpoise Program: Do Federal Environmental Programs Work"? Larry Zaleski provides an overview of the Tuna-porpoise program and its impact. Our presentations cover everything from current events, history and science to personal experiences and hobbies. Our goal is to entertain and provide new insight on a variety of topics for the enjoyment of members and guests.
November 2017
Topics vary widely
November 2017
Dr.'s Kelli and Al Strauss present a paper entitled "Two Marylanders Become Royalty on an African Safari" detailing their unexpectedly warm welcome while visiting a boy that they sponsor in Kenya, and their African wildlife experience. Presentations may include visuals or not as the presenter feels appropriate.