Previous Board Minutes
Kansas District-Optimist International
Minutes of the 3rd Quarter District Conference
And District Board of Directors Meeting
May 15, 2021
Olathe, Kansas
WELCOME:
Governor Rod Obermeier called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and announced the theme for the day was "Rally" as we strive to encourage clubs to meet again and continue their work with youth. Finance Committee member Larry Drbal gave the invocation, and Scout Troop 225 from the College Church of the Nazarene
presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Gov. Obermeier introduced Optimist International Foundation Secretary/Executive Director Craig Boring and welcomed him to the meeting. Gov. Obermeier then introduced Olathe City Council Member Wes McCoy who welcomed the group on behalf of the mayor and City of Olathe and thanked the Optimists for their continued
work to help youth in the community.
Gov. Obermeier welcomed Bob Courtney from the Olathe Historical Society who presented an excellent program on the history of the city and the various projects sponsored by the Historical Society through the years. Mr. Courtney also presented the Society's latest film on actor Buddy Rogers who was an Olathe native.
GENERAL SESSION:
The minutes from the 2nd Quarter Board of Directors Meeting were reviewed. Lt. Gov. Lance Kellenbarger moved, and Lt. Gov. Frank Yeoman seconded to accept the minutes as presented. Motion carried.
District Treasurer Debbie Newton presented the Accountability Statement and Report of Receipts and Disbursements for the period ending March 31, 2021 and reviewed the accounts.
Essay Contest Committee member Judy Leary announced the winner of this year's District Essay Contest and a $2500 scholarship was Bayleigh Cross from Derby. Bayleigh will present her essay at the 4th Quarter District Convention. The topic was "Reaching Your Dreams Through Optimism", and 11 clubs submitted essays.
CCDHH Chair Ben Cardon said this year's CCDHH Contest was held on April 8 with four contestants. The topic was "Healing the World With Optimism", and this year's winner of a $2500 scholarship was Logan Green.
Marlene Natoli, Health and Wellness Chair, thanked clubs that brought supplies for Camp Quality and announced this year's Childhood Cancer Golf Tournament will be held on August 9 at Prairie Highlands Golf Course in Olathe. Marlene encouraged clubs to participate by entering a team, being a sponsor, or donating items for the silent auction. The Manhattan Club is donating 4 rounds of golf at the Colbert Hills Golf Course.
OI Foundation Executive Director Craig Boring thanked the District for our support of Childhood Cancer Camps and thanked club Foundation Reps and members for their support of the Foundation. He also outlined the programs for young people supported by the Foundation including scholarships, club grants and Health and Wellness programs.
Dale Fox, Foundation Rep, thanked all the clubs which have participated in Dime-a-Day noting two clubs have reached 50% participation of membership. As of April 30 Kansas has 128 Dime-a-Day members, and our District is 12th out of the 40 OI Districts in participation. He challenged all clubs to donate to the Foundation.
He announced today's raffle of a basket of Kansas themed items as a fundraiser for the Foundation, and then led the group in a quick numerical game to raise $245 for the Foundation.
The group broke out for Zone meetings to elect Lt. Governors for next year. Zone 3 elected Ronn Peters of the McPherson Club and Zone 4 Jim Morris of the Derby Club. Zones 1 and 2 have potential candidates as well.
LUNCH:
ORATORICAL CONTEST:
The District Oratorical Contest was held virtually with Oratorical Chair Diana Carlin-Pierron hosting. This year's topic was "Healing the World with Optimism". Following the speeches, the five participating students and the judges were introduced. Then the following winners were announced: 1st Place ($2500 scholarship): Maria (Masha) Yakubovich, Wichita North Club; 2nd Place ($1500 scholarship): Helen Viloria, Lawrence Breakfast Club; 3rd Place ($1000 scholarship): Katie Rodriguez, at-large contestant from Pittsburgh. The first-place
winner will participate in the World Competition to be held virtually on July 22-23.
GENERAL SESSION (CONT):
Leadership Development Chair Kris Kirkes presented a program on How to Rally Club Members. He discussed various strategies to encourage participation and attendance and how to recruit new members. Clubs also shared ways they stayed active during the pandemic and ideas for new projects.
Governor-Elect Jeff Bachman reported the 2022 District Convention will be August 19-21 in Salina. He also announced Rod Obermeier will serve as District Treasurer and Mary Griffin as District Secretary for 2021-2022.
Gov. Obermeier reminded everyone this year's District Convention will be held August 13-15, 2021, at the Holiday Inn Wichita East. Plans are being finalized for the event.
Jr. Golf Tournament Chair Kit Kelley announced this year's tournament has been rescheduled for June 4th in Emporia. Volunteers are needed to help with the event.
Gov. Obermeier thanked the Olathe Noon Club for hosting today's meeting including Dennis Vaverka for making arrangements with the College Church of the Nazarene to use their facility and provide lunch. He also thanked Debbi Doll for organizing snacks and handling the door prize drawings. The winner of the basket of
Kansas themed items was Doug Jardine of the Manhattan Club.
We closed with the Optimist Creed. Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
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