Minutes of the
Epsilon Sigma Phi Annual Meeting
November 18, 2003
Windermere Conference Center, Camdenton, MO

The annual meeting of the Alpha Tau chapter was held at Windermere Conference Center, Camdenton, MO, beginning at 10:35 a.m. Ina Linville, president, welcomed the members. She noted that the last 18 months had been an opportunity to use technology well, but said that it was good to once again meet face to face. She reviewed the agenda for the meeting and stated that she would integrate her report with committee reports. She presented gifts to each of the officers and committee members to thank them for their work this past year.

Wilma Jean Lower led a memorial service in remembrance of the following Extension workers who have died since the last annual meeting: 2002 – Edith Lusk, Fredricka Plummer, Ann Turnage, Kate Rogers, Reita Anne Doyle, Mildred Timken, and Cora Ellen O’Neal; 2003 – Lil Ferrell, John Oren, Katherine Hill, George Nickolaus, Clyde Cunningham, C. Melvin Bradley, Roy T. Hayden, Kenneth Walkup, C. Merrill “Woody” Woodruff, Karl Buhr, Leo Cram, Quentin Banks, William “Bill” Wedekind, George Schmitt, Charles Reaves, and Jimmy Charles Sawyer.

Business Meeting

Ina Linville called the business meeting to order.

Secretary’s Report: Since the last face-to-face annual meeting was October 29, 2001 and an electronic meeting had been held in 2002, secretary, Nancy Flood, elected to read the minutes of the last board meeting held on August 26, 2003. She noted that all prior minutes were on hand if there were any questions. Bill Casady moved to accept the minutes. Georgia Stuart‑Simmons seconded. Minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Bob Schultheis reported that as of 10/31/03 the checking account balance is $513.91 and the money market balance is $2182.65 for a total of $2696.56. There are outstanding deposits of $100 and outstanding checks of $14. He also presented the total accounts balance of the previous 5 years to show a comparison:

            9/7/98                          $ 4,668.04
            9/30/99                            4,539.09
            9/30/00                            3,016.17
            9/30/01                            2,686.94
            9/30/02                            2,685.05

We have 40 active members and 111 life members. Pat Snodgrass moved and Wilma Jean Lower seconded to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion carried.

Loan and Fellowship Report: Pat Snodgrass reported that the goals of the Loan and Fellowship Fund were to recognize fellow colleagues and to provide professional development support to staff. She reported that no names had been added to the plaque (when $100 is contributed in someone’s name or memory) in the past year. This year Loan and Fellowship has made awards of $5500 for such things as attendance at Galaxy II, ALOT leadership program, Myers-Briggs training, continuation of degree work, etc. As of January 2003, there was $125,939 principal in the fund, with $14,257 in earnings available for awards. Bob Schultheis moved and Tom Keohan seconded to accept the report. Motion carried.

National Endowment Campaign: Barb Casady reported that national ESP had started an endowment campaign during the 75^th Anniversary year to support professional development. Only $100,000 of the $500,000 goal has been raised, so the effort continues. Missouri has six contributors: Pat Buchanan, Ina Linville, Bill Casady, Barb Casady, Karma Metzgar, and Rebecca Travnichek. Beverly Coberly moved to accept the report, Georgia Stuart-Simmons seconded. Report accepted.

Professional Development: Barb Casady reported that at a time when professional development funds are limited, the committee wished to provide opportunity for staff. They have partnered with UMEA and the other professional associations to support Missouri Galaxy. Georgia Stuart-Simmons moved to accept the report. Annette Fitzgerald seconded. Report accepted.

Membership: Chair, Eileen Yager, was not present to make a report. Ina noted that March 1 is the deadline for dues to be sent to national for awards consideration.

Retirement: Ina read a report from Jim Ollar in his absence. He has sent invitations to those eligible for life membership and noted that he looks forward to working with the board in the coming year. Pat Snodgrass moved to approve the report, Rhonda Gibler seconded. Report was approved.

Awards: Rebecca Travnichek, chair, was not present. Ina thanked the members of the awards committee and recognized the award winners who were present: 2002 Outstanding Regional Female Specialist, Lisa Wallace and 2003 Outstanding Regional Male Specialist, Tom Keohan. Awards will be presented at the ceremony tomorrow at lunch.

Nominating Committee: Georgia Stuart-Simmons reported that Jo Turner had consented to serve as President-Elect and Bob Schultheis will serve as Treasurer. Election was held by e‑mail with mail ballots sent to retirees. Continuing officers will be: Beverly Coberly, President; Nancy Flood, Secretary; Barb Casady, Analyst.

Installation of Officers: Georgia Stuart-Simmons conducted the installation of the above-mentioned officers. Each new officer lit a candle as a pledge to the office. Ina Linville stood in for the absent Jo Turner.

New president, Beverly Coberly, received the gavel from Ina Linville. Beverly thanked Ina for her work during the past year and presented her with glass candleholders, symbols of strength. Bev said it would be a challenge to advance the organization and asked the committee chairs to continue. All have agreed. They are:

            Membership: Eileen Yager
            Retirement: Jim Ollar
            Awards: Rebecca Travnichek
            Loan and Fellowship: Pat Snodgrass
            Memorials and Courtesy: Wilma Jean Lower
            Professional Improvement: Barb Casady
            Retirement: Jim Ollar

Bev led a discussion about ways to revitalize ESP, involving retirees and seeking new members. She said that Missouri Galaxy was a great first step. She mentioned the possibility of an ESP day at the state fair. She would like to recruit and initiate new members at the May Annual Conference. She suggested a revitalization committee to chart a path for our future. Bill Casady moved to go forward with the committee. Ina Linville seconded. Motion carried. Bev will appoint the committee and they will schedule a teleconference before our next board meeting on January 28.

Announcements:

JCEP Meeting will be held February 22-24, 2004
National ESP Annual Meeting will be September 15-18, 2004 in the Quad Cities. Bev encouraged the membership to attend. She recognized Wilma Jean Lower for her extraordinary efforts at the Salt Lake City annual meeting.

Bill Casady moved the meeting adjourn at 11:30 a.m. Motion was seconded and carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Flood, Secretary

Web Manager: Bob Schultheis
Webster County Extension Center
Email comments to: schultheisr@missouri.edu
Last revised: 11/05/09