Soroptimist International of the Americas
Northwestern Region
51st District 2 Meeting
October 16-17, 2004 - Medford, Oregon
Minutes

Pictures - We have pictures!

Opening Ceremonies and Business Session, Saturday, October 16, 2004

District Meeting Chair Kathy Garrett Canape introduced those sitting at the head table as they entered the meeting hall.

District Director Kathy Verger Muscus called to order the opening session of the 51 st District 2 Meeting at 9:15 a.m. The theme of the meeting was “Llaissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! Let the Good Times Roll!” emblematic of Mardi Gras. The Soroptimist pledge and Venture pledge were recited followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

District Secretary Kathy King proceeded with the roll call of clubs as each Club President or designee entered the hall carrying her Club banner. The “Krewe of Banners” was followed by the singing of God Bless America.

Secretary Kathy read correspondence from Sue Riney, District 1 Director and Kathy Seachrist, NRW Web Developer. Sue Kupillas, Jackson County Commissioner gave the welcome address. This was followed by Claudette Moore, Medford City Council member and member of SI Medford who presented a letter of greeting and proclamation from Lindsey Berryman, Mayor of Medford, declaring October 16 th Northwestern Region District 2 Day in Medford.

District Secretary Kathy King moved “to adopt the official agenda with such changes as deemed necessary by the District Director.” Motion passed. Secretary Kathy moved “to adopt the minutes of the 50 th District 2 meeting held in Beaverton, Oregon as mailed.” Motion Passed.

District Director Kathy Verger Muscus appointed President Beth Grimes, SI Prineville, Theresa Heidt Vandershoot, SI McMinnville and President Carol Bennett, SI Florence to review the minutes of the 51 st District 2 meeting.

Governor Linette Zimmerman, in her “Neverending Story” report outlined various “story” components of the next biennium. The International story includes Best Practice Awards in each program of Service. 2003-2007 will be program focused. Saturday of Service will now be international-wide and will be observed the Saturday closest to March 5. The officer’s workshop will focus on the Renaissance Campaign and later in the agenda the 5 for Philly and Ritz Bits PIE Contest will be outlined. Our Region story begins with the chartering of SI Keizer. Committee structure has been re-organized and follows the strategic plan. There will be a distinct difference between Leadership training and Officer training this next biennium. Now online you will find forms, region bylaws, official calls, and club newsletters. Governor Linette received a challenge from Governor Kathy Mitchell of Founder Region regarding Women’s Opportunity Awards. This challenge has to do with the number of clubs participating in this program. Governor Linette is sure NWR will prevail as the winner of this contest.

Our first Regional Conference this next biennium will be in Missoula Montana, with District 4 hosting. Grant writing workshops, more retail therapy, walking tour of downtown Missoula, Education will be some of the highlights. Three programs of service will be highlighted: Education, Economic and Social Development, and Human Rights Status of Women. At the Regional conference in 2006 at Tacoma, the Environment, International Goodwill and Understanding, and a Health Summit with screenings will be provided.

Lois Wenker, SI Portland North, presented highlights of our Federation Convention in Calgary. 526 clubs participated with 1300 Soroptimists in attendance. She gave a very informative overview.

Kathy Waggoner, Venture Advisor, Northwestern Region, Venture Clubs of America and Governor Veronica Perin, Northwestern Region, Venture Clubs of America, gave their reports on the status and structure of Venture in the Northwestern Region. Governor Veronica’s focus will be literacy during this biennium and she will be sending out quarterly newsletters.

Judy Dreis, SI Seattle-Metropolitan, provided an overview of the Program Council’s refocus of programs to achieve our mission. This includes changing the Making a Difference for Women awards program from three separate awards to only one award now. The council is charged with raising awareness, and promoting participation.

District 2 Leadership Representative Kathy King gave the leadership and area meeting report.

The 5 for Philly membership campaign was outlined by Martha Faulkenstein, Northwestern Region Membership Coordinator.

A new campaign to increase participation in the Women’s Opportunity Award program was presented by past Northwestern Region Governors known as Ritz Bits. The program, appropriately titled P.I.E., is not only designed to increase club award participation but also club giving participation. Pies for dessert on Saturday at Regional Conference will be the prize for the state showing the best results.

Governor Linette Zimmerman and Governor-elect Jan Martin presented information about the new Renaissance Campaign. The new campaign focuses on four prime areas: Program, Public Awareness, Membership, and Fundraising.

Site Coordinator Wanda Costi gave announcements. The meeting was recessed at 12:00 p.m. for lunch.

LUNCH SESSION

District Director Kathy reconvened the meeting at 12:30 for the “Krewe Dejeuner Luncheon.” The inspiration was given by President Danuta Pfeiffer, SI Junction City. Following lunch, Alice Altree, SI Camas-Washougal gave an overview of her IGU Journey to India. Susan Joyce, SI American Canyon, Founder Region presented “Whetting your appetite for Extension.” She gave tips for chartering new clubs, how to canvass for new members, and how to set the tone for success.

After announcements, the meeting was recessed for afternoon workshops.

WORKSHOPS 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m . “The Renaissance Woman’s Approach to Recruitment and Retention” lead by Susan Joyce. “Open Ears, Open Hearts” lead by storyteller Dorothy Ormes. Areas are the Key” lead by Governor Linette Zimmerman, District Director Kathy Verger Muscus, and District Secretary Kathy King.

WORKSHOPS 3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m . “Up the Ante” lead by Dan Gardner, Commissioner, Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, along with other state-level officials. “Your Health in 2004” lead by a panel of physicians and other health professionals. “Officer’s Casting Call” presented by NWR officers.

SATURDAY NIGHT BANQUET

After Tell and Sell, District Director Kathy reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. for the “Good Times Ball” banquet. President Marty Thomson, SI Keizer, gave the inspiration. During dinner, music was provided by Aaron Johnson and Dustin Dillon. Following dinner, District Director Kathy introduced our speakers. Susan Joyce, SI American Canyon, Founder Region presented “Love in any Language.” Special guest Linda Nelson, Federation Women’s Opportunity Award winner shared her story with us. Storyteller Dorothy Ormes presented “Flowing Velvet.” In keeping with a new tradition of making a difference for the community in which we hold our meetings, the members of District 2 donated funds to purchase shelves of books on Women in Business. The collections amounted to $526.80, and were presented to the Jackson County Library System for use in the new Medford branch library. Each $100 donated purchased a shelf with all books on those shelves to be labeled as donated by Soroptimists of District 2. Governor Linette Zimmerman presented the 2003-2004 club awards. Dedicated Soroptimists holding membership for 20 years or more were honored. Members of SI Ashland presented each honoree with special commemorative bookmark. The members of SI Coos Bay Area provided a tribute to Director Kathy called “Kathy’s Karnival.” The meeting was recessed at 9:45 p.m.

BUSINESS SESSION, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2004

Following the “Monarch of Merriment” breakfast, District Director Kathy reconvened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. Inspiration was given by President Signa Fisher, SI Brookings.

Registration chairman Carolyn Harris gave the attendance report. Roberta Porter relayed the Nominating Committee report from Theresa Hughes. This is the year we elect our Nominating Committee members.

In her report, District Director Kathy, indicated that since taking office in July, she has already visited 9 clubs and helped charter one new club. She is very excited about our Area meetings and the opportunities for the development of our district and clubs that they will provide. She discussed her goals for chartering new clubs, and the participation of district clubs in the Region and Federation programs. Next year’s meeting theme will be a mystery tour aboard the USS Soroptimist.

Jodi Akers, District Web Development Representative, SI Vancouver gave a presentation on both the current and new features of the Northwester Region website. Her report was followed by region committee reports.

Site Coordinator Wanda Costi assisted clubs with their Tell and Sell drawings and made final announcements. Director Kathy led everyone in the Soroptimist pledge. The Soroptimist Symphony was sung and the meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by,

/s / Kathy King

Kathy King
District 2 Secretary

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