American Volkssport Association 18 th Biennial Convention Orlando, Florida April 27 May 5, 2013

Transcription

1 Opening Ceremony: American Volkssport Association 18 th Biennial Convention Orlando, Florida April 27 May 5, 2013 Color Guard Boone High School NJROTC Call to Order: President Heinz Johnson called the Eighteenth Regular Membership Meeting of the American Volkssport Association to order at 3:17 p.m., May 1, 2013, at the Marriott Airport Hotel. Welcome: Heinz Johnson, President President Johnson welcomed everyone and invited everyone to come and enjoy the triad of our tagline. Come to have fun. Some have come to attend the meetings because you are interested in the business and the volkssporting. Some are here to take part in the educational and training sessions. Some are here to take part in the Convention walks and many yearround events that surround this city because you like to get some stamps in your books. The walking end of this Convention is what we are all about. It s our business, it s the exercise or the fitness element and that represents one of the triads of the AVA tagline - Fitness. Many of you will be here to take in new sights of Central Florida and perhaps on the way home you will take in many of the attractions for which Orlando is noted. This Convention is a way and opportunity for you to link and re-link with volkssporters from the past and to perhaps meet new people, whether it be in this room, at a social event or somewhere out on the trail. You will meet new people and meet new friends and in essence, will probably touch each other s lives in some small fashion which could lead to a long term friendship. Friendship is another element of the triad of our tagline. When all is said and done, I sincerely hope you will put a smile on your face, have some fun because Fun is that third triad to our tagline. Fun, Fitness and Friendship. Lets put it to practice this week because life is too, too short. Put a smile on your face and lets have some fun this week. Thank you for coming and welcome to Orlando and the 18 th Biennial AVA Convention. Introduction of the National Executive Council Members and Guests: Candace Purcell, Cibolo, TX (Interim Executive Director and Financial Director); Holly Pelking, San Jose, CA (Vice-President); Bonnie Johnson, Fridley, MN (Secretary); Bob Morrison, Lacey, WA (Treasurer), Sam Tollett, Hampton, VA (Atlantic RD), Kimberly Bradley, Champaign, IL (Mid-America RD), Phyllis Olson, Urbandale, IA (North Central RD), Doug 1

2 Reynolds, Rensselaer, NY (Northeast RD), Sam Korff, Clatskanie, OR (Northwest RD); Wayne Holloway, Rescue, CA (Pacific RD); Mike Nelson, Lakewood, CO (Rocky Mountain RD); Kenneth Miles, Tulsa, OK (South Central RD); Dennis Michele, Fairview, NC (Southeast RD); Bill Hamilton, Houston, TX (Southwest RD); Paul Lamb (Parliamentarian). We have a major sponsor Yamax, Inc; and President Yutaka Akagi of that company is here. He likes to be called Charlie and he will be here throughout the week. The President of the Canadian Volkssport Federation, Ethel Hanson, sent a letter of greeting and that letter can be found in the registration packet handed out to each of you. Recognition of AVA Past Presidents: 18 th President Dennis Michele 16 th & 17 th President Curt Myron (not present) 14 th & 15 th President Shirley Lindberg 12 th & 13 th President Nancy Stenger Recognition of Appointed Officials: IVV Liaison: Hans Dieter Fuhr, Wiesbaden, Germany AVA Parliamentarian: Paul Lamb, Bisbee, AZ IVV- Americas Organizing Committee Representative: Robert C Wright, Leesburg, VA Historian for AVA: Bill Hamilton, Southwest RD Unofficial Hostess for NEC: Priscilla Johnson, San Antonio, TX Credentialing Report: Bonnie Johnson, Secretary 249 Clubs eligible to vote 216 Credentialed delegates, proxies and officers We have a quorum. 2

3 Approval of Meeting Rules: Page 22 of the Official Program contains Convention Standing Rules President Heinz Johnson asked if there is a motion to accept the Convention Standing Rules Motion made by Bob Wright, Loudoun Walking & Volkssport Club #892 : I move we adopt the Convention Meeting Rules 2013 Seconded by Ellen Ott, Randolph Roadrunners #44 Motion carried Approval of Agenda: President Heinz Johnson made a change to the Agenda. The voting will be done on Bylaws Amendments # 4 and #5 after the vote on the IVV-Americas. President Heinz Johnson moved we approve the agenda as changed. Motion by Bob Wright, Loudoun Walking & Volkssport Club #892: I move the proposed Amendment to Article 13, which is #4, be considered the first of the amendments. Seconded by Bob Schmick, Maryland State Volkssport Association #AAA-MD Motion carried (151 yea, 71 nay) Vote to approve the agenda itself as amended. Show of voting cards Motion carried to approve the agenda with changes Approval of the 17 th Biennial Convention Meeting Minutes On page 14 of the Official Program are the 17 th Biennial Convention Meeting Minutes, in draft form, from the Convention two years ago. This is the first Membership Meeting at which they can be approved. Are there any corrections? Corrections: Bob Wright, Loudoun Walking & Volkssport Club #892: Page 19 under U: IVV Honors Awards- Thomas A Spencer, Arlington, VA (change VA to TX) Helga Slade, Purple Penguins #222: Page 16, 2nd column on Necrology Report: Donald (Don) B Lelere (change to Donald (Don) B Leclere) No further corrections. Minutes are approved 3

4 President Johnson: I hereby appoint the National Executive Council XVIII, being the next council, to be the Minutes Approval Committee for the minutes of the meetings this year. There is no need to have to wait two years to have minutes approved. I am appointing the next council to be the Approval Committee for this meeting; subject to their review. Nominating Committee Report: Glen Conyers, 2013 Nominating Committee Chair Glen Conyers announced the slate of candidates. President: Dennis Michele and Sam Korff Vice President: Holly Pelking Secretary: Bonnie Johnson Treasurer: Bob Morrison There were no other nominations for President. Being none, the nominations for President were declared closed. There were no other nominations for Vice President. Being none, the nominations for Vice President were declared closed. Per the Bylaws, if there is no other candidate for an office, the Secretary will call for a voice vote. Bonnie Johnson, Secretary, called for a voice vote for the office of Vice President. Holly Pelking was unanimously elected. There were no other nominations for Secretary. Being none, the nominations for Secretary were closed. Since the Secretary cannot call the voice vote for herself, President Heinz Johnson called for a voice vote for the office of Secretary. Bonnie Johnson was unanimously elected. There was a nomination from the floor by Helga Slade, Purple Penguins #222, nominated Annette Tollett for Treasurer. Annette Tollett accepted the nomination as a candidate for Treasurer. There were no other nominations for Treasurer. Being none, the nominations for Treasurer were declared closed. Each of the candidates for President and Treasurer were given 5 minutes to speak on their behalf. They were called in alphabetical order according to office: Sam Korff, Dennis Michele, Bob Morrison and Annette Tollett. Elections for President and Treasurer will be held on Friday. Attachment #1: Proposed Amendment to the AVA Bylaws (attached are Amendments #1 - #5 which were sent out to all clubs on March 7, 2013, and hereby may be used for reference). 4

5 Voting on Bylaws Amendments: Ken Miles, Bylaws Committee Chair Anytime we need to make an amendment change to the Bylaws, it has to be voted on by the Membership. We are required to get the Bylaws/Amendment notice out to the membership 60 days prior to the meeting being held today. We missed that by 5 days, however the Bylaws has a section which will give us an out; as long as the membership approves it. President Johnson made the motion: I move that in accordance with Article XIII, Section 13.2, of the AVA Bylaws, the delegates waive the requirement for 60-days notice for submitting amendments to the AVA Bylaws, so that those proposed five amendments submitted to the membership on 7 March 2013 by may be considered at this regular meeting. Seconded by Ken Miles Motion carried (152 yea, 60 nay) Voting on Bylaws Amendments: Ken Miles, Bylaws Committee Chair President Heinz Johnson: We must consider four of the five Amendments presented with Amendment 4 being first for consideration. This Amendment is to modify the majority vote to a 2/3 vote Amendment 1 is to remove specific duties of AVA Officers Amendment 2 modifies National Headquarters and the Executive Director responsibilities Amendment 3 would add the Internet Technology (IT) Committee as a Standing Committee instead of a Special Committee President Johnson felt it appropriate for the Chair of the Bylaws Committee, Ken Miles, to speak on behalf of the Amendments. Ken Miles recognized the Bylaws Committee Members; Theresa Arnold, Loren Little, Phyllis Olson and Bob Wright Ken Miles made the motion for Amendment 4: In paragraph 13.1, strike out the word majority and insert the word two-thirds Debate preceded the call for vote President Heinz Johnson called for the vote. Motion failed (101 yea, 111 nay) Ken Miles made the motion for Amendment 1: In Article V paragraph 5.3, remove subparagraphs 5.3(a)(2-3,5-7); 5.3(c)(2-5); and 5.3(d)(2-6); add new sub-paragraphs 5.3(a)(3); 5.3(b)(3); 5.3(c)(2); and 5.3(d)(2); and renumber accordingly 5

6 A second is not needed as this motion came from the Bylaws Committee. The NEC, at their last meeting, recommended this motion unanimously to be adopted by the delegates. Motion carried (by show of voting cards) Ken Miles made the motion for Amendment 2: Delete the current Article IX AVA National Headquarters and insert a new Article IX AVA Executive Director. The NEC recommended this amendment be adopted by the delegates Motion carried (by show of voting cards) Ken Miles made the motion for Amendment 3: In Article X paragraph 10.3, add the words Information Technology Motion carried (158 yea, 53 nay) The last Amendment #5 will be taken care of tomorrow Award Presentations Phyllis Olson, Chair of Awards Committee Trailblazer Award- The Falcon Wanderers Volkssport Association, Colorado Springs, CO accepted the award for the club. Linda Nyman Meeting adjourned at 5:38 p.m. and will reconvene at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, May 2, th AVA Biennial Membership Meeting reconvened 3:15 P.M., May 2, 2013 Credentialing Report: Bonnie Johnson, Secretary 249 eligible voting clubs 207 delegates & proxies credentialed 14 officers 221 total voting strength We have a quorum 6

7 Introduction of 18 th AVA Convention Committee: Dennis Michele, Committee Chair President Heinz Johnson: If any of you have had experience putting on a large activity or a Convention, it takes a lot of work and effort and is not done overnight. It requires a lot of people who are dedicated in devoting time and energy. This year for the first time, we have a Convention which is not hosted by any club in particular. The traditional time for the Convention, being the last week in June, is now held the end of April and early May, bringing a lot of different situations and extra contingencies which popped up and made for many difficulties. In addition, our Vice President Marvin Stokes took this on as the Committee Chair to work with the National Headquarters, NEC and Executive Director to make this thing work. Following a serious illness, Marvin Stokes had to step down. The man who stepped up and has done a wonderful job is Dennis Michele. Dennis Michele: Dennis acknowledged the outstanding group he has worked with on the 18 th Biennial Convention Committee. Statistics for the Convention include 341 total pre-registered walkers. The total walkers per walk event through today s date include: 360 Clearwater 360 Hillsborough River State Park 352 Winter Park 386 Titusville 385 Wetlands Park 370 Leesburg Dennis Michele gave recognition to the 18 th Biennial Convention Committee consisting of Mike Lanpher, Alice Lawrence, JoAnne Cross, and Maxine Johnson. A memento and outstanding service award with the outline of a manatee was given to each of the committee members. A rose was presented the ladies which included Dennis wife, Judy Michele, and Interim Executive Director, Candace Purcell. Dennis thanked each of the many volunteers and behind the scene workers. He then gave the last rose to President Johnson, who in turn presented it to his wife, Priscilla Johnson. Dennis stepped down onto the meeting room floor to officially give recognition to Marvin Stokes and present him with an 18 th Biennial Convention polo shirt. 7

8 In Remembrance Necrology Reading - Annette Tollett Even as some of our fellow volkssporters have come to the end of their earthly trail, their presence will always be with us as we walk the trails of life. (The Necrology was read from two separate lists. The first list was in the Official Program and the second list was given at the Convention. The lists have hereby been combined alphabetically). Gertrude Adams Charlie Fowbie Pat Miller Gene Averkin Carl Frock, JR Dennis Mitchell Dana Bansmer John Gale Lydia Morisette Carolyn Barnes Laura Geske Frantisek Moser Arthur Beatty Joshua Geske Mollie Moyer Mickey Beckett Joy Geske Sharon Mullen Paul Bergman Helen Gitchell Suzanne Mullenix Lloyd Berry John Gonzalez Bernice Myers Jerry Betker James Gorman Helen Navarre Reid Bice Brian Grumbling Zoe Nichols Gary Blair Rose Hanaver Frances Pallozzi Mary Blankenship Irene Hayden Janet Peterson Barbara Borde Ray Hayford Sybil Pruett Delmar Bowers Gordon Hefner Evelyn Rapacki Edward Branges Ken Holt Elsie Reamy Joretta Breland Rosemarie Hume Lester Roberts Joan Brown Robert Layton Howerton Hank Rossi Randy Brown Barbara Mateo Kihano Richard Rossi Richard Bundy John Kostelny Elizabeth Shuster Helen Burttschell Bill Kugler Bernice Sober Eugene Busic Joanne Labbe Jay Spradling Dennis Cannon Helen Lakanen Gil Stempfly James Carlo Jean Lancaster Albert Richard Trautman Karen Carrier Carol Lansing Shirley Traux Larry Chatheski Joanne Lawrence Maxine Trone Joan Claybourne Hester Lehnert Maj Gen Howard R Unger Doris Cordi Jane Lieder Diane Utsumi Virginia Crandall Fran Leistikow Edward Van Horn Naomi Criner Mary Logan Catherine Waller Dick Davies Gene Maier Bernard Weiner Dolores Decker Dick Mason Ellen Wilson Virgie May Demske Jimmy May Harold Witter John William Dietrich William (Bill) McDonald Billy Jean Wolverton Donna Dubs Caren Meyer Ralph Edwards Lucille Miller There was a moment of silence for those entered in eternal rest. 8

9 Treasurer s Report : Bob Morrison, Treasurer Part of the Treasurers job is to provide facts. My job is for a long term perspective on what is going on in our organization. I will use some of the statistics from the years to project what will lead to the future trends. Charts are provided on the overhead screen. The first graph shows the number of clubs continuing to decline at a substantial rate. We are a Club of Clubs and if the clubs are declining, we are shrinking as well. In 2004 we started with 370 clubs and at the end of 2012, we were at 266 clubs. This is a 28% decline in the past 9 years. In another 10 years, and if on the current path, we will be at 149 clubs. In the 19 years that I am working with, this would be a 60% decline. That should be concerning to us. The second graph shows within the same time period of , an increase in the number of Year Round Events and a decrease in the number of Traditional Events. If we take logical conclusions with trends over time based on this data; in ten years we will have shrinking Traditional Events and fewer clubs which could be part of the causation. If we keep up at the current rate we are going, it will be all Year Round and Seasonal Events. The third graph shows participation. Using the same time periods, the Year Rounds and Seasonal events are increasing in numbers but the participation is staying relatively the same. The Traditional Event patterns are much smaller, with an average of 3% actual decline per year in total participation for the past nine years. The fourth graph deals with money: revenue and expenses. This shows the revenue declining over time. However in 2004 through 2007 it shows a profit and 2009 are flat years with 2011and 2012 being considered the net loss years. The expenses are shown in red, exceeding the revenues. The expenses over time at the same average rate won t increase or shrink a great deal. As the revenues decline, the expenses stay the same. We will see the losses to our cash reserves to the point that in 2019, all of our cash will be gone. This is not a good story. We have reached an inflexion point where we are no longer running profits and we are starting to consume some of our reserves. It seems now is a good time to change our organization for the future and make some tough decisions. We do have two options: 1.Bring in new revenue such as corporate sponsorships which is very much long term. 2. Use short term solutions by cutting costs at the National level which will be necessary and required, as we lose more and more money. In being a realist and not painting a pretty picture, I d say If we keep doing what we ve always been doing, we re going to get what we ve always got. 9

10 Vote on Motion to Pursue IVV-Americas Membership Report by Bob Wright: Representative to the IVV-Americas Organizing Committee President Johnson, Members of National Executive Council XVII, Delegates, and Friends of the AVA, In September of last year, AVA President Johnson asked me to collect and consolidate the comments and concerns of AVA members regarding the draft Bylaws of the IVV-Americas Confederation for him to pass to the 3-person Organizing Committee of Curt Myron, Chair, and one voting representative each from the Canadian and Brazilian National Volkssport Association in the IVV. That started my seven-and-a-half month liaison with the Organizing Committee on the AVA s behalf, eventually as the AVA s Official Representative to the Organizing Committee Along the way, AVA members collectively submitted 57 issues, ranging from legal and substantive to editorial based on four drafts of the Confederation s Bylaws. Several issues related to differing interpretations of the IVV Statutes and other organizing documents have all been resolved; the IVV Executive Presidium confirming the AVA s understanding in March. Ten issues remain unresolved, four of them being what I categorize as legal or substantive. Three of these are spelled out in the 18 th Biennial Convention issue of The American Wanderer and one arose from a change in the April 22 nd iteration of the draft Bylaws that I received less than a week before this convention. I should note that the April 25 th from the Organizing Committee also included Articles of Incorporation submitted to become a Canadian Non-Profit Organization which raised several questions to which I need answers for you. In addition I answered every question posed by AVA members, including the NEC, as objectively and factually as possible in order to share information; hopefully in the end there is no more misinformation about to confuse you ( Of course, I cannot vouch for information that others put out, some of which I may have never seen.) To prepare for this Convention and the first opportunity short of calling a Special Meeting for the AVA membership vote on joining, President Johnson and Interim Executive Director Candy Purcell asked me to prepare material for you to be published in The American Wanderer. That made sense because by now, I m as knowledgeable as anyone in the AVA on the collective subjects of IVV Confederations in general, the IVV-Americas Confederation Bylaws specifically, and the associated U.S. Legal and IRC issues. Nearly all information from the February and April issues fills the 8-page supplement passed out here in Orlando. If you have questions about the draft Bylaws, (the iteration received last week is not substantively different from March s iteration available when the supplement went to press) how your NEC answered four questions related to the subject, the legal issues, and more; review the supplement. We won t be talking about anything other than the motion to join at this session. One of my final actions was to prepare a motion for the NEC s consideration. The NEC considered it on Tuesday and asked that it be presented today without recommendation. To conclude my report I will read the two be it resolved paragraphs of that motion: 10

11 (Part 1 and 2 of the motion) That the AVA continue working with the IVV-Americas Organizing Committee to resolve to all parties satisfaction all issues identified above and to finalize IVV- Americas organizing documents consistent with the AVA s organizing documents and Internal Revenue Service (IRS)501(C)(3) determination, and That the AVA membership will hold a vote on joining IVV-Americas once the NEC affirms that the above issues are resolved to the AVA s satisfaction Thank you for your questions and comments over the past several months and your attention and consideration today. Debate preceded the next motion. Wayne Holloway made the motion: I move that the main motion be changed to delete all after be of further resolved that and insert that concurrently with the Canadian Volkssport Association and ANDA Brazil, the AVA becomes a member of the not for profit IVV-Americas. Seconded by Bob Morrison President Johnson: We put together a proposed motion, then sent it out to the clubs, saying we wish to continue with the IVV-Americas Committee until we get things resolved. Once we get this resolved, then our board of governors, the NEC, can make a decision in conjunction with the legal opinion whether or not we are ready to go. Once we are ready to go it will then be presented to the AVA membership to vote on. Now we have just had an amendment made and that amendment in essence says: Today we vote whether or not we are going to join the IVV-Americas. That is what the amendment says. It is up or down. It is either yes we are going to join the IVV Americas or no, we are not going to join. Nancy Stenger, Heartland Walkers #906; I move that the amendment be withdrawn and the original motion be withdrawn to pursue IVV-Americas membership. Then we make a motion to vote yes to join, or no not to join the IVV-Americas. No Second (therefore not before the Assembly) Bob Morrison made the motion: I move to suspend the rules to allow the introduction of a motion that AVA shall continue working to join with the IVV- Americas. Seconded by Sam Korff President Johnson explained with the suspension of the rules, there is no discussion. It sets aside the basic motion and is setting aside the amendment proposed, while allowing a new motion to be presented. This motion to suspend the rules takes 2/3 s of the votes to pass the motion in order to suspend the rules. 11

12 Motion carried. The rules are hereby suspended for the basic motion made by Bob Wright and the amendment by Wayne Holloway. Bob Morrison made the motion: I move that AVA shall continue working to join IVV- Americas. Seconded by Bob Wright After debate, the vote was taken. The voting results were in doubt taken by card vote. President Johnson called for the Vote Vote taken this time with Special Ballot Card #1 by voting aye, nay, or no vote President Johnson reread the motion: I move that AVA shall continue working to join IVV-Americas. Official Vote tally: Aye 112 Nay 111 The vote resulted in two more votes than credentialed Invalid ballot Presentations of Awards: President Heinz Johnson and Candace Purcell Publicity Awards Third Place: Lilac City Volkssport Association; Checking Out the Trail Allen Heritage Second Place: NorthStar Trail Travelers; Fun, Fitness, Friendship & Food - Donna Seline First Place: Empire State Capitol Volkssports; The Boardwalk - Genevieve Arrington Photography Awards: Things Third Place: Asheville Amblers; Keeping an Eye on Each Other - Jan Weeks Second Place: Tulsa Walking Club; Photo taken in Tacoma, WA Theresa Arnold First Place: Illinois Trekkers; Photo taken in Fenton, MO Deb Kruep 12

13 Photography Awards: Places Honorable Mention: Greater Des Moines Volkssport Association; Photo taken in Tucson, AZ Norma Wessel Third Place: Mid Florida Milers Walking Club; Photo taken in Florida USA Mike Lanpher Second Place: Illinois Trekkers; Photo taken in Portland, ME Deb Kruep First Place: Illinois Trekkers; Photo taken in Middleburg, VT Mark Kruep Club Newsletters Third Place: Texas Wanderers Second Place: Mid Florida Milers Walking Club First Place: Walk N Mass Volkssport Club Year Round Event Brochure Third Place: Mid Florida Milers Walking Club Second Place: Northern Virginia Volksmarch Club First Place: Walk N Mass Volkssport Club Traditional Event Brochure Third Place: Walk Seward Club Second Place: Illinois Trekkers First Place: Treasure Valley Volkssports 13

14 Community Relations Program Randolph Road Runners Single Event Program Illinois Trekkers Annual Publicity Program Treasure Valley Volkssports Club Website Third Place: Northern Virginia Volkssports Second Place: NorthStar Trail Travelers First Place: Upstate Pathfinders Club Logo Third Place: Texas Wanderers Second Place: Treasure Valley Volkssports First Place: Central Minnesota Volkssports Club Mascot NorthStar Trail Travelers 14

15 2013 President s Award President Heinz Johnson Recognition given to those for service above and beyond the norm Bob Wright The American Wanderer Contributor-Writer Extraordinaire Chris Mellen The Annual Starting Point Copy Editor Dorm Batson The Artistic Creator & Designer Bill Radigan The AVA Jack-of All-Trades Volunteer Hans Dieter-Fuhr The AVA Liaison to Europe Paul Lamb The AVA Parliamentarian Susan Pinneke The Chair, 17 th AVA Biennial Convention Dennis Michele The Chair, 18 th AVA Biennial Convention Marvin Stokes The Leader Who Led With a Passion to AVA Sam & Annette Tollett The Louisiana State Capital YRE Rescue Team Joanne Forinash & Phyllis Eagan Museum Curators Gerry Kamicka, Crew Chief National Headquarters Monday Crew Mabel Matsumoto Jimmy Eisen Linda Goodman Meeting adjourned 6:00 P.M. Reconvene at 3:15 P.M., Friday, May 3,

16 18 th AVA Biennial Membership Meeting reconvened 3:15 P.M., May 3, 2013 President Johnson called the Final Session of the General Meeting to order. Announcements: One Award Booklet is available for each voter credential you present at the end of the meeting today. Any remaining books can go to those who are not credentialed. We are going to change the way we approve the minutes of this meeting. Once the minutes are put together by the Secretary, they will be put in draft form and posted to the AVA website as we have posted all other minutes from the past. In the next Checkpoint, we will have a notification to have folks look at the minutes and check for any corrections needed, such as: misspellings, punctuation, names left out of the Necrology Report, etc. You will get a date that the corrections need to be back. Once the corrections are finished, the minutes will be approved by the NEC and posted. In that way, we will not have to wait two years to have the minutes approved. Dennis Michele had one housekeeping announcement: The centerpieces from the Meet & Greet and the Walk the Plank Pirate Party are not to be taken by the participants. They are rented; so please return them to avoid us getting charged for them. Credentialing Report: Bonnie Johnson, Secretary 249 eligible voting clubs 216 delegates & proxies credentialed 14 officers 230 total voting strength We have a quorum President Johnson: Yesterday our votes did not tally up correctly, either by the card vote or the special ballot, so today we will use Special Ballot #5. The motion was repeated by President Johnson: I move the AVA shall continue working to join the IVV-Americas Voters told to make your marks on the ballot, fold the ballot once and deposit in the box as it is passed down your row. If you use any other ballot than #5, it will be invalid. The vote tabulation was announced by Joanne Forinash, Head Vote Tabulator Results of the vote on the IVV-Americas motion: Motion carried (117 yea 113 nay) The motion will be adopted and the AVA will continue its efforts with IVV- Americas 16

17 Featured Speaker: Patrick Rose, Executive Director of Save the Manatees Club Dennis Michele introduced the Special Guest Speaker, Patrick Rose who has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with an Aquatic Biology emphasis. He has a Bachelor s level and Master of Science level from the University of Missouri. Positions he has held are: Research Scientist with the Florida Audubon Society, Senior Manatee Recovery Activities Coordinator for Marine Resources for the State of Florida, Environmental Administrator of Maritime Mammals Section of the Florida Marine Research Institute, Environmental Program Administrator for the Office of Protected Species Management for the State of Florida and is now the Executive Director of Save the Manatees Club in Maitland, Florida. Mr. Rose gave a very interesting and educational talk with slide previews and excellent photography showing the life and journey of saving the manatees and the aquatic habitat they reside in. The Save the Manatees Club was formed in 1981 and has been working to protect and promote new developments to save this struggling mammal. Donation to Local Nonprofit Save the Manatees Club Dennis Michele Dennis Michele, on behalf of the Biennial Convention Committee, presented Patrick Rose with a check for $ from the American Volkssport Association to Save the Manatees. Election of Officers President: Sam Korff Dennis Michele Treasurer: Bob Morrison Annette Tollett (nominated from the floor) (Award presentations will continue while ballots are counted) 17

18 Awards Presentation Heinz Johnson, AVA President and Phyllis Olson, Awards Committee Chair Recognitions: President Johnson recognized Donna Seline for having been with us for the past 10 years as Publisher of the American Wanderer and with great appreciation for the fine product that is provided. Donna has always been helpful when a change is needed and good to deal with. A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded for 10 years of outstanding publishing. President Johnson attended the IVV Delegate Meeting in China late last year. At that time IVV- Americas was presented as a motion to be accepted by the delegates and accepted unanimously. A determination had to be made on a Chair for the Organizing Committee of the IVV-Americas and the many issues to look into. I knew of no one in AVA who had the knowledge, expertise, background, interest and objectivity other than the person appointed. We asked this person to point out the problem area in AVA pursuing IVV-Americas and he has done an exemplary job. Recognition was given to Robert C Wright for exceptional services to AVA and its members. Distinguished Achievement Awards: N. Ruth Cade San Antonio, TX Charles W. Head Lois M. Head Charlotte E. Phillips St Cloud, MN St Cloud, MN Middlebury, VT Phyllis Olson acknowledged the Awards Committee and thanked them for helping with this process. Committee members are: Eunice Bottorff Terri Tyler Loralie Cruz Sam Korff Ann Arbor, MI Topeka, KS Surprise, AZ Clatskanie, OR Hall of Fame Award 2013 Hall of Fame Inductee Donald N. Vartanian Indianapolis, IN 18

19 President Johnson requested all the people here for the first time ever to attend a Convention to stand up. He then had those people sit down and asked everyone else in the room to stand up. When the number of years you attended a Convention was called, you had to sit down. When number sixteen was called for years of attending a convention, it left only four people standing. These three hold the record in Convention attendance and include: Chuck Repik, Frank Sayers, Sherry Sayers and Helga Slade. Selection of 19 th AVA Biennial Convention Site - Sam Korff The Oregon Trail State Volkssport Association is proposing that the AVA hold the 2015 Convention in Salem, Oregon. Portland is the largest city in Oregon but Salem is the capitol over which the Oregon flag flies. Oregon has the only state flag with two different sides. On one side of the flag is the state seal and the other side has the state animal; the beaver. A power point presentation was given introducing the Phoenix Grand Hotel as the Convention site with many amenities including free underground parking, free breakfast, hospitality and meeting rooms. Beautiful scenery was seen on each of the walks starting Saturday, June 13, 2015 through Sunday, June 21, The first pre-convention walk is set to start in Bend, OR and then continues on to cities and sites as follows: Sisters, Silver Falls, Lincoln City, Eugene, Portland, Salem, Mount St Helens and a post convention walk would end with Vancouver. Sam Korff made the motion: I move that AVA have its next Convention in 2015 in Salem, Oregon. Motion carried (show of card votes) Charlie Gentile proposed the 20 th Biennial Convention to be held in Billings, Montana, with a pending date of Tuesday, June 9, This would follow the Crazy Horse weekend event. Election Results: Treasurer: Bob Morrison 137 Annette Tollett 90 Bob Morrison is declared Treasurer for NEC XVIII President: Sam Korff 112 Dennis Michele 118 Dennis Michele is declared President for NEC XVIII 19

20 Introduction of Officers of NEC XVIII President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Atlantic Region: Mid-America Region North Central Region Northeast Region Northwest Region Pacific Region Rocky Mountain Region South Central Region Southeast Region Southwest Region Dennis Michele Holly Pelking Bonnie Johnson Bob Morrison David Scull Linda Neu Phyllis Olson Doug Reynolds Nancy Wittenberg Wayne Holloway Frank Sayers Glen Conyers David Bonewitz Joanne Forinash Dennis Michele, newly elected President, thanked those who voted for him and stated that frankly; you would have had a good choice between either Sam and himself, a winner either way. Award Presentations to Board of Governors: Heinz Johnson and Phyllis Olson Phyllis Olson recognized President Heinz Johnson: In appreciation of a job well done in leading the 17 th National Executive Council and in appreciation from the staff at Headquarters for all the time spent at the office. On behalf of the NEC, President Johnson was presented with a memento. (a gavel) 20

21 Dedicated Service Awards: A thank-you for dedicated service and an award was presented by President Johnson to each of the following: Holly Pelking Bonnie Johnson Bob Morrison Sam Tollett Kimberly Bradley Phyllis Olson Doug Reynolds Sam Korff Wayne Holloway Mike Nelson Ken Miles Dennis Michele Bill Hamilton Marvin Stokes Mike Green 21

22 Left over Business: There is a motion on the floor and an amendment to that motion. (this motion & amendment were left in suspension; following the suspension of rules yesterday) Wayne Holloway made a motion to withdraw the motion Bob Morrison made a motion to withdraw the amendment to the motion Bob Wright made a motion to withdraw the main motion President Johnson: We still have the motion for Amendment #5 with changes to the bylaws. Do we want to continue and change those? Ken Miles, Chair of the Bylaws Committee, withdrew the motion on Amendment #5 Audience Comments: Annette Tollett, Virginia State Volkssport Association, #AAA: I would like to thank everybody who put this Convention on. This has been a great Convention. Chris Mellen, Walk N Mass Volkssport Club, #249: Congratulations to two presidential candidates. A vote of 118 to 112 tells us we have two very good candidates. In an organization as large as we are, we should now come together and put everything else aside. Maxine Johnson, Florida Volkssport Association #AAA-FL and Meandering Manatees Club #755: On behalf of the Convention Committee and as Head of the Volunteer Committee, I would like to thank every person who stepped forward to help on this fantastic convention. I d also like to point out the numerous hotel employees who have bent over backwards to make this a very successful experience for all of us. So as you pass the bellmen, waitresses, etc; please say thank you to them. They have been very sincere and please thank them. Joanne Forinash, Randolph Roadrunners #44 and Chief Teller and Tabulator: I am going to make a donation to AVA of $4.00 which was put in the boxes when we passed them around. President Johnson thanked the volunteer tabulators for their volunteer work and efforts. 22

23 Closing Remarks: President Johnson urged us to take the Footloose in Florida challenge and take the opportunity to get some Fitness; to go with our tagline. Meet new people, make new Friendships and to have some Fun. This has been a busy week for all of us and I have another 58 days and I will get my life back together. I thank the Convention Committee for a bang up job and now we have our sites set on Salem in 2015 and I hope you can take in some of the major entertainment items before you return home. I wish you all safe travels and best wishes to the NEC XVIII. Thank you very much. Dennis Michele: A reminder that the banquet is tonight. We have walks in Deland tomorrow and Daytona Beach on Sunday. President Johnson turned over the gavel to Dennis Michele. Sam Tollett: I d like to see instituted once again; bring your club flag and mascot to the next convention and all walkers wear their club t-shirts. Thanks for letting me serve you. President Johnson acknowledged Paul Lamb for his help and personal service. Meeting adjourned 5:17 P.M. Bonnie Johnson AVA Secretary Attachment #1: pg 4, Amendment #1 - #5 Proposed Amendments to the AVA Bylaws 23

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