MSAP 2018 Convention Recap

The 52nd Annual MSAP Convention Our convention this year was held at the Holiday Inn in Bloomington MN on May 5th. Our President Josh Martin, PRP, called the convention to order at 9 a.m. The singing of our national anthem was led by Robert Vokes followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Richard Skimland and an inspiration by Lucy Johnson, PRP, based on a statement by Benjamin Franklin.

A moment of silence was then observed in honor of Fred Riehm and Len Glaeser who passed this last year. President Martin welcomed everyone and invited everyone to introduce themselves. There were 14 members in attendance. Credentials Chairman Judy Twisk announced as of 9:09 a.m. that 13 voting members and 1 non- voting member were present. The report was moved seconded and adopted and a quorum was declared. Robert Vokes then rose to give a report on adoption/rejection of several items to the bylaws/standing rules. Next was the adoption of the convention standing rules and then the convention program, itself.

New Officers (L to R) Judy Twisk, Josh Martin,
Robert Vokes, & Miriam Simmons

President Josh Martin, PRP, appointed the following: Tellers: Richard Skimland, Judy Twisk; Timekeeper: Miriam Simmons, PRP; Minutes Approval Committee: Pat Reymann, PRP, Robert Vokes, Michael Orr, RP. Darleen Harens, PRP reported on the minutes of last year’s convention. Other Reports were available in the convention packets. Robert Vokes then rose to give a report on adoption/ rejection of several items to the bylaws/standing rules. Nominating Committee Chairman Robert Vokes presented the following slate of officers: President: Josh Martin, PRP; Vice- President: Miriam Simmons, PRP; and Secretary: Robert Vokes. He reminded us that the treasurer is in the second year of her first  two-year term and is not up for election. There being no further nominations, the president declared that the nominations were closed. Ballots were distributed collected and counted. The President declared the election of:

• Josh Marin, PRP as President,
• Miriam Simmons, PRP Vice-President
• Robert Vokes as Secretary

Robert Vokes Nominating Committee Chairman presented the following candidates for the 2018-2019 Nominating Committee: Lucy Johnson, PRP; Beverly Kennedy, RP; Robert Vokes. There were no further nominations. After the ballots were cast, collected and counted, President Josh Martin declared the Nominating Committee elected: Robert Vokes chairman, Beverly Kennedy, Lucy Johnson.

During the break which followed there were educational materials available for sale provide by Darleen Harens, PRP and materials by the historian Pay Reymann, PRP were also on display. Budget Committee Chairman Judy Twisk moved the adoption of the 2017- 2018 budget. After a web allocation amendment from $50 to $350 the amended budget was adopted. Josh updated us on the NAP report as well as the latest information on the National Training Conference.

After a buffet lunch, our presenter Jeannette Williams, PRP, gave an unusual and entertaining workshop entitled “Let’s Have a Meeting!” What made it unusual and challenging was that you did not know when you would be called on to participate until the last second, so you had to pay close attention. After the workshop, Jeannette also installed all of the officers using the theme “Cheerios” where all the incoming officers received different flavor boxes of cheerios.

​Thanks to photographer Bob Williams who took pictures of both the Northern Lights (NLP) and Saint Paul (SPU) Units! The convention was adjourned sine die at 2:15 p.m. ​