| April 2004 Missouri Regional Newsletter p.4 |
| Events:
March: This past month has brought many changes for many of our chapters, and for our region. The first of the month we all met for the Regional 2004 Convention in Springfield, Missouri on March 5-7, 2004. The facilities were quite nice, the lounging areas in the center were warm an inviting. The food was very good, and the breakouts were interesting. The �What�s my Line� game to break the ice the first night was a huge hit, and we laughed so much our sides hurt. Thanks to the hard work of the old Regional Officer board and their volunteers. There were many memorable moments, but none so much as the evening we all said goodbye to John Balas who is finally retiring from teaching full time, and as Regional Coordinator for many years. John�s friends came together for a roast during the ceremony, including Mike Sager our Missouri Representative from the 48th District. Many fond memories and laughter was shared by all. We shall miss John a great deal, but wish him and his lovely wife well in their future endeavors. The candidates for Regional Office campaigned early Friday night, and then gave their speeches after breakfast on Saturday. As there was no candidates running against them for the positions they were seeking the Region unanimously agreed to choose the candidates that were running. Before the end of the Sunday morning meeting the old Regional Officers stood before the new Regional Officers and the oath of office taken. The Missouri Regional Officers for the 2004-2005 are: Amber Gruenloh President from East Central College, Kim Jarquio Phi District Vice-President from Longview Community College, Rhonda Perkins Theta District Vice-President from Ozarks Technical Community College, Karen Heywood Kappa District Vice-President from Moberly Area Community College, and Lois Robbins Vice-President of Communications. Immediately following John Balas swore in our new Coordinator Ms. Ann Parks from Moberly Area Community College. The Missouri Alumni Association also swore in their new members as well, and we welcome them. There was a dance following Saturday�s awards ceremony. The awards ceremony saw many deserving chapters win on multiple levels. For those chapters that improved so much we applaud you, and encourage those that are continuing to strive to reach their goals. It was announced that Phi Theta Kappa is once again committing to working with the American Cancer Society for the next two years. FYI Health Series: This month the American Cancer Society is concentrating on National Cancer Control Month. Their National Minority Cancer Awareness Week will fall on April 11-17, 2004. Spring has finally shown its face, and as a result the long sleeves will soon disappear, and soon after shorts or capri�s will be the rage. With these changes comes concern with the sun�s rays causing damage to our bodies in the form of skin cancer. Let us take a look at some early detection and prevention. The first stop on this journey will be �Sun Safety.� |