The December meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building at the Bourbon County Fair ground.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Vice President Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  Twelve members were in attendance.  They reported that they had volunteered for sixty-eight hours and had recycled twenty pounds.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report and Karen Peery reported that the Bourbon County Council had met and discussed the Fall Meeting for next year, Bourbon County will be hosting it in Bronson.  It was also reported that the Spring Area meeting will be held in Humboldt next year.

New Business consisted of Glenda updating the club on the FCE newsletter articles and Wreaths across America.  Claudia Wheeler informed the club that Wreaths across America may offer a two for one offer early in the year and suggested that we approve to take advantage of the offer if they have it again next year.  Claudia Wheeler moved that we preapprove money to purchase two wreaths for the price of one, Betty Johnson seconded the motion, motion approved.  Claudia also passed around the address for Walter Reid Army Medical Center so that we could send Christmas cards to veterans in the hospital.  Glenda Milled asked for volunteers to fill out the program books for the coming year.  Karen Peery, Joyce Allen and Terri Williams volunteered.  It was also discussed where to meet next year.  Presbyterian Village will be available to meet in the community room.  Del Parks moved that we start meeting at the Presbyterian Village next year, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried.  Deb Lust, moved that the meeting be adjourned, Claudia Wheeler seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

Before the meeting the members put together thirty-nine gift bags for the Tri-Valley clients.  The bags contained mugs filled with Chex mix, two pairs of socks and gloves, popcorn and hot chocolate mix packets, and a variety of candy.  The members also enjoyed a delicious carry in dinner before the meeting. During the dinner a collection was taken up to be presented to Preferred Living.

After the meeting the club enjoyed a white elephant exchange and a couple of Christmas games prepared by Glenda Miller.

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

December 7, 2022

1. Welcome:  Fifteen members representing ten agencies attended.  Billie Jo informed the members that the Board had assisted 23 families involving 69 children with rent and utility assistance in 2022.  The Board was also able to increase the family assistance monthly allotment for 2023.

2. Member Introductions and Announcements:

• Diann Gambill, Family Resource Advocate, introduced Donna Cunningham, the new Family Strong Response Advocate for Bourbon County. The organization is able to assist with any family crisis.  For more information, Donna’s number is 620-238-0009.  They will be announcing the location of the Bourbon County office in the near future.
• Sandy Haggard, RSVP, is seeking volunteers for two hour shifts to help with the Red Cross Blood Drive on December 20 and 21 at Buck Run. To volunteer, contact Sandy at 620-432-0422.
• Christine Abbott, SEKansasWorks, reminded members that she is in Fort Scott in the HBCAT office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; she can work with youth to find work, GED programs or training. They can also help adults older than 18.  She noted that at present the KansasWorks website lists 63,000 jobs available in our state with only 7,000 applications on file.
• Amy Hagan, Family Resource at CHC, specializes in helping mothers who are struggling; she is also car seat certified.
• Lindsay Waterman, Lindsey McNeil, and Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE, shared that they have helped 153 people since the inception of the grant; they go into homes and also work with the homeless. They maintain a presence in the HBCAT office.
• Lea Kay Karleskint, SNAP Educator through K-State, works with third grade and up. She announced two programs she has coming up:  “Eating Smart and Saving Money” in January and February at the Methodist Church and “Walk With Ease” at BRCC, also in January and February.  For further information, contact Lea Kay at [email protected] .
• Tammy Alcantor, Crawford County Health Department, continues her “Baby and Me Tobacco Free” program; she will meet with the mothers at their convenience.
• Michelle Stevenson, FSECPS, shared that she is at her maximum of thirty clients and has several babies enrolled for the program.
• Nick Johnson, FSPS USD234, has 102 students enrolled; the maximum number they can handle at the present location is 120. They are required to leave some vacancies as children with needs can age into the program during the year.  They continue to conduct screenings the first Friday of each month.
• Patty Simpson, FSHA: All 190 apartments are occupied at present housing 360 individuals.  She does continue to process applications for the waiting list.  She is willing to include announcements from agencies in her monthly newsletter if there is a need.
• Allen Schellack , Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries was unable to attend; however, the Salvation Army could still use volunteer bell ringers.
• David Gillen, Beacon, was also unable to attend; however, members were reminded that the Beacon distribution will be on December 16 at Community Christian Church.

3. Program: Ronda Hassig – Lowell Milken Center. Ronda’s main jobs at the Center are writing grants and giving tours.  She shared how Fort Scott was fortunate to be the sight for the Lowell Milken Center and how it came about, several stories about unsung heroes, and how students can become involved in research projects. To date, over three million students have researched unsung heroes; many have won monetary awards for their efforts.

4. Open Forum: Nothing further came before the group.

5. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be January 4 2023, at 1:00 p.m.