The December Kansas Authors club District 5 meeting began with a social time and refreshments in celebration of the 2023 year of writing. At 1:45, president Sandee Taylor called the meeting to order. Guest Tracy Million-Simmons was welcomed. Members introduced themselves by giving words or phrases which held special holiday meaning for them.
Reports:
New Business:
Amy Boyd submitted guidelines for the newly formed position of Refreshment Coordinator. Tyler Henning moved we adopt her proposal. It was seconded by Ray Racobs and passed unopposed.
Election of Officers and Adoption of Bylaws:
The ballot for the adoption of the new bylaws was unanimously approved.
The result of the ballot for officers for 2024 is as follows: President—Sandee Taylor, Co-Vice Presidents—Ann Fell and Janice Northerns, Secretary—Connie White, Treasurer—Tyler Henning, Membership Liaison—Amy Kliewer, Writers in Community Liaison—Gretchen Eick.
Open Mic and Writing Prompt:
The following authors participated in a lively open mic session: Tammy Hader, Tyler Henning, Judy Hatteberg, Judy Oliver, Janice Northerns, Sandee Taylor, Ann Fell, Ray Racobs, and Tracy Million-Simmons.
Members in attendance were encouraged to write a haiku or flash fiction using words we collected during our introductions at the beginning of the meeting. Several shared their rough drafts which ranged from pieces about cats in Christmas trees, dogs in sweaters, to fruitcake.
The meeting adjourned at 3:30.
Reports:
- Treasurer Ray Racobs reported the expense of $300 for the rental of our meeting room at Wichita Evergreen Library for 2024. The bank balance was reported.
- Ann Fell, Writers in Community Liaison, reported on the Winfield Local Authors event held December 9. Several D5 members participated. She shared the front page article which appeared in the Winfield newspaper.
- Amy Kliewer, Membership Liaison, reported two new members.
- Samantha Barrett reported the results of the survey of members about sponsoring one or more writing retreats for 2024. The committee will bring a proposal to the January meeting.
- Members of currently operating critique groups gave updates. Judy Oliver, who is part of the poetry group facilitated by Skyler Lovelace, reported on the activities of this group. This group will welcome poets interested in joining authors devoted to improving their poetry. This group meets every Monday at 4:30 via Zoom. Another group meets viz Zoom on the third Tuesday of the month. This group is devoted to prose (fiction or nonfiction) and welcomes new members. Other groups are operating successfully and are at capacity.
New Business:
Amy Boyd submitted guidelines for the newly formed position of Refreshment Coordinator. Tyler Henning moved we adopt her proposal. It was seconded by Ray Racobs and passed unopposed.
Election of Officers and Adoption of Bylaws:
The ballot for the adoption of the new bylaws was unanimously approved.
The result of the ballot for officers for 2024 is as follows: President—Sandee Taylor, Co-Vice Presidents—Ann Fell and Janice Northerns, Secretary—Connie White, Treasurer—Tyler Henning, Membership Liaison—Amy Kliewer, Writers in Community Liaison—Gretchen Eick.
Open Mic and Writing Prompt:
The following authors participated in a lively open mic session: Tammy Hader, Tyler Henning, Judy Hatteberg, Judy Oliver, Janice Northerns, Sandee Taylor, Ann Fell, Ray Racobs, and Tracy Million-Simmons.
Members in attendance were encouraged to write a haiku or flash fiction using words we collected during our introductions at the beginning of the meeting. Several shared their rough drafts which ranged from pieces about cats in Christmas trees, dogs in sweaters, to fruitcake.
The meeting adjourned at 3:30.