Missouri State Envirothon Meeting

March 31, 2015

Jefferson City, MO

Attendance: Peggy Lemons, MASWCD; DeDe Vest, NRCS; Theresa Dunlap, St. Louis Region; Paula Champion, SW Region; Dave Fry, KC Region; Audrey Rayl, NE Region; Heather Keith, NW Region; Ralph Tucker, NRCS; Kevin Lohraff, MDC; Judy Stinson, DNR.

The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m., at the Capital West Christian Church Event Center in Jefferson City, Mo.

Minutes: The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed, and Judy made a motion to accept the minutes. Dave second and motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: The committee reviewed the Treasurer’s report as presented by Audrey. Peggy mentioned receiving $1,000 donation from Pennsylvania. Paula made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Theresa second and motion carried.

Regional updates: Heather reported having new teams. Northwest will have one team competing in the Central Region; Theresa reported the St. Louis Regional competition is tomorrow rain or shine; Southeast will also have a competition tomorrow.

Peggy reminded regions to provide team information as soon as possible after competition. She will send the form out again.

Regional Trainings – All regions have some sort of training. The committee discussed oral presentation training, and Judy said she will email a link to the video from the winning 2012 presentation. Paula said it was very effective in training for her regional teams.

Magazine – Theresa will be collecting stories for the second issue of the magazine. Committee discussed who will write articles (see below). Stories to Theresa by April 20th.

  • Who We Are – Judy
  • State Contest Winners – Judy
  • Current Issue Theme – Mark Grueber and/or Perry Eckhardt (foresters)
  • Thank You Donors List – Audrey
  • Partner Agency Spotlight – (MDC) – Kevin
  • 2 Trainer Spotlights:

(KC area person) – Dave; (Karen Armstrong – NE Region) - Theresa

  • Coach/Advisor Spotlight (Russ Barton- StL Region) – Theresa
  • Donation Page (how to give) – Theresa
  • 2015 Update (Missouri Hosts!) – Judy or Peggy
  • 2 or 3 Alumni Spotlight:

Lucas–NE Region – Theresa; StL Region student – Theresa (ONE MORE???)

  • Income and Expenses page (pie chart) – Peggy
  • Regional Highlights – All – (share any news you like – one or two photos) – All
  • Mary Burt Scholarship winner – Theresa

2015 State Competition was discussed. Judy is emailing the volunteer request again tomorrow. Details of the site and insurance were discussed. Regions are to make sure the teams bring the photo releases. They can be emailed or faxed early. Regions are to make sure the teams have read the rules. Everyone needs to be aware that a team of less than five members will get an automatic 25 point reduction. Those taking registration need to inform the grading room of any teams without five members. Team members can bring their own clipboards, but the clipboards will be checked by the team chaperone. The oral presentation problem will be released April 17.

State Competition Material needs _ Peggy and Judy will bring everything they usually bring. Ralph will let the event center know that two tables are needed at each station.

Kevin will bring water jugs. Kevin will plan for 200 for lunch.

Paula and Judy will supply computers.

Committee tested bull horns. Could not hear them inside. Tested Walkie Talkies. Judy will buy new ones.

Judy and Peggy – station tubs, agendas, banners, calculators, coffee, hot chocolate, cups, doughnut holes, fruit, soda, easels, evaluation forms, plaques, resource award certificates, rotation schedules, walkie talkies, batteries, t-shirts, bull horn

Peggy – judging criteria sheets, oral questions, score sheets, stars, patches, national packet, computer

Ralph – tests, test keys, extra sets of tests to post, maps to sites, testing materials

Theresa – registration labels, name tags, sign-in sheets

Kevin – lunch, water, resource awards

Advisor Activity – the committee decided that since Invasive Species is the topic for next year, that the teachers might enjoy a trip to Runge nature center to learn about the new topic. Kevin volunteered to organize this. Judy or Peggy will look into getting a bus.

Set-up Day – Thursday April 30. Lunch at Hy-Vee (behind the mall) at 11 am. Shopping for supplies at noon. Meeting at the Event Center at 1:30 for set-up.

Competition Duties – Judy and Ralph will help others set up stations that morning.

Judy will do orientation for registration, timekeeper, teacher escorts, runners, oral presentation, videographers, monitor

Ralph and DeDe will orient station test proctors.

Peggy will orient team chaperones

Judy and Peggy will orient judges (2 new ones)

2015 North American Envirothon – July 26 – August 3. Committee will arrive on campus Wednesday, July 22 to settle into rooms. Thursday is a work day at the Ozark field office. We can get into work room on campus on Friday morning.

Early registration for volunteers would put their costs at $50 a day ($32 room and $18 meals). Pay by July 1.

Other Business: No other business

Next meeting will be announced.