NeOkla News

Betty Martin and Virginia Apker Honored at MiDiv Convention

Betty Martin and Virgina Apker receiving trophies at SCCA convention

Betty Martin was awarded the 2010 MiDiv Worker of the Year Award and Virginia Apker received the England-Stipe Award, the Midwest Division’s highest honor. Read more in Neil Cox's report below.

A Letter from our Fearless Leader, Neil Cox:

NEOKLA Report - Feb, 2010

Is it time to go racing, yet? Although the last two months been cold, wet and dreary, they have been full of SCCA functions. In addition to our regular membership and board meetings you might have attended the NEOKLA Awards Banquet, SCCA National Convention and/or the MIDIV Convention. This is the time of year when we recognize the performance and participation of our members’ efforts behind the scenes to make our passion successful. I have been blessed to be your representative at all of these events and to share with you the results of our members’ hard work.

The NEOKLA Awards Banquet was held at McNellie’s with great food, beverage and fellowship. We have three annual awards that recognize the spirit and effort that our members put forward to make our programs fun. The Most Active Member Award goes to the individual that participates in the most events and meetings that year. For 2009 our Solo Chair, Todd Swain, earned this trophy. A committee led by Eve Pim in recognition of an individual who has given of him or herself tirelessly to make our events happen determines the Jack Pim Award of Excellence. The Award of Excellence winner for 2009 is Richard Stephens. Finally The Dick Martin Memorial Trophy is presented by a committee led by Betty Martin to acknowledge a member’s effort and loyalty to make NEOKLA and its programs a success. Paul Terhune is the 2009 recipient of the Dick Martin Memorial Trophy. Congratulations to all three on a job well done.

Las Vegas was the site of the SCCA National Convention in 2010. Before you think what a party that was, remember that the convention is held at the South Point, which is well SOUTH of the Strip. I took a book. The Club recognizes individuals and Regions for improvement, growth and excellent communication with their membership. NEOKLA was recognized for communication. Back in the old days this was based upon the quality of the Region Newsletter, some of which were and are newspaper or magazine quality. Now most Regions maintain a Website along with their Newsletter. And most Regional Websites would remind you or the old NEOKLA site. Our new neoklascca.org was awarded an Honorable Mention for Regional Communications. The Regions that finished 1st, 2nd (Kansas City Region) & 3rd all maintain a newsletter as well as a website. Congratulations to Tonia Peacock as our Webmaster for creating a “Make it Easy, Make it Fun” Website for NEOKLA.

The final event of the Convention season was the 2010 MIDIV Convention and Awards Ceremony. The MIDIV has four annual wards, but two of those are significant for their recognition of years of commitment and service to the division The MiDiv Worker of the Year Award goes to an individual for contributions to Midwest Division events – race, rally or solo – on a Divisional level. For 2010 the MIDIV Worker of the Year was awarded to Betty Martin. Not only does Betty keep NEOKLA (as Secretary) running smooth, she can be found at registration at most of the races in our division. She also serves as Treasurer for the MIDIV Executive Committee. The England-Stipe Award is the Midwest Division’s highest honor. It is given to the Midwest Division member who has made the most outstanding long-term contribution to the club and to the sport. The award is named in memory of Margaret England and Mary Stipe, who were both licensed race workers. Virginia Apker is this years England-Stipe Award winner. Virginia has served the Region (currently as Treasurer) and the Division without fail. She is the glue in Timing and Scoring across the Division and currently serves as Secretary for the MIDIV Executive Committee. Did you know that Virginia was a demon in her HP Sprite?

Without the help of all of these award winners, the NEOKLA Board and our members I could not perform my duties and for that I thank you and congratulate you on your service to our club.

Neil Cox
RE NEOKLA