General meeting - March 7, 2019

 

John Kortes and his son, Jack, have found a unique way to give something of themselves and other area amateur athletes to hospital patients.

            Through the national organization Medals4Mettle, the Korteses help collect marathon, half-marathon and triathlon finishers’ medals and then present them to children and adults who are dealing with chronic or debilitating illnesses.

            “It’s all about recognizing that someone is in a tougher race than you are right now,” John said during his presentation to 34 Show-Me Cosmo members and four guests in attendance at the March 7 general meeting. He and Jack are members of the local Medals4Mettle chapter, one of 70 throughout the country. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2005 in Indiana.

            Jack walked from table to table and displayed the medals, which are repurposed with Medals4Mettle ribbons. More than 100 medals are presented each year to patients in area hospitals.

            John explained that medals or money may be donated to the organization by drop off or mail to Fleet Feet Sports—Columbia, 505 E. Nifong Blvd., Suite 106, Columbia, MO 65201. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer may email Medals4Mettle.CoMo@gmail.com

 

 

Show-Me Cosmo Secretary Brian McNeill presented Cosmopolitan International pins to the following members in recognition of their club anniversaries: Jan Barry for 30 years, John Kadlec for 25 years and Rose La Mantia for five years.

 

Justin Kinzinger was installed as the newest member of the Show-Me Cosmo club. Justin is the Vice President of Regions Investment Solutions in Columbia and was the guest speaker at the February general meeting. He was sponsored by Bill and Jeane Tetro.

 

Brett Benton said that the club was working toward the committee’s goal of 32 teams for the bowling fundraiser. He added that he will have a report of the March 9 event at the April general meeting.

 

Jeane Tetro provided a sign-up sheet for desserts for the March 15 membership drive. She reported that the event will be held at the Jerry Sigmund Cosmopolitan Building, and that Dickey’s Barbeque Pit will be the caterers.

 

Jan Barry said that the annual Ready for Spaghetti dinner will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 3 at the Jerry Sigmund Cosmopolitan Building. Tickets are $8 in advance and $9 at the door. The cost is free for children ages 5 and under.

 

Dayton Shepherd announced that the Mo-Kan Convention will be held April 26-28 at the Holiday Inn in Overland Park, Kansas. He encouraged members to support the club’s federation by attending the event, which will feature the delegates meeting and awards ceremony.

 

Brian McNeill announced that Tim Echternach is the new editor of the Show-Me Times newsletter.

 

Jeane Tetro received $36 for the winning ticket in the 50/50 drawing.