Club members Marty Peters, KEØPEZ, Howard Cripe, NØAZ, Joe Krout, KRØUT, and Rick Nichols were among the many volunteers who got a shout-out from the City of Olathe the evening of Monday, November 7, the occasion the city-sponsored Volunteer Appreciation Reception at Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Olathe.
Marty, Howard, Joe, Rick and the other volunteers in attendance were treated to a veritable feast in the form of an array of appetizers at the start of the two-hour event, then listened as Mayor John Bacon talked at some length about the importance of volunteers to the various facilities operated by and programs offered by the city. Marty, Howard, Joe and Rick regularly give of their time to ensure that Ensor Park and Museum, which is owned by the city, is open to the public for guided tours Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the months of May, June, September and October.
The keynote address was delivered by Megan Duncan, the mother of the late Spencer C. Duncan and the founder of The Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count Foundation. A 2008 graduate of Olathe South High School, Spencer died August 6, 2011, while serving with the Army in Afghanistan.
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Gilmore, Councilmen Adam Mickelson and Wes McCoy, and Councilwoman Robyn Essex joined the mayor at the conference center for the recognition of city volunteers.
Howard and Joe walked away from the banquet hall with two of the many door prizes that were given away during the evening. Howard won a centerpiece, Joe a $25 gift certificate to Torchy's Tacos.
In the photograph above, Rick, left, Howard, second from the left, Joe, second from the right, and Marty, right, are pictured with the mayor.