2 0 1 8 A n n u a l

R e p o r t

“Fostering Appreciation of the Written Word...

2018 YEW Interns at The Atlas 13 Release Party

Visiting Poet Marcus Wicker taking a selfie with YEW Interns at the Figge Art Museum, July 2018

Author Therese Guise at the release party for her poetry chapbook Moon Poems II at MWC in November 2018

c/o RIPL ...Supporting and 401 19th St. Rock Island, IL 61201 Educating its Creators.” 309-732-7330 [email protected] www.mwcqc.org

By remembering the MWC in your estate plans or will, you help us to continue our mission of supporting and educating future generations of writers.

2018 Midwest Writing Center Volunteers 2018 Annual Report Polly Brownson Pam Davies Austin Kinsey Shirley Plumb

p r e s e n t e d at the Annual Meeting Dave Cahoon Drake DeVore Dr. Emily Kingery Marilyn Schnell of the Board of Directors & Membership Angela Campbell Margy Dobbelaere Steven Lackey Elizabeth Tanaka

on Jane Carman Erica Eastland Elizabeth Linde M. Cathy Taylor

Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Susan Collins Louise Getz Salvatore Marici Dr. Robin Throne Jordan Cone John Hagar Pamela Miller Jodie Toohey

Rock Island Public Library Pat Crozier Nicolette Hampton Jenni Moy Chris Turnipseed 401 19th Street Rock Island, IL 61201 Mark Davidsaver Connie Huber Rochelle Murray Lauren Wood Mary Davidsaver Dave Huber Rick Pa

Laura Davis Suzanne Johnson Mark Petersen BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD 2017-2018

Dave Cahoon Jodie Toohey President Susan Collins Angela Campbell Laura Davis Vice-President

Dr. Emily Kingery Lauren Wood Thank you so much for your dedicated service to the Midwest Writing Center! Secretary Rochelle Murray Mark Petersen Winners of the 2018 Literary Arts Awards Beth Roberts Treasurer

Roger Strandlund The Outstanding Literary Arts Citizen Award recognizes an individual who advocates and/or volunteers to promote writing, reading, and/or the literary arts in the community. Attorney This year's winner is Pat Bieber.

Ryan Collins The Outstanding Literary Arts Educator Award recognizes an educator of early learners/preschoolers through sec- Executive Director ondary school and beyond who excels at teaching writing in their professional capacity. This year's winner is Misty Urban.

The Outstanding Literary Artist Award recognizes someone who realized a literary arts achievement in 2017, whether publication, award-recipient, best-seller designation, or other achievement related to the literary arts. The winner is not required to be a writer, but can fill other roles such as performer, musician, or other related artist. This year's winner is Salvatore Marici.

Congratulations to the nominees and the winners for their outstanding contributions to the literary arts Author Connie Heckert gives a presentation during the 2018 in our community! Children’s Literature Festival

Personnel & Volunteer Committee 2017 Annual Meeting Minutes May 23, 2018 — 6:00 p.m., Butterworth Center, Moline, IL

The Midwest Writing Center continues to thrive under the I. Call to order, welcome, roll call, and remarks by President Jodie Toohey leadership of Executive Director Ryan Collins. Although the Board assigns lofty goals for Ryan each year, he is always willing to take on the challenge. II. Recognition of Legacy Society members, Emeritus/Emerita Board members, grantors and sponsors: Richard This year, he’s had help from Sarah Elgatian on marketing projects, Miller elected to Emeritus Board after retiring from the active Board of Directors; Jodie Toohey moved to website updates, and social media updates. MWC also contracted with approve, Susan Collins seconded advancement specialist Teresa LaBella for a second year to assist with grant writing and reporting. This allows Ryan to focus on planning excellent III. Approval of the minutes from 2016 annual meeting on May programs, grant writing, and promoting the Center. We are very fortunate 24, 2017; moved by Susan Collins, seconded by Rochelle Murray to have a passionate Executive Director, and look forward to his direction in the years to come! IV. Correspondence: Rochelle Murray noted sympathy/ We also had another great year of volunteer support; our volunteers condolences cards sent to a number of recipients helped with everything from program assistance to data entry to working Author Tom Miller introduces featured au- on promotional projects. As is always the case, we would not be able to do thors Larry Day and Miriam Busch at 2018 V. Treasurer’s Report: Mark Petersen absent, but sent a report what we do without the time and efforts of all our terrific volunteers. In Children’s Literature Festival Augustan College Professor Dr. Peter that MWC is in good overall financial health 2018, volunteers logged 1,742 hours, valued at $57,094. Many thanks to Kivisto answers questions during a Ryan, Sarah, Teresa, and our great volunteers for their hard work in Brown Bag Lunch discussion at MWC in VI. Unfinished Business: N/A furthering MWC’s mission. October 2018 VII. President’s Report and Introduction of the Board Members by Jodie Toohey: See details on page 4 of this Angela Campbell, Personnel and Committee Chair Annual Report, generous volunteer and donor support, and programs held; board members introduced

VIII. New Business A. Number of members of the Board of Directors not to exceed 13, reduced from 15; moved by Jodie Nominating Committee Toohey, seconded by Angela Campbell In 2018, with regrets, we accepted the resignation of Crystal Milburn. We also thanked Richard Miller and B. Election of MWC Board of Directors (no nominations from floor); Jodie Toohey moved to confirm, congratulated him on his years of service as he assumed the Emeritus board position in 2018. We also thank and seconded by Lauren Wood congratulate Mark Petersen as he assumes the Emeritus board IX. Executive Director’s Report by Ryan Collins: highlighted the move from Bucktown to Rock Island Public position as his term expires in 2019. Library and MWC’s first full year in a new space, successful year for program grants, and cited two new Skylar Alexander reads at the Local Lovers As Midwest Writing Center’s policies state, our board has Open Mic at Rozz-Tox, February 2018 successful program partnerships in the Rock Town Lit Fest and All Senses Festival. voted on thirteen available positions. We closed 2018 with ten positions filled. We are always actively seeking people interested in X. Committee Reports: See full details in meeting program; for Advancement, Rochelle Murray highlighted/ serving on the Board of Directors. promoted Birdies for Charity and Legacy programs; for Programming, Dr. Emily Kingery highlighted many The following individuals have agreed to renew their terms successful programs, including record-setting attendance at the Children’s Literature Festival and board positions: XI. Recognition of Volunteers: Jodie Toohey and Susan 2019 – Dave Cahoon 2019 – Angela Campbell Collins passed out certificates to people present at meeting 2019 – Rochelle Murray 2019 – Laruen Wood and acknowledged absent volunteers

2020 – Susan Collins 2020 – Laura Davis XII. Annual Meeting Awards presentation: Literary Arts 2020 – Beth Roberts 2021 – Dr. Emily Kingery award trophies and special recognition given to Steve 2021 – Jodie Toohey 2022 – Jay Posateri Lackey (Outstanding Literary Arts Citizen), Chris Britton Former Poet Laureate Mary Swander and (Outstanding Literary Arts Educator), and Aubrey Barnes MWC Board Member Susan Collins talking at the 2022 – Chris Britton (Outstanding Literary Artist) Celebration of the Literary Arts in October 2018

Jodie Toohey, Nominating Committee Chair XIII. Drawing for door prizes: full registration to DRC conference for those attending the meeting; Abbigail McWilliams won the drawing, and several others won MWC Press books

XIV. Announcements and Dates to Remember: Birdies for Charity, books and broadsides for sale, GRWR submission close June 15, DRC Writers’ Conference June 28-30

XV. Adjournment to refreshments and social time

AGENDA Program & Promotion Committee (continued)

Midwest Writing Center 2018 Annual Meeting Regular Programming: The MWC held monthly open critique groups and generative workshops this year, and we continue to build a writing community with our monthly social at Rozz-Tox, which precedes Close Encounters, a May 22, 2019, 5:30 p.m., Rock Island Public Library Community Room, successful new program for both readers and writers. We facilitated multiple workshops on writing poetry and fiction. We 401 19th Street, Rock Island continued to provide free beginning writing workshops. Much of this programming was made possible because of a grant from the Regional Development Authority. Contests and Competitive Opportunities: We again held our 24 hour Iron Pen Writing Contest. We held the I. Call to order, welcome, roll call, and remarks by President Jodie Toohey Great River Writers’ Retreat, sponsored by Dr. Nick Shammas. This year’s winner was Chanell Ruth from Chicago, IL. Annual Programs: We continued our successful programming with the David R. Collins Writers’ Conference in II. Recognition of Legacy Society members, Emeritus/Emerita Board members, and sponsors June, which featured a special keynote event screening of Motionpoems Season 8, which is a collection of short films adapted from poems by prominent American poets each year. This opportunity was made possible by Modern Woodmen III. Approval of the minutes of the 2017 annual meeting held May 23, 2018 of America, the Regional Development Authority, the Figge Art Museum, and the St. Ambrose University English Department. IV. Treasurer’s Report—Mark Petersen The Young Emerging Writers Summer Internship Program Great River Writers Retreat winner for our high school age writers had another successful year with 16 Chanell Ruth reads at MWC, September 2018 V. Unfinished Business participants. We published The Atlas 13 and had a successful two part launch party at the Rock Island Public Library and Rozz-Tox in

August with nearly 200 guests. We held the Young Writers’ Camp in VI. Introduction of the Board Members—Jodie Toohey July. These programs continue to get better each year. The youth programs are supported by the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the VII. New Business Doris and Victor Day Foundation, Rauch Family Foundation 1, the Melvin McKay Charitable Trust, and Total Printing Systems. In A. Number of members of the board of directors September, we partnered with RIPL for our annual banned books Recommended motion: The MWC Board of Directors will not exceed 13 in number reading. There were around 40 people participating and listening. B. Election of Midwest Writing Center Board of Directors MWC also participated in the All Senses Festival for the second 1. Nominating committee’s recommendation—Jodie Toohey consecutive year, bringing six poets and writers from around the 2. Nominations from the floor Midwest to read at the Festival. We also co-hosted The 36th David R. Collins Children’s Literature Festival was VIII. Executive Director Report—Ryan Collins held in October. Nearly 800 local youth and chaperones participated. This event is made possible because of our partners the Davenport IX. Committee Reports Public Library and Bi-State Literacy Council, and a wonderful volunteer committee. We had exceptional authors A. Advancement & Membership participating including local, regional, and national writers and illustrators. The Regional Development Authority, Ascentra B. Programming & Promotions Credit Union Foundation, and Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs were major supporters. C. Finance MWC Press again took pitches at the David R. Collins Writers’ Conference, and selected one manuscript for D. Personnel & Volunteers publication. The Press is working with Tom McKay to publish his short novel, The Old Guard, due out sometime in 2019. Promotion: With our promotional efforts, to get the word out about all of these wonderful programs and events, X. Recognition of volunteers MWC continued to conduct the bulk of its marketing efforts through several methods, including MWC’s website and periodic digest-style electronic newsletter, from where most attendees still find their way to our events, as well as Facebook XI. Annual Meeting Awards presentation posts, Tweets, Instagram posts, online community calendars, press releases, flyers/signs, print ads, and other free or inexpensive marketing outlets. And, of course, we continue to enjoy word-of-mouth promotion thanks to all of our XII. Drawing for door prizes including a full registration to David R. Collins Writers’ Conference for those at- satisfied program attendees and volunteers. We especially thank Skylar Alexander and Sarah Elgatian for all of their work tending the annual meeting. on our graphic assets and social media efforts, among other marketing activities. To adhere to our strategic plan goal of creating a new marketing plan, MWC continues to work with the survey completed last year to develop an agency-wide marketing plan. In the near future, we plan to develop a new agency XIII. Announcements and dates to remember brochure, revamp our MWC and MWC Press logos, and renovate our website. We are also working on videos to be aired A. Please consider Birdies for Charity Pledge for the Midwest Writing Center online and on television as well as promotional items to offer for sale. Our goal is for more people in the counties we serve B. Books and broadsides for Sale to know who we are and what we do. C. June 1, Great River Writers Retreat Submission Close Of course, none of this would be possible without our dedicated committee members during 2018; thanks so D. June 27-29, David R. Collins Writers’ Conference at St. Ambrose University much to Rochelle Murray, Jodie Toohey, Mike Bayles, Sal Marici, Dr. Emily Kingery, Lauren Wood, Mary Davidsaver, Dr. Robin Throne, John Hagar, Angela Campbell, Susan Collins, Terry Giglio Voss, and Beth Roberts. XIV. Adjournment to refreshments and social time Jodie Toohey, Program & Promotion Committee Chair

The Midwest Writing Center Advancement Committee Treasurer’s Report Summary Financial Report Most of our accomplishments would not have been made possible without the support of our generous For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 25% donors, grantors, members, and sponsors for which their financial support played a tremendous impact on our Overhead Interfund Beginning Ending services. A complete list of donors, grantors, and sponsors can be found on the MWC website. Receipts Allocation Transfers Disbursements Net Cash Cash We held a Celebration of the Literary Arts fund raising event at City View on October 25. Because of our General Operating Fund: Contributions: generous sponsors we exceeded our fund raising matching goals. We made over $4,500 including pledges and in- Dues & Memberships $2,790.00 $2,790.00 kind donations. All funds receive went toward operational costs and programming expenses. Birdies for Charity-Net After Memberships $5,626.75 $5,626.75 Other Contributions $2,949.15 $2,949.15 MWC continued to maintain two endowments at the Quad City Grants & Sponsorships-General $6,800.00 $6,800.00 Community Foundation. The General Endowment Fund for Operating Interest Income $0.11 $0.11 Overhead Allocation $18,713.67 $18,713.67 Expenses totaled $74,967.18 at year’s end, and the Tim Curry fund for Youth Other General Operating Income $70.46 $70.46 Writing Program totaled $20,205.30 Spendable balance for both endowments Transfer From Endowment Fund $2,700.00 $2,700.00 Payroll Related Expenses $31,344.11 ($31,344.11) totaled $4,400. The spendable balance from these endowments each year is Facility Expenses $7,998.38 ($7,998.38) used for operating expenses and to support youth programming. Other General Operating Expenses $5,153.10 ($5,153.10) The Arts Council Agency through funds provided by the Interfund Transfers $7,943.72 $7,943.72 National Endowment for the Arts awarded MWC funding for operational Total General Operating Fund $18,236.47 $18,713.67 $10,643.72 $44,495.59 $3,098.27 ($1,505.47) $1,592.80 support. Dr. Nicholas Shammas continued his ongoing sponsorship of the Specific Purpose Operating Funds: Great River Writers Retreat. Writing Workshops $3,765.05 ($941.26) ($1,421.58) $9,002.21 ($7,600.00) $7,900.00 $300.00 MWC Board of Directors President Literary Awards Banquet $7,654.68 ($1,913.67) ($2,640.25) $3,100.76 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Jodie Toohey at the Local Lovers We participated in Birdies for Charity and received $5,626.75. The year Collins Writing Conference $17,177.11 ($4,294.28) ($4,293.90) $8,588.93 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Open Mic at Rozz-Tox in of the end appeal totaled $1,915. Young Emerging Writers $12,150.00 ($3,037.50) $1,300.00 $10,988.02 ($575.52) $3,540.15 $2,964.63 February 2018 Mississippi Valley Chapbook Contest $0.00 $0.00 $260.00 $460.00 ($200.00) $200.00 $0.00 The Legacy Society now has six charter members. It is a rewarding way Iron Pen Contest $850.00 ($212.50) ($561.55) $75.95 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 to support the Center for generations to come. Please visit MWC's website for Great River Writer's Retreat $755.00 ($188.75) ($444.01) $508.97 ($386.73) $386.73 $0.00 Childrens Literary Festival $30,258.51 ($7,564.63) $21,137.10 $1,556.78 $4,376.38 $5,933.16 ways to become a member of the Legacy Society by committing to support MWC in your estate planning. Collins Poetry Residency $540.00 ($135.00) $400.00 $5.00 $1,103.67 $1,108.67 In June, the annual David R. Collins Writers' Conference was held at St. Ambrose University. Modern YEW Camp $700.00 ($175.00) $837.41 $2,785.13 ($1,422.72) $1,422.72 $0.00 MWC Press Fund $1,004.33 ($251.08) $1,120.16 $1,873.41 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Woodmen of America continued its support of the Conference as a founding sponsor for the 13th consecutive Spectra Fund $0.00 $0.00 $377.54 ($377.54) $1,221.54 $844.00 year. Other supporters included the Regional Development Authority, the St. Ambrose University English Department, the Figge Art Museum, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Total Specific Purpose Operating Funds $74,854.68 ($18,713.67) ($5,843.72) $59,298.02 ($9,000.73) $20,151.19 $11,150.46 The David R. Collins Children's Literature Festival was funded by its major sponsor, the Ascentra Credit Total Operating Funds $93,091.15 $0.00 $4,800.00 $103,793.61 ($5,902.46) $18,645.72 $12,743.26

Union Foundation. Other partners and sponsors included the Bi-State Literary Council, the Davenport Public Reserve Fund Library, Regional Development Authority, Scott County Regional Authority, City of Davenport, the Mary Iva Investment Income and Market Value Loss(Net) ($3,002.06) ($3,002.06) Gittens Knouse Trust, and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Total Reserve Fund ($3,002.06) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($3,002.06) $138,707.87 $135,705.81 Young Emerging Writers Summer Internship Program and YEW Middle School Camp were supported by Endowment Fund For Operating Expenses: local trusts and foundations including the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Doris and Victor Day Foundation, Contributions Received $0.00 $0.00 Rauch Family Foundation 1, the Melvin McKay Charitable Trust, Total Printing Systems, and the CD Wiman Investment Income and Market Value Loss(Net) ($6,673.40) ($6,673.40) Endowment Fund Transfer to GO ($3,700.00) ($3,700.00) Memorial Trust. Memberships and dues were $2,790. Members in good standing are just over 200. We are always looking to Total Endowment Fund ($6,673.40) $0.00 ($3,700.00) $0.00 ($10,373.40) $85,340.58 $74,967.18 expand our membership as it is essential to our ability to sustain our programs and operations. Endowment Fund for Youth Writing Programs: We greatly appreciate our team that made this year a success; our Advancement Committee members Contributions Received $625.00 $625.00 Investment Income and Market Value Loss(Net) ($1,773.70) ($1,773.70) included Laura Davis, Rochelle Murray (co-chairs), Sue Collins, Jodie Toohey, and Dr. Robin Throne. Endowment Fund Transfer to YEW/YEW Camp ($1,100.00) ($1,100.00)

Total Endowment Fund ($1,148.70) $0.00 ($1,100.00) $0.00 ($2,248.70) $22,454.00 $20,205.30 Rochelle Murray, Advancement Committee Chair Total All Funds $82,266.99 ($0.00) $0.00 $103,793.61 ($21,526.62) $265,148.17 $243,621.55

Cash Represented By: Program & Promotion Committee First Midwest Bank $18,645.72 $12,743.26 In 2018, in an effort to streamline and increase efficiency, MWC combined it programming and marketing committees Robert W. Baird & Co. $138,707.87 $135,705.81 @ Community Foundation: into one Programming and Promotions Committee. On the programming side, MWC provided over 215 hours of quality pro- Endowment Fund For Operating Expenses $85,340.58 $74,967.18 gramming and over 3,500 instances of service in 2018. Endowment Fund for Youth Writing Programs $22,454.00 $20,205.30 Partnerships: We continued Read Local, our partnership with the Bettendorf Library featuring a local author six times per year. Our partnerships for book sales, readings, and other programs continued at Exotic Imports, The Book Rack, Total $265,148.17 $243,621.55 the Rock Island Public Library, the , Bi-State Literacy Council, the Figge Art Museum, Augustana Reported In-Kind & Noncash Contributions: College, and the St. Ambrose University English Department, Rozz-Tox, Ragged Records, Hive Event Consulting, and the General In-Kind Service Contributions $57,093.57 International Writing Program at the . Noncash Contributions $495.50

Total $57,589.07

President’s Report 2018 President’s Report (continued)

Dear Members, YEW Interns working on the final order *Held our thirteenth national David R. Collins Writers’ of The Atlas 13, July 2018 Conference at St. Ambrose University In 2018, the Midwest Writing Center continued to *Held the Young Emerging Writers Summer Internship focus its efforts of “fostering appreciation of the written Program for the thirteenth consecutive year, publishing word, supporting and educating its creators.” As we reflect The Atlas, Volume 13 on our 40th anniversary of operations in 2019, as Board *Held YEW Middle School Writing Camp for the eighth President, I continue to be proud and grateful that I have consecutive summer been able to be a part of the organization. As a board, we *Held the David R. Collins Children’s Literature Festival

are working to become more of a governing entity, relying attended by nearly 800 students Visiting Writer Lauren Haldeman leading a writing more and more on paid help from our Executive Director, *Offered Iron Pen contest and held awards ceremony activity with YEW Interns, June 2018 assistants, graphic specialists, marketing assistants, and * Hosted launch parties for several authors interns. We’ve also diversified our reliance for our financial *Hosted Writer’s Studio twice each month activities to new volunteers and a payroll service. We are *Continued partnership with Exotic Imports and The Book Rack to promote and offer MWC Press books in a also working to streamline to gain efficiencies regarding highly visible retail setting meetings and activity reporting. * Organized public readings throughout the , including participating in the All Senses Festival for the At this time, MWC has over 200 members, over second consecutive year 1,200 e-newsletter subscribers, and dozens of volunteers, *Partnered with St. Ambrose University, Bettendorf Public Library, Davenport Public Library, Rock Island and numerous supporters. Though calculating exact figures Public Library, WVIK, the Figge Art Museum, Augustana College, the International Writing Program at the is difficult, I think it is safe to say that over our 40 years, we University of Iowa, Ragged Records, and Rozz Tox have served thousands of people and offered hundreds of program opportunities, including conferences, workshops, We look forward to continuing our efforts as the only organization of its kind in the area into 2019 and beyond. readings, presentations, and other events. Most of these in 2018 would not have been possible without the support of generous grantors and sponsors including, Ascentra Respectfully Submitted, Credit Union, Scott County Regional Authority, Modern Woodmen of America, St. Ambrose University English Department, Illinois Art Council Agency, Iowa Arts Council, Mel McKay Charitable Trust, Mary Iva Gittens Jodie Toohey Knouse Charitable Trust, Quad City Community President Foundation, Regional Development Authority, CD May 22, 2019 Wiman Memorial Trust, Doris & Victor Day Foundation, Rauch Family Foundation, Bi-State MWC Press 2018 Publications Literacy Council, Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, Birdies for Charity, Total Printing Systems, Dr. Nicolas Shammas, and Exotic Imports. It is the dedicated work from our supportive and actively hardworking Board of Directors, loyal members, and dedicated volunteers that made this list Rock Island Public Library Director and MWC Board Vice of highlights happen: President Angela Campbell reads at the Banned Books Reading, September 2018 *Reported over 1,742 volunteer hours *Grants and sponsorships received almost nearly $56,000 *Growing regular and youth endowments *Over $1,915 from 41 donors during our 2018 End of Year Giving Campaign In 2018, MWC Press published two new titles: The Atlas, Vol. 13. and the Writer’s Block, a revamped version *A full-time employee and at least one part-time employee for the entirety of 2018 of the annual e-magazine for MWC members, which includes the winners of the 2018 Iron Pen contest. *Hosted three interns: Erica Eastland an honors intern from , and Nicolette Hampton and Jordan Cone, both from Augustana College Many thanks to all of our authors, contributors, editors, page and cover designers, and everyone who helped make these publications a reality! (Continued on next page)