TOTC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

AUGUST 6, 2009 AT SPRING CREEK BARBEQUE

President Kathleen McCullough called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: A motion was made, seconded and approved to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the July meeting.

REPORT OF PRESIDENT: No formal report

REPORT OF SECRETARY: Secretary Ann Buchanan passed around new correspondence

REPORT OF THE TREASURER: Treasurer Don Etheridge reported that preliminary results show that we made money on the July Obedience/Rally Trials. Don’s report was approved. A full copy of the financial report is available to any member upon request.

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT: Vice President Mary Jenkins was unable to attend

REPORT OF THE TRAINING DIRECTOR: Training Director Robin Visniski said that Lucky Dog Park is available from 6:30-8:30 PM on Tuesdays (Obedience/Rally) and Thursdays (Agility) for TOTC member training until classes start on September 15. Robin needed a Puppy Class teacher as well as assistants for all classes beginning in September. She also asked for teachers and assistants for the session that starts in October. We will begin having “meet & greets” at the week 3 Pet Class evaluation and graduation. We want to encourage class participants to become TOTC members and need to show that we are a friendly group they would want to join. Refreshments will be served. Members who might not be currently participating as teachers or assistants are encouraged to attend those weeks and make an effort to interact with class members and any family members with them. Susan Merrell suggested that class members have nametags each week to promote getting to know them better. They would get familiar with each other’s names and the teachers and assistants would benefit too. Robin announced that next year Obedience and Rally Classes would go to 6-week instead of 8-week sessions. She is working on revising the curriculum to fit. This will allow us to have more 6:30 sessions and free up the 7:45 slot for advanced classes. Dave Visniski suggested that we lower class prices if we shorted the number of weeks especially given the current economic situation.

REPORT OF THE TRAINING SECRETARY: Training Secretary Carl Strange reminded everyone that he would need help at registration in September.

COMMITTEES:

Obedience & Rally Trials, Longview – Don Etheridge thanked everyone who helped with the Obedience/Rally Trials and C-Matches. The Raffle made $1,200, the C-Matches $1,800 and the Food concession $85 which will help offset our expenses. A final report will be made when we receive monies due us from Onofrio and Longview Kennel Club. One terrific thing Don discovered in talking to the AKC representative is that since our Trials are in a separate building from the LKC activities, we don’t have to delay starting our C-Match on Saturday.

Obedience & Rally Trials October 10, 2009, Canton, TX – Don also reported that the Canton show is finally coming together. It is a great way for us to reestablish relations with Tyler Texas Kennel Club. TTKC has asked for any of our members who are available to come to the Arbors

1-2-3 around 4:00 PM on Thursday October 8 and help them set up. Since their shows start on Friday morning any of our members are also encouraged to come help if they would like. Otherwise we need to be at Trade Center 4 by 7:00 AM Saturday for our Trials. Kathleen McCullough said she needed sponsors for the prizes for 2 final classes.

Tracking Seminar, November 21 & 22, 2009 – Cheryl Etheridge reported that if TOTC members want working spots they need to get their registration and money in before September 1. She needs a volunteer to take care of Hospitality. Cheryl will be checking with Charlene Dunn on terrain and equipment issues but everything is going smoothly so far.

East Texas State Fair, September 30, 2009 – Since Mary Jenkins was unable to attend Don made an announcement for her that volunteers with dogs at various levels of training are needed to volunteer for our demonstration. Those who volunteer will get a full week entry pass as well as a parking pass. Dogs will only be allowed at the demonstration but if you participate you can go to the fair at other times with your passes.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Robin reminded us that a Daisy Peel Agility Seminar will be held December 19-21 at Lucky Dog Park. Daisy Peel is an excellent teacher and trainer and the Seminar last April was excellent.

The Tyler Christmas Parade will be Thursday December 3, which would normally be a General Membership Meeting night. However the December Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet will be on a non-standard Thursday so we will put together a group to march in the parade. More later.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kathleen announced that the Nominating Committee for 2010 officers was being formed. Mary Jenkins will be the Board Member on the Committee and two other TOTC members will round it out. Two offices are open, President and Training Director. If anyone has a suggestion or would like to be nominated they can contact any Board Member. The Nominating Committee will present its recommendations but nominations from the floor will also be taken at the November General Membership Meeting. Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet in December.

There will be a CPE Agility Trial in Frankston on September 26-27 for those who would like to compete in a CPE Trial. You must first join CPE in order to be eligible to enter their trials.

Harry Steelman announced that his veterinarian, Ann Buchanan of Glenwood Animal Clinic (not Ann Buchanan our Secretary) asked him to let TOTC members know that volunteers with dogs were needed for a continuing education event to be held at the Mineola Civic Center on Saturday August 23. Members were encouraged to contact Harry if they wanted to volunteer. Dogs with neurological conditions as well as healthy dogs were needed to give the participants experience in seeing and diagnosing neurological conditions.

ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS:

First Reading – None

Second Reading – Brian Boggs, Roger Durdin, Joan Ford, Alan Learner, Nancy Lundmark and William (Marty) Marshburn Jr were our second readings. Each was brought up for membership and a vote taken. All were approved as TOTC members. Welcome!

Kathleen adjourned the meeting at 8:45 PM.