TOTC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

FEBRUARY 4, 2010, AT EL CHARRO, 5TH STREET, TYLER

President Harry Steelman called the meeting to order at 6:50 PM.

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

REPORT OF PRESIDENT: No formal report

REPORT OF SECRETARY: Secretary Ann Buchanan passed around correspondence from AKC about their Political Action Committee. Although the TOTC Board decided not to contribute club money we want our members to be aware of legislative issues that AKC is tracking so they educate themselves on current issues in pet ownership.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER: Treasurer Don Etheridge was absent. He did compile a financial report for the month of January and a full copy is available to any member upon request.

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT: Vice President Mary Jenkins brought up the subject of public demonstrations that help make us known in the area. On April 24 we will need volunteers to help with a demonstration at Quitman Animal Clinic. Another opportunity to help at a public event is the Hideaway Small Animal Clinic Mini Obedience Sessions. This year they will be held on April 3, 10 and 17. More on these events will be discussed closer to their dates.

REPORT OF THE TRAINING DIRECTOR: Training Director Joyce Anderson brought a survey and asked the members present to fill them out. She asked about what members want as activities and what their training goals are (among other questions). She will compile the results and report back to the club. She is checking into an event called Canine Freestyle and Cheryl Etheridge is our “go to” person for Tracking. We are actively trying to find new things so that every member will have the opportunity to find out about and possibly participate in something that especially appeals to them. Joyce reported that the surveys from the 3rd Pet Class session were very favorable even though we have been having technical difficulties with the PA system. Class participants especially appreciated the up close help from the class assistants.

REPORT OF THE TRAINING SECRETARY: Training Secretary Carl Strange had no formal report.

COMMITTEES:

Agility Trials February 20 & 21, Texas Rose Horse Park – Chairman Cheryl Etheridge reported that everything was arranged with the facility and judges. Trial Secretary Carl Strange said that we have around 74 entries with 478 runs so far. He encouraged anyone interested in learning about USDAA scoring to come out to Lucky Dog Park Sunday (6th) for a Fun Match from 12-4. There will be practice on how to score as well as the opportunity to run your dog/s if you are preparing for the Trial. Chief Ring Steward Mary Jenkins passed around a sign up sheet/worker schedule for volunteers for the Trials. Lunch will be provided for workers who help with at least 2 classes in a day. We will have Girl Scouts as helpers again and they will also have a table set up to sell cookies. Robin Visniski, Hospitality and Raffle Chair, said she was still accepting money or items for the raffle. It will be a workers raffle only, so if you work you get tickets for the raffle. Dave Visniski and Kevin Corbell will be in charge of building the courses. They already have some experienced volunteers but can always use more.

ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS:

First Reading – Terrell Fenner and his Aussie Paige took Puppy Class with Don last year and is currently in the Pet Class. Nancy Hill has a Pom – Jitterbug and a Standard Poodle – Libby. She has taken a Pet Class in the past. Ken McKee is a returning member who has a Border Collie/Healer named Bandit and a Shepherd named Reggie. Denise Tobias took Pet Class the last session of 2009. She has 3 Standard Poodles, Frydoz(sp?), Jazmin & Bella. Erin Taylor also took Puppy Class with Don and is also an owner of Paige the Aussie.

Second Reading – None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: We haven’t had a newsletter in some time. Joyce Anderson has graciously agreed to do the reporting, Don Etheridge will perform the editing and publishing duties and we will have a quarterly newsletter. The first issue deadline to submit articles or information to Joyce will be March 15. Joyce will in turn give what she has gathered to Don by March 20. Please contact Joyce as soon as possible if you have ideas, information you think should be included etc.

Harry adjourned the meeting at 7:15 PM.