TOTC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

MAY 7, 2009 AT LUCKY DOG PARK

President Kathleen McCullough called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.

A drawing for the Quarterly Prize for the first quarter of 2009 was made. Brad Baker won a crate.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY: A motion was made, seconded and approved to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the April meeting. Ann also gave out nametags to the new members who were present.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER: Treasurer Don Etheridge reported that we had significant income in April but expects to spend a good bit on upcoming events. Don’s report was voted on and accepted. A full copy of the financial report is available to any member upon request.

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT: President Kathleen McCullough went over TOTC membership qualifications. Most applicants must complete a TOTC class or have a title in order to apply. The Executive Board has added a new provision to the TOTC Policies and Procedures allowing immediate family members of active TOTC members to apply at the time they sign up for a class. The new provision is that, “An immediate family member of an active TOTC member may submit their Application for Membership at the time they enroll in a training class and pay their class fee (at member rate) along with their dues. The applicant must live in the same household as the active TOTC member.”

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT: Vice President Mary Jenkins said shirts and bags were available for sale that evening.

REPORT OF THE TRAINING DIRECTOR: Training Director Robin Visniski reported that at the 7:45 PM class registration the prior Tuesday evening they ended up combining the Pet and Puppy Classes. Cheryl is teaching the class. Robin felt we will need to reevaluate the idea of 7:45 Pet and Puppy Classes when making the 2010 schedule. Don volunteered to teach the upcoming Advanced Rally Class. Robin reminded us that we suspend regular classes late June to mid September and asked the membership to think about whether they want to rent the facility on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings for member training.

REPORT OF THE TRAINING SECRETARY: Training Secretary Carl Strange said that he had plenty of supplies to get through the current classes.

COMMITTEES:

Agility Trial – Cheryl Etheridge reported that we have 651 runs over 2 days scheduled. Mary Jenkins, Chief Ring Steward, had sign up sheets available for volunteers. She reported that she recruited some Girl Scouts and Azleway boys and 1 IB student to help. Lissy Andros has gotten all of the ribbons we need. Robin needs everyone who promised a Raffle prize to get them to her ASAP. She will put together a Worker Raffle for the Agility Trial and any extra will be used at the July Obedience Trial in Longview. Rusty Marten suggested that we make a special announcement of the Grand Prix winner because it is customary to do so at other shows. Dave Visniski needs help setting up about 3:00 or so Friday afternoon at Tyler Rose Horse Park. Robin announced that anyone who wanted to work on learning Accumulator Sheet scorekeeping was welcome to stay for a presentation after the meeting.

Seminars – Cheryl Etheridge reported that she expects that Charlene Dunn will present a seminar for us in the Fall. She is working on getting a firm date. It will be a 2-day seminar and TOTC members will get first chance at registering for the working spots.

Obedience & Rally Trials, Longview – Don Etheridge reported that the July Trials are set and he finally got a volunteer to be Chief Ring Steward. Tina Albritton volunteered. Yea Tina!

Obedience & Rally Trials, Canton – Don also reported on the October 10 Trials. He has judges but is still working through setting things up with AKC and Onofrio. He will schedule a meeting of his Obedience Committee Chairs after the Agility Trial.

OLD BUSINESS: The Critter Carnival in Jacksonville was pretty much a bust. The public didn’t really come except to get low cost vaccinations. That is a good thing, but they didn’t stay to take advantage of any demonstrations. We are anticipating an Invitation from the East Texas State Fair to do demos. We don’t know the date yet, but we are usually scheduled the Wednesday evening of Fair Week. We will need someone to step up and coordinate this activity for the club. This involves coordinating with the ETSF staff, getting TOTC volunteers, planning a program, arranging equipment transport and getting an MC to narrate what we are doing and fire up the audience. TOTC members who participate get free admission to the Fair and a Parking Pass.

NEW BUSINESS: Don brought an AKC communication about Texas legislation that had animal breeder legislation attached to it and looked like it could pass without scrutiny. This is one of those situations where someone tacked something that was not going to fly on its own to a stronger bill. In effect it passes with no public or expert debate. Everyone was encouraged to educate themselves on these issues and make their opinions known to our lawmakers. A good place to start is the AKC website. They have a Governmental Relations Department that tracks legislation in all states. The Texas branch of it is the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance based in San Antonio.

NEW MEMBERS:

First Reading – Linzi Long took Pet Class with Robin and has an Aussie (Carlee) and Pug (Pixie). Jo Dobbs also took at Pet Class and she has a lab. John Milazzo (husband of Penny) has an Aussie too and is taking Puppy Class.

Second Reading – Carlie Cann, Anna Carter (Jr Member), Karen Olsen, Susan Roberts & Kathy Smith were each voted on and are now TOTC members!

Kathleen adjourned the meeting at 8:00 PM.