TOTC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

JULY 1, 2010, AT LUCKY DOG PARK

After a drawing for the Quarter Prize (won by Courtney Merrell) and a program by Kathleen McCullough and Linda Scoggin about Patriot Paws:

President Harry Steelman called the meeting to order at 7:25 PM.

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

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT: Harry reminded the club that we have an Education Reserve Fund available to help pay expenses for seminars or other educational programs. Any TOTC member can apply for funds as long as they bring back what they learn and pass it on to the club. An application form with additional information and instructions is available at the bottom of the “Links” page on the TOTC website.

REPORT OF SECRETARY: Secretary Ann Buchanan passed around a thank-you note from BARC in Palestine for participating in their fundraiser. She also gave out nametags to members in attendance who were included in the last order.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER: Treasurer Don Etheridge reported that we are in the black so far for the year. He expects the bulk of our profits will pay for expenses for the Obedience and 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 let us know that the next membership meeting on August 5 at 6:30 PM will be at McAlister’s. If you plan to eat there please come early so you will be finished by the time the meeting starts. The Annual Picnic this year will be on our regular meeting night, Thursday September 2, at Lucky Dog Park. The fun and games start at 6:30 PM. Food will be catered barbeque and we will have games that include dogs and their people! On September 29 we will give a demonstration at the East Texas State Fair and need volunteers to participate. We are preparing to make a third quarter charitable contribution and need suggestions of dog/animal related charities. Please give your suggestions to any Board Member.

REPORT OF THE TRAINING DIRECTOR: Training Director Joyce Anderson was on vacation. Cheryl Etheridge will start Summer Member Training by having heeling classes on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM at Lucky Dog. If you taught or assisted with a class this year please contact Joyce if you haven’t received your well deserved TOTC Bucks. Joyce is in the process of putting together a proposal for changes to our classes and for holding a teaching seminar. We don’t know yet what specific recommendations will be made but will let you know as soon as possible. Our next classes after the Summer break start on September 7.

COMMITTEES:

Obedience & Rally Trials July 31 & August 1, Longview, TX – Trial Chair Don Etheridge told everyone to be there by 7:15 AM so they will have time for coffee and doughnuts each day before getting work assignments. The building is always cold and it is a good idea to bring an extra layer of clothing. You learn so much about competition by helping at a Trial. We will have three Obedience rings and one Rally ring. Belinda and Harry Steelman will have the food and snack area. Pat Gannon is coordinating the C-Matches. $5.00/5 minutes. The Friday match will begin around 4:00 PM and be manned predominately by TOTC members. Saturday’s will begin 30 minutes after the final presentations and manned by any available volunteers. Phyllis Hagen is heading up the Raffle. Carl Strange and Robin Visniski and additional volunteers will call all of our members about stewarding at the Trials and helping with the C-Matches.

ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS:

First Reading – Mary Bayes is a returning member who has Border Collies. Charlesie Bowers has a Wire Fox Terrier named Patches and took Kathleen McCullough’s Pet Class last session. Debbie Collins has an Australian Shepherd and was also in Kathleen’s class. Patty Kirby has a Miniature Schnauzer, Molly, and a Yorkshire Terrier, Maggie, and was in Kathleen’s class. Kelly Ritch has Buddy (Golden), Daisy (German Shorthaired Pointer) and Dolly (Hound/Catahoula mix). She took Pet Class from Joyce Anderson in the Spring. Judith Truelove and her American Staffordshire Terrier were in Kathleen’s Pet Class.

Second Reading – Phillip McManus, Tiffany O’Neal and Rachel Pearson were each nominated for membership. Each was voted in as a TOTC member. Welcome!

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Cheryl Etheridge reported that the Texas Agility Shoot Out was very successful. They had a great response and raised more money than expected – around $31,000 for Canine Cancer Research. This completes the funding for a planned research project. She showed us the official event T-shirt that had the TOTC logo on it since we had given a club donation.

NEW BUSINESS:

Robin Visniski met someone who does massage for both people and dogs. He holds seminars for individuals to learn how to massage their dogs. If we wanted to sponsor a seminar he charges $1,000 per day. He does not want more than 10 working spots and suggests $150 as the rate. Audit spots can be unlimited. Robin asked us to check with our members and see if there is enough interest for us to sponsor a seminar at Lucky Dog Park.

Harry adjourned the meeting at 7:55 PM.