November 11, 2007
In attendance: Sharon Costello, Ingrid Fortunato, Donna Welty, Irene O’Connor, Anita Goetz, Jennifer Groves, Kendail Gonzales, Nikki Stamper, Nydia Thornton, Shani Stewart-Robbins
Absent: Rita Biddle
Guests: Karl Groves for calling in report on Website; Cathy White for reporting on Membership format.
Meeting called to order at 9:13 PM
Minutes from October 21, 2007 read and corrections made. Motion to accept minutes with corrections made by Nikki Stamper and seconded by Irene O’Connor.
President’s Message: Mrs. Costello noted that we need to shorten our meetings- perhaps set a limit of 90 minutes for meeting. Suggestion was made for each Committee liaison/chair to email a short report to Board Members before next scheduled meeting. Mrs. Costello received correspondence from Rhoda Winter Russell and a phone call from Lena Moles. Lena Moles inquired why input on the judge selection for the Texas Specialty held recently was not offered. Mrs. Costello received a phone call from a freelance writer on assignment for the March 2008 issue of Dog Fancy magazine requesting information on the Neapolitan Mastiff. The article will quote information from Dr. Sherilyn Allen, Lisa Cinciripini, Jennifer Groves and Mrs. Costello.
Secretary’s Report: Correspondence received
Emails:
- from Nataly Holovah Means regarding membership status;
- Jennifer Groves requesting board vote (supported entry to specialty 4/20);
- from Peggy Wolfe re:late taxes;
- from Sharon Costello re: AKC Parent Club Email List;
- Your breed rep in AZ; Challenge trophies write up from AKC Parent Club;
- Dog World Article on Top Sires and Dams;
- from Cathy White re: membership and form letter;
- from Local Clubs liaison re: California;
- from Contact the Club – an inquiry about ads on our website,
- from Jim Thorne requesting permission to post breed standard on his website, and
- from Janet Hospodar re: late taxes;
- email requesting how fund club once turn over registry to AKC
- Emails from AKC – acknowledge change of supported entry to specialty on 4/20/08; on International Obedience Competition,
Snail mail – from AKC information on club insurance; from CHF stating donations total of $17.44; from AKC verifying Specialty on 4/20/08 pending receipt of $15 check; from AKC granting Sweeps on $/20/08; from AKC reminding us to file for show on May 3, 2008 and from Mr. Robert Gravel forwarding information on Annual report and fee for Harvard Business.
Membership Applications received from Vickie Hall (NM) who wants her subscriber status changed to associate. Sponsor Cathy White; from Charina Smith (IN) for associate membership. Sponsor Cassandra Boczar
Treasurer’s Report:
Checking Balance: $33,848.44
Bills to be paid:
- Bill Healy Crystal (trophies for 2008 National)
- Charm City Cake
- Sharon Costello
- Pierluigi Scalia
- Graphic artist
Jennifer Groves moves to pay $1500 bill from Bill Healy Crystal from monies out of the VIP fund. Ingrid Fortunato seconds. Motion passed. All ayes.
Jennifer Groves moves to pay Charm City Cake $500.00 for cake at 2008 National out of the VIP fund. Ingrid Fortunato seconds motion. Motion passed. All ayes. Jennifer reminded each BOD to donate $50.00 towards VIP/ purchase of cake.
Sharon Costello submitted two bills ($330.34 and $91.96) for office supplies and printing of Judges’ Ed materials. Jennifer Groves moves to pay bills. Ingrid seconds. Motion passed. All ayes.
Dr. Pierluigi Scalia submitted a bill totaling $422.09 (airfare - $337.60: $59.49 for one night’s lodging and $25.00 for transportation) for costs accrued from attending the CHF Conference. Nikki Stamper moved to pay bill. Nydia Thornton seconds. Motion passed. All Ayes. A thank you to Dr. Scalia for attending!
Jennifer Groves moves to pay $200.00 to graphic artist (website). Kendail Gonzales seconds. Motion passed. All in favor.
Irene needs to contact Sue Luedemann in reference to bill submitted for Texas Specialty trophies.
Committee Reports:
Communications – liaison Ingrid Fortunato
Website – Karl Groves reported on status of website. Final requests to graphic artist sent; Need to assemble content; BOD and/or committee need to specify what items to keep, what add, what to revise.
Neogram – All committee reports are due. Irene O’Connor states that she never received Credit App from printer. Winter issue will be out in December.
Fundraising – liaison Nydia Thornton Status quo. Jennifer Groves informed us of chairs that will be issued with Platinum Levels of VIP for 2008.
Judges’ and Public Education – liaison Sharon Costello
Sharon reported that we are currently out of the commented standard. The commented standard is undergoing minimal revisions and committee is currently Waiting for Jim Deppen to complete them. During our 2008 National, a breed seminar will be scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2008 4:30-6:30 PM and our Annual Meeting at 7 PM. Sharon reminded us of the scheduled judges’ seminar on Dec. 13th in Cleveland, Ohio and our Meet the Breeds booth at the Eukanuba weekend of Dec. 1 and 2 in California. Jim Deppen was coordinating the booth.
Health – liaison Irene O’Connor
Dr. Scalia gave an overview of the CHF meeting and has contributed some health articles for the Neogram. He mentioned that there is currently a new treatment for demodex. Suggestion made to include a HEALTH button on new website.
Dec. 7th is the date of the next committee meeting.
2008 National – Jennifer Groves chairman, Cathy White assistant chair
Jennifer reported that the arrangements for the cake are done. The Premium for our Saturday National is completed except for a section that is to be done by Jim Deppen.
Sunday’s Specialty is about 70% done. The BKC will provide rosettes. The kickoff for the VIP levels will start after the holidays. All trophies have been sold. Kudos to Jenn and Cathy
Legislation – liaison Rita Biddle Absent
Historian – liaison Donna Welty No report
Ethics Committee – liaison Shani Stewart Robbins. Shani reported that the applications have been finalized
10:01 Donna Welty moves to Executive Session. Ingrid Fortunato seconds.10:09 Nikki Stamper moves to end Executive Session. Ingrid seconds.
Membership – liaison Anita Goetz
Cathy White calls in for a short session on membership. Cathy states that the renewal letters and confirmation of information letters are ready to be sent. A short discussion ensues over the overlong amount of time allowed for dues. The by-laws are referred to. Jennifer Groves moves that dues payment deadline “grace time” is extended to one 30 day period. Nikki Stamper seconds. Motion passed. All ayes
By-Laws Review – liaison Kendail Gonzales
Committee needs to schedule a meeting. Dale McDonald is researching language stating a fair policy on absenteeism for Board Members. Jim Deppen was to provide committee with the Great Dane Club’s verbiage.
Local Clubs – liaison Nikki Stamper No information received regarding the two California groups.
Old Business
Rescue – NeoRescue, Inc needs to finalize some loose ends. Club member has requested Criteria used.
Jennifer Groves moves to table rest of Agenda. Kendail seconds. Motion passed.
Shani Stewart Robbins moves to adjourn meeting at 10:46 PM
Next Meeting: Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 9 pm EST