David Margolin called the meeting to order at 7:25pm.  In attendance were: Ida Tenenbom, David Margolin, Carol Phelps, Jackie Argall, Susan Potocik, Linda Morris, Susan Begasse, Kim Karkut, and Elaine Poulin.

Recording Secretary Report:  Motion was made by Susan Potocik to approve the minutes of the October 11, 2006 meeting. Seconded by Linda Morris and approved by vote.

Meeting Program & Fun Day Committees: Our Holiday Party will be at Stephanie Reeder’s home on December 10, 2006. Susan Potocik has suggested that we have a Handling Seminar with Patty Crowley as part of our winter Fun Day.  Joan Heimbach had asked, via Dave, to have club members be asked to bring any potential raffle items for the future Field Trial to the Holiday Party for collection and it was agreed to by all.  Dave will send an email to the membership discussing the Springfield show and Holiday Party details and needs as well as provide directions to the Holiday party.

Treasurer’s Report: Carol Phelps reported that the account balances are as follows: Checking 5733.74; Health 2299.54; Rescue 2938.80; CD 3373.20. All monies collected from our dues drive are currently in the checking account – designated donations will be moved to the Health and Rescue Funds in a couple of bulk transfers.  Many dues are still outstanding, and a follow up will be done at the end of this month. 

Corresponding Secretary's Report:   Linda Morris reports that she received two letters from the AKC that they are processing next year’s Hunt Test for October 6 & 7, 2007 and that there will be a different method of applying and downloading forms online. The club has also received a Thank You letter from Joan Heimbach. Susan Potocik read a letter from the Boston Animal Hospital regarding the announcement of the addition of a new Vet specializing in Cardiology and Pulmonary Medicine. She received a flyer from the DEP in which it reviews some safeguarding measures about the Avian Flu. Dave Margolin will be including this in an email to the membership and it will be included in our newsletter. Lastly, a catalog of jewelry and gifts was passed around to look at for potential prizes and gifts.

Breed Rescue Report:  John Morris forwarded an email to Dave from Benjamin Butterscotch’s new family. He is doing fabulously in his new home. John Morris will be contacting his family and asking permission to use his story in an upcoming Newsletter as well as the CVVC website.  The Ad Hoc Committee is still in developmental stages of the new Rescue Guideline Procedures.

Conformation Committee Report:  Carol Phelps reports that our entries for the Springfield Show are lower than last year.  She noted that there are 20 entries for Sweeps and 53 for the Show. We talked about the “Bring a Six Pack” and it was decided that Ida Tenenbom, Susan Begasse and Carol Phelps will be bringing the coolers. Cake and soda will be provided. Judi Resnick is organizing our raffle.

WE ARE IN GREAT NEED FOR RAFFLE ITEMS AND VOLUNTEERS TO HELP CAROL WITH UNLOADING & SETTING UP!!!

Regarding the 2007 Secaucus show on Friday, February 9th, Carol submitted the Budget Proposal. A motion was made to accept the proposal by Kim Karkut, appropriately seconded and approved by vote. Jackie Argall will be donating two items for the raffle, but we are still in need of another significant donation item. We need to consider how we all can help.

The Club has committed to 6 hours of volunteer work at the February 9th Secaucus Show. WE NEED WORKERS TO SIGN UP FOR SLOTTED TIMES! Linda Morris and Susan Potocik are the only two who have signed up at this time.

As far as the Greenwich Kennel Club Show, we have commitments from Graeme Burdon as the Sweeps judge and Paula Nykiel as the Show judge. As for the Longshore-Southport Show, Ida has confirmed Carol Richards for Sweeps and Helen Lee James for the regular classes.

Carol has expressed to the Board that she needs ideas for trophies for Conformation. Dave will be including this in an email to membership too.

Hunt Test Report: Per the letter that was received by Linda Morris from the AKC, the Hunt Test will be on October 6 and 7, 2007 and Dave will email this to Patrick Cooke for the December Flaherty date draw meeting.  Although John Morris was absent, Dave introduced John’s recommendation of the Club sponsoring an AKC Hunt Test Judge’s Educational Seminar sometime next year. A motion was made to host a seminar by Dave, seconded by Elaine and approved by vote  …….  pending the approval of the budget.

  ***The Club needs someone to Chair next year’s Hunt Test ***

Field Trial Report: Dave gave us an update from Joan. He reports that the wrangler has committed. The FT Committee is nearing a concluded 2007 event budget with required supporting detail and narrative and will submit to the board in the near future but sufficiently before the next meeting for approval. The FT Committee will be making a recommendation to the Board to not hold the Hunting Dog Stake in conjunction with the other 9 sanctioned stakes but on another date.  The Standing Field Trial Committee has stated that they will continue to plan, organize and execute the Hunting Dog Stakes regardless of the date change as this change is only meant to provide an opportunity for them to better run the sanctioned FT stakes and to better focus on these HD stakes and participants vis a vis mentoring and encouraging the evolution to the appropriate sanctioned FT stakes of the future. Audra Jaconetti will be the FT Secretary. Tony Warchut has decided not to be on the standing committee, but will continue to be available to help the FT and HD stakes dependent on his work obligations. Finally, Dave brought up Joan’s proposal of her purchasing software to support the Field Trial secretary function and her “No Risk” to the club plan.

The Board was very appreciative of Joan’s offer, but asked David to obtain the following from Joan before deciding…………restrictions, if any, as to multiple club members putting on their PC to learn how to use; timing of club ownership; clearer definition of 3 year reimbursement of purchase price and any availability of vendor descriptive software package information.

Health Committee Report: Jackie Argall will have the 2006 Blood Draw Cost Summary at the next meeting…….final tally of number of dogs and cost.

Merchandising: Ida had no updates at this time.

Volunteerism: Elaine asked everyone at what/which level do we want to approach volunteerism. She noted that it is difficult to get people to commit because these days many people have different lifestyles than years past. Some people may feel a level of intimidation and that maybe we need to revamp our mentoring abilities. Many believed that breaking down our requests for volunteerism into specific tasks might be more successful than just asking people to “volunteer”. Job shadowing at future events would be a perfect way to involve interested members who may not otherwise volunteer on their own. Carol will make a list of functions of the Secaucus Show and possible job shadowing, such as; setting up, trophy planning, and labeling. Other job shadowing possibilities that were discussed were bird planting and line marshalling at hunt tests.

New Business:  Topics that will be tabled for our next meeting will be Club equipment, storage and the possible purchase of a grill. Dave has asked all to inventory what and how much of each item and bring a list to the holiday party. We will also discuss meeting dates and agendas at the next meeting.

The role of the club President was discussed and it was decided that the President should not be compelled to be a functioning member of every committee nor have a vote but rather be a representative of the Board. The President shall act as a communicator and facilitator for the committee to the board and visa versa and that all committees are to continue to copy the President on all emails and communications in order to support and facilitate this.  The change is from this point on and not retroactive. A motion was made to change this guideline by Kim Karkut, seconded by Linda Morris and approved by vote.

Ida confirmed that the Newsletter will be finalized soon after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Motion to adjourn was by Dave Margolin.  Seconded by Susan Potocik and agreed to by the Board.  Meeting adjourned at 9:25 pm.