Approved Minutes of the General Membership Meeting in Southington, CT on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at Wood N Tap. Approved at General Membership Meeting on Saturday, December 13, 2008 in Bethany, CT prior to Holiday Party.
Minutes of General Membership Meeting Held On Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at Wood N Tap in Southington, CT
In attendance:
Crystal Ashe, Richard Bennington, Rick Diotalevi, Marisa Fowler, Henry Grant, Joan Heimbach, Rich Loomis, Val Mendizabal, Linda Morris, Jan Norris, Amanda and Daniel Tortora
President Rich Loomis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Wood N Tap restaurant in Southington, CT.
October 22, 2008 Minutes
Susan Nakamura submitted a correction to the Health Committee minutes from the October 22, 2008 meeting. The entire cost of the July 13 blood draw was $25, not $25 per dog. Also, the $2,000 donation received by the Club is solely for the purpose of epilepsy blood draws.
With these corrections, Rich Diotalevi made a motion to accept the minutes of the October 22 meeting; Crystal Ashe and Richard Bennington seconded. All present voted in favor.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Rick Diotalevi reported that transfers from 2009 dues are complete. The checking account balance is $13,712.68, the Health Issues Fund has $4,084.58, and the Breed Rescue Fund has $4,322.32. Only 22 of 160 members did not renew by the October 1 deadline. Renewal applications will continue to be accepted through the grace period ending December 31, 2008.
Corresponding Secretary’s Report
Val Mendizabal said the AKC is reminding clubs about new online procedures for event registrations in 2009.
Rich Loomis received a letter from the AKC about a Humane Fund sponsored by the AKC. Because our club already has a breed rescue program, those present thought the AKC Humane Fund could risk diverting money away from our rescue program.
Breed Rescue
No report.
Conformation Committee
Susan Potocik needs volunteers to bring coolers of ice to the supported entry show this weekend at the Big E fairground. If you can help, please contact Susan at cinnabarviz@att.net
Carol Phelps submitted an e-mail report. The Committee has submitted a list of proposed judges for Specialties.
Hunt Test Committee
The hunt test on October 4 and 5, 2008 was a big success. The final report on the event was accepted at the October 22, 2008 meeting.
Field Trial Committee
Joan Heimbach submitted a written report and a projected budget for the spring 2009 field trial.
December 6, 2008 Walking Trial
Plans for the December 6, 2008 walking trial are in progress and going well. Entries are full with a short waiting list. There are still a few openings in amateur stakes (derby and gun dog.). Eleven CVVC members are currently entered, which is a good response. The Committee is asking for volunteers to help with hospitality and grounds chores for the event.
Draw for 2009 Flaherty Field Event Dates
The Committee met on November 9, 2008 and addressed plans for 2009. Requests for dates at Flaherty Field in 2009 must be submitted by Sunday, December 7, 2008. The Field Trial Committee suggests:
a) A 3-day horseback trial in April per our standing weekend on April 17, 18, 19 or more likely, April 24, 25, 26.
b) A 1-day hunting dog championship on Saturday after the Greenwich Specialty and after the Conestoga Specialty, which will probably be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009.
c) A 2-day walking trial with a full complement of stakes on the first weekend in December or on a better fall date, depending on our seniority in the drawing process. The walking trial date must not conflict with the CVVC Hunt Test, the Vizsla Club of America (VCA) nationals, or the Conestoga Vizsla Club and the Old Dominion Vizsla Club shows. Dates are being determined now.
d) Hunt Test dates must be determined now. Preference is for the corresponding date from this year – if unobtainable may select another date.
Note: A request for a hunting dog championship date will be submitted as a standalone event. If a Fun Day or a Versatility Day at Flaherty Field can be planned for a Sunday on the same weekend Joan recommends the planners ‘piggyback’ on the same weekend by requesting the Sunday following the hunting dog championship. The date must be finalized and the request must be submitted by December 7, 2008. After discussion we will pick a Saturday and Sunday, for the Hunting Dog Championship and our Fun Day – June 13, 14 or 20, 21 with the 20th, 21st preferred.
Permanent Traveling Trophies
The Field Trial Committee is introducing three permanent traveling trophies that will debut at the spring field trial.
The first trophy will be a plaque for Amateur Walking Puppy in memory of Saul Himmelfarb. This stake represents an entry level of competition, one well within reach of CVVC members and other Vizsla owners. Kim Himmelfarb was contacted and chose this stake because it is traditionally a Vizsla-only stake and may encourage CVVC members. Solicitations will be sought from club members with the balance of the cost donated by members of the standing Field Trial Committee.
Patrick Cooke will offer the second trophy for the winner of Open Limited Gun Dog in honor of Yogurt. Joan Heimbach will offer the third trophy for the winner of Amateur Gun Dog in honor of Sparky. These trophies are sponsored by their donors with the stipulation that if the CVVC discontinues field trials the trophies be forwarded to an active field trial club of the donors’ choice. The trophies will be offered only at the spring trial (on horseback).
The Committee encourages other members to honor a person or a dog by sponsoring a trophy in other stakes at both field trials. These trophies serve to enhance CVVC’s image, which is already perceived as “first class.”
Spring Field Trial Budget
The budget for the spring field trial has marginal increases over last year’s event. Anticipated expenses are increased to allow more money for judges who travel further from outside our region. The goal is to break even, but the Club may see a profit if the proposed budget is realized. After discussion and comparing this budget to the 2008 actual income and expenses the 2009 Spring Field Trial Budget was accepted as submitted.
The AKC requires all paperwork three months prior to an event. The proposed date is either April 17 or April 24, 2009, whichever is drawn, so we must submit our paperwork by January 17, 2009. Budget modifications can be submitted at the January board meeting (before January 17), if necessary.
Merchandise
No report. Val Mendizabal suggested we look into orange vests with the CVVC logo. The group agreed it was a great idea.
Health Committee
Crystal Ashe reported that Dr. Andrew Frishman, who made a presentation about PennHIP certification at our September meeting, offered to hold a blood draw in his office in Somers, NY. We are aiming for early spring for this draw. Separately, the Long Island Vizsla Club is also talking about a spring blood draw.
Newsletter
Ida Tenenbom has indicated that she would appreciate ads for the next newsletter.
Membership
Rick Diotalevi reported that we received applications from two new members.
Committee Guidelines
The existing guidelines were edited by the group. A draft of the updated guidelines will be distributed separately for approval.
Old Business
The CVVC banner is still missing. It was last seen at last year’s GSA show. Members are asked to check their closets for the lost banner. It would be wonderful to have it at upcoming events.
Kim Karkut is coordinating food for the meeting and holiday party planned on Saturday December 13, 2008 at the home of Rick and Mary Ellen Diotalevi at 24 Timber Lane in Bethany, CT 06524. The meeting is at 2:00; the party begins at 3:00. If you can attend and are able to bring food, please contact Kim at 203 888-6764 or rkarkut@comcast.net.
New Business
Val Mendizabal will check with Canine Clubhouse in Farmington as a prospective location for a winter Fun Day in March 2009. Canine Clubhouse can offer a pool so the dogs can swim.
Joan Heimbach reported that the walkie-talkie rain jackets were purchased and they work well.
Meeting Adjourned
Rick Diotalevi made a motion to adjourn. Crystal Ashe and Joan Heimbach seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Norris
