4-H

    Van Buren County Horse Council

Meeting Minutes
December 7, 2005

The December meeting of the VBC Horse Council was called to order by President James Jonatzke at 7:02 at the Conference Center in Lawrence. 

Minutes were reviewed from last month’s meeting.  J. Tripp made a motion to accept the minutes and C. Tripp seconded the motion.  The motion passed. 

K Tomsa gave the treasurer’s report.  We have $2,312.04 in Checking, $505.49 in Savings and the teens have $2,094.26.  M. Thayer moved to accept the treasurers report and M. DeVries seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

M. DeVries asked if we would sponsor our usual fair trophies.  R. Tripp moved to sponsor 3 trophies.  J. Tripp seconded the motion.   The motion passed.

Fundraising – T. Novotny brought a check for$100 for a banner that she sold. 

M. DeVries and M. Thayer discussed the leaders and members training conference, Nov. 13^th.  They would like to see more participation in future years. 

J. Tripp brought a scholarship form for approval.  Approval was tabled until the January meeting. 

Old Business – Discussion was held on the tack sale for Feb.  M. Thayer will check with Chads Tack room and Bell Feeds, V. Bury will check with Rick’s tack, J. Tripp will check with the Tack Box, T. Novotny will advertise in the Equine times and the Saddle up magazine and N. Wheatley will check with Bits and Pieces.  Vendors and 4-H families are needed to have a successful sale. 

New Business -  R. Tripp discussed a paved path from the livestock barn to the draft horse barn to increase foot traffic at the fair.  It would make the horse complex much more accessible. 

M. Thayer mentioned that we need to check on what is owed to the fair board for the roofs on the buildings.  Ken stated that Steve and Norm told him as long as we keep improving our grounds they are good with no repayment.

M. Thayer proposed that we think about an entry fee for the state qualifier show to cover the costs.  It would be due at the same time as all entries on May 1.  T. Novotny thought we should have an open show to qualify.   N. Wheatley suggested call it an application fee to cover the cost of the judges. 

V Bury proposed a fundraiser of sending out cards online.  There are 2500 to choose from.  Cost would be $25 and we keep $10 per card sold.  Val is a distributor. 

Club horse leaders were identified:

Hartford  Trailblazers– Bonney Meachum

Geneva Wrens – Mary Ann Smith

S. Haven Jay Dees – Robin Knapp, Terri Novotny

Wolverines/Young Explorers – Jennifer Chandler

Silver Spurs – Nancy Wheatley, Kelly Heimstra

Dream Chasers – Wendy Fisher

Club Reps –

Geneva Wrens – J. Tripp, K. Tomsa

Trailblazers – J. Jonatzke

Silver Spurs – N. Wheatley

Young Explorers/Wolverines – M. Thayer

J. Dee’s S. Hoyt and T. Novotny

J. Jonatzke discussed the election of officers.  Hillary Fisher was discussed as she had missed 4 meetings.  She was removed from office and R. Tripp was the next highest vote number and will fill Hillary’s position for the next 2 years. 

One person was nominated for each officer position.  J. Jonatzke was nominated for president by R. Tripp and seconded by N. Wheatley, K. Tomsa was nominated for treasurer by R. Tripp and seconded by J. Tripp,  J. Tripp was nominated for Vice president by J. Jonatzke and seconded by M. DeVries and M. DeVries was nominated for secretary by M. Thayer and seconded by J. Tripp.   The slate of officers was voted in as a slate of officers as there were no other nominees.

J. Tripp noted that club reps need to ask their clubs for food donations and workers for the tack sale.  The 3 dates for the shows are tentatively May 13, July 8 and July 9 for the state qualifier.  M. DeVries will ask the fair board for the dates.  V. Bury will attend a MAWHC meeting to confirm the dates. 

Mr. Meachum asked about Alissa showing and her eligibility for state show consideration. She will be able to compete for a spot at state. 

Discussion was reintroduced concerning the entry fee for state show.  R. Tripp made a motion to have a $15 entry fee for a chance to go to State show.  K. Tomsa seconded the motion.  The motion passed. 

S. Hoyt mentioned that the hospital had not been given a price for a new high point trophy.  M. Thayer will look into that.

R. Tripp mentioned that the S.H. Riding club has a trophy case to donate.  He will look into that. 

N. Wheatley paid $10 for a Silver Spurs table for the tack sale to the treasurer. 

R. Tripp made a motion to adjourn, seconded by C. Tripp.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:17.