Was held
January 16th, 2010, 11:30AM
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The Yard Restaurant
1211 So. Mammoth Rd. (Rte. 28)
Manchester, NH
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The 2009 Year-End Awards were Presented.
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The Annual Meeting, with Elections, were held.
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The Year End Award Luncheon and Annual Member Meeting of the New Hampshire Arabian Horse Association was held January 16, 2010 at The Yard Restaurant in Manchester, NH. Officers and Board members present included President Lurline Combs, Vice President Christy Balch, Treasurer June Barber, Secretary Laura Susmann, Membership chair Linda Fish, Directors Sue Levesque, Kathy Wilber and Alternate Director Wendy Shuck. Director Laurel Bissonette and Alternate Directors Judy Poirier and Cheryl Crawford were absent.
The meeting was called to order at 11:40 a.m. by President Lurline Combs who welcomed members and made introductions of board members as well as thanked them for their service to the club. She noted that Alternate Director Cheryl Crawford has resigned.
Secretary Laura Susmann reviewed the minutes from the January 17, 2009 meeting. No additions or corrections were made. Sue Levesque made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Christy Balch seconded; the motion carried.
Treasurer June Barber reviewed the show report noting once again despite our best efforts the show lost money - $3,614. June noted that the judge reduced her fee by $100 per day, the show secretary did not charge a fee, only her expenses were reimbursed; Skeeter paid for the pizza party, etc. June also explained that we need class sponsors and volunteers in key positions to help our show at least break even. June also noted that the club makes no money on the membership fee charged. Laura Susmann made the motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Linda Fish seconded; the motion carried.
Membership chair Linda Fish reported that total membership to date is down nearly 30% from last year at this time. (136 in 2009 vs. 93 in 2010). Linda will be sending a mailing to those recent past members who have not renewed yet. June commented that at this rate the club will lose a delegate to Region 16 and AHA convention - we need membership to keep our voice heard on the regional and national level. Christy Balch made the motion to accept the membership report. Kathy Wilber seconded; the motion carried.
Show Manager Sue Arthur reported the annual show will again use the open format and be held August 12, 13 and 14. Sue echoed June’s earlier comments that we need sponsors to make the show a financial success. As well, we need volunteers in many positions, especially dressage. Sue has hired Dianne Sheehan from Connecticut for the main ring. Show Committee will be meeting in February and members may contact the committee with class suggestions or concerns.
Sue Levesque made the motion to accept the show report. Kathy Wilber seconded; the motion carried.
President Lurline Combs reviewed the items discussed at the October 10, 2009 Board of Directors meeting including the recent expiration of our Equine Journal subscription. The Region had decided earlier in the year not to renew due to the expense; Natalee Roberts will be sending a card to all Region 16 members for a free year of the Equine Journal if they chose to receive it.
Region 16 has updated their bylaws to include electronic communication; it was suggested clubs do the same and June Barber has been working on that project.
Region Director Walter Misco reported that AHA is seeking a fee increase proposed at $10. He feels the AHA Board may pass a $5.00 fee increase which of course the clubs will pass on to members.
The Region 16 show had fewer entries this year but the show did manage to make money by better managing expenses.
Deb Thomas, the Amateur Committee chair requested each club designate a representative to the Amateur Committee. Christy Balch volunteered and will attend this meeting.
The Region 16 booth at Equine Affaire was Cheryl and Fred Mastele along with Walter and Linda Misco and many other volunteers.
June Barber reviewed the changes to the bylaws which had been previously sent to members for review and comment. She reiterated that the Board members are not compensated for their time the wording of several phrases was changed to make it more clear and added provision for dissolution of the club should that become necessary at a time in the future. Lurline called for a member vote on the bylaw changes. The changes were approved unanimously.
Julia Webb suggested that NHAHA affiliate at least one trail ride this year with NH Horse and Trail Association. She explained the cost to affiliate is $10.00 per club and then when the ride is held, for each rider in attendance the fee paid to NHHTA is $3.00. This money is used to fund the year end banquet. NHHTA sponsors a completion award if a rider attends 100% of affiliated rides, 75%, etc. which encourages member participation. Lurline called for a member vote on whether to affiliate; 18 voted in favor, none opposed. We will affiliate the June 5 trail ride with
NHHTA. We will not affiliate the April 18 beach ride however as the mileage is too short.
On July 18, 2010 Sue Levesque will host a club barbeque at Aabaris Arabians in Concord. She will supply the gas grill, otherwise it is pot luck and bring your chair. She has trails on conservation land around her place so horses are welcome, too.
Lurline explained NHAHA year end program will no longer be offering 25% extra points for NEHC shows; the only show which will receive extra points is our own. Also, year end awards will no longer be mailed to program participants; arrangements must be made to have someone pick them up or pay for your postage or awards will be recycled.
Two Director positions were up for re-election, Sue Levesque and Laurel Bissonnette agreed to run. Lurline asked for nominations from the floor and there were none. Lurline then requested the Secretary to cast one vote for the Director positions. Congratulations and thanks to Sue and Laurel.
Members participated in a raffle where many lovely items were awarded. Proceeds of the raffle were $105.00.
Julia Webb volunteered and was appointed Alternate Director in place of Cheryl Crawford.
Diane Schmoock and Sue Smith volunteered to be in charge of obtaining sponsors as well as Year End Awards. Althea Garland volunteered for the position of Points Secretary.
The business portion of the meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
The buffet lunch was enjoyed by all. Awards were presented by Christy Balch with assistance from Skeeter Combs and Sue Arthur.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura J. Susmann
Secretary