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Congratulations to Northern Illinois Chapter’s newest Versatile Champions, their owners, and handlers
VC Wing Shot’s Sharp Shooter II “Deuce” Mark and Laura Picard
VC Thunderhead’s Skywalker “Luke” Brian Wardius
VC Keljer’s Otis “Otis” Wally Richardson
VC Shooting Starr’s Crazy Daisy “Daisy” Stephen Lynch
VC Xindie vom Neuarenberg “Gabi” Wilhelm Engelking/John Calandra
2009 Annual Meeting
Northern Illinois Chapter – NAVHDA
Annual Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2009
A meeting of the general membership for the Northern Illinois chapter of NAVHDA was held on February 15th, 2009 at King’s Kennel, Riverwoods, IL. Roy Ames, President, called the meeting to order at approximately 9:10 am CST and introduced the officers. Everyone in attendance rose stated their name, where they live, and type of dog they own.
Attendees
Tom Phillips, John Calandra, Diane Calandra, Mark Picard, Laura Picard, Debra Imhof, Paul Imhof, Janet Vorenkamp, Lori Gulliver-Smith, Roy Ames, Anne Gulotta, Dave Henderson, Dan Dietz, Jerry Chadwick, Sue Chadwick, Jim Applegate, Russ Grounds, Dede Grounds, Rick Medina, Rich Dobey, Jerry Smith, Walter Richardson, Don Olszewski, David Brower, Sandy Lewandowski, Tom Casey, Paul Katz, Maura Rakowski, Tom Rakowski, Bob Voss, Scott Phelan, Van Neie, Barb Neie, John Rockford, Bob Gerstner, Rob Engelking, Willy Engelking, Melissa Engelking, Herb, Hoyer, Ben Brandt
Officer Reports
President - Roy Ames: Reported on the Bong Association meeting he attended. He reminded everyone training at Bong should have; either a yearly or daily car pass, a training permit issued by the state, a runway pass, and state issued bird tags. He warned the group that the DNR would be more diligent in enforcement this year. The association asks that we clean up after yourselves and to pick up any trash that you might encounter. This helps keep our dogs safe and insures us a place to continue training. The Association will build up and install a culvert pipe under the road leading to the “cigar” pond. This will not lower the water level in the stick pond but will prevent the road from washing out. The Association is taking under advisement placing a fence along Hwy J. This fence will allow us to have another “search” site. Currently we do not use this water because a dog could get too close to the road. Weather permitting in March there will be a burn. The long time secretary of the Association has passed away. Roy will attend the next Association in March.
Vice-President – Mark Picard
Marc was our chapter delegate at the International’s Annual Meeting. Minutes from this meeting should be posted on the International’s website in April. The motion for the creation of a VC breeder’s award was passed. Also the committee will draft requirements for a UPT award. The motion to adjust the wording in regards to the healing course was defeated. Also defeated was the motion to add blood tracking as a separate test. Laura Picard was named Director of Publications for the International organization. Some of Laura’s responsibilities are the magazine and website.
Treasurer – David Brower
(a separate Treasurer’s report document is attached to the official record)
David outlined our income and expenses for last year. We carry a balance of approximately $1,200 over every year. This is an adequate cushion for equipment or emergencies. We purchased hats for resale. These high quality hats and are orange with brown bills, they sell for $22. We also purchased a set of healing stakes, a case of poppers, and a blind for test days. David also mailed out membership renewal notices.
Secretary – Laura Picard
Laura stated that because of her additional duties at the International level she would not be able to continue as the chapter’s secretary. Laura reminded the group that in order to test a dog the member must be registered with the Invitational, membership dues would increase in June. She also encouraged new members to help at tests. Not only does it help the chapter but also it is a good way for members to familiarize themselves with the testing system and ask questions. Roy thanked Laura for her commitment and work for our club and was wished success at her new position.
Training Director – Jerry Smith
Jerry is bringing more structure to training days. The first 20 minutes will be devoted to a specific topic and presented by a member. Every month there will be a training day at Bong every other month an additional day will be at Seneca Hunt Club. Jerry distributed the schedule of training days and a topic suggestion sheet. Jerry announced that Diane Calandra would be his assistant.
Old Business
none
New Business
Elections – Roy Ames took nominations from the floor for the following officer positions:
Roy called for a vote for each individual office. All nominees received unanimous support. Roy announced that Jerry Smith will be the Training Director for the next year and Laura Picard will be Test Secretary.
The Executive Committee (EC) is made up of the four officers and 2 delegates the delegates are defined as the Test Secretary and Past President. This years delegates are Laura Picard and Steve Kosmicki.
Testing
The decision was made by last years EC to hold a Fall Test. The test has local judges assigned and if there does not seem to be interest in the test it can be canceled with minimal loss of funds. The floor questioned a need for this test. The EC felt that this is a good year for our club to grow and the test is scheduled after the Invitational.
Lori Gulliver-Smith reported that the spring test would be June 13-14. It is later than last year hopefully giving puppies more time to prepare. 2 dogs are already entered.
Roy expressed a need for a Test Coordinator to organize helpers, food, and birds, etc. Diane Calandra volunteered to do this.
Equipment needs – Roy Ames expressed the need for some equipment that the chapter should consider purchasing a canopy for protection from the weather, a 12ga single shot, bird crates and a couple of bird bags. We have also acquired some decoys and new signs announcing test areas.
The club is taking orders for bird bags we will receive a discount if we purchase in lots of 12 for $25 per bag. Dave Brower will handle the order.
Bird Steward – Bob Gerstner agreed to be the bird steward again this year. Bob requests that bird orders for training days at Bong must be made to him by noon on Wednesdays prior to the training day. If you order them you are expected to pay for them with no exceptions. The chapter agreed to eliminate the $1 per bird fee for this service.
Information – The chapter will utilize the Yahoo group to make announcements regarding training days, bird orders, and test information. Please be sure to place your email address on the sign-in sheet and you will be invited to the group.
Community Involvement – A motion was made from the floor directing the EC to establish a committee to develop either a youth or disabled veteran hunt. The motion was seconded. Discussion: Insurance and legal issues need to be addressed. Mark Picard will head this committee. Diane Calandra and Bonnie Crawford will also make up the committee. All in attendance were in favor of the motion.
Open Discussion
Jim Applegate thanked Laura Picard for her work on the International magazine and website. The improvements are well received.
Roy Ames thanked our hosts, Willy and Rob Engelking for use of the meeting space and for all that they do behind the scenes for our chapter. King’s Kennel also made a $500 donation to the Bong Grounds Association in the name of Northern Illinois Chapter of NAVHDA.
Bob Gerstner announced that he would continue to organize individual memberships to Seneca Hunt Club. Seneca allows our chapter members to purchase a corporate membership to Seneca Hunt Club for $150. This fee is for full membership birds are an additional cost. We need 15 people to sign up with Bob for this great deal.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:06 am CST
Respectfully Submitted,
John Calandra
Northern IL Secretary
Please support the organizations that support NAVHDA
| Purina | www.proplan.com/sportingdog/ |
| Tri-Tronics | www.tritronics.com/ |
| Garmin | www.garmin.com |
| Ugly Dog Hunting Company | www.uglydoghunting.com/ |
| Cabela's | www.cabelas.com/ |
| Sierra Trading Post | www.sierratradingpost.com/ |
| Ruffed Grouse Society | www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/ |
| Pheasants Forever | www.pheasantsforever.org/ |
| Quail Forever | www.quailforever.org/ |