January 2004 MINUTES

A meeting of the Katahdin German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Greater Portland was held on Sunday, January 11, 2004 at the home of Jeremy Thompson. The meeting was called to order at 4:42 PM by Tom Dwyer, President. In attendance were Fred Newcomb, Kim Leeman, Jeremy Thompson, Peg Gagnon, Lou Gagnon, Alison Jones, Tom Dwyer and Pat Russell. The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as printed in the last newsletter.

President's Report: Tom felt that the Specialty Show in Boston was a great success and encourages those who are interested to participate in future shows.

Secretary's Report: Pat Russell reported that dues for 2004 are beginning to come in. Pat distributed and asked for comments on a draft of a new application form, as well as drafts of a welcome letter from the President, 2004 calendar and membership renewal form. The intent is to create an informative and friendly packet for new members. Jeremy noted that about two years ago he began a new member column which was designed to provide information to novice owners. He will finish it so that it can be included in the packet. It was felt that it would also be helpful to have membership information available at Hunt Tests. The Board agreed to support the National Specialty Show in May by providing a basket for their Club Basket Raffle. Donations will be solicited from club members to support the May Day theme.

Treasurer's Report: Jeremy Thompson reported about the account balance. He then reviewed Club balances over the past five years, which showed that the current balance in is line with past years. Jeremy will have an annual report for the annual meeting.

Show Committee: Sandra Kretz was unable to attend, but sent an email to Tom Dwyer with her report. She thanked the members and friends who supported the show with trophy donations, raffle donations and entries. Special thanks to Pauline and Steve Marcq for the very successful raffle, Tom White for the beautiful trophies and to all those who braved the snowstorm to attend the show. Thank you to Rick Teodore for donating a GSP News gift certificate.

Hunt Test Committee: Many thanks to Steve Marcq for securing our dates for Sharpes Farm. Suzi Moore will be chairing the next Hunt Test. Suzi will be getting Chukar for the Senior and Master tests as well as the quail for the Junior. The quail Tom Dwyer has ordered will be used for training days and other events. Several members have expressed interest in co-chairing, acting as Secretary and shadowing some positions. Any other members who are interested in shadowing are more than welcome to do so - if interested, please contact Suzi Moore at tracadie@comcast.net.

Rescue Committee: Peg Gagnon reported that the Rescue Committee was donating the money held in the rescue account to the main account, to be held until needed for rescue or fostering. Using the list on Petfinder.com, Peg reported that she found 8 GSP's available for adoption in the New England area. One dog is in the Dover area. More information can be found at Petfinder.com or by contacting Peg.

Club Championship Committee: Hold the date - August 28th. Other discussion was tabled.

Election of New Members: A membership application has been received from Randy Rotermund of Southborough, MA. He has a puppy from, and is sponsored by, Pauline and Steve Marcq.


Old Business:

Kim Leeman supplied the opening page of a Club web site. This project has now reached Committee status. Kim will be talking to vendors to receive the best price and by the end of January hopes to have uplinks. Compliments to Kim on her terrific work!

The Training Day discussion is also now a Committee. The Training Day will be held on April 17th - mark the date on your calendars.

Discussion of club awards was tabled - form for plaques will be in the next newsletter.

New Business:

Discussion about Katahdin sweatshirts, T-shirts and caps. Merchandise will be brought to Hunt Tests.

Discussion of 2 day training session Berkley, MA was tabled.

The Board is interested in having the AKC run a training seminar in 2005 for people interested in Hunt Tests. Other clubs would be invited to participate. More information needs to be determined.

Tom Dwyer is going to contact the AKC regarding an AKC account and password for the Club.

The Club Membership Drive was discussed. The Board is interested in contacting former members to see if there is renewed interest in Katahdin.

The next meeting will be the Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. It will be potluck at Peg and Lou Gagnon's house at 3 PM, Sunday, March 14th. All members are welcome.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 PM.