A meeting of the Katahdin German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Greater Portland was held on Sunday, September 19, 2004 at the home of Tom Dwyer. In attendance were Tom Dwyer, Peg Gagnon, Lou Gagnon, Kim Leeman, Pauline Marcq, Steve Marcq, Deb Broad, Jeremy Thompson and Pat Russell. The meeting commenced at 6:35PM.

President's Report: The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as printed in the last newsletter. Tom Dwyer thanked all members for their contributions during the past year, which has lead to a rejuvenated and successful club. He noted the increase in membership and hopes that the momentum will continue into the next year.

Secretary's Report: Pat Russell reported on that there was one membership renewal received during the period. She reported on upcoming events which were being sponsored by other clubs., such as the eye disease screening and Rally-O Clinic sponsored by the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs and the seminar on breeding sponsored by the New England Sporting Group Association. Information about these events will be posted in the newsletter. She reminded the members that we still have a gift certificate for the GSP News. It was decided that we would use the certificate to place an ad in the GSP News for the December Specialty Show. Pat will look into the timeframes and details

Treasurer's Report: Jeremy Thompson reported on the club's finances - we are on a par with norm, which doesn't include the money we have set aside for Rescue. Expenses surrounding the Club Championship have been paid - the biggest expense was ribbons.

Hunt Test Committee: The Spring Hunt Test made a modest profit. There were some unused gift certificates for judges, since we ended up not needing as many judges as expected. These certificates will be carried over to the Fall Hunt Test. The cost for Junior Hunters for the Fall Test may be slightly higher, but it is expected that Seniors and Masters will stay the same. It was noted that some bird suppliers may have a low supply due to Hurricane Ivan. Club merchandise has sold well at these events. Deb Broad volunteered some non-logo hats for the next event.

Fall Hunt Test: Steve Marcq reported that "all is well" and he is on track for the Fall Hunt Test. The premium is ready to be mailed, the birds are reserved and HELDCA is all set. Tommy received two phone calls from people wanting to enter their dogs in the Senior or Master events, so we are hoping for a good turnout. There was a discussion about the mailing of premiums and its effectiveness. Postcards will be mailed to people who don't regularly show up advising them of the upcoming test and directing them to the website. There was also a discussion about combining databases with other clubs to get maximum exposure for our tests.

Rescue Committee: Peg reported that GSP Rescue has been very busy. The Club sent a $100 donation toward the cost of a necessary amputation for a rescue dog. Michelle Burgess continues to do a great job placing GSP's, even recently placed a 10 year old dog.

Club Championship Committee: The Club Championship was a great success - all agreed that it was a great day. Deb Broad did a terrific job and was very gracious in saying that she had a marvelous time and appreciated all the help she received. Next year we will try to improve the timing between events by changing the process for moving from event to event. Deb volunteered chair the Club Championship again next year.

Team Shoot: Discussion tabled.

Election of New Members: Three new members who were presented at the last meeting were ratified: Jeffrey D'Agostino, Tal Allen and Beth Pritchard. Two new people were presented for membership: John Hastings and Carl Destremps. Deb Broad asked that the Secretary send new member packages to some of her puppy people.

Website Committee: Kim said that she is looking for original drawings to replace the dog prints on the website. Thanks to Gerry Newcombe for his photographs from the Club Championship to put on the website.

Training Committee: Jeremy is considering getting people together for informal training once a week.

Old Business:

· AKC Hunt Test Seminar - tabled

· Katahdin Decals - the company was sold and the new owner is now ready to fill our order.

· Good Sportsman Awards - Tom still working on it.

New Business:

· In addition to the AKC video on Show Standards there is an AKC video on Gunning. Members will try to find a copy. Gunners for events need to have viewed it within the last 12 months.

Next Meeting: will be after dinner at 6:30 PM at Alison Jones home on Sunday, November 7th. All members are welcome. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted
Pat Russell
Secretary