Annual Membership Meeting Notes
PAWS for LOVE
(A Nevada Non-Profit Corporation)
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - MINUTES
January 24, 2007
The meeting was held at St. Mary’s Hospital, Auditorium B, Reno, NV.
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 6:43 by Judy Somers President. Judy acted as Chair of the meeting. Karen Hanks recorded the minutes.
II. Introductions
Board Members present: Judy Somers (President), Leah Wigren (Vice President), Sue Hall (Treasurer), Karen Hanks (Secretary), and John McGhee (Member at Large)
General Membership: See attached sign-in sheet.
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Add to Member Items that Double Diamond Dog Day 04/07/07 per Ruth Hagan.
Karen Hanks moved to approve the agenda with changes noted. Rachael Fletcher seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.
IV. Approval of Prior Minutes
A. Ruth Hanson wanted the minutes changed to use discussion instead of names as listed.
B. John McGhee commented that the minutes are the official record of the meeting and that the names need to be kept. He also stated that using people’s names gives weight to their comments.
John McGhee moved to approve the minutes of the General Membership Meeting held January 24, 2006. Cicely Valenti seconded. Ruth Hagan abstained. The motion was approved unanimously.
V. Report of the President
A. Accomplishments – Overall Judy’s was trying to make 2006 a year with more fun things to do. The following is a recap of the year:
1. Fund Raising
a) Brooke Smith raised a giant pumpkin and held a guessing contest at Sundance Book store. The contested raised $66.12. b) Judy Somers made a blanket with dogs on it and raffled the blanket at Sundance Books. The raffle raised $48.
c) The biggest fund raiser was the Border’s Books gift wrapping. It raised $623.1) It was agreed that having a dog there was a big incentive for donations.
2) Thank you to all who helped with specific mentions to Lois Mikawa, Sue Hall, Rachael Fletcher and their dogs.d) Miscellaneous contributions included a $200 donation and $153 from Microsoft plus continuing donations from Scolari’s, Albertsons, and the United Way
2. Parades
a) PFL participated in the Veteran’s Day Parade and the Sparks Christmas Parade. The July 4th parade didn't work as well because of the late notifications to team leaders.
3. Visitations – PFL continued with their visitations to hospitals, assisted living facilities, and PTR at the schools and libraries.
B. Goals – the goals for 2007 are as follows:
1. Participation
a) Judy was very specific in that PFL, as an organization, needs more leadership among the membership.
b) PFL needs more participation in public appearances such as parades and home shows.1) Judy mentioned how our handicapped members (Leslie McBride with Yogi in a wheel chair and Karen Hanks with Bud on her scooter) participate. Judy feels that if our handicapped members can participate, more of the regular membership should challenge themselves to participate also.
2) Judy was embarrassed at the low turn out for the parades we attended. Without support from the membership the parades are a waste of time.c) Cicely Valenti stated she has news people from UNR coming d) Ruth Hagan wants PFL to participate in the Home Show.
1) John McGhee stated that organizing this event is the Events Coordinators job. We have no Events Coordinator and this is another example of how lack of leadership is affecting how we are able to participate in events. If it hadn’t been for Judy leading the events we did participate in, PFL would have done much less this year than we did.
2. Refining Team Leadership Roles
a) Team Leader roles will be more defined.
b) All new members will be given a team leader at New Member Orientation.
c) Communication will continue using the internet and the Website.1) Diane O’Brien stated that not all members have a computer.
2) John McGhee assured Diane that members will be called who don’t use computers.
VI. Report of the Vice-President
A. Facilities Review
1. Review of the PFL current facilities was gone over. (See handouts for current facilities list).
a) Berryman rehab is not listed because only one person is going there. Jay McDaniel stated the he dialogues directly with the facility he visits.
b) Ruth Hagan asked why the single facilities aren’t listed. John McGhee stated that the additional administration of the added facilities is prohibitive.
c) Lois Mikawa requested that any members visiting a school go thru her. She believes there are some members visiting schools that she is unaware of. Lois will provide Karen a list of the member’s Lois knows are going to WCSD schools.
d) Dinah O’Brien doesn't know of any Renown Plumas hospital.
e) Olga Owens wants to visit Summit Ridge. She can do this on her own.
2. Signing in at the facility you visit.a) Make sure you sign in so there is a record of the date and time you were there. This is for your security as well as PFL’s.
b) Lois Mikawa noted that there is no sign in sheet at the libraries.1) PTR Coordinator to ask the administration of each library to create and maintain a sign in sheet.
B. Testing will be held on 2/11/07 and another in May.
1. The February testing date is already full. Ruth Hagan asked why we even announced the date if it’s already full. To let the membership know that testing is continuing. Beth Williams (Testing Coordinator) keeps a list of who is scheduled for testing.
2. Beth Williams asked if anyone is interested in becoming a tester to notify her.a) The more testers we have the more people can be tested and the test dates won’t fill up as fast.
b) Olga Owens and Ruth Hagan are interested in becoming a tester. Karen will give them Beth’s phone number.
c) Ruth Hagan likes that part of the visitation testing is happening at PTR.C. New Member Orientation
1. This new function was implemented in August. PFL has held two orientations and the feedback is great.
2. The Orientation helps people who aren't self starters the opportunity to get acquainted with the club and gives new members a team leader to communicate with.D. Paws to Read
1. A new coordinator is needed for PTR.
VII. Report of the Secretary
A. PFL currently has 95 members, seven of which are new as of 10/01/06.
B. New Applicant Process includes:1. The applicant must have a current CGC before testing begins.
2. A representative from PFL is at testing to answer questions and conduct initial New Applicant interview.
3. The fee for completing the PFL application is $50 per dog. The membership fee is still $15.a) If an old PFL member is testing a new dog the fee is only
$20.4. When New Member Orientation is completed contact for the new applicant is handed to the team leader.
VIII. Report of the Member at Large
The duty of the MAL is to publicize the organization and provide information to the membership.
A. New Coat Policy
1. The reasons for a new coat is because the size and warmth of the old coats. John showed an example of the new coats and where to put the patches.
2. Information on how to order news coats is on the website. Olga Owens needs information on how to order the new coats.B. Web Page
1. The Web Page has been designed to be the first place members should go for information.
2. A new Web Master is needed for this year.C. Newsletter
1. The newsletter is published twice a year. All members can contribute appropriate articles at any time.
2. A new Newsletter Editor is needed for this year.D. Phone Coordinator
1. The Phone Coordinator is the first person to answer all the calls received by PFL. That person answers the question or refers it to a person who can answer the question.
2. A new Phone Coordinator is needed for this year.E. Events Coordinator
1. The Events Coordinator arranges all the parades, home shows, social events, Border’s gift wrapping, etc.
2. A new Events Coordinator is needed this year.
IX. Report of the Treasurer
A. Presentation of P&L and Balance Sheet –
1. The checkbook balance is $5625.67.
2. Net Income was $4011.36.
3. Total Expenses $3168.50. This includes the purchase of PTR books.
4. Net Income for the year was $851.36.B. Bone incentives will be sent with new membership cards.
C. Patches are $6 each. Sue has a limited number of PTR shirts for $8.00.
D. Scott Meddaugh asked how the organization chooses how funds are spent.1. On going projects (i.e. PTR, software, supplies, mailings, etc.) are approved by the Board of Directors.
a) Chris Meddaugh asked for a needs list of software.
Cicely Valenti moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Jan Pantone seconded. The report was approved unanimously.
X. New Business:
A. Lots of discussion before the new officers were elected. The following is a synopsis of that discussion:
1. No one volunteered for the VP or MAL on the first request for these positions.
2. Leslie Miller suggested we send ballots to all the members and let them vote. John McGhee said we’d still have to have a meeting to vote as a group per the by-laws.
3. Jay McDaniel stated that the newsletter specifically stated that new officers would be voted for at this meeting.
4. Jan Pantone suggested we fill committee members first.
5. The Jobes said they didn't know we could disband because of lack of officers. John McGhee said that if officers are not filled we can’t operate under Nevada non-profit law and would have to disband.
6. Leslie Miller (being a new member) doesn’t feel comfortable stepping into an officer’s position.
7. Scott Meddaugh fears letting the group down because of work and travel responsibility. He feels he won’t be able to live up to the responsibilities of an officer’s position. John McGhee and the rest of the board assured him that everything is flexible. Leah Wigren stated that VP responsibilities are light. Judy Somers stated that everything is flexible depending upon the goals sent for a given year.
8. Chris Meddaugh was concerned that the additional time as an officer would deter from time spent doing visitations. The board assured her that time spent as an officer didn’t interfere with time spent on visitations.
Election of Officers:
Ruth Hagan made the motion for Scott Meddaugh to be Vice President. Sue Hall seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.
Lois Mikawa made the motion for Ruth seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.
The New Board is as follows:
1. President – Judy Somers
2. Vice President - Scott Meddaugh
3. Treasurer – Sue Hall
4. Secretary – Karen Hanks
5. Member-at-Large – Ruth Hagan
B. Appointment of Executive Committee Members
1. Paws to Read - Sue Buckmaster will order the books from Scholastic as long as she is provided a list. Judy Somers will assist with the creation of the list.
2. Phone Coordinator - Leslie Miller
3. Facilities Coordinator - Chris Meddaugh
4. Web Master
5. Newsletter Editor –Cecily Valenti (she may move toward the end of the year)
6. Membership Coordinator – Karen Hanks
7. Fund Raising Coordinator
8. Testing and Evaluation Coordinator – Beth Williams
9. Events Coordinator – Judy Somers and Tammie Buzick
XI. Member items
Double Diamond is having a Dog Day on 04/07/07. Ruth Hagan asked that the membership be notified thru their team leaders.
XII. Adjournment
Adjournment - There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary