JANUARY 15, 2000

Meeting was held at the East Montgomery County Fairgrounds in New Caney, Texas at noon. Attendance was around 25, with a good representation from North Texas, Southeast Texas, Central Texas, and Northwest Louisiana. In the absence of the President, Sandy Lutz, the meeting was presided over by the Vice-President, BonnieCornelius.

A pot luck lunch preceded the business meeting, with delicious food enjoyed by all.

I) Minutes of the Summer 1999 meeting were read by secretary, Sandy Naumann. They were accepted as read by the membership.

II) Red Mertens, treasurer, gave the Treasurer’s report, which was accepted as presented.

III) Old Business

A) Polly Mertens reported that the club is officially incorporated as a non-profit organization. The paperwork was handled by Sandy Lutz’s son. Sandy Naumann explained that incorporaion was necessary to protect the club officers and members from liability in any lawsuits.

B) Members discussed the need for liability insurance for the club. Since many barns require insurance to hold any event and because spectators would be covered during any club events, it was decided that the club would purchase a one-year policy beginning March 1, 2000.

IV) New Business

A) Southeast Texas Pygmy Parade II, an NPGA-sanctioned pygmy show, will be sponsored by Kids at Heart on March 4-5, 2000

B) Joanne Timm has already arranged for judges for the show – Donna Elkins will judge on Saturday’s doe and first buck show; Mark Adkins will judge the second buck show and Sunday’s doe show.

C) We discussed the possibility of catering a BBQ dinner at the Fairgrounds after the second buck show on Saturday. Joanne had a quote from the Sawmill Grill in Splendora for 2 meats, beans, potato salad, bread and tea for $5.00 a plate. Members voted to have them cater the meal. Entrants in the show will be asked to include payment for the meal with their entry fees.

D) We discussed paying premiums on classes at the show. It was decided that the club would pay the following on all individual classes: 1^st - $3.00, 2^nd - $2.00, and 3^rd - $1.00.

E) To encourage participation and to make it more competitive for the younger wethers, we voted to break the 0 to 12 months age class into two classes: 0 to 6 months and 6 to 12 months. We also agreed to make sure that ALL exhibitors in the wether classes should receive some type of ribbon or award. This is to encourage the growing number of youngsters who are buying wethers and starting to show.

F) Members were asked if anyone knew of where to buy shavings for the show. Bonnie Cornelius agreed to find a local provider.

G) We discussed the need to find a PA System to borrow or rent. Several members said they would search for a system.

H) We discussed having a “fun-type” event during the show. A costume contest or a pen-decorating contest were mentioned, but the club decided on having 2-3 games of “Nannyberry Bingo”, with the proceeds from the sale of Bingo squares to be split 50/50 between the winner and the club. Glenn Trout volunteered to donate and prepare the Bingo plywood.

V) Election of 2000 Officers

Since the slate of officers was unopposed, the club moved and unanimously agreed to accept by general consent the following :

President: Joanne Timm

Vice-President: Bonnie Cornelius

Secretary: Sandy Naumann

Treasurer: Red Mertens

Debbie Moreland volunteered to accept the position of Historian for the club.

VI) The club discussed the role Sandy Lutz played in founding Kids at Heart and leading it through a successful first year. Members agreed that the club should present her with an award at the next meeting.

VII) Gail Parker, president of the Tejas Goat Club, shared information on the “All About Goats Extravaganza” to be held in Gilmer, Texas, on March 25^th. There will be educational speakers and booths in the morning, as well as an NPGA pygmy show in the afternoon, with David Millison judging.

VIII) A raffle was held and a discussion, led by Bonnie Cornelius, followed on conformation traits in does that affect kidding ability.