Board Members Present: 3 month’s newsletter!)

Members Present: 6

Cecile Thompson opened the meeting at 7:10 pm. Waived reading of minutes because Kim Willis was not present. Becky Camboia gave treasurer’s report – checking $949.50 and scholarship $1081.57. Betty McDonald motioned to accept, seconded by Barbara Brown. Motion carried.

Jim Adams distributed to the local area and also to the Franklin area businesses a schedule of Rabun County Riding Club meetings which was produced by Valerie Addicott. Be sure to check out these impressive notices at your local businesses. Jim is in charge of publicity and he also had the schedule of these meeting printed in the Clayton Tribune and notified the local radio station. Jim will also look into posting our meeting schedule in the Market Bulletin. Cecile will take the schedule and make copies to distribute to other local businesses for posting to bulletin boards.

Valerie Addicott, acting as show chairman, has gathered and produced some information regarding future shows, especially details regarding safety issues, such as the use of helmets. She will bring her suggestions to the next meeting for consideration. She has also requested that members having unneeded helmets and show clothes donate them to the club so that they may be used by participants as an incentive to increase show etiquette and safety. Barbara Brown was asked and agreed to join the show committee.

The previously discussed auction was discussed in more detail. It was suggested that this sale be conducted at the Rec Department gym. Patti Denike agreed to check on the availability of the gym, hopefully for the fall of ‘02. It was also suggested that, along with club members donating items to be auctioned for the club, we advertise for non-members to auction items with a percentage being donated to the club. The club already has a professional auctioneer that has agreed to donate his time.

Pam Thompson furnished the door prize for this month -- a 50 lb. Bag of Sweet 14 from Manna Pro. Jim Adams and Valerie Addicott brought the bag to the meeting, as Pam was unable to attend the meeting. Thank you, Pam, for the donation and thanks to Jim and Valerie for the transportation.

Patti Denike brought up her interest in guest speakers that would help provide information in the care and use of horses. It was noted that Margie Cashatt had been scheduling speakers, but due to light attendance at the meetings, it was agreed that this would be suspended until attendance was increased. Valerie Addicott said that she could add an article a month to the newsletter via the website because she has many interesting contacts through the internet with vets and other professionals in the horse industry.

Cecil mentioned that the student, Carrie Coleman, who received last year’s $500 scholarship from the club is doing exceptionally well. She is studying for two degrees, one in Vet Science and one in Music.

Carol Brown mentioned that it would be a good idea to restart the phone notices to members that a club meeting is a few days away. Betty suggested that those members having email could receive their notice via email. Carol Brown said that she felt some members do not consult their email on a regular basis and would miss out on the notice. Becky thought that a new membership list would be available in the near future. Many old members have not yet rejoined and there are many new members to consider.

Cecile Thompson agreed to donate the door prize for the next meeting. Congratulations to this month’s winners, Jim Adams and Valerie Addicott. Bet they’re glad they picked up the feed from Pam Thompson for this month’s door prize!

Cecile motioned that the meeting be adjourned at 8:50. Seconded by Robin York. Meeting adjourned.