A general meeting of the CCEC was held on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at the Carroll County Government Office Building in Westminster. President Joe Zentgraf called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Attendance:
Lynda and Larry Balins, Patty Bianca, Janet Breeding, Tiina Frost, Carolyn Garber, Abby Gruber, Ray Hill, Terri Tanner-Hill, Pauline Kram, Jean McCormac, Gina Miller, Peggy Miller, Laurie Platt, Jan Price, Carol Sanders, April Stull, Darlene Welsh and Joe Zentgraf.
Secretary's Report:
A motion was made by Larry Balins to approve the March minutes as published. The motion was seconded by Jean McCormac and approved.
Treasures’s Report:
Treasurer April Stull reported that going forward the treasurer’s report will cover the month prior in order to forego the need to revise the report every month due to the timing of our bank statement receipts. The revised report for February 2008 View report
Equestrian Center Report: Peggy Miller
Equestrian Center Manager Peggy Miller reported that the Center is ready for the 2008 season. Two downed trees were removed from the jump trail, brush was cleared from the trails and rings were prepped. Peggy has met with a number of renters to discuss set-up for their events, etc.
Peggy also let everyone know that the Howard County Pony Club has changed the nights of their rentals from Tuesdays to Wednesdays. They will begin on Wednesday, April 2 nd and continue through May 14 in Ring #1, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
She also reminded everyone that the next Workday at the Equestrian Center and Trails will be held Saturday, April 19, beginning at 9:00 a.m. She asked that anyone able to help out call her at 410-549-1608 and bring tools.
April Stull will chair a new committee charged with enhancing the appearance of the Equestrian Center gates with new flowers, etc.
Department Of Recreations & Parks: Abby Gruber
Our Department of Recreation & Parks Liaison Abby Gruber had nothing formal to report and said that she’d go over various maintenance issues with Peggy Miller after the meeting. She did note that she sent our Equestrian Center rental list over to County Maintenance in order to get on their mowing schedule. She reminded everyone that the location for the next general meeting on May 6, will take place at the new Recreation & Parks building at 300 South Center Street, which is located beside the Health Department building. Parking is available to the left or right of the building.
Old Business:
Web Site: Board Member Lynda Balins said that the website is currently up-to-date and she and Board Member Darlene Welsh also reported that Southern States of Frederick has agreed to give our members a discount of 10% off tack in-stock and $1.00 off a bag of Legends or Triple Crown Feed. They will be added to the membership cards.
Membership/Publicity:
Membership Chair Patty Bianca reports that new cards were mailed for new members and renewals and that the images on the back of membership cards were updated to include our new sponsors, Emory Stull, Jr., and clarify that the Southern States participating in our discount program include Southern States of Hampstead and Frederick ONLY. Patty plans to send out reminders this month to those who have not yet renewed their memberships this year. She also plans to visit local tack and feed businesses to place our membership and center pamphlets out.
Fundraising/Self-Help:
Vice President Larry Balins reported that our self-help proposal for new footing for the Equestrian Center was rejected by the County, but we will try again at the September rounds. Carolyn Garber suggested we use the rejected self-help proposal for the upcoming Maryland Horse Industry Board grant process. Carolyn made the motion to do this, which was seconded by Carol Sanders and approved by membership. Carolyn will work on preparing the proposal for the grant process. Lynda Balins made the motion to revisit the issue of fundraising if we do not obtain the grant from the Maryland Horse Industry Board, which was seconded by Larry Balins.
Southern States SHOW Program:
Larry Balins said that receipts of SHOW program coupons have been pretty weak. We are hoping to accumulate 500 points to possibly use to purchase a lawn mower for the Equestrian Center.
Horse Fair 2008 - March 15, 2008:
Darlene Welsh reported that the CCEC booth at the Horse Fair was very successful with 13 new members and 2 renewing members signing up on the spot. Plans are for the Horse Fair next year to include a business expo, the dates of which are tentatively scheduled for March 19-20, 2009, with times to be determined. Unfortunately, fees have dramatically increased for the upcoming event. Board Member Janet Breeding suggested we focus on this expo-style event, rather than the Horse World Expo in Timonium because of the intense focus on our location in Carroll County.
Helmet Decals:
The helmet decals were sent out to the current membership. Abby thanked member Tiina Frost for her work in assembling the mailings.
New Business:
Correspondence:
President Joe Zentgraf received a notice from member Chrissie Villegas of Middle Creek Farm proposing a team-penning event for Council members. We will discuss this proposal more at our next meeting.
Trail Ride at Gillis Falls:
April Stull reports that she has received no pre-registrations for the April 27th Trail Ride at Gillis Falls.
Next Meeting:
Our next meeting will be held on May 6, 2008 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Department of Recreation & Parks Building located at 300 South Center Street in Westminster, MD. The evening will feature Patty Bianca, certified equine masseuse, of Natural Relief for Horse & Hound, LLC, who will show everyone a quick and easy-to-learn massage technique for horse-owners to use on their colicing horse while they await the arrival of the veterinarian.
Adjournment
The motion to adjourn at 8:04 p.m. was made by Carolyn Garber and seconded by Peggy Miller. Motion approved.
It is Membership Renewal Time:
Please send in your renewals for 2008 and help us continue our efforts.
Carroll County Equestrian Council
Promoting Equine Related Recreation and Education in Carroll County, Maryland
Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks
300 South Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157 MAP
Phone: 410-386-2103 or 1-888-302-8978
Fax: 410-876-8284
Email: CCECofMD@yahoo.com
Web Master: Chris Keegan
