General Membership Meeting
The Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America, Inc.
October 14, 2004
Decatur, Illinois
President Karen Kleinhans called the meeting to order at 7:28 pm. She reminded
each CSPCA member to sign in and pick up a nametag as well as paper copies of
several committee reports at the table by the door.
The President introduced the members of the Board in attendance: Vice President
Jeff Mauk, Treasurer Marilyn Currey, Directors Alan Klessig, Gail Garrison,
Grace Fritz, Deb Cooper, Beverly Wall, Dorothy Schuerman, Debbie Smith.
Secretary Joann Redditt and Directors Mike Lauer and Bob Rosenberger were unable
to attend. Secretary pro tempore was Jocelyn Barker.
Members in attendance were: Beverly Foster, Paul Foster, Marilyn Braunstein
Deb Walker, Linda Outlaw, Brenda Outlaw, Pattie Bushman, Cyndi Skinner, DeeDee
Wells, Michelle Szakel, Dee Walquist, Thad Taylor, Marj Spilker, Barbara LaVere,
Mary Lou Kleinhans, MaryKaye Robison, Marina Smirnova, Gabby Nearhouse, Pat
Pramuk, Margaret Phillips, Donna Jourdan, Lylenette Canfield-Stack, Dixie
Williams, Grant Aleman, Domino Aleman, Kathy Kjetsaa, Andrea Robbins, Sharon
Palmay, Tim Bergeron, Nancy Bergeron, Arlene Dannemiller, Iris Smith, Pam
Camera, Nancy Camera, Linda Jokela
Sue Beck, Rick Carusillo, Kathy Carusillo, Mike Barker, Bonnie Stoney, Pamela
Burris, Jane Irwin, Chuck Suda, Marge Calltharp, Gail Tighe, Patrick Tighe,
Deanna Lisky, Linda Bates, Sylvia Truitt, Jody Schoenfeld, Sue Anderson, Roy
Anderson, Marilyn Vinson, Anita Cox, Debbie Johnson, Kay Rosenberger, Kim
Albrecht, Pat Evetts, Sandy Woodall, Marla Jordon, Jan Otterson, Diahann Leslie,
Susanna Bjornsson, Dan Brill, Beth Harper, Chuck Pate, Kris Henning, Cindy
O’Hare, Deborah McFarland, Victoria Straub, Judy Meitin, Scott Strong, Cathy
Mall, Jim McFarland, Terry Faulkner, Christine Smith, Kathy Melvard, David
Melvard, Nancy Caron, Georgette Schaefer, Linda Osborne, Rosie Steinke, Michelle
Curry, Betsy Nichols, Alice Fix, Carole Sorensen, Jan Kolnik, Marilyn Funke,
Nancy Wilson-Sedlacek, Carol Montegue, Marge Dixon, Denise Beagle, Judy Welch.
There were insufficient members present to establish the required quorum count
of 125; of the 104 people attending the meeting, 100 were verified as members.
This meeting will be of an informational nature. President Karen Kleinhans
called the attention of the members to the yellow handout entitled “Guidelines
for the Annual Meeting of the CSPCA”. The President asked that the meeting be
conducted in accordance with those guidelines. The membership assented with a
voice vote. Lack of a microphone in the meeting area prevented the enforcing
of that guideline for most of the meeting.
Minutes from the 2003 General Membership Meeting – President Karen Kleinhans
reported that they were circulated to the Minutes Review Committee (Tim Bergeron
- Central, Susi Lauer - East and unknown – West) for corrections and revisions
and published in The Barker. The Minutes Review Committee for the current
meeting was appointed with members as follows: West – Gail Tighe, Central –
Nancy Camera, East – Barbara LaVere.
Report of the President – Karen Kleinhans reported that the show is going well
and congratulated the Chicago club on a job well done. The audience agreed with
a round of applause. Exhibitors were asked to continue to clean up after
themselves and their dogs. The hotel is pleased with the event so far. New
events like the Tracking Clinic and Freestyle Obedience were well received.
Report of the Secretary – none due to the Secretary’s absence
Report of the Treasurer – Marilyn Currey called the attention of the audience to
the printed copies of her report on the table and asked if anyone had
questions.
1. Question about payouts to Rescue listed in the report. There has been a
transfer of funds to the new Rescue Trust and the payment of bank fees.
2. Question in regard to how much money the CSPCA is taking in, spending and
carrying over each year. The current Treasurer has only one year’s records, she
reported that the club is currently making money, summarized account activity
and stated that the Nationals expenses have not yet been deducted from the
income reported in the Show account.
3. Question regarding the PayPal account for the CSPCA. The Membership
Secretary itemizes charges and sends a report every two weeks and the amounts
are reconciled with the bank account by the Treasurer.
4. The Board and audience gave a round of applause to Marilyn Currey for her
efforts.
The Treasurer then explained the new Barker Advertising Contract to the
membership. She reminded all advertisers that their accounts must be paid in
full before December 31, 2004 in order to place ads in future issues of the
magazine. The Treasurer is the only person handling advertising payments for
The Barker and no bills will be generated, as payment is required at the time
the ad is placed.
Report of the Membership Secretary – Roy Anderson reported that there are 1253
members currently. The roster of members is almost ready. The information in
the roster is not editable so members should get any requests for specific
information to be included or excluded to Roy as soon as possible so the listing
will be correct. Members were advised that the new Associate Membership rate
will be $35.00 annually.
Reports of Committees
AKC Breeder Referral – Dawn Walling reports through Karen Kleinhans that she
does receive a few mail and phone inquiries but most come via email and are not
routed to her.
AKC Judges Education – Karen Kleinhans reported that there would be a Judges
Education Seminar offered beginning at 8:00 am on Saturday. Other seminars are
held through the course of the year and Illustrated Guides are mailed as
requested.
AKC Delegate – Karen Kleinhans reported that the transition from Lee Arnold to
Marge Calltharp is progressing. Marge’s name has been published in the AKC
Gazette once and that must happen a second time. The new Delegate plans to
attend the delegate meeting in Florida. AKC is considering a rearrangement of
the groups. There are several possibilities under consideration. Members will
be made aware of any information sent to the CSPCA.
AKC Gazette Columnist – JoAnn Redditt, no report required
ADOA Delegate – Deb Cooper is having some difficulty getting our club listing
correct. In answer to a question about the activities of the group, overviews
were given by a couple of CSPCA members familiar with ADOA.
The Barker, Report of the Editor – Marge Calltharp named and introduced topic
editors who were attending the meeting. The audience responded with a round of
applause for the work being done. The Editor gave an overview of the process of
creating The Barker, reviewed the new advertising guidelines, and payment
requirements and encouraged advertisers to continue.
1. Question on how the 60 days from date of mailing is determined when the Board
is considering voting on potential new members. President Karen Kleinhans
reported that the Board counts from the date the first member of the Board
receives their copy of The Barker. The vote never takes place in less than 60
days but may happen after a greater number of days.
2. Question of how promptly an issue is published and mailed after the deadline
for advertising. Editor Marge Calltharp implored members to be prompt in
submitting advertising and stated that the magazine will not wait for late
material in the future. Roy Anderson stated that the replacement copies of The
Barker are not mailed until at least four weeks after the general mailing takes
place.
The Board and membership gave the Editor a round of applause for her efforts.
The Barker Liaison – Karen Kleinhans and Jocelyn Barker report that there have
been no issues of concern recently.
Budget and Finance – Karen Kleinhans reported that there is no budget as yet.
She pointed to the transition of the treasurer’s job as a stumbling block. The
current committee plans to develop a budget from the committee level up which is
a change from the last three to four years.
1. Question on the time line for development of a budget. Karen Kleinhans
agreed with the questioner that a time line was needed.
2. Question as to whether the 2003 financial information was available to the
current Treasurer. The Treasurer reported that she recently got material from
the past Treasurer and had not yet reviewed all the information. She reported
that all funds transfers are completed.
CERF Representative – Barbara Byse report in The Barker
CSPCA Awards – Judy Dorough has prepared awards to be distributed at the
banquet.
CSPCA Breed Standard – Judy Dorough No report was given and no changes are being
considered at this time
CSPCA Club Presidents’ Alliance – Deb Taylor reported that meeting was held at
the National Specialty for club presidents or their representatives
CSPCA Policies and Procedures Manual – Bob Rosenberger not present, but reports
that updates take place after every meeting.
Code of Ethics – Rev. Alan Klessig no report
1. Question if there have been additional signers to the Breeders’ Code during
the past year. There have been five or six additional signers.
2. Question on whether web site listings are current for all signers? Yes they
are.
There was a round of applause from Board and membership for ongoing program
efforts.
Fund Raising Calendar – Sue Anderson and William Clark no report, President
Karen Kleinhans stated that this would be addressed later in the meeting.
Many participants began using the microphone, as members of both the audience
and the Board could not hear what was being said.
Futurity/ Maturity Program – Jocelyn Barker directed members’ attention to the
written report from the program staff. Participation is growing in the face of
reduced registrations and entries. The program staff is suggesting to the Board
four areas to be addressed. 1. Changing the judge selection process for the
program to include only those who participate. 2. Addition of the
Futurity/Maturity program rules be included on the general public part of the
CSPCA website. 3. Dual sired litters as accepted by AKC will be accepted by
the program for the payment of one litter fee and presentation of individual
registration and DNA documentation. 4. Associate Members, as newly defined,
should be able to up grade their membership status to regular member as
non-members can.
1. Question on Foreign Members being able to participate. All foreign members
(previously titled Associate Members) will be able to participate as they always
have. Individuals who choose the new “Associate Membership” status will not.
2. Question on the “up grade” of one’s status from the new category “Associate
Membership” to Regular Membership. Current practice was reviewed; several
individuals in the audience questioned those rules.
There was a round of applause for the general success of the program in its
first ten years.
DNA Databank – Grace Fritz reported that she has a strong, active committee.
Terry Faulkner, a licensed Vet Tech, will be doing blood draws here at the show
tomorrow in the crate room. These samples will go to our health projects. The
Gap Nationals show banked over 300 samples.
Terry will be able to assist members with the AKC Frequently Used Sires testing
here at the show. The Carousel Raffle will be held tomorrow, be sure to get
your tickets purchased and if you have tickets or money to get those to Grace as
soon as possible.
1. Question on whether current totals include previously donated samples. There
were 358 samples already submitted to the registry, 300 more were submitted last
year and all samples are available to researchers.
2. Question about the new Texas A and M study on B12 deficiency and its role in
IBD. Terry Faulkner addressed the topic and clarified that separate blood
samples will be necessary for participation in that study, she can take those
samples here.
3. Question was asked if AKC digital studbook data would be available to CSPCA
members. President Karen Kleinhans assured the group that CSPCA members can
access the database however; no one can use it for personal profit. The data
belongs to AKC; they are allowing use of it by breeders through parent clubs.
4. Question regarding the inclusion of AKC information and CSPCA studbook
information online. This would result in a database with a big hole in the
middle, the AKC studbooks from 1992 until this year.
5. Question asked about a CSPCA member having permission to put the CSPCA
studbooks into a digital program making them searchable in a variety of modes.
President Karen Kleinhans answered that when a similar plan was submitted to the
Board there was no clear explanation of the particulars. There was a good deal
of discussion on this idea and the suggestion was made to appoint a committee to
investigate it. Interested parties were advised to contact Director Grace
Fritz.
Fund Raising Calendar – Sue Anderson reentered the meeting and President Karen
Kleinhans asked her to make a report. There will be an effort to increase the
market for the calendar and reduce the cost.
1. Question on whether Foreign Members will be able to nominate litters for
Futurity/Maturity as they have in the past. President Karen Kleinhans restated
the commitment of the Board to support that. She reported that the
Futurity/Maturity Director would be submitting changes to the program rules,
which will make this clear.
2. Question arose as to when someone actually becomes a member of the CSPCA.
Response was that not everyone is approved, and that members who allow their
membership to lapse must then go through the entire process as though they had
never been members. Discussion ensued on what constitutes a member, when
members are advised of the need to renew memberships and what the timeline for
handling a new membership is. There were no precise answers. President Karen
Kleinhans ended the discussion without reaching resolution.
3. Question arose about the erroneous email reminders generated by our database
program and sent out during the summer by Membership Chairman Roy Anderson.
There was an explanation for this given by the Membership Secretary. President
Karen Kleinhans pointed out that Delaware Law (the state in which the CSPCA was
incorporated) requires the club to follow the Bylaws or risk losing
incorporation.
4. Question regarding the reason(s) for creation of the new “Associate
Membership”. President Karen Kleinhans answered that lots of members want only
The Barker and do not wish to vote. It was the hope of the Board that members
who do not vote will change status to Associate Member and reduce the number of
members required to establish a quorum.
5. Question that some of the new members listed in the November/December 2003
issue of The Barker are also listed in the May/June 2004 issue as pending new
members, what might be the date of membership for those folks. Membership
Secretary Roy Anderson and President Karen Kleinhans addressed these questions
by speaking about the effort to handle new members as quickly as possible and
the policy of sending The Barker to pending new members right away, if the
member in question is not approved the most the CSPCA is out is a couple of
copies of the magazine. It was pointed out that no pending members have been
turned down.
Health Through Education – Jeff Vidt, DVM report in The Barker
Historian – Pending a new appointment. President Karen Kleinhans noted that she
had offered to bring some of the CSPCA material of interest but only Member
Patrick Tighe had volunteered to sit with the display.
Invitational Program – Alan Klessig reviewed the event and offered to answer any
questions.
1. Question on why the evaluations by the judges are anonymous. The response
was that so there were no repercussions for the individuals who judged.
Discussion determined that some competitors would like to have knowledge of
which judge made which comments.
2. Question noted that in many other Invitational events in other species the
judges were identified in order to provide accountability. Some members
supported publication of the scoring at the Invitational. After lively
discussion Director Alan Klessig said he would consider the suggestion to
identify scores by judges.
3. Question asking that the total points for each Invitational exhibit in the
top ten be published. Discussion between the membership and Director Alan
Klessig regarding identifying the scores by exhibit’s name or armband number or
just publishing the scores anonymously so only the individual competitors would
know how they stood.
Director Alan Klessig noted that a change in the timing of the Invitational is
being considered. If the General Membership Meeting was moved to Wednesday and
the Invitational to Thursday there might be more time for each event as needed.
Junior Advisor – Cyndi Skinner reported awards would be announced at the
banquet.
Longevity Program – Donna Jourdan reported that there has been much progress in
the program. The website is now up, members can enter information on the site
and certificates can now be developed. Submission of a copy of AKC registration
is still required either in hard copy or via email by scanning the certificate.
The Longevity tables can be searched a number of ways, alphabetically by owner’s
name, by the dog’s name or by dog’s registration number and many others. The
first Longevity Certificate holders will be announced at the Banquet. The
committee is now working on the “Bred for Longevity” part of the program”. In
order to qualify for this recognition, both the dog’s sire and dam will have to
have earned a Longevity Certificate.
National Specialty Show Chairman – Karen Burgess reported that the show is going
well. The Board and audience joined in a round of applause for her efforts.
National Specialty Judges Selection – Jeff Mauk had no report
Obedience Advisor – Jeff Vidt, DVM has sent awards to be awarded at the Banquet.
OFA/PennHip Representative – Beth Toraason has a report in The Barker
Public Education – Deena Harvey, no report
Regional Specialty Show Director – Chuck Suda asked that regional show chairmen
send reports right away. In the past year the CSPCA has made $2000.00 from this
program.
Register of Merit – Pat Evetts reported two sires and five or six dams will be
honored at the banquet.
Rescue Trust – Deb Cooper reported that the Trust is now a reality. The new
guidelines are available at the Rescue Table at this show; they are also
available from Deb personally. The 501C3 regulations are very clear and the
Trust will follow them. Grant application material is due November 1, 2004.
If clubs have questions, they are encouraged to contact Deb directly. The Trust
will be available to assist any group needing help with the new guidelines.
Therapy Dogs – Janet Saporito’s report will be in The Barker
Top Dog Program – Chuck Suda offered congratulations to all the top winners.
Versatility Shar-Pei – Paula Perry. President Karen Kleinhans stated that these
awards would be announced at the banquet.
1. Question was asked regarding the rules. At this time the rules are not clear
and new wording will be submitted to the Board.
Webmaster – Sue Anderson no report needed
Organization of Interest to the CSPCA Membership - CSP Charitable Trust – Lee
Arnold’s report appears in the July/August issue of The Barker
Unfinished (Old) Business –
1. Marilyn Vinson reported the AKC is close to being able to list coat type on
the registration of individual dogs. This is becoming a reality as the ChowChow
parent club also requested it and computerization makes it possible.
New Business –
1. Will the newly approved Bylaws be published in the January/February 2005
issue of The Barker? President Karen Kleinhans said, “Yes”.
2. Will the non-highlighted changes in the Bylaws as printed in The Barker be
considered passed? President Karen Kleinhans stated “No”.
3. Questions about the accuracy of the membership list provided to the election
tellers. President Karen Kleinhans and Membership Secretary Roy Anderson
offered explanations about why some new members were not allowed to vote, 1.
They didn’t get voted on by the Board until after the March 20 deadline; 2. If
two voters were listed on a ballot that should only have had one, only the first
voter was counted. The Board may consider using a mailed ballot if the number
of members becomes more manageable with the new “Associate Membership”. Roy
Anderson stated that one of the biggest problems is lapsing membership due to
late payment of dues.
4. A member suggested that an advisory vote be taken to direct the Board to
establish a deadline for the creation of the CSPCA budget. President Karen
Kleinhans, Budget Committee Chairman committed to have the Budget completed by
March 31, 2005.
5. Question on the judging panel for the 2005 National Specialty. It was posted
on the Rescue table at the show and will be published in The Barker.
6. Raffle Director Beverly Wall reminded all Silent Auction winners that the
item need to be paid for and picked up. She reminded the membership that Raffle
Items would be available for further bids for 30 more minutes.
Motion to adjourn at 9:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Jocelyn Barker, Secretary pro tempore
Approved by Minutes Review Committee; Barbara LaVere, Nancy Camera, Gail Tighe
11/18/2004