AKCA Minutes of April 9, 2004

 

Officers Present:                                Directors Present:                                             Guests:

Chair: Joan Finnegan                               Burt Ballou (OC ZNA +)                                            Kelly Houston

Vice Chair:  Ed Salinas                   Larry Leverett (Inland)                                  Tom Graham

Secretary:  Carole Elliott                      Bob Finnegan (Louisville)                                            Cindy Graham

CFO:  Doug Dahl                                  Lisa Barnett (Nishiki)                                  

                                                                Harlan Glenn (San Diego)                                   

                                                                Joyce Glenn (Ikiru Hoseki)

                                                                Carl Caddies (Oregon K&WGC)

 

Board Highlights:

Ø      Koi Person of the Year; Koi of the Year; and, Champion of Champions

are due no later than May 1st!

 

The meeting was called to order  by Chairperson Joan Finnegan @ 7:00 pm.   We have 104 clubs.     

 

v      MINUTES:

Motion:  To approve the minutes of March 12 , 2004 with the following correction:  Burt Ballou’s

phone # is (714) 839-1836.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Lisa.

 Approved

 

v      MARCH FINANCIAL STATEMENT/FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Doug handed out the financial reports.  He stated that our investment account decreased by $1,327 in March.  American mutual fund is up 7.6%; Fidelity mutual fund is up 10.4%.  As of this date, we have $16,790 in income and $10,464 in expenses for the Seminar.  Although, as CFO, Doug is required to discuss with the AKCA Board any financial problems AKCA may have with a club or with a KOI USA advertiser, it is not AKCA policy to include these potentially embarrassing details in the AKCA Board meeting minutes as they were done by accident in March.  Doug will call a Finance Committee meeting to discuss the transfer of some funds.  It was stated that the bookstore sold a little over $35,000 in various merchandise since July, ’03.  Doug as ordered 7,500 Nutrition guides; he is recommending a price of $3 per guide or $1.50 if 5+ are ordered.  Motion:  To keep cost of the Nutrition guide at $3 and $1.50 for orders of 5 or more.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Burt.  Approved. 

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

v      SCIENTIFIC:  Joyce handed out Spike’s report as well as the monthly KHV latency research.  Most goals were met; working on another potential CE course – Bacterial diseases of koi.  One of the goals for next month is to hold a successful lab in Orange County.  Bran Ritchie, of the Univ. of Georgia, and Andy Goodwin both submitted reports. 

 

v      PUBLICATION:    Ed said that they had a meeting this past week with several items discussed.  They had 200 extra magazines this month; will send 90 to a chain of stores in Canada (9 stores) and another group to Hawaii for distribution at the Seminar.  This will be a one time promotion.   He stated that there is a need for a circulation & marketing manager; position is currently vacant.  No decision reached.  Also went over production schedule for the year.  There was much discussion about advertising in AKCA member club newsletters for clubs that could demonstrate that at least 50% of their members subscribe to KOI USA; Doug stated that approx. 18 clubs would qualify under this guideline.  Discussion about doing a mailing to those not currently subscribing to KOI USA.  Motion:  To spend $100 in advertisement in AKCA member clubs newsletters who have at least 50% of their members currently subscribing to KOI USA.  Motion by Burt, 2nd by Larry.  Approved.  Discussion on merging list of club members to those who subscribe; tabled.  Lamppost proposed a 3 yr. Printing contract that would lock in the current

 

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v      printing cost.  Bob contacted someone out of state about printing; would like to see us go to a printer in the U.S.  Joan felt that we should go out & compare prices.   

 

   The Editor of KOI USA has been authorized by the AKCA Board to purchase a yearly ad for KOI USA in an AKCA club’s newsletter IF that club can show that 50% of the members on their roster are KOI USA subscribers.  The Editor will decide the size of the ad for each club based on the cost, up to a maximum cost of $100, at the club’s standard rates.  This offer is an attempt to get our member clubs more pro-active in encouraging their members to subscribe to KOI USA magazine, which funds AKCA so it all comes back to the clubs eventually, and immediately if a club qualifies for this offer.  If just 1/3rd of the 6,000 club member families who do not subscribe today take subscriptions to KOI USA magazine, it will make a huge difference in the ability of AKCA to help clubs and the koi hobby.  This is also a reward to those clubs that support KOI USA magazine & AKCA.

 

   In order to qualify, the club must submit it’s roster, showing those members (at least 50%) who are KOI USA subscribers to Ed Salinas, Editor, KOI USA, at eds@koiusa.com, or U.S. Post mail to:

                                Ed Salinas

                                Editor KOI USA

                                821 Chicago Ave.

                                Placentia, CA 92870

 

v      MEMBERSHIP:  Doug stated that the only change is the number of families in clubs. 

 

The following clubs have not responded to email or to US mail requests for updated club info required for AKCA membership.  These club’s renewal dues to AKCA will not be accepted until this required information is updated and sent to Doug Dahl.  AKCA dues are due July 1st.  Updated information is only requested once per year following club election of Officers.  Name, address, phone and email address are required for club AKCA Director/Rep, club President and club listing in KOI USA.  Forms are in your Club Kit and on line at www.akca.org.  Information is also requested but not required for membership for Alternate Director/Rep, club Treasurer.

First Coast Koi, Goldfish & Water Garden Club                            Olympic Koi, Goldfish & Water Garden Club

Florida West Coast Koi & Water Garden Club                            Rocky Mountain Koi Club

Gulf Coast Koi Society                                                    San Francisco Bay Area Koi Club

Idaho Water Garden & Koi Society                                    Santa Clarita Koi & Water Garden Club

Madison Area Pond Society                                                           South Carolina Koi & Water Garden Society

Miami Valley Water Garden Society                                    St. Joseph Area Water Garden Society

Middle Georgia Koi Society                                                    Tulsa Koi Society

Oklahoma Koi Society                                                    Water Garden Club of South Texas

 

This is notice to the following clubs who will not receive free 25 (or 125% of the number of KOI USA subscribers whichever is greater) of the new Koi Nutrition Guides because they chose not to send in a club roster with names and addresses.  Clubs have until May 1, 2004 to send their roster to Doug Dahl at judgedahl@hotmail.com or mail to 13551 Malena Dr., Tustin, CA 92780 if they want to receive the free Nutrition Guides.

Austin Koi & Goldfish Club                                                         Olympic Koi, Goldfish & WG Club

Austin Pond Society                                                    Puget Sound Koi Club

Central Alabama Koi & WG Society                                 Shasta Koi & Water Garden Club

Dayton Koi & Goldfish Club                                                         Sierra Koi Club

Koi Club of San Diego                                                       South Carolina Koi & WG Society

Las Pampas Koi & Water Garden Society                    Tampa Bay Koi & Water Garden Club

Lone Star ZNA Chapter Koi Club                                   Tulsa Koi Society

Madison Area Pond Society                                                           Ventura County Koi Society

Miami Valley Water Garden Society                                    Washington Koi & Water Garden Society

Mid-Atlantic Koi Club                                                        Water Garden Club of South Texas

Middle Georgia Koi Society                                                    West Plains Watergarden Society

Northern Lights Koi Club                                                 Western Tennessee Pond Society

Northern Nevada Pond Club                                                               ZNA Potomac Chapter Koi Club

Northwest Koi & Goldfish Club-ZNA Chapter                         ZNA-Southern California Chapter Koi Club

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It is not our intent to harp on this issue because rosters are optional but we want all clubs to have the opportunity to receive free copies of this new Nutrition Guide.  These new Nutrition Guides may be purchased from the AKCA Bookstore starting in May for $3 each or $1.50 for 5 or more orders.

                               

v      JUDGING:  Bob stated that there aren’t as many koi shows coming up. 

 

v      SPEAKER’S GRANT:  Drawing for six regions will be in May.

 

v      GUIDES:  Burt wanted to know how we’re doing on the Pond Construction guides and filter guides so he will know when a revision needs to be completed.

 

v      INSURANCE:  Burt reported that the Hold Harmless policy hasn’t been resolved for the KHA’s.  . 

v      POLICIES/PROCEDURES:  Doug is up to date; stated that we’ll be working on the Judging Committee Policies/procedures at the end of the meeting. 

 

KOI PERSON OF THE YEAR

KOI OF THE YEAR

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Entries due no later than May 1st

 

 

SEMINAR REPORTS:

v      2004 SEMINAR:  Burt met with the Hawaii club members; Saturday meeting was with the hotel staff; went through the areas we’ll be using.  He feels it is the best hotel we’ve ever had.  Over 300 room nights have been registered  so far. 

 

HAWAII AKCA SEMINAR

Don’t miss out on a super time filled with Koi information, koi friends and also the opportunity to have that HAWAIIAN VACATION you always dreamed about.  If you are even “considering” going to the next year

AKCA Seminar in Hawaii you can combine it with that SPECIAL VACATION you always planned.  For special packages of reduced flight costs combined with a CUSTOM VACATION PACKAGE of your choice to one or more of the other islands you need to contact Maureen Hansen ASAP to see what kind of Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays offers some special rates and very flexible vacation packages.  But to make sure we can secure these SPECIAL PACKAGE RATES she needs to have some idea of how many people are planning on availing themselves of these packages for next year.

  Contact Maureen Hansen at (619) 440-3930 or e-mail at Aliasgeo9@aol.com. 

 

v      2005 SEMINAR:  Ed reported that there isn’t much to report at this time. 

 

v     2006 SEMINAR:  Burt has been working with them on hotels; should have a contract for hotel contract proposals submittal by the end of the month. 

 

v      Future Seminars:  Doug stated that several clubs have expressed an interest in hosting a future Seminar including Las Vegas, Nevada, Cascade (Portland, Ore.), and Phoenix, Ariz.  Florida also expressed an interest, however, following the 2006 Seminar, the next Seminar should be somewhere on the west coast.  No decision made. 

 

 

 

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REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTS:

 

o         Written report submitted by Doug: Matt Healy, of Austin Koi & Goldfish Club, reports he has just moved and is catching up on club activities.  Matt asked Doug to correct the spelling of his last name in AKCA records and KOI USA.  Their club has changed its name to include Goldfish in the title to attract more members to the club.  Club members traveled to the Texas Koi & Goldfish sale in San Antonio to buy koi and goldfish.  Janet Vukovich, of Central Calif. KC, reports they will have a luncheon to host the Bakersfield Koi & Water Garden Society on April 17th at the Vukovich’s.  20 members from the Bakersfield club polan to attend.  The Central California club plans a pond tour on May 15 with 6 ponds on the tour.  Doug Gilbert, of Dai Ichi KC, reports their club is holding meetings now that Spring is here.  They are planning a koi and pond display  at a local garden center to advertise the club to the public.  Their club also is planning a road trip to Vancouver to view ponds and pond suppliers.  Doug Dahl assured the Dai Ichi club that AKCA does have a privacy policy in place for the club rosters sent to AKCA.  AKCA uses those rosters only for AKCA and KOI USA business.  Janon Alegre, of Las Vegas Koi Club, reports their club is all excited about the possibility of hosting the 2007 AKCA Seminar in Las Vegas, if selected by AKCA.  Their club has already contacted the convention authority in Las Vegas who sent her and Doug Dahl a 1 inch thick packet with information suggesting Las Vegas as the best place to have the Seminar and maybe Hoover Dam as a tour.  Doug told Janon there were potentially other locations like Phoenix, Portland, North Florida and North Carolina in the race for this Seminar and the decision may be made by AKCA by the summer of 2004.  The weather in Las Vegas is mild in late June according to Janon and they would possibly bring in the other club in Las Vegas to provide support .  Virginia Joiner, of Lone Star ZNA KC, reports their club will be having Dr. Nick Saint-Erne for an all day Seminar on April 17th at the Rose Garden in Hermann Park including a buffet lunch.  This lecture will include some work with a microscope doing fin and gill scrapings and a search for parasites.  Contact Beth Grunden @ (713) 461-7159 or (281) 469-2766 or at grunden@houston.rr.com for more info or to make reservations.  Dot Wilbanks, of Moto Kara Koi Kai, reports they had Shigeru Mano of Dainichi Koi Farm at their March meeting and koi sale.  Mano-san brought many Gosanke tosai (1 year olds) from his farm and from other dealers to the sale.  Dainichi Koi Farm has a new bloodline and they only obtained 30 koi from 200,000 babies they would consider Dainichi koi.  Ron &

Nancy Goforth hosted this event at their new home in Friendswood, TX.  Ron hopes to have his new koi

pond up and running within a year.  Bob Pehlke, from Chicago, visited the club for this event.  The club

President announced that Ron Goforth has again been reelected US District Chairman for US ZNA clubs.

 One club member announced a gator guard his business is selling for ponds.  Geoffrey Huntley, of Piedmont

K&WG Society, reports their next meeting will be a koi auction for members to cull their ponds followed by

the normal club business meeting and social gathering.  Gregory just completed his new pond and of course it

is pea soup green at this time but it will clear in time.  Their club meeting in June will host Ray Able with

new koi for sale.  Club members visited Lotus Land Breeders in January and plan a trip to Charleston or to

one of the nearby breeders in June or July.  Club members are also talking of traveling to the North Carolina

Koi Club auction in May.  The Piedmont club sent a letter of resolution in support of North Carolina State

University for their research on ornamental fish.  Timothy Czech, of Pioneer Valley WG&KC, reports their

club will elect Koi Person of the Year and Koi of the Year at their April meeting to meet the May 1 deadline.

Their club has been discussing changes in their club By-Laws to bring their By-Laws more in line with

AKCA’s By-Laws.  Also, a long discussion was held about allowing or not allowing koi dealers to show koi

at their koi show.  Timothy did not say what the final decision was regarding dealers showing koi at their first

koi show still in the planning stages for next year which will be the 10th anniversary of the club.  Pam

Francis, of Michigan Koi & Pond Club-SE, reports their club will hold their Spring Fling club meeting in

May to discuss bringing their ponds out of winter into Spring.  There will be a panel of knowledgeable

speakers at this meeting.  June 19th the club will hold their annual fish auction including educational

comments on the fish being auctioned.  July 10th will be their annual Pond Tour to be held in Livonia, MI. 

Robbi McCleney, of Valley of the Sun KC, reports their club has contacted Burt Ballou to suggest Phoenix

for the 2007 AKCA Seminar.  Most Seminar activities are held in an air conditioned hotel or in air

conditioned busses for tours so the heat should not be a problem in Phoenix.  Mary Oxman, of Ventura KC,

reports Dan Miller hosted their last meeting at this home and discussed pond size and the advantages and

disadvantages of different filter media.  This was very timely for 2 new club members who are in the process

of building their ponds.  Local Veterinarian, Dr. Cherry, asked several thought provoking questions during

the discussion and added some humor to keep the meeting fun.  Club KHA Pam Silverman discussed

Neocide 3 bacterial treatment to club members.

 

 

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Note:  Persons buying 5 or more of a single item from the AKCA Bookstore qualify for the dealer discount price for that item.  There is no such thing as a club discount at the bookstore.  For example, the retail price for the new book Basic Koi Ponds, Filters and Water is $25 but the dealer price is $20 for 5 or more.  So, clubs can save their members money by collecting orders and buying in bulk. 

 

                 

 Doug contacted Las Pampas K&WG Society, Mendocino Coast Koi Club and Ventura club to remind

them to send in their club rosters by May 1st if they wanted to receive 25 free copies of the new Koi Nutrition

Guide.  Doug tried to contact the following clubs with no response:  Austin Koi Club; Blue Water Pond

Club; First Coast K&WG Club; Olympic K,G&WGC; and, Tulsa Koi Society.

 

o        Written report submitted by Bruno:  Koi Kichi & WGC reports that their March meeting was held at the home of Frank & Nancy Morales.  They brought out their new barbecue and had their 1st potluck of the year.  They had a nice turnout for this month’s meeting.  They voted on purchasing two more show tanks that will be designated for club member use.  This will give members who need an emergency hospital tank or holding tank if pond is under construction

 

o         Written report submitted by Bob:   Charles Phelps, of Greater Louisville Goldfish & Koi, said that May 29 & 30th is the show date; everything OK.  Richard Thomas, of Indiana Koi Club, said that Sandy Ooha is giving a lecture at their health Seminar May 1-2.  Mona Coleman, of Northern Nevada, said that the entire club went to the San Francisco Flower Show at the Cow Palace last February.  Their health Seminar featuring Dr. Johnson will be April 15-18.  Their club pond tour will be the 3rd weekend in June.  So Cal Koi Club had their April meeting at Don & Darlene Bolland, new members to the club.  Discussed the pitfalls of pond builders using rocks to line the bottom of the liner ponds built.  They are also working on their annual pond tour to be held on May 23rd in the Laguna Beach, South County area.  Their annual koi auction to be held on July 19th at the Finnegan’s.  David Vence, of West Tennessee, has a new phone number (731) 424-8919); he is the President as well.  Bob has tried to reach him to ask him to send AKCA their club roster.  Lester Berkow, of Tropical Koi Club, said that everything is OK.  Don Apol, of Great Pond & Koi of West MI, said the snow is melting and their club is starting to thaw out.  They are having a meeting April 18th.   Bob tried but was unable to reach the North Florida and Sierra Koi Club.

 

o        Written report submitted by Burt:  Jesus Brito, of Oklahoma KS, said their club will be talking about landscaping around the pond as well as to see a video of Harry’s new fish; he went on a koi buying trip in Virginia.  They will also be talking about their annual club auction.  Carl Fridenstine, of Santa Clara Valley

Koi, said that on the April 16th meeting will be a microscope workshop; taught how to use the scopes and

what to look for.  Working on pond tour (7 ponds) on July 17.  Lucia Rose, of San Francisco Bay KC, said

their Koi Person of the Year is Shiela Jackson.  Will have a koi show April 24-25; will pick koi of year then. Went to Superior Koi ; brought tosai to the meeting; several members bought some of the tasai.  The winner of one year’s growth gets a free trip to Japan!  This is sponsored by Superior Koi.  John Hathaway, of Pacific

Wonderland, said they traveled to the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon.  Dr. Tim Miller-

Morgan gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at study and research including techniques, facility, programs, and studies.  Had a wet lab with the assistance of Dr. Jerry Heidel, DVM, Ph.D., DACVP with emphasis on care and use of a microscope.  Linda Montgomery, of Cascade K&GFS, said their last meeting speaker was KHA Jeff Thomas; did a talk on spring start up.  Will bring up the AKCA Seminar (2007) for their area.  At their next meeting Linda will speak on fall & spring chemical treatments of koi ponds.  Norbun Watson, of Middle Georgia Koi Soc., said they are working on their pond tour scheduled for June 5th; will send their roster to Doug.  Henry Culpepper, of Orlando Area Koi & Pond Club, said the meeting after AFKAPS at Merle Deland’s; the President did a history of Nishikigoi.  Johnny Foster, of Nature’s Coast K&WGC, said their club went to the Kanapoha Spring Garden Festival in place of a regular meeting.  Also went to North Florida’s young koi show last week and then to Seabrol Nursery & Gainesville club had their meeting there.  This nursery specializes in Louisiana irises.  On April 24th the club will participate in an Animal Fair in Gainesville with the Florida Museum of Natural History.  Joe White, of Florida East Coast, said their meeting on April 18th will have the Ziegler food rep as speaker; still winding down from AFKAPS.  So. Koi Association submitted a list of members to ZNA through Ron Goforth.  1st meeting is May 1st at Henry Culpepper’s home.  They ordered a bunch of tosai sanke’s from Matt McCants of Quality Koi & the members will have a growing contest & enter them in the next AFKAPS or a young fish show.  Matt will be flying down to do a talk about these tosai.  Kenneth Wong, of Dallas Koi Kichi Group, said they are working on their koi show May 7-9th.  Some members went to the KHA wet lab; some members went to San

 

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Antonio for koi sale @ Water Garden Gems & Texas Koi & FancyGoldfish Society.  Laura Adams, of Koi & WGC of No. Texas, said they just finished 2 weekends of a

display at the Dallas Arboretum Blooms Festival.   They have one more week this next Sunday; working on

their pond tour Sept. 18th.  Next meeting is April 17th; a corporate sponsor, Water Gardens Galore, will talk

on building & maintaining water gardens.  ZNAOC’s last meeting had a roundtable discussion & also

discussed issues for their next koi show.  They voted to exclude professionals from showing.  Debby Young,

of So. Arizona KC, said they are having a pond tour May 1 & 2nd with 17 ponds; will be a 2 day tour & 1

night tour.  Will start planning their koi show next week. 

 

o         Written report submitted by Carole:  Gregory Young, of Niagara K&PS, expressed concern about the distribution of the upcoming nutrition guides.  He feels that under the current system, not all of their members would be able to receive a guide; he asked that we reconsider this position; felt that other clubs probably feel the same way.  I will bring it up at our next meeting.  Their newsletter is being forwarded to me.

 

o        Written report submitted by Spike:  Ray Jordan, of Texas K&GFS, said they recently held elections with Cindy Good as President.  Eddie Elizondo was voted Koi Person of the Year.  They just finished a very successful annual spring fish sale and seminars featuring Mr. Megumi Yoshida & the history of Maruyama koi breeding, koi selection and koi feeding and care.  Garry Chin, of Camellia KC, reports they will be sponsoring and participating in activities that will place their club out front with the general public and other clubs.  On April 15th they will be sponsoring a one day seminar on pond modification at the Rocklin Library.  This is geared towards those who are getting ready to build a koi pond or already have one but would like some improvements.  The featured speakers are Ben Plonski, of Laguna Koi Ponds, and Mr. Peters of Peters and Sons Koi.  On May 6th, their club will be participating in the Health and Human Services Agency’s 13th Annual Asian Pacific Islander Day Celebration in the Bateson Building in Sacramento.  They complete their Spring ’04 activities with their koi pond and Garden Tour on May 23rd; featuring eight koi ponds and gardens in the area.  Nick Leschuck, of Northern Midwest ZNA, reports that at their March 27th meeting they had their first ever “Rock Party.”  Mona & Mark Hall installed a watergarden 3 years ago but had a buildup of “muck” in 4-6” of bottom gravel.  Relocated the koi into a temporary holding tank and the pond was drained; members removed the rocks from the pond bottom one bucket at a time.  Once completed, plants were placed back in the pond on their shelves and then the pond filled.  Members were then treated to a delicious steak dinner for their hard work followed by a short business meeting.  On April 17th the meeting will be at the home of Philip Bronikowski. 

 

o        Written report submitted by Phil Hunter:  Greg Bates, of the Capitol Area Koi &WGC, reports that the first meeting of the year, entitled “Spring Thaw,” was held at the Delta Community Center and over 60 people were in attendance.  Greg Bates gave a presentation on the steps to be taken when opening the pond for this season.  Dave Evans gave a presentation on good pond designing for those planning on building a new pond this year.  The topic for the April meeting will be Healthy Water.  Judith Minor Roberts, of the Mountaineer Koi & WGS, reports that the club will have its first meeting of 2004 in April.  The topic will be “Opening Your Pond.”  Becky Maier, of the Dayton Koi & Goldfish Club, reports that at the March meeting, Lee Fister gave a presentation on Koi Bloodlines.  The club is also considering a private club pond tour this summer.  Don Hellard, of the Gainesville Koi, Goldfish & WGC, reports that once again the club has successfully competed the All Florida Koi Club Show for 2004.  This year’s show was attended by Toen Feyden, from Holland, and Mike Harvey, from South Africa.  Head Judge, Jim Reilly was ably assisted by Steve Drake, Bob Winkler, and Tom Ayers.  The club will be participating in the Spring Garden Festival at the local Botanic Garden in April.  Linda Siler, of the Springfield Watergarden Society, reports that the club’s March meeting was held at the Mid-American Cancer Center.  The meeting was the clubs annual auction for pond and garden related items.  Mia Kesske, from Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, spoke on pond care, algae control and fish medications.  The April meeting topic will be getting your plants ready for the new season.  Clubs not reporting this month are:  Inland Empire Water Garden & Koi Society, and the Shasta Koi & Water Garden Society. 

 

o         Written report submitted by Ed:  Claudia Brownlie, of Koi Club of Middle Tennessee, said their club is now focusing all efforts on having a koi sale in late June, open to the public.  They want to offer nice quality

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o         fish that most ponders are not exposed to, and of course, hope to add money to their treasury and gain a new member or two.  Club member, Gene Winsted, owner of Koi Village, will supply the koi.  He will also give a lecture before the sale, speaking on koi appreciation.

 

o        Written report submitted by Carl:  Carl reported that the Oregon Koi & Watergarden Club had a great time at the Umpqua Valley Home Builders Association Home Show.  This is the first time they had a booth at this show; had approximately 10,000 people walking through over the weekend.  Members chatted with folks about pond building, predators, fish health, water quality and other hobby related subjects.  Time will tell if the club will add new members as a result of this show.  The club focus is now on their June 19th Koi show.  Carl finally was able to contact Roselyn McVicker, of the Koi & Water Garden Society of Central New York, via the hand line.  The problem was that they had trouble with computer virus and were not opening emails from addresses they didn’t recognize.  They have a club web site: cnykoi.com  Their next meeting is April 19th and will be electing officers, planning a pond tour and helping members opening ponds from the winter.  They will be discussing ways to expand their club membership.  There are some really beautiful ponds in their area but the owners do not seem interested in joining a club. 

 

o        Written report submitted by Larry:  Sandy Fisher, of the Mid-Michigan Pond & Water Garden Club, said their April meeting will be at Flushing Township Hall and the speaker will be Pat, from Creative Water Works.  The subject will be “Lighting” in and around your pond and yard.  Melissa Jackson, of Cherokee Strip Water Garden Society, said they held their first meeting of spring on March 25th.  Their guest speaker was Tony Krehbiel, of Koi Country, in Tulsa Oklahoma.  Tony is always a wonderful speaker and he shared information on starting up the pond for a successful season with your koi.  Ledean Paden, of the Prairieland Koi & Pond Society, said they will have their annual build your own system seminar on April 17th at 9 am.  They will meet at Hoerrs Nursery, in Peoria, IL.  Plans are underway for a pond tour in June.  The executive board will be splitting responsibilities for the monthly meetings, to lesson the load on one person.  Member of the year is Tom Trotter.  Shelly Klinger, of Central Illinois Water Gardeners, said they will meet on

Saturday, April 10, 2004 at the airport hanger, in Bloomington, at 9:30 a.m.  Their water gardens are beginning to come alive with the koi and goldfish being seen basking in the sun near the surface of the water.  At long last they can take the de-icers out of the ponds, says Shelly!  Mike Rohde, of the Ohio Koi Club, said they are all ready for their Koi Health Seminar.  For more info call Mary Ann Bergman at (937) 898-7639.  Lynne Jones, of the St. Louis Water Gardeners Society, said their next meeting will be April 29th and will be on water quality.  May 1st they will have a field trip to Ozark Fisheries.   

 

o         Written report submitted by Kelly Houston:  Inland Koi Society will hold its April 25th general meeting at the home of Bob & Vickie Simmons, in Corona.  The pond is approximately 22,000 gallons; it takes five pumps, three filters and a bank of U.V. lights to keep the pond healthy and to keep the four waterfalls working.  They have around 60-70 koi; Dave Harrison, of Paradise Ponds, maintains the pond.  The guest speaker will be Angelo Pazimino, who is a pond and rock formation builder from Riverside. 

 

o         Written report submitted by Joyce Glenn:  David Marier, of Atlanta Koi Club, reports that the Atwells are the club’s Persons of the Year.  David Fox has the document to submit his photo for the Champion of Champions.  Their annual pond tour is scheduled for July 17-18th.  Their annual koi auction and plant sale will be held April 17th at Coastal Pond Supplies which is owned by one of their members, Bill Dowden.  The 10th annual Atlanta Koi Show will be held Sept. 17-19th at a new site for them: the North Atlanta Trade Center.  The club has decided to separate from JapanFest held at Stone Mountain.  After some lively discussion the club voted on and passed a new set of club bylaws.  Fred McCorkle, of Florida West Coast Koi & WGC, reported the club is going down to Naples for the Spring Bus Tour, to see a new high end koi dealer and visit a couple of ponds.  The All Florida show was a good one.  The quality was really good.  The compartment type filters which were on display there really caught his eye.  Leroy Taba, of Hawaii Goldfish & Carp Assoc., reported he is making a new roster.  There are more names to be added to the old list.  He is up to here with the upcoming AKCA Seminar plans.  He has sent in the name of their Koi Person to Burt; do not have a Koi of the Year.  Jenny Amram, of Charleston Showa Koi Club, reported they are having a Pond Tour on May 15th to benefit the “Make a Wish” foundation.  It is to be followed by a reception at the Patton’s home.  Ginny Lee, of Washington K&WGS, reports the club is having a plant sale in June, a Pond Tour in July and a show right after Labor Day.  Their Koi Person of the Year will be elected during their April meeting.  Dave Peebler, of Koi Club of Kansas, said the April 18th meeting will be a Hoe Down theme, with members wearing Western attire.  Western music will be present.  Program will be Stump the Chumps.  The panel of Chumps will try to answer your questions.  Each is assigned to write down at least 3 questions to ask at that meeting. 

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o         Written report submitted by Harlan Glenn:  Chuck Poppe, of ZNA Potomac, said they are getting ready for their auction in May and their show in September.  The weather has been so varied that the fish are struggling, which Chuck says is normal for the season.  The Koi Club of San Diego has nothing to report other than they plan to have a number of people going to the Nishiki Show at the Fullerton Arboretum in April. 

 

PROXY CALLS FOR MAY

§         Have you turned in the AKCA ballot?

§         Has your club voted on the Koi & Koi Person of the Year?? Sent in photos??

§         Has your club sent in club roster?

 

OLD BUSINESS:  

 

Ø       Name Badges:  Joan passed around samples of name tags, some with magnetic backing, that we could consider for the AKCA/KOI USA Board and staff.  The prices ranged from $8.50 to $13.50 each.  No decision made. 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

 

Ø       Hawaii Trip:  Burt and his wife went to Hawaii to meet with the club and hotel regarding our upcoming Seminar.  Past policy has been to reimburse the individual for airfare; Burt asked to be reimbursed $556 for airfare for him.   Motion:  To reimburse Burt $556 for air fair for Hawaii. Motion by Larry, 2nd by Bob.  Approved

 

Ø       Judging Committee Policies:  Doug handed out policies/past motions affecting the judging committee.  We went over, line by line, and made final approval.

 

Motion:  To adjourn the meeting 8:50 p.m.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Burt.  Approved

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Carole Elliott