AKCA Minutes of August 11, 2006

 

Officers Present:                                  Directors Present:                                               Guests:

Chair: Larry Leverett                   Kelly Houston (Inland)                   

Vice Chair:  Harlan Glenn                      Louie Hernandez (ZNA SoCalif)                                                   

Secretary:  Carole Elliott                      Joan Finnegan (Louisville)

CFO:  Doug Dahl                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                               

Board Highlights:

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The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Larry Leverett @ 7:05 pm.  

v       MINUTES:  Motion:  To approve the minutes of July 14.  Motion by Joyce, 2nd by Joan.  Approved.

 

v       JULY FINANCIAL STATEMENT/FINANCE COMMITTEE:

 

Doug reported that the investment fund gained $1763 in July.  Burt was able to get the Hyatt to agree to refund $2995.20 room attrition.  Our insurance went up $348 as a result of an audit that discovered we had more clubs than reported.  Motion:  To approve $2500-3000 for Joseph to do AKCA annual review.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Harlan.  Approved.  Discussion about reordering pond construction guides.  It was felt that we need to convert to DVD rather than VHS.  Motion:  To reorder 50 pond construction guides for DVD or 12 VHS.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Harlan.  Approved.  The company that made our I Love Koi bumper stickers is no longer in business in Denver.  Joan will check into getting someone else to print.  Doug is still waiting for expenses from the Host club for the 2006 Seminar.  We sold $1731 in bookstore materials, 3 KOI USA magazines and obtained 3 new KOI USA subscriptions.  We paid $260 commission plus $373 shipping one way.  9 clubs have not paid their AKCA dues; four of the clubs have folded.  The 2007 AKCA Arizona Seminar budget is showing $1365 net profit that is attached for Board approval.  The numbers are based on 169 entrants, 405 room nights.  Thursday tours are not included and are expected to be break even.  Motion:  To accept the budget showing a $1365 net profit.  Motion by Harlan, 2nd by Joan.  Approved. 

 

KOI USA Inc. will only approve ad requests received by KOI USA at least 2 month prior to the

 event for club Koi Show or Pond Tour Booklets.  Do Not take it for granted that an ad will be approved.  Maximum paid will be $100.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

v     SCIENTIFIC:  Spike’s report indicated they are doing well.  The estimated budget will be the same as last year ($15,825).  Karen Pattist is developing the specifics for the recertification of KHAs.  She is also working on CE projects.   

 

v     KHV Project:  Spike’s report indicated that they are not on track; can’t get help he needs.  He drafted a letter to AVMA; lecture on the KHA program to the TAPS convention in TX.       

 

v      PUBLICATION:    Joan discussed the previous KOI USA meeting minutes.  Tom had reported on his visit to Pondapolooza where he met reps of a lot of pond related businesses.  Tom also reported the “Free Magazine” card is at the printer.  It is coded and will have an expiration date of July 31, ’07.  Joe has been able to make some real progress with the website.  To help Joe with his work, he is looking at a Dell XPS and Photo Shop which will cost a total of $2231 and includes a 19” ultrasharp monitor and Microsoft Office.  He would like to contact all web masters and would like to send them a list of things to put on the web.  Steve reported the magazine is two and a half weeks behind.  He is working hard to get back on track.  He has developed a form for high rez photos and write-up space featuring a koi show.  This should make the process of show reporting easier.  Joe Cuny is retiring.  Joyce will ask Pam Spindola if she would be willing to coordinate an article made from various people who will be asked to write their thoughts about Joe.  They decided to do a Seminar Breakfast as apposed to a Cocktail Party at the 2007 Seminar because of costs.   Motion:  To eliminate early and new registrants rebates.  Motion by Joan, 2nd by Joyce.  Approved with 1 opposed.

 

v      MEMBERSHIP:  Doug reported that 99 clubs have paid their dues; 5 have not paid their dues and 4 clubs have folded. 

 

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v      JUDGING:  Joan discussed leaking judges tanks that were sent back to dealer. 

 

v       SPEAKER’S GRANT:  NR

 

v      GUIDES:   NR

 

v      INSURANCE:  Insurance paid; premium costs went up (see financial report).

 

SEMINAR REPORTS:

 

v      2007 Phoenix, Ariz.  Seminar:  Joan received a letter from Robbie; everything is going well.

 

v      2008 Jacksonville, Fla. Seminar:  NR 

 

v       2009 San Diego, CA:  NR

 

REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTS:

 

q       Written report submitted by Doug:  Judy Schwartz, of Austin Pond Society, reports the club had a very successful Pond Tour with 28 ponds and 2 at night grossing $10,000.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to rebuild the koi pond in the rose garden of Zilker Park.  The newsletter from Central Calif. KC reports pond temperatures are nearing 90F.  The July meeting topic was “Proper Use of Rock Salt in a Pond.”  Teresa Lawrence, of First Coast K&WGC, reports their koi show is planned for Saturday, Oct. 14.  The show will include a koi auction, raffle and door prizes.  Joe White will be the Judge for the show.  For more info go to www.first coastkoiclub.com.  Sue Boydstun, of Idaho WGS, reports the club just held their annual Pond Tour.  Attendance was down due to 106F temps.  The Pond Tour financially broke even but the club gained 7 new members.  Aug. 12/13 will be the annual koi show with Burt Ballou as judge.  Bob Sievert, of Las Vegas KC, reports guest Derek York, from England, gave a presentation on Japanese Koi and judged the club grow out contest.  The 1st annual koi show is scheduled for Oct. 6-8th at the Palace Station Casino in Las Vegas.  Details are on www.lasvegaskoiclub.com.  The newsletter for Lone Star ZNA KC reports the speaker for the July meeting was Mike Nall (KHA) speaking on medications the club should have on hand.  The newsletter also referred members to the club website for the Oct., 2005 newsletter article on How to Prepare for Hurricane Season.  The Jandiks will give a slide presentation from the 2006 AKCA Seminar in Buffalo at the Aug. meeting.  Following the presentation, club members will caravan to visit a new, major pond installation in the area.  Member Dennis Reichling is moving and his koi are for sale.  Contact Dennis at drichling@entouch.net for details and photos.  The newsletter had an article discussing problems and precautions to be taken when pond water temps reach 85F.  There was also an article by Dr. Gene Ewy on Transporting Koi.  Barry Hixson, of Mid Atlantic KC, reports the north chapter koi show will be 9/30-10/1 in Allentown, PA.  Pam Francis, of Michigan K&PC-SE, reports a very successful discussion which charities to receive part of the proceeds.  Aug 19th the club will hold a members only Progressive Dinner visiting 3 ponds.  Dot Wilbanks, of Moto Kara Koi Kai, has nothing to report.  Don Krantz, of Nashville PS, reports the annual Parade of Ponds will be Aug. 19/20.  For details, go to www.nashvillepond.org.  Melinda Christopher, of Olympic K,G&WGC, reports the club Pond Tour is Aug. 12 with 9 ponds.  The club was able to get a very nice article in the newspaper about the tour.  Geoffrey Huntley, of Piedmont K&WGS, reports their annual koi show in Charlotte will be Nov. 3-5.  Kristine Jones, of Salt Lake KC, reports Tom Holder of Koi Care Kennel will be the speaker for the August meeting.  His topic will be koi health.  Sheb Masters, of The Great Smoky Mountain KC&PS, reports the club’s 1st Annual Pond tour will be Aug. 12/13 and the proceeds will be donated to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.  They will also raffle a free pond donated by one of the tour sponsors.  The club recently interviewed for the local newspaper and the article will appear Aug. 11 in the Knoxville paper.  Club president will also be featured on a local talk radio show on Aug. 10th.  Club members plan to attend the Atlanta Koi Club show in Sept. and will also take a field trip to a local koi farm in August.  Ed Reed, of Triad K&WGS, reports they are continuing to help members with pond and koi issues.  The club will host an expo on May 4-6, 2007 and is planning their 1st Pond Tour in June, 2007.  The club will present it’s 1st Friendship Award at the Atlanta Koi Show in Sept.  Dick Emerick, of Upper Midwest KC, reports they have a goal for their 1st Trade Show in 2007 and 1st Koi Show in 2008.  The club is working to gain business sponsors and will be mentioned on a local radio show

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q       soon.  Local Vet. Doc Amy has agreed to write articles for the club newsletter and to provide support to the club.  The club membership is up to 25 families and continues to grow.  Robbi Venditti, of Valley of the Sun KC, reports they have submitted the budget for the 2007 AKCA Seminar in Phoenix and have some great plans for attendees.  The newsletter for Ventura KC reports the July meeting was the annual barbeque.  The club presented their Koi Person of the Year Award to Harry Wagner at the meeting.  They announced a member’s Fish Sale of Monty’s koi on 9/9 and member April Falwell has a 26” male Chagoi for sale.    For details contact Grace at (805) 526-7895 and April at (805) 373-5535 respectively.  The newsletter included an article about Spring Hair Algae by Burt Ballou.  Doug tried to contact the following clubs with no response:  Blue Water PC; Dai Ichi KC; Enchanted K&WGC; Las Pampas K&WGS; Middle Georgia WGC; Pioneer Valley WG&KC; Rhode Island & Massachusetts KC; and, Tulsa KS.

 

q       Written report submitted by Bob:  So Cal Koi Club just had their koi auction that was very successful; they had fish ranging from 4” to 30”; a lot of enthusiastic koi hobbyists participated and got some great koi.  They are currently planning their annual Christmas Party.   

 

q       Written report for Burt submitted by Doug:  The Dallas Koi Kichi Group newsletter reminded members that during heat spells, cities add extra chlorine to water systems and members need to treat the chlorine when adding water to the pond.  The clubs 1st Fish & Equipment Auction will be on 9/2 at the Pond Store in Colleyville.  Newsletter articles included:  KHA article about treating anchor worm, Where Did All the O2 Go by KHA David Jones, Adachi Museum Garden in Japan, Dealing with Tap Water, Protection of Ponds against spraying for West Nile Virus.  Jack Garner, of Koi & WGC of No. Texas, reports a dry summer that is 20 inches behind in rainfall.  Watering is only allowed one day each week.  KHA David Jones has joined the club and plans to help members.  The speaker at the last club meeting was Richard Smart of the Dallas Storm Water Management dept.  The topic was preventing runoff pollution into the storm drains.  Rod Lawton, of Southern Koi Assoc. ZNA, reports the club is planning a koi show on Nov. 17-19 in Naples, Fla.  The Naples area is new to koi and businesses are starting to show interest in koi.  They are trying to keep this 1st koi show size in control but the interest by hobbyist and dealers has been overwhelming.  Many club members are also active in planning the upcoming Central Florida Koi Show for Mar 9-11, 2007.  This year the club will host the annual ZNA Presidents meeting, Koi judging Seminar and will add a wet lab at this show.  Linda Montgomery, of Cascade K&GFC, reports the July meeting included a field trip to Orient Farms Koi retailer.  A round table discussion was held on pond and fish health problems.  August will be the club annual picnic.  John Hathaway, of Pacific Wonderland KC, reports the club held their annual barbeque Aug. 5th.  Wally & John Hathaway demonstrated a trickle tower in operation on a koi pond.  Barb Flowers, of Rocky Mountain KC, reports the club is getting ready for the 17th Annual Koi Show on Aug. 19/20 at the Tagawa Garden Center in Aurora, Colo.  Election of club officers will happen at the Sept. meeting.  Johnny Foster, of Nature’s Coast K&WGC, reports 27 members turned out for the July meeting despite the heat.  20 club members enjoyed a field trip to the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville in late July.  The August meeting will feature the editor of the Gainesville Sun newspaper Garden section who will talk about plants that attract butterflies.

 

q       Written report submitted by Carole:  Niagara Frontier Koi & Pond Club’s newsletter reported that they had a successful, although wet, pond tour on July 22nd.  A special thanks to the Young’s for their untiring support.  Judy Tucholski will sepak to the club this month; slide presentation on water iris and answer any questions.  At their July meeting they had a small auction.  The guest speaker was Dave Swanka; discussed “Roses”.  Starting to plan for the Fair.  Dave Cope, of Bakersfield K&WGS, said that in June Chai gave a very enlightening discussion on ability to choose a koi without spending a small fortune.  At their last meeting at Donna Kisela’s home where her pond had just been completed.  Frank Morales spoke on ponds and pond construction with emphasis upon the filter system.  At their Aug. 12th meeting will discuss a battery back-up system, koi show, and water quality issues.  The 7th Annual Golden Empire Koi Show will be Oct. 20-22nd.   Kathy Hoffman, of South Carolina K&WGS, said that their club news does not seem to be making it in to the KOI USA Magazine.  (Brenda Atwell needs to be contacted).  Buck Williams, of Central Alabama K&WGS, said they just had their inner club pond tour.  The will have an exhibit next month (Sept. 23rd) and will give away some koi.  He would go to an AKCA Seminar that was in driving distance from him.  Mike Przewoznik, of High Desert Koi Fanciers, said they are doing their pond tours right now.  Roselyn McVicker, of K&WGS of Central New York, said that because they can’t keep interest high in their club, they will be dropping out of AKCA.  Jerry Woodbury, of Miami Valley WGS, said they survived the pond tour.  Will have a picnic in Sept.  Have 100 family members.  Would go to an AKCA Seminar that was within 4-6 hours driving time.  Gary Floyd, of Amarillo Koi Society, said that Bo Long received their Koi Person of the Year award.  The club was hired as consultants to help design a new pond in Amarillo for

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q       Baptist Community Services.  The pond will be in the downtown area and will be between 8-10,000 gallons.  It will feature 2 waterfalls dropping into a upper pool of water then 3 falls dropping into the main pond.  It will have state of the art filter systems, verifiable speed pumps around 3 hp.  The pump house will house the filtering system, sump from bottom drains, UV’s, vortex pre filters.  It will also have 50,000 pounds of rock.  Larry Hursh, of Genesse Valley Pond & KC, said that things have been very busy for the club with their own and support activities with other groups.  They also signed up a couple of new families during their pond tour.  For their meeting on Sept. 8th they will have a presentation by one of the local nursery companies on adding fall and winter color and interest around the ponds and streams.  On Oct. 6th, they will hold a member participation/;round table discussion on this years successes, problems and even some confessions of problems.  They tested the idea last year and it was a great success.  Everyone seemed interested in joining in the discussions and they claimed to have learned more by sharing the experiences of others than they could from reading books, articles and presentations.  Members agreed to a welcome break at a winter meeting. 

 

q       Written report submitted by Larry:  Darlene Jennings, from the Mid-Michigan Pond & WGC, said they had a very successful pond tour with over 400 visitors.  Special thanks to all the pond owners for letting so many people walk through their yards.  The August meeting will be their annual summer Potluck meeting held at the home of Jim & Cathy Reigle.  The club provides the meat, drinks and table settings.  Ron Carter, of Prairieland K&PS, said their pond tour was GREAT!!  There were 10 ponds on the tour.  After deducting expenses they made $3,000 and received 32 new member families.  There were three raffles of items their executive board made and the money from those were included in the above figure.  One was a spectacular 8 ft. bridge for a pond made by V.P. Sheldon Bevard;, one was a hand painted window of a pond made by Dir. Lori Kruger and the last was a bench that had hand painted Koi on it also made by Lori.  Their next meeting is Saturday the 12th at the home of Directors Mark & Sandy Schatsiek.  They will have a lesson on planting in and around the pond given by member Vince Heinz.  This should turn out to be an excellent meeting.  Plus, they get to meet most of their new members.  Michael Jackson, of West Plains WGS, said they won’t meet until Sept.  Joan Woelfel, of St. Louis WGS, said Dr. Mark Griffin, Dir. Of Zoo and Aquatics for Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, was the guest speaker for their July program.  Previously, he was a nutritionist for Purina Mills, involved with nutrition projects for a wide range of animals such as sharks, polar bears and flamingos, as well as koi.  He gave them a “Fish Nutrition 101” class (they picked up 33 new members from their June public pond tour, Pond-O-Rama).  At the end of July, they have a members-only tour of five member ponds plus a commercial water feature which was well attended, in spite of the temperatures nearing the 100 degree mark.  No reply from:  Central Illinois WG; Cherokee Strip WGS; and, Ohio KC.

 

q       Written report submitted by Joyce Glenn:  Ludo Van den Bogart, of Tampa Bay, said things are pretty quiet.  It’s summer there; dues will be sent as soon as their treasurer mends from his bypass surgery.  Bob Waag, of Florida West Coast, said they will have a plant swap next month.  This month they talked about planning their pond plants.  Bob Bosek, of Washington K&WG, said they just had their pond tour and it was very successful.  Now they are beginning to plan their annual show.  Roderick MacNeil, of Charleston Showa Club, said they are looking for a permanent place to meet.  They are getting too big to meet in homes.  Other than that, those who had city water had pH crashes.  A couple of KHA people, Robert Lewis and Johana Hanson, were on hand to help people bring their pH back up safely.  Dave Peebler, of Koi Club of Kansas, said that Kansas has also had lots of three digit weather.  In fact, they cancelled their August meeting for that very reason.  They are trying to keep koi happy with fresh water and shade cloth.  There is to be a photography contest in Sept.; prizes will go to the winners.  Michael Anderson, of Atlanta Koi Club, said their big annual koi and goldfish show is Sept. 15-17.  Head Judge will be Pam Spindola with Chuck Poppe and David Young as Assistant Judges.  The club website is bringing in around two new memberships per month.  Latest membership count is 152 members in 103 households.  Leroy Taba, of Hawaii GF&CA, said he is the club’s President now.  The big show is on Labor Day weekend tied in with the Okinawan Festival; this is a very heavily attended show.

 

q       Written report submitted by Kelly Houston:  Inland Koi Society reports that the Aug. 27th meeting will be at Mac & Jill McClain.  The guest speaker will be Barbara Johnson, the Fish Lady, talking on the common sense approach to koi pond maintenance.  They will host their 9th Annual Pond Tour on Sunday, Sept. 24th visiting 7 ponds between Rancho Cucamonga and Chino as well as a visit to Mystic Koi.        

 

q       Written report submitted by Louie Hernandez:  Louie, rep for ZNA SoCal, reports that instead of their July meeting, members donated their time to man their booth at the Lotus Festival in Los Angeles.  They all had fun introducing people to the world of “Living Jewels.”  Their Aug. meeting was held at the home of Tom Holder, owner of Koi Care Kennel.  His insight to keeping koi was very interesting.  Chai

 

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q       Taevanitcharoen presented to Linda Seu their “Koi Person of the Year” plaque made out to Charlie and Linda Seu.  We all miss Charlie for the friend he was and his and Linda’s dedication to their club and the hobby.

 

PROXY CALLS FOR September

§         Ideas for topics/speakers for upcoming Seminars as well as locations you would like to go to!

 

Upcoming AKCA Annual Calendar Events for August

Next Seminar budget submitted and approved

CFO submits annual budget

 

OLD BUSINESS:  

q       Rep Grant:  Discussion about costs of having club reps flown out to attend AKCA meeting twice a year.  Felt that because of the costs we should do this only once a year.  Motion:  To have a club rep drawing once a year instead of twice a year.  Motion by Larry, 2nd by Louie.  Approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS: No Report

 

Motion:  To adjourn the meeting 8:35 p.m.  Motion by Joyce, 2nd by Harlan.  Approved.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Carole Elliott