THE NEXT MEETING OF

AKCA Minutes of February 8,2002

Officers Present: Directors Present: Guests:

Chair: Larry Leverett Burt Ballou (OCZNA+ 6 clubs) Spike Cover (OCZNA)

Vice Chair: Doug Dahl Joyce Glenn (Ikiru Hoseki, etc) Tom Graham

Secretary: Carole Elliott Kelly Houston (Inland) Mark Whalen (OCZNA)

CFO: Harlen Glenn (San Diego) Lisa Barnett (Nishiki)

Joan Finnegan (Greater Louisville)

Bob Finnegan (SoCal + 6 clubs)

(Please note that clubs that AKCA Board members represent will NOT be listed individually except in the case of their primary club)

CLUBS THAT HAVE BEEN DROPPED FROM AKCA!

Cherokee Strip Water Garden Society, Missouri Water Gardening & Koi Assoc., St John Koi & Water Garden Club

CLUBS THAT STILL NEED TO SEND IN THEIR ROOSTERS!

Chesapeake & Potomac K& WGS, Greater Boston Koi Keeper Society,

Klahanie Koi Club, North Texas WGS, Showa Koi Club,

Sierra Koi Club, RNA Potomac, & ZNA So Cal

Please send in your rosters ASAP!

Board Highlights

Ballots for Koi Person of the Year & Koi of the Year are included with minutes ‑‑‑ Deadline is May 1^st 2002

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Larry Leverett. There are 100 member clubs.

MINUTES Motion: To approve the Minutes of January 11, 2002 with the following correction: there was a quorum present. Motion by Joyce, 2nd by Joan. Approved

JANUARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT: No report; Carl is on vacation.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

KOI USA: Joyce reported that they met last Tuesday, Feb. 5"' and reviewed the new in‑house ads (those we use in magazines). They also have a new billing and renewal letters. These and the ads were designed by Barry Paveles. The Buyer's Guides have been sent to the printer and will go out in April.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE: Spike handed out the monthly KHA Program report; stated that there are some sections that are falling behind. This is a bigger job than everyone thought it was! The water quality test is complete as well as all lab materials identified sufficient to let KHAs start acquiring the material. Due to the scope of material, there are still some sections that have not been completed. Spike stated that we are under budget. We also have received approvals to use some copyrighted material in the course. Norm Mock wrote water test kit evaluation and recommendations as well as how to test the test kits document. Nine students, out of 80, have dropped out of the program (this is to be expected).

MEMBERSHIP: Doug reported that one club, from western Massachusetts, has expressed an interest in joining AKCA. Debbie Tibbetts‑Young will send out a club kit to them.

JUDGING: Bob stated that he thought that their expenses would be around $2400‑3000 this coming year. This is an AKCA function/expense ‑‑‑ not a Seminar expense. He stated that they have a good program lined up.

SPEAKERS GRANT: No report.

GUIDES: No report.

SEMINAR REPORTS:

2002 SEMINAR: Mark reported that the Seminar is doing nicely. There are many speakers on board including the Judges committee, Kodama, Spike Cover, Ben Plonski (from Laguna Koi Ponds), Roark, and Grant Fujita, etc. Vendors are beginning to sign up with several prominent names on board like Ecological Laboratories and Koi Kennel who have both stepped up to support AKCA by sponsoring breakfasts at the Seminar. The three trips are in place: wine country, dealer tour and a trip to downtown San Francisco. The pond tour is almost set. The web site is set and people may register on line on their site: hLtp://bayarea.com or go to the AKCA web‑site which has a link to the home site

2003 SEMINARS: Doug stated that there is a lot of good news. They have bids from three hotels; one seems to meet all our requirements. They have asked for a list of all committee heads for the 2002 Seminar so that they may contact them (to learn from them). Burt suggested that they also contact Houston, i.e. Beth., to talk to them about their Seminar and experience

2004/2005 SEMINARS: Open; still looking at several sites for upcoming Seminars. Please contact us if your club is interested!

REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTS:

Written report submitted by Burt: Henry Culpepper, of Central Florida stated that their January

meeting was held pond side at the home of Chris Schroettinger. Henry brought 4 koi ranging in size from 15" to 19" to be given away, One was an Ochiba that Chris Schroettinger had‑given him

12 months prior when it was only 5". The Ochiba is now 19" and had very nice conformation. The club voted Henry "Koi Person of the Year" and unanimously reelected last years officers to serve for another year. Debby Young, of Southern Arizona said that they will have a booth at Tucson Community Center in April; pond tour probably late April or early May. 10 members are going to the San Diego Koi Show; passed out the AKCA Health guides. Jackie Welch, of Oklahoma ABC, said that their koi show is set for Labor Day Weekend at the fairgrounds in a different building; haven't heard of any members with koi problems from their ice storm. They are trying to set up their spring koi sale with Ray Abel. Carl Fridenstine, of Santa Clara Valley Koi , said that they are working on the koi show at the Cow Palace; big show with 49 tanks on March 22‑20. The Board of Directors is considering 3 local public gardens that have ponds; they will decide which garden they will sponsor. Linda Montgomery, of Cascade K&GFS. said that they had their Xmas banquet in January; a Chinese gift exchange was fun silent auction with koi plaque; some bonsai; bronze cranes; some excellent gifts for raffle, doing Home & Garden Show in Portland Feb. 20‑24th an educational display. Johnny Foster, of Nature's Coast K&WGC, said that they are going to a nursery (field trip) then AFKAPS meeting. Last month's meeting was at a bed and breakfast on the Swawnee River; had a big crowd & a big meal. Their 2nd koi show will be in

Oct.; a lot of their members are going to Tropical Koi Club's show Feb. 23rd: it’s their first koi show. Joe White, of Florida East Coast, said that at the Feb. 6th meeting, Paula Biles will speak on water plants. At their last meeting, Joe White showed members how to transport, salt dip, introduce new fish to pond (in preparation for AFKAPS show); showed how to anesthetize koi, etc. The upcoming meeting is at the Holiday Inn in Deland & they are advertising to the public to hopefully get some new members. Norbun Watson, of Warner Robins KC said that their new club President is Pete Shilton; V.P. is Jean Burt; Treasurer is William Andrews; and Secretary is Andrews. They are planning a spring Pond Tour; planning a field trip to Atlanta Koi Show. Peter Enfield, of Pacific Wonderland ' said that they elected officers at their last meeting: President Dale Richardson; V.P. is Peter Enfield, Treasurer is Sharon Richardson, Secretary is Wally Hathaway. Sheila Jackson, of San Francisco Bay KC, said that they are working on the AKCA Seminar. Elected officers: President is Lucia Rose, V.P. is Janet Freer, Secretary is Joelan Dunkle, Treasurer is Marlene Brown, and Program Director is Terry Noel. Some members will be @ the Santa Clara‑Koi Show with a booth to push the Seminar. Grant Fujita and Jon Gieles, from Holland, are going to speak on filtration systems at their next meeting. They have to move their club supplies to a bigger storage facility.

Written report submitted by Bob: Cheryl Climenhaga, of Forest City, said that everything is OK 1st meeting of the year will be Feb. 10^th. Charles Phelps, of Greater Louisville, said everything is OK. Ken Lau, of Indiana KC, said that everything is OK; their membership is growing. Charles Gardener, of North Florida KC said that they will have a young fish show in April. Mona Coleman, of North Nevada, said that everything is OK. Doug Dahl is a speaker at their Seminar this year. Pat Christensen, of Northwest K&GF said that everything is OK. Gene Wattenpaugh, of Rocky Mountain KC said that everything is OK their show will be on August 16th Everything is OK with SoCal Koi Club; their January meeting was held at Lloyd Collison's home where he talked about building his Japanese fountain called a Shishi Odoshi (deer scare/water hammer) and probably a few other names). Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this; a wonderful accent to any Japanese garden. Planning on an upcoming pond tour in May as well as koi auction to be held sometime in August. Lester Berkow, of Tropical KC, said that everything is OK; 1st show next month. Bob tried but was unable to contact the following clubs: Great P&KS of West MI, Niagara K&PS, West Tennessee, and Sierra KC.

Written report submitted by Doug: Gary Chin, of Camellia KC, reports their February meeting lecture will be Gary Chin on Basic Koi Varieties. Their club is sponsoring a one day trip to the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show March 23d. This visit will coincide with the Santa Clam Valley K&WG Koi Show. Preparations for the club Pond Tour May 5th are under way and they expect to have 10 ponds on the tour. Planning with the San Francisco Club for the upcoming AKCA Seminar in June is at the 3/4 mark Camellia Koi Club has provided Proxy approval for Doug Dahl to represent their club at the AKCA Board meetings. Art Lembke reports Mid Atlantic KC will have an Executive Board meeting in February to work club issues and the Spring meetings will focus on Koi Health, as usual. There will be several Chapter Young Koi Shows this year. MAKC feels they will be unable to estimate the number of KOI USA subscribers in their large club and requests AKCA to find a way to accomplish this accounting using KOI USA subscriber database. Virginia Joiner, of Lone Star ZNAKC, announced one of their long time members Ed Conrad passed away. Ed was a past AKCA Chairman and was very active in koi when he was in Southern California; he will be missed. Lobe Star ZNA club is gearing up for their annual pond tour and will dedicate it in the memory of Ed Conrad. Tulsa Koi Soci reports their January meeting gave club members the opportunity to help plan the upcoming years events and direction for the club. Their newsletter included an article on Winter Pond Tips. Ron Goforth, of Moto Kars Koi Kai reports their latest meeting included a talk by Ron and Brett on water quality. Ron also discussed concerns he and Japan have regarding recent extensive cosmetic surgery occurring with some breeders in Japan. Club membership is at peace. David Smothers, of North Carolina K&WGS, reports their Christmas social and first club meeting Feb. 2 nd were both successes. They are excited about their new club and potential growth this year. Ray Jordan, of Texas K&GFS, reports their January meeting was focused on discussion of club goals and projects for 2002. They also had time to review and give suggestions to those planning ponds or filters this year. Their club web‑site www.texaskoi.com/2002%20fish%20sale.htm . has photos of koi for their April fish sale. Mr. Sakuma is donating a $2500 Sanke and Mr. Yoshida is donating a $2500 Showa, to this event. Susan Kandt, of Kansas Pond Society reported their club has provided Proxy approval for Doug Dahl to represent their club at the AKCA Board meetings. Kenneth Wong, of Koi & WGC of North Texas, reports they are well into planning their (English Style) Young Koi Show May 4/5 in Dallas and Steve Childers is Show Chairman. Their February club meeting will include a wet lab using microscopes to identify parasites. Bob Dethman, of Idaho WGS, reports there has been a large turnover of leadership in their club and also a large growth of members who are very active with local garden shows which is helping the club to grow. They are already planning their Koi Show in August. Dr. James Hooper, of Mendocino Coast KC reported their club has an issue with the proxy arrangement in the AKCA By‑Laws and would prefer all issues be directed to the clubs for vote. (Doug Dahl replied this would be too cumbersome for normal, monthly AKCA Board business but all issues of importance are sent to the clubs to vote on.) Leon Lopez, of Klahanie KC, reports they are working on their membership list for AKCA and also on the proxy consideration. Doug tried to contact the following clubs but received no reply this month: Olympic KC, Austin Pond Society, Austin KC, Blue Water Pond Club, & Las Pampas K&WGS. During the winter there is not as much going on with koi so Doug win contact the following clubs within the next 2 months: Ventura KC & Northern Midwest ZNA .

Written report for Larry Shelly Klinger, of the Central Illinois Water Gardeners, said they would install their new president, Brian Jones, on Sat. February 9th. They are having a special speaker, Melinda Woith, who will show how to decorate around the pond. Barry Berger, of Greater Boston Koi Keepers Society is in Florida, probably because the weather is too cold in Massachusetts. Alice Kitselman‑Ames, of the Santa Fe Pond Society, said they had their meeting on Super Bowl Sunday and 2 members came to the meeting. Even though the weather is cold they have begun the planning of their first koi show. Judy Endsley, of the Ohio Koi Club said it's still cold and they will have their first meeting on April 28th Carl Forss, from Koi by Kerin, will be their speaker and will be bringing fish to the meeting. Cathy Barnard, President of Gulf Coast Koi Society and AKCA rep. said they would be making Fred Jetten their permanent AKCA rep. He is also their newsletter editor and has their newsletter online at www.alvinrc.com/GCI. Paden, of the Prairieland Pond Society said they are short 58 – filter guidebooks and they ordered them months ago and paid for them as well. (We are currently out of them but will be getting more reprinted).

Written report submitted by Joyce: Dave Peebler, of Water Garden Soc. of Kansas states their first show booth as a club, will be at the Wichita Garden show, Feb. 27 ‑ March 3 He is putting together a brochure and promo video for the club. Len Brown, of Tamps Bay KC win bring up the subject of the possibility of hosting a Seminar at the club's next meeting. Carol Jones, of Florida West Coast said that her club president will be looking into the possibility of hosting a Seminar; needs to know the details before deciding. Robin Scott, of Atlanta KC ' reports the club is in the final stages of preparing their Koi Pond in a Formal Garden at the Southeastern Flower Show which takes place Feb. 20‑24th The club uses this opportunity to educate the public on the joys of koi raising in many different types of settings. In April, they will be having a club wide auction as a way to share equipment, plants, fish, etc. They are also busy with preparations for the AKCA Seminar to be held in Atlanta June 26‑29, 2003. Dan Morgan, of Washington Koi, reports they had snow and after seven days they are ready to get back to reality! He built a cover for his pond to retain heat and sent a picture. It looks great! They are planning a show for September. More news on that later. .

Written report submitted by Carole: Florida K&WGS next meeting will be held at the home of Lawrence Bently and Leslie Reeves. They will also be voting for the "Koi Person of the Year." One of their newest members, John & Vicki Kovach, donated approximately 15 koi to the club. These fish will be raffled off at their next meeting. Dee Butler, of Shasta K&WGC, is now their club rep. Fred Vogel, their previous rep. recently died. They are planning their Fifth Annual Shasta Koi & Water Garden Club Pond Tour, June 8th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Redding and Shasta areas. This will be a self‑guided tour visiting 10 ponds and water gardens in the area. They have tickets available at most local nurseries. For further information, you can contact Georgia Carrion at (530) 247‑1489. Michael Baker. Of Central Alabama K&WGS, said that they recently elected new officers. Their club was recently written up in a local Birmingham magazine, "Portico." He will be coming to Concord as is Charlie & Brenda Atwell. A new couple came to a recent meeting; was given a copy of KOI USA; hopefully they will join. ‑ Larry Bortner, of Chesapeake & Potomac said that he is waiting for spring. Most of their club members have disbanded and gone in other directions. He doesn't know if he can keep the club going. Larry Hursh, of Genesee Valley Pond, said that they are doing well. Their January planning meeting went well. In February, their guest speaker is Rowena Bums, of Bums Water Gardens, located in Canada. They are in the middle of their renewal phase; 1/2 of their 49 members have renewed so far. They are trying to line up a speaker on koi for the June meeting that will be in conjunction with their plant auction. On March 1^st, they will have a roundtable discussion of members streams/waterfalls ... successes, etc. In April there will be discussion on plant divisions. In May, the meeting will be on building and improving filters. His club has been contacted by a group from Syracuse who is trying to form a club; they will meet with them to pass along information. Niagara Frontier is also helping the Syracuse group. Bryan Bateman, of the Midwest Pond Club said that they just had their Annual Bowling Party; approx. 50 people attended this night that also included a Buffet dinner. Underway is a Spring Trade Show to be held May 3‑4^th. They are planning a new event‑renting a bus to go to Anderson's Gardens (a wonderful Japanese Garden). They have about 400 members. Will consider hosting an AKCA Seminar, possibly in 2005. He thought that they would be enthusiastic. Carole tried but was unable to reach the following clubs: Southwest Koi & Pond, Bakersfield K&WGS, Eastern Iowa Pond Soc., Miami Valley WGS. Mid‑Columbia and Golden Horseshoe K&PC of Ontario.

Report by Kelly: Kelly reported that his club, Inland Koi Society recently held a fundraiser in which the proceeds would go directly to someone affected by the events of Sept. 11th

PROXY CALLS FOR MARCH

What club wants to host the 2004 & 2005 Seminar?

If your club has a new rep, please get name, address, and phone number of new rep!!

Ask if the person listed in KOI USA, as the contact person, is the correct person!!

OLD BUSINESS

Insurance: Burt wants to remind clubs that our Insurance covers general liability to protect AKCA clubs and members from TORT. If you need further clarification, please contact Burt Ballou.

Koi Person of the Year/ and Koi of the Year: It is that time of the year again! Please have your club vote on the Koi Person of the Year and the Koi of the Year. These must be sent to us no later than May 1st Keep in mind that if your club held a show, the AKCA Award would be the Koi that your club sends in; if your club did not hold a koi show, it is up to that individual club as to what koi they want to submit.

Champion of Champions: This is due by May 1'.

PK3 Doug said that he has looked over the PK3 and stated that much of it is out of date. They will reproduce PK3 with editorial comments at the beginning of each article; 1/3rd of the book is being replaced. He felt that we should go to PK4; handed out an index of PK3 as well as suggested articles for PK 4. PK 4 would be around 300 pages with 174 pages in color. He hasn't been able to determine the cost as yet; once completed, each club will receive one complimentary issue. Motion: To lay out PK 4. Motion by Doug, 2nd by Joan. Approved.

NEW BUSINESS None

Motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.. Motion by Joyce, 2nd by Joan.

Respectfully submitted,

Carole Elliott

Secretary