AKCA Minutes of February 13, 2004

 

Officers Present:                                Directors Present:                                             Guests:

Chair: Joan Finnegan                               Burt Ballou (OC ZNA +)                                            Larry Leverett

Vice Chair:                                             Bruno Kudrecki (Koi Kichi)                    

Secretary:  Carole Elliott                      Bob Finnegan (Louisville)                           

CFO:  Doug Dahl                                  Kelly Houston (Inland)                                

                                                                Harlan Glenn (San Diego)                                   

                                                                Joyce Glenn (Ikiru Hoseki)

 

 

Board Highlights:

Ø       Koi of the Year/Koi Person of the Year forms to be sent with minutes – Due by May 1st

Ø      Special Meeting on Friday, February 27th at 7pm to review, modify and approve AKCA Committee Policies.

 

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 January 9 , 2004.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Joyce.  Approved

 

v      JANUARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT/FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Doug stated that the investment account increased $5,747 in December and $1,957 in January.  American mutual fund is up 6.5% in last 12 weeks; Fidelity mutual fund is up 9.3% in last 12 weeks.  As of 1/30, KOI USA has $1,505 advertising that is 61-90 days late and $2,275 that is more than 90 days late.  Doug will contact one vendor over 90 days late to discuss payment options.  None of the vendors more than 90 days late are in the Mar/Apr issue of KOI USA.  One account in collection is challenging that they paid but they have not contacted him.  Motion:  To spend $90-100 for software for his computer.  Motion by Burt, 2nd by Joyce.  Approved.  He would like the set up February 27th as the date for a special policy meeting.  He stated that the CPA found 2 problems with the 1099’s.  Motion:  To approve the financial report as presented.  Motion by Joyce, 2nd by Burt.  Approved

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

v      SCIENTIFIC:  Burt handed out Spikes KHA Program Report.  Burt has made some progress on the Hold Harmless Agreement.  Dates and places for the ’04 KHA labs has been done.  Motion:  To allow the KHA students to use the AKCA logo on their shirts.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Joyce.  Approved.   Burt also went over the research report, as of February 6th.  First, UAPB – “We proposed to develop a new PCR assay that would be more sensitive and hopefully allow the detection of asymptomatic fish carrying the KHV virus.  Two forms of that assay have been developed and are currently being validated on lab-grown KHV virus.  The next step is to test the assay on fish thought to be carriers of KHV.  Those fish are being experimentally produced through laboratory infections of susceptible fish.  Tests of the new assay will begin as soon as assays on purified virus are completed.”  Spike needs to get Israeli fish for Andy to test; has again made contact with Mordi Haimi.  2nd:  UGA – Second check (replacement for the first lost check) received and turned over to the university.  Bran et al are waiting for their protocol to be approved.  Bran thought that would happen within a day or so. (From the UGA proposal, “Experiments will be conducted sequentially and will start as soon as funding is received and Animal Use protocols have been approved.” 

 

v      PUBLICATION:    At their meeting, Doug reported he had updated the financials for KOI USA and they now more accurately reflect income produced by KOI USA for the AKCA.

 

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The content of the KOI USA website has been updated to reflect the current issue and includes the first ad that clubs can download for use in their show books.  The ad is in jpg format and can be accessed by clicking on three KOI USA magazine covers at the top of the home page.  They discussed advertisers who are in arrears and made recommendations for collections processing. 

Ed Salinas authorized the expenditure of $200 for the purchase of a software program called SmartScale.  The program is to be used by KOI USA to digitally re-pixelize photographs so as to increase the size of the photograph without loss of quality.  The program has been received by Tom and Cindy Graham and is already being used to “save” photographs that could not otherwise be used due to low quality.  The idea of developing a variety of reader contests for KOI USA was also discussed. No decisions were reached on this topic.

 

The winners of the KOI USA Back Page contest are:

First Place:  Article…  Caffeine Up the Nose…Author: Norman Call

Second Place:  Article…..  A Koi Print So Real That it Even Fooled a Blue Heron!…

Author: Jill Woodmansee

Third Place:  Article….. Scottish Mystery Solved!!!…..Author: Fred Jung

 

v      MEMBERSHIP:  Doug stated that clubs are responding better to requests for updated information.  Local Board members are doing great on contact calls to clubs.  Motion:  To accept new member club Happy Fish & Ponds Klub from Roseburg, Oregon as our 105th member club.  Doug stated that although they don’t have the word koi in the club name, it is predominant in the club by-Laws Purpose statement.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Harlan.  There was discussion about concerns about how their club will benefit koi/AKCA.  It was felt that Doug contact them for more info before we approve.  Motion Denied.  Motion:  To table approving Happy Fish & Ponds Klub until such time as Doug receives more satisfactory information.  Motion by Burt, 2nd by Larry.  Approved. 

 

v      JUDGING:  Joan stated that Bob and Galen are working hard on getting things set for the Seminar.  . 

 

v      SPEAKER’S GRANT:  No Report; drawing for six regions will be in May.

 

v      GUIDES:  Burt stated that he finished the Nutrition guide updates and have sent them to Tom; they will be out before the Seminar.                                                                               

 

v      INSURANCE:  Burt discussed the additional charge from Zurich for their ’02 annual audit; it will be revised and we should get a refund. 

 

v      POLICIES/PROCEDURES:  Doug stated that there will be a special meeting on February 27th at 7pm to go review, modify, and approve AKCA policies.  Will go over KOI USA, etc.

 

SEMINAR REPORTS:

v      2004 SEMINAR:  Burt stated that Leroy has most of the speakers lined up and is in charge of the pond tour.  Everything going well.  .   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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:  Burt reported that the hotel is squared away and committees are set up. 

 

v      2006 SEMINAR:  Burt stated that we don’t have a hotel as yet but club is really gung ho about the Seminar.  He knows that they’ll do an incredible job.    They are way ahead of time frames in all other areas.

 

REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTS:

 

o         Written report submitted by Doug:  Judy Schwartz, of Austin Pond Society, reports Cecil Perkins is their new club Preident and they now have 215 families in the club.  Bob Sievert, of Las Vegas Koi Club, reports Janon Alegre is their new club President.  Their club has received their Articles of Incorporation from the State of Nevada.  One of their members, Pam Kinkade, attended the Koi Health Seminar in Athens, Georgia last month and gave the club a presentation on what she learned about Koi Health Management at this Seminar.  The subject of Koi Health Management will be a continuing topic at future club meetings.  Virginia Joiner, of Lone Star ZNA KC, reports their January meeting was a planning session for the year.  Club Officers are looking to the new club members to share what they would like discussed at upcoming meetings.  Rex Wilroy gave a short talk about winter koi care.  Dot Wilbanks, of Moto Kara Koi Kai, reports their January meeting was cold and blustery at Brett Rowley’s fish farm in Danbury, Texas.  Club members held a koi judging contest of 5 show tanks with 5 koi in each tank provided by Brett.  The koi were all high quality making this contest difficult.  Ron Goforth and Brett Rowley explained why the winners were selected following the contest.  They held a raffle and then a pot luck buffet around a cozy wood fire.  The Olympic Koi Club reports they have changed their name to Olympic Koi, Goldfish & Watergarden Club.  Following their meeting in November and a pot luck party in December, their club is taking a break until March when they start meetings again.  They are hoping to host a workshop in their area soon.  They also plan an annual pond tour during the summer.  They hope every koi enthusiast has a good Spring.  Geoffrey Huntley, of Piedmont K&WG Society, reports they held their first club Board meeting in January to plan the year’s activities including their annual koi show in November.  They will forgo their pond tour this year and plan to have a pond tour every other year.  They have half of their meetings and topics planned already for the year.  Their club is still interested in hosting an AKCA Seminar in the future.  Timothy Czech, of Pioneer Valley WG&KC, reports Roc Goodreau is their new club President.  Their club will take January and February off and start meetings again in March.  Their club has started a club library and they started their book collection by ordering koi books from the AKCA Bookstore in December.  They are planning to select their first Koi Person of the Year and Koi of the Year at the March meeting to meet the May 1 deadline for submission to AKCA.  They will have a pond tour in July and an awards dinner in September.  They would like to have their first Koi & Goldfish show this year but are still in the planning stages.  Robbi McCleney, of Valley of the Sun KC, reports they just completed their annual koi show in Phoenix with Jim Reilly as Head Judge.  Bob Brudd and Doug Dahl helped Jim judge a little. Tim Wadington, from England, helped with the show as well as the Thompsons from Colorado; Tom Ayers, Debby & David Young and others from Tucson and people showing koi and helping from Texas also.  It was great to see people from so many areas pitch in to help at the show to make it a success.  There were 104 koi and the quality of koi was good.  Frank and Nancy Morales, of Koi Kichi KC, in Lakewood, CA, won Grand Champion with a Showa.  This was the third show this koi has won Grand Champion so it will be retired for a few years according to Frank who has more high quality koi in the wings in Japan.  Mary Oxman, of Ventura KC, reports their club

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o         is very excited about their February club meeting.  Burt Ballou will field questions about koi and koi ponds and the meeting will be held at a very special pond with an Indiana Jones theme created by host Eric Howes.  Most of the club meetings for the year have already been planned.  The club wants to give a special thanks to Richard Renshaw for all of the advice and help he has given club members over the years.  Club members were eager to help a new member design their pond still in the planning stages.  They hope they did not overwhelm this new member with advice.  

 

o         Written report submitted by Bruno:  Koi Kichi & WGC reports that they elected their 2004 club officers at their last meeting.  Their Presisent will be Frank Morales; Vice President is Randy Rattray; Treasurer is Diane Blancett; Secretary is Nancy morales; AKCA Rep is Bruno and Procurement Officer is Karen Haynes.

 

o         Written report submitted by Scott Zehm:  Richard Adema, of Canada Koi Club, said their club had their second meeting of the year.  The club has been talking about all the different kinds of koi food.  The club also heard from one of the newer members about how he bought new koi from a seller on Ebay.  Unfortunately the koi died in customs because the koi did not have the proper documentation.  The club was going to have a winter pond tour in Power Point format at today’s meeting.  The club has been talking about the KHV problem around the world.  British Columbia has not had an outbreak of the KHV to date.  There has been one shipment to B.C. that was infected with the KHV.  The entire shipment was destroyed.  B.C. dealers have an excellent quarantine protocol in place and in use.  Jackie Assup, of Eastern Iowa Pond Society, said their new officers will take over at the planning meeting February 20th.  The club does not meet during the winter months.  Starting in March the club will return to the twice a month meeting schedule.  Kevin Fuess, of  North Texas Water Garden Society, said the club has a booth at one of the local garden centers; will have another booth at the Neil Sperry All Garden Show next.  The club will hand out club information and pond tour info.  The next program will feature a speaker that will be speaking about a new pond liner called Gator Guard.  Bobby Putnam, of South Carolina K&WGS, said the February meeting moved up one week for speaker Chuck Jones, from Wet Pets.  He will speak to the club about pond filtration systems.  The club will be installing the 6’ x 10’ pond for a 6th grade class in Williamson’s South Carolina; students will maintain the pond. 

 

o         Written report submitted by Bob:  Don Apol, of Great Ponds & Koi of West MI, said that everything is frozen up.  Charles Phelps, of Greater Louisville Goldfish & Koi, said everything is OK.  Pat Christensen, of Northwest Koi & Goldfish, said their club is very active.  They are ahead of schedule in planning for this years koi show.  Tim Gilbert, of Rocky Mountain KC, said that they are busy working on their koi show for next August 21-22.  Mona Coleman, of Northern Nevada, said their club is going to the San Francisco Garden & Flower show March 19-21.  Also going to the Santa Clara Pond Tour. Lester Berkow, of Tropical Koi Club, said they had their koi show January 15th.  Will have a pond tour February 15th; the club has doubled this last year.  Gary Williams, of West Tennessee, said that David Vince is their new club Rep and President.  They will discuss getting ready for spring at this month’s meeting.  Pond Tour this June with the proceeds going to the Cerebral Palsy organization this year.  They hold their monthly meetings at the University of Tenn. Agriculture Dept. January through April.  They will also have a booth at the University of Tennessee Agriculture Summer Seminar.  The Sierra Koi Club is closed for the winter.  So Cal Koi Club is planning for their upcoming pond tour to be held in Laguna Beach on May 23rd as well as their annual koi auction to be held on July 19th.  Bob tried but was unable to reach the Indiana Koi Club.

 

o        Written report submitted by Burt:  Linda Montgomery, of Cascade Koi & GFC, said they are participating in the Portland Yard, Garden & Patio show at the end of February.  At the next meeting they will elect recipients of the Ed Fujimoto Award for PNKCA, AKCA Koi Person of the Year & photo contest for AKCA Koi Fish of the Year.  They had an excellent raffle at their Xmas party due to dealer’s generous donations.  Sheila Jackson, of San Francisco Bay KC, said that their new rep is Lucia Rose.  Will have a koi show April 24-25th at Champion Koi.  Also planning a pond tour for July 24th.  Grant Fujita spoke at their January meeting on filtration.  Their KHA members will talk at their February meeting on the class.  They are considering a pond building seminar the last part of the year.  Carl Fridenstine, of Santa Clara Valley Koi, said they are participating in the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival April 24-25th; are working on the 6 pond tour for Spring and participating in the Home & Garden Show in February.  The club has no president for 2004.  Debby Young, of So. Arizona KC, said they are planning a pond tour in May; 3 members entered the Phoenix show at the Chinese Festival.  They ordered 11 “Judging & Buying Koi” books.  Debby will present the “Pond & Filter Book” at their next meeting.  John Hathaway, of Pacific Wonderland, said they met at the home of Robert & Sandra Stofiel; they have a beautiful indoor pond complete with waterfall.  Their guest

o         

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o        speaker was Doug King from Drake’s 7 Dees Nursery.  Doug  spoke about quarantine tanks and the important aspects of those tanks and quarantining of their fish.  After his discussion, John brought up the e-

mail from B. Grunden and the KHV situation and the needed research for that project.  PWKC is committed to helping financially and will discuss at their next meeting.  Norbun Watson, of Middle Georgia Koi Society, said they will be in the Cherry Blossom Festival in March; pond tour in June.  All meetings are at a new location called Ryan’s; have a “social” scheduled for April.  Johnny Foster, of Nature’s Cost K&WGC, said that everyone is preparing for AFKAPS; will then work on Young Koi Show and scheduled field trips.  Joe White, of Florida East Coast, said their next meeting will be at Florida Agricultural Center in Deland; talk will be on tub water gardens plus preparing for AFKAPS.  Will also have a food rep talk on koi food in May.  Joe White, of Southern Koi Association, said they have close to 25 full members; to become a ZNA club.  Are buying a box of domestic sankes from Quality Koi.  Working on their website and working on AFKAPS; all vendor spots are sold out for AFKAPS.  Laura Adams, of Koi & WGC of No. Texas, said they have a new meeting format; each meeting will have a segment on “watergardens” and also a segment on “critters”.  Last month’s speaker was Steve Perkins, from OASE, who talked on pumps & how to figure plumbing & head pressures.  The January speaker was from Texas A & M; spoke on dragonflys.  The club has an exhibit at North Haven Gardens Feb. 22nd.  Henry Culpepper, of Orlando Area Koi & Pond Club, said they had their first meeting after the club merger.  Chris Schroettinger did a talk on redoing his pond.  Henry did a talk on ich & costia; Merle Deland did a talk on water plants; about 35 members attended.  Getting ready for AFKAPS.  Kenneth Wong, of Dallas Koi Kichi Group, said they are planning for their koi show May 7,8,9 at the Asian Festival in Dallas.  February meeting they had Ray Jordan discuss putting on a koi show.  Some members went to the Koi Health Seminar in Georgia (in January).  ZNAOC worked on their new container; putting shelving in it and is being stored at Andrew’s Koi.  Last meeting was at Dottie Baker with Chai speaking on picking small koi; what to look for to determine good quality red & black.  Jesus Brito, of Oklahoma KC, said there was no meeting in January or February.  A few members went to the Phoenix show last week.  At their March meeting they will be viewing some DVD’s by Koi Bito of the different breeders in Japan.

 

o         Written report submitted by Joyce:  Jenny Hollington, of Charleston Showa Koi Club, said they are off to a tremendous start.  So far they have had a koi auction and a trip to Lotus Land Koi Farm.  Brady Brandwood was nice enough to give them a very informative presentation on koi growth and development.  Next month they will have Dr. Vicky Burnley Vaughn as their speaker.  For those who may not know, she is a microbiologist and the Co-Director of the Aquaculture Center at the U. of Georgia.  She is going to speak about KHV and talk about her recent trip to Japan in which she helped breeders investigate their recent outbreak with the virus.  In May they will be holding their first pond tour and are very excited about it.  Len Brown, of Tampa Bay Koi Club, said they are very busy with the upcoming show.  This Sunday they will be having an organizational meeting to elect officers for the next year and lay out a plan for some interesting meetings.  Dave Peebler, of Koi Club of Kansas, has warned his members that while they have been hit with severe cold that appears to be around for awhile, to make sure they have several holes open in the ice for gas exchange.  Hopefully all waterfalls, streams and other rapid movements of water are shut down with all equipment completely drained.  They still have to check the water quality with test kits.  They have decided that the length of presentations should not exceed 15 to 20 minutes.  They discussed the possibility of having a pond care team to maintain ponds while members are on vacation.  Their meeting date will be on the second Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m.  Leroy Taba, of Hawaii Goldfish and Carp Association, said you had better register right now or there won’t be space left.  It’s really picking up.  They are very busy; had election of officers and Leroy is the new President.  Ikiru Hoseki has nothing new right now.  The new rep for Washington Koi & Watergarden Society is Virginia Lee.

 

o         Written report submitted by Harlan Glenn:  Chuck Poppe, of ZNA Potomac, reports that the Aboretum called for help so the club sat up a 4,000 gallon sick tank; most fish were fine.  Transferred three into sick tank on 2/13.  Symptoms were due to crazy weather.   Koi Club of San Diego is working at the Del Mar Fair Grounds for their annual koi show.  

 

o        Written report submitted by Carole:  Jerry Woodbury, of Miami Valley WG, said they are planning a Pond expo in July.  Bill Bedwin, of Northern Lights KC, reports that their club hasn’t done much due to weather.  Last thing they did was the Xmas potluck at City Hall with about 15 members.  Jan Jordan, of Mid-Columbia Koi & Pond Club, said they held their first meeting of the year on Feb 8th.  Arthur Huxton, of Sunset Koi & Gardens, gave a wonderful informative talk on filtration.  Jan will do a demonstration for their March meeting.  Gregory Young, of Niagara K&PS, reported that they have a new President:  Loren Prucnal

 

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o        who started in January.  He also reports that they are working on “Plantasia” in which 3 plant clubs combine and put on a show.  They will have a natural exhibit pond that Greg & John constructed (made so that you

can change the shape of it) and will have Iris, Costa, & Day Lily specimens.  The theme is “Rhapsody in Bloom” and will take place March 25-28th.  They are also working on an upcoming koi show to be held the last weekend in June.  Because of the conflict with the AKCA Seminar, they won’t have any judges.  They are one of the few east coast clubs that meet 12 months a year so working on the Seminar has filled in some of their time.  They are very excited about this; one of their members works for a hotel and is already talking to local hotels about room rates, etc.  This should make Burt’s job much easier.  Another member is already recruiting speakers.  Mike Przewoznik, of High Desert Koi Fanciers, reports they just had a full day event on building a pond followed by a catered lunch and auction.  They had approx. 85 people attend.  They have many plans in store for summer.  Bryan Bateman, of Mid-West Pond&KS, said their club is heading full spead into 2004.  Coming up in 2 weeks is their party/dinner.  They will also be manning club booths at three of the largest Garden shows in the Chicago area.  They are looking into chartering a bus to take them to Kloubec Fisheries in Amana, Iowa.  They breed koi and have been very enthusiastic about hosting a visit from MPKS.

 

o        Written report submitted by Spike:  North Carolina K&WGS reports that seven members, so far, have signed up for the Spring 2004 tosai grow out contest.  May hold the February/March meeting @ Vet school.  AKCA KHA lab & Annual koi cull sale tentatively set for May 22-23 at Vet school.  Planning underway for Spring cull sale to be a multi-faceted event with pond, koi & plant seminars, lectures, demos, etc.  There will be a mid-April road trip to Ray Abbel’s place in Virginia to pick up 15x tosai donations to KCKWS fundraiser.   Bob Brudd, of Northern Midwest ZNA, said that on February 21st they will hold their fourth annual educational seminar.  Dick Thomas and Kevin Clark have been making preparations for the show portion of the club’s upcoming Sept. 11/12th koi show.  Show chairpersons are Jack Lockhart, Pete Ponzio and Bob Brudd.

 

o        Written report submitted by Phil Hunter:  Kirk Hall, of the Shasta Koi & Water Garden Club, reported that the club has 55 members and has elected new officers.  They are:  Pres: Kirk Hall, Vice Pres.-to be filled; Treasurer-Kathy Eckard; Secretary – Molly Ryness; Member at Large-Bob Hart.  Congratulations to all of the newly elected officers.  Becky Maier, of the Dayton Koi & Goldfish Club, reports that there was no club activity in January.  Don Hellard, of the Gainesville Koi, Goldfish & WGC, reports that the club has elected new officers.  They are:  President-Marty Marshall; Vice President-Art Manaker; Treasurer-Don Hellard; Secretary-Wilda Pawlak.  Congratulations to all of the new officers.  In addition, the January meeting was held at the home of Karen & David Hardcastle.  Dr. Allen Riggs was the guest speaker and he discussed Spring Viremia and Koi Herpes and proper quarantine methods.  There is great concern for Spring Viremia, because it can be spread to other fish besides carp.  The club is also busy preparing for the 7th All Florida Koi Show which is a combined effort of all 9 of the Florida Koi Clubs.  The show is Friday, February 9th.  Linda Siler, of the Springfield Water Garden Society, reports that the January meeting was held at the Mid-American Cancer Center.  David Bagwell was the guest speaker, and his program was on how to properly raise koi.  In addition, he covered how to select a good koi at a fair price.  The February meeting will be about how to make your own garden art pieces at a place yet to be announced.  Clubs which had nothing to report this month are:  Mountaineer Koi & WGS, Inland Empire Water Garden & Koi Society, and Capitol Area Koi and Water Garden Club.

 

o         Written report submitted by Ed:  Claudia Brownlie, of Koi Club of Middle Tennessee, said they are still focusing all their efforts on making the public event “Pond Fish Health Seminar” featuring Dr. Erik Johnson a success.  Tickets offered are for his 4 hour lecture on pond fish health, water quality, handling disease outbreaks, etc. and an intensive 2 hour wet lab will focus on anesthesia, injection, biopsy and microscopy techniques.  Besides pond fish owners, they have already sold tickets to retail fish store owners, their assistants, pond installers and veterinarians. 

 

o         Written report submitted by Carl:  Carl report that the February meeting for the Oregon Koi & Watergarden Club will be on Valentine’s Day and the guest speaker will be from Andretti Waterscapes, in Medford.  The March meeting will have guest speakers Ron & Darline Gikman, of Rainbow Pond & Fish.  April they are planning a plant sale.  Bob & Joan Finnegan agreed to be the Judges for their show June 19-20th.   Carl tried but was unable to reach the Koi & WGS of Central New York. 

 

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o        Written report submitted by Larry:  Ledean Paden, of Prairieland K&Pond Society, said they will have their first meeting of the year on February 14th at 9 a.m.  One of the members has donated his factory’s meeting room for this monthly meeting.  Thanks goes to Mark!  They have been stuck in snowy weather for

3 weeks and no warm up in sight yet.  A big year is planned for the Society, pond tour, guest speakers and continuing support of the wet land area at the zoo.  Member of the year will be voted on and the Society will also vote on the Koi of the year.  The new directors are turning in articles for the monthly newsletter, a new task for them.  A three ring binder will continue to be given to each new member, filled with info they can use.  Inserts will be included in their newsletter, to be added to the guide.  Melissa Jackson, of Cherokee Strip Water Garden Club, in Enid Oklahoma, said their club does not meet again until March.  Mike Rhodes, of Ohio Koi Club, said they are having their Koi Health Symposium, April 24th for information, e-mail koi@dayton.net.  Michael Jackson, of West Plains Water Garden Society, said at their meeting they will be viewing films on gardening which they do a lot of in addition to water gardens.  Also, they will be discussing the topics for which they will individually be responsible

for at the upcoming homebuilders Show that they annually help with.  Frits Jetten, of the Gulf Coast Koi Society, said they are in the final stages of preparing for their booth at the upcoming Festival of Flowers on March 25th.  They are also planning their booth at the B&B Petshop Pond Fest on April 24th.  Sandy Fisher, of Mid-Michigan Pond & Water Garden Club, said their speaker for February’s meeting will be Nanette Winowiecki, owner of the Pond Place.  Her topic is “Ideas for Expanding & Updating Your Water Garden.”  This will be the first meeting of the year.  Also contacted but could not reach were:  Central Illinois Water Gardeners and St. Louis Water Gardening Society. 

 

o         Written report submitted by Kelly Houston:  Inland Koi Society held their Feb. general meeting on the 14th at the San Diego Friendship Garden;  a tour of the Tea House, gardens and Japanese Koi pond filtration system by Norm Meck will be highlighted.  Also, attending the Koi Club of San Diego’s Annual Koi Show at Del Mar Fairgrounds.  They rented a bus to take members and spend the entire day enjoying the outing.  March 28th general meeting will be at the home of Joe Camp’s “Jungle Exotics” in Devore.  They will have the usual pot luck and a tour of his facility and will also have a small auction of koi.

 

PROXY CALLS FOR MARCH

§         Is your club interested in purchasing  the new AKCA book “Judging & Buying Koi” and/or Basic Koi Pond, Filters & Water Quality?

§         How many of your club members subscribe to KOI USA?

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Ø       Koi of the Year:  Forms are being sent out with these minutes; please send a negative of the fish (no digital pictures) to Debby Young no later than May 1st.

Ø       Koi Person of the Year:  Forms are being sent out with these minutes; please e-mail the winner to Burt Ballou at burtb@flash.net.  PLEASE:                  No fax, phone, or US mail requests will be accepted. 

He needs these by May 1st so that they can be calligraphied on the certificate. 

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

Ø       Koi Classification Videos:  Doug stated that there are 5 classification videos left.  He needs to check with Carl about the master and where to go to get copies.  Motion:  To reprint 12-20 (depending on price break) koi classification videos.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Burt.  Approved. 

 

Ø       Nomination Committee:  Joan announced that the nomination committee will be comprised of Harlan Glenn, Louie Hernandez, and Larry Leverett.  They will make their final recommendation at the February 27th Special Meeting so that Carole can get out the ballots 90 days prior to June 1st. 

 

Motion:  To adjourn the meeting 8:20 p.m.  Motion by Harlan, 2nd by Larry.  Approved

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Carole Elliott