AKCA Minutes of May 13, 2005

 

Officers Present:                                Directors Present:                                             Guests:

Chair: Joan Finnegan                               Harlan Glenn (San Diego)                                    Kelly Houston(Inland)

Vice Chair:  Ed Salinas                   Bob Stump (Nishiki)                                     Cindy Graham

Secretary:  Carole Elliott                      Bob Finnegan (Louisville+)                          Tom Graham

CFO:  Doug Dahl                                  Joyce Glenn (Hawaii+)                                    Stuart Adelson

                                                                Bruno Kudrecki (Koi Kichi & WGC) Chuck Thompson (Nishiki)

                                                                Larry Leverett (Inland)                                  Spike Cover

                                                                Louie Hernandez (SoCalZNA)

               

Board Highlights:

Ø       AKCA By-Laws changes to be voted upon – included with minutes.

 

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

    

v      KOI USA Status:  Attorney Stuart Adelson came to speak about creating a for-profit Corporation out of KOI USA.  He also discussed the fact that we should have at least one trademark (i.e. the logo of KOI USA).  AKCA would still be the parent to KOI USA, however, there would still be a degree of independence for KOI USA for the day to day business of running it.  Motion:  For the Chairperson, CFO, and Secretary to sign articles of Incorporation for KOI USA Inc.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Chuck.  Approved.  This should be completed by July 1st.

 

v      MINUTES:

Motion:  To approve the minutes of April 9, 2005 with the following corrections: under Publications should read Ed (not Doug) who stated that we provide a gift (i9nstead of gratuity) to those who have submitted at least three articles in the past year.  Also, 2nd motion should read $800 instead of $500 for awards.  Motion by Ed, 2nd by Doug.  Approved.

 

v      APRIL FINANCIAL STATEMENT/FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Doug stated that he and Sharon are preparing to move out of southern California within the next year and are looking for a new location.  He expects to be able to finish his next 1 year term as CFO but cannot guarantee it.  Some Board members have voiced their opinion that he could continue as CFO and Membership Chairman at his new location.  He listed 15 problems associated with this suggestion.  He stated that the Board may replace him at any time they wish and he will train the new person.  The AKCA Investment fund decreased $1,259 in April.  He instructed our financial adviser to sell the $19,000 in Fidelity mutual fund that has gone past the penalty date and turn it into a 12 month CD.  There is around $20,000 in Fidelity mutual fund still under penalty for sale.   Distributors of the Koi Doctor and Koi 2 Kichi are asking if the AKCA Bookstore wishes to distribute these books?  Discussion; it was decided not to at this time.  Doug received the state tax refund of $10,000 that is exactly the same as we sent to the state; something is wrong and needs to work this out with our CPA.  The Koi & Water Garden Club of North Texas has requested an extension until July to use their Speakers Grant due to the club meeting location scheduled for the July meeting has more room and nice gardens.  Discussion followed.  Motion:  To deny K&WGC of No. Texas request for extension.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Louie.  Approved.  Amended tax forms for all years are being prepared for submittal by May 30th.  Total amount of back taxes due will be $57,675.  Doug requested our financial adviser to remove $50,000 from the Money Market account and write AKCA a check to pay our back taxes. 

 

Doug submitted a modification to the AKCA By-Laws for the purposes of forming the KOI USA subsidiary.  Will submit to all clubs who will have 45 days to send in their votes.

Motion:  To accept the CFO report.  Motion by Harlan, 2nd by Larry.  Approved.

 

 

 

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COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

v      SCIENTIFIC:  Spike presented his report and went over a number of items.  He stated that all goals, except for one, were met.  Concern about percentage of students graduating from current class.  Motion:  To approve letter and spending up to $500 to send Sandy Yosha to the AVMA conference.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Louie.  Approved.  Discussion about dealers participating in the KHA program.  It was suggested that we e-mail Spike with ideas to present at our next Board meeting regarding dealers and the KHA program.

 

v      KHV Project:  Doug stated that the goal of the KHV program is to give research grants to universities.  Motion:  To accept the KHV Project Policies.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Harlan.  Approved.  The KHV Project has requested Board approval to create and print a fundraising pamphlet to distribute at Seminars like AKCA, PNKCA and Koi America.  They also want to create and make a diamond scale Kohaku pin to encourage donations of $250 or more.  It was decided not to vote on a motion at this time for this proposal.       

 

v      PUBLICATION:    Ed stated that he received a lot of negative reaction to the article on the 80 gallon pond.  A revised Editor’s Deck will address the reaction that has been sent and appear in the next issue of KOI USA.  For Club News it was recommended that we increase the word limit from 100 words to 150 words.  Motion:  To increase the word limit for Club News to 150 words.  Motion by Ed, 2nd by Doug.  Approved.  The KOI USA Board recommended the following people/positions for the upcoming KOI USA Board:  Editor – Ed Salinas; Ass’t. Editor-Brenda Atwell; CFO-Doug Dahl; Secretary-Joyce Glenn; Director-Bill Thompson; Director-Bob Finnegan.  Motion:  To accept the recommended slate of officers for the upcoming KOI USA Board. Motion by Ed, 2nd by Larry.  Approved, 1 opposed.  Ed also stated that the website is coming along; still making improvements.

 

v      MEMBERSHIP:  Doug stated that there are 104 clubs; one club has sent in an application to become a member AKCA club.

 

v      JUDGING:  Bob stated that he will be going to Tulsa, Okla. this coming weekend to meet and discuss the judging program.  They are scheduled for Thurs, Fri., and Sat. for judging events. 

 

v      SPEAKER’S GRANT:  Doug stated that we will do the speaker’s grant lottery at the June Board meeting.

 

v      GUIDES:  N/R

 

v      INSURANCE:  Doug stated that Zurich will be increasing the cost of our premium.   

 

Ballots are DUE BY JUNE 1st!

 

SEMINAR REPORTS:

 

v      2005 TULSA SEMINAR:  Ed stated that things are going fairly well.  They invited NAWGS to have a vendor booth; discussion followed.  Doug received a letter from the President of the Northwest Water Garden Society in regards to joining us at the Tulsa Seminar.  Motion:  To send a letter to NAWGS inviting them to purchase a booth at the Tulsa Seminar.  Motion by Ed, 2nd by Doug.  Approved.  Discussion on the tote bags.  Doug stated that 23 vendor booths and 205 Seminar registrants have paid for the Tulsa Seminar.  He estimates 162 Seminar attendees and 358 room nights based on the current registration and history in May and June from the Atlanta

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v      Seminar.  Our minimum room night guarantee is the dollar value of 451 room nights at $80 each.  He has asked for the actual hotel reservation numbers to verify this concern and if it is true to work some damage control by increasing banquet cost to make up for room guarantee shortfall.  In the hotel contract, we are liable for 100% of the cost of the rooms at $80 each below the guarantee.  He currently estimates a potential of -$7,462 loss to Seminar profits by not meeting the hotel minimum room night guarantee. 

 

v     2006 NIAGARA SEMINAR:  Doug stated that the Niagara Host club now has Committee leaders for all Committees except the Judges group.  All Committee leaders and Marlene are meeting with the hotel and Convention Center tonight to work the Seminar arrangements.  Doug provided Marlene and all of her Committee leaders copies of the time line, Seminar policies, Seminar procedures, KOI USA requirements and electronic files of registration page, vendor registration page and vendor advertising sheet to copy or follow.  The Speaker Committee co-leader (Veterinarian) has already asked if AKCA would allow corporate sponsorship of some of the speakers to help defray travel and other expenses.  Discussion; it was decided that we not do this but encourage corporate or private sponsors to aid a person to come to the Seminar.  Motion:  To add to the Seminar Procedures that corporate or private sponsors to assist people coming to speak at the Seminar are allowed as long as AKCA and the Host club are not involved more than to put sponsor and receiver in contact with each other.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Louie.  Approved. 

Doug stated that the biggest question mark is the food and banquet contract that has not been negotiated yet with the Convention Center with its $ guarantee.  The Niagara Host Group is now aware of the July 10 due date for the 1 page events and welcome to the Seminar.  This was due Sept. 10th in the past so we have moved this page up to the Nov/Dec issue of KOI USA.

 

v      2007 Seminar:  Doug discussed various hotels negotiated with; it was felt that the best deal is with the Marriott.  Because of room night guarantee penalties, Doug had to reduce Friday and Saturday night room blocks to 150 each night for a total of 450 room nights, down fron the 650 room nights Burt wanted.  Doug went over cost based upon room nights met.  Motion:  To approve the contract with the Marriott if Doug can increase the room night cost and reduce meeting room rates.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Joyce.  Approved.

 

v      2008 Seminar:  Doug stated that Piedmont and Jacksonville, Fla. Are expecting us to make a decision in June in regards to the 2008 Seminar.  Clubs will be reimbursed costs, up to $100.

If your club is on the East coast – Are you interested in hosting the 2008 Seminar?

If so, please contact us ASAP!

 

REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTS:

 

o         Written report submitted by Doug:  Judy Schwartz, of Austin Pond Society, reports the club took a train trip to Burnet for the Bluebonnet Festival in April.  They held their annual plant/fish swap at the April meeting.  One teacher took a carload of plants for the pond at his school.  The subject for the May club meeting will be pond photography.  They will hold their annual Spring Social on May 21 at a restaurant on a lake.  Plans are underway for planning their Annual Pond tour for May 14.  There will be 6 ponds in the northeast area of Fresno and Clovis.  Club members traveled to Bakersfield April 9 to have a joint meeting with the Bakersfield club and a potluck.  Dawn Webster, of Dai Ichi KC, reports their club is now having regular monthly meetings as Spring sets.  The club has discussed a donation to the KHV Project fund and also possibly hosting a koi health lecture.  The club donated $300 to the Earthquake relief fund for Nishikigoi last Christmas.  Becky Maier, of Enchanted Koi & WGC, reports their club is planning their events for this year.  Dir/Rep Becky Maier was selected Koi Person of the Year.  The club decided to wait until next year to select a Koi of the Year.  A Pond Tour Committee was created and a club Librarian volunteer was accepted.  Becky distributed the new KOI USA subscription rate sheet to club members.  The club has plans for a Pond Tour, a plant swap and a trip to Indianapolis for another Pond Tour this year.  The club will host a wet lab to teach club members how to identify parasites and proper usage of the microscope.  The club plant swap will be at the meeting May 21.  Alternate Dir/Rep Russell Centanni, of Idaho WGS, provided updated club info and a new club roster to AKCA.  The new club AKCA Dir/Rep will be Sue Boydstun.  Doug Dahl sent Sue

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o         an email listing the responsibilities of a club AKCA Dir/Rep.  Debby Davis, of Las Pampas K&WGS, reports their Koi Person of the Year (couple) are so excited to be able to attend the AKCA Seminar in Tulsa this year to receive their award.  This will be the first club member has been able to attend the Seminar.  La Pampas has paid their 2005/2006 AKCA dues early.  The club holds a pot luck dinner meeting each month.  They are planning their 8th Annual Pond Tour.  Proceeds from the Pond Tour go back into their community through a community improvement project or scholarship.  Club President Janon Alegre, of Las Vegas KC, reports their club is planning their annual Pond Tour.  They are mailing info to homes with new koi ponds.  Local business sponsors are selling the Pond Tour maps for the club.  The club is planning a display of plants and fish at Plant World May 7/8.  Plant World Corporation contacted the club wanting to do TV advertising next year featuring club members ponds.  Also offered to do a website and newsletter exchange with the club.  Following the annual Pond Tour, there will be a barbeque for pond owners.  Pam Francis, of Michigan K&PC-SE, reports they have held several planning meetings.  Their April club meeting included a presentation covering fish Health, purchasing, food, transportation and handling by Ponding supply store.  The meeting had standing room only.  The club will have a fish auction and ice cream social June 18 and a Pond Tour July 16.  Sunder Isaac, of Middle Georgia WGC, reports they held a joint meeting with the Atlanta KC April 10th.  The club put up a Japanese theme garden with koi pond, tea house and garden at the Cherry Blossom festival.  The club will host a Pond Tour on May 14th.  The club is also renovating the pond for the Georgia Academy for the Blind.  Dot Wilbanks, of Moto Kara Koi Kai, reports Shigeru Mano, of Dianichi Koi Farms, made his annual trip to Ron & Nancy Goforth’s home recently with koi for sale.  Dianichi has lost over 5,000 koi due to the earthquake last year.  They are rebuilding but it has been hampered by a severe winter this year.  Bob Brudd traveled from Chicago to join the club meeting.  Ron and Shigeru bowled 2 Showas and lectured on changes to sumi on young Showa.  Bob Johnson was voted the club Koi Person of the Year.  Bill Greer, of Nashville Pond Society, reports the club annual Plant Swap will be May 15 at Iris City Gardens.  This is the time of year to divide Iris plants and a good time for the plant swap.  On June 19, the club will hold its annual fish sale at Country Koi & Water Gardens in Olmstead, KY.  This is the first year this fish sale is being treated as a road trip instead of the 1000 koi coming to the club meeting for sale at very low prices.  The July meeting will be held at TAH Landscaping, one of the two largest water garden retailers in the Nashville area with more than a dozen demonstration ponds loaded with huge koi.  Attendees usually get a 20% discount at this event.  Melinda Christopher, of Olympic K,G&WGC, reports the club donated a check for $500 to the AKCA KHV Project.  The club is also planning their upcoming Pond Tour.  Geoffrey Huntley, of Piedmont K&WGS, reports their club has decided to stay at their current show site after negotiations with the hotel for better accommodations.  Their May meeting will be at the home of a member with a new pond and will include a fish sale by Biggest Monster Koi and a reading from a new book by author and koi hobbyist Richard Wainwright.  June 11th the club will hold their annual Pond Tour featuring 8 ponds.  Club members will meet the following night for a barbeque and monthly meeting.  The Charlotte Koi Show will be the first weekend in November.  Timothy Czech, of Pioneer Valley WG&KC, reports the club is busy trying to get all the planning in place for their 1st Koi Show.  MAKC has agreed to sell the club some show tanks.  They will have a show pin.  Pin collectors can contact Timothy Czech at 65blcc@gis.net.  The featured speaker at the April club meeting was Bruce Gibb who gave a detailed talk on Water Quality.   The Tulsa Koi Club is extremely busy preparing for the upcoming AKCA Seminar June 23-26 in Tulsa, OK.  A list of speakers was inserted in the May/June issue of KOI USA magazine.  Seminar registration with credit card at www.akca.org or mail in registration can be cut out of your KOI USA magazine or email to Doug Dahl at judgedahl@hotmail.com for the registration form or speaker list.  Come join your fellow koi hobbyist in Tulsa.  David Yee, of Valley of the Sun KC, reports the club just held their annual picnic at the City of Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden.  New club Officers have been elected.  Frank & Ursula Valdez have been selected as the club Koi Persons of the Year.  The club voted to continue support for the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Matsuri & Chinese Festivals and the Home Improvement Show.  Mary Oxman, of Ventura KC, reports they will hold their May 14 meeting at the home of a member who has a new 5,000 gallon Japanese pond built by Asahi Koi.  Guest Speaker will be Henry Nakamuru, owner of Asahi Koi to explain the building process, equipment, koi fish selection and care of koi.  The club met last month at a member’s home who just replaced his small pond, unsuitable for raising koi, with a brand new koi pond.  Doug tried to contact the following clubs with no information response:  Austin Koi & Goldfish Club; Blue Water Pond Club; First Coast K&WGC; Lone Star ZNA KC; Mid-Atlantic KC; Rhode Island & Massachusetts KC.

 

o         Written report submitted by Bob:  So Cal Koi Club held it’s annual pond tour on Mother’s Day in the Santa Monica area with 7 ponds; was a great success in spite of being held on Mother’s Day.  Attendees were treated to a home/kitchen tour of a $5 million dollar home (spectacular).  They will be having their annual Summer barbeque in June at the home of Kathleen & Phil Martinez, of Laguna Beach.  Carolyn Forde, of

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o         West Tennessee Pond Society, reported that their club has a pond tour on June 4/5th.  Charles Phelps, of Greater Louisville, said everything is OK.  Richard Thomas, of Indiana Koi, said their pond tour will be on July 16th & 23rd.  Jan Davis, of North Florida, said everything is OK.  Tim Gilbert, of Rocky Mountain KC, said everything is OK.  Bob tried but was unable to reach:  Northwest K&GFC; Great Ponds & Koi of West Michigan; Sierra Koi; and, Tropical Koi.

 

o        Written report submitted by Burt:  John Hathaway, of Pacific Wonderland, reports their club members are visiting each others ponds and checking water quality when the owner is on vacation.  John gave the club an update on progress by the AKCA KHV Project.  John Case, of San Francisco Bay Area KC, reports they had Burt Ballou and Doug Dahl speak at a public lecture on ponds and filters.  The lectures were well received by attendees.  The club koi show is this weekend.  Carole Lee, of Santa Clara Valley K&WGC, reports the club voted her as the club Koi Person of the Year and selected a Kohaku owned by Kinh Nguyen as Koi of the Year.  The club had a very successful information booth and drawing for prizes at the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival.  The club Pond Social is on May 21 at Cherry Hill Koi.  The annual Pond Tour will be on July 16.  Details can be found on the club website www.scokoi.com.  Linda Montgomery, of Cascade K&GFC, reports their club is hosting the PNKCA Convention on June 3-5.  The club is also using the AKCA Speaker Grant to host Dr. Erik Johnson and Vicky Burley to teach a wet lab on Friday June 3 and the club is busy planning both events.  Debby Young, of Southern Arizona Koi Association, reports their club recently held their annual Pond Tour with 17 ponds and tours on Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday.  Over 450 tickets were sold.  Their club membership has increased by 10 families to date and there is a list of over 60 names who would like more information about Koi functions.  Club member’s ponds are now reaching 70F and the koi have begun to spawn.  Their koi show is set for November 12/13.  Johnny Foster, of Nature’s Cost K&WGC, reports they had a great turnout for their April club meeting with guest speaker Karen Wright of Purina Mills.  Karen spoke on koi nutrition and the various Mazuri Koi Foods.  The club just held their 3rd Annual Young Koi Show on May 7.  There were 46 fish entered.  Top trophies went to Johnny & Martha Foster, Sam Foster and Jessica Ray.  Club members are going on a field trip May 14 to see the beautiful gardens at Countryside Daylilies, owned by club member Eddy Scott.  Sunday, May 15th, the club will hold their monthly club meeting at a member’s home with a lovely, large, professionally installed pond.  Doug Dahl, of ZNA Orange County Chapter, reports they held their May meeting at Andrews Koi in support of Andrew’s annual koi growing contest.  Members of many clubs in Southern California and the general public buy small koi one year and bring them back the next year for a koi show and contest for most growth, best selection, etc.  Andrews Koi provides a barbeque lunch and it was great fun.  ZNAOC and Nishiki Koi Clubs will hold a joint koi auction at Andrew’s koi on Sunday, June 12th.  ZNAOC members voted not to have a koi show this year due to lack of support by club members.  Kenneth Wong, of Dallas Koi Kichi, reports their last meeting was held at the home of Tom and Jennifer Walker and the meeting topic was “How to Catch and Handle Koi.”  This meeting topic was a practice session for the upcoming koi show.  Several club members voiced concern about the message the recent article on an 80 gallon koi pond in KOI USA was giving new hobbyists.  (Note:  There are many different approaches to the koi hobby and many of us started with small ponds and enlarged them as we learned more about good koi husbandry.)  Joe White, of Florida East Coast K&WGS, reports their next meeting will be Sunday at Margaret Gillen’s home and the speaker will be Anna Boone of Fountain Magic Watergardens speaking on growing aquatic plants.  In June the club will visit a newly finished large koi pond in Port Orange at the home of Sean Boileau.  The concrete pond is 30,000 gallons with 5 Lim vortex settling tanks, 4 Ultima II (20,000 gallons) bead filters and four (400 watt) Ultima UV lights.  The pump/filter house is underground and will have a Tea House built above it.  An article on this pond is planned for a future issue of KOI USA.  On June 11 there are 2 events of interest.  One is the annual water gardening seminar at Merritt Island Ace Hardware and the other is the annual Pondhoppers Pond Tour sponsored by the Gainesville club.  Joe White, of ZNA Southern Koi Association, has nothing to report this month for the club.  Burt tried to contact the following clubs by email this month with no response:  Koi & WGC of North Texas; Middle Georgia Koi Society; Oklahoma Koi Society; and Orlando Area K&PC.

 

o        Written report submitted by Carole:  Bryan Bateman, of  Midwest Pond & Koi Society, reports that they had their 14th annual Trade Show.  Next will be their 3rd annual Tosai auction, held at Bay & Bry Bateman’s house on June 3rd.  They will bring in about 40 high quality tosai for their members to bid on.  This educates as well as creates a fun social time.  Their pond tour is coming up in July.  They have 70 ponds signed up this year; their biggest ever.  Jerry Woodbury, of Miami Valley WGS, said they are currently preparing to attend the Lilyfest that will be held at Green Vista Water Gardens in June.  They are also setting up their Members Only Pond Tour for July 30/31st.  Continuing to grow and educate in the world of water gardening.  Larry Hursh, of Genesse Valley Pond & KC, said they are more active now that the weather is warmer.  They are

 

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o        restarting their ponds.  Their May meeting featured a presentation on the approaches and techniques used by a professional pond maintenance service.  The program was very helpful because he made comparison of what they do and how the average pond owner can accomplish the same thing with the materials and equipment that most of us already have around our ponds.  On June 4-5 they will participate in LilyFest, a water gardening festival, at Bergen Water Gardens.  They will have a booth to answer questions and recruit additional new members.  They will also hold their annual fundraising plant and product auction on Sunday afternoon.  Their pond tour and picnic is scheduled for Saturday, July 30th.  They have a commitment for 5 already and are awaiting response on 3 additional stops.  They are also planning on participating in the NAWGS “Parade of Ponds” on July 3-10 and have reciprocal agreements with Niagara Frontier Koi & Pond Club to join in their pond tour July 23rd.  They are setting up an optional off-site meeting for August to tour a possible fish breeder farm or a water plant nursery.  The Sept. & October meetings haven’t been finalized yet but they are working with the guest speakers to finalize the topics.  Their “Koi Person of the Year” is Larry Nau; he has a long history of helping not only their club but others in the area.  He is a good resource for information on fish, equipment and plant materials and has added an additional greenhouse for the display and sale of koi and other pond fish.  He offers domestic and imported Japanese koi and has displayed some show quality koi so that everyone can see and appreciate the potential of these fish and the hobby in general.  Niagara Frontier K&PC, reports that they just held their Photo Contest (thanks to Lorri Porter for running it).  Loren Prucnal staffed their display on April 24th at the Garden Information Day held at the Botanical Gardens.  Their pond tour is scheduled for July 23rd.   On June 26th will be an auction at Masterson’s.  Carole did not get a email response from:  Bakersfield K&WGS; Central Alabama K&WGS; High Desert Koi Fanciers; Mid-Columbia KC; Puget Sound KC, Southwest K&PA; & Water Garden Club of South Texas.

 

o         Written report submitted by Larry:  Darlene Jennings, of Mid-Michigan Pond & WGC, said they had club elections in April.  They are hard at work for their Pond Tour on July 9th (for more information call Angela Strong at (810) 695-9326).  Kelly Houston, of Inland Koi Society, said they have 6 ponds and 60 volunteers to answer questions; will be selling their World Famous Koi T-Shirts with a design that compliments the Oklahoma AKCA Seminar.  To view the design, go to their website: inlandkoisociety.org.  Ron Carter, of Prairieland K&WGS, said their last meeting was April 9th and was held at a local nursery; they gave their club discount coupons for 10% off any single item.  The major topic of this meeting was to present the power point presentation on the Project KHV followed by question/answer period.  At their Executive Board meeting the main discussion was about incorporating and applying for 50 (c)3 status.  They still need to investigate this one before they decide if it is for them.  If you know of any clubs that have done this, Ron would appreciate being able to talk/email with them for some questions.  Their next meeting will be May 14.  It will be held at the home of Jim Sipps, a member of their club whose pond they helped build last year.  At that meeting they will have a plant sale with the proceeds going to the Project KHV.  Shelly Klinger, of Central Illinois Water Gardeners, said they will meet on Saturday, May 14th at Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Il.  They will begin installation of a two-waterfall koi pond so that all zoo participants can learn more about koi.  Fundraisers and donations have helped to fund this large project.  The McLean County Master Gardeners have volunteered to do the landscaping around the pond.  No response from:  Cherokee Strip WGS; Gulf Coast KS; Madison Area Pond Society; Ohio KC; and St. Louis WGS.     

 

o        Written report submitted by Joyce Glenn:  Leroy Taba, of Hawaii Goldfish & Carp Assoc., reported the club had an exhibit at the Pet Expo.  Lots of people walked by and asked questions (20-30,000).  Is a good way to find out who is serious about koi.  Louie Hernandez, of ZNA-Southern California, reported their April meeting was held at the home of Larry & Sharon Trudgeon who have two formal ponds accented in red brick.  Their lovely yard has colorful landscaping, a happy community of koi and a complete feeling to total relaxation.  The topic of the meeting was water quality and the nitrogen cycle by Allen Stein, a KHV Advisor of their club.  Ginny Lee, of Washington K&WG, said the May program will be about microscope workshop of the wet lab.  Their pond tour will be July 16th and will cover three ponds.  They plan to have an outreach booth at the Redmond Saturday Market.  Their annual Koi show will be the weekend after Labor Day.  Joyce tried but was unable to reach:  Atlanta KC; Florida West Coast Koi; Charleston Showa Koi; and Tampa Bay Koi.  

 

o        Written report by Bruno Krudecki:  Koi Kichi & WGC’s April meeting was held at the home of Bruno & Wendy Kudrecki.  They held a round table discussion which included filtration systems, issues on

 

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o        health and disease and stressed the need to follow good quarantine procedures.  They held their 1st auction on April 2nd which was very successful.  They also voted on “Koi Person of the Year” (is Bruno).      

 

o        Written report submitted by Phil Hunter:  Linda Siler, of Springfield K&WGC, reports that the April meeting was held at the home of Michael Fessenden’s grandmother, Marie.  The ponds and gardens were beautiful, and Marie favored the group with a story of her youth, and how she and her husband built their home and gardens.  The May meeting will be held at the home of Dona & Bob Simpson.  Originally, Bryan Williams, from Kentucky, was to have been the guest speaker but a commitment forced him to cancel.  He will be the guest speaker in June.  The program for the May meeting will be on growing carnivorous plants in your pond, and growing plants that will live on wood stumps, driftwood and grapevines.  Growing different types of plants is a lot of fun and using interesting pieces of wood around the pond will enhance its beauty.  The Annual Pond Tour will be on June 11-12th.  Don Hellard, of Gainesville Koi, Goldfish & WGS, reports that the club is planning a pond tour on June 11th.  Also, a Koi auction is planned for July.  The quarterly board meeting will focus on 2nd half of the years projects as well.  Ralph McGowan, of Inland Empire WG&KS, reports that on May 14th the club had a booth at the Garden Expo in Spokane, Washington entitled “One Green World.”  The club sold water plants, t-shirts and pond decorations.  Greg Bates, of Capitol Area K&WGC, reports that the April meeting was the last indoor meeting for the season and was held at the Delta Community Center.  Dave Evans led a discussion on opening your pond for spring.  The May meeting will be outdoors at the home of Dave & Arloa Evans.  This will be the clubs annual plant swap.  In addition, there will be a fish auction and a raffle.  On June 11th, the club will take a field trip to Leppek’s Nursery.  Leppek’s carries water plaants, koi, pond supplies and more.  This year’s pond tour will be held on June 25th-26th.   Tess Little, of Dayton K&GFC, reports that the april meeting was held at the home of Keith and President Linda Kinney.  Pond Tour and Koi auction booklets were passed out and members signed up to deliver them to all the major nurseries and water garden stores in the area.  The club voted for AKCA Koi of the Year, which went to a beautiful Gin Rin Showa owned by Angela Thomas, and Van Woodruff was selected Koi Person of the Year.  The koi auction will be on June 25th and the pond tour will be on July 10th.  The May meeting will be held at the home of Jay and Angela Thomas.  Judith Minor Roberts, of the Mountaineer K&WGS, reports that the April meeting was at the home of Ken & Betty Volkers.  In July, the meeting will be held at the home of Club president Dale Fox.  The meeting will be the annual swap meeting and glass stepping stone class, as well as the annual covered dish dinner.  Tom Tranbarger, of Shasta K&WGS, reports that the April meeting was held at the home of Bob & Doris Snyder.  Several club members attended a Koi Health & Water Quality Seminar in Reno, put on by Dr. Eric Johnson.  The May meeting will be at the home of Robin Rollins.  Phil Hunter, of Inland KS, reports that the April meeting was held at the April meeting was held at the home of bob & Marguerite Everett.  Bob has been keeping koi since 1975 and is one of the founders of the Inland Koi Society and was involved with the AKCA from its inception.  John Cress put together a first aid kit for koi, with ingredients needed in an emergency and then Larry Leverett and Scott Zehm put on a demonstration on how to use the kit.  A surprised Norma Marrin was selected IKS Koi Person of the Year.  Norma is an artist and is responsible for the beautiful t-shirts that are sold at the AKCA Seminar every year.  A beautiful Shiro Utsuri owned by Phil & Rachel Hunter was selected AKCA Koi of the Year by the club.  There will not be a general meeting in May, but the club will hold its annual Pond Tour on May 22nd.

 

o         Written report submitted by Spike Cover:  Ray Jordan, of Texas Koi & Fancy GFS, reports that their “Koi Person of the Year” are J.R. & Sue Hensley.  Their 11th Annual Spring Seminars & fish sale went very well.  Carsten Pedersen won Grand Champion at the annual growing contest with a 15 ½’ Hiroi Sanke bought the year before when 8”.  Club members supported the Lone Star Koi Show in a big way by helping out setting up and working during the show and also showing koi.  The meeting this month is at Vance Schultze’s fish farm to see a demonstration of breeding koi & hatching fry.  Tom Ayers, of Tucson Koi Society, said that Rosemary Kennedy was selected as “Koi Person of the Year” and Tom Ayer’s Shiro Utsuri was selected as the “Koi of the Year.”  Their next meeting will be June 18th.  Marc Skaggs, of Northern Midwest ZNA

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o         KC, reports that their club received a congratulatory certificate in recognition of their $485 donation to the KHV research project.  Members Kevin Clark, Keith VanderWoude and Mark & Janet Hare had exhibits at both the Illiana Club and MPKS spring trade shows.  Their club was featured with numerous photos in the current issue of Water Gardening Magazine.  Dan Phillips, of North Carolina K&WGS, reorts that April began their first in a new series for 2005 of advance education classes for interested members and will include seining a mud pond, culling, proper handling of koi, scraping & scooping for parasites on koi coming out of the mud pond, treating as required & proper quarantine facilities setup.  The second class in May is on the various aspects of proper koi pond design, to be held at one of their member’s homes who is preparing to put in a new pond this summer.  As part of their educational series this year, interested NCKWS members will be selecting a tosai and growing it out in a mud pond for the Summer that will be harvested at the October meeting.  This will give members the opportunity to experience what it is like to grow a fish out in Japan.  The fish will be fed a high quality koi food all summer until harvest time.  They will take a picture of each koi, measure and record their information before they go into the pond so they can compare the changes in October.  Also in April they will be participating in a local Home & Garden Center’s Spring Open House.  The garden center is heavy into pond supplies, koi & pond installation.  May will conclude the 2nd phase of their Tosai growout contest in May, 2004.  Pictures will be submitted and koi judged for best quality.  The 1st phase of the contest ended last November for most growth during the growing season (won by Lisa Warren).

 

o         Written report submitted by Ed:  Susan Borden of the Placid Pond & Koi Club, met for their May meeting and were treated to a program on pond building, plants and critter care.  They discussed plans for their Pond Tour in July.  They hope to earn $1,500 for KHV research but need support and plan to partner with a local Not for Profit to help as Yard Guards and with advertising.  Plans are going reasonably well but need to act quickly so to have their tickets and advertising out in early June.  Ed tried but was unable to reach:  Koi Club of Middle Tennessee; Cyprinus Society of Nevada; and Santa Clarita K&WGC.

 

o         Written report submitted by Harlan:  Chuck Poppe, of ZNA Potomac, reports that things are running along smoothly now that the weather is better.  They have 300 fish for the small fish auction next Sunday, May 15.  Linda Solis, of Koi Club of San Diego, had nothing to report.

 

PROXY CALLS FOR June

§         Talk to your rep about the KOI USA corporation!

§         Is your club interested in hosting a future Seminar?

 

Upcoming AKCA Annual Calendar Events for June:

 

Select & notify Speakers Grant winners

AKCA Board counts & validates votes for next term Officers

Select Seminar host for 3 years later

Have hotel contract for Seminar 2 years later

 

OLD BUSINESS:   None

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

 

·         Pond Tour:  Bob stated that the Indiana Club has 2 pond tours on 2 days; negiotated with the public park inviting dealers to set up booths.

 

 

Motion:  To adjourn the meeting 10 p.m.  Motion by Doug, 2nd by Ed.  Approved

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Carole Elliott