Notes from the Desk of the President
September 3, 2008
Well, it has been a very busy first eight weeks. Don't be surprised
when I tell you that there have been some 12 hour plus days. I am very
sure you have been keeping track of our activity.
There have been some very viable positive actions such as the Board
voted to publish, on a monthly basis, the Board's motions complete with
the voting records. We are also moving forward on the secure portion
of the website and it may be available to the membership by the end
of October.
With the advent of a secure portion of the website, we will move the
Board's motions to it, as well as have the opportunity to publish the
ARK on the website and other items of interest that members have been
asking for. If you would like to see something in particular added to
the secure section please email our ARC Secratary Deborah Shibley with
your suggestion for the Board to explore and work on.
The Board is taking a more pro-active role in the Financial affairs
of the Club. The dedicated funds accounting will be verified. Board
members will have the Treasurer's monthly ledger and a working budget
that will allow for more reliable financial projections.
We have the Finance Committee that will keep the Board as well as the
membership up to speed on a six month basis. This is a new and a very
healthy move to being fiscally responsible. Many dog clubs large and
small have this process in place and now we do, as well.
It is great saddness that I announce the retirement from the Legislative
Committee Chairmanship and Paws4Laws of Jan Cooper. I am sure she would
love to hear from everyone. Jan and I worked for many years in Rescue,
but the deep abiding call for her was fighting Breed Specific Legislation
and speaking out for the rights of the Rottweiler owner. She is still
doing “her thing”, but her time is not her own. Her family responsibilities
are her focus at this time.
This last weekend was the real beginning of the Hurricane season with
Gustav and by the time this note is up probably H, I, and J! The remarkable
happening, however, is the marshaling of the volunteers by the Disaster
Relief Committee. Our webmaster, Audrey, used the website for the call
for help and it was answered. You might say this was our practice fire
drill. The DRC has plans for contacting some of the trouble spots across
the US. Forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, just to name a few.....earlier
this year in IA, MO, and IN with extreme flooding. All these eventualities
need to be addressed.
Another new committee is the Search and Rescue Committee. They are
forming their goals and as they take shape we will learn more about
this exciting venue in which our dogs train and function with their
partners.
Keep your eyes open for additional information on the 2009 National
being hosted by the hard working members of the Western Rottweiler Owners.
Much info is on the website with more to come!! Show Chair is Jeanette
Tonini. (408-377-3146) (email:jeanette@slip.net)
and the dates are April 25 – May 3. Make your plans
and we'll see you there!
Gwen
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