GDCA Board Minutes

Great Dane Club of America, Inc.
Board Meeting
October 14 and October 20, 2005
Chandler, Arizona


Board Members present: Jane Chopson, Lynda Moriarty, Lourdes Carvajal, Sid Levin, Dianne Powers, Nancy Lerch, Linda Ridder, Pookie Kostuk, David Miller, Kathy Varian, Paul Hardiman, Cindy Harwin, Dale Desjardins, Tom Sandenaw, Nancy Lerch, and Susan Davis Shaw, recording secretary.

Guests present: Diane Taylor, Carol Grossman, Lora Thill, Sharon Hennessey, Dr. Louis Bond, Rita Suddarth, Rich Kostuk, and Karen Desjardins

All motions are unanimous unless noted.

Jane Chopson called the meeting to order at noon. She thanked the board for their hard work and dedication, and for their honesty and humor during her term as president. 

MOTION
To excuse the absences of Chris O’Connell and Lisa DeRoulet.
Moved: Nancy Lerch 2nd Paul Hardiman

Minutes
MOTION
To approve the minutes of the meeting of August 6, 2005, as written.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd Paul Hardiman

Correspondence
Jane read a letter from Mid-Florida regarding the slate of officers.
She also passed around for Board perusal a book of Great Dane photos and poetry that had been sent to her.

Lynda reviewed many items of correspondence. She read a letter from the Illini Great Dane Club, expressing disappointment with the elimination of wooden bases from the second-fourth trophies. This will be addressed under National Specialties.

Mary Ann Land was commended for her work on the web site on the new emergency vet listing.

Action Items
Lynda reported that the AKC flyer is completed and has been put into action, the health testing vote has been completed, and participation in the 2006 Eukanuba show is all set.

Yearbook
Lora Thill reported that 45 out of 49 affiliate clubs participated with ads in the yearbook this year, and she thanked her committee and in particular Lisa DeRoulet for her help. Next year she will present two different prices for different quantities of yearbooks.

Treasurer’s Report
Sid reported that two clubs still have outstanding balances. He reported that the Western Division had raised approximately $18,000 in trophy donations. Jane suggested that we do an analysis of where the donations are coming from and we might want to look to the trophy chairmen in each division for help. A lot of donations come from one-to-one contact. Linda Ridder suggested that the members should be aware of how much each trophy costs. Pookie asked to have the trophy issue revisited and placed on the January agenda. The board will ask Debbie Sandenaw for a report on the cost. Tom checked with Debbie and she will have a report for the board at the second board meeting.

MOTION
To approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.
Moved: Cindy Harwin 2nd Paul Hardiman

Affiliate Club Representative
Dianne Powers reported that she had sent out four letters to affiliate clubs: two who were under the necessary 15 members and two who had 16 members. Dianne will keep working with these clubs.

Dianne presented a request for an educational grant from the Great Dane Club of the Mid-South.

MOTION
To recommend that the Charitable Trust fund the educational grant for the Great Dane
Club of the Mid-South in the amount of $500.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Dianne reported that two clubs have revised their by-laws and two more need items to complete their revision. She will encourage clubs to adopt the GDCA constitution. Lourdes spoke in favor of requiring affiliate clubs to adopt the GDCA constitution. Jane asked Lourdes to address this issue at the affiliates meeting and it will be placed on the agenda for the second board meeting.

AKC Delegate’s Report
Tom Sandenaw spoke about the PAWS legislation and the Parent Club Delegates Committee. He mentioned a proposal to reorganize the groups and said that there will be a direct mailing to exhibitors. He mentioned several other upcoming issues, including possibly replacing the Novice class with an Amateur Handler class.

National Specialty
Carol Grossman reported that the 2005 National was on track, and that she had some proposed changes to the National Specialty, Futurity, & Top 20 Rules & Regulations. The following changes were made:

MOTION
Page 3 at the end of the last paragraph pertaining to rotation of nationals: Any change to this order would have to be approved by the GDCA Board.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd David Miller

MOTION
Page 4 under National Trophy Coordinator, shall read: The duties of the National Trophy Coordinator shall consist of being the liaison with the Division Trophy Chairman, the ordering of the trophies and the transportation of the trophies to and from the National Specialty.
Moved: Pookie Kostuk 2nd Nancy Lerch

MOTION
Page 8, add the paragraph: It shall be standard policy to refund companion event
entries on bitches in season at the National Specialty. This policy will be printed in the
premium list.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Tom Sandenaw

MOTION
Page 10, under Judges: Division Chairman, Show Chairman, Division Secretary and
Division Treasurer are not eligible to judge at their Division’s National This rule applies to Conformation as well as Companion Events.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Linda Ridder

MOTION
Page 10, under Judges, Add the paragraph: All final nominees are to be notified by mail with proof of
delivery as soon as the voting has been completed and the ballots have been counted.
The judge receiving the most votes will select which event he/she wishes to judge, Intersex, Dogs or Bitches, the judge receiving the second highest number of votes will choose from the remaining two assignments and the third judge will judge the remaining assignment. The hosting division will select the Companion Events and Jr. Showmanship judges.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd Cindy Harwin

MOTION
Page 10, add the line: One judge for Junior Showmanship and/or each Companion Event
offered.
Moved: Tom Sandenaw 2nd Lynda Moriarty

MOTION
Page 11, add in paragraph one: Judges selected to judge Junior Showmanship, and/or
Companion Events must conform only to the AKC policy for time and distance.

Add in paragraph two: The Committee shall consist of the Division Chairman, Show
Chairman, and the Judge’s Committee Chairperson, and the National Specialty
Coordinator.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Nancy Lerch

MOTION
Page 12, change the last sentence to read: The Division is responsible for offering
an AKC Agility Trial, even if it must be at an alternate nearby site.
Moved: Tom Sandenaw 2nd Dianne Powers

MOTION
Page 13, add a listing of the Agility classes.
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd David Miller

MOTION
Page 13, under Miscellaneous, add: Parades will be offered for Champions of Record,
Companion Event Title Holders, and Veterans.
Moved: Pookie Kostuk 2nd Cindy Harwin

MOTION
Page 14, under Uniform Scheduling, delete three “if offered”.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Linda Ridder

MOTION
Page 14, last line will read: Whenever possible, companion events judging is never
to conflict with conformation judging.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd Kathy Varian

MOTION
Under Top 20 Invitational, add: The Top 20 Judges ballots will be counted by a CPA.
Moved: Lynda Moriarty 2nd Kathy Varian
THE MOTION PASSES BY A MAJORITY VOTE.

High in Trial Rally 1 and 2 will be removed.

MOTION
Exhibit A, Add High Combined Obedience, Add High In Trial Agility 
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Linda Ridder

MOTION
To approve the changes in language relating to trophies.
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd David Miller

MOTION
To approve the ribbon numbers listed.
Moved: Tom Sandenaw 2nd Cindy Harwin 

The trophy section will be tabled until the issue is discussed.

That concludes the motions relating to the National Specialty document.

2007 National Specialty
The show proposal for the 2007 National was presented by Louis Bond and Rita Suddarth. Louis reported that 89% of the people who worked so hard in 2001 are back for 2007. The theme will be a university one. The proposal, theme and logo were received favorably by the board. Sid thanked Rita for using the proper format. 

MOTION
To approve the show proposal for the 2007 National.
Moved: David Miller 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

2006 National
Lourdes reported that a promotional brochure will be available at the ring on Friday.

ByLaws
Lourdes reported that she had received the final letter of approval from AKC. A request was brought up by a member of an affiliate club who wanted by-laws for distribution to her club members. She will be referred to the GDCA web site where they can be downloaded by members. Lourdes thanked her committee – Sid Levin, Pookie Kostuk and Dianne Powers and Jane thanked Lourdes for a job well done.

Futurity
Dave Miller reported that 194 litters were nominated resulting in 258 puppies for a final nomination, 116 males and 142 females. He already has 67 litters nominated for 2006 to date.

Carol Grossman gave a breakdown of the check in the amount of $5,839.92 to be presented at the Futurity.

Health and Welfare
JP had sent two reports to the board. Jane spoke regarding a proposal for a breed specific registry for Great Danes. The issue was discussed and, due to the cost, consensus was that it is not where we choose to put our limited funds at this point.

MOTION
To not pursue at his time the proposal for a breed specific registry for Great Danes.
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd Nancy Lerch

There was discussion of an informational article on Deafness in White Great Danes and the following motion was made. Cindy Harwin is working on a companion article on training and living with a deaf Great Dane.

MOTION
To approve the document on deafness in Great Danes written by JP Yousha and Dr.
Neil O’Sullivan and place it on the web site.
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd David Miller
Judges Selection
Judges were announced for 2007: Lowell Davis, Breed; Gina Jaeblon, Dogs; and Lourdes Carvajal, Bitches. Futurity: Doug Toomey and Marie Somershoe.

Scholarship
The scholarship will be tabled until the second board meeting.

Rescue
Pookie presented 14 requests for rescue grants:

MOTION
To recommend that the Charitable Trust fund the following 14 Rescue Grants:
1. Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League DE (1) $500
2. GDC of Des Moines (2) $500
3. GDC of Las Vegas Rescue (1) $500
4. GDC of Las Vegas Rescue (2) $500
5. GDC of El Paso (1) $500
6. Hoosier Great Dane Rescue (1) $500
7. Hoosier Great Dane Rescue (2) $500
8. Great Dane Club of Tucson (2) $148.70
9. Great Dane Rescue of No. CA (1) $500
10. Great Dane Rescue of No. CA (2) $500
11. Great Dane Angel Network (1) $500
12. Great Dane Angel Network (2) $500
13. Great Dane Rescue of New England (1) $383.32
14. Great Dane Rescue of New England (1) $334
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Pookie gave rescue statistics for the year and invited everyone to the rescue committee meeting on Tuesday which will be one hour after Futurity judging. Jane read a thank you letter from Great Dane Rescue, Inc.

Standard
Bob Edison will give a report at the second board meeting.

Web Site
Nancy Lerch presented a potential reading list to be added to the web site. Several board members asked for additional books to be placed on the list. The suggested reading list will be on the web site under resources.

Breeder Referral
There was a discussion of the breeder referral listing on the web site. Members will be reminded that in order to be listed, they must submit proof of at least one health test on each dog that they breed. Everyone will be removed as of January 1st and must apply to be added back on.

Nancy suggested establishing a mentors list. Jane suggested that everyone look on the Doberman web site to see what they have established. Jane thanked Nancy for all of her work on the internet site.

Charitable Trust
Lourdes reported on recent donors.

Legislative Report
Jane suggested that Tom develop generic letters addressing the issues of pro choice on cropping, breed specific laws, and breed specific insurance denials. Once he develops the letters, they will be placed on the web site.

Old Business
The revised Great Dane University brochure was distributed and will be discussed at the next board meeting.

The board entered briefly into executive session. Upon reconvening, it was decided to table membership until the second board meeting.

The board meeting was recessed at 5:05 PM to reconvene on Oct. 20th.

The meeting reconvened on October 20th after judging. The meeting was called to order by Lourdes Carvajal in the absence of Linda Ridder, who was taking pictures with the winners and would arrive shortly. Lourdes warmly welcomed the new board members.

Members Present: Linda Ridder, Jane Chopson, Lourdes Carvajal, Sid Levin, Dianne Powers, Pookie Kostuk, Warren Benoit, Kathy Varian, Chuck Crawford, Cindy Harwin, Joe Longo, Dave Miller, Lynda Moriarty, Tom Sandenaw and Susan Davis Shaw

Guests Present: Diane Taylor, Bob Edison, Debbie Sandenaw, Cheryl Godwin, Andy Moriarty, Barbara Renkosiewicz, Judy Harrington, Sandy Schneider, Dr. Neil O’Sullivan, Teresa LaBrie, Zee Marie, Kathleen Holland.

Health and Welfare
Dr. Neil O’Sullivan explained his background in genetics, and reported on a possible merging of the Health and Welfare and the Color Research committees because the committees are cross-reacting. The new committee could be called the Health and Research Committee.

MOTION
To approve the merging of the Health and Welfare Committee and the Color Research
Committee into the Health and Research Committee.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Tom Sandenaw 

Neil was asked to notify the board of his committee members when he has them in place.
He reported on the two new topics of research:
1. The Geriatric Dog Project – To start documenting older healthy dogs in the breed and to move the emphasis away from talk about sick dogs to talk about healthy dogs. DNA sample of older healthy dogs would also be available for other research needs as they arose.

2. Research on the harlequin gene – this would enable breeders to make more informed
breeding choices and the color code may be impacted in the future by this research.

Standards Committee/Judges Education
Judy Harrington and Bob Edison are working together. In Judges Education, the standard is represented by a power point and a slide presentation. The power point has been revised and is standard across the country. Judy reported that the AKC video, which is required viewing for judge applicants, is very much out of date. It was done many years ago and does not include the mantle. She feels that it is time to address with AKC possibly updating everything on a CD so that it can be kept up to date. Judy has had a suggestion of copywriting the presentation and possibly placing it on the web site.

Bob will be addressing the two changes to the standard, the proportional issue and the mantle color standard. He will be working with an advisory board to better articulate the mantle standard for people who are judging these dogs and are not from the breed. He explained that a change in the standard will require two votes from AKC and one vote from the membership.

Treasurer’s Report
Sid updated the board on the finances of the week.
Pookie explained how rescue income from the national rescue booth is distributed.

MOTION
To accept the updated Treasurer’s report as presented.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd David Miller

Committee Chairmen
Linda announced her new Standing Committee Chairs and thanked Teresa LaBrie for a job well done. She introduced Sandy Schneider, the new chairman of the Companion Events committee.

MOTION
To approve the new Committee chairs of Sandy Schneider for Companion Events and
Dr. Neil O’Sullivan for Health and Research as recommended by President Linda Ridder.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Dianne Powers

Scholarship
Dianne Powers mentioned that, in reviewing past motions, she noticed that there was a motion made last January which gave a scholarship application deadline of April 1st. She suggested that it be revisited.

MOTION
To eliminate a deadline for scholarship applications.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Kathy Varian

Newsletter
Board members were reminded that the deadline for the bulletin is two weeks from the Monday following the board meeting. Cheryl Godwin spoke of the importance of meeting that deadline, because it impacted the deadline for comments on membership applicants. 

Trophies
Debbie Sandenaw gave an overview of the cost of trophies. She reported the following breakdown:
First Place - $74 each
2nd – 4th Place - $35.50 each
Best Bred By - $176 
Junior Handler - $176
Reserve - $176
Winners, HIT, High Combined - $254. Each
BOW, BOS - $263 each
BOB - $563
Top 20 - $460
Judges Box - $67.50
A breakdown of the 2nd – 4th trophy is $16.80 for the medallion and $18.57 for the wood. For the Top 20 and BOB trophies, the biggest cost is the wood due to the shape of the trophy. The wood base for the BOB trophy is $437. Award of Merit trophies are $115 each. The above prices do not include shipping. Debbie reported that approximately 100 trophies are left over each year, mostly 2 – 4th place. She personally changes the face plates on the leftovers, saving that cost, and she uses the leftovers for second place the next year. Debbie was applauded for her hard work. Suggestion was made to revisit the trophy issue in January. Debbie would need a firm decision by the board at that time, as they must be ordered by March. Debbie was asked to give a detailed written cost breakdown to the board. 

Unfinished Business

Great Dane University Brochure
Since all board members did not have time to review the brochure, it was tabled until January.

MOTION
To table discussion on the Great Dane University brochure until the January meeting.
Moved: Pookie Kostuk 2nd Kathy Varian

Adopting the GDCA Constitution
After discussion, the following motion was made:

MOTION
To encourage affiliate clubs to adopt the GDCA constitution.
Moved: Tom Sandenaw 2nd David Miller

Scholarship Applications

MOTION
To recommend that the Charitable Trust fund scholarships to Shawn Carmody and 
Kari Delane
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Pookie Kostuk

Jane reminded everyone to see Pookie to pick up their health binder and suggested downloading the surgical guidelines and vaccination protocol from the website.

Tom Sandenaw gave a PAWS legislation update. He read a recent email from Ron Menaker. When the key witness list is available, he will forward it to the board.

The board entered into executive session.
Upon reconvening, the following motions were made:

Vacant Board Position
MOTION
To confirm Linda Ridder’s appointment of Susan Davis Shaw to the vacant board position.
Moved: Tom Sandenaw 2nd Dianne Powers

Membership
MOTION
To vote the following applicants into membership:

Connie Adams
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Elizabeth Artle
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Laura M. Beck
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Kim Broenneke
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Betty Carroll
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

James Cornutt
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Eric Cline
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Cheryl Cline 
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

James Conroy
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Tom Sandenaw

Michelle Conroy
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd David Miller

Zee da Silva
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Kathy Varian
10 VOTES IN FAVOR – 4 ABSTENSIONS – MOTION PASSES

Marcella M. Gulick
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd David Miller

Janie Healey
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd David Miller

Kathryn A. Jackson
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd David Miller

Annsley Kast
DIED FOR LACK OF A MOTION

Lawrence Kast
DIED FOR LACK OF A MOTION

Tabitha Plambeck
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd David Miller

Charles J. Quinlan
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd Cindy Harwin

Carl E. Smith
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd David Miller

Karen Schuller
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd Sid Levin

Jean Bernadette Taylor
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd David Miller

Kimberly M. Thurler
Moved: Sid Levin 2nd David Miller

The next meeting of the GDCA Board will be held on January 28, 2006, in Dallas, Texas.

To adjourn the meeting.
Moved: Cindy Harwin 2nd Tom Sandenaw

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Davis Shaw
Recording Secretary
Electronic Votes

January 2, 2006
MOTION:
To make a donation in the amount of $100. to St. Giles in Memory of Freda Lewis.
Moved: Pookie Kostuk 2nd – Dianne Powers
The motion passed.

January 10, 2006
MOTION:
To donate $100 to Morris Animal Foundation in memory of Roxanne Berton. 
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Kathy Varian
The motion passed.

Minutes Approved 1-29-06

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