2012
The weather was not so great for our Annual meeting held on January 22, with sleet turning to ice, but the attendance was remarkably good. About 80 members braved the weather to attend. The bidding was competitive at the silent auction table. Board member Andy Halbach posted many items of interest for members on the bulletin board. Everyone helped themselves to the generous pot-luck table. President Roger Houk promptly started the business meeting as members finished their meal. Reports were given by Secretary Myrna Rhinehart and Treasurer Nancy Nelson. Nancy also reported on the Member Clinic, explaining that the clinician is Bill Lower and information is on the website. Jane Licht announced that she was stepping down as editor of the Coachman, a job that Stacey Anderson will take over. Jane continues on as webmaster and encouraged everyone to check the site for news of club activities. Stacey's contact information is posted to the website under "Newsletter" from the horizontal menu. Karen Robotka offered to host a drive on her farm and adjacent lands would be used. Roger said that the drive schedule will be finalized at the next board meeting. Andy Halbach explained the three amendments to our bylaws that passed unnanimously. Chet Thomas reported on the Young Driver's Camp. Reports on activities from other carriage driving organizations were given by various members. Andy presented an award to Jennifer Thompson for being the first annual "Driving Fool" in the new DDC "Star" program. He then presented boxes of horse treats to other Star winners. Jennifer Thompson, Debi Radtke, and Myrna Rhinehart were re-elected to the Board. Stacey Anderson was elected for the first time. Thanks to Roger Houk for running an efficient meeting that ended before 5 PM. Photos.
2011
Our Annual Meeting in McFarland on Sunday, February 20 was lots of fun but attendance was down because of the weather. Thanks to everyone who braved the weather to be there. For the election, we had five candidates for four positions. Loren Gettelman and Andy Halbach tied so we had another vote and Andy won. We want to thank Loren and Sheri Haviza for their service to DDC. We prepared a nice gift basket for Sheri (but she could not attend) and now we will prepare another one for Loren. Congratulations to our two new board members, Andy and Chet Thomas, and to Roger Houk and Nancy Nelson who were re-elected.
2010
Despite a rainy, foggy morning, DDC members came in full force, necessitating additional chairs and tables. Many veterans attended as well as newer members. A number of DDC members were in Iowa for the wedding of Theresa Burns, or attending the Hub Club Annual Meeting, or the Wisconsin Morgan Club meeting. To those of you who could not attend the DDC Annual Meeting, we missed you but we carried on and had a great time!
As usual, the silent auction table was popular but even moreso was the lively conversation between 1 and 2 PM as members arrived, paid their dues, found a table and friends to chat with. At last years' annual meeting we voted to move up the starting time from 3 to 1 PM in order to finish sooner and allow people to leave earlier. At 2 PM, President Donna Crossman began the business meeting. She explained that Tom Smiley and herself had decided not to run for the board again. Baskets of homemade goodies were presented to Tom and Donna who were both recognized for their many contributions to DDC.
Donna explained that the Board has been implementing a plan to rotate of three types of clinics. In 2008 we held the Safety Clinic for new drivers, in 2009 our members volunteered for the ADS Young Drivers' Camp, and in 2010 we will hold the Member Clinic. Sheri Haviza gave a report on the Member Clinic that will be held June 4-6 at the Marquette County Fairgrounds. Muffy Seaton will be the Clinician. DDC members will be given first chance to apply for the individual lesson spots and members may also audit for one, two or all three days. A flyer with an application form will be emailed and/or mailed soon.
Marge Gettelman explained plans for our DDC booth at the Midwest Horse Fair and she encouraged members to sign up to be a host at the booth. It's fun and entertaining!
The members voted to support a couple of worthy causes by making a small donation to each. Myrna Rhinehart said that as an ADS member, she will direct another Young Driver's Camp and is looking for volunteers. Other members made announcements about various driving events for 2010. Webmaster Jane Licht encouraged them to provide the information to her and she will add it to Favorite Links.
Members voted to elect the 2010 DDC Board members: Debi Radtke, Dr. Jennifer Thompson, Sheri Haviza, Nancy Nelson, Roger Houk, Loren Gettelman, and Jane Licht. The meeting was closed. Members then enjoyed a wide variety of desserts, salads and main dishes from the pot-luck table.
The only negative is that Jane's camera was on the wrong setting and all the photos were out of focus. So sorry about that!
2009 Annual Meeting
Despite frigid temperatures, many Dairyland Driving Club, Inc. (DDC) members attended the Annual Meeting at the McFarland Municipal Building in McFarland, Wisconsin. As usual, there was a good deal of socializing with members meeting new members and renewing long term friendships. The silent auction attracted interesting artifacts, some horse-related and others not, and the auction table was a buzz with bidders all afternoon until the auction was declared closed by DDC President Donna Crossman. The pot-luck supper was especially well-balanced with great hot dishes, salads and desserts that were much appreciated and enjoyed by the members.
Donna Crossman recognized Sharon Makurat who was leaving the board of directors after many years of service. Sharon had served as Safety and Education Chair, President and Vice-President. Donna gave Sharon a big hug and a basket filled with gifts from the board members. Sharon said she was pleased to be a member of the board and will continue to serve on the Young Drivers Camp Committee.
Marilyn Radtke is also stepping down from many years of service on the board as our Treasurer. Marilyn and her husband Harry also served on the Pleasure Drives Committee. Marilyn was unable to attend the annual meeting but plans to attend the next board meeting to assist in the transfer of the books to the next Treasurer. Donna plans to present Marilyn with a gift basket similar to the one she gave to Sharon.
At the business meeting, members voted to approve changes to the Bylaws that would create new membership categories and established fees for the categories. Members elected the 2009 board of directors: Donna Crossman, Roger Houk, Myrna Rhinehart, Tom Smiley, Loren Gettelman, Jane Licht, Nancy Nelson and Sheri Haviza.
Link to photos from the meeting.
