HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE
NOVEMBER 14, 2009
FALL MEETING

President Gary Gilmond called the fall meeting of the EDHA to order on Nov 14, 2009. President Gilmond thanked everyone for coming and held a moment of silence for those loved ones lost the previous year, specifically mentioning Shirley Collins, Bob Fletcher and Albert Cross.

 The sec report was read and accepted. 

The treasurer’s report was read and after some discussion on the remaining inventory on hand, was seconded and accepted. 

Bob Allen read the high points results, and the winners were presented awards. Perkins Family won the 30, 31. R&R won the 32, 33, 34, and FFA 

There was a discussion that a member said the agenda for the directors meeting was not posted as required. President Gilmond said it had been posted.

Sue Smith gave the nominating committee report. The nominating committee recommends for officers for 2010  

Pres- Curt Towle

VP Bob Allen

Sec-Sue Smith

Asst Sec- Tracey Cragin

Treas—Jody Whipple

Asst Treas—Rhonda Smith 

There were no nominations from the floor, so the secretary cast one ballot for the slate. 

The nominating committee put forth 7 names for a possible 5 open slots. The highest (4) votes to get a 3-year position, the fifth highest votes to get the remaining unfilled term of a 1 yr position.

The nominees were 

Slim Sharp, Wally Stevens, Patty Cragin, Jim Grover, Shaun Kelley, Brad Hurlburt, Mark Perkins.  

Vote came in at ---

Slim Sharp—51

Wally Stevens—41

Patty Cragin—58

Jim Grover—57

Sean Kelley—54

Brad Hurlburt—23

Mark Perkins—52 

President Gary Gilmond introduced Curt Towle as the new president, and explained that the old officers would help the new ones out in any way they would like. Curt thanked Gary for helping him make his decision to run for pres, He also said he a lot to learn, he was willing to give it a shot, and hoped everything worked together.  

Bob Allen thanked Gary Gilmond for his many years as president, also thanked Caroline Smith for her 10 years as secretary, and also presented her with a dozen roses, which were very much appreciated.  

President Gilmond then made a presentation to the members on which fairgrounds was available to us for the 2010 round up.  

Essex Jct is available

Topsfield is not available

Big E is available but costs over our budget

Northampton not available

Fryeburg not available

Keene is available

Hopkinton – we will know after their directors meeting Dec 14. They want to winterize their grounds by Columbus Day weekend.

Rutland –is somewhat interested, but have no dirt to haul for the arena, which would make an added cost.  

It was discussed that there is a 400,000$ grant available to VT fairs this coming year, 4 of the 14 proposals on the table are for fairs that want to cover their pits.  

There was some discussion that in 2010 there may be some issues regarding steroid use, and steroid testing in horses in VT/NH ~NOTE:  This was discussed at the Director's Meeting and no further information is available at this time.  As more information or discussion becomes available, we will be sure to keep all posted.

It was mentioned that Greenfield, MA fair may be coming into some money … Then Kim Estes (on the board at Greenfield Fair) said that money would be going to the historical building.  

Sue Smith mentioned that, in her opinion, another pull running during round up time hurt the assn.  

 It was then mentioned that we as pullers and pulling enthusiasts, we should stand united and not divided.  

A motion to adjourn was made and 2^nd, passed at 8:50 pm.