Here is a synopsis of the annual meeting, courtesy of the minutes taken by Deb Hamilton, Club Secretary.
On Friday Nov 13, close to 30 WNRDC members of the WNRDC gathered at the Alden’s for our annual meeting. We enjoyed a social hour with food provided by members of the BOD, getting a chance to meet people new to riding in town and catching up with others.
Results of the elections include re-election of Kathy Feehery, Claude Maina and Denise Atherton.
During the business portion of the meeting, the following was accomplished. The club by laws were updated, changes can be found on the club website. Our treasurer, Heather Hull-Colby went over the highlights of our balanced budget with entries to our events (Pipestave Hill Horse Trials, Adventure Trail and Centered Riding Clinic), memberships, generous grant from the Dressage Foundations and donations (including one of $1000) from members providing an income of over $15,000. We will be increasing our year end donations to $2500, including a bigger donation to NEER North for storage of our stadium jump trailer.
In Recognition of Our Volunteers & Members
Volunteer of the Year:
Molly Lister, “Dressage set up Queen,” X-c Controller, and member of Team Pipestave
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Judy and Tony Wright – For being one of our original Board members and longtime Pipestave volunteers
Equestrian Achievement:
Barbara Hurld was recognized for her lifetime of riding and driving accomplishments.
Winner of the Summer Volunteer Raffle:
Karen Reardon – Winter Pot Luck Organizer
Winner of the Fall Volunteer Raffle:
Midge Drolet – Jump Judge, Jump Decorator
Also, discussed were activities for next year, including winter talks which may include a chance to move and explore Tai Chi, learn about equine dentistry, veterinary topics such as feet and lameness, Lyme disease, learning about hay quality and fly control. The popular Club Potluck will be held in March. Other events suggested were another Centered Riding Clinic and Stadium Jump Schooling. The first needs member interest as a grant can be repeated to keep riding costs low while the second needs a volunteer to organize the event.
The last items on the agenda included:
- Discussion of the need for members to help maintain the cross country paths, mowing and weed whacking to keep our course accessible between the Horse Trials.
- The committee of Peter Clark, Claude Maina and Sophiea Bitel are working on updating our website.
- Next spring, we anticipate using funds from our savings, to upgrade and maintain the stone dust footing in Ring One.
- A vote was taken on the Mass Horse magazine benefit as the magazine moves to e-publishing. Members voted and decided to no longer continue this benefit.
The following charities were selected for our year end donations:
- ECTA (through funds raised by Adventure Trail),
- Essex County Greenbelt,
- Maudslay State Park,
- Windrush Farm,
- NEER North
- The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center.
- West Newbury Police and Fire Department
- GAR Memorial Library.
- Yearly donations have already been made to the EMA and the MSPCA.