Previous Meeting Minutes
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CHUGIAK DOG MUSHERS ASSOCIATION
General Meeting – May 2003
7 pm at the Red School House on the Old Glenn, next to the CBA building
(across from the carnival storage between the North and South Birchwood exits)
Hotline: 689-7899

Committee Reports:

Treasurer’s Report – Gaming $1533.78; Checking $11,342.48; Savings $1,040.03
Raffle so far ~$1500

Race Committee – The committee drafted a race schedule for 2003-2004. There was some discussion about whether the 32-mile race should be a 6-dog race, as currently listed, or an 8-dog race. The draft race schedule was adopted, pending checking with the Junior schedule for conflicts. The 32-mile race will list “class to be determined” on the schedule and it will be discussed at the fall Race Rules meeting.

Race Poster Committee – Susan Cantor will lead this committee again this year. There was some discussion about potentially introducing a new poster format. A tear-off schedule, similar to that of other race clubs, was one option mentioned.

Clubhouse Committee – The heater and sheetrock have been installed, and mudders and tapers are the next step. It may be too late for the school to help. Jon Van Zyle suggested contacting the King Career Center for labor. The club hopes to finish landscaping and painting by the end of June.

Newsletter Committee – Jim Lindau was not in attendance.

Activities Committee – The committee developed a schedule of monthly education programs through September, created and distributed flyers, and advertised the first program in the newspapers. The first program is tonight. The Juniors may host a dog first aid seminar that the Senior group may join.

Membership Committee – Mary Lou Raychel will help Jo Wood with this committee.

Trail Committee – Needs volunteers. Jennifer Payne will help with this committee.

Old Business:

Web site – Jeanne Carlson will email minute summaries to Theresa Daily for posting on the web site. The Van Zyles will look into linking their web site to CDMA’s and vice versa.

Race rules – Jerry Raychel will bring a few copies of the new race rules that Jo Wood to the next meeting for review.

New Business:

Trail Crossing Update – The newest plan is to combine bond money with fund balance money from Parks & Rec. Parks & Rec will hold meeting on 5/12 and Road Board will join in discussion on 5/19.

Use Agreement – The Use Agreement is renewable as long as the club notifies 60 days in advance. The recommendation is to adopt the current agreement for another 10-year period, rather than dealing with making any changes that would only be 1-year or 5-year agreements.

Next Education Program – Lexi Hill will organize the next program, which is a tour of the Beach Lake Trail system and BBQ.

Quilt Raffle Update – We are still far short of our goals for the quilt raffle. The quilt will be on display and raffle tickets available at Rae’s Harness Shop on May 10; E.R. Carrs on May 17; E.R. First National Bank on May 24, and Picture This/Jitters on June 14. Someone suggested taking the quilt to the Iditarod picnic on June 28 and to the Tuesday Farmer’s Market in E.R. Please contact Lorrie Stenerson at 694-3616 to purchase and/or held sell raffle tickets.

New Race Ideas – Jon Van Zyle brought up the idea of creating a mid-distance, possible stage, race in the Eagle River area. He asked the group for thoughts and ideas of possible race legs, mileage, and other planning aspects.

Education Program:

The first in the 2003 Education Series was “Happy Summer Dogs.” The program was designed to provide ideas for keeping sled dogs exercised and entertained during the summer months. Harold Capps provided a description and photos of several exercise wheels. He described one he built for the Van Zyles and described other styles as well. The Van Zyles offered training advice for using the “gerbil wheels” and described other dog entertainment techniques they use, such as multi-level platforms with a treehouse in the dog yard, and kiddie pools with treats during hot days. Val Jokela and Lexi Hill described several areas around Anchorage where hiking with dogs off leash is possible, such as Beach Lake, Ptarmigan Valley, and Wolverine trail. Jackie Fabrizzio provided handouts describing the basics of agility training and how to build agility equipment.

Next Meeting:

The next CDMA meeting and education program will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at 7pm at the Beach Lake Trails Clubhouse. The event will include a short association meeting, then a bike tour of the trail system and a barbecue. Bring a bike and be prepared for mud if you wish to tour the trails.