The May USDF CONNECTION is out with the article about ODS. I hope you all enjoyed reading it. I thought the writer did a good job. There is one correction though and that has to do with the Linda Acheson Education Fund. The author stated the fund was used for two projects listed in the article and that is not true. The Linda Acheson Fund has not been used at all because we are still trying to grow the fund to the level required before any funds can be dispersed. The fund is supported by your donations and the benefit shows which will be 2 days of league shows August 16 and 17 at the Lake Oswego Hunt Club.  Chapters or individuals are welcome to help raise money by putting on shows or other fundraisers.

The ODS spring board meeting was held April 26 in Klamath. There were at least 8 people present from the Cascade Chapter for the meeting. Thanks to the Cascade members for setting up the meeting place. It was fun to meet them and hear what they had to say. A Show Biz and Volunteer training session were also held Saturday evening and Sunday by Rose Newman, Kaye Phaneuf and Corinne Stonier.

Corinne gave the membership report and the main topic of discussion following was how to retain members who do not renew because they sell their horse or don’t show for a period of time. We are trying to brainstorm ideas for retaining these members and making people aware of the other benefits of membership besides competition.

Under the topic of Publications Corinne announced the Test Booklets were mailed. The Omnibus deadline has been moved up to JULY FIRST. Show managers need to be aware of this change and begin preparing for 2009 shows earlier than usual.

Our acting Treasurer John Craven was not able to attend but we discussed the following financial issues:
ODS still owes $7,389 to the USDF Capital Campaign. Some chapters are still contributing amounts they pledged over a 5 year period. The greatest amount of the money (which will total $20,000) has come from the Championship Show. We have had 2 candidates reply for the Assistant Treasurer position. We are still seeking a Treasurer. We also discussed training and support for Chapter Treasurers in preparing their year end reports.

ODS is supporting the USDF Adult Clinic with Jane Savoie as an educational opportunity for members. The clinic is August 23-24. Applications for riders are due June 27 and applications for Auditors are due August 8th. To apply see the USDF website. Contact Education Chairperson Francy Haupt for more information volunteers will be needed to help with this event.

The Show Biz presentation in Sherwood February 23-24 was attended by about 30 people and the supplementary Volunteer training session had 40 participants.This is an ODS sponsored program and it will be presented in 2009.

League show awards have been mailed. The awards are delayed due to shows not reporting in the required format. We do need more volunteers to help with this very large project. There was also discussion about the new awards fee policy which changed this season from $2.00 per show to $1.00 per ride. The reason for the change was that the awards were no longer funding themselves. John made a study and came up with the $1.00 per ride as a solution. According to show managers and secretaries it has been somewhat more difficult to administer when people scratch and add classes. A motion was made, seconded and passed to leave the refunding of award fees up to show management. If they do not refund the award to the competitor it will be returned to ODS to help fund the awards program. This will be clarified on the website and included in the Show Biz training.

In the continueing effort to update policies and procedures (found in the HANDBOOK presently) to agree with the new Bylaws we established the following standing committees:
ODS Awards Committee (includes sub committees of League Show Awards, Licensed Show Awards, Special Awards, Sport Horse Awards and the Awards Banquet)
ODS Education Committee (L program, Clinics, Develope Education Programs)
Financial Committee (Budget, Financial Forcasting, Strategic Planning, Fund Raising, Silent Auction)
ODS owned competitions committee (includes sub committees Dressage for the Ages, League Championships, Licensed Championships, Linda A. Benefit Show, Junior/Young Rider Team Show, ODS Open Show, ODS Adult Team Championships
Sport Horse Committee
Youth Programs (High School, 4 H, Young Riders)
The committee chairpersons will amend and revise the purpose/responsibilities of the committees,there will be a board member and each committee.

An Ad hoc committee will be established for nominations for the Director at Large which will be elected in November. Please contact Marsha Williams 541-318-7353 if you are interested in recruiting nominations for this position.

USDF Convention Delegates for 2008 will be: Rose Newman, Francy Haupt, Ed Miller, Marsha Williams and Sally Temple. One person will be an alternate. Corinne Stonier will also attend as Office Manager.

A committee (or sub committee) was formed to continue the project of updating and overseeing League Show Policies. The committee includes Rose Newman, Marsha Williams, Siobhan Barker and Kaye Phaneuf.

The next board meeting is August 9 in Newberg. If you have concerns or input please contact your regional rep, directors at large or officers.

Have a great summer.  Marsha

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