September President Column
I sure hope you all have been enjoying the summer. The show season is nearly over for the year with just our Championship, Region 6 Championship and a few fall league shows left to go.Our Annual Awards Banquet will be held Saturday, September 13 in conjunction with the Championship show. Tickets have been for sale for the past month so if you still don’t have one contact the ODS Office because we want to see you there. The service, food and atmosphere at the Holiday Inn in Wilsonville have been very good the past two years. In addition there will be special awards presentations, a silent auction and plenty of time to relax and socialize. Volunteers are still and always needed at the Championship show so please contact our volunteer coordinator and sign up to help and hopefully see everyone having their best rides of the year.
I am happy to announce the recipients of the college scholarships for 2008. The money for the scholarships is raised each year by the Young Riders at the Dressage for the Ages show. I’d like to thank Gaye McCabe for her work in putting on these shows and making this scholarship program possible. Each of these young people in addition to riding has accomplished academic success, participated in leadership, community service, and many have participated in inter-scholastic sports in addition to riding not only in dressage but other disciplines as well. I love reading the scholarship applications and essays and have enjoyed participating in the selection for the past few years. This year’s scholarship have been awarded to the following:
- Alex Carey Attending Central Oregon Community College
- Alexandria Lindahl - University of Portland
- Alycia Smith - University of Findlay
- Jordan Martin - not available at deadline
- Angeline Desquesnes - Linn Benton Community College
- Amy Rufener - University of Washington
We were very sad to cancel the Linda Acheson Education Fund Benefit show due to an inadequate number of entries. I would like to thank the people who put a lot of time into organizing the show this year: Kim Barker, Siobhan Barker and Christopher Main. The ODS Board will be considering how to go forth with the program to raise the fund to the level of capital required to allow the funds to be used. Input from members would be very beneficial and welcome. Please contact your Directors and Regional reps with your ideas about this important project.
We are still seeking an ODS Treasurer. This does not have to be an elected director the bylaws allow a person with qualifications to be appointed. Please contact me or any board member if you are interested in helping secure the future of ODS and dressage in Oregon.
I hope to see you at the Championship Show. Good luck to those of you competing and thanks to the many committee members and volunteers who really are the ones making this show a success year after year.
Travel safely,
Marsha
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