The Board of Trustees
for the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America, Inc.
met in Charleston SC June 11 with 25 Trustees present.
Others included Bernie Matthys and secretary, Linda
Hunt. (Don't know if we need our names) President,
Dr. Jack Huffman opened the meeting. When the formalities
were completed the agenda was changed by vote and
the U S Complete petition for the AFTCA to sanction
a U S Complete National Amateur Championship and
a U S Complete Amateur Invitational Championship
was opened. Jerry Murray, U S Complete designee
to present the matter was introduced. He gave an
overview of the organization he was representing,
its present membership status and future plans.
He stated the reasons he felt the amateur championship
would greatly benefit their membership which in
turn would be rewarded with further growth. He fielded
several questions dealing with how they operated
in relation to AFTCA rules and regulations. He was
dismissed and further discussion continued. The
championships were approved later in the meeting.
The financial report
did not present any great increase and the funding
for Twentieth Century Fund Grants was decided upon
with the Fund committee to meet at lunch to set
their recommendations. Those who were recipients
of these grants is printed below. There was discussion
of setting up a separate trust for Fund money and
a committee was appointed to advise on this matter
The Print Program
committee gave an update on that aspect of the Twentieth
Century Fund. The Shooting at Chinquapin print was
promoted but also made known that prints are available
from all previous years. Dale Bush stated that the
artist, Herb Booth, was in the process of producing
the painting for John Invester and things were progressing
on schedule.
Many positive items
were presented. Dr. Hunter Wilcox gave an update
on the Trust by an anonyoums donor that will be
returned to purchase land. Dale Bush reported on
the Dr. Thomas and Robin Morgan will established
for the same purpose and in addition an endowment
to be used as a grounds maintenance fund. Dale also
apprised the group of possible funding along with
Twentieth Century Fund grants from the U S Fish
and Wildlife that he was going to pursue. The new
contract with Bass Pro Shops during the course of
the year was lauded as well as continuous support
from regulars including Tri-Tronics, Wildlife Materials,
Inc, Field Trial Magazine and Bruce Fox, Inc. A
new contract with a major sponsor, Purina, was acknowledged.
Pat Lamantia, representing Purina, was on hand to
speak for them and field any questions from Trustees.
Bob Baylis, who
had chaired the nominating committee this year,
proposed that a By-Laws change be made. This change
would occur in the method in which the nominating
committee presents its nomination for a position
of Trustee where the current Trustee no longer wished
to serve. Article V (2) (c) which now reads "Secretary
(of the Region) shall send these recommendations
to the Nominating Committee appointed by the President
of the Corporation. Said committee shall give careful
consideration to these recommendations" The change
would read "Said committee will report all recommended
persons selected by the Region and make a recommendation
of one person. If a Region does not recommend any
person, the committee will select a competent member
of the Region to submit to the Board." This was
assigned to the By-Laws and Rules committee of Bob
Bylis, Mike Peretto and Herb Anderson.
Region 16 presented
a case for reversal of the "Solid Barrel Blank Ammunition"
rule. Rick Stalling Took the floor and presented
ammunition that could be fired from an open barrel
gun without a projectile leaving the barrel. The
price of the liability insurance was discussed.
This did not seem to be a factor in the earlier
decision with the emphasis on safety and land owner
protection prevailing. Frank LaNasa, an insurance
executive, offered opinions on the policies that
were currently available. The possibility of reconsidering
the issue should a "more inclusive" policy be presented
was discussed. It appeared that more time would
be needed to call the question so a motion was made
for it to be tabled pending further investigation
with the current insurance to remain in affect.
The insurance committee consisting of Frank LaNasa,
Torben Hansen, and Rick Stallings were to look into
the matter. Other insurance matters were dealt with
, i.e. "non owned\hired" vehicle insurance for the
Organization.
The secretary reported
that just a few days prior to the meeting that web
site name "aftca.org" was transferred directly to
the organization. Work on reorganizing this is currently
being conducted. The goal for all information to
be complete is Sep 1 as the new field trial season
begins. Further information will be forthcoming
as to what will be available on the site.
Big Sky Field Trial
Club of Bozeman MT had petitioned the AFTCA for
a change of Regions stating that the Rocky Mountains
virtually kept them from participating in the Region
9 events. Both Regions were in agreement so the
change of Montana from Region 9 to Region 14 was
approved.
First Vice President,
Michael Shears, stated that plans had been underway
to secure the date on the Ames Plantation of the
first week end in Dec for the next 5 years. He announced
that the National Amateur Quail Championship would
begin there this year on Dec 5 on the heels of the
National Amateur Invitational Championship at Como
MS Dec 2. The following year the National Amateur
Invitational Championship would take fill the early
Dec date. He felt that financial support of this
venue by the Organization during that time frame
should be incorporated. Supporting this he proposed
that the entry for the National Amateur Invitational
Championship be raised to $300 starting with the
2006 running.
A motion was made
and passed. Reinstated to amateur status were Mark
Wasserman, Benton KS and Jim Hardy, Hoffman, NC.
AFTCA Membership
meeting Dr. Huffman opened the meeting with a tribute
and silence for Jack McNamara whose death shocked
the entire fraternity this spring. Jack was remembered
as being an integral part of the Organization receiving
its 501 © 3 status. A number of Region 3 guests
were with us for the evening and were introduced.
A recap of the Trustees meeting was given with various
committees giving their reports.
Linda Hunt stated
that retiring Trustees Jim Leitner, Region 5, and
Roger Martens, Region 13 were not present but they
were thanked for their contributions. A tribute
was paid to Dr. J. D. Huffman, recounting his term
as President for the past two years. A plaque of
appreciation was presented to the Tennessee-Mississippi
sportsman.
Bob Baylis was
given the floor for the nominating committee. He
read the nominations of Trustees who wished to run
for another term as follows: Region 1, Richard Bemebnek;
Region 2, Mike Peretto; Region 3, David Dale; Region
4, Tom Honecker; Region 6, Michael Shears; Region
7, Dale Bush; Region 8, Dr. D. E. Hawthorne; Region
9, Glen Wiese; Region 10, Herb Anderson; Region
11, Torben Hansen; Region 16, Rick Stallings; Region
17, Dr. Pat McInteer; Region 18, Duane Cobeen; At
Large, Dr. John Webb. No nominations came from the
floor and they were elected by acclimation. Region
5 had presented Sean Derrig to replace Jim Leitner.
There were no nomination from the floor and he was
elected by acclimation. The majority of club in
Region 13 had selected for their nominee Don Frigo.
The nominating committee presented this name. Roger
Shelswell was nominated from the floor. In the vote
tally Roger Shelswell was named Region 13 Trustee.
Region 12, not having a Trustee, had requested that
they have a representative on the Board and sent
their nominee to be Ric Peterson. He was elected
by acclimation.
AFTCA
Trustees meeting
In executive session
that followed the nominating committee presented
it's slate of officers as follows, President, Michael
Shears, 1st VP, Mike Peretto; 2nd VP John Milton
and 3rd VP Preston Trimble; secretary-treasurer,
Linda Hunt. All were elected by acclimation.
The service of
secretary was evaluated and an appropriate sally
increase was approved. She was asked to project
her involvement with the AFTCA. She stated that
without any unforeseen difficulties it was her desire
to maintain her present position for another five
years if agreeable with the trustees, and then if
approved, remain in some capacity of service to
the AFTCA beyond that point. The trustees determined
that approximately two years before the time to
appoint new secretary criteria would be set and
a search conducted for a person to assume the secretary
post.
***This is the
synopsis and the full minutes will be available
through contact with the office when a final draft
is ready to present.
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AFTCA
NEWS
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Twentieth
Century Fund
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As
every year since 1995 the AFTCA Twentieth Century
Fund was able to appropriate money in the form of
grants to assist member clubs with their requests
for projects as spelled out in the original objectives
when the AFTCA was incorporated in 1948. The Fund,
set into motion by Dr. Angelo Lurus to provide for
the future of field trials, has made a difference
in the operations of many clubs and venues. We are
able to continue this effort through continued contributions
to the Fund directly or to the Print Program Project.
This
year there were applications for funding far exceeding
the current budget. The applicants submitted their
requests and the Twentieth Century Fund committee
reviewed them with the following criteria in mind.
The purpose of the funding request and the number
of trials held at the location are primary considerations.
Also, willingness to support National Amateur Championship
at that venue and the amounts received over the
previous years was considered. While most of the
grants were less then requested it was cited that
funds become available from investments on the principal
so fluctuation occurs. We have recently distributed
metal signs signifying that " the Fund had a part
in the venue you are enjoying" creating awareness
of some of the areas receiving funding over the
years. Should your club have received funding and
did not receive a sign to display you may contact
either myself or the Office of Linda Hunt.
We wish to thank all who have contributed to the
Fund. These contributions enable us to make these
grants. Some faithful clubs, in the USA and Canada,
send a per dog amount at each trial. Their continued
support not only adds to the principal it is a token
of appreciation for the effort put forth by the
committee and the organization. To everyone that
has made a contribution we hope you, too, feel proud
that your support is making a difference.
Dr. Hunter Wilcox Chairman
Twentieth Century Fund
| Ames Amateur |
Ames Plantation |
Grand Junction, TN |
| Marshall County Amateur |
Fitch Farm |
Holly Springs, MS |
| Field Trial Sportsman's Assn |
Lehar Grounds |
Lehar Grounds |
| Husker Bird Dog Club |
Branched Oak Lake |
Raymond, NE |
| Northern Virginia FTC |
Phelps WMA |
Summerduck, VA |
| Blackwater Field Trial Club |
Blackwater Area |
Munson, FL |
| Holler Point Field Trial Club |
|
Lathrop, MO |
| North Carolina Field Trial Assn |
|
Hoffman, NC |
| Tidewater Field Trial Club |
Dick Cross WMA |
Elm Hill, VA |
| Continental Amateur |
Dixie Plantation |
Greeenville, FL |
| Ohio Valley Circuit |
West Kentucky |
Paducah, KY |
| Eastern Iowa Shooting Dog |
Pleasant Creek |
Palo, IA |
| Top of the World FTC |
|
Emporia, KS |