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UNITED SQUARE DANCERS OF AMERICA

Annual Board of Directors MeetingMinutes

Des Moines, Iowa

Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2016Time: 1:00 P.M. (Registration begins at 12:00 Noon)Meeting Place: Iowa Events Center – Grand Ballroom B

1. Call to Order by Jerry Robey, President at 1:03PM Jerry R. welcomed all for attending the meeting and for participating in the 35th USDA Anniversary Celebration. He invited all to pick up a copy of the 35th Anniversary Issue of

the USDA News and a current issue of the USDA News. Jerry brought attention to the memorial to John Becker on page 23. We all shared a moment of silence in memory of John Becker. 2. Invocation by Bill Flick

3. Pledge of Allegiance by LPaul and Sally Schmidt This was a nontraditional presentation, but very beautiful.

4. Introductions of Guests and Visitors by Jerry Robey A. National Executive Committee (www.nsdcnec.com) Lenny and Connie Houle representing Don and Cheryl Pruitt

B. 65th NSDC (Des Moines, IA) (www.65nsdc.com) Will and Carolyn Grimes, Assistant General Chairman representing Jim and Janet

Winslow, General Chairman

C. 66th NSDC – (Cincinnati, OH) (www.66nsdc.com) Lee and Jane Penrose, Assistant General Chairmen representing Steve and Beverly Stoehr, General Chairman

Joy V. – presented Travel Bars for 36 states to Lee and Jane Penrose

D. 67th NSDC (Kansas City, MO) 2018 (www.67nsdc.com) Edythe Weber, Registration and Housing Chairman representing Carl and Cindy Boone, General Chairman

E. 68th NSDC (Atlanta, GA) 2019 (www.68nsdc.com) Elizabeth Sanders, Business Chairman representing Louis and Angie McClure

F. Caller Lab (www.callerlab.org) Dana and Donna Schirmer, Executive Director

G. Roundalab (www.roundalab.org) Betsy & Roy (no last name given)

Annual Board of Directors Meeting Minutes, June 22, 2016


Annual Board of Directors MeetingMinutes

Des Moines, Iowa

Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2016Time: 1:00 P.M. (Registration begins at 12:00 Noon)Meeting Place: Iowa Events Center – Grand Ballroom B

H. ARTS Arbell Thompson, Chairman of the ARTS Board representing Jerry Reed, Executive

Director I. Contra lab – no representation

J. National Square Dance Campers Association, Inc. (www.nsdca.org) Jerry and Donna Robey, Vice Presidents

K. Single Square Dancers USA (www.ssdusa.org) Arbell Thompson, President

L. US Handicapable Square Dance Association (www.ushandicapable.org) Michelle Mabie, President was unable to attend, but sent a note. Note was read by Jerry Robey M. Line Dance Association of American – no representation

N. American Callers Association (www.americancallers.come) – no representation

O. International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (www.iagsdc.org) – no representation Jerry R. thanked all of the guests for attending and speaking at the USDA meeting.

5. Roll Call of Affiliate Organizations by Brenda Deal Present: Eastern Region: Federation of Delaware Valley Square & Round Dancers Square Dance Council of New Jersey Hudson Valley Council, Inc. Capital District Square & Round Dance Assoc. Eastern District Square & Round Dance Assoc., Inc.

Central Region: Alabama Square & Round Dance Assoc. Florida Federation of Square Dancers Northeast Georgia Federation Indiana Dancers Assoc. Kentuckiana Square Dance Council Michigan Council of Round & Square Dance Clubs Mississippi Square & Round Dance Assoc. Inc. Folk, Round & Square Dance Federation of North Carolina


http://www.americancallers.come/


Southwestern Ohio Square Dance Federation Inc. Central Ohio Corporation of Dance Clubs South Carolina Square & Round Dance Federation Tennessee State Association of Square & Round Dance Clubs Present Continued: Plains Region: State Council of Illinois Square & Round Dance Assoc. Inc. Iowa State Federation of Square & Round Dance Clubs Kansas Square Dance Assoc. Louisiana Square Dance Assoc. Square Dance Federation of Minnesota Inc. Square Dance Minnesota Inc. Missouri Federation of Square ‘N Round Dance Clubs Heart of America Federation of Square Dance Clubs Nebraska Square & Round Dance Assoc. North Dakota Square & Round Dance Clubs Inc. Wisconsin Square & Round Dance Assoc.

Western Region: California Square Dance Council Inc. Colorado State Square Dance Assoc. Hawaii Federation of Square Dance Clubs Oregon Federation of Square & Round Dance Clubs

Absent: Eastern Region: Delmarva Square Dancers Federation Mason Dixon Square Dance Federation Washington Area Square Dance Cooperative Assoc. Rochester Area Federation of Western Round & Square Dance Clubs Pennsylvania Square & Round Dance Federation Richmond Square & Round Dance Assoc. Inc.

Central Region: Georgia State Square Dance Assoc. Metro Atlanta Square Dancers Assoc. Kentucky Federation of Square Dancing Inc. Toledo Area Western Dance Leaders Assoc. Inc. Akron Area Square & Round Dance Federation West Virginia Square & Round Dance Federation

Plains Region: Arkansas State Square & Round Dance Federation Inc. Fit & Fun Square Dance Assoc. Northeast Oklahoma Square Dance Assoc. Oklahoma Square Dance Assoc.

Western Region: Alaska Square & Round Dance Federation Square & Round Dance Association of Southern Arizona Grand Canyon Square Dance Assoc. Idaho State Square Dance Assoc. Missoula Area Federation of Square & Round Dance Clubs Yellowstone Square Dance Council New Mexico Square & Round Dance Assoc. Las Vegas Square & Round Dancers Jim Maczko, Parliamentarian announced that we had a corium 29 delegates required and 32 present at meeting.

6. Minutes of 2015 Annual Meeting in Springfield, MA by Brenda Deal Brenda - The minutes from the 2015 annual meeting in Springfield was part of the



delegate packets that were emailed or mailed on May 31st , 2016. Were there any additional corrections to the minutes. There were no corrections at this time.

7. Correspondence by Brenda Deal Brenda - There was two items received as correspondence: A. Thank you card received from Alitia Becker The thank you card was read aloud B. Thank you letter received from Frank Habersberger Letter was read aloud regarding the Centennial Award 8. Treasurers Report by Jim Taylor Jim – the Treasurers Report is in your packets A. Profit & Loss by Class Not a lot of change in the Handicapable, because the only have a convention every other year. Motion to Approve the Treasurers Report by Tennessee 2nd by Illinois Motion Carried

9. Applications for Affiliation by Jerry Robey Jerry - We have not received any applications for Affiliation at this time.

10. Officers ReportsA. President by Jerry Robey

Jerry - Donna and I are just completing our first year as presidents and are just delighted. It has been a wonderful experience. We have now been on the executive committee for five years. As we travel the country, we have enjoyed dancing with everyone. We often hear that dancers are tired of serving, but it is

dedicated dancers like you that help keep this activity alive. We are honored to have two such dedicated dancers on our executive board. They are charter members who helped form this organization in 1981. I would like to pay a special

tribute to them. They are Jim Maczko and Joy Vaccari. We would like you both to please stand for a moment. We would like to recognize you and we have something for you. We have a plaque for Jim. The plaque says, 35th Anniversary of the United Square Dancers of America Charter Member Recognition. In recognition for 35 years of faithful service to the United Square

Dancers of America from 1981 to 2016. Joy Vaccari we are so very proud to present this to you. Congratulations and Thank You for 35 years of service. These individuals have served on just about every position on this executive board. You should know that they have also served as Presidents. Jim M. was the 1st President and Joy and her late husband were the 2nd Presidents. We (Jerry & Donna R.) were contacted by Country Woman Magazine. They wanted to do an article on square dancing. The article will be in their August to September Issue it will be available on newsstands July 5th, 2016. In it you will find a nice article about square dancing and about United Square Dancers of America, we hope you will take the time to check it out.



B. Vice President Eastern Region by Lisa Breault Lisa - I have nothing new to add to my report. I would like to say thank you for attending and a special welcome to those from the Eastern Region.

C. Vice President Central Region by Ed Willis Ed - We want to thank all of you, who have supported us. We have been able to attend conventions in all twelve of our states in the last 3 years. We were warmly welcomed at all of those conventions and we thank you for that.

D. Vice President Plains Region by Judy Engelhardt Judy - We have nothing to add to our report. We have not quite visited all thirteen of our states in our first year. We have been welcomed at the state conventions that we have attended and have had an opportunity to speak about the United Square Dancers of America. We have plans to visit more states this next year. It has been fun.

E. Vice President Western Region by LPaul Schmidt LPaul - We have attended the USA West Convention in Helena, MT California State Convention in Fresno, CA South Carolina State Convention in Myrtle Beach, SC After we leave this 65th NSDC we will be attending the 50th Alaska State Convention. Following the Alaska convention we will be attending the Oregon State Festival. Sally S. – As for the states that we have not made it to, we have a calendar setup and we are trying our best to get there.

F. Secretary by Brenda Deal Brenda - Nothing additional to add.

G. Past President by Mike Matsko Mike - Thanked audience for attending & encouraged attendance to educational sessions.

H. Historian by Judy Taylor Judy - There is not much else to say, except watch the slide show. Jerry R. we hope you take the time to watch the video that was put together by Judy Taylor and we thank you Judy.

I. Information Officer by Sally Schmidt Sally - Sally one of our responsibilities is to issue news releases on the USDA website if there is something going on new. Please visit the website. One of the new things we are working on is developing a brochure on behalf of the USDA, something along the lines of a Communications Kit. It will have sections on how to promote and support square dancing using traditional media. How to write a press release and how to submit a press release. Highlights on how to promote square dancing using Social Media. There will also be a section that contains little blurbs that can help promote health benefits of square dancing that could be

put into newsletters or email blasts. Also, a section on what and who is USDA that could be used.



J. Parliamentarian by Jim Maczko Jim - This is where we need your assistance to accomplish our goals here today.

As parliamentarian, we annual review the governing documents of the organization. We found that the Standing Rules were in need of a couple of changes.

1. One of which is adding to our standing committees the Social Media Committee that was created this past year. The amendment would be to the Standing Rules, Item 11. Standing Committees. Line p. Social Media Committee whose duty it shall be to review and approve requests to join the USDA Facebook page in addition to sharing and adding content that will be of

interest to our social media following and explore additional social opportunities.

2. 2nd we want to change or correct the title of the Dress and Jacket Committee from the USDA Dress and Jacket Committee to the USDA Apparel Committee. We would appreciate a motion from the body to make these amendments to the Standing Rules that can be voted on here today, and adopted by a majority vote.

Motion: So moved by Oregon 2nd: by Wisconsin Motion carried

3. Also, under the Parliamentarian is the maintenance of the Compendium of Resolutions and drafting and proposing new resolutions. We have two proposed resolutions. Copies of those were provided in the delegate packets. A. Proposed 35th Resolution: Encouragement of Youth Dancing Proposal was read to the body.

Motion: Motion to adapt Resolution No. 35 by Florida Motion 2nd: by Illinois Motion Carried

B. Proposed 36th Resolution: Support for the Emergency Call for Medical Aid (ECMA). Proposal was read to the body.

Motion: Motion to adapt Resolution No. 36 by Tennessee Motion 2nd: by South Carolina Discussion from Floor: Callers currently teach this, what is the purpose of the resolution? Jim M. We are simply trying to inform the public, not everyone is aware of it. We want everyone to understand it and how it works. From the floor: If you attend square dance lessons you will know this. Jim M. Not all callers teach this. From the floor: I don’t think it is necessary.

Question from floor – will it be published and available on the USDA website? Jim M. We can develop a trifold. It has not been created yet, you have to



approve this first.

Motion to approve: Majority Against 1 Motion Carried

11. Committee Reports A. Insurance Coordinator by Pat Inglis

Pat - in your packet the Financial Statement for the Insurance Account. Currently total receipts are $79,004.11 and the total expenses is $63,523.69 giving us a Bank Balance of $15,480.42. One of the expenses, Proshred Security for $125.00 was for shredding of 27 file boxes of documents that had to be removed and shredded from my basement. During 2015 we insured 35,619 dancers, this is 2,500 dancers less than 2014. As of the end of May 2016 we have insured 31,715 dancers. Our number of dancers continues to drop each year. Our enrollment numbers should increase some as new classes graduate and dancers join clubs. Currently we have 66 affiliated insurance chairman and 88 nonaffiliated club chairman. Each year our rate is calculated by the amount of

liability incurred during the year. Usually our new fee rate is available in September. In conclusion, I would like to invite anyone who would like a little more knowledge about the insurance to attend the seminar on Insurance. There will be one on Thursday at 11:00 and then on Friday there will be one at 3:00.

B. Discount Prescription Card by Bill Flick Bill -All of us need drugs once in a while. We want the proper ones for our health. We have a card that is available to anyone who wants to use it. You do not have to be a square dancer to use this card. Pick up a card at the Showcase

of Ideas and there are cards in your packet please share them with anyone who does not have a prescription program, who could benefit from saving some money.

C. Handicapable Dancers, Alitia Becker submitted a report. Jerry R. You have the report in front of you. I would want to underline the Handicapable Convention dates: July 28th to 30th, 2016, at the Bayfront Hilton in St. Petersburg, FL. You might want to attend and check out the convention. It is a fun and positive experience. When the needle is down those dancers are up immediately.

D. Youth by Bonnie Abramson Bonnie - I have the pleasure to be the USDA Youth Advisor. You have a written report in your packet. I do hope you have had the chance to read it. I want to invite you to come out and enjoy the USDA Youth After Party. I have a nationwide selection of callers that will be joining us. It is one of the few times that the adults can dance with the youth in the youth hall. One of the best parts of my job is to be able to present the Youth Scholarship. Every year the USDA presents a $1,000 youth scholarship to a youth square dancer. We do have an application process. There are applications in the Showcase of Ideas. This year



we have a very outstanding young man as the winner. Our 2016 USDA Founders’ Memorial Youth Fund Scholarship Winner is: Thomas Buchheit from Silverton, OR. Information about Thomas was shared and his essay “The Impact

Square Dancing Has Had On My Life” was read. Marilyn Schmidt from the Oregon Federation is here to accept the award on behalf of Thomas. She has a

letter from Thomas to read. Marilyn Schmidt read his letter to the group.

One of the other challenges we have is, we have been doing this scholarship for 16 years and originally we got our funding through benefits from a credit card we had. We no longer have that credit card program. So, we no longer have anything that is generating ongoing funds for us. For the last couple of years we have been asking clubs and organizations to help us fund this program. I would like to introduce George Roth, he is from the Missouri Federation of Square and Round Dance Clubs. I understand that he has a presentation for us today.

George Roth – Thank you Bonnie. Missouri Federation of Square and Round Dance Clubs is concerned about this program and wants to see it continue. Therefore, we have a check for the USDA Youth Scholarship Fund in the amount

of $300 and we would like to issue a challenge to other affiliates to meet or exceed this amount.

Bonnie A. – Thank you very much. For anyone else who would like to help support our program, I have forms available. Fill them out today or take them back to your organizations. It is 501 (c) 3 tax deductible. We would appreciate any support you could give us to help continue this program.

E. Centennial Award by Larry Dunkel Larry D. - I don’t really have anything to add to my report, but the letter that Brenda read a few minutes ago, by the gentleman that received the award. It shows how well received this program is. It is an honor to recognize a dancer that is 100 years old, and who is still active. Help us get the word out about our Centennial Award Program.

F. Education and Publications by Tony and Diana Rock Tony R. - The Education and Publication area is vital and primary function of the USDA. We do listen to what the dancer requests are. We are trying to revise and update many of our publications. As a matter of fact, we have two new

publications on Bylaws and on How to apply for Incorporation and Exempt Status

for your organization. We do plan to put together something for the new Resolution #36 Emergency Call for Medical Aid (ECMA). Tony also shared how to get or order publications.

Diana – The report in your packet reflects an increase in the number of requests that we have had and in the increase in the number of pieces of literature that has been requested and distributed this year. If you want to know more about



literature and publications that are available, we invite you to attend our seminars, Friday 10 am and Saturday 1 pm.

G. USDA News by Larry Dunkel Larry - I do not have any more to add to the report but earlier it was mentioned about the Special Edition. I hope everyone has a copy of it. There is a lot of

good information and history in there. The one thing that I did not think of to put in until after it was printed, was “What prompted the idea to have an organization like this in the first place.” So after a little bit of research, the gentleman that started this, Jim Maczko, was on a 40 day cruise around the world and got involved with the High Water Twirlers. It seems that the caller on this ship was Noah and he had been having some problems on this trip and he was looking for a way to bring everyone together. That got Jim to thinking and when he got back

on dry land, here he was bringing up the association. So we thank you for that.

H. Webmaster by Jim Weber Jim - I have nothing additional to add to the report. I invite you to go out to the website and take a look at it.

I. Badges by Joy Vaccari J. USDA Traveler by Joy Vaccari Joy – There is no addition to my badge report. Since I turned in the USDA Travelers Report, I have had several more people who have received traveler badges. I have placed a notebook on display in the Showcase of Ideas that gives you a listing of all of the people who have received badges and bars. It is listed in six month increments.

K. Facilities by Milene McCall Milene – I have been in contact with the chairman for Cincinnati and we are working on our rooms for next year. At the Cincinnati pre convention, I started working with the Kansas chairman. They already know what we need. Also, Georgia has also been given our floor plan for what we need.

L. Sound by Jim Weber Jim – our sound equipment is insured and the insurance is up to date.

M. Ways and Means by Jerry Robey Jerry – I would like to introduce to you the new Ways & Means Chair-people: Mark and Bina Krebsbach from Bismarck, ND. Donna R. you don’t often get a phone call saying we would like to help, what can we do? Jerry R. We are glad to have them aboard. If you didn’t get a chance to look at the Ways & Means table please stop by as leave today.

N. Dress & Jacket (now USDA APPAREL) by Ed Willis Ed – That was the big change for us was the renaming of the committee to USDA Apparel. There are instructions in your packet on how to order apparel, if you have any questions see Lynda or I.

O. After Parties - 65th NSDC – Des Moines



a. Mainstream - Friday – Ghost Riders by Milene McCall Milene – to continue with the celebration we started today for our 35th Anniversary, we have an after party celebration in the HyVee hall B with the Ghost Riders Band. We have a great list of callers: Mike Hogan, Hunter Keller, Ted Lizotte, Lottie Ainsworth, Buddy Weaver, Dick Rueter, Tom Allen, Tom Manning, Bob Asp, Matt Worley, Scot Byars, Bob Poyner

and Bobby Poyner, Tony Oxendine, Ashley Parker, Mike Seastrom, Patty Greene, Lanny Weaklend, Jack Pladdys, Jay Henderson, Eric Henerlau, Pat Carnathan. Our MC for the evening is Bear Miller. Please come out and join us.

b. Youth – Saturday by Bonnie Abramson Bonnie – We will be in the Youth Hall Room 401, the time is 10-11 pm. Lawrence Johnson from California will be the MC for the evening. We have many of the same callers that Milene has lined up and a few others. Do come join us and support the Youth Program. It is one of the few times at this convention that you can dance in the same hall with the youth.

P. Showcase of Ideas by Bill Flick Bill – Please stop by the Showcase of Ideas and pick up all the literature you need and take it back to your organizations and clubs. If you have any questions, please ask. We usually have someone there staffing during the hours

the showcase is open to answer questions and assist you.

Q. ARTS by Jim Weber Jerry R. – Jim we will cover ARTS under new business.

R. Social Media by Scott Deal Scott – We talked earlier about funding and the Youth Scholarship Program and one way you can help out is to go out and shop on Amazon. If you use smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate ½ of 1% of qualifying purchases back to

the organization. When you log into smaileamazon.com it will ask you, who do you want to support. The USDA is one that can be selected. That would help support the Handicapable and the Youth. We would really appreciate your help. Anyone can use smile.amazon.com to help support USDA. You do not have to be a dancer, so please ask your family and friends to support USDA by selecting us on smile.amazon.com. We will be holding two educational seminars on Social

Media, on Thursday and Friday 12:00 pm. So please come out and join us.

Jerry R. – Each of the chairman have been highlighting when their education seminars will be, but if you look inside your daily schedules on the back inside cover for each day the educational sessions that the USDA is presenting.

S. NSDC/USDA Educational Sessions1. Insurance.................................................................................Inglis



2. Round Table Panel..................................................................Taylor3. Convention/Festival Management.......................................Abramson/Schmidt4. Recruiting & Retaining Dancers...............................................Becker5. Club Incorporation................................................................Maczko/Weber6. Education with Publications..................................................Dunkel/Rock7. Social Media.............................................................................Deal

T. Audit of Treasurers Books by Jim Maczko Jim M – during the Executive Committee’s winter meeting on January 22, 2016 in

Myrtle Beach, SC, the audit committee consisting of myself, Mike Matsko, LPaul Schmidt and Edythe Weber we reviewed the Treasurers Book. All was found to be in order. An Audit Report was filled with the Secretary and a copy is in your packets.

12. Voting Procedures / Ballots by Brenda Deal Brenda – In your packets there is a blue ballot and a yellow voting paddle. The nomination letters and resumes for each of the officers is in the packet and was mailed out for review. President…………………….…Jerry & Donna Robey Eastern Region VP..................Lisa Breault Central Region VP…………….Ed & Lynda Willis Plains Region VP……………...Floyd & Judy Engelhardt Western Region VP…………...LPaul & Sally Schmidt Secretary……………………….Scott & Brenda Deal Treasurer……………………….Jim & Edythe Weber

Jim M. – The only position that is changing hands is Treasurer. Jim and Judy Taylor have served for 4 years (1 year appointed and 3 years elected). Nominated at this point is Edythe

and Jim Weber. At this point, I call for nominations from the floor (3 times). Hearing no nominations from the floor, I declare the nominations closed and as the presiding officer at the moment, according to the USDA Bylaws, I declare those nominated as elected and to continue as elected officers for the USDA for the term of 2016-2017. 13. Unfinished Business: A. 501(c)3 Group Exemption Status by Jim Maczko Jim M. – in 2012 in Spokane, WA at the annual meeting, the executive board heard a presentation about the IRS 501 (c) 3 group exemption program. Which if

undertaken by the USDA would allow our affiliates, and each of your state organizations, through the USDA, could file for 501(c)3 exempt status. You the board of directors authorized the USDA to expend $3000 for the application to the IRS. During these past four years, we have reached out to all of the affiliates, explaining this potential program and only a couple of affiliates have

shown any interested in it. A number of our affiliates are already 501 (c) 3 and do not have need for this program. At this point, the executive committee and voted and recommend that you the board of directors, allow us to terminate any further action on this project, due to lack of interest. It looked like a very

promising proposal at the time, but without any support at this time. Question



from floor, Pamela Kidwell request to table and put the word out again. Wisconsin asked if the USDA will continue as 501 c 3. Jim M. - Yes, this was a separate project. From the floor – Are there a number of affiliates needed to move forward with this project? Jim M. – we have had 1 affiliate respond

(Florida). We have established a number of 6 or more affiliates the USDA would move forward. I am hearing that there is still a lot of interest in this. We work for you, if this is what you want we can try to move this forward. The executive committee will continue this project. We will send out additional information to the affiliates presidents and delegates. Jerry R. – It’s interesting, for 4 years we have almost been begging for responses and input and now that we say that there is no interest, we have interest being expressed here today. Please communicate interest through email, mail or telephone call. Send that information to Jim M.. He is the one that is coordinating this. If he receives something that shows interest, we will take another look at this. We work for you.

From the floor – Colorado we have discussed this at our state meetings and we are waiting on you the USDA. Jim M. – Several people in Colorado have been contacted. From the floor – I’m from Kansas, we already are a 50l(c)3. Can you please clarify what organizations or affiliates you are waiting to hear from? Jim M. – The way that it is looked at from IRS, is it would be the affiliate not the clubs that would apply for this status. Jim W. – The information about this is on, the USDA website. It is located under Programs. Click on that list and you will find 50l(c)3. Also, on the website is a list of all of our affiliates. Tony R. I have a

question for all of the delegates. Do you feel we may need to put more informa-tion or publicity out about this? On how to go about applying for this 501(c)3

status. Jerry R. – it sounds like the affiliates need to hear more about this.

B. Reimaging Square Dancing by Jim Taylor Jim T. – Reimaging has taken off in the past couple of years. Logo & slogan is well accepted. What we have now starting doing is sending out emails to 2550 emails with information. The information that is being sent is Marketing information that can be used by clubs. This information has been pulled from various sites and organizations, ie Callerlab, winning ways, etc. Our plan is to continuously send some new information to all of the clubs we can get a hold of. Hopefully some of the clubs will pick up

some information that will help them. This is phase 2 of the plan. At this convention we have two education sessions, it is listed as ARTS Reimaging. You will see those listed on Thursday and Friday at 3:00 PM.

We would love to see any or all of you there.

C. Callerlab Foundation Leadership Conference Initiative by Jim Maczko Jim M. – Callerlab Foundation Leadership Conference Initiative is another program that seems to be having a problem getting momentum. It is something that Callerlab thought that they could contact a few dance leaders around the country and attempt to get leadership conferences initiated, where Callerlab leaders would participate and dance leaders



would participate. It has had not activity.

D. USDA Resolution #35 in honor of USDA’s 35th Anniversary by Jim Maczko Jim M. – We felt initially that we needed a resolution recognizing the USDA’s 35th anniversary, but we did that with a party, rather than a resolution. So we are striking this from the agenda.

E. Other unfinished business - None

14. New Business:A. USDA Annual Budget 2017 by Jim Taylor

Jim T. – You have in your packet the Budget as proposed. The committee here, worked this over and came up with this 2017 Budget. Unless there are any questions, I ask you to approve this budget. Jerry R. – We need a motion from the floor to approve this budget.

Motion to approve the budget by New Jersey 2nd Motion by Kansas Motion Carried

B. Callerlab Report by Mike Matsko Mike M. – Pat and I had the occasion to attend this year’s Callerlab convention. I can assure you that the callers are really concerned about the future of our square dancing activity. Our feelings are that our callers need to be attending the Callerlab Convention because if they don’t attend, then they are not getting the information they need. So we encourage you to get your callers to attend and if you’re interested you can also attend these conventions.

C. Roundalab Report by Sally Schmidt Sally S. – We had the privilege of represented the USDA in Ames, IA at the 40th Roundalab Convention. We were there the first two days. We found it very interesting and we were very welcomed. We found it very educational in regard to the standardization of cues and teaches. We appreciated the opportunity to represent the USDA.

D. Arts Report by Jim Weber Jim W. – ARTS is the Alliance for Rounds, Traditional and Square Dance. The report is in your packet. Jim Taylor is a member of ARTS and is spearheading the Reimaging Project. For ARTS it is one of the major things we are doing right now. I would like to invite each and every one of you to the ARTS Meeting on Sunday morning at 9:00am, in Boardroom 2.

E. Fund Raising for Youth Scholarship & Handicapable by Bonnie Abramson Bonnie A. – One of the ways you can donate to either or both of these programs is on your membership renewal forms for the USDA starting next year. There will be two different line items. One of the line items will

be in addition to paying you membership dues you would like donate this



____ amount for the Youth Scholarship and or you make an additional donation to in addition to your membership dues to the Handicapable program. If you would like to do use this way of contributing we thank you. This is just another easy way you can help support these programs.

Question from the floor – would you give more than one scholarship per

year if you receive more than $1000.00. Is it always one per year. Bonnie A. – If we have the funds and the support to have this money coming in, I’m sure we would consider offering more scholarships. Since we lost our finding for this program, we really have not had any money coming in for the last 5 or 6 years.

Ray and Jackie Ashworth – We attended the Georgia State Convention three years ago. The Handicapable folks were there. We went into the hall to see how they do. The caller worked with them in the same ways as he does with us. You could see how much they enjoyed dancing. If you every have a chance to dance with them, do. You will never forget the wonderful experience.

F. Other business by Jim Maczko Jim M. – When you arrived you were given a raffle ticket. Jerry R. – Patty Wilcox is the one holding the afghan, she is the one who made the afghan and is the one donating the afghan. Jim M. – the winning ticket is drawn and read. The winner of the afghan is Karen & Ellery Gulbrand from Greenbay, WI. 15. Installation of Officers by Jim Maczko Jim M. – Just want to make everyone aware of a new program. The Founders, Joy Vaccari and Jim Maczko collaborated in creating the USDA Service Award for those members of the Executive Committee who serve over 5 years. This year our Presidents, Jerry and Donna Robey are receiving their five year medallion. Anyone who is on the executive committee now or who have served on the committee for 5 years or more are also receiving a service award. The medallions were given out yesterday at our meeting. We want to congratulate everyone who has served. We would like to ask Lennie and Connie Houle stay after the meeting, we have an award for them.

Jim M. – Moving on with the installation of officers. First we want to releave the retiring officers from their responsibilities. The only ones leaving their office is Jim and Judy Taylor. We want to thank them for four years of service as the USDA Treasurers. Now I would like to install our new officers. Presidents – Jerry & Donna Robey 2nd term Western Region Vice Presidents – LPaul & Sally Schmidt 3rd term Plains Region Vice Presidents – Floyd & Judy Engelhardt 2nd term Central Region Vice Presidents – Ed & Lynda Willis 3rd term Eastern Region Vice President – Lisa Breault 2nd term Secretary – Scott & Brenda Deal 2nd term Treasurers – Jim & Edythe Weber 1st term Congratulations new officers.



16. Recognitions of 2015-2016 Executive Committee by Jerry Robey Jerry R. – One last piece of business. We will not take the time to hand these Certificates of Recognition for each member of the Executive Committee. We will present these Saturday at the Post Annual Executive Meeting.

17. Adjournment by Jerry Robey Jerry R. - If we could have a motion from the floor to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Minnesota Motion 2nd by all Motion carried.

Motions Page

Page 4 of 15 Motion to Approve the Treasurers Report by Tennessee 2nd by Illinois

Motion Carried

Page 6 of 15 Motion to approve the admendments to the Standing Rules, adding the Social Media Committee and to change the name of the Ways and Means

Committee to USDA Apparel Committee Motion: So moved by Oregon 2nd: by Wisconsin Motion carried



Page 6 of 15 Motion to adapt Resolution No. 35 by Flordia Motion 2nd: by Illinois Motion Carried

Page 6 of 15 Motion to adapt Resolution No. 36 by Tennessee Motion 2nd: by South Carolina Motion to approve: Majority Against 1 Motion Carried

Page 12 of 15 Motion to approve the USDA Annual Budget 2017 by New Jersey Motion 2nd: by Kansas Motion Carried

Page 14 of 15 Motion to adjourn by Minnesota Motion 2nd: by all Motion Carried


usda annual meeting 0… · web view14. new business: a. usda annual budget 2017 by jim taylor...

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