The regular meeting of the Van Buren County 4-H Leaders Association was called to order by President, Denise Massey at 7:02 pm with all officers present and seven clubs represented.

The secretary report was read.   Motion by Melva DeVries to approve with second by Barb Stelter to accept the report.  Motion carried. 

The treasurer’s report was read with receipts of $1605.50, disbursements of $1791.55, savings balance of $655.99, Moyle Memorial CD balance of $1000.00 and a total in the checking account of $13033.06.  Motion by Margie Godines, second by Mary Darling to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.

Bills / Correspondence:  Performing Arts – Clubs can still make a donation ($10.00) for the performing arts program.  Large Candy Bars – The Leaders Association has received $42.00 from SMAC, $57.00 from raffle for Leaders Association, $55.00 from JLPA and $78.50 from the Horse Council.  The fifth bar was not raffled and is still available for raffle.  4-H Livestock Camp – Leaders Association will pay $200 as budgeted and divide this between 14 member participants.  New Checks – Motion by Margie Godines, second by Mary Darling to purchase checks for Leaders Association.  Motion carried.

Thank you was received from Megan McCamman for the sponsorship of the 2006 Susan Melvin Memorial Trophy.

Club Sharing: Hartford Trailblazers – had a good turn out at their horse show.  Profit was down.  South Haven JayDees – will work the petting zoo again this year.  Young Explorers – will have their awards day this weekend.  Shooting sports program is active in Kalamazoo.  Almena Happy Helpers – reported that their speed show went well.  Profits were up from last year.  A fun day was reported.

Committee Reports: None.

4-H Agent / County Extension Director Report: Extension Office cuts include Jerri Pursley and Jill Casanto, also the community and economic educators.  The county newsletter will be going out soon.

Unfinished Business: Candles – Sales will begin October 1^st.  Orders and money are due to Janice by November 13^th by 4:30 pm.  Motion by Margie Godines that club families have the option of selling 5 pint size candles (or equivalent) or donate $40.00 ($20.00 will go to the Leaders Association / $20.00 will go to the club).  Second by Melva DeVries.  Motion carried.  Award Applications – Fifteen award applications have been received at the Extension Office.  Some discussion regarding the extension of the deadline.  Deadline has been extended to September 18, 2006.  All applicants who have met the original deadline will receive five additional points.  Candy Bars – were discussed during the Treasurer report. 

4-H Fee – There will be a 4-H member fee implemented ($10 for each member). $5.00 will go to the State and $5.00 will stay in the county.  No implementation date at this time.  Leader / Youth Banquet – November 8 at the Van Buren Conference Center. $10.00 banquet fee.  If you are being honored and attend the banquet you will be refunded $5.00.  Karol Chopp is in charge of organizing the food caterer.  Cloverbud Day – September 23, 2006.  All 5-8 year olds are invited to visit Carpenter’s Corn Maze on M43 beginning at noon.  Cost is $4.00.  Reservations and money is due to Janice by September 20, 2006.  Pickles – Only two cases remain.  If clubs would be willing to sell, contact Janice.  4-H Booth at the fair – went well.  Think of plans for the 2007 Van Buren Youth Fair.  May also need volunteers to work in the 4-H office during fair week due to Extension cuts.  Still Exhibit Sales – Some exhibitors had good offers.  This may be tried again next year.  Whaley Leader Status – Nancy has been asked to locate someone to take over the role of key leader for the Geneva Wrens.  There will be a transition period.  Some discussion.  Janice hopes all clubs would use a transition period when changing key leadership.  The Extension Office will be contacting Nancy during the transition.  More discussion.  Some leaders felt the transition time should be very short or have should’ve taken place already.  Janice will discuss these feelings with Julie.  Discussion followed regarding the May meeting speaker.