The regular meeting of the Van Buren County 4-H Leaders Association was called to order by President, Denise Massey at 7:03 pm with all officers present and seven clubs represented.

The secretary report was read.   Motion by Nancy Whaley, second by Melva DeVries to approve the minutes.  Motion carried.

The treasurer’s report was presented with receipts of $296.80, disbursements of $497.59 and a total in all accounts of $11357.51.  Motion by Melva DeVries, second by Margie Godines to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.

Bills / Correspondence: We received a thank you from Bridgette Darling for the college scholarship.  Remaining balance in Teen Club Hawaii Trip was discussed.  Nancy Whaley would like to see the money used toward the next trip the sixteen teens will be taking.  Motion by Nancy Whaley, second by Margie Godines to divide the $264.14 among the sixteen teens who raised it and attended the Hawaii trip.   Motion carried.

Club Sharing: South Haven JayDees – will be visiting the nursing home and will be dressing their animals in the festival.   Almena Happy Helpers– gathered enough food to fill forty baskets and were able to add $20.00 gift certificates.  They also collected coats for the Salvation Army.  Young Explorers – will be going Christmas Caroling and sent cards to the armed forces.  Katie Massey won and International dog award. 

Committee Reports: None reported.

4-H Agent / County Extension Director Report: Lay offs at the Extension Office – Jill will be leaving due to budget cuts, her last day will be January 1, 2006.  Financial Reports – All financial reports and club enrollments are due January 1, 2006.  Financial Audits – The clubs that have been chosen for audit are Arlington Harvesters, Porter Busy Fingers and West Valley Livestock.  A letter will be sent to key leaders explaining what is needed.  Club Officer Training – There will be two non-mandatory club officer / Parliamentary Procedures trainings held: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at the Conference Center in Lawrence and Saturday, January 7, 2006 at the Geneva Township Hall. 

Old Business: Fundraiser – Clubs in attendance reported the number of boxes of candy that they would like to sell.  Candy will be available for pick-up at the January leaders meeting.  This meeting will be held at the Extension Office in Paw Paw.  Pine Wood Derby – Janice has received a call from a gentleman that would like to chair this committee.  She will meet with him after Thanksgiving.  Youth Awards – Thank you to South Haven JayDees for providing apple cider and Dream Chasers for providing cookies.  Even though the award nominee numbers were down, there was a better than last year turn out.  Un-incorporation – All paperwork has been sent in.  We are now waiting to hear what the next steps will be.  Citizenship-Washington Focus – Van Buren County has six spots available.  Applications are due December 5, 2005.  The total cost is $900.  New Leader Orientation – The first orientation was held with six new leaders and one current leader in attendance.  This orientation is required for all new leaders as part of the selection process.  The next two orientations are scheduled for January 19 at 6:30 pm and April 8 at 9:00 am.  Both will be held at the Extension Office in Paw Paw.  Domestic Animal Committee Meeting – Meeting will be held on December 6, 2005 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Van Buren Conference Center.