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 and nine clubs represented.

The secretary report was read.   Motion by Nancy Whaley, second by Margie Godines to approve the minutes with the following correction – Fashion Revue planning will be held at the Conference Center. Motion carried.

The treasurer’s report was presented with receipts of $1483.92, disbursements of $1073.82 and a total in all accounts of $11558.30.  Motion by Barb Stelter, second by Melva DeVries to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.

2006 Budget was approved with a motion by Mary Darling, second by Wendy Fisher.  Motion Carried.

Guest: Klostermans Fundraiser representative was present to show her products and promotion.  Candy sells for $1.00 a bar.  Other products were available.

Bills / Correspondence: We received a thank you from Janice and Eric Zerbe for the stained glass present they received at the Leaders Banquet.

Club Sharing: South Haven JayDees – reported that sign-up went well and the petting zoo was fun.  Dream Chasers – held a pot luck supper / sign-up with some new enrollments.  Porter Busy Fingers – visited Hoods Dairy Farm, had a costume meeting and held a Harvest Party.  Young Explorers – are planning a Halloween party. 

Committee Reports: Leaders Banquet – committee reported 49 in attendance and 15 no shows. 

4-H Agent / County Extension Director Report: Lay offs at the Extension Office – Janice is contracted through May 2006.

Old Business: Fundraiser – Some would like larger bars to sell.  Some would like to sell cookies.  Clubs need to turn in club order requests for candy by the November meeting.  Pick up candy in January.  Money and extra candy due at the March meeting.  Pine Wood Derby – No attendees at the planning meeting.  If interested in a county event, contact Janice at the Extension Office.  Fashion Revue – the planning meeting will be held October 18, 2005.  Leaders Banquet – Good food.  Teens did well.  More leaders need to be encouraged to attend.  Laura Sweet was honored for 20 years in 2004.  Her certificate and a letter has been sent to her.  There was a lot of discussion regarding next years banquet.  Motion by Barb Stelter, second by Chris Egly to combine Leaders Banquet and Youth Awards Ceremony for 2006. Motion carried.  Motion by Karol Chopp, second by Connie Hollis to hold Banquet /Awards in November 2006.  Motion carried.  Motion by Mary Darling, second by Nancy Whaley to have dinner at a cost of $10.00 each with only the honoree receiving $5.00 refund when they attend the Banquet / Awards, if they paid the $10.00 reservation fee.  Motion carried.  Janice will contact the Conference Center to schedule for November 2006.  Youth Awards – South Haven JayDees will provide apple cider and Dream Chasers will provide cookies.  Un-incorporation – Janice and Nancy Whaley are working on this.  Officer Nominating Committee – Melva DeVries reported that Carisa Sweet is running for Treasurer and Margie Godines is running for Vice-president. 

New Business: Film Category – ribbon only classes will be available at the 2006 Van Buren Youth Fair.  Aviation Category – ribbon only classes will be available at the 2006 Van Buren Youth Fair.  Photo Contest – entries are due February 2006.