NOTE:
Due to possible severe weather forecasted for Saturday, August 29th, the Justin Morgan Homestead Celebration’s new date is Sunday, August 30th. The start time is still at 11:00 a.m.
Volume 31, Issue 2
August 2020 Newsletter
VMHA President’s Letter
A President’s Letter will be sent out separately.
VMHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers:
President: Karen McKnight…..PO Box 15, Underhill Center, VT 05790…….802.899-4185…kmcknight802@gmail.com Vice President: Nina Quinn……1065 Eureka Road, Springfield, VT 05156…….802.885-7281…nrquinn@comcast.net Treasurer: Barbara Estey………555 Spoonerville Road, Chester, VT….802 886-8223…bestey@vermontel.net Secretary: Kathlyn Furr……….2563 Silver Street, Hinesburg, VT 05461…..802 482-2583….kathlyn.furr@gmail.com Directors:
Anne Brown ………..1380 Old Stage Road, Westford, VT 05494……..802 878-4128…mettoweemorgans@gmail.com Denny Emerson…..166 Brook Road, Stafford, VT 05072………….802 765-4049….email@tamarackhill.com Jennifer Hopper……..PO Box 40, Westford, VT 05494………802 434-6130…..russelljl@comcast.net Mary (Luci) Stephens……PO Box 87, Forestdale, VT -5745……802 247-1495…..lucis@myfairpoint.net Amanda Ryan…….27 Maple Ridge Lane, South Hero, VT 05486….892 578-0353….amandaspringryan@gmal.com Brittany Collins….1254 Main Street, Fairfax, VT 05454…….802 881-6666……..bbcallh@yahoo.com Cheryl Rivers………2698 Vt Route 107, Stockbridge, VT 05772…….802 234-5803…cherylrivers@myfairpoint.net Hayes Sogoloff……175 McGuire Pent Road, Charlotte, VT 05445….802 425-7200..…bonnieS461@aol.com
2020 VMHA Calendar of Events
It is with the utmost safety of our membership in mind that the 2020 VMHA Calendar of Events has been cancelled. Hopefully, there will be measures coming that will make personal face-to-face gatherings possible once more. In the meantime, please note that VMHA committees have planned “virtual” horse shows announced in the following pages. Engage, have fun, ride/drive and show your Morgan horse.
In addition, Club members will be holding events that will be of interest to the membership.
Heyday Morgan “Lesson” Event
Nina and Patty Quinn, Heyday Morgan Horse Farm, Springfield, VT, are opening their new facility for a learning event with John Greenall. John is a carriage driving master who will give you an intensive one-on-one driving lesson – carriage, pleasure, or recreational.
Anyone who has attended the Morgan Horse Heritage Foundation’s Annual Spring Clinic where John has been a featured speaker knows they are in for a real educational treat.
Patty is working on a Dressage lesson event similar to the driving lessons.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions and safety concerns only one person/horse team will be allowed on the farm at a time. So make sure that you contact Nina or Patty Quinn to set up a time certain. A firm date has not been selected yet – Nina says a date will depend on all participant’s availability (late August or September), so call now to get on the schedule and so that a date can be nailed down!
Heyday Morgans, Nina and Patty Quinn, 1065 Eureka Road, Springfield, VT 05156
Home phone: 802 885-7281
Cell: 802 922-4737
Farm e-mail: npquinn2017@gmail.com
Nina e-mail: nrquinn1960@gmail.com
VMHA “Virtual” Shows
The Vermont Morgan Horse Association goes virtual with its “2020 Virtual Show Series”
kicking off with the VMHA Virtual Carriage Competition. Entries close September 1, so run don’t walk and email us your entries! Officiated by John Greenall, ADS, USEF. To obtain a copy of the show prize list please email VMHAVirtual@gmail.com. VMHA virtual shows are open to all equines and VECs. Join us on Facebook to view photos and video from the event! http://www.facebook.com/Vermont-Morgan-Horse-Association-161336867233829
Youth News
Hello to all our young riders, drivers, and Morgan lovers! This year started off with some exciting plans including a $500 grant from the American Morgan Horse Association to engage our VMHA youth members in the creation of a youth centered promotion program.
If that wasn’t exciting enough, the VMHA was invited to produce a television program with the UVM Extension Service on Across the Fence. While these projects are currently on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are anxiously awaiting the time to resume. Now with a little more time to reflect and in anticipation of future projects, we are in great need of photography that features our youth. Both projects left us with a bit of head scratching as we searched for photos.
We hope you’ve had lots of time to horse around this summer and here’s hoping you also got some great photos. Please send us your favorite pics you’d be willing to share with us for promotional purposes. While you’re at it we’d just like to know what you did with your horses this summer. Horsey summer camp stories, tales from the trail, mastery of new skills, please tell us all about it for an upcoming youth news feature.
Happy trails!
Amanda Ryan – amandaspringryan@gmail.com
Justin Morgan Homestead Celebration
Please note that due to severe weather forecasted for Saturday, August 29th, the Historical Marker Celebration will be held on Sunday, August 30th!
starting at 11AM, on the Neighborly Road in Randolph Vermont, that a historical marker approved by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation for Justin Morgan will be unveiled and celebrated.
Justin Morgan was the owner of a stallion named Figure, who brought him to Vermont in 1792 and, in which became the progenitor of the Morgan breed of horse. He is also respected, as a musical composer who composed 18th century musical renditions of poetry and psalms known as fuguing tunes or psalmody.
It was known that Justin Morgan settled somewhere on the Randolph, Brookfield town line, but no one has ever found the exact location, until now! Finally after fourteen years of research, the location will be marked with a beautiful historic marker in order to preserve the location for many years to come.
We welcome the public to attend and witness this event. Starting time is 11AM with the unveiling taking place at Noon time. At one PM the road will be closed down and
Morgan Horses will race two at a time down this road just as they did in 1796. Races of that time period were generally started at the drop of a hat and ran a distance of eighty rods.
Food will be available on site and several organizations will have tables set up with historical information and items for sale. Come and enjoy the day with the Morgan Horse and the people that own them in Randolph Vermont.
To find out more about Justin Morgan and the unveiling of this marker or to get information on the book, “Justin Morgan and the Morgan Horse, Living On The Town Line”, you can go to www.morganhomesite.com or contact Dennis Tatro at (802) 763-2516 or email him at denlore3@denlore.com
VMHA Board of Directors Minutes of Meetings
The VMHA Board of Directors has continued to meet via ZOOM. While not quite the same as face-to-face meetings, the Board gets the Club’s business done in a timely fashion. Please read the minutes to become acquainted with what the VMHA Board is/was discussing – past, present and future.
Thank you,
Kathlyn L. Furr, VMHA Secretary.
VERMONT MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION, Director’s Meeting Via Telecommunication, May 28, 2020
APPROVED
MEMBERS PRESENT: Karen McKnight, President; Nina Quinn, Amanda Ryan, Jennifer Hopper, Kathlyn Furr, Cheryl Rivers, Mary (Luci) Stephens, Brittany Collins, Denny Emerson, Barbara Estey.
ABSENT: Anne Brown, Hayes Sogoloff.
WELCOME
Karen McKnight called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
MOTION by Nina Quinn, seconded by Luci Stephens, to approve the VMHA Board March 26, 2020 minutes as written.
VOTE: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent (Anne Brown, Hayes Sogoloff); motion carried.
MOTION by Nina Quinn, seconded by Luci Stephens, to approve the VMHA Board April 23, 2020 minutes as written.
VOTE: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent (Anne Brown, Hayes Sogoloff); motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Barbara reviewed the Treasurer’s report for the 10/2019-May 2020 period.
Jennifer asked how the HD Show entries were separated from the General Journal. Barbara replied that she was running the entries through the General Journal. A QuickBooks report can be set up to run a separate HD report, said Barbara. Jennifer said that she will help Barbara run a separate report.
In response to a question regarding a budget line item for $6,000 that should be reflected in the Balance Sheet, Barbara replied yes, it is in the budget that was approved at the Annual Meeting. She will work on the Balance Sheet where the budget income equals the expenses. For HD there are more categories. She only reported the income sponsorships, said Barbara.
Karen suggested that the financial reports should show a full month versus a partial month. Jennifer clarified that a full month report is for the End of Month prior.
Nina asked where the Expense-Promotion line item was for the Map Ad Expense and Fundraising Map Ad expense.
Barbara explained that they were entered under “Fundraising”. She will make a correction.
Karen suggested deferring approval of the Treasurer’s Report until the financial reports along with a Balance Sheet are ready.
OLD BUSINESS
- A) COVID-19 and VMHA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
HERITAGE DAYS – Cheryl reported that the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Committee will not hold VMHA responsible for the HD show contract. Judges and various people have been informed.
Karen asked if a new contract will be needed for 2021. VMHA will want the July 2, 3 and 4, 2021 dates, said Karen.
Cheryl said that she will contact Rebecca. Barbara spoke in favor of a new cleaner and clear contract.
TROTTING RACES – Karen reviewed a decision at the April 23 VMHA Board meeting to revisit holding the VMHA Trotting Races during the August 29th Justin Morgan homestead sign dedication. There are concerns regarding Covid-19.
The VMHA Board members spoke in favor of cancelling the trotting races.
MOTION by Jennifer Hopper, seconded by Amanda Ryan, to withdraw support of the VMHA Trotting Races for 2020 due to Covid-19.
VOTE: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent (Anne Brown, Hayes Sogoloff); motion carried.
SUMMER KICKOFF – Karen reported that there were no plans to combine the Summer Kickoff Show with a Connecticut show. Any updates will be announced at a later date.
NEW BUSINESS
DIRECTORY – Nina said that the VMHA Directory went to the printer today. Anne will mail out the directories.
The 2020 Map Ad has been distributed.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
ANNUAL DINNER – Denny asked for an update on the Annual Dinner venue. Karen said that there is a contract at the Capital Plaza for Saturday, October 23, 2020. If a better location comes up the contract can be cancelled, said Karen.
Nina explained that the Morgan Horse Heritage Foundation used the same call-in service as VMHA for telecommunication meetings and had no issues. Members were asked to mute their phones when not speaking. It is uncertain when face-to-face meetings will be held again, said Nina.
Jennifer said that using Zoom for meetings posed multiple issues.
Cheryl asked for an update on the McKinsey Grid Organizational Assessment conducted by Margaret Smithson.
Karen said that she would contact Margaret.
Amanda suggested posting event cancellations on the VMHA website and Face Book page. Is there a way to do a
“virtual” show, asked Amanda. Cheryl spoke in support of virtual competitions. Amanda and Cheryl would look into a carriage “virtual” competition.
Nina reported that she and Patty have planned to a host a fall clinic at the Heyday Morgan Farm in Springfield, Vermont. Clinicians are John Greenall for carriage and Kathy Bruce for dressage. No date has been set yet, said Nina.
Cheryl said that she will update the HD show website regarding the show cancellation. Barbara said that NEMHS
needs to be notified. Nina reported that all VMHA events were over-struck with a “cancelled” notice in the VMHA Directory.
Karen, Barbara, Nina and Jennifer, VMHA Financial Committee, set a date to meet on Thursday, June 11th.
NEXT MEETING
A telecommunications meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.
MOTION by Nina Quinn, seconded by Luci Stephens, to adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent (Anne Brown, Hayes Sogoloff); motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted, Kathlyn Furr, VMHA Secretary.
VERMONT MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION Director’s Meeting Via Telecommunication, June 18, 2020
APPROVED
MEMBERS PRESENT: Karen McKnight, President; Nina Quinn, Amanda Ryan, Jennifer Hopper, Anne Brown, Kathlyn Furr, Cheryl Rivers, Mary (Luci) Stephens, Denny Emerson, Barbara Estey.
ABSENT: Brittany Collins, Hayes Sogoloff.
WELCOME
Karen McKnight called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
MOTION by Luci Stephens, seconded by Nina Quinn, to approve the VMHA Board May 28, 2020 minutes as written.
VOTE: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent (Brittany Collins, Hayes Sogoloff); motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Barbara reported that the bank charged $3.00 for a paper bank statement, and reviewed account balances as of May 31, 2020.
Karen said that the Financial Committee met. Committee members are Karen, Barbara, Nina, Jennifer and Anne. Accounts have been transferred from Wells Fargo to the People’s Bank. Nina reported that Jennifer has helped Barbara set up accounts on QuickBooks. Karen thanked Jennifer for her assistance.
Barbara said that there will be no paper financial report available until corrections have been made to the accounts.
MOTION by Nina Quinn, seconded by Luci Stephens, to approve the verbal financial report as presented for the period ending May 31, 2020.
VOTE: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent (Brittany Collins, Hayes Sogoloff); motion carried.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Nina reviewed that the Nominating Committee members were Nina, Barbara, and Kevin. Kevin is no longer on the VMHA Board. A third VMHA member could be appointed to replace Kevin as per the Bylaws. Brittany’s three-year term and Anne’s three year term are opening, and the Officers. The committee will present nominees at the next Board meeting, or at the August meeting.
Potential Nominating Committee member were suggested: Julia Mercon, and/or Heidi Krantz.
Nina will reach out to see if the Officers will run again.
EVENTS
- a) CLINICS – Nina said that she and Patty are planning a carriage clinic with John Greenall, and a Kathy Bruce dressage clinic.
Larry Poulin is also willing to give a clinic. The logistics are being worked out for a socially distanced clinic with a goal to have individuals come do a test and then leave. VMHA members and Vermonters will be given preference. There is a concern with having out-of-state participants due to Covid-19. A date might be settled on by sometime in July. Working with the youth group is a possibility as well, said Nina. Amanda said that she will work on what the youth group can do to help.
- b) VIRTUAL SHOWS – Cheryl said that a virtual show for sometime in mid-July or mid-August is in the planning stage. A proposal will be presented for Board review and comments.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Karen reported that Margaret Smithson has sent a rough draft of the McKinsey Grid Organizational Assessment. She will meet with Margaret via Zoom again next week. Once the results have been finalized a special VMHA Board meeting could be set up with the Assessment as the sole agenda item. Discussing the Next Steps could take a second meeting, said Karen.
Nina asked how the Zoom meetings were working. The Media Committee will meet regarding Social Media policies.
The Board members spoke in support of Zoom meetings.
Denny asked that the VMHA Board acknowledge Lester Welch’s 90th birthday. Lester, Ryegate Morgans, was an active VMHA member and Morgan horse breeder.
The VMHA Secretary will send out a Happy Birthday card to Lester.
NEXT MEETING
A telecommunications meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.
MOTION by Luci Stephens, seconded by Amanda Ryan, to adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent (Brittany Collins, Hayes Sogoloff); motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted, Kathlyn Furr, VMHA Secretary.
VERMONT MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION, Director’s MeetingVia Telecommunication, July 16, 2020
APPROVED
MEMBERS PRESENT: Karen McKnight, President; Nina Quinn, Amanda Ryan, Jennifer Hopper, Anne Brown, Kathlyn Furr, Cheryl Rivers, Mary (Luci) Stephens, Denny Emerson, Barbara Estey.
ABSENT: Brittany Collins, Hayes Sogoloff.
WELCOME
Karen McKnight called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
MOTION by Luci Stephens, seconded by Barbara Estey, to approve the VMHA Board June 18, 2020 minutes as written.
VOTE: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent (Brittany Collins, Hayes Sogoloff); motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Barbara reported that the bank charge of $3.00 for a paper bank statement has not been resolved yet, and reviewed account balances as of June 31, 2020.
Cheryl asked for a review of the VMHA storage unit contents and cost. Nina explained that the promotion items, VMHA documents and VMHA historical documents were stored in the unit. Karen said that the unit expense was voted and approved by the board. Jennifer said that it shows under Rental Expense line item in the budget.
Cheryl asked if Barbara was satisfied to continue with the People’s Bank, or should the VMHA accounts be moved to a different bank. Barbara explained that she was working with the bank. There is an alternative in a local credit union, said Barbara.
OLD BUSINESS
- A) DRIVING CLINIC AT HEYDAY MORGANS – Nina reported that a driving clinic will be scheduled for late August, or early September. There will only be two horses on the property at a time to avoid health risks.
- B) NOMINATING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Nina reported on an update of the Nominating Committee. A request was sent out for potential Board member nominations. Expiring terms: Anne Brown and Brittany Collins. Brittany has said that she will resign, but continue to volunteer. Anne will continue and work on transitioning Promotion as a goal. A nominating slate will be forwarded to the Board in August for consideration. Ballot voting is possible if there is no face-to-face meeting.
- C) ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT (Special Meeting Date) – Karen reported that an assessment will be mailed out for Board review. A Zoom meeting with Margot Smithson will be scheduled with a follow-up third party facilitated meeting to identify changes and improvements, said Karen. Karen will contact Margot regarding a meeting date.
- D) VIRTUAL HORSE SHOWS
Pleasure Show – Amanda reported that Cheryl has written a proposal for Virtual Horse Shows. Bonnie Sogoloff will judge a Junior/Amateur Open Show. No registration is required for the 34 classes. Judges comments can be requested for an extra fee. The Open Show will be posted on FaceBook and the VMHA website.
Driving – Cheryl reported on a virtual carriage and dressage show. John Greenall will judge the carriage show.
Amanda is the show secretary. More volunteers are needed to secure entries. Fees are suggested as $7 for carriage classes and $10 for dressage, and a lower fee for VMHA members as a benefit, said Cheryl. Amanda suggested ordering a flat ribbon for mailing out to participants. Jennifer asked if income should be run through the HD
account, or to set up a separate account. Cheryl noted that the PayPal account is a VMHA account. Barbara asked if there might be a VMHA High Point Award to recognize VMHA members in a special category. Cheryl suggested that a percentage of the entry fees could be paid to John Greenall for a judge’s fee. Denny spoke in favor of a $10
fee per class and High Point Award points for VMHA members with a flat ribbon as prizes. Or a high score Morgan award. How will the shows be publicized, asked Denny. Cheryl said that the shows will be posted on FaceBook and the VMHA website. Notices could be emailed to Morgan clubs as well, said Cheryl.
NEW BUSINESS
- A) OPEN AWARDS –
- B) OTHER NEW BUSINESS – Amanda said that she has documented in writing events so far this year. She is thinking of a “Members Out and About” mid-year letter. Amanda thanked Denny for great posts to FaceBook. Kathy suggested emailing out a VMHA Newsletter in collaboration with Amanda. Nina reported that the Justin Morgan Homestead Historical Sign is now up and can be visited. The celebration event is scheduled for August 29th with trotting races and a trail ride afterward. Contact Dennis Tatro for details, said Nina.
- C) NEXT MEETING – Karen will email Margot for a date for a special Board meeting regarding the Assessment.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Nina Quinn, seconded by Luci Stephens, to adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent (Brittany Collins, Hayes Sogoloff); motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted, Kathlyn Furr, VMHA Secretary.