SOUTH SEATTLE SADDLE CLUB NEWS LETTER
January 2008
Happy New Year club members. I’d like to introduce myself for those of you who don’t know me already, I’m Lisa Michaud and I’m your new scribe for 2008. We have several things to discuss and some important changes coming for the club this year. The yearly dues are due now, however, it is no long necessary to include Washington State Horseman dues in your payment. Although WSH still exists a new division has been formed called the Patterned Speed Horse Association and club members can join that if they wish. Dues are $20 for a single member and $30 for a family.
Our first meeting of the year is this Monday, January 21. We will be discussing raising the dues. Our present plan is to raise dues for people who choose not to or cannot physically participate in working at the club. Over the years member participation in work parties and general maintenance for the grounds has been steadily declining and there are presently only a handful of people who regularly join in helping at keeping the grounds and clubhouse spruced up. The facility is in dire need of some “renovations.”
The grounds are being taken over by blackberries and weeds, the cook shack, clubhouse, and announcing building all need some serious construction repairs. The bathrooms are experiencing some ongoing plumbing problems. So we’ve decided since the problems are growing faster than the few of us can keep up, we need to hire some help to get the jobs done. That means we need to pay for it. We would strongly appreciate any input and ideas at the meeting this Monday. As we all know this club and its grounds are a sanctuary in the midst of development all around us and it deserves to be cared for.
We have our work parties every Saturday after the monthly meetings. Everyone of course is encouraged to attend, but we would like to invite anyone who has special skills or equipment to contact us about volunteering your time. We always have a good time! Our first work party this year will be the first Saturday after the February club meeting. That will be Saturday, February 23. We will have discussion at the February meeting about what needs to be done at that work party.
Another way to help the club and beef up the bank account is tell your friends to join! We welcome newcomers and look forward to new applications. Bring them to a meeting and introduce them.
NEWS LETTER CHANGES
As the new scribe I’d like to invite some participation. Feel free to email me with any news in your family, new babies, weddings, new foals, special awards, funny stories, successful hunting trips. I would also gladly welcome anyone who would like to contribute articles about a club association they’re involved in or maybe somebody has some interesting training tips. I thought we might also have a section for editorials about subjects appropriate to a horse club. Give me your ideas about making the news letter fun to read and informative.
Also tell us about any services you may have available or need such as bulldozing, horse training, boarding, babysitting, animal sitting, if you have anything for sale or are looking. Let’s communicate as horse and animal lovers and help each other out. This letter and the meetings are the best way to get to know each other and find out what’s going on in our lives. We also have several social events throughout the year, come and join us!
We’d also like to save some money and convenience by beginning to send the news letter out by email. Please email me your email addresses with the subject line saying SADDLE CLUB. I plan on attempting to update the website and posting some of your comments and possibly a classified section and special news, new pictures and general fun and entertainment. Those of you who don’t have email will still receive the letter by U.S. mail.
SHOW DATES
Some of the show dates are set for 2008 and will be discussed and announced at this Monday’s meeting. They will appear on the club’s website as well as the next news letter.
THANK YOUS
We’d like to thank Karina Sogge for the awesome Christmas party she made happen. We had great food and lots of fun. We appreciate all that she does especially with three young kids to run after! She even managed to persuade Mr. and Mrs. Claus to show up and hand out presents. We also thank them for coming so far, North Pole and all, but of course our club is sure to be one of the highlights for their holiday season.
A big thank you out to Jay Carterman and Local E of District 751 IAM & AW Boeing Machinists’ Union . They held a charitable event this past summer at SSSC to raise money for Guide Dogs of America and donated a much appreciated $500 to the club. The horse shoe tournament was lots of fun and we appreciate the care and respect they showed for our beautiful club grounds.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
We have elected our new board members for 2008 and look forward to their contributions this year.
El Presidente: DOUG DESKINS BOARD MEMBERS:
Vice President: KATHY YOUNG NEIL MICHAUD
Treasurer: HELEN DAY TOM & TINA BROWN
Secretary: KARINA SOGGE DAVID BROWN
Scribe: LISA MICHAUD MARCI BROWN
Sergeant of Arms: ROBIN BROWN
HAPPY TRAILS
The club lost one of our most beloved members this past holiday season. Korvin Brown passed away at 71-years young. Korvin was a lifetime member of the club and by far one of the most active and helpful. He was always the first to suggest improvements for the club and the first to roll up his sleeves and get-er-done. SSSC and its members will truly suffer without his energetic contributions. Warm thoughts and prayers are in our hearts for his lovely wife Nilah and their six children and many grandchildren. Nilah, we look forward to seeing you soon at club functions.
Please let me hear from you and participate in enhancing the news letter.
Thank you, Lisa R. Michaud, Scribe
LisaRmichaud@msn.com
www.southseattlesaddleclub.org
SSSC P.O. Box 7
Maple Valley, Washington 98038
Board meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. General meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. the third Monday of every month.