Transitions - Dallas Dressage Club

July 2005BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENT (04-06)Frances Lusepresident@dallasdressage.org214-507-6750VICE PRESIDENT (04-06)Jennie Bohartvicepresident@dallasdressage.org817-421-0404SECRETARY (04-06)Kathy Knappitschsecretary@dallasdressage.org972-542-5470MEMBERSHIP (04-06)Susan Sturdivan Brownleemembership@dallasdressage.org972-226-0366TREASURER (03-05)Barbara Lewistreasurer@dallasdressage.org903-866-3122AWARDS, MEETINGS, EVENTS (03-05)Pauline Jaroscewiczawards@dallasdressage.org817-267-5487ADS, PROMOTIONS & SPONSORSHIP(03-05)Linda McKeepromotions@dallasdressage.org972-317-3636PUBLICATIONS (03-05)Mary Stickenpublications@dallasdressage.org972-618-1710COMMITTEE CHAIRSSchooling Show CommitteeLiz Bramanschoolshows@dallasdressage.org972-772-5005Recognized Show CommitteeBruce Lawrierecognizedshows@dallasdressage.org972-495-5066Advanced Young Rider CommitteeLisa BlackmonFEIyouth@dallasdressage.org(940)637-1183Junior Rider CommitteeShelly Vaughnjuniorriders@dallasdressage.org972-424-5042Professional Advisor’s ChairSue Malone-CaseyDressagehorizons@aol.com972-318-3305Adult Ed Liaison to Region 9Elizabeth Jeterejeters@charter.net940-591-0580Volunteer Coordinatorvacantvolunteer@dallasdressage.orgMy “real” job is developing and implementing logistics support for humanitarianmissions to Central and South America and the Caribbean. My command completes 12-22missions a year with a small active reserve (AGR) staff of two planners and 11 “operators”, ofwhich I am one. Unlike my previous Army assignments, at this US Army South position theoperational tempo never slows down – we have to plan a mission while concurrently packinganother, as a third is being conducted “down-range,” and a fourth is redeploying. It isn’t easy,gets tiresome and brain fatiguing, but the reward is tremendous.In much the same manner, the operational tempo of DDC never slows down either.DDC’s board of directors, committee members and involved volunteers (numbering not manymore than 2 dozen) carry the burden of conceptualizing activities, planning events, andimplementing plans concurrently. While we were enjoying the Eckart Meyners educationalsymposium in March, the recognized show committee met in the wings at Las Colinas for aSpring Show planning session. We’re very close to hosting the Region 9 Adult TeamChampionships at the end of the month, but we’re also looking forward to the Yellow Rose2005, and deciding if we want to bid to host the Junior team, Adult Team, or Regional SportHorse Championships NEXT year.The problem I see is that although we’ve brought a certain degree of stability toDDC’s leadership since 2001, the membership wants more clinics, more schooling shows,recognized shows, improved quality, etc. The workload increases, the tempo does notdecrease, and board members are burning out. Pauline Jaroscewicz gamely stepped in to fillthe position of Awards Chair when Linda Walker resigned in 2002 (mid-term). Pauline has donea great job for 3 years, but she needs to focus on her new job and new horse and lessen theload of DDC duties. She will not run for re-election in August. Susan Brownlee has also servedDDC faithfully for 3 years – also since 2002. She’s mid-term at this point, and would LOVE tohand off membership to another member, if that person would step forward to help. It’s a bigjob, with considerable time commitment and requires tact and outstanding communicationskills (in addition to MS Access competency). Her position is on the ballot – she’ll vacateshould a nominee be located.Many other core members have now served 3 and 4 years. My tenure has been thelongest - since October 2001 when I was elected as publications chair. I cannot seek reelectionnext year (August 2006) as per the DDC by-laws. Jennie Bohart and Barb Lewis havebeen on the board nearly as long – Jennie as Vice President, Barb as recognized show chairand then treasurer. I’m not sure if Jennie plans to run for President in 2006. If you think youmight want this job (ARE YOU CRAZY !!??!!) you must hold a board position for at least a year tobe eligible to run. That by-law restriction is very limiting. When I became president only 3 sittingboard members met that criteria; the other two said “NO WAY, NO HOW” to taking the position.I’m very glad for the new faces on the Board, who provide great ideas and wonderful synergy,but the tasks require physical and mental energy as well – and what we really need is MOREACTIVELY INVOLVED MEMBERS. If everyone burns out, the membership will be left with aletterhead and bank account, and not much else…Please consider spending some time thissummer supporting your club – come to the summer meeting on August 28 th , contribute ideas,and be involved!FrancesAt Right - My mare “Mari” and her newbest friend Ashley. Having insufficienttime and energy to keep Mari up to 2 ndlevel as well as move my 4 year old Bobeyond “green”, I sent my mare to mytrainer Joan Myrthue for 13 yo Ashley tolearn dressage (she’s coming from H/J).Ashley’s having a blast learning fromthis 19 yo veteran.“Be correct or I’ll pin my ears!”President’s Message2