Chugach Range Riders  Minutes November 3, 2009 Christmas Party Dec. 12, Pioneer Schoolhouse, 437 E. 3rd Ave. Contact Sierra--what to bring, and see minutes, below Next meeting:  Tuesday, January 5, 2010--7:30 p.m. at Peters Creek location: http://crralaska.homestead.com/crrindex.html

Meeting was called to order by Vice-President Les Anderson.  Minutes were read and accepted.  Mary Ann distributed the treasurer's report:  as of Aug. 31, $3,925.72 in checking and $62.58 in petty cash.  She has put $8,000 into a CD at Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union. OLD BUSINESS Equifest:  Diane had written a letter expressing CRR concerns about continuing to use the William Clark Chamberlin Equestrian Center for Equifest.  Problems this past summer included the lack of water, lack of decent toilet facilities, lack of parking space, lack of communication when trying to make plans in advance, and quite a high price when compared to rental and amenities of the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  We received a reply from the board of the Center thanking CRR for sponsoring the event in the past, and stating that they will resume the responsibility of hosting the event themselves. They retain copyright of the name Equifest--in other words that they have exclusive use of it. Several possibilities were discussed, although no decision will be made until Diane is back and we get her input--likely at the January meeting.  We could go ahead and have the festival (using a different name) at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer, put our energy instead into the Extreme Trail Challenge, or get more involved in the Stallion Parade.  Alternatively, we've talked about clarifying the purpose and goals of CRR, and that might have some bearing on future activities. Karol mentioned the Sindorf arena is empty on non-horseshow weekends, already has some trail obstacles, and is a covered, rain-or-shine location.  It could be used as a place to practice for the Trail Challenge.  There was talk of a drill team. Shirley would like to see work on education and safety in trail riding.  NEW BUSINESS New-member packets:  Shirley handed out several of the very attractive notebooks.  They contain a "new member survey" that will let members get to know each other, a CRR bookmark, articles on riding safety, information on purchasing a club coat, sample flyers of CRR activities, club event calendar and more.  Producing these notebooks is rather time-consuming and Sierra offered to help Shirley with the project.  (Loretta contributed in small ways to the packet and will now officially relinquish Hospitality Committee membership to this very energetic member of the younger generation--thank you, Sierra.  Altho if there is anything L. can do--minutes, flyers, photos, etc., just let her know...  Good work, Shirley: a project suggested, volunteered for, and carried through!) Mary suggested each member complete the "new member survey" (or as much of it as he wants to complete), add a picture of himself and his horse, if he has one, and Shirley will keep a separate notebook of them.  These can be sent to Loretta Andress (simply because they'd be so interesting to read)  aflma@gci.net   or 510 Togiak Circle, Anchorage, AK  99503, and will be given to Shirley to keep for posterity.  Christmas party:  Ann has reserved the Pioneer Schoolhouse for Dec. 12.  Set-up is 5:00 p.m., and the party from 6:00 to 9:00.  Sierra will coordinate the food--contact her to find out what's needed:  746-3564 or sierradorman@yahoo.com  Please bring a horse-related gift for the Chinese auction if you wish to participate--suggested price limit: $20.  Loretta will send out printed invitations as well as an email reminder. Sierra mentioned the Special Santa program, in which people or groups donate money so that gifts and clothing can be purchased for children without.  Mary moved that CRR donate $100; motion was seconded and passed. Shirley won the kitty. Respectfully submitted, Loretta Andress, Secretary