Members Present:Sharon Blumberg (Sasha, white Bichon), Peg Connor (Jake, Jack Russell Terrier), Kara Kelly (Cody, yellow Lab), Anselm Richards (Becket, yellow Lab), Luke Rigg-Zeigen (Athina, Rottie), Dan Roger (Willie, scruffy black Mutt), Maria Romanach (Trooper, Gordon Setter), Brian Sherman (Reuben, Golden & Ernee, Beagle), Ann Shine (Biloxi, beige & white Whippet), Nafis Taalib-Din (Rex, Lab mix), Karoline Wallace (Steve, black Shepard & Amber, blond Cockcapoo), Michelle Winn (Baily & Little Guy, Beagles, Logan, Golden Retriever), Arnie Zacharias (Bucca, black & white mix).
Fund Raising - New Membership Idea: there was lively discussion about a new idea to raise much needed funds - a Membership Program. For $20, Members would receive a small flashlight, and be invited to programs and events that would help and educate dog owners.
Maria Romanach suggest that we close the Run off to only members, somewhat like the community gardens next door. That way we could screen applicants to be sure that there ear no dangerous or undesirable dogs allowed in the Run. Maria also gave Central Park as an example of such an exclusive membership and patrolling.
The idea of security led to discussion of a special patrol for the dog run, perhaps we could form a special Dog Run Patrol, done by the Members. We could wear special vests with the Dog Assoc logo, have a schedule roster, and get lots of owner/Members involved in helping 'police' the Run. Arnie Z. said that the police have renewed their commitment to closing the park to the public as of 1:00 AM. In the past, people were in the park all night long, some doing destructive things, other doing illegal things.
The special Dog Run Patrol would check in regularly with the Park Rangers so that any problems could be reported quickly and the Rangers could respond to our call when needed. We will look into this and report to the group later.
Some people wanted to see, in addition to increased security, more education for the Run users in general, and to promote the Membership. Someone suggested that there should be special monthly programs especially for paid Members such as a Treasure Hunt, Dining Out with your Dog, Training, Doggy Halloween, etc.
A committee was formed to create a list of programs we could offer to paid Members. It includes: Peg Connor, Nafis Taalib-Din, Kara Kelly, Luke Riggs-Zeigen, Maria Romanach and Ann Shine. We look forward to hearing about new programs/events soon.
Sharon Blumberg reported that so far, the fund raising had made $4,598. We will need about $15,000 for the resurfacing project, so more fund raising is needed. Anyone interested in helping, please contact us!
