February 2012 : Highlights of the 7th Annual Bluegrass Arabian Horse Association's High Point Banquet
This years High Point Banquet was held again at our home away from home, the Finchville Ruritan Club. We were blessed with good weather which made the festive atmosphere even better. The decorations and myriad of distracting aromas coming from the kitchen and the curiosity of who the High Pont winners were provided for an electric atmosphere.
Once again our Matriarch, Barb Johnson out did herself in the kitchen, with a menu of beef tenderloin, roasted potatoes, and accented by all of wonderful side dish specialties of our members and guest. The desert table looked like an endless buffet table of decadent delights for the sweet tooth.
The room was a buzz with great fellowship, friendship, and the common passion of our beloved "Proud Breed".
After a wonderful meal, the January 2012 General Membership meeting was called to order by B.A.H.A. President, Rick Tosch. Rick thanked all for coming to the Banquet and High Point Awards presentation.
Our B.A.H.A. Youth President and Vice President, Katherine Tate and Stephanie Henderson gave a update on the current status of our Youth programs and plans for 2012. Darlene Steven was welcomed and thanked for volunteering to be our Youth Coordinator. Our Youth are working towards several goals this year, one being a Youth Judging Team to compete at The Arabian Horse Nationals this October in Tulsa, Go B.A.H.A. Youth!
Barb Johnson then gave the treasurer's report and a membership report. The B.A.H.A. Web Team, consisting of Jen Kelly, Jen Tosch, and Jenese Briegel have re-invented our website, making it more user friendly and easier to navigate. It looks awesome! They ask that members PLEASE submit any and all info to BAHAWEB@gmail.com. Please share your news, pictures, and info, they love to get it out.
Lorie Henderson made a presentation about the upcoming 2012-2014 membership directory. She asked that all members please verify their contact info. We will be going to print soon! Also this is a great way to advertise as these directories are widely distributed locally and nationally. Please contact Lorie for more info.
Rick Tosch gave an update on the "B.A.H.A. Spring Blast" horse show. All is coming along well, the date is April 28th at the Shelbyville Fairgrounds. The Class list, sponsorship literature, and adverting opportunity
info is available on the B.A.H.A. website. Please check it out. This years show promises to be the best ever!
Rick additionally identified and congratulated all of our successful members on their many U.S.E.F. year end awards. A detailed list is available on the website. Check out the all of successful members accomplishments.
Our guest speaker Frank Gaddie was introduced. Frank is the current Region 14 President and special friend to B.A.H.A. Frank updated us on the A.H.A. happenings out in Denver, in addition he updated us to the many happenings of Region 14.
Rick made a special presentation to outgoing Vice President, Jason Reed. Jason has been our V.P. since the inception of B.A.H.A. He was the driving force behind our annual "Falling Leaves" trail ride. He was the original inventor of the now world famous Cafe' B.A.H.A. Breakfast Sandwich! Jason blessed B.A.H.A. with his drive, passion, and commitment, we will miss you. But remember, we do have your phone number AND we know where you live! Best wishes on your new and "growing" endeavors.
The business aspect of the meeting was then handed over to the Election Committee of Claudia Duncan, Roxanna Reed, and Bill Ellzey for the duties of electing to the 2012-2014 term the Expectative Offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The B.A.H.A. Executive Officers for 2012-2014 are:
President: Rick Tosch
Vice president: Neil Henderson
Treasurer: Barbara Johnson
Secretary: Teri Rettura
Teri Rettura, our High Point Chairperson, along with her lovely daughter, Heather Perez, then presented our High Point awards. This year we had 39 adult entries and 20 youth entries! Congratulations to all, well done.
The evening concluded with the silent auction, thanks to all who donated items.
Our next meeting is March 24th at the Finchville Ruritan Club, B.O.D. meeting at 3:30pm, 5:30pm meet & greet, and 6:00pm General Meeting. Until then, love your Family, your Friends, and your Horses... God Bless
- Rick Tosch