Minutes of the N-CSA Board of Directors Meeting – February 18, 2024
1:00 pm Pacific Time, 2:00 pm Mountain Time, 3:00 pm Central Time, 4:00 pm Eastern Time
- Call to Order
The meeting, conducted by Zoom, was called to order at 2:05 pm MST by Chair, Sheri Langford.
- Roll Call (Quorum requires 5 Board members)
Julia Alzofon, Bonnie Barcus, Irene Bennalley, Debby Bradford, Sam Cunningham, Sheridan Langford, Elizabeth Casso Lopez, Richard Marlar and Katherine Skye Tucker were on the call and constituted the quorum. Katy Lente, Janna Miller, Nikyle Begay and Richard Begay were present as guests.
- Minutes of Previous Meetings – (12/03/2023)
Debby moved that the minutes of 12/03/23 be accepted. Sam seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
- Reports of Officers and Board
No Officers reports were covered in this a single topic meeting.
- Unfinished Business – 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- McGee Park, Farmington, NM (AGM 2025) – Irene Bennalley
Irene noted that reservations for McGee Park in Farmington must be made 365 days in advance. If we wish to have our 2025 AGM there in October, we have until this October to schedule it.
- Ganado, AZ (AGM 2024) – Nikyle Begay
As DBI works toward reestablishing their 501 charitable status, and the Sheep is Life celebration remains on hold, Nikyle is hosting a spin-off at their place in Ganado for the third weekend in June. There will be a sheep show and sale and many other activities that would normally take place at Sheep is Life. Nikyle has generously invited the N-CSA to hold its AGM during this event. People could bring their sheep, there are hotels nearby in Chinle, Window Rock and Holbrook. The venue is centrally located, would be free of charge and have very few restrictions.
- Crystal, NM (AGM 2024) – Nikyle Begay
In addition, Nikyle reports that Richard Begay will be holding a spin-off the third weekend in August in Crystal, New Mexico and the N-CSA is invited to hold its AGM there as well. This location would have similar benefits as Nikyle’s place in Ganado.
- Historic Gutierrez Hubble House in the Albuquerque, NM South Valley on Historic El Camino
Real – Irene Bennalley, Katy Lente, Richard Marlar, Janna Miller
Katy Lente described many advantages of holding our AGM at Hubble House. There is an arena, facilities for workshops, vending would cost only $35-40, $25 if volunteer work is done. There is adequate parking and shade. Many other fiber and sheep activities including contests would be taking place at the same time. One-half block away is Abuelitas restaurant where meetings could be held. There are slots for the N-CSA to hold four to five 2 hour lectures or workshops. It is not yet clear whether sheep would be allowed overnight on the premises. Katy will work on finding out. If not allowed, there are nearby locations for sheep camping including a polo grounds two miles away. Vendors would need an event licence and those traveling with and showing sheep would need the usual health certificates and permits. Irene, Katy, Richard and Janna will work together on this, Katy and Richard being more local but Janna and Irene able to coordinate by email, text and phone. Richard can help get lecturers. Sam will provide information to them on putting together AGMs.
Discussion: There are some pro’s and con’s to the Albuquerque area’s Hubble House vs. the Ganado or Crystal locations. The different times of year have some concerned about traveling with sheep during hot weather. Travel distance is an issue with the Ganado and Crystal locations being more centrally located whereas the Albuquerque area would make this event too far away for some but more available to others who have not previously attended. The Ganado and Crystal locations are less regulated, free of charge and increase partnership of N-CSA with those on the Navajo Reservation. Some would not be able to go to two events so if the N-CSA AGM were held in conjunction with a Spin-off, those people could attend both at the same time. A lot of work has already been put into the Albuquerque location and the Ganado and Crystal locations could be utilized in upcoming years.
Vote: After discussion, Sam proposed a role call vote for or against holding our AGM at Hubble House this year. Debby seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous for Hubble House in 2024. Other locations previously discussed are still highly recommended for upcoming AGM’s.
- Set Next Conference Call Date & Adjourn
- The next Board meeting will have a full agenda with committee reports and is scheduled for April 21, 2024 at the usual times.
- Upon request by the Chair, Richard moved that the meeting be adjourned, Irene seconded the motion, the vote was unanimous and the meeting was adjourned by Chair Sheri Langford at 3:24 pm MST.
