ORANGE DOG PARK ASSOCIATION

Recognition of Doug and Katie Cicotte

Doug and Katie were presented with a plaque in recognition of their years of service to ODPA. Doug served as treasurer and Katie as secretary.

Resignation of Jeannine Lawrie

Jeannine Lawrie, one of the founders of the ODPA has submitted her resignation from the Board where she served as president of the association for several years. She was highly instrumental in moving the dog park from an idea to a reality. Her service has been invaluable.

Monthly meeting formats

The ODPA will present monthly educational programs related to the needs and interests of dog owners. Suggested programs include a dog behaviorist, canine dental care, canine health issues and other topics as appropriate. Suggestions from members regarding topics of interest are always welcome. A Schedule of Events for the year will soon be available.

Meeting Announcements

General meetings will be held on the 3^rd Saturday of each month. Meeting reminders will be posted at the dog park and emailed to members. Members are encouraged to submit a Change of Contact Info form to update contact information to ensure timely communication from the ODPA.

New Web Site Design Coming Soon

The ODPA Webmaster and others are currently working on a new design and functionality that will include membership payments on line. Other significant changes made will be presented at subsequent general membership meetings. You can access the website at www.orangedogpark.com.

Safety Issues

Because there have been several car break ins, users of the ODP are encouraged to not leave valuables in their cars while they access the dog park. Users of the park are also being asked to report any signs of suspicious behavior to the Orange Police Department. Information reported to the OPD should include a clear description of suspicious persons and their behavior, and any identifying information that would be helpful to the OPD, such as make and model of the vehicle and its license plate number.

Users of the dog park are reminded that their dogs should be unleashed in the small-gated area before entering the play area in either the small or large dog sections. Dogs on leash while in the play areas are vulnerable to the unleashed dogs and this can result in unnecessary aggression towards the leashed dog. It was suggested that signage be placed in the small-gated areas of both sections reminding owners to unleash their dogs before entering and to leash their dogs before exiting.

Memberships

The ODPA Board is currently discussing how to manage yearly membership dues of existing members and new members. More information will be provided at future general membership meetings.

Newest Newsletter

The ODPA Newsletter is now available on the ODPA website. Copies are also available at the dog park.

2006 Orange International Street Fair

The ODPA Board voted to have a booth at the 2006 Orange Street Fair in September. Memberships, t-shirts, dog related items and other items of interest would be sold. The ODPA is currently seeking volunteers to assist with this activity; other volunteers will be solicited to work in the booth in September. Anyone interested in helping with this important fund-raiser should contact the ODPA through the web site, or contact any Board member.

Doggie Walk Bag Sponsors and Corporate Sponsors

The ODPA is currently seeking corporate and individual sponsorships to help defray the cost of the doggie walk bags. These disposable supplies are the most costly item for the association, and letters of interest have been sent to several businesses and corporations in the Orange area. Names of individuals or businesses who may be interested should be submitted to the ODPA or any member of the board. A request was made to look into a less expensive bag product that would work in the existing dispensers.

Fundraising Events Planned

The Board is looking into placing fire hydrant collection devices in each of the dog park sections to raise much-needed funds for the dog park. Other fund raising suggestions and events are also under discussion.

Operating Budget and Other Board Items

Copies of the 2006 ODPA Budget will be distributed at the General Membership meeting on February 18, 2006. Association expenses and income will also be discussed. The ODPA is looking at the possibility of grants to help offset on-going operating expenses.

Guest Speakers Presentation

Sandy Norell introduced Officer Uceda and is dog Niko, Officer Jorgenson and his dog Cisco, and Officer Johnson from the Orange Police Department. These members of the Canine Police Unit discussed the work of canine unit and demonstrated the skills and training of these police dogs. A collection jar for the Orange Police Department Canine Unit was on site and all monies collected will be presented to them during the month of February.

The next General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, 2006.

Welcome and Introduction of Board members