The Northeast Friesian Horse Club

Annual General Meeting

&

 Banquet Ceremony Celebration

held on January 22, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza, Nashua, NH

2010 - President's Outgoing Message

As outgoing President of the NEFHC, I wish to bestow success to our new 2011 team to continue to guide all our hard efforts put forth this year that has made our club a nationally successful and viable chapter of FHANA.

Our Annual General Meeting and Awards Banquet Celebration were met with nearly 80 members and non-members in attendance.  We were graced with the presence of Mr. Scott Kelnhofer, a board member of FHANA, in support of the past year’s endeavors and continued success.  He spoke of the B-Book II issues, granting his views while emphasizing the strict breeding technique the Dutch have put into place and how we as an FPS Friesian organization are here to support years of breeding research for the betterment of the well bred Friesian.  Scott also spoke of a local Friesian neglect effort and lent his support to our region in conjunction with FHANA to generate much needed funds for this and future efforts.  Scott is a true soldier and a hard working supporter of the Friesian breed.  We are very thankful for his support to our club, our region and to the FPS Friesian horse.

Our membership also voted in chapter and by-law changes, with the majority of the changes in support of adding a business membership for non-Friesian owners.  The awards were presented with much excitement and fanfare, and I congratulate you all for all of the hard work it took to get all your wonderful horses shining in the show ring as true masters of their breed.

The elections ended the meeting with much enthusiasm to kick start another great year.   While the club is in a very healthy and viable state, Sandra and I chose not to run again for a board position or as president as I look forward to the prospect of being on the FHANA board of directors.  Sandra and I will continue to support the club via the website and I the Past Presidents’ position while being available for other areas of support throughout the year where possible, as we will be focusing our energies toward our daughter Alexis’s college career as she enters her senior year of high school.  The 2011 board members are:  President - Michelle Loulakis, Vice President - Dianne Dakowicz, Secretary - Caren Polillio, Treasurer - Cathy Zine; 3yr Board - Lynne Byers, 2yr board - Pam Moriarty, 1yr board - Tim Clapp, Ethel “Wuff” Nye & Becca Eccard.

At the conclusion of the meeting we had a ‘very decadent’ reception hour with butler passed Hor’s d’oeuvres sponsored by Robert & Barbara MacDonald of Four Seasons Farm, VT. & Friesians of Tranquility, NH followed by a delicious gourmet buffet topped off with carrot cake!  During the dinner, our D.J. Porter Dodge provided the entertainment for the evening (D.J. sponsored by Linda & Tom O'Neil, Michelle & Mark Loulakis and Alexis and Ryan Ierardi) while we conducted our silent/live auction throughout the evening, raising over $2,500 to help offset AGM expenses and future club endeavors.  Thank you to all who supplied the many auction items.

The doors closed at midnight, marking the success of a fantastic year with all who supported me and our efforts.  I couldn’t be more proud of this well running club; ticking like the gears of a watch.  Thank you for a great year and much success to the new board.    Once again, congratulations to all the award winners (results have been posted in the February issue of the E.J. and can also be found on the website www.nefhc.com) and to the new 2011 board.  I have much faith in Michelle in leading the NEFHC, as she has been very instrumental in helping me and the club through all aspects of club activities this past year.  Here’s to wishing her great success and I look forward to seeing you at future club events.

 Happy Trails!

Peter Ierardi, “Past” President, NEFHC

New 2011 Elected Officers here...