COWBOY POETS OF UTAH MEMBERSHIP MEETING

February 19, 2007  --  Moab, Utah

Board of Directors

Curly Syndergaard - Chairman of the Board

Sam Deleeuw - Vice Chairman of the Board

Terri Taylor - Board Member

Gene Jones  - Board Member

VACANT - Board Member

Executive Officers

Val Carter - President

Kenny Hall - Vice President

Jo Lynne Kirkwood - Secretary

Rod Miller - Treasurer

Area Representatives

Eastern Utah:  Al Clark

Southern Utah: Kenny Hall, Doug Keller

Central Utah:  C.R. Wood, Jerry Brooks

Wasatch:  Val Carter - Bill Gubler

Thanks was given to JoLynne and Mike Kirkwood for helping Janet with the Moab gathering.

The minutes from the meeting held September, 2006 were approved.

The CPU organization currently has $1,791.56 in the bank.  Rod Miller e-mailed Val and asked to be released from his position as treasurer.  Gordon Thomas volunteered to replace Rod.  The motion was approved.

Discussion was held regarding a suggestion that CPU purchase a sound system.  Val demonstrated the sound system he has, which runs around $550 not including mics.  Gordon Thomas stated that purchasing equipment presents the problem of who would store it, how often it would be used, and questioned if the organization would benefit from the purchase.  He suggested that there are probably enough sound systems belonging to members of CPU (i.e. Saddle Strings, Val Carter, Latigo, Gordon, etc.) that could be used at events and gatherings around the state.  Sam was concerned that the purchase would deplete the money CPU currently has in the bank. After much discussion, it was decided that Brian Arnold and Ken Stevens would get bids for the cost of all the equipment, and the subject would be discussed further at the next meeting in Cedar City. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Curly Syndergaard discussed the Cedar City gathering planned for March 16-18.  He also stated that the Sheep Festival will be expanded this year, and open invitations to participate will be posted on the CPU website for those interested in performing.

Doug Keller reported that the gathering in Kanab is scheduled for April 21.  Open mic sessions will be Saturday, 10:00-4:00.  Contact Doug if you are interested in participating - BARDPARD@yahoo.com, or 435-644-3266 (home phone) or 435-689-0642 (cell phone).  The evening performance will include Kenny Hall, Brenn Hill, Latigo, Don Kennington and JoLynne Kirkwood. 

Doug also has the Prairie Lodge reserved for the CPU Honoree Dinner to be held Friday, April 20 in Kanab.  Cost will be $10/person.  Please RSVP to Val Carter no later than April 15 if you are planning to attend – vcarter@utah.gov, 801-768-8754 (home), or 801-369-1433 (cell).

Val Carter reported that the Utah Heritage Arts wants to start a western heritage gathering, and they are in need of volunteers.  Gardner Village has offered to host the event and will build an Expo Center on their property.  A Frontier Festival is being planned for sometime in June, and Val will pass on the information as it becomes available.

Kenny Hall reported that the gathering in Panguitch will have the Bar J Wranglers as the headliner act.  More information will follow.

Kenny also attended the town meeting in Cannonville.  They would like to have some cowboy poetry/western music at the town celebration scheduled for June 23 in the city park.  Everyone felt that CPU should support this event.  Contact Kenny at 435-679-8960 if you are interested in participating.

Paul Bliss reported that the Western Heritage organization is hosting a horse ride/wagon train to Yellowstone on May 25-June 2.  Cost will be $25/person to register for the week-long trip.  Contact Paul at 801-404-7156 for more information.

The next CPU meeting will be held March 17 at 8:45 at Southern Utah University in Cedar City.