Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society

Board of Directors Meeting June 11, 2013

Meetings for 2013 are at noon at the Eagle House in Williamsville. It is the second Tuesday of each month. If you are unable to attend please notify Nancy Fredrickson ASAP ([email protected] or cell 359- 2522.)

Present: Tricia Adams, Jim Albert, Helene Chevalier, Stacy Dralle, Pete Freyburger Patrick McCarthy, Emily Rabener, Amanda Schepis, Reed Stevens, Stephanie Wolf Absent: Heather Fetzner, Erin Keefe, Tonia Hite New member guests: . Alison Bliss, Sheridan Animal Hospital . Jonathan Odebralski, Donner Creek Veterinary Center . Theresa Ryndak, Summer Street Cat Clinic Buffalo

1. President’s Report

Pete welcomed the guests. He explained that committee chairs will be giving a brief overview of what that committee does. Some committees are not currently active. New members also were given a packet of NFVS information that includes board members with contact information and the 2011-12 Summary that was given to hospitals last September. He encouraged the guests to ask questions and become involved in their organization.

2. Treasurer’s Report

Stacey gave the financial report. The NFVS is essentially in the same position as it was a year ago. Membership assessments will be sent out in early September.

3. Committee Reports

Explorers – Amanda The program is over for this year. Registration will begin again in November for the 2014 class. As always, Rene and Amanda are always looking for enthusiastic help to assist with the program next year! Amanda passed around the award the NFVS Explorer Post received at the recent Scouting awards dinner.

Mini-Vet – Amanda Speakers are confirmed for the upcoming program this year being held at Medaille College. The dates for each are being finalized. Now working on sponsorships along with the Buffalo Academy.

Buffalo Academy Liaison – Amanda/Reed The 2012-13 year has concluded. Reed is the incoming Academy president. They are looking for an additional board member. Reed and Amanda are working on sponsorships for both the Academy and Mini-Vet school.

PEF – Nancy The PEF and NFVS participated in the recent Pet Remembrance Service with Mount Calvary Cemetery. Patrick and Reed represented the NFVS.

1 Run for Rover planning continues. All hospitals should now have posters and brochures (available at the NFVS meeting.) The $1 bone promotion should be in place early next week at the latest. Push for volunteers, runners, vendors and runners is on. .

Awareness – Jim/Tricia NFVS had a column in the June issue of WNYFamily Magazine, which was passed around.

New Members – Jim Welcome!

SPCA – Helene Helene reported that last year the SPCA saw 60 parvo cases. So far this year there have been only 3. Not sure they can credit the clinics for the decline. Another clinic is set for June 29. The SPCA needs help to prosecute neglect and abuse cases. This starts with more information needed in medical records. She has drafted a memo to go to NFVS veterinarians. Nancy will edit and distribute. At this time there is no law in NY State regarding requiring veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse. Veterinarians have immunity and confidentially in reporting suspected neglect. Group also discussed possibly holding an informational seminar for members on animal abuse in the fall.

Therapy Dogs – Tonia Tonia did not forward a report.

WNYVMA Relations – Stephanie Their meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.

Health Department – Stephanie Last clinic was on May 29 at ECC South. Jim Brown and Pete staffed this. There will be additional clinics in September.

College Relations – Stephanie Schools are off now for the summer.

SMART – Stephanie SMART will be holding a new member orientation later this month.

Animal Alliance – Jim The majority of the organization’s members have left the group after a few member organizations inappropriately and publicly blasted the SPCA. The NFVS has been asked whether it will remain with the Alliance or support the new group now being formed. The Board decided that it will prepare a statement that indicates that the NFVS serves in an advisory capacity that serves to benefit the best animal care possible. Nancy will draft for Pete/Jim review.

Online Discussions – Pete Postings regarding the proposed veterinary school, veterinary careers and advertising were the primary focus.

Facebook Fan Page – Stacy Could use more photos.

Pharmacy – Tricia/Pat Pat gave an update on regarding prescription issues. At this point, veterinary organizations are taking a wait and see position as the pharmaceutical industry addresses challenges focused on human medicine.

Zoo Partnership – Jim This program has been put on hold until the Zoo has initiative we can assist with.

2 Mentor Program–Reed This program has been put on hold until next year.

Specialists Networking – Reed This program has been put on hold until next year.