The Grant County Copper CowBelles met on February 20, 2018.  New member Jeannette Hamilton was introduced.  President Deborah van Tellingen gave a report on the NM CowBelles Legislative Action Day in Santa Fe which she participated in with the State Officers.  This is a new annual event and she is excited about the positive interaction with other Grant County officials and the State Legislators, including the Governor.  More details were announced about the upcoming District III meeting which Copper will host on March 23^rd. Two additional speakers will be added to the State Officers’ program including Connie Rooks of the Grant County Farm Bureau Women in Ag group and Jeannette Hamilton, who will discuss the new CDL laws which affect livestock transportation.

Copper will participate in a fundraising cash party event put on by the Grant County Fair Buyers Pool.  Copper will arrange a silent and live auction as a fundraiser for the scholarship fund.  This event will replace The Shindig this year.  Past President Pat Hunt made a presentation to her 2017 CowBelle of the Year, Linda Pecotte and thanked her for always volunteering to help with last minute details for various agenda items.  A motion was passed to pay for part of Deborah’s travel expenses to Santa Fe and to donate $300 to the El Grito Head Start program in Grant County and also to the CYFD Strengthening Families Program.  Both of these groups need assistance in feeding program participants.

Submitted by Pat Hunt

Here’s past Copper Cowbelles President Patricia Elliott Hunt presenting current Secretary Linda Pecotte a handmade cutting board for being awarded the 2017 Copper Cowbelle of the year. Presentation was held yesterday at our general meeting. Pat thanked Linda for all of her support during her tenure as Cowbelles President. Linda was, and still is, first to volunteer and do whatever it takes to make the Cowbelles a success . Congrats Linda, and thank you Pat for honoring her!