The meeting was called to order at noon on August 16 by President Kim Clark. There were 8 members present.

Treasurer, Tenisha Fell suggested that membership forms go out as soon as possible so that members can complete and return them by October.

Michelle Greeman delivered a report on NMCB business. They’ve utilized online meetings to promote “CowBelles: Who are we and what do we do?” They’ve gained good forward momentum focusing on beef promotion and outreach. There is great excitement about the success of the “Ag in the Classroom” program. Cooper CowBelles will place a $250 ad in the NM Stockman, challenging other local CowBelle groups to make an annual donation of $250 to “Ag in the Classroom” as we are doing. Volunteers are welcome to assist the Beef Council in presenting the Ag Happy Hour at the NM State Fair, Sept. 10th and 17th. The annual NM Cattle Growers/NM CowBelles joint meeting will be held December 15th & 16th at the Hotel Albuquerque.

Pat Hunt will chair the Grant County Fair Booth this year and is asking for volunteers. Miss Agriculture New Mexico, Erica Garcia, will be on hand in the CowBelle booth on Saturday.

A thank you letter was received from Brye Baptiste, who was the recipient of our scholarship. Brye was grateful for our help in reaching his goals. Membership agreed to accept scholarship applications year-round per Pat Hunt’s recommendation.

Cyndi Donovan agrees to chair the nominating committee and Kathy Davis will help.

The Grant County Cattle Growers are raising funds to purchase a beef at the Cliff-Gila Grant County Fair livestock sale. We will donate the cost of processing the above beef, not to exceed $1,200.

The Blue and Gold Club membership within Silver FFA Alumni is an effort to provide funds to support the Silver FFA Chapter. Its funds will be used to support the students and chapter needs. Copper CowBelles will purchase a Silver membership.

Meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM.

Copper CowBelles Met on February 15, 2022

Michelle Greeman reported that the Mid Year New Mexico CowBelles Meeting will be held in Ruidoso June 12-14th. 

Pat Hunt shared sad news that John Myers had passed shortly after our last meeting.  His funeral service will be at Terrazas on Friday, February 25 at 11:30 a.m., followed by internment at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery.  CowBelles will serve the luncheon at WNMU Graham Gym.

Kathy Davis and Hazel Donaldson gave a report on the Heritage Waters Coalition upcoming fundraiser.  The Cowboy Casino Night will be held at the Grant County Convention Center on April 23rd.

Ranch Days will be held at the McKeen Ranch on April 26th and 27th.   Much help will be needed so volunteers should sign up soon. 

The Grant Count Fair will be held September 7th – 10th this year.  This is a date change, so make note on your calendars. 

Laura Frost gave a report on the Grant County Cattle Growers.  Ryan McCauley is president this year.

Laura also delivered an envelope of thank-you notes to the Copper CowBelles from the youth involved in the Junior Rodeo.

Submitted by,
Kim Clark

Meeting was opened by incoming President Kim Clark on Jan 18, with the Pledge of Allegiance, Creed and Prayer.
12 members were present.

We received a $300 donation to our scholarship fund by past president Deborah Van Tellingen. The donation was in memory of Bobbie Neal Little, Linda Pecotte and John Escobedo. Pat sent a card to Joanne Woodward expressing our sympathy at the passing of her husband David. Lori Nell Reed alerted us that Vivian Myers husband John is very ill with heart issues.

Michelle Greeman caught us up on the State meeting in Albuquerque in December. Michelle asked that we let our voices be heard in regard to the Heinrich-Lujan grazing buy out bill (S.2980, the Wildlife-Livestock Conflict Resolution Act.) There will be serious implications down the road should this bill pass. She noted that the CowBelles will celebrate our 65th anniversary this year. There will be District Work Shops but they may look different this year.

The McKeen Ranch Days are being planned for April 25 and 26th. Marge McKeen reportedly would like to see Operation Respect developed in our community, especially in relation to hunters and those who enjoy using our public lands.

Jessica Swapp-Massengill updated us on happenings at the Grant County Extension Office. (Side Note: Congratulations to Jessica, who was recently named the New Mexico 4-H Agent of the year!)

Hazel Donaldson reported on the Wild and Scenic Committee and noted the importance of similar minded groups (i.e. Cattle Growers, Farm Bureau and other NGOs) working together to better utilize their manpower and resources.

Pat Hunt announced that the 2021 CowBelle of the Year is Vivian Myers.

Our next meeting will be held at the Grant County Extension Office on Feb. 15, 2022 at 11:30. Thereafter, our meetings will be held every other month.

The meeting was adjourned at 1pm.

The installation of new officers was held directly following the meeting: President – Kim Clark, Vice President – Michelle Greeman, Secretary – Carol Crosley, Treasurer – Tenisha Fell

Submitted by Carol Crosley

Grant County Copper CowBelles met on March 30, 2021.

We had our networking at 11:30 with the meeting starting at Noon. Hostess was Kathy Davis. The Pledge of Allegiance, Creed and Prayer were recited. Linda Pecotte’s guest was Silver High Senior, Emily Gossett. She is a State FFA officer and planning on attending NMSU in Ag education. The February minutes were approved with the addendum that an email vote was taken during the month to sponsor a buckle for the Southwest Horsemen’s Youth Rodeo. We have received a thank you for last year’s scholarship from Seth Neal and a thank you letter from New Mexico Ag in the Classroom for the donation made to this non-profit. We received updated news on Bobbie Neal-Little and it was announced that Neline Dominguez has moved to Las Cruces to be closer to family. Everyone was encouraged to send her a note.

Heritage Waters Coalition is having a Casino Night fundraiser in May. Tickets are limited so get them early it you would enjoy an evening out. Michelle announced that NM CowBelles will be having a meeting in Ruidoso June 6-8 (with the CowBelles probably meeting on the 7th) in conjunction with NM Cattlegrowers’ Mid-Year. Watch for registration forms. The Beef advertisement for the Mimbres Roundup Lodge cookbook is taking shape. There is a regional NM Cattlegrowers meeting in Reserve on April 16th and this information is posted on our Facebook page (Reservations needed for lunch).

The discussion turned to comments about current political happenings locally and nationally and several expressed a desire to form a Committee separate from our monthly meetings. Pat will look for a location and time to hold the first meeting for the as well as the next regular meeting which will probably take place on April 20th.

Submitted by Pat Hunt

The Grant County Copper CowBelles met on December 17^th    for the annual Christmas luncheon.   President Annette George installed the 2020 Officers as the only official business to be conducted:  President, Patricia Hunt; Vice President, Judy O’Loughlin; Secretary, Jeannette Hamilton; and Treasurer, Tenisha Fell.  Annette announced the CowBelle of the Year with co-winners:  Cyndi Donovan and Jeannette Hamilton and thanked them both for all their hard work during the year.

A potluck was held with brisket prepared by the Fells and a Santa gift exchange was held. Decorations for the party were provided by Carlie Gatlin of the Grant County Extension Service.  The first meeting of 2020 will be held on January 21^st at 11:30 in the conference room of the Extension Service.

Submitted by Pat Hunt

The Copper CowBelles held our last meeting of the year yesterday. We installed the 2020 officers: Pat Hunt, President, Judy O’Loughlin, Vice President, Jeanette Hamilton, Secretary and Tenisha Fell as Treasurer. The meeting was a Christmas gathering with brisket smoked by the Fell’s, decorations by Carlie Gatlin, all the Belles took a gift and side dish. We thank those who served this year and look forward to a prosperous 2020!

Congratulations to Cyndi Dunn Donovan and Jeanette Hamilton, our 2019 Copper CowBelles of the Year! President Annette stated that when she thought about the award, two Belles stood out. Cyndi was always ready to get to work when something needed done and Jeanette did a great job with the minutes. Congratulations to both of these deserving CowBelles!

The Grant County Copper CowBelles met on November 19^th.  President Annette George requested the approval of the October minutes which included discussion of National Farm to School Month (designated by Congressional Act H.R. 1655, 2010).  The Grant County Commissioners issued a Proclamation to celebrate this declaration and Annette accepted on behalf of Copper. It was announced that Family Shindig dance was a success with good attendance and an excellent band.  The Nominating Committee presented a slate of officers to be published and voted on.

The slate of officers was approved for 2020:  Pat Hunt, President; Judy O’Loughlin, Vice President; Jeanette Hamilton, Secretary and Tenisha Fell, Treasurer.  A motion was passed to make a donation to the Pat Nowlin Scholarship in memory of Lynda Delk Cox.

Guest speaker Erin Griffith of the Silver City Museum gave an update on the exhibit Ranching in Grant County.  It is one of the Museum’s best attended and appreciated displays. Copper’s display case at the Silver City Library has also been well received.  It will be up for the month of November in the lobby.

The December meeting will be a Christmas luncheon and installation of Officers.

Submitted by Pat Hunt

We are so grateful for the Silver City Public Library for inviting the Copper CowBelles to have our information in the display case in November.

  Thank you to all that helped install this great exhibit!