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PRE-CONVENTION  The Bradner and Wayne Fire Departments joined forces to host the 2008 NOVFA Pre-Convention Meeting on April 19th.  A social hour and delicious dinner followed the men's and women's business meetings.  State Fire Marshal Michael Bell was the featured speaker after the meal, and the evening continued with music by "Teachers Pet".  The Association thanks the Wayne and Bradner Fire Departments for their hospitality and good job hosting the pre-conference.

Secretary Ray Walendzak reported 288 members and 33 associate members as of this date.  Charity Fund Secretary Edward Bohn reported 222 departments paid into the charity fund, and that 41 former members had not paid for 2008.  He noted that registered letters will be going out to those non-paid members.

Treasurer's reports from Association Treasurer Randy McKnight and Charity Fund Treasurer Bill Elwood were given and accepted.  It was noted that the attendance was low for this years' Regional Fire School due to weather and raffle ticket sales were down accordingly, therefore the Association had to pick up more of the expense of the school this year.  Hopefully, this was a unique year concerning low attendance.

Discussion was held concerning the moving of the Antique Fire Muster dates from August to July.  More at Convention.  Reports were given by Convention hosts Upper Sandusky and Golf Fun Day hosts Defiance.  Tom Wildman stated that arrangements are being made to offer a Motorsports class at next years' Regional School.  Questions were asked about opening Association membership to non-fire department connected emergency medical services.  A change of the NOVFA by-laws would be required, and the proposed changes would have to be presented in writing at a future pre-convention.

The following ballot will be presented at the June Convention:                                                                            President   John McNutt                                                                                                                                 First Vice-President   Jeff Zsigrai                                                                                                                     Second Vice-President     Russell Gronbach                                                                                                    Board of Directors    Fred Allen                                                                                                                       Board of Directors     Eddie Bauer                                                                                                                   Secretary     Tom Pack                                                                                                                                     Assistant Secretary    Brian Baker                                                                                                                   Treasurer      Randy McKnight                                                                                                                         Convention        Whitehouse                                                                                                                            Pre-Convention                                                                                                                                                Bowling    Perrysburg Township                                                                                                                         Golf Fun Day       Deshler                                                                                                                                 Golf Fun Day        Edgerton                                                                                                                              Softball      Green Springs                                                                                                                                Muster

Nominations for all offices and events will be open from the floor at the Convention conference.  However, per the Constitution and  By-Laws of the NOVFA, letters may be sent to the NOVFA, P.O.Box 24, Liberty Center, Ohio  43532 requesting the Pre-Convention or the Antique Fire Muster on or before June 1, 2008, and still be placed on the written ballot.

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CONDOLENCE CARDS   Included, you will find a condolence card to be completed and returned to Condolence Committee Chairman Michael Gustwiller by June 14, 2008.  Remember, you are to list deceased members from June 1, 2007 to June 1, 2008

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The Officers of the NOVFA  recently made a decision to NOT ALLOW THE HANDING OUT OF ANY MATERIAL DURING THE CONVENTION PARADE!    Previous rules prohibited throwing candy or other items during the parade.  However, the officers learned of a youth handing out candy during a parade that was run over by a parade float and lost his life.  For the safety of all involved, the decision was made to prohibit any hand-outs in the parade route.  We appreciate your understanding regarding this issue.