SOUTH LOUISIANA TEAM SORTING ASSOCIATION LLC OPERATING AGREEMENT AND RULES

2008 SOUTH LOUISIANA TEAM SORTING ASSOCIATION, LLC OPERATING AGREEMENT AND RULES 2 MISSION STATEMENT The goal of SLTSA is to provide a FUN equine activity to our local community with HONESTY, FAIRNESS, and with the RIDER’S BEST INTEREST IN MIND. TABLE OF CONTENTS I. OPERATING AGREEMENT RULES II. MEMBERSHIPS III. RIDER CLASSIFICATIONS/RATINGS IV. SHOW DIRECTOR V. PAYBACK/PAYOFF SCHEDULE VI. OTHER SANCTIONING ORGANIZATIONS VII. FINALS QUALIFYING VIII. CLASSES IX.. TEAM SORTING RULES X. TEAM PENNING RULES XI. 2008 SLTSA MANAGING BOARD 6 7 8 9 9 9 10 12 16 17 3 3 OPERATING AGREEMENT SOUTH LOUISIANA TEAM SORTING ASSOCIATION, LLC ARTICLE I This organization shall be known as the SOUTH LOUISIANA TEAM SORTING ASSOCIATION, hereinafter referred to as SLTSA. This organization will be incorporated according to the laws of the State of Louisiana, and shall be domiciled in the Parish of West Baton Rouge. ARTICLE II The purpose of this organization is to promote the sport of Team Sorting by sponsoring sorting events, encouraging youth participation in Team Sorting, and donating funds for equine research and agricultural education. ARTICLE III Membership in SLTSA is open and non discriminatory. Available memberships will be individual, family, and day. Only members may participate in SLTSA sanctioned events. Only members in good standing named on the membership application are eligible to vote in any SLTSA election. Day Memberships do not have any voting privileges. ARTICLE IV SLTSA will be managed by Managers duly elected by the members eligible to vote as defined in Article III. The Managing Board will consist of eleven (11) persons elected by the eligible membership. Only persons who are eligible to vote as defined in Article III are eligible to serve as Managers. Nominations for Managers will open at the last regularly scheduled event of the calendar year. The nominations will be recorded by the Secretary of the Managing Board and given to the President. The President will then contact each nominee and confirm that the nominee is willing to be included on the election ballot. Nominations will close one week prior to the date of the same calendar year’s Finals event. The election for Managers will be held at the Finals event for that calendar year. Managers will be elected for a two year term. Five managers will be elected in even numbered years, and six managers will be elected in odd numbered years. This will ensure continuity among the Managing Board. There will be no term limits. If the election results in a tie, there will be no runoff election. The individuals with the same number of votes will be eligible to serve as a Manager with full authority. 4 ARTICLE V The Managing Board shall elect its own officers. The officers will be: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers shall constitute the Executive Committee. The duties of office shall be as follows: 1. President—The President shall have the authority to call meetings when he or she deems it necessary. The President shall not vote at meetings, but can only cast a vote in the case of a tie. The President is responsible for the general management of the Managing Board and SLTSA. He or she will also have the authority to negotiate and sign contracts on behalf of SLTSA. The President shall also have the authority to appoint committees and members to those committees. 2. Vice President—The Vice President shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President. In the event of the resignation of the President before the end of his or her term, the Vice President will immediately be elevated to President to complete the President’s term without vote of the Managing Board. If the office of Vice President is vacant due to the above circumstance, the Managing Board will elect a Vice President from among the Managers to complete the Vice President’s term. 3. Secretary—The secretary is responsible for the recording of the minutes of each meeting of the Managing Board. He or she shall also acknowledge correspondence, make all mailings and notifications of events and meetings, count and record ballots cast in annual elections, and perform any and all duties deemed necessary for the business operations of SLTSA. 4. Treasurer—The treasurer shall be responsible for any and all financial reporting and banking transactions. This includes but is not limited to, tax filings, profit and loss statements after each event and at the year end, ensuring that the proper amount of cash is available before each show, and accounting for and securing cash and other negotiable tender after each event. The treasurer shall be present at each event as much as practically possible to assist the show secretaries with their duties. ARTICLE VI An Executive Committee, consisting of the President, the Vice President , the Secretary and the Treasurer, shall have the authority to transact necessary business of the Association between meetings. The members of this committee are to act in good faith representation of the Managing Board and the Association. The Executive Committee may make no rules or operating agreement changes without 2/3 approval of the Managing Board. 5 ARTICLE VII Meetings of the Managing Board should be held on dates other than show dates. The President will contact the Secretary with proposed dates and times no later than one week in advance of a meeting date. Once the Executive Committee reaches a consensus on the meeting date, the Secretary shall contact the other Managing Board members either by telephone or email. ARTICLE VIII The Managing Board shall be the sole policymaking body for SLTSA. The Managing Board will have the power to set event dates, approve expenditures, and determine rules. Vote of a 2/3 majority of the membership may overrule the Managing Board by a vote at a special meeting called by the majority of the membership. This special meeting notice must be provided in writing to the President and Secretary and signed by a majority of the membership. This notice must state the purpose of the special meeting and state the date, time, and place of the special meeting. ARTICLE IX Changes, amendments, additions, or deletions to this Operating Agreement can only be made with a 2/3 majority vote of the Managing Board. Any change, amendment, addition, or deletion must be communicated to the general membership in the newsletter published by SLTSA on the next regular publication date after the vote of the Managing Board. ARTICLE X In the event of the dissolution of this association or abandonment for the purposes for which it is organized, no member of the Managing Board or member shall benefit financially from the disposition of the assets of the association. If assets remain at dissolution, all remaining assets shall be donated to the Louisiana 4-H Foundation. 6 RULES I. MEMBERSHIPS Membership in SLTSA is open and non discriminatory. Membership dues are $25/calendar year for individuals and $35/calendar year for a family membership. A family membership includes you, your spouse, and any children under the age of 21 who are still residing at home. Students away at school under the age of 21 are still considered family members. A family membership also includes grandchildren under the age of 18 who do not reside in the same household. A membership application must be completed for each individual or family membership and the membership fee paid prior to participation in any SLTSA event. Day memberships will be available for $15/show and the day membership form completed and the fee paid prior to participation in any SLTSA event. The day membership fee will not apply as a credit to any SLTSA membership dues. The day membership will only allow participation at the SLTSA event for which the fee is paid. Riders who wish to participate in the SLTSA Finals must become full members. Shows attended as day members will count toward finals qualification requirements; however, no points or money won as a day member will apply to any year-end awards. VOTING PRIVILEGES Only those members named on the membership application are eligible to vote in any SLTSA election. Day memberships do not have any voting privileges. II. MEMBERSHIP SUSPENSION Any member may be suspended by the Managing Board for failure to pay any obligation when due to SLTSA or to a producer of an SLTSA event. This includes giving a worthless check for entry fees, stall fees, office charges, or any other failure to pay monies due to SLTSA or a producer of an SLTSA event. The member is also responsible for any bank charges and/or collection or attorney’s fees associated with the non payment of monies due. Any member may also be suspended or have his/her membership revoked or denied for unsportsmanlike conduct at any SLTSA event. This includes but is not limited to: foul 7 language directed towards any Managing Board member, show official, show judge or secretary, other competitors and spectators, negative or excessive displays of temper, abusive schooling of horses, or other conduct deemed inappropriate by the Managing Board. If the member’s conduct results in removal from the show grounds during an event, the member forfeits all fees and points accumulated at that event. If the membership is revoked, there will be no refund of any membership fees previously paid. III. RIDER CLASSIFICATIONS/RATINGS SLTSA shall have five rider classifications/ratings: OPEN—an experienced rider and sorter/penner that has above average horsemanship and cattle reading skills. He/she places consistently in local or regional shows and occasionally or consistently on a national level. The open rating is also based on the ability of the horse and money won on local, regional, and national levels. AMATEUR—a rider that has reasonable or good horsemanship and cattle reading skills. He/she places occasionally in Open, Mixed, and Pro Am Novice classes with Open riders. This rating also considers the ability of the horse and money won on local, regional, and national levels. NOVICE—is a beginner rider that has limited horsemanship skills and limited knowledge of cattle or the rider who has started to improve their skills. The rating considers the ability of the horse and money won on local, regional, and national levels. JUNIOR YOUTH—A rider 10 years of age or younger as of January 1st of the calendar year. SENIOR YOUTH—A rider aged 11 years to 15 years as of January 1st of the calendar year. SENIOR RIDER—A rider aged 60 or older as of January 1st of the calendar year. Senior, Senior Youth, and Junior Youth riders will remain the entire sorting season with their age rating on January 1st regardless of age change during the year. A new or renewing member will have the opportunity to rate his/her self on the annual membership application. The expectation is that the member will rate themselves accurately and fairly with regards to their ability. 8 During the first 2 shows in which the member participates, the members of the Managing Board present at the show will determine whether or not the member has properly rated his/her self. The Managing Board will have two shows to observe the rider. If it is necessary for the Managing Board to adjust a self-rating, the Managing Board has to inform the rider after the second show in which he/she participates that their rating has been changed. The Managing Board also has the option to immediately adjust and apply ratings at any time. The Managing Board will also review each member’s rating at the end of each show season. It is the responsibility of the Managing Board to review the results information objectively and fairly, without regard to personal opinions or bias or the relationship of the rider to the Managing Board member. The Managing Board will use the classifications/rating definitions, local, regional, and national show results, personal observation of the rider and his/her ability according to the rating definitions, and other available information in order to rate or classify a member. The member’s rating is then either confirmed or adjusted by a simple majority vote of the Managing Board. If a member’s rating is changed by the Managing Board, the member will be notified in writing prior to the first event date by the Managing Board Secretary. If the member disputes the rating, then he/she must contact the President of the Managing Board and request that their rating be reconsidered. The President will then have the request placed on the agenda at the next scheduled Managing Board meeting. If a show date precedes the board meeting, the member must participate at their given rating. The member will then be informed by the President as to whether or not their rating has been adjusted. If the rating is adjusted, the adjusted rating will apply immediately. IV. SHOW DIRECTOR Each SLTSA sanctioned event will have an appointed director that will serve as a backup judge in the event the show judge is unable to fulfill his/her duties. V. PAYBACK/WINNINGS SLTSA is a not for profit organization and strives to have a payback schedule that is in the best interest of the rider and the organization. Producers of SLTSA events must pay a minimum of 50% in all offered classes excluding Jr. Youth and Sr. Youth. 9 Suggested payback schedule: Open Sorting—60% Open Penning—50% Mixed—60% Amateur—60% Novice—60% Pro/Am/Novice—70% Junior Youth—$5.00/rider or an appropriate prize Senior Youth—100% Payback breakdown: Open, Mixed, and Pro Am Novice classes: 1-15 teams—1 place (100% of payback) 16-30 teams—2 places (60%/40%) 31-45 teams—3 places (50%/30%/20%) 46-60 teams—4 places (45%/25%/20%/10%) 61 teams & over—5 places (42%/23%/18%/9%/7%) Amateur and Novice Classes 1-20 teams—1 place (100% of payback) 21-40 teams—2 places (60%/40%) 41-60 teams—3 places (50%/30%/20%) 61-80 teams—4 places (45%/25%/20%/10%) 81 teams & over—5 places (42%/23%/18%/9%/7%) VI. OTHER SANCTIONING ORGANIZATIONS SLTSA will seek to co-sponsor or sanction events whenever it is beneficial to the membership. SLTSA may also affiliate with other organizations similar in scope and mission when it is advantageous to both the association and its members. This may include but is not limited to organizations such as the National Ranking System, Dixie Region Team Penning Association, US Team Penning Association, etc. VII. FINALS QUALIFYING In order to participate in the SLTSA Finals event, Open, Amateur, Novice, and Sr. Youth members must participate in FIVE (5) SLTSA sanctioned events during the calendar year. Jr. Youth members must participate in TWO (2) SLTSA sanctioned events during the calendar year in order to ride in the Jr. Youth class at the finals; however, for a Jr. Youth to ride up from Jr. Youth classes at Finals, he/she must participate in FIVE (5) SLTSA sanctioned shows during the calendar year. 10 VIII. CLASSES A. Open—Open to all riders, regardless of rating. 1. Five (5) ride limit, one mandatory draw ride 2. If all rides are draw rides, you must have one draw and one mandatory draw for a minimum of two (2) draw rides. A rider may elect for all rides to be draw rides up to the limit of five (5) rides/class. 3. Class format will be Two (2) Go-backs; 20% to the second go (10 team minimum), top ten to the finals. 4. 75 second clock will apply. B. Mixed—A mixed team must include at least one rider that is a Youth (15 years or younger), a Senior (60 years or older), or a rider of opposite gender. 1. Five ride limit, pick your own teams. 2. Class format will be Two (2) Go-backs; 20% to the second go (10 team minimum); top ten to the finals. 3. 75 second clock will apply. C. Pro/Am/Novice—A team must consist of one open, one amateur, and one novice rider. Riders may ride up from their rating. 1. Five ride limit, pick your own team 2. Format—Two (2) Go-backs; 20% to the second go (10 team minimum); top ten to finals. 3. 75 second clock will apply. D. Amateur—Open to all riders rated amateur or lower. 1. Five ride limit, one mandatory draw ride. 2. If all rides are draw rides, you must have one draw and one mandatory draw for a minimum of two (2) draw rides. A rider may elect for all rides to be draw rides up to the limit of five (5) rides/class. 3. Class format will be One (1) Go-back, Top 10 or 20% back to finals, whichever is greater. 4. 90 second clock will apply. E. Novice—Open to all riders rated Novice or lower. 1. Five ride limit, one mandatory draw ride. 2. If all rides are draw rides, you must have one draw and one mandatory draw for a minimum of two (2) draw rides. A rider may elect for all rides to be draw rides up to the limit of five (5) rides/class. 3. Class format will be One (1) Go-back, Top 10 or 20% back to finals, whichever is greater. 4. 90 second clock will apply. F. Junior Youth—Open to all riders rated Junior Youth. 1. Three (3) ride limit, all draw rides. 2. Two adults must ride with the Junior Youth rider, the adults MAY NOT 11 enter the herd. 3. Class format will be one (1) go; fastest time or most cattle sorted wins. 4. 90 second clock will apply. G. Senior Youth—Open to all riders rated Senior Youth or Junior Youth. 1. Three (3) ride limit, all draw rides. 2. Class format will be one (1) go; fastest time or most cattle sorted wins. 3. 90 second clock will apply. H. Jr. Youth riders may ride up into adult classes only as a pick your team member and do not qualify to be inserted into the draw pool, provided that the class has a draw ride pool. Jr. Youth riders will have a limit of 4 pick team rides in adult classes. I. Open Penning—Open to all riders rated Open and lower. 1. Four ride limit. 2. Ride options: Option 1: Pick two (2) teams, draw two (2) Option 2: Pick one (1), draw 1, 2, or 3 teams Option 3: Draw 2, 3, or 4 teams 4. Class format: One Go-back, top ten (10) or 20% back to finals, whichever is greater. 5. 60 second clock will apply. 12 SLTSA SORTING RULES The object of Team Sorting is to “sort” or work in numerical order, a set of ten (10) head of numbered cattle as quickly and cleanly as possible. Sorting cattle is a traditional ranch activity that requires good horsemanship, good cattle reading skills, and a horse that handles well and is not afraid of cattle. Sorting is an activity that will both challenge and frustrate both horse and rider. This event is a way to enhance rider skills, showcase the natural athleticism of a good horse, and allow people to enjoy an activity that was once part of everyday ranch life. A. A team must sort cattle, in numerical sequence as called. The herd will consist of 10 head of cattle numbered 0 thru 9. A team may elect to sort as many cattle as necessary until time runs out or all ten head are across the start/foul line, thereby stopping the time. If the team elects to sort fewer than 10 head, then the team can hold the remaining herd until the time on the clock expires. B. A team consists of three riders, but may be permitted to ride with less if a team member does not enter the arena on time. A late team member may NOT enter the arena after time starts. C. Time will start and the team will be given their starting number when any part of the first horse crosses the start/foul line. If the team’s starting number is, for example number 3, then that team must sort out the #3 cow, then # 4, and so on, in numerical order, until they either run out of time, or all ten head of the cattle are across the start/foul line. Multiple numbers of cattle can be brought across the start/foul line, but must cross in numerical order. D. A “No Time” will be given if ANY PART of the “wrong numbered” calf crosses the start/foul line or a “good” numbered calf goes back across the start/foul line after being sorted out. A team sorting zero head in a ninety seconds will be given a “No Time”. Likewise, a calf will count when ANY PART crosses the start/foul line. E. In multiple go-rounds: time or cattle sorted in all go-rounds will beat time or cattle sorted in one go. Example: A team with 3 head in the first go, 3 head in the 2nd go and 3 head in the finals will beat a team with 10 head in the 1st go, and 10 head in the 2nd go and a “No Time” in the finals. At the end of the 75 or 90 seconds (depending on class) time limit, if a team has less than 10 head across the start/foul line, they will be given a time on cattle sorted in 75 or 90 seconds (depending on class). The team with the most total head and the least time at the end of the finals shall be the winners. Example: A team sorting 7 head in the 1st go in 90 seconds, 10 head in the 2nd go in 80 seconds, 5 head in the finals in 90 seconds will beat a team sorting 9 F. 13 head in 90 seconds in the 1st go, 8 head in 90 seconds in 2nd go, and 5 head in 90 seconds in the final go. Because the winning team sorted 22 head in 260 seconds, and the 2nd place team sorted 22 head in 270 seconds. G. In cases of ties affecting the “percent back” in the 2nd go or 10th place in the “top ten to the finals”; all teams shall advance that sorted the same number of cattle in the same times. Example: Going into the Top 10, if the 10th place cutoff was 15 head in 180 seconds, then all teams with 15 head in 180 seconds would return to the “top 10 finals”. H. The team must be ready to ride. Team members must enter the arena within 60 seconds of being called. A late team member will not be allowed to ride after time has begun. I. J. No substitution of team members are allowed. A team can only compete once in a class. One rider must be changed to make up another team. K. Two riders will be required to remain in the arena after each rider in order to hold the cattle for the next team. The cattle shall be herded into the center of the back wall before the next ride can begin. If the herd holder interferes with the next teams sorting then the sorting team will be given a re-ride. Ruling of interference by herd holder will be at the judge’s discretion. L. A team shall be judged a “No Time” by the judge for any unnecessary roughness to the cattle. A judge must be consistent in his/her ruling regarding roughness. 1. The rider must give the cattle an avenue of escape, i.e., if an animal has nowhere to go but over or through a fence, it is considered roughing. 2. The horse and/or rider must have no contact with the cattle. 3. “Incidental contact”, to mean no fault of the rider, can and should be taken into consideration and the call will be made at the judge’s discretion. 4. “Hocking”, bumping, or stepping on a cow is considered roughing. Also continuing to run, chase or work a cow after it has crossed the line is considered roughing. 5. Contact with the cattle by hand, ropes, bats, or any other equipment, or hazing with any equipment or apparel will result in a “No Time”. 6. Multiple instances of contact by the same rider will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct, and may subject the rider to fines and/or suspension of membership privileges by the Managing Board. M. When a rider falls, the ride is stopped. The team will be given a time of 75 (or 90 seconds, depending on class). Sorted cattle will be counted if no trash had crossed the foul line before or as the rider fell. Riders may not work 14 calves from the ground. If a rider voluntarily steps off his/her horse, it is a no-time. . N. The 2nd go will work in reverse order of the first go. No matter how many teams entered in the class, only 20% or the “Top 10 teams” (whichever is greater) will be taken to the 2nd go. You must sort to advance in any go. O. In the final go the contestants will draw the working order. If the second go has less than 10 teams, only the teams that sorted in the 2nd go will advance to the finals. P. If the number places of winning teams in the finals are short of the payoff schedule (section VII), then the teams that had the next best time will win the next winning places. Even if the team did not sort in the final but had the next best time, they will get the next winning places in order. Example: If no one had a time in the 2nd go then the winners will be determined from the 1st go. If no one has a time in the finals then the winners will be determined from the 1st and 2nd go cumulatively by the number of cattle sorted and the lowest cumulative times. Q. In the event of a tie, each team involved will be allowed to sort one set of the designated cattle that was used in the final set. Fastest time on the most cows will win. If all riders agree,, teams may split the payback. All tiebreakers will be done at the completion of the class in which they occurred. R. If any cow falls during the ride the team has the option to hold the cattle until 75 seconds or 90 seconds (depending on the class) is up. BEFORE the team rides, they have a right to raise his/her hand to point out an unworkable or injured cow. If the cow is unworkable or injured, then the cow must be removed and replaced with a workable cow before the team rides. If a rider requests that a cow be removed due to reason “not being workable” and the judge rules that the cow is “workable”, then the rider has the privilege of protesting the decision. If a rider protests the decision, then he/she must pay a $50 protest fee prior to riding on the herd. During that ride, if cow is workable, the rider loses the protest fee. If the cow is not workable, the rider will be returned the protest fee and a re-ride granted. S. If a team observes an unfit, injured, or unnumbered animal, they must bring it to the judge’s attention before crossing the start/foul line. Once the flag has dropped, signaling the start of the ride, any changes to the herd or a re-ride will be at the judge’s discretion. The judge also has the authority to remove “weak” or injured animals from the herd at any time. All r-rides will be made on the same set of cattle on which the removal or error was made. T. In the event of a necessary re-ride, contestants will be given an immediate reride on the same set of cows. 15 U. The judge may remove a cow at any time if he/ she feels that the cow has become a safety hazard to the riders or the other animals. V. If any cattle leave the arena (jumping, going through fence, etc) the team riding will be given the choice of a re-ride or take the maximum time allowed on cattle sorted across the line before cattle left the arena. If roughing has occurred resulting in cattle leaving the arena, the team will be give a no time. W. Mechanical or fiscal/official error results in an automatic re-ride. X. Spotting of cattle by anyone other than team members is not allowed. The only exception is when the sorted cattle are coming back toward the start/foul line. Y. For finals, the herd must always be changed. Z. Five-minute warm-up will be given between each class except before the senior youth. AA. All members must fill out a membership form/ waiver and turn in at the start of each calendar year to comply with Provision I, page 10 of the SLTSA rules and insurance requirements. BB. In case a team/rider has a dispute, the team/rider will be required to address the dispute with the judge before leaving the arena. A deposit in the amount of $50 will be required for the dispute to be valid. If sustained, the team/rider will receive their money back; if not, the money will go to SLTSA for finals prizes. If a protest is filed, the Board members in attendance will meet with the judge to render a decision prior to the cattle change. The show should not be stopped in any case. 1. In the event a re-ride is granted, it is immediate or at the end of the set. 2. In any case, the decision is final and is not subject to appeal. 3. Once a team/rider leaves the arena, a protest cannot be registered. 4. Disputes resulting in loud and/or foul language will not be tolerated. Members participating in this type of dispute will automatically be disqualified and asked to leave. 16 X. TEAM PENNING RULES A. Object—A team of 3 riders is to cut from the herd three same numbered cattle and move them to the pen. B. Time limit—It is suggested that there be a 60 second time limit, however, the time limit is at the discretion of the show producer. C. Trash Cattle—A trash cow is any wrong numbered animal that crosses the start/foul line during the ride. There are three trash rule options: 1) Three across the line—A team will be judged a “No Time” if more than three head of cattle cross the start/foul line, regardless of their number. 2) “No Trash”—A team will be judged a “No Time” if one wrong numbered cow crosses the start/foul line any time during the ride. 3) “One Trash”—A team will be judged a “No Time if more than one wrong numbered cow crosses the start/foul line. If trash is allowed, all trash cattle must be back across the start/foul line before time is called. D. All other rules regarding go-backs, roughing, spotting, hazing, unsportsmanlike conduct, etc, will be the same as the SLTSA sorting rules. 17 2008 SLTSA MANAGING BOARD President—Johnie Romero 225-262-0100 JohnieRome@aol.com Vice President—Coan Bueche 225-687-7396, 225-235-6603 farrier4you@cox.net Secretary—Lisa Diez 225-673-2546, 225-715-3180 dwnsouth@cox.net Treasurer—Dana Fairchild 225-344-4068, 225-937-0190 fairchildd@cox.net Charlotte Blanchard 225-383-6396, 225-413-7025 ckblanchard@cox.net Tina Clark clarkte@aol.com 225-354-9657 Lizette Hebert lhebert@shin-tech.com 225-687-3545, 225-776-2407, 225-571-5456 Ricky LeRay 225-749-1855 rlfarrier@cox.net Don Lawless 225-715-3216 Terry Robert 225-647-4008, 225-715-6158 ascequip@eatel.net Andrew Zito andrew@zbest.brcoxmail.com 225-687-3545, 225-776-1613 To send an email to all board members simultaneously, use the following address: board@sltsa.org. (Please note that at the present time, Don Lawless does not have an email address.)