The Tennessee Llama Community
is a fun and active group of people in and around Tennessee who love llamas and alpacas.
Over the years, TLC has grown to become an organization
comprised of numerous members,
representing farms in Tennessee, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Georgia,
Alabama, and other states.
If you own llamas and/or alpacas in the Tennessee area,
you NEED to be a member of TLC! Here are a few
reasons why:
Shows
TLC
is an active organization, hosting events each year. Shows are low-pressure events, and the competition is friendly, with
the goal being to enjoy the animals and have a good time.
Events
TLC
sponsors other events. In past years, TLC has sponsored weekend seminars at the University
of Tennessee Vet School in Knoxville, with talks, demonstrations, and discussions on all
aspects of llama care. This weekend usually includes supper and an auction at one of the
local farms. In the past year, TLC has also held weekend clinics on cart driving, spinning
and weaving, preparing and showing llamas, and farm management and pasture maintenance.
Each Fall, there's a weekend trek to the Charit Creek Lodge in East Tennessee, which
everyone always looks forward to attending.
Meetings
TLC
holds membership meetings each year. Meetings are held at member farms in West
Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and East Tennessee. Meetings are informal and usually include lunch
provided by the host farm. All TLC members are welcome at all meetings.
Networking
TLC
is a strong, well-informed, and helpful organization. Members are genuinely interested in
other members and help is always available for any question or problem that arises. Help
is not limited only to other TLC members, and in fact, some
members spend considerable time working with non-members who encounter problems or
difficulties.
What are some TLC
Member Benefits?
TLC members enjoy the many benefits of
networking with each other. TLC has a support network where people with llama crises can
find help. Information on almost any aspect of llama care or training is also available
from many of our members.
TLC has a large lending library (books, videos, magazines) that is available
for the use of all members. The only charge is for postage. TLC
members also receive a quarterly newsletter that contains articles on shows, events,
medical care and treatment, members' experiences, etc.
Here are some of the many benefits TLC members enjoy:
Opportunities to network and learn from other llama owners
around Tennessee
The right to display the TLC
logo on your website
to show that you are a valid TLC member
Who are the Members of TLC?
TLC
members represent all llama-related interests. Trekking, hiking and packing are popular in
the mountains of East Tennessee and North Carolina. Obstacle courses are popular
everywhere and obstacle course events are included in each show. Spinning and weaving are
growing in popularity and spinners and weavers are numerous in East Tennessee. Some
members are professional llama and alpaca breeders, while others simply enjoy llamas as
pets.
Some members have large farms with many llamas; other
members have no llamas, but are able to participate in activities by
"borrowing" llamas from other members. Many members participate in the shows,
entering llamas in either the halter or performance classes, or both. Some members are
interested in llama rescue work, and rescue organizations are being formed. TLC llamas can
also be used for educational purposes, and can often be found in local parades, public and
private schools and senior citizens' homes.
All sizes of farms are represented
by TLC members. Some members have one or two animals in their backyard, while some farms
are larger than 400 acres. Some members have no animals at all, but belong to TLC because
they have a keen interest in llamas.
If you own llamas and/or alpacas in the Tennessee area,
you NEED to be a member of TLC!
The TLC membership year
is from June 1 through the following May 30.
There are three levels of
membership: the Associate membership ($10), which is limited to
first-time members and commercial vendors (no voting privileges), the Individual
membership ($25, 1 vote), and the Joint or Farm membership ($30,
2 votes). All membership dues are prorated, and members joining in the middle of the
membership year will have the following year's dues prorated accordingly.
TLC eagerly welcomes new
members, and has a place for all interests. To join, simply complete and print the
online membership application, and send it along with your check
for the appropriate amount to:
Tennessee Llama
Community
George W. Brandon, Treasurer
564 Mahoney Road
Oliver Springs, TN 37840
Please include your name, address,
farm name, e-mail address, website URL address, phone number, and fax number. Your name
will be added to the TLC mailing list for the newsletter and links to your e-mail and/or
website address will be added to the TLC website. In the near future, you will receive a
membership packet with all the information you'll need to become an active member of TLC.
