Table Talk • July 8, 2026
My plans to spend the 4th of July Holiday weekend with my friends at the Maize and Blue cluster were cut short due to a horrific storm that blew in just after the show concluded on Friday.
Friday’s temperatures registered as high as 100 degrees, and the volunteers of the cluster took the extreme temperatures very seriously. From water being readily available for humans and canines, to cooling pools and misting fans that Brian Palmer rigged up with hoses, the club did not leave a stone unturned when it came to ensuring the safety of the participants. What I found quite remarkable is that the club had volunteers driving the showgrounds in golf carts to ensure that there were no dogs left out in the heat. Groups were planned to be moved indoors in air-conditioning for not only the Group shows on Friday, but the All-Breed shows on the weekend.
Very shortly after the Group Shows concluded Friday, a severe storm moved through the area causing damage to the tents and a power outage. Club members, tent workers, MB-F staff, and volunteers worked through the night to put the show back together, but sadly, the power outage prevented them from holding the show on Saturday and Sunday.
I am so impressed with how everyone came together to try to get things back on track (you can see video of everyone working hard to erect tents, etc. on the Canine Chronicle Facebook page). The tent company (C&D Party Rentals) was on site before the storm was over, so they could spring into action once the winds died down, and they did! The best part of the story is that no dogs got loose, and no humans or canines were injured. Kudos to everyone for your efforts.
So often these days we hear about clubs losing show venues. I would like to point out that the Monroe County Fairgrounds personnel are amazing! Year after year I am amazed at how welcoming and helpful they are. It is difficult to tell the difference between the show volunteers and the Fairgrounds personnel! They make all exhibitors feel welcome and the working relationship between the Club and the Fairgrounds is the best that I have ever experienced. As Mary Ann Brocious, the Show Chair for the past 40 years, passes the torch to Anne Palmer, this year’s Show Chair, this club has a bright future.
Please be sure to look at the Table Talk Live segment on the Canine Chronicle Facebook page with Mary Ann and Anne. Clubs can get pointers on how to deal with extreme weather conditions, and more!
Here’s a message to those fanciers planning to attend the Keystone Cluster in Lebanon, Pennsylvania: If you need RV spots, or reserved grooming spots, reservations are now open on the Site Control Services website.
Robin Novack was experiencing severe abdominal pain Friday afternoon while at the Belvidere, Illinois shows, and she ended up in the emergency room. It’s a good thing she listened to her body as she had severe appendicitis. Robin had surgery early Saturday morning. She has been released and is recovering. Once again, friends did not hesitate to jump in and help Laura and her assistants during the weekend.
Sincere condolences to the Livingston family on the loss of their patriarch, TC Livingston. TC leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a life incredibly well-lived.
I am saddened to report that Kathleen Steen passed away last weekend. Kathleen was a long-time AKC Judge, and retired Show Chair for the Atlanta Kennel Club. After retiring from judging, she continued to mentor aspiring judges. She will be sorely missed by the fancy and all that had the pleasure of knowing her.
I heard that longtime Brevard Kennel Club member Edna Corney passed away recently. Edna was an integral part of the Brevard Kennel Club. She was terrific at bringing new people into the sport and introducing children to the world of purebred dogs through her summer kids camps. Condolences to Edna’s many friends and family at this most difficult time. She will be missed by one and all.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Toshi Omura, Ron Spritzer, Jamie Lamphier, Steve Dainard, Linda Rowell, Tom Pincus, Jamie Larkman, Danny Buchwald and Arlene Davis. Best wishes for a most amazing year ahead!
Remember this, my friends: A lover will give you a kiss, a friend will give you a hug, but a dog will give you his heart.
Be safe out there, everyone and stay cool! I’ll see you soon down the road….
Until next time…
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