Table Talk · May 11, 2022
There are some rules governing who can and cannot exhibit at a cluster that are left up to the host club. As an example, show-giving clubs can decide if they allow their show volunteers to exhibit. Some clubs allow show committee volunteers to exhibit, and others do not. Some clubs limit which positions can show, but do not prevent all volunteers from exhibiting. With active club members getting more and more difficult to come by, deciding which members are allowed to show can be a very difficult decision.
I see the issue as a double-edged sword. Some club members will not volunteer at the shows if they cannot exhibit. In many cases, the club members’ opportunities to attend shows are limited, and they do not want to lose one of those rare opportunities to exhibit if they volunteer at a show. If allowed to show, there are many that are happy to help. Unfortunately, if these volunteers do well, other exhibitors may feel something underhanded happened, and they may not return to the show the following year. Clubs need volunteers to hold shows, and they need exhibitors to feel they are getting a fair chance, so they come to their show again. While I am not saying that because a volunteer shows, they have a better chance at a ribbon, I am saying that an appearance of impropriety may hurt the entry. Alternatively, the show will not go on if there are not sufficient volunteers to work at it.
I had the pleasure of attending the Beehive Cluster in South Jordan, Utah this past weekend. The club volunteers at this cluster work very hard to make the exhibitor experience a positive one for all. The club uses some of their sponsorship funds to provide a free exhibitor lunch on one of the days. They also host a derby hat contest. They provide rosettes and the same trophies for NOHS as they do for the regular groups! The entry for the show has increased, and I am certain these initiatives have played a part in the cluster’s success. The cluster has been at the same show grounds for the last 25 years. Sadly, the hospitality chair, Joan Holder, passed away about a year ago at the age of 89. Joan was a wonderful woman who had been involved in this show for many, many years and is sorely missed by her club colleagues. I missed seeing her, too! Joan’s daughter, Nancy, carries on Joan’s legacy by chairing the cluster hospitality, and she does a great job. Thank you, Joan, for your beautiful smile and all your years of hard work and dedication. Nancy, thank you for putting a smile on my face, as always!
I am thrilled to report that Karen Kurtzner is already back out and about after her back surgery. She attended shows at the Purina Event Center with her husband, Mike, this past weekend! Karen, you are an inspiration to us all!
Marietta Singleton is healing nicely following surgery to repair a neck fracture sustained when falling out of her rig. In true Marietta fashion, she will not be kept down for long. Don’t be surprised if you see her back in the ring sooner rather than later! We look forward to having you back soon! You are missed.
Our sport lost a very young, bright light this past weekend. McKenzie McAvoy and her mother, Marybeth, were in an automobile accident caused by another driver. Sadly, McKenzie did not make it and Marybeth is hospitalized with very serious injuries. Kenzie was only 19 years old. Grieving the loss of Kenzie makes us all realize that we must live our lives gracefully and cherish every moment, and we must never forget to say how much we love our family and friends. Our deepest sympathies and healing thoughts to Kenzie’s mother, Marybeth, and all her family and friends who loved her.
I was happy to hear that Charlotte Patterson is home after spending a few days in the hospital. We are glad that you are feeling better and look forward to seeing you at shows soon!
KayCee Klang has made the difficult decision to go out on her own in July. She and Janice Hayes have been an amazing team and I have no doubt that KayCee will be successful. KayCee will most certainly be missed at Janice’s setup.
Cliff Steele resigned from his position as Executive Field Representative on the East Coast. Jane Myers will be returning to the American Kennel Club as an Executive Field Representative and will take over his area in the Northeast.
Rindi Gaudet has retired from handling and has accepted a position with the American Kennel Club. You may see her at some shows with the AKC booth. She has relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina. Best wishes Rindi as you begin the next chapter of your life.
Many folks look forward to the Bucks and Trenton weekend on the East Coast. Unfortunately, the weather gods had different plans for Bucks this year as severe weather including strong winds and heavy rains caused the show to be cancelled. With much hard work and re-organizing, club volunteers and John Miller and the Site Control crew were able to re-arrange things so the Trenton shows could be held on Sunday and Monday. Their efforts allowed Trenton to celebrate their 100th anniversary.
Celebrating birthdays this week are Jim Reynolds, Maureen Jewett, Dylan Kipp Keith, Patrice Lawrence, Marina Smirnova-Philidor, Monica Booth, Alessandra Folz, Matthew Perry, Elizabeth Tobin and Cody Koch. Have a wonderful day my friends!
My thought for the week is this: A good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are for what you have!
Be safe out there my friends, and DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE!!!! If you are planning on attending the Mission Circuit in Southern California over Memorial Day, please stop by the Purina Booth and say hi! Until next time…
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