Table Talk • July 23, 2020

…And back to our regularly scheduled positive program!  I found my way back on the road to positivity after a brief detour down a darker, rockier path.  I thank all of you for your indulgence.

Today, my friends, I have the privilege to write about TWO different clusters that will occur this coming weekend!  While some fanciers make their way to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania for the Mountain Laurel Cluster, others are heading to Greenville, South Carolina for the Carolina Foothills Cluster.  Both clusters have entries of 2,000 dogs or more each day, which is an increase for both circuits.  While this is definitely an indication that the fancy is ready to return to what we all love, it may also be an indication that if we had less shows, we would see larger entries more consistently going forward.  Whatever the case may be, we are off and running (in left-handed circles, of course)!!

For those of you headed to South Carolina, please beware of ‘Operation Southern Shield’ which will be taking place from July 19-July 25^th.  Speed will be closely monitored during this time and I would hate to see my friends celebrating their return to shows with a speeding ticket!

If there are handlers looking for assistance at the Bloomsburg shows, please contact Phil Boyce.  He is keeping a list of needs and trying to coordinate available assistants.  Likewise, if you are looking to assist, contact Phil Boyce and give him your availability.

Congratulations to all who played a part in getting the first shows off the ground.  It is a mammoth task requiring an incredible amount of patience, perseverance, creativity and TIME!  Thank you to each and every one of you!  You are appreciated by the fancy.

To all fanciers heading out to shows this week:  Please remember to be kind, be respectful, and be careful.  Please honor the judge’s requests.  Familiarize yourselves with the show’s operating guidelines, and if you are not comfortable with abiding by them, stay home.  Most importantly, please have fun, enjoy your beautiful dogs and stay safe.  Give a nod and a big thank you to all you see who had a part in making the shows happen!

Many exhibitors will leave South Carolina and Pennsylvania and head to Canfield, Ohio for the Steel Valley Cluster.  This year the cluster will be all outdoors. With an entry that boasts numbers that occurred back in the ‘90s and early 2000s, this year’s entry more than doubled last year’s on Saturday, with comparable entries the other days.  Canfield weather can be wet, so come prepared.  If you should get caught in a rainstorm, please make all efforts to find shelter at your rigs or vehicle and avoid congregating under tents.  This is new uncharted territory for all of us, so try to have a plan in mind should the need arise.

Nestlé-Purina has announced that they will not be holding large events at the Event Center at Purina Farms until 2021.  Perhaps they would allow clubs to use the outdoor facility while weather permits? Just a thought. On the other hand, maybe this gives clubs the opportunity to explore other venues that might meet their needs and be priced right for their event. Again, just a thought.

The Penn Ridge Kennel Club Charitable Foundation is holding a raffle to benefit Take The Lead.  First prize is an original pencil drawing by Patrick McManus, second prize is a $500 Visa card and third prize is an Apple iPad.  Winners will be announced at the Western Ohio Summer Cluster in Lima, Ohio on August 15.  For more information contact Tuni Conti via Facebook.

Happy anniversary to Kim and Angela Booth.  I’ll bet this is a first for you guys… being home to celebrate your special day!  May you have many more years filled with laughter, joy and love.  I hope to see you guys soon!

A very special happy 93^rd birthday to Joe Gregory.  Joe, you are an inspiration to us all.  Keep up the dance, my friend!  Also celebrating birthdays this week are Arlene Davis, Tabatha Bettis, Mickey Feigelson and Judy Welch.  Wishing you all health happiness and love on your special day.

If you are going to be in Canfield, please drop me a line at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com if you are interested in participating in our Table Talk Live! coverage.

Be safe out there my friends.  I look forward to seeing you in Canfield!  Until next time…

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