Tom Atkinson  ~  Running for Director 2011-2012


My name is Tom Atkinson but y’all may know me as the Raffle King or the Browniemeister. Our dogs are JBQ Sampson and Roxie Abbey.

I met Carolyn in June of ‘08 and in getting to know her she didn’t just tell me that she had 2 dogs,she warned me that she had 2 Jack Russells.
I didn’t know anything about Jack Russells but I told her that I had had many dogs in my life, that I loved dogs,and that dogs just naturally liked me.  I told her that I would love her dogs and they would love me.  I was right but I greatly underestimated the extent of that love.  These dogs are different to say the least.

Carolyn had told me about the trials and had shown me some of the DVD’s that Rachel Wilson had made of past trials.  I was interested and in August of ‘08 I went to my first trial in Dogwood, Ga. I was hooked immediately!  I was amazed at how much the dogs loved to race and how insane they got over the lure coursing!  I got torn up pretty good that weekend as I had no idea how to properly hold the dogs while waiting to load them in the box or let them go on the lure course.  I have since learned how to hold them although they still make me work at keeping them under control!

We went to quite a few trials out first year together: Dogwood, Virginia, Williston, Foxcry, Yuletide, Williston, Gold Coast, Carolina and Tennessee.  As I met and got to know the people, I loved the trials even more. Now I wish there was a trial to go to close by every month!  Since my first trial I have educated myself somewhat about the Jack Russell Terrier and it’s history.  I have also read the trial rulebook front to back.  

At my first trial I pitched in and helped out in the catch-pen and I have been pitching in ever since. I have also gotten involved in helping Carolyn with the Raffle. My forte is painting the wooden items white getting them ready for Anne Castle to paint her beautiful designs amd lettering on, then clear-coating them afterword.  (Lisa McKinney and Carolyn Williams have also painted some beautiful things).  We get to our trials early and stay over Sunday night so we can help set up then break down and clean up.

I know that it takes an incredible amout of work and preparation to conduct a trial, much of which I never even see being done.  I am honored to be nominated and would gladly accept the opportunity to get more involved and serve this club in a greater capacity.  I will do whatever I am asked to to help keep SSJRTC the best JRT club in the country!
The most important thing I have learned in the last 2 years is that while the people are great and winning is nice, it is really all about getting together and letting the dogs do what they naturally love to do.

Michelle Drain  ~  Running for Secretary 2011-2012   


About 17 years ago Jim and I had the opportunity to be owned by an eight week old JRT named Terra.  She was our constant companion.  We were devastated when she passed away in 2006.  In 2007,
So Fine, aka Sofi,   came into our lives.  We had watched the JRT races at the Little Everglades Steeplechase and thought that might be a fun thing to do.  We contacted Anita Herman who suggested that we attend the 2007 Yuletide Trail.  Raising Kane , aka Kane was joined the family in 2008.  The rest is history.  We have been members of the SSJRTC and the JRTCA for the past 3 years.   I believe I would be an asset to the club.  I have been a horse show secretary for 10 + years with vast experience with show schedules, prize lists, ribbons, prizes, awards and fund raising.  I was also instrumental in bringing JRT racing to the Florida State Fair.  Thank you.
 

Jim Williams  ~  Running for Director 2011-2012

My name is Jim Williams. Carolyn and I got our first Jack Russell (Florida Cracker) three years ago and after registering him with JRTCA we recieved our first True Grit magazine. We read there was a trial near our home (Geneva) in Chuluota and decided to go as spectators, but were encouraged to participate. We had such a great time, especially Cracker and met so many wonderful people who were helpful and friendly in welcoming us into the SSJRTC. To date we have not missed a SSJRTC trial and have attended several out of state events. I have always tried to do my part as a member by arriving early and staying late to assist with set up and take down of events. I believe any club is only as good as it's rules and the memberships willingness to follow them and assist in any way they can. Consistancy is fairness that will breed and maintain a strong and happy club membership.
 
Rashar Siren is our new JRT puppy and we are looking forward to doing all the puppy events that we missed with Cracker.
 
We will be looking forward to participating and working with all of you at the next trial.
Remember it's supposed to be all about the dogs.
 

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Donna Tucker  ~  Running for Director 2011-2012  

Hey there.  My name is Donna Tucker and I am from High Springs Fl.  I have been involved with and hooked on Jack Russells
since obtaining my first jack "Fox Island Angus" 7 years ago.  How could I have known how lucky I was to be obtaining such a great start to my breeding program.  He is a terrific hunter and excellent companion who is clear from PLL and cerfs clear for cateracts at 7.  It makes me so proud to have his daughter Piper (last year's national under racing champion) who is also clear and his grandaughter Castle (multiple puppy championships in conformation) ALSO CLEAR! 

I have learned so much about genetics, conformation, and racing and look forward to learning so much more in the years to come along with my friends I have made through the SSJRTC. Together we can make this club grow even bigger and better every year.

Justin Caynor  ~  Director  ~  Term ends 12/31/2011

Hello.  My name is Justin Caynor.  I got my first Jack Russell in June of 2003 and we spent our first 2 years together with her teaching me all about how much she loved to fetch the ball, ball, ball, chasing squirrels and going to dog parks, coming to work with me daily and spending most of her days playing fetch with all our employees, customers, delivery drivers, and pretty much any buddy that would throw, kick or nudge a ball out of the warehouse door into the field behind our warehouse for her!

I had read Jack Russell for Dummies and heard of terrier racing but was clueless on where to start or who to contact.  By luck, a friend of came across an article in the Tampa Tribune or St Pete Times announcing terrier racing at the annual Little Everglades Steeplechase in Dade City.  So she called me up and told me all about it.  With delight and excitement I called the number as soon as we hug up and reached a very nice lady by the name of Pauline Fawkes.  More...

Marijane Coffyn ~ Director  ~  Term ends 12/31/2010

Melanie sent me a note to write an autobiography which I accomplished.  After reading the other Getting to Know You Board Member pages it made me realize that the article I’d written was more like an obituary and not a wholesome down-home type of attribute in thanking everyone who elected me to the Board—a position which I shall endeavor to execute to the best of my ability even though I live miles away in Palm Beach County.

In 2005, I retired from the professional world and was concentrating on being a known vocalist and participating in the Senior Olympics.  That’s when Tippycanoe Trace gave me another lease on life and a completely new direction.  Not looking to be a winner with several dogs but watching one intelligent dog, as one would watch a child enjoying himself participating in sports at a family outing.  The sixty-six ribbons (eleven are first place) are a visual showing of his thrill and participation in the sport-- not about winning but an enjoyable association with fine people from all walks of life and his friends, the true Jack Russell Terriers in a country environment.  More...

  My name is Jose Esteves.  I have been involved with Jack Russell’s for about 7 years.  I took an interest in the breed when I met Jackie and it wasn’t soon after that I got my first JRT Comet.  Oh the joy and entertainment he has brought me.  It wasn’t soon after that I attended my first JRT trial which was at RA Terriers.  What an eye opener that was.  I have been hooked ever since.  I reside in Levy County, which is home to Russell Mania Events at Horseman’s Park.

Melanie Heckler ~ Director ~  Running for Vice President 2011-2012

 

The 2010 Yuletide Trial will mark my seventh year with SSJRTC and my fourth year on the board.  Hard to believe so much time has passed and so many friends and memories have been collected. 

 

I really enjoy playing with our babies at SSJRTC events and socializing with our friends.  I also enjoy working on the club website and Terrier Times eNewsletter as a way to foster communication among the membership.  It's very rewarding to work with a really great group of people on the board planning and arranging club activities.

 

I have had dogs all my life but have never enjoyed them this much!

 

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Ray Higgs ~ Director  ~  Term ends 12/31/2010

 

Hi!  My name is Ray Higgs.  We have had Jacks in our family for twenty years and  I have been competing in the JRTCA for about ten years.  It was all over for us after the first race-- the dogs loved it and so did I!  We also participate in a lot of other events with our dogs.

 

I've been on the Sunshine State JRTC board of directors for seven years and my goal is to keep the club growing as it has during that time.  I am on the board to serve, help and teach club members.  I really enjoy helping new people starting out with their first Jacks and joining our club.  When you see a new member win their first event-- the smile on their face-- its a feeling I can't describe. 

 

See you at the trials and have fun!

 

Lisa McKinney  ~  Director  ~  Term ends 12/31/2011

I have been involved with Jack Russells since 1989.  I have been with Gold Coast Terrier Network since then (I am currently the chairman) and with Sunshine State for the past several years.  

We live in Dunnellon and currently have six JRs.  My husband David has been a board member the last few years and I have attended the meetings with him and helped him on the trophy/ awards committee.  

I hope to continue helping SSJRTC now and in the future.

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Darryl Stephens  ~  Director  ~  Terms ends 12/31/2011

I owe my involvement with the Jack Russell Terrier, the JRTCA and the SSJRTC to my wife, LaJune.  She found Katie about four years ago.  A couple of years later, she discovered Mischief on the internet and drove by herself to Indiana to pick him up.  During the search for Mischief she learned about the JRTCA and the SSJRTC. 

On Labor Day weekend 2007 we attended our first trial as new JRTCA, SSJRTC, and DJRTC members.  We had only entered Mischief in Conformation so we had plenty of time to watch the other events.  That two day trial was a real eye opener for us!  Who knew that adults could have so much fun with their dogs?  We quickly got Katie recorded and have been “hooked” ever since.  My understanding of the “JRT” world and my involvement has increased with every trial we have attended.  We now have our third dog, Suri and anticipate more in the future. 

We’ve had the opportunity to meet many interesting people since that first trial and have made many treasured friends along the way who have mentored, coached, and helped us grow.  These little dogs and the people who love them have really made a huge impact on my life.  Each Monday morning when I go in to work…yes, I still work…several people invariably ask about our weekend adventures with our “Jacks”.