Thank you all for helping provide another wonderful and well attended Sunshine Showdown trial weekend. Our numbers were good and we did well. Everyone loved the new sound system, and really enjoyed our new electronic timers for Super Earth and Thunder Tunnel. Thanks to our V.P., Rick Bailey for setting them up and having them ready. Those times at the Thunder Tunnel really showed how much the electronic timing was needed.

The AGM was a hit also. We received many compliments from the JRTCA Board and members attending. I hope everyone got to participate in the meeting. I heard some good questions asked of the Board and know that they will follow up and get back to us. You know as well as I that you have to be involved if you want to see things done or considered for change. One of the things brought up was the new Rule 11 that will allow you to call a height if you are in the same division like under veteran bitches, and want to call an under veteran male as you may end up racing against that dog in the championship race. This has always made sense, but it was addressed to them weeks prior to the meeting and they discussed it and voted on it and announced it at the AGM as well as on their website. They are there to listen; give it a try.

I want to thank Carole Baskette, Dave and their grandson, Darrel for the great job of setting up the wine and cheese social hour. Everything was tasty and enjoyed by many. She also set up and provided the refreshments for the Judges’ Area by conformation during the weekend. Those that sat under the tent really enjoyed the fresh Florida fruit and drinks and thanks to Shelley Holland for adding the Easter candy. We were again complimented on the gracious hospitality shown to the judges and the visiting JRTCA Board. I am proud of all of our Board and membership for showing how great Sunshine State JRT Club is. We also showed them how well we run our trials. They noticed and commented on it. Thanks everyone. Our trial judges all expressed that they had a good time and enjoyed themselves. Everyone liked the dinner on Saturday night and food during the day.

How about that raffle! Carolyn and Tom did another outstanding job and they deserve a big round of applause. Also, thanks to all who donated raffle items. It was amazing to see all of those baskets sitting on the tables and placed around the floor. Quite impressive and we made a nice profit. We will be sending a donation to Russell Rescue and/or Russell Research Foundation.

I also want to thank our members Carolyn Williams and husband Jim and Lisa McKinney and Debbie Harris for the beautifully done prizes. The hand painted tiles and the hand painted lanterns were well received by all of those lucky to win them. You did our club proud.

We had new Board members working on their first trial, thanks to all of you for the work and time you put in. All ran well and we thank all of our Board for that. With that I ask that you the membership remember to thank these people when you see them. This is not an easy job and takes way more time then you can imagine. That is a lead in to my next paragraph. 

We will have some positions up for election at the end of this year. President and Secretary, and three Board of Directors. If you want to serve, please contact our elections committee. Info is on the website.  Remember this is a working board.  It takes all of us to pull this off. Please consider volunteering, if not as a board member; then at some other job or committee. Your Club needs you.

There are preparations already in the works for Russell Mania. Keep checking our website for any new events or training or practice days. Melanie Heckler does an outstanding job of keeping us all up to date and in the know. Everyone loves getting that E-Newsletter. Thank you, Melanie.

Speaking of the website and newsletter, please check it out for the latest news on Linda Trulock also. Our prayers are with her and the family.

On a final note, we lost a dear friend of the club and a terrier man this month. Mike DiBernardo’s father, Jesse DiBernardo. He attended many of the trials in Florida with Mike and Karen and was always eager to jump in and help in any way he could. He played Santa at the DiBo’s Den Yuletide trials and is in many “terrier and Santa” photos. He will be remembered fondly. Our condolences go out to his wife Mary and the family, and to little Cody, his beloved JRT.

Sincerely,