I’ve been thinking a lot lately about volunteers – the people who bring life to every organization like the American Spaniel Club.  In recent weeks I have traveled around the country to attend National specialties put on by other parent clubs, and I have met with our own talented members who have volunteered their time in so many ways.  And I have come away from these trips and meetings with a renewed appreciation of the hard work that’s being done by so many people.

The one word that stands out to describe each volunteer and the projects being worked on is “dedication”.  There is diversity among our members, but every volunteer with whom I have had contact has at least one this in common — a deep desire to work for the betterment of the breed and the club that represents it.

For ASC volunteers that dedication is at the heart of much of what we have accomplished, and will accomplish in the months ahead.

In the new June issue of the Bulletin, we are publishing a volunteer interest form that will also be posted on this website, as well as the members Yahoo list and the ASC Facebook page.  It’s an effort to identify members who might want to lend a hand on a variety of projects.  Please take a few minutes to fill out the form and send it in to Kathy Patterson.

We’re always looking for ways to recruit new members and provide new activities for member participation.  Marlene Ness is spearheading the membership expansion effort, and Stacie Baumgartner is heading up our activities outreach.  Both would be happy to have a few more helping hands.

The ASC Board has completed its review of the club’s current bylaws and has submitted a revision to the AKC for its review.  We hope to have final approval from the AKC before the National in July.

Speaking of the National, the volunteer team from Zone 4 is heading toward the finish line in Albany, Oregon for what will be a packed week of national specialty activities.  Show chair Stephanie Kaul has come up with some exciting new events, including the first ever NOHS Top Twenty!  There will also be several performance and companion events to show once again that our Cockers do it all!   I’m hoping many of our members will take advantage of all the Pacific Northwest has to offer by attending this year’s National at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany, OR.

The week before the National, the Mid-Michigan Cocker Spaniel Club will be holding the ASC agility trial at Purina Farms.  So if you can’t make the trip to Oregon, please make plans to run your dogs at Purina!

To return to my opening thoughts — none of these efforts are possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.

 

THANK YOU!

Hug your dogs – and above all be merry!

Diane Kepley, President