German Shepherd Dog Club of America January 2001 Board Briefs

The fourth regular GSDCA Board of Directors Meeting was held on November 11, 2001 at the Holiday Inn, the host hotel for the GSDCA National in Perry, Georgia. It was preceded by The National Specialty, the Annual Membership meeting and the Victory Dinner.

Highlights of the Annual Membership Meeting
The Annual Membership Meeting of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America was held on Thursday, November 8, 2001.

The newest GSDCA Award, the Lloyd Brackett award was presented to Cappy Pottle and Gloria Birch.

Don Cliff Memorial Award for Good Sportsmanship was presented to Don Smith of Akron, Ohio.

Education: Wednesday evening several hundred members attended the National Educational Seminar. The topic was "My Dog Can Do Anything" and focused on why the German Shepherd was the best all around dog for various areas of performance including Herding, Schutzhund, Search & Rescue, and Military Service Dogs, and an explanation of how correct conformation ties it all together. This program was videotaped and copies will be available for purchase after the first of the year. Contact Lanalee Jorgensen, Education Chairperson for details.

Newsletter Awards were announced by the Newsletter Chairperson, Ann Mesdag, as follows:
Newsletter Awards for Category I-Quarterly Newsletters.
Best Newsletter: Southern New Jersey GSDC "Speak" Editor: Liz Lenard
First Runner-up: GSDC St. Louis "The Wag' n' Tongue" Editor: Liana New .
Second Runner-up: GSDC of the Pacific NW "Pacific Northwest Shepherd Pages" Betsy Reinier
Third Runner-up: GSDC Washington State "Northwest Shepherd News" Editor: Kerry Southern.
Fourth Runner-up: GSDCA-WDA Newsletter Editor: Shannon Cutler
Newsletter Awards for Category 2-Monthly Newsletters.
Best Newsletter: Lincolnwood Training Club for GSD "Tales of Lincolnwood" Editor: Judy Braginsky
First Runner-up: GSDC of Chicago "Highlights" Editor: Suzanne Erickson
Second Runner-up: GSDC of Southern Arizona "Shepherd Strides" Editor: Liane Fossland
Third Runner-up: GSDC of San Antonio "Shepherd Views" Editor: Shannon Stockton
Fourth Runner-up: GSDC of Houston "Shepherd Space News" Editor: Vicki Lewis.
Most Improved Newsletter: GSDC of Atlanta "The German Shepherd Guardian" Editor: Dixie Whitman.

Temperament Test: The temperament test was held on Tuesday of this week. Sixty six dogs were entered, Fifty-two dogs were tested and 80 percent passed.

Highlights from the Victory Dinner held on November 10, 2001.

Award of Excellence plaques were awarded to:
AOE US and Canadian Select Ch. Cathlin Dante, PT, TC Owners: Bill and Jeri Pfeiffer and Dr Jose A. Perez-Gurri
AOE US and Canadian Select Ch. Nu Eratragicallyhip Braveheart, HT, TC Owner: Ronald Jene and Isabelle Dupzyk, Derek Comeau and Leo Bellino
AOE Select Ch. Carosel Farms Samantha, PT, TC Owners: Nicky Bunch and Chris Jolley
AOE Select Ch.Weicho's Flash Dance, TC, CD Owners: Barbara Hefner and Earnest and Dorothy Weight

Olivia Calabrese was recognized as the Best Junior Handler, winning from the Open Junior Class.

Roll of Honor: Jimmy Moses was named to the Roll of Honor.

Membership: Bob Williamson was honored for 50 years of GSDCA Membership.

Results of the election of judges for the 2001 National Specialty:
Obedience:
Dalene McIntire
Steven Picclinolo
Gail Brown

Herding:
Cappy Pruett
Gerard Baudet
Marie-Paule Gherardi

Conformation:
Ed Barritt
John DeHope
Michael Chaloux

Highlights of the Board Meeting

President, Ken Downing expressed appreciation to the entire Board for their work during this past year and welcomed incoming Board Members, Tom Mesdag and Ellie Goede Carson. He offered thanks to the Board members Ken Tank and Dan Smith for their years of service.

Board Meeting The January Board Meeting will be held at the Burbank Airport Hilton in Burbank, California on January 19-20, 2002. The Budget and Finance Committee meeting will precede the regular Board meeting. General Membership is welcome to attend the Board meeting.