The Gossip Column: September 15, 2023

Now that the nominating committee has been selected by the board of directors of the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB for the CLASS OF 2028, eight delegates have submitted paperwork to run for the three available seats. ...

To refresh your memory, the three directors whose terms are up include CARMEN BATTAGLIA, MICHAEL KNIGHT and KAROLYNNE MCATEER (who is not running due to term limits). But KAROLYNNE did celebrate her birthday, having cake with her dear friends ANNE MARIE, RANDY and PETER KUBACZ. ...

Among the eight delegates who submitted are seated directors CARMEN BATTAGLIA and MICHAEL KNIGHT. The other six delegates are SYLVIA THOMAS, SALLY FINEBURG, RACHANN MAYER, KEVIN O’CONNELL, LAURIE MAULUCCI and BOB EISELE. Once the nominating committee makes its three selections for who should be elected to the board, there is still time for a delegate to submit a petition to run from the floor. ...

TAKE THE LEAD celebrated their 30th anniversary this past weekend at the WESTCHESTER KENNEL CLUB, the venue where its formation was announced to the world of purebred dogs. The weather went from extremely uncomfortable, sunny heat to a cooling of cloudy rainy skies. But a celebratory cake was enjoyed by visitors who visited the TAKE THE LEAD booth at the dog show. As usual the booth was hosted by MARI-BETH O’NEILL, who always makes time to ensure the booths arrive at their destinations and are well manned. She is an invaluable asset to the charity. ...

The weekend did have a certain sadness about it with the passing of DAVE HELMING. A large photograph of him was under the officials tent and people stopped to look at it and a say a few words of their affection for him and his wife PEGGY. So universally liked and admired, for one so modest he would be surprised how his passing has affected so many people. ...

Friends of the late professional handler JANE HOBSON, who always promoted owners exhibiting their own dogs, held very successful and well-attended local handling classes. Since her passing, several of her friends, LISA and RENEE GALIZZO, ANDREW GREEN and JIMMY DICKSON, have continued to hold the classes in her memory, much to the appreciation of those who attend. Nice remembrance of someone who loved the sport. ...

BOB BROWN will be celebrating his birthday while he and his wife VALERIE along with WHITNEY & NANCY COOMBS will be sailing from Norway to Iceland, Greenland and Labrador, and disembarking in Canada. It certainly is the right time of year for that itinerary.