Clyde Vetter Training Clinic

The chapter is fortunate to once again present a summer training clinic lead by one of NAVHDA’s more preeminent trainers--Clyde Vetter. Clyde is a full-time, professional trainer/breeder whose training accomplishments include numerous Prize I Natural Ability, Utility Preparatory, and Utility dogs. Furthermore, he has produced, trained, and handled many dogs through the rigorous and prestigious Invitational testing process resulting in their receipt of the coveted Versatile Champion title. This Purina sponsored event is presently scheduled at Norm Licht’s property (location is subject to change, however it will still be within the Traverse City area) on the weekend of 21 & 22 July 2001 beginning at 8:00 a.m. The cost for this event will be $100.00 per dog (chapter members), $125.00 per dog (non-chapter members), and $10 for non-participating guest. This price includes: training birds, handler and guest lunches, and beverages for each day.

This two-day seminar is a great way to receive an overview of the training needed for versatile dogs. Beginner to intermediate level seminars include instruction on basic obedience, the trained retrieve, introduction to electronic training devices, pointing and steadiness on game, tracking wounded game, and initial water work for duck searches and retrieves. Also covered will be handling techniques to truly "polish" your and your dog's skills. All methods are taught with a variety of techniques including the use of electronic collars to both teach and reinforce skills.

Dissimilar to last year, non-pointing dogs will be allowed although some of the information and techniques presented will be just for pointing dogs. Each registered dog and its handler will be provided with one hour of one-on-one instruction with Clyde as well as the opportunity to observe other participants during their individual hours. Attendance will be limited to 25 dogs with preference given first to chapter members. Only registered participants and guests will be allowed to be in attendance at this event.

Questions should be directed to either Lance Vernam at 231.938.1324 or Judy Balog at 231.938.4426. Individuals interested in making a reservation should address their payment to Northern Michigan Chapter, c/o Lance Vernam, 4590 Weathering Hts., Traverse City, MI 49686.

Training Grounds Closed

The training grounds will be closed on Saturday, 21 July except to registered individuals and guests in attendance at the Clyde Vetter Training Clinic.

Pigeon Update

Over the past weekend the last of the chapter's training pigeons fell victim to a varmint that was able to climb into the coop. We will be in the process of renovating a new coop. If, and that's a big if, we are able to get more birds and can acclimate them to this new roost prior to the end of the training season, we will let everybody know. Until then, you will need to supply your own birds.

Chapter Clothing Closeout

Well our supply of chapter clothing is nearing the end. In an effort to clean out the few remaining items, we will mark down everything 50%. We do not anticipate ordering clothing again in the future, so take advantage of these remaining pieces while you still can.

Item	Qty/Size/Color	Sale Price
Hats	6 - Orange	$5.00
Patches	25 - N/A	$3.00
T-shirts, LS	2 - XL, Orange	$8.00
T-Shirts, SS	1 - XXL, Green 2 - XXL, Orange 4 - XL, Orange	$6.00

If interested, contact Chris Raymond at 231.929.7537.

Membership

From time to time, our chapter sends a list of its membership to International. In doing so, we are attempting to verify that all chapter members have maintained their International membership. As you may remember, duel membership is required and one of the organization's by-laws.

During our last verification, we were informed that several members' International memberships had either lapsed or never been received. It could simply have been a situation where dues were lost in the mail or inadvertently misplaced. Other times, it has been a case of forgetting to send off a membership form and corresponding dues.

We would greatly appreciate it if everybody would take steps to ensure their International memberships remain current. Dissimilar to our chapter, International records are not kept on a calendar year basis. Membership expiration can be verified by contacting:

If International membership is not kept up-to-date we will have no choice but to drop an individual from the chapter rolls. Thank you in advance for your timely assistance in preventing this from becoming an issue.

Congratulations!

It has come to our attention that we have some truly outstanding fluffy dog wannabes in our midst. Rumor has it that Kurt and Betsy Bard's Zeke and Bart and Rae Collins' Casey each won best of their breed at the recent dog show held in Traverse City. Fluffy dog aspirations aside (snicker snicker), congratulations and way to go!!

Volunteerism and Chapter Governance

As always seems to be the case, we are in need of volunteers for the Fall Test. While a couple of people have already stepped up to the plate to chip in and help out, there still some positions that need to be filled. Even if it's helping to set up the tent or getting lunches for the test workers, any amount of assistance that can be provided helps immensely. If you are able to contribute, please contact Derrick Garnett at 989.733.8919.

Along similar lines, the chapter may need to fill some vacancies in the board next year. Some of the current board members have graciously served numerous terms and in different capacities. In order to keep the chapter functional and ideas fresh, it's important that others begin to take a more prominent role in the chapter's governance and direction. Please consider where you might make a contribution to the leadership of the chapter. In that regard, please feel free to contact current board members with any questions you might have. These individuals are:

Name	Position	Phone Number
Lance Vernam	President	231.938.1324
Judy Balog	Vice-President	231.938.4426
John MacNeal	Treasurer	231.929.0929
Chris Raymond	Secretary	231.929.7537

Also, we would encourage anybody who is interested in attending the chapter's board meetings to please do so. Meetings are kept fairly informal and infrequent. Rarely will there be more than four or so in an entire year. Our next board meeting will probably be sometime in August before the test. An announcement will be circulated once it has been set, but do not expect more than a couple of days notice.

Fall Test

Currently the Fall Test is full. However, in the event that a vacancy should arise from a cancellation individuals on the waiting list are contacted to see if they are interested. If you would like to place your name on this waiting list, please contact Lance Vernam at 231.938.1324.