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Northern Michigan Chapter
North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association

Newsletter Archives - May 1999

Random Ramblings - Chris Raymond

With your normal editor Harry Hill still a little under the weather, Lance asked if I might like to step in and help out for an issue or two. So still not quite understanding what I may have gotten myself into, here I am, the official de facto temporarily acting and interim chapter secretary. The only thing I ask is that everyone have patience while I try to fill the shoes, albeit size thirteens, of my esteemed globe-trotting predecessor. Given the fact that my humor generally tends toward the dry and somewhat sarcastic side, I will spare all of us and probably limit its usage in this publication.

With that having been said, let’s get on to business. First of all, the chapter’s board of directors – Lance Vernam (President), Judy Balog (Vice-President), Sherri Hill (Treasurer), and Harry Hill (Secretary) – are currently developing a training season itinerary for the chapter. While some of the events have already been set and planning is currently underway, others are still in the “do we want to do this” or even “what else can we do” stages. The activity schedule is provided on the Calendar page of this web site. Please take the time to review these events. If there are other activities which you might be interested in, we would greatly appreciate it if you could bring them to a board member’s attention. Furthermore, at times the limiting factor in scheduling an event is not if something worthwhile has been identified, but more likely, whether we have individuals willing to volunteer to help coordinate and staff the event. If you find yourself with some extra time, we would encourage you to become more involved with the chapter’s activities. If interested, please contact Lance Vernam at 616.938.1324. Please take special note of those members identified in Volunteer Spotlight who have recently given of their time.

At the time of this writing, we are still looking forward with anticipation to Saturday, 1 May, when, thanks again to Norm Licht, the training grounds once become open for use on Wednesdays and Saturdays. An exception will be made this year in that club members who are enrolled in a test will be allowed day-to-day access to the property during the two week period preceding each test. Like always, please respect Norm's property; do not leave any trash or training debris (spent shotgun shells included) on the grounds when you leave. As always, we advocate that all members make regular use of the informal training days. Many valuable training tips are exchanged and friendships formed during this time.

On another note, we suggest that every member of our local chapter strongly consider becoming an international member as well. In addition to the monthly Versatile Hunting Dog magazine containing in depth training articles, a calendar of tests, results, and activities, international members receive access to the NAVHDA’s dog registry, preferred member testing rates, and the opportunity to join NAVHDA’s apprentice judge program and become a certified NAVHDA judge. Additional information on NAVHDA international can be viewed at their respective web site.

Also please notice that various company logos appear throughout this newsletter. These are companies which provide either local chapter support or international organization sponsorship. When given an opportunity to do so, it would be appreciated if you could patronize these companies that have provided their generous support to our organization(s).

In closing, you should find a copy of our current membership directory with individual contact information for easy reference. If information is incorrect, or should by chance change in the future, please contact Chris Raymond at 616.929.7537.

A Web Now Woven - Chris Raymond

As some of you already know, one of the most rapidly expanding tools for communication is the Internet. From web site this to e-mail that, many of you have seen the wealth of information available on the World Wide Web, the most widely utilized area of the Internet. Due to the possibilities of this new technology, the Northern Michigan Chapter recently implemented its own web site. Our intent in doing so is to:

• increase the timeliness of communications with club members,
• provide a “one-stop-shop” information source for all club activities and events,
• make information available to all members on a twenty-four hour a day seven day basis, and
• increase potential member awareness of the chapter.

Contained within our site as you can see, is a wealth of information. It lists the members with their name, address, telephone number, and name and type of dog. For those members that have e-mail, their address can be activated simply by double clicking on their name. Additionally, general NAVHDA and club information, detailed event descriptions with points of contact and location directions, membership applications (local and national), test entry forms, veterinary health science web sites, and other dog related web sites are provided as well.

While some may be cautious of, or even intimidated by, the Internet, it truly is nothing more than another available resource to help the novice or master trainer alike in developing the best hunting companion possible. We encourage you to take advantage of this new chapter resource.

Recently, all members were contacted in order to update our membership information to include e-mail addresses if applicable. Your response would be appreciated; with it we will not only update the member information of the web site but construct an electronic distribution list for club communication materials. Suggestions for improvement and/or those members desiring not to have their address and contact information listed on the web site, should direct their comments to Chris Raymond at 616.929.7537.

Ham I Am??? - Lance Vernam

As some of you may have noticed, the Michigan United Conservation Clubs' weekly Michigan Outdoors television show has recently increased its coverage of working dogs and dog training. In light of this, our chapter contacted James Ford, the show's producer, to invite him to one of our training sessions and introduce him to NAVHDA. He accepted and will be spending time with us beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, 22 May 1999 at Norm's property. We would encourage all members and their dogs to attend this event. Not only will this reflect positively on our chapter, but on the NAVHDA organization as a whole as well. Additionally, Marilyn Vetter will be attending to represent NAVHDA international and to act as their spokesperson. This will be an excellent opportunity to display the results of the time, hard work, and effort that we have put into our dogs. If you should have any questions about this event, please feel free to contact Lance Vernam at 616.938.1324.

1999 Test Update - Judy Balog

As previously communicated, we are sponsoring two tests again this year. One will be held on 5 & 6 June, while the other has been set for 21 & 22 August. Lance Vernam (Spring Test) and Kurt Bard (Fall Test) have volunteered for test chairman responsibilities; while Judy Balog agreed to be the test secretary for both of these tests. As of the time of this newsletter, both tests are now full. However, there is always a chance that someone may withdraw close to the test date. If anyone is interested in being placed on a waiting list, please contact, Judy Balog, at 616.938.4426.

Coming Home to Roost - Judy Balog

Your Northern Michigan NAVHDA chapter will have pigeons available for dog training starting this spring. It is acceptable to use live birds for dog training. However, it is your responsibility to use them in a humane manner. Pups should never be allowed to chew or maul a live bird. Have your dog under complete control when training, so that your dog does not actually touch the bird. Live pigeons should not be thrown into water in order to get your dog to swim or fetch. Always use dead birds to teach or practice swimming or the fetch command. Chapter birds are not for shooting. You may use these birds for practice in locating and pointing and you may shoot for noise only. You are welcome to bring your own birds for training days. If you want to purchase pigeons for shooting, contact David Nordquist at 517.356.4160. He has a supplier for pigeons and is selling them for $3.50 each. Orders for birds must be made at least seven (7) days prior to a training day. David's supplier requires payment upon order; therefore, you must pay for any birds ordered.

Alternatively, if your training desires tend toward the use of quail and/or pheasant, these birds may be purchased from two local breeders: Scott & Joan Olds of Mesick and Bruce & Jenny Minard of Beulah. They can be reached at 616.269.3413 and 616.882.4714 respectively.

The Way I See It - Colonel Leadload Sure Shot

It must be Spring. The snow is gone, snowbirds are returning North, and the Spring Test is just around the corner. Over the winter, not all the members were curled up by the fire on their favorite blanket like me. The club is bigger and better than ever. We now have fifty-one members. Besides the old and new members, there are a bunch of puppies on the scene. Just to name a few: John MacNeal and Sherri Hill have new griffons, and Norm Licht has a new short hair. I’m sure there are a lot more that I missed, but no one tells me anything! Oh, yea, Pat Cole has eleven beautiful German short hair pups that were born on 14 April 1999. Way to go Maggie. They are for sale if you can get them out of Sue Cole’s arms.

I also want to thank Kurt Bard, another member who may be a little light in the gray matter department. Even though he has a new baby (just four months old) at home, Kurt volunteered to act as the Chairman for the Fall Test. Come on members - help Kurt out. Volunteer to help assist with the test; it only hurts a little while.

“Lightening” Lance, your president, is up to his old tricks. First he has Michigan Outdoors coming to film a television special; but stuff, huh! Then he wants the chapter to throw our hat into the ring to host the NAVHDA National convention in Traverse City for the year 2000 or 2001. We need lots of input and help; give Lance your thoughts and ideas. We could easily end up being the #1 chapter in the country if we are not careful!

Lastly, as has already been mentioned elsewhere within this issue, the club has built a storage box for chapter training materials. It will have almost every item you will need to assist you in training your dog. Use the stuff - it’s for the membership. However, please put it back where and how you found it to help out the next user. If you lose or break and item, replace it!!! Please!!! Let’s get to work!!! - THE COLONEL

Welcome

We would like to provide and warm and hearty welcome to the following new members and their dogs:

Member	Dog & Breed	Member	Dog & Breed
Kevin Antvelink	Maggie - LM	Michael Chamberlain	Kurry - GSP
Bart Collins	Tucker - GSP	Terri Dalecke	Heidi - WPG
Brian Donaldson	Jagër - GRS Piper - GRS	Scott & Cheryl Flees	Buck - GSP
Joseph Horning	Hank - BSP	Herb Lobdell	Timber - GSP
Robert Marriott	Jager - GWP	Bruce McLachlan	Scout - WEI
Tom Mellentine	Gus - SM	Roger Osiacki	Daisy - BSP
Rober Peters	Howard - VIZ	Brian Pitser	Greta - WPG
John Sanborn	Andy - BSP	Chuck & Karen Spiess	Ralph - WPG
Diane Vater	Many Weims	Paul & Mary Zagata	Ranger - GSP
Father Chad Zielinski	Cal - WPG

Volunteer Spotlight

In goes without saying how much the chapter depends upon and appreciates the volunteer efforts of its members. As such, we think it especially important that all members know the time and effort their fellow members are making on behalf of the organization. In that regard, we will be making this a regular and on-going section of our newsletter. While some of you may be somewhat media shy and resist inclusion in this column, please understand that everyone’s contributions are greatly appreciated and should be acknowledged by all members.

Special accolades go out to Kurt Bard. Kurt volunteered to be test chairman for the Fall Test and is in the midst of planning for this 21 & 22 August event. This will be Kurt’s first time as test chairman. If his effort over the last few months is predictive of this activity’s success, we will have another well received event.

As mentioned later on, Rick McPhall has graciously donated his time (and that of his non-member brother-in-law as well) to build the chapter’s on-grounds equipment storage box.

Although an old hand at test chairman responsibilities, Lance Vernam is contributing above and beyond his duties as club president in functioning as the Spring Test’s chairman. Additionally, it should be noted that Lance is currently participating in NAVHDA’s judge apprenticeship program. This spring he has already “judged” a Missouri and Southwest Michigan test. The added testing experience that Lance will gain as a result his judging activities will be of tremendous benefit to the chapter and our own individual training programs.

Having always been a stalwart chapter volunteer, Judy Balog should be commended for acting as test secretary for both of this year’s test. She too is another board member assuming yet additional responsibilities. Rumor has it that she may even be following in Lance’s footsteps with her enrollment in NAVHDA’s judge apprenticeship program. Maybe all she needs is your encouragement!!! She can be contacted by e-mail or telephoned at 616.938.4426.

Last but not least, is the time that it takes and the contributions to the club that each of the board members make in performing their respective duties and responsibilities. Your current board of directors includes: Lance Vernam (President), Judy Balog (Vice President), Sherri Hill (Treasurer), and Harry Hill (Secretary).

If the efforts of others have inadvertently been overlooked, please accept our apologies and bring it to Chris Raymond’s attention at 616.929.7537 for inclusion in future issues.

Equipment Storage Box

Rick McPhall is progressing toward the completion of the chapter’s training resource storage box. Previously, we envisioned constructing an entire shed on the training grounds to house the chapter’s training equipment. After rethinking our needs, Rick suggested that a storage box would be more practical for winter storage as well as significantly more economical. The box will be waterproof, secured on the property, and intended for club member use only. This project will probably be completed by our first training session.

On a similar note, the club is still in the process of evaluating the equipment that will be purchased for this box. As always, your suggestions regarding training items would be appreciated. Please contact either Lance Vernam or Rick McPhall at 616.938.1324 or 616.276.6470 respectively.

Green Books

The chapter still has some copies of the official NAVHDA training bible otherwise known as the “Green Book.” If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact Lance Vernam at 616.938.1324. Their cost will once again be $10.00.

Club Clothing

The chapter will once again prepare a clothing order of interest warrants. Individuals interested in ordering clothing should contact Harry Hill at 616.946.0828.

Classifieds

Puppies for Sale - German Short Hair Pointers, whelped 14 April 1999. Currently one and one-half weeks old; will be available at seven weeks. If interested, please call Pat Cole at 616.946.7476.