Another spring show season in the books with six Mason-Dixon Rex Specialty Shows, thanks to the diligent work of Tonya, Val, and our other club officers. We are fortunate to have leaders who are skilled and effective with the paperwork and decisions that are required for successful shows.

It rained almost everyday in June and our picnic-show brought some showers, but the nice pavilion in Fleetwood insured that our fun and fellowship continued all day. We welcomed friends from afar, New York and Connecticut, in addition to both of our Youth Directors, Tim and Danielle. Best of Breed winner at the Picnic, Jessica Decker, is featured in our Meet The Breeder article for this Summer edition.

In May, Rick went to North Haven for a triple show with us and, then at the end of the month, he and Gary attended the triple show in Massachusetts. Rick missed a few shows last Fall while his leg was healing, but he sure made up for it this Spring.

We also enjoyed a fine National Rex Show in Sedalia, Missouri at the end of April. Sitting at the Banquet with Donna Bowker and Sue Boris, we took pride in hearing all our club members named for 2008 Sweepstakes Awards – Rick, Gary, Tonya, Ben, Val, Pat & Charlotte, Barbara, and Sue for variety certificates and then Donna and Jessica Decker took 4th and 5th place in Overall Points in addition to 7th and 8th in the Overall Quality Standings!  Ben was in the top group in both white and colored fur also!  When you read the show reports from over the Nation, it is clear that the Eastern shows are among the largest in entries and exhibitors.  So it is high time that we had representation on the National Rex Club Board of Directors.  When your ballots arrive this summer, be sure to send in yours marked for Donna Bowker.

Bids for Spring Nationals have been awarded to Whyoming-Utah for 2010 and Indiana for 2011.  Donna has suggested that we join with the Northeast Rex Club in making a bid for 2012.  This bid would need to be completed and presented at the National show in April 2010.  So start thinking about how you could volunteer to help your club host a National Rex Show.  Ask those who worked on 2000 Hops to Harrisburg if they felt the hard work was also rewarding.

Have a great summer growing out those juniors for thefall shows and join us in Lebanon on October 10 for the Mason-Dixon Fall Rex Specialty Show.