Rivanna River Earthdog Club

Winning - Fall Trial All Around Great Weekend!

2011-11-18T21:14:00.002-05:00

Our fall trial was a great success with over 200 entries, a seminar by Jo Ann Frier-Murza, a brand new Master's walkup, the new super earthdog tunnel, raffles, campfires, potluck dinner, a club meeting, vendors and old friends! The weather was perfect as usual (knock on wood) although Saturday morning met us with a thick frost - luckily the coals were still going from the campfire Friday night.

The site was filled with campers and RVs the entire weekend and included exhibitors from as far away as Florida. We saw a great range of terrier breeds in attendance including lakelands, scotties, westies, foxes, borders, dachshunds, jacks and even a visiting dandie! Judges included Joseph Mazur from Moosic, Pa., BarbaraTeigen from Nashotah, Wi., Mary Oppermann from Clayton, NC., and JoAnn Frier-Murza from Crosswicks, NJ.

Mabel was the winning Superearth dog winning this year's golden shovel and getting her name put on the club trophy. Our other qualifiers included: Chance, Sara, Greta, Toby, Tate and Duffy. Congratulations to all!

Thanks go out to all the judges, the test committee, test secretary, Ed Bear and all the volunteers who make our club and these events possible!

RREC Member Meeting - November 12,2011

2011-11-04T11:57:00.003-04:00

President Paul Emanuelson has called a general membership meeting for Saturday, November 12, 2011, which is on our Fall test weekend. The meeting will be after the conclusion of the Superearth and before dinner. Items to be discussed are the Fall Test, planning the February annual meeting, and nominations.We hope for good attendance and great weather!!

The Building of RREC Mega SuperEarth 9/11

2011-09-11T19:45:00.007-04:00

Thought you had a rough weekend? Wait 'til you see what these guys did!

RREC's crack team of builders were on the job from Thursday through Sunday creating this incredible new SuperEarth tunnel. Designed by Ed Bear, this tunnel features additional twists and obstacles to the original tunnel layout including an over/under tunnel, stone pit and two alternate locations for the rat box.

With a couple of dry runs by historic record holder Diesel and Jack Russell, Nelson, this one promises to be a more interesting, engaging and mystifying challenge. Run time is yet to be determined, but needless to say the old 2 minute limit will not suffice!

Special thanks go to Paul Emanuelson, Richard Jones and Mark Helmkamp on their hard work in building out the complex array of tunnel liners, boxes and a fancy new drainage system. 4 days of work was finished off by noon on Sunday in conjunction with a membership meeting and training in the practice field.

If you are interested in trying out our new mega SuperEarth tunnels, attend our fall trial in November! Qualifiers get a golden shovel pin, and the dog with the fastest time for the weekend gets his/her name on the club's golden shovel for posterity.

If you haven't been to Twin Springs Farm, here are some remarkable images...

More photos of this weekend's activities can be viewed at:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/rrec/

RREC Earthdog Trial - Premium Available!

2011-09-02T19:22:00.004-04:00

The premium for our fall trial is now available. As usual, the club will be hosting ongoing activities and events all weekend long in conjunction with the trial starting on Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13.

Starting off the weekend, the club will be hosting a seminar by Jo Ann Frier -Murza - 2010 AKC Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for Performance. The seminar focuses on Earthdog handling techniques. It will be held on Friday, November 11 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Attendance is free to club members and $10.00 for non-members. All monies collected will be dontated to the Fluvanna Humane Society. Donations are welcomed!

Following the seminar, the club will host a potluck dinner around a wood burning fire! If you would like to bring a dish, please post what you are bringing to http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/RRECnov2011 so there are no duplications. If you want to camp on the property, just use the form included in the premium.

Following the trial and awards on Saturday, we will hold an all new SuperEarth in a brand new location with extra obstacles and an all new maze to challenge your dog! Entries are $5.00 per dog. Winners get a gold shovel pin, and the overall winner gets his name on the club's golden shovel.

More Information to Come!

Earthdog Practice: September 11, 2011

2011-08-21T18:34:00.002-04:00

There will be a September practice day on Sunday, September 11th starting at 9:30 am. The cost is $5.00 for members (per dog) and $10.00 for non-members. If you are able to help with the practice it would be greatly appreciated.

The club is also in the process of building all new Super Earthdog tunnels with more challenges than ever and the ability to be reconfigured to ensure it remains new and challenging! It is being moved to the back of the property, near the practice area. If members would like to come and help build, the club will be working on Friday and Saturday, September 9th and 10th (please RSVP Gail Warnick or Paul Emanuelson if you plan to come). Members with RV's and power tools will be coming out that weekend to help with this incredible project.

A brief club meeting will be held some time during that weekend to begin planning for the fall trial.

The premium list for the fall test is almost completed and will be posted this coming week. One addition to the weekends events includes JoAnn Frier-Murza will be holding an earthdog handling seminar on Friday, November 11th at 3:00 pm. It will be offered free to club members and $10 for non members. Proceeds from this seminar will be donated to the local shelter.

We look forward to seeing you at the practice and don't forget to bring your raffle donations!

2011 Fall Earthdog Trial Confirmed!

2011-07-16T19:13:00.012-04:00

The AKC has approved our fall 2011 earthdog trial! The dates are set for November 12-13. The judge line up includes:

Jo Ann Frier-Murza
Barbara Teigen
Joseph Mazur
Mary Oppermann

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Meanwhile, news of the club includes the addition of 12 new members last month including:

    Debby and John Behan of Tucker, GA (Border Terriers)
    Jeannette and Chris Burger of Kettering OH
    Joan Carawan of Virginia Beach, VA (Norfolk Terriers)
    Karla Deithorn of Monroe, VA (Dachshunds)
    Barbara Friedman of Goochland, VA (Dachshunds)
    Ken and Bette Nelson of Chapel Hill, NC (Border Terriers)
    Cheryl Ruiz of Palmyra, VA (Border Terriers)
    Marta Force, Greensboro, NC (Border Terriers)
    Dawn Mahaffy, VA (Border Terriers)

Additionally, RREC recently made a financial donation to the Fluvanna SPCA to support the rescue and care of the 9 German Shepherds and 2 cats the shelter obtained in an animal neglect court case earlier this year. The club has set up a committee to evaluate opportunities to continue our support of the animal community. If you would like to donate to the Fluvanna SPCA, click here and be sure to mention RREC.

Stay tuned as we will be holding a practice the end of summer along with club meeting and preparation for the fall trial. If you are interested in becoming a member you can download our form here - benefits include reduced rates for activities such as seminars and practices, the opportunity to participate and improve our clubs events, and a venue so beautiful you'll wonder why you didn't join sooner!

Western PA Earthdog - August 20-21 Trial

2011-07-15T19:22:00.003-04:00

The Western PA Earthdog Club is having their test August 20-21. Saturday, they are offering two tests each for Jr. and Sr. Download the test and entry information here: Premium for August 20-21 Earthdog Trial and Entry Forms for Earthdog Trial.

For more information, their web site is: www.wpaearthdog.org.
And email address: wpaearthdog@gmail.com.

Member Meeting and Practice - June 5, 2011

2011-05-14T10:58:00.003-04:00

There will be a Rivanna River Earthdog Club meeting on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Twin Springs Farm. During the meeting, there will be sign-up for a members-only practice, which will start after the meeting. The number of practice runs may need to be limited. If you have not paid your dues for 2011, you will need to pay them at the beginning of the meeting in order to vote at the meeting and participate in the practice. We received a large number of membership applications at our successful spring test, which will be voted upon at the meeting. We will also be discussing the fall test and judges.

Photos from the Spring Earthdog Test!

2011-05-01T20:04:00.015-04:00

Photos contributed by Denise Lodge and Marge Brandel:
Photos in Rivanna River Earthdog Club Flickr Group >

Photos contributed by Gail Warnick:
Photos on Snapfish >

Photos courtesy of Mark Helmkamp:
April 29 - Friday Setup, Super Earthdog and Potluck Dinner >
April 30 - Saturday Morning Trial, Afternoon Trial, Awards, Dinner >
May 1 - Sunday Morning Trial, Lunch and Awards >

more to come....

If anyone has photos they want to share from the trial, send a link to Denise at dsparhawk@yahoo.com or post them to Flickr.com and add them to the Rivanna River Earthdog group.

Rivanna River Earthdog Club, AKC Earthdog Trial, April 30 - May 1, 2011

2011-03-13T17:56:00.024-04:00

RREC will be holding its Spring Earthdog Trial on April 30 and May 1, 2011. We are tightening up the schedule for classes to allow for an additional half trial Saturday afternoon for Junior Earthdog and Senior Earthdog. In addition to the extra half trial on Saturday, the club now has 2 new Masters walkups!

Download the Premium >
Download the weekend flyer >

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Update 4/23 - Please post what you are bringing for Friday's potluck to this link: http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/RRECSpring2011

Update 4/9 - Workday at the farm was held to clean dens and tunnels and prepare the new walkups for Master. See article >

Update 4/2 - RREC is in the News, see article >

Update 3/24 - The rooms at Best Western will now only be held until 3/29. The hotel is heavily booked the weekend of our trial so get your room now!

Update 3/19 - We have reserved 4 rooms at the Best Western Zion Crossroads (540-832-1700 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 540-832-1700 end_of_the_skype_highlighting) for 4/29 and 4/30, 2011 at a rate of $109.00 per night. The rooms will be released back to the hotel on 4/27/11. Be sure to tell them you are with the club and try AAA or AARP to get a better rate!

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As usual, we will host a potluck dinner on Friday evening so bring a dish, your beverage of choice and your camp chair and join us around the firepit for an evening of great company. There will be Super Earthdog on both Friday and Saturday for those wanting to join in the fun.

Some of the highlights include:

3 Trials in 2 Days
2 Days of Super Earthdog
Friday Night Potluck and Firepit
Saturday Night Catered Dinner
Raffles both Sat and Sunday
Tshirts, hats and this year PINS!

Get your entries in along with your meal requests (which can only be ordered in advance.) And we look forward to seeing everyone there!

April 9, 2011 - Farm Workday Prep for Trial

2011-03-13T17:36:00.003-04:00

A workday was held at Twin Springs farm to prepare for the upcoming spring trial. Attendees included Gail Warnick, Ed Bear, Mary Ellen Moehler, Betsy Kirkpatrick, Cindy Peebles, Mark and Kathie Helmkamp, and Kaye and Richard Jones.

The group worked despite the rain, mud and cold to dig out several dens and tunnel liners, to clear out and repair (yet again!) the super earthdog tunnels, and to survey and ensure the new master walkups were ready for the trial on April 30 - May 1, 2011. A good time was had by all and the day ended with a few practice runs in the training field.

Great job team! (see photos)

March 12, 2011 - A Great Day of Earthdog Fun!

2011-03-13T17:35:00.005-04:00

Despite the cold wind and cloudy skies, the day turned out to be one of Rivanna Rivers' largest turnouts for an earthdog practice! With about 35 people and between 50 and 60 dogs, the day was long but with the sun coming out in the early afternoon, it was worth the wait to spend such a lovely day with other fun loving enthusiasts!

There was an extensive above ground training that lasted much of the day as well as a JE, SE and limited ME practice. Even more exciting than usual was the diversity of breeds in attendance including norfloks, lakelands, jack russells, dachshunds (of every variety), skye terriers, fox terriers, borders, and even a visiting staffordshire!

View Photos from Members > Google and Flickr

In addition to practice and training, the club held a membership meeting over lunch during which new members were voted in and plans for the upcoming trial were discussed. Members examined the dens which are scattered over the farm for any repairs and clearing that will be needed, and examined the work being done to clear and prepare two new masters walkups!

The club agreed to hold a farm cleanup and work day to work on the dens and tunnels April 9th pending approval of the farm owner.

Earthodg Practice and General Meeting

2011-03-07T18:59:00.009-05:00

Rivanna River Earthdog Club will hold a practice day on Saturday, March12, at Twin Springs Farm in Palmyra.

IQ, Junior and Senior Earthdog practice will begin at 9:30am. Club members will be leading the training so please be patient. Cost is $5 per dog for club members and $10 per dog for nonmembers.

A club meeting will be held after practice concludes or at approximately noon. This is a general membership meeting, not a Board meeting, so everyone please come! Meeting topics will include:

Plans for the upcoming Spring Test
Volunteer needs since we have the extra half trial
Raffle committee and collection of donations
Proposals for annual charitable giving
Voting on membership applications

Bring your lunch to eat while we meet! We will be checking out the dens and walk ups following the meeting.

Earthdog Trial - Carolina Terrier Association April 16 & 17

2011-03-06T19:37:00.001-05:00

Download the premium for the Carolina Terrier Assocation's Earthdog Trial on April 16 & 17, 2011. Click here to download the premium.

Also note there will be a party on Saturday night on site with live music and local barbecue. It will be a great time to get together with friends and share your earthdog experiences. There is no charge, but donations for the dinner will be graciously accepted. Everyone is invited.

To help gauge what will be needed for the barbecue, please RSVP your intentions to Test chairman Steve Watson at wirescott@charter.net.

Visit their website: http://www.carolinaterrierassociation.org
Follow their blog: http://cterrierassociation.blogspot.com

RREC Annual Meeting 2011

2011-01-23T20:47:00.003-05:00

A well attended general membership meeting was held January 23, 2011 at Crab Louie's in Midlothian, Virginia. The club voted on new officers and some changes in the board. The financial report was made and it was decided that the next meeting the club would review proposals for ways to donate club funds to needy organizations and campaigns. We expect this to be a regular annual activity for the club.

Plans were discussed for the Spring and Fall trials, including the acquisition of several high-draw judges and the extension of the spring trial to include 3 instead of 2 trials for the weekend. There will be a review of the club's constitution to assess any additions or changes which need to be made at the next general meeting. It was agreed that we would hold 2 practice days before the trial (one in March, one in April) one of which will include a club meeting for more detailed planning and one which will include farm cleanup.

The club secretary will be sending out meeting notes to all members in the near future.

Stay tuned for more posts on the upcoming practice days and trial!!!

Membership Meeting - January 23rd, 2011

2011-01-22T17:14:00.002-05:00

Rivanna River Earthdog Club will have a general membership meeting on Sunday, January 23, at 1:00 p.m. at Crab Louie's Seafood Tavern in Midlothian, VA. The restaurant address is 1352 Sycamore Square, Midlothian, VA 23113, and the phone number is (804) 275-2722 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (804) 275-2722 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. There is a reservation in my name and the Club's name for us in a area that is partially separated from the main area of the restaurant.

As a thank you to members, the Club will treat everyone to lunch! Check out the Lunch Banquet menu on the Crab Louie's website for menu selections. (Ordering from this shorter but still diverse menu facilitates getting group orders to the table at the same time and with everything still hot.) The website is www.crablouies.com. Click on "Banquet" at the top of the page and choose "Lunch Banquet" on the left. If anyone is a vegetarian, I confirmed with the manager that they can accommodate those needs.

If any members are bringing guests, there will be a $12 per person charge for their meal.

After we finish eating, there will be a meeting there at the restaurant. The spring test on April 30 and May 1 will be discussed. Nominations for officers will be accepted. The secretary and treasurer will be rotating off in the spring, so members willing to take those positions are especially needed. You may nominate yourself! Feel free to check with the current treasurer, Denise Lodge, and yours truly, the current secretary, for details on what's involved in the job. As an officer, you would serve on the Board.

I hope you can attend, as much planning needs to be done and decisions made to get the ball rolling for the spring test. Crab Louie's has a very good reputation locally. I work at a nearby community college, and Crab Louie's is a favorite destination for departmental lunches, book discussion group holiday meals, etc.

If you have any questions or find the Google or MapQuest directions suspect, please email me for the old fashioned human variety of directions. Crab Louie's is located directly on Route 60 and is very close to Route 288, a beltway around the southern perimeter of the Richmond area.

Looking forward to seeing you on the 23rd!

Helen

2010 Fall Earthdog Trial

2010-10-26T20:27:00.015-04:00

Rivanna River Earthdog Club will hold its fall AKC Earthdog Trial November 13-14, 2010 starting with a fun filled Friday to get the activities rolling!

Click for premium >

Friday, November 12

Friday will start at 9:00 am for anyone who wants to come help set up the tents, tables, signs, etc and get the farm ready by clearing out dens.
At 3:00 pm we will hold SuperEarth, a fun non-qualifying event for all dogs, with a briefing beforehand at 2:45 at the main tent. Fastest time to the rat wins, fastest dog across both Friday and Saturday get their dog's name engraved on the club gold shovel!
Potluck dinner starts at 5:00 pm along with a fire pit. If you attend the potluck, please signup to bring a dish at www.luckypotluck.com paper supplies will be provided by the club. Bring your own chair and beverage.

Saturday, November 13

Saturday Masters Braces will be drawn at 8:00 am and will start the first brace at 8:30 am. IQ will begin at 9:30 am, Junior at 10:30 am and Senior at 11:00 am.
A Canine Good Citizens test will be held on site throughout the day for those interested.
Super Earth will be held at 3:00 pm with briefing at 2:45 pm at the main tent. Fastest time to the rat wins, fastest dog across both Friday and Saturday get their dog's name engraved on the club gold shovel!
We will again have the firepit in the evening for anyone who wants to sit around and relax with the club!

Sunday, November 14

Sunday Masters Braces will be drawn at 8:00 am and will start the first brace at 8:30 am. IQ will begin at 9:30 am, Junior at 10:30 am and Senior at 11:00 am. At the completion of Senior Ribbons will be awarded at the main tent.
Clean up will begin immediately following awards.

If you wish to preregister for the CGC, please contact Jill Blake.
If you wish to volunteer to work in some capacity at the trial, contact Denise Lodge.

We look forward to seeing you!

Beautiful Weather for Practice and Meeting

2010-09-17T19:54:00.006-04:00

It was a beautiful day and attendees in abundance for our practice day and membership meeting. We had a slew of new people and their dogs and spent over 6 hours in training and practice for above ground beginners, introduction to quarry, junior earthdog and senior earthdog. Practice was followed by lunch provided by the club, as well as a membership meeting to discuss the fall trial and vote in new members.

At the meeting, members decided to hold another practice day on Sunday, October 24. Details to come! In addition, members signed up for committees and activities to help the trail run smoothly. The trial will be held November 13 and 14 with setup, run-thrus, super earthdog, and a potluck dinner on Friday November 12th.

Stay tuned for more details on practice and trial events!

NEXT WEEKEND!!! - Earthdog Practice and Membership Meeting - September 12, 2010

2010-09-04T11:41:00.000-04:00

Rivanna River Earthdog Club will hold a practice day on Sunday, September 12, at Twin Springs Farm in Palmyra.

Introduction to Quarry practice and Junior Earthdog practice will begin at 9:00 a.m. and signup sheets will be available at 8:30.
Senior Earthdog practice will follow at approximately 10:30. Club members will be leading the training.
Cost is $5 per dog for club members and $10 per dog for nonmembers.

A club meeting will be held after practice concludes or at approximately noon. This is a general membership meeting, not a Board meeting, so everyone please come! We will make plans for the fall test on November 13 & 14, and volunteer signup sheets will be available. Bring donations for the raffle at the test – contributions to please both humans and dogs are welcome, so wine and collars are both appropriate.

Club members will be cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. If you like, please bring a side or dessert, as well as your own drinks.

Finally, please consider bringing some dog food or a dog item such as a leash or collar for the local animal shelter. The Club has made contributions in the past, and the shelter has been very appreciative. Budgets are so tight in local government these days, and we’d like to help if we can.

Earthdog Trial - Carolina Terrier Association November 6 & 7

2010-09-04T11:31:00.002-04:00

Download the premium for the Carolina Terrier Assocation's Earthdog Trial on November 6 and 7, 2010. Click here to download the premium.

Also note there will be a party on Saturday night on site with live music and local barbecue. It will be a great time to get together with friends and share your earthdog experiences. There is no charge, but donations for the dinner will be graciously accepted. Everyone is invited.

To help gauge what will be needed for the barbecue, please RSVP your intentions to Test chairman Steve Watson at wirescott@charter.net.

Visit their website: http://www.carolinaterrierassociation.org
Follow their blog: http://cterrierassociation.blogspot.com

Beautiful Weekend for Earthdog - 2010 Spring Trial

2010-05-08T14:36:00.009-04:00

Rivanna River Earthdog Club held its third AKC Earthdog event last weekend. As ever, the weather was lovely (although hotter than usual) and attendees came from all over the region. Many spent the weekend on the farm camping on the well kept grounds and enjoyed the catering of Coldwater Grill for breakfast lunch and dinner and the many activities surrounding the trial.

Friday kicked off the weekend with run-thrus at noon followed by the region's only Super Earthdog event and a potluck dinner and campfire. It was a late evening as campers gathered to reunite with old friends. Saturday was filled with activity starting early with the Master's draw for braces soon followed by IQ, JE and SE. Judges were Mary Oppermann, Steve Watson, Camilla Moon, Paul Emanuelson and Pat Rock.

Classes wrapped up by 2:00 followed by awards under the big tent and a second opportunity for Super Earthdog. With 30 entries in Super Earthdog between both days, the winner and new record holder is Shirley Thomas's Ranger, a tall but tenacious dachshund whose name will be added to the club shovel for posterity. The new RREC Super Earthdog record is now a miraculous 16 seconds! The evening was filled with barbeque, s'mores, grooming, biking, conversation and general bustle. There was even talk of plans for the fall trial.

Sunday as always was much less chaotic with all classes running and many titles won. the day closed out early with everything packed up and everyone heading home by 3:00.

Many thanks go to:

Gail Warnick - Trial Chairman
Bob Hechtman - Trial Secretary
Denise Lodge - Chief Steward and Treasurer
Julie Morrison-Frickert - Raffles and Auctions
Shirley Thomas - Raffles and Cleanup
Betsy Kirkpatrick - T-shirts, Hats and Aide to Trial Secretary
Kaye Jones - Registration
Stewards - Mary Ellen Moehler, Anne Cilley, Helen McKann, Kaye Jones, Cindy Peebles, Karen Emanuelson, Paul Emanuelson
Ed Bear - Super Earthdog
and our Judges

Getting Ready for 2010

2010-04-29T16:23:00.001-04:00

A club workday and practice were held on Sunday April 26 to prepare the farm and members for the upcoming trial. As usual, the foxes had camped out in the Super Earthdog tunnels. Bob Hecthman rebuilt some of the rat boxes and adjusted the posts for a more consistent size across the farm and Bobby helped to reinsert them into the dens. With the dramatic storms of last winter, there were trees and branches all over - plenty to supply campfires at the upcoming trial!

Practice was held in the afternoon for IQ, JE and SE. Interestingly enough the cows were fascinated by Gail and IQ tunnels (we think they were just hungry!)

And here is some video of said same cows following us through the fields as we searched the farm for the right size rocks to plug up holes dug up by wildlife in the dens.

RREC Spring Earthdog Trial May 1 & 2

2010-02-10T11:54:00.012-05:00

More Details...
Rivanna River Earthdog Club will hold its spring 2010 AKC Earthdog Trial on May 1st and 2nd. In addition to the two day test, we will have another SuperEarth competition, practice in our training area, camping, dinner, raffles, t-shirt sales and the enjoyment of the company of other terriers and their people! See the flyer below for more information. (Vendors welcome with notification and a donation to the raffle.)

Click here to download the premium >
Click here to download the flyer for weekend events >

Click here to signup for the Friday Potluck >

There will be a farm workday and practice on April 25!
The workday will begin at 8:00 am with a variety of projects including inspect/repair tunnels, put repaired rat boxes back in ground, clean up brush and debris from winter storms around the dens or on the trial out to the masters den.

Practice will begin at Noon. $5 for members and any pending members (including those who join on that day) and $10 for nonmembers. All charges are per dog.

Click here for Carolina Terriers Association Earthdog Trial....

April 17 & 18 - Carolina Terrier Association's Earthdog Trial

2010-01-18T22:54:00.007-05:00

Download the premium for the Carolina Terrier Assocation's Earthdog Trial on April 17 and 18, 2010. Please note that there will be three trials held on these two days: Two on Saturday and one on Sunday.

Also note there will be a party on Saturday night on site with live music and local barbecue. It will be a great time to get together with friends and share your earthdog experiences. There is no charge, but donations for the dinner will be graciously accepted. Everyone is invited.

To help gauge what will be needed for the barbecue, please RSVP your intentions to Test chairman Steve Watson at wirescott@charter.net

Please send your completed premiums to:

Pat Matsuo
6711 Galaxie Road
Richmond VA 23228
luvmyrussells@gmail.com

Spring 2010 AKC Trial Approved

2009-12-30T22:47:00.004-05:00

This just in from Bob Hechtman and Gail Warnick, our spring earthdog test has been approved for May 1 & 2, 2010! Planning for club meetings to prepare and to schedule spring practices is underway.

A Special Member Thank You

2009-12-01T13:29:00.002-05:00

To all: Thank you so much for your concern and help when the battery to the van ran down. From offers to spend the night, calling AAA, help with looking at and jumping the battery to warming pads to keep me warm (I slept in the van over the Earthdog weekend). The hospitality and friendliness of this club is amazing. And, the joy shared with our dogs, whether they titled or not, is wonderful. The event was well run and what makes this club great; we are so fortunate to have such a wonderful host in Mr. Bear and such a beautiful venue to share...I had invited a friend who met me there, and she is hooked, cannot wait until the next event and very interested in becoming a member.

Thank you again,

Darlene Simpson

(Cairn Terriers)

Photos from the November 7-8, 2009 Test

2009-11-15T18:48:00.003-05:00

Plenty of photos were taken at the Test last week.
Below is a slide show of pictures from members.

(Don't forget our flickr group for posting photos!)

And a link to Mike Pugh's more professional shots!
www.mikepughphotography.lifepics.com
Click on this link and then choose Earth Dog Event
11-4 - 11-6-2009.

Perfect Weather for Fall AKC Earthdog Test!

2009-11-10T18:58:00.003-05:00

RREC's first fall earthdog test was a resounding success due in large part to the perfect fall weather! With 135 entries for the weekend, record membership attendance, SuperEarth, a Potluck dinner and terrific judges, Sunday attendance increased as word got out. There were 8 raffle baskets each day, t-shirt and sweatshirt sales, 18 gate and rat stewards, and volunteers to assist the trial secretary both days. A large group of volunteers helped to clear the dens on Friday prior to the events and the site was decamped and cleared of all visitors by 4pm Sunday.

The new Golden Shovel winner in both days of SuperEarth was Barron, a dachshund with a time of 31 seconds! Barron is a first timer and a thinker so let his nose lead him and will have his name engraved and added to the club golden shovel trophy. 4 other dogs came within 2 seconds of the winning time, and there were 13 qualifiers who received their gold shovel pins both Friday and Saturday.

The weekend was followed by a quick board meeting to determine the winter schedule in preparation for a March Annual Membership Meeting and the Spring Earthdog Test.
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Training & Preparing for our Fall Earthdog Test

2009-10-18T13:22:00.009-04:00

The weather was windy, chilly and started out sunny but ended with clouds and the threat of rain. The quintessential fall day! Perfect for practicing for the club's fall earthdog test! There were about 20 attendees and 30 dogs in attendance including a number of new families. Training was held for IQ, Junior and Senior classes and despite the rain in other areas of Virginia, the site was clear of mud and water.

Prior to the training, a board meeting was held to continue last minute preparations for the Earthdog Test on November 7 and 8, and the dens for IQ, Junior and Senior were surveyed for any potential issues which need to be addressed prior to the test. Unfortunately, the groundhog continues to plague the Junior tunnels, and the fox that was in the Superearth last year appears to have moved into the Senior tunnels. We will need several volunteers to arrive early on Friday morning November 6 to help dig up the tunnels and clear them. The IQ tunnel was fine with the exception of a small field mouse that was doing laps in the rat box! He managed a quick escape.

October Training Day Photos

2009-10-17T15:48:00.003-04:00

Links to all the photos: http://www.flickr.com/groups/rrec/

Training Day - October 17 @ 10:30 am

2009-09-27T10:36:00.005-04:00

If you missed out on the fun at our September training day, or if you want to brush up on skills prior to our November Earthdog Test, the club will hold another training day on Saturday, October 17 at 10:30 am. Signup sheets will be available at the entrance to the training area.

The cost will be $5 per dog for members and $7 for nonmembers. Come for a fun day of training and talking. Bring your own lunch, drinks and shade. Hope to see you there!

September Club Training Day

2009-09-14T23:43:00.005-04:00

Saturday, September 12 RREC held a training day at Twin Springs Farm. The day started with a brace up to the masters den early and continued in the practice area working on IQ, Junior and Senior with 25 dogs included several new people!

If you missed out on the fun last weekend, the club will hold another training day on Saturday, October 17. Signup sheets will be available at the entrance to the training area. The cost will be $5 per dog for members and $7 for nonmembers.

Come for a fun day of training and talking. Bring your own lunch, drinks and shade. Hope to see you there!

Earthdog Preumium Available for Fall Test

2009-09-10T10:06:00.006-04:00

The Rivanna River Earthdog Club will be hosting it's first fall earthdog test on November 7 and 8, 2009. Here is the premium and a flyer with additional information about other activities that will be taking place throughout the weekend.

Premium: http://www.datafilehost.com/download-2eab1c60.html
Flyer: (to come)

Robert Hechtman will be the Trial Secretary. If you need further information, or need copies of the premium snail-mailed to you, please contact him at bhechtman@worldnet.att.net. The Trial Chairman is Gail Warnick and she can be reached at woodberrybt@comcast.net.

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The club will hold 2 training days prior to the test. The first will be Saturday, September 12. The second will be Saturday, October 17. Fees will be $5 for members, $7 for non-members.

The test will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8, 2009. Camping will be available on site. For those who can arrive early on Friday, November 6, the club will be holding a farm cleanup at 10:00 am to clear dens and pathways, setup tents and tables, and generally prepare for the weekend. At 3:00pm on Friday a SuperEarth event will be held for everyone at $5 a run followed by a potluck dinner. SuperEarth will be held a second time on Saturday a half hour after the close of the test. Meals will be provided by Clearwater Catering and must be pre-ordered. A la carte refreshments will be offered for sale on site.

For details, please refer to the premium and flyer.

NOTE: Club members willing to work at the trial should contact Denise Lodge at dsparhawk@yahoo.com. Gate stewards are needed for both days for all classes.
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Training Day - September 12

2009-09-04T20:27:00.003-04:00

A club training day will be held on Saturday September 12 at 10:00 am at Twin Springs Farm. It will be $5 for members and $7 for non-members. A members only training for Masters will be held at 9:0o am. This is a great opportunity to bring your dog out to prepare for our upcoming Eartdog Test on November 7-8!

August 22 @ 11am - Club Meeting

2009-08-09T20:32:00.004-04:00

The Rivanna River Earthdog Club will meet on Saturday, August 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Twin Springs Farm in Palmyra.

The fall test, scheduled for November 7 & 8 at Twin Springs, will be the primary topic of discussion. This event has been approved by the AKC, and the next step is to share out the tasks and responsibilities. There is much to discuss, and all members are encouraged to attend and be a part of the preparation for the event. A potluck will follow. We look forward to seeing you on August 22! Board members: A reminder that the Board will meet at 10:30 before the general membership meeting.

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Summer Meeting Yields Plan for Fall Test

2009-06-13T21:14:00.005-04:00

A pleasant day was had by all Saturday, June 13. The club meeting was kicked off with the announcement of new board members, a financial report on the spring earthdog test, and voting in of a number of new members: Kaye and Richard Jones, Betsy Kirkpatrick, Mary Ellen Moehler and Cindy Peebles. Discussion focused on plans for the fall earthdog test being planned for the weekend of November 7 and 8. The club agreed to purchase a water pump for times when water pools in the dens and a set of walkie talkies for better coordination across the farm.

Volunteers are being asked for participation on the test committee. Gail Warnick is the event chair and the first of the 5 committee members required by AKC. Members wishing to be on the committee, please contact Gail Warnick. We will need more participation by members in the planning and running of our next test. All members will be required to participate in some aspect of planning, preparing, or running of the fall test. The club made the decision to forgo a Friday practice at the fall test due to the early sunset, and will hold the SuperEarth event earlier in the afternoon. Donations are still being requested for the raffle and silent auction as they were big fund raisers for the club and loads of fun for attendees.

The club meeting was adjourned and followed by a potluck luncheon and earthdog practice in the training area of the farm. With a cool breeze and an occassional peak of blue sky, Paul, Gail, Camilla and Helen all assisted in running a relaxing practice. The next club meeting and training will be held in September.

Event Photography by Theresa White

2009-05-25T19:46:00.001-04:00

If you remember our eartdog test back in April, you will remember a very friendly photographer taking photos at practice the day before. That's Theresa White and she is sharing her photos with the club (for use on the website only.) She can be reached at (434) 981-2698 or by email at photosbytheresa@yahoo.com.

Autumn Earthdog Test Planning Meeting

2009-05-14T16:18:00.004-04:00

CORRECTION: This meeting will be Saturday June 13th.

We will have a club meeting -- at Twin Spring Farm-- on Sunday June 7th. The meeting will be at 11:00, and after lunch Brenda will run a training session just for members.

The primary purpose of the meeting will be to sort out the details of who does what for our Autumn test. To that end, Gail has agreed to be Test Chair and has been confirmed in that position by the Board. The other members of the test committee are: Paul, Brenda, Mark, and Denise. We will assign duties to other members at the meeting. Prior to the meeting the Board will meet, but we'll need a few willing hands to arrive early to break-out and set up the tent.

We Must Be Official - AKC Write-Up and Other Links

2009-05-01T12:45:00.007-04:00

I have a few fun links for everyone. First, the AKC representative who was at our trial did a very nice write-up on our events along with photos:
http://www.akc.org/events/earthdog/rivanna_river/2009/

You may have seen some photographers over the weekend...well, they have posted photos of our events to their site if you are interested:
http://mikepughphotography.lifepics.com/net/Pro/Default.aspx

And also links so everyone can post photos and videos to our website:
http://www.flickr.com and http://www.youtube.com

And links to the videos captured on day two of the test:
Intro to Quarry - Results (M.A. Klein)
Junior Earthdog - Results (Sally Yancey)
Senior Earthdog - Results (Susan Chapman)
Master Earthdog - Results (Russ Wischover)
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Friends of the Club, Spring 2009

2009-04-30T10:39:00.000-04:00

The following list of organizations have donated the listed items to RREC for use in the Raffle, Gift Bags and other Club fund raisers:

Dogwise Dog Books
3 dog books
Kingsbrook Animal Hospital
Frontline and Furminatior
Cleanerwiener Soap Company
Soap samples and bottle cap paw
print necklaces
Carol Skaggs
donated birthday gift basket in
honor of Kathie's rescue Amelia

Weruva Dog Food
(6 cans of Paw Lickin Chicken)

J & J Dog Supplies
(2 braided leather leashes)

Dogswell
(two bags of treats and dry food)

Poopbags.com
4 boxes each of 50 biodegradable bags
Coastal Pet Products
(leashes, toys, brushes, small
aluminum dog bowl)
Prisoners of Greed
and ihelppets.com
(1 dog bed)
Furminator Company
(small deshedding tool, treats, and
waterless shampoo and conditioner)
Cloud Star Products
(100 Buddy Biscuits and Stickers)
Wagatha's
(Coffee mug and treats)
Front PorchPets
(Sam's Yam's Treats)
The Magic Zoo
(Pewter rat pin)
Wood Chuck Cider
(T-shirts, beer mug, etc)
Best Friends Society
(Hat, books, canvas bag)
Pierce's Barbecue
(Bottles of sauce)
Flexi USA
(Leashes, collars, toys, poop bags)
Newman's Own
(Free dog/people food coupons)
Humane Society
(Stop Puppy Mills T-shirt)
Red Barn
(Dog treats)
Wiener Tales
(Gift certificate for $20)
Canine Fund Raising Group
(3 containers fancy dog treats)
Dogpoopbags.com
(Poop bags)
Charlee Bear
(12 bags treats)
Chimpfeet
(2 toys)
Doggies Unlimited
(Mix for treats and dog food, dog towels)
Himalayan
(Dog chews)
VIP Products
(4 Tuffy Toys)
Rachel Ray
(40 coupons for free dog food and treats)
3 Dachshunds Beer
(6 T-shirts)
Lupine
(2 leashes and matching collars)
Natural Balance Dog Food
(175 samples of dry food)
Merrick Dog Products
(Basket filled with chews)
Gourmet Gift Baskets
($20 gift certificate)
Blue Dog Bakery
(4 boxes of treats)
Naturvet
(Glucosamine DS60)
Wysong Corporation
(Dog and cat food samples, specialty soaps)
Aspen Pet Products
(Toys, Booda Chews and misc. up to $200)
What's Up Dox Dachshund Shoppe, LLC
(Canvas bag, socks, Bark Bar dog treat)

Thanks to Kathie Helmkamp for contacting and collecting donations for the club.

Video of the Two Days Before the Earthdog Test

2009-04-28T20:28:00.004-04:00

I'm posting video's as I get them completed, so they are a bit out of order! Here is video of the two days leading up to the Earthdog Test, including setting up the tent, unloading tables, checking the dens, setting up signs, and making sure we had all the right supplies. Also included are Friday's activities which included practice and SuperEarth!

Our First Earthdog Test - Great Success

2009-04-27T20:15:00.006-04:00

Our first ever AKC Earthdog Test as a club was almost perfect! With the alignment of beautiful weather, great company, and the perfect site, over 200 entries ran smoothly wrapping up by 1:00pm both days.

The weekend started with practice run thrus on Friday which lasted almost 6 hours followed by SuperEarth fun with Ed Bear and a pot luck dinner under the tent. Many attendees camped on the farms beautiful hilltop field. Saturday's test started at 8:00am with the drawing for Masters braces and was wrapped up by 1:00pm with lunch and most people heading out to take a nap before the evenings festivities. The temperature reached 95 degrees both Saturday and Sunday but the evening breeze helped cool things down. Saturday evening was the catered dinner under the tent along with the raffle, prizes and a silent auction. Sunday's test was even more efficient lending us time to all gather under the tent for lunch, awards and gifts for the judges. Most attendees were on the road by 3pm!

Stories, comments and other feedback welcome! I would love to post people's comments and photos so please send them to me: dsparhawk@yahoo.com.
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A Job Worth Doing is a Job Well Done

2009-04-27T17:01:00.016-04:00

A great big thanks to everyone who assisted in this weekend's Earthdog Test, club members and non-members alike!

Steve and Brenda Wientraub for all their hard work in planning and coordinating the events
Ed Bear for continuing to share his lovely farm with us and hosting the SuperEarth challenge
Our wonderful judges M.A. Klein, Russ Wischover, Susan Chapman, and Sally Yancey
Bob Hechtman for being a superb Trial Secretary and his special ability to remain calm and methodical despite the insanity that inevitably ensues the first morning of the test!
Mark and Kathie Helmkamp for soliciting donations, handling the meal signups, t-shirt sales, raffles, auctions, and gift awards as well as driving the ATV back and forth from masters and their help in setup and tear down (whew!)

Mary Frances Davis for her support across all activities and as a stand in for anyone who needed help
Paul Emanuelson, Russ Bransford, Ceci LaViolette, Steve and Brenda Weintraub, Mark and Kathie Helmkamp, and Denise Lodge for helping to clean up and prepare the farm the week before (including a lot of digging, sawing and tunnel clearing)
The same crew for coming on Thursday to set up the tent, unload tables and setup for Friday's activities
Shirley Thomas and the rest of the cleanup crew who set up trash and recycle stations around the site and despite the heat, was diligent about keeping the site clear of trash making Sunday cleanup a lot easier!
Steve Weintraub who always remembered to take care of lunches even when everyone else was too busy
Denise Lodge and Gail Warnick for stewarding the gate for the 6 hour practice held on Friday
Brenda Weintraub and M.A. Klien for conducting the practice sessions in the sun and heat (and Pat Rock for stepping in to help out at the end)
Stewards which included Denise Lodge, Julie Morrison-Frickert, Mary Frances Davis, Joanne Gilden, Anne Cilley, Ceci LaViolette, Ruth and Russell Bransford, Gail Warnick, Paul Emanualson, Mark Helmkamp, Christine Albro, and especially Cookie Nee who sat out at the Masters den both days
Helen McKann, Pat Rock, Dianne Kostic, Ray Gilden, Kitty Johnson and anyone else who may have supported the many activities that made the weekend a great success
And of course all those who donated goods for the auction, the raffles baskets and the judge's gifts!

A Super Day for SuperEarth

2009-04-24T23:15:00.006-04:00

Our club's first trial started out with a gorgeous summer day which looks to be the first of several! We held a practice starting at 11:00 am which ran until almost 5:00pm due to the overwhelming attendance (over 90 dogs had a practice run with MA Klein or Brenda Weintraub.) Thanks to everyone's patience in waiting and to those who helped keep things running.

At 4:00pm, Ed Bear introduced attendees to the SuperEarth concept with a diagram of the site and a briefing on the rules. Ed's dog Diesel still holds the record time, but has not run SuperEarth in two years. 35 dogs had a blast trying to figure out the SuperEarth challenge, but only 4 were able to make it under time and win their shovel pins: Lynn Hull's Nigel, Julie Morrison-Frickert's Earnie, Sally Yancy's Scamp and Maj Kerr's Angel. Nigel won this years Golden Shovel with a time of 1:14.5.

Watch Video of Ed's Briefing on SuperEarth:

Join Us This Coming Weekend!

2009-04-19T12:19:00.018-04:00

Schedule of Events:
Thursday -- Setup and Camping Check in
Friday -- 11 am - 3 pm Practice, 5 pm SuperEarth
Saturday -- 8:30 am Earthdog Test, 5 pm Dinner
Sunday -- 8:30 am Earthdog Test

Event includes a Silent Auction, 2 Day Raffles, Camping,
Barbecue Dinner, Prizes and of course Awards!

Note: If you are coming to the tests and want to order sandwiches for lunch on Sat. and Sun. please sign up before 9:00 a.m. each day. The sign up sheets with the sandwich selections will be on Kathie Helmkamps table under our tent. The sandwiches are $5.00 each and will include chips and a pickle spear. The club will provide bottled water.
________________________________________________________

Yesterday's workday at the farm was a great success. With the help of Paul, Mark, Steve, Russ and Bob (the official diggers of the day) and Kathie, Ceci, and Denise all led by Brenda of course, we were able to repair the junior, senior and superearth dens in preparation for our first official AKC Earthdog Test next weekend.

In about 4 hours, the team cleared and dug each of the den locations and cleared the mile long trek out to the masters den (over the creek and through the woods!) We were also able to set up fencing for the practice dens so we can run a more efficient and time effective practice session on Friday. If anyone plans to arrive on Thursday, your help is welcome to relay and bury the junior, senior and superearth dens as well as setup the tent.

To date we have about 135 entries over the two days of tests, but expect that number to increase with day-of-trial entries. So far the forecast is clear and sunny and we are looking forward to a fun filled weekend!
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Farm Work Day: Saturday, April 18, 2009

2009-04-10T09:59:00.009-04:00

Everyone remember that we need people to help out in preparing the farm for our upcoming Earthdog Test. Foxes and groundhogs have destroyed the tunnels and redigging and relaying is essential. We will need 4 teams of people, one team each for JE, SE and SuperEarth as well as a team to go out to the Masters walkup and clear trees and branches.

Plan on arriving at 10:00 a.m. and working till we are finished. This will all go faster and require less work by individuals if we have a large group in attendance to help out!

Earthdog Fun!

2009-03-31T19:11:00.006-04:00

The club held a successful practice last Sunday, March 29. With a huge turnout of new people and their dogs along with the usual club turnout, the day was long! Brenda, Gail and Denise conducted the training and practices, while Kathie helped to collect funds and meet and greet the new folks.

The day looked to be a long and rainy one which started out with heavy fog and rolling dark clouds. But as the wind picked up the day grew sunny and bright, and warm. It was the perfect day to e outside enjoying the company of good friends and our wonderful dogs. There were over 50 dogs that ran that day, most of whom needed above ground training with Brenda. Brenda worked from 10am to 3pm and made sure she spent time with everyone - what a great ambassador to our club! Hopefully the outcome of the day will be many new members and additional turnout at our Test in April. Remember: Work day on the Farm is April 18.

Now for a video of all the happenings to make those of you who didn't come out jealous!

Don't Forget!

2009-03-27T16:48:00.004-04:00

Practice March 29
Practice will be held at 10:00am at the farm in the fenced practice area!

Club Work Day April 18
There is a planned work day on the club grounds at Twin Spring Farm. Ground hogs have taken over all the tunnels including JE, Se and Superearth. We will need to take the dens apart to fill groundhog holes. In addition, the area near the Masters den will need to be checked and limbs cleared from the walkup that may have accumulated over the winter.

Camping and Barbeque Dinner April 23 - 26
You will need to get your forms and payment mailed in if you plan to attend the dinner at the earthdog test in April in order to reserve your space!

Earthdog Test and Events April 24 - 26
Help get the word out that this Earthdog Test will be like no other! We would like a great turnout for this event since we have so many great events and of course the more the merrier!

RREC T-Shirts - Order Now!

2009-03-22T08:59:00.001-04:00

We will be ordering RREC logo T-shirts this coming week. Members should let Brenda know if you want a shirt and what size and color. Color choice will be between light yellow and sand. The logo will be on the front of the shirt. If you don't order one we won't be able to guarantee color or size as we will only order a limited number of shirts for sale at the test!

REMINDER: Practice is being held on the 29th of March (that's next Sunday!) starting at 10:00 a.m. A $5.00 donation to the club is asked for per dog.

Earthdog Practice: March 29, 2009

2009-03-18T11:31:00.001-04:00

The Rivanna River Earthdog Club will hold tunnel practice in our IQ, JE, and SE practice tunnels Sunday, March 29th, starting at 10:00 a.m.

IQ and JE will start first followed by SE. If you are coming just for SE I shouldn't think you'll have to be there before noon. This will be the only practice we will be having before our test.

On Friday, April 24th, which is the day before our test we will be holding run throughs. The flyer which was attached to our premium states starting time is at 11:00 a.m. but since quite a few of our members will be camping on the grounds and want to have a run though I thought we could get started early.

Also, don't forget that our workday is scheduled on Saturday, April 18th. The groundhogs have made a mess of our JE, SE and "SuperEarth" tunnels. They will have to be filled in and put back together. The walkups for Masters need clearing. There are some down limbs that need to be cleared away. If you didn't sign up for this workday but want to come, please do, we can use all the help we can get. More will be sent on this later, along with the time to meet.

If you have any questions please email me.

Thanks,

Brenda Weintraub
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Minutes of RREC Meeting, February 21, 2009

2009-03-18T10:52:00.001-04:00

The Rivanna River Earthdog Club held its annual meeting on February 21, 2009 at the Laurel Ridge Golf Club. President Steve Weintraub opened the meeting by reading the AKC letter of approval for RREC to hold earthdog trials. He expressed thanks to Brenda and others who worked so hard to complete the extensive application.

Steve asked for a volunteer to serve as archivist and begin a scrapbook of Club activities. Jill Blake volunteered.

Steve thanked those who have served as officers and Board members for the past two years. He reviewed the slate of officers that was announced at the last meeting.

President, Steve Weinbraub
Vice President, Paul Emanuelson
Secretary, Helen McKann
Treasurer, Kathie Helmkamp
Membership Secretary, Shirley Thomas
Denise Lodge and Gail Warnick will join the Board of Directors.

The Club voted to accept this slate of officers.

Steve reminded members that to comply with AKC regulations, RREC will hold six meetings a year. The next meeting will be held in April in conjunction with the test.

Brenda reported on plans for the April 26 and 27 Earthdog Test:

Very important: all members need to volunteer and be alert to help out as needed during tests.
Also important: All activities, including PortaPotties, will be located in front field. All participants, human and canine, should only be in the front field unless they are wearing a RREC name tag.
Brenda distributed estimates of costs and revenue for the test.
Kathy has done a great job of collecting items for the basket raffle. Thanks to everyone who has donated.
Gifts for judges: Club voted to have Brenda purchase baskets of Virginia products. Pat Rock offered to donate jewelry.
Should small gift bags be given to those who win ribbons?
Club members should wear name tags (will be provided) during tests.
We have enough ribbons for two tests.
Kathie Helmkamp will staff an Information table under the tent on Saturday and Sunday.
Mark Helmkamp agreed to direct parking.
Western Pennsylvania Earthdog Club has advertised this event and some members are expected to come.

Schedule for the event:

Thursday morning Brenda arrives at Twin Springs.
Thursday evening open for camping.
Friday morning M.A. Klein and Susan Chapman, judges, arrive. Practice will begin at 10:00.
Friday afternoon SuperEarth signup begins at 4:00 and tickets will be given out. SuperEarth begins at 5:00.
Saturday Earthdog test. Catered meal in evening. Tickets will be given out.
Sunday Earthdog test.

Steve noted that the club was started as a dog training club. If anyone has an interest in pursuing activities in dog training, please contact Steve.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Helen McKann
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Volunteers for Masters Rat Steward?

2009-03-05T17:47:00.001-05:00

Based on the sign ups for trial committees at the annual meeting, all slots for stewards are filled with the exception of rat steward for Masters. I am sending a plea for volunteers! I realize its not fun being out in the woods alone for an entire morning, but I would be eternally grateful for anyone who can do this for at least one day (either Saturday OR Sunday.)

Thank you!
-Denise Lodge
(Chief Steward)
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Earthdog Test Premium Available

2009-02-12T13:56:00.002-05:00

The Rivanna River Dog Club will be hosting it's first earthdog test on April 25 and 26, 2009. Here is the premium and a flyer with additional information about other activities that will be taking place.

Premium: http://www.datafilehost.com/download-fd6610bf.html
Flyer:http://www.datafilehost.com/download-47bbd08c.html

Robert Hechtman will be the Trial Secretary. If you need further information, or need copies of the premium snail-mailed to you, please contact him at bhechtman@worldnet.att.net. The Trial Chairman is Brenda Weintraub and she can be reached at feldsparfm@hotmail.com.

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Sanctioned Earthdog Tests, SuperEarth, Practice and Picnic -- April 25 & 26, 2009

2009-02-06T17:44:00.001-05:00

The Rivanna River Earthdog Club will be hosting its first AKC sanctioned earthdog tests April 25 & 26, 2009 at Twin Springs Farm, Palmyra, Va.. We are still waiting for official approval from AKC but we should hear in the next few days. Brenda Weintraub has talked to Performance Events in Raleigh and there should be no problem. The premium will be put on this site as soon as we get the go ahead.

Here are the activities that are being held
in addition to earthdog:

Friday, April 24th, M.A. Klein (one of our judges) and Brenda Weintraub will be on hand from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our fenced in practice site to assist those whose dogs need a little extra tune up. There are practice tunnels for IQ, JE, and SE. No pre-sign up is necessary. Sign up for this will be day of under the tent. A fee of $5.00 per dog will be charged. These practice tunnels will not be used at the Earthdog test and are of a different configuration.

Friday,evening at 5:00 p.m. we will be having "SuperEarth" competition. For those of you that have never participated in a "SuperEarth" event you and your dog are in for a real fun time. "SuperEarth" is a timed event in a complicated underground series of tunnels with multiple exits and rats at the center. A scent line is placed leading directly to the rats. Dogs are released at the entrance and have two minutes to reach the rats. Handlers are allowed to give multiple commands. The dogs that reach the rats in two minutes or less will receive a "shovel" lapel pin. The handler whose dog reaches the rats in the fastest time will have bragging rights and will be awarded a "genuine fake gold" shovel! Sign up will be under the tent, starting at 3:00 p.m. Friday. A fee of $5.00 per dog will be charged.

Saturday evening at 5:00 p.m. there will be a catered picnic under the club tent. The picnic will include pulled port barbecue on a bun with coleslaw and fried chicken. There will be potato salad, baked beans, potato chips, homemade cookies, soda and bottled water. The cost for the picnic is $15.00 per person which must be paid advanced. In order for the caterer to provide enough food we must have your reservation no later than April 18th. Please enclose a check with your entry. If you are not planning to pre-register, a meal cannot be guaranteed unless you notify Brenda Weintraub at feldsparfm@hotmail.com to ensure a meal is reserved for you.

___________________________________

There will be sign-up sheets at the Annual Meeting on February 21, 2009. All members are expected to signup and own responsibilities associated with the upcoming Test Events.

If you can not come to the meeting, please email Brenda Weintraub at feldsparfm@hotmail.com to volunteer for a job. There is a lot to do to put on this test and it will take all of our members to make it successful. Here are some of the activities we will need members to take care of:

Saturday - April 18, 2009

Work Day at the club grounds. Groundhogs have taken over JE, SE, and "SuperEarth".
Will need people to take dens apart and fill groundhog holes.
Will need another crew of workers at the ME area to check the dens and remove limbs, etc. that have fallen over the winter on the two walkups.
Plan on arriving at 10:00 a.m. and working till we are finished.

Thursday - April 23, 2009

Arrive by noon to set tent up. Place trash containers around area.
Re-check all den sites to make sure groundhogs have not come back.
P.M. - Person to check campers in and make sure camping fee has been paid.

Friday - April 24, 2009

Committee Chairman to make sure trash bags are replaced when needed on Sat. and Sun.
Someone to take money for practice. Practice starts at 11:00 so person should be there by 10:00.
Someone to take money for "SuperEarth". "SuperEarth" starts at 5:00 so should be under tent to collect money by 4:00.
Someone to drive Susan Chapman, one of our judges, back to Best Western.
Will also need someone to bring her on Saturday morning, take her back Sat. night and repeat on Sunday morning.

Saturday - April 25, 2009

Stewards, 4 gate, 2 rat, for both Sat. and Sun.
Back-up ATV driver to relieve Mark Helmkamp if needed.
8:00 A.M.: Take lunch order from judges and any of our working crew that wants to order lunch.
Call order in and collect money and pick up lunches at 11:00 a.m..
3:00 P.M.: Set up tables and chairs for meal under the tent.
Take tables and chairs down, clean up area after meal.

Sunday - April 26, 2009

8:00 A.M.: Take lunch order, see Saturday.
Completion of tests - take tent down.
Crew to walk grounds to make sure all trash is picked up.
Remove trash bags.

Club Receives AKC Approval!

2009-01-30T16:38:00.001-05:00

The Rivanna River Earthdog Club has received a "go ahead" to hold an AKC sanctioned Earthdog Test.

Please keep in mind the meeting that will be held on Saturday, February 21. Brenda would like to remind everyone that the planning of this event will be key at this meeting and it is important that everyone be involved to make this, our first earthdog test, successful. If you are not present, it is likely a job will be assigned to you.

Additionally, Kathie Helmkamp is putting together the raffle for the Earthdog test to raise money for the club. Please remember to bring the items you have promised for the raffle basket. If you haven't donated yet, please consider anything that you may have just lying around that may be of interest. Raffles always seem to be a big hit and a great moneymaker for events like this. Kathie could also use baskets, or anything that would hold various items, like hat type boxes or any interesting containers. Just be creative.

Any questions for Brenda, email her at feldsparfm@hotmail.com.
Questions for Kathie, email her at kampertwo@yahoo.com.
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Annual Meeting

2009-01-25T20:24:00.001-05:00

Club Members:

Steve has arranged to have our annual meeting at the Laural Ridge Golf Club, where we've had the previous two annual meetings.

The Golf Club will not provide food but can provide drinks (beer and soft drinks). Steve and Brenda will purchase a sandwich/salad plate, as well as paper plates, for roughly 20-25 people, at COSCO or Martins. The Board has decided that the Club will reimburse them for the the food bill.

The meeting will be Saturday, February 21, with lunch at 12:00 pm followed by the meeting.

Please let Steve know at least a week in advance if you will be attending so he will have an accurate head count for lunch.

Club membership dues are also due by the next meeting.

Directions:
If you are on Route 15 on the way to Ed's just before the town of Palmyra, on the right side there is a sign "Laural Ridge Golf Club". Turn in there and the pro shop (on your left) is where we will meet. If on Route 15 you come to the fire station you've gone too far. (If anyone wants to expand these directions, please do so!)
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Minutes of RREC Meeting, December 7, 2008

2009-01-25T20:19:00.001-05:00

Steve reported on the licensing issues from the AKC and read the letter he received from the AKC in November 25, 2008. It was the second letter he had received from the AKC regarding recognition to hold AKC earthdog test and becoming a recognized Earthdog club.

It appears that it would be the end of January before the club was approved, but it looks like we are still on track for having the Earthdog test in May.

Brenda noted that we are not allowed to advertise for the test until the club was recognized and the test was approved by the AKC. Steve said that it was the Performance Event dept that approved the events, which was separate from the AKC department in NY that provides club recognition for affiliation with the AKC.

Brenda said pending approval the judges would be:

SE/ME Russ Wichover
IQ/ME MA Kline
IQ/JE Sally Yancy
JE/SE Susan Chapman

The judge’s slate was approved by the club.

The expenses that we may incur are somewhat questionable at this time. Brenda suggested that we need to consider Judges gifts.

The thought was to have a SuperEarth event on Friday night before the earthdog event. Thursday night would be open for camping. Friday day could be a practice day, and Saturday if time permits.

Brenda checked into a caterer for Saturday night. La Cucina Classica Catering could provide: BBQ sandwiches, Baked Beans, Potato Chips, & Drink for $9.99 per person Or add fried chicken for an addition $12.99.

Brenda asked for a vote on the menu and the club unanimously voted to have the higher price menu with the additional choices.

Brenda noted that the IQ practice tunnel is in need of repair and inconvenient as far as location so the practice IQ tunnel will be placed closer the house. The repair could be done by Bobby, Ed’s ground person, for about $300/400 for material and labor. This was approved by the club.

Kathie Helmkamp suggested baskets for raffle purposes, and stated that anyone could donate for the raffle items. This can be discussed further at the February meeting.

The February meeting will be held on Saturday, February 21. At that time the Earthdog committee will be established.

Logos were presented by Randy Eltringham. Several designs were discussed. She will go back to the designer and request additional changes.

A new slate of officers was presented and will be voted on at the February meeting. The slate presented is as follows:

Steve Weintraub – President
Paul Emanuelson – Vice President
Kathy Helmkamp – Treasurer
Helen McKann – Secretary

Gail Warnick will replace Paul Emanuelson on the Board
Denise Lodge will replace Mary Sweany on the Board.

This slate was approved by all.
The meeting was adjourned to allow for earthdog practice.
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Bowsers for Browsers-Out of Print Dog Books

2009-01-23T12:06:00.001-05:00

A number of years ago, I had an out-of print dog book business that I took to various dog shows. Currently, I have a collection of over 60 books that would make good collector items and/or very nice gifts for dog lovers. Many of these are illustrated by well known artists. I would like to offer these at 20-year old prices and share the proceeds with the Rivanna River Dog Cub as part of fund raising activities. My plan is to bring these to coming events and also make a list of the books and suggested prices available at any time via email. Interested parties may contact me at 301-473-5473 or rgilden@hood.edu.

- JoAnne Gilden

Out of Print Dog Books -- Joanne Gilden Collection

The Bunch Book, James Douglas, illustrated by Cecil Aldin*, first edition, London, 1932. $40.
SOLD! Neighbors, Lucy Dawson, illustrated by the author, first edition, G.B. 1946. $40.
Just Dogs, sketches in pen and pencil, K.F, Barker, London, 1934. $40.
Rogues Gallery, K.F. Barker, first edition, London, 1939. $40.
Nothing but Dogs, K.F Barker, first edition, G.B., 1938. $40.
Himself, K.F. Barker, first edition, England. $40.
Bellman, The Story of a Beagle. K.F. Barker, first edition, England, 1933. $40.
Dogs of Character, Cecil Aldin*, London, 1928 $35.
Us Dogs, G. Cornwallis-West, first edition, G.B. 1928 $40.
The Ordeal of Oliver Airdale, D.T. Carlisle, first edition, U.S. 1941. $40.
Pierpont, the Fox Hound, Maurice F.Hanson, first edition, U.S., 1939. $40.
The Dog, Roy Makie, first edition, U.S., 1954. $20.
Every Dog has His Say, Edward Anthony, drawings by Morgan Dennis, first edition, U.S. 1947. $25.
How to Live With a Neurotic Dog, Stephen Baker, U.S. 1963. $15.
The Westminster Kennel Club, 1877-1976 $15.
Terriers, Jane Buckland, U.S, 1961 $5.
SOLD! Terriers, Darley Matheson, G.B. $15.
Just Pups, K.F Barker, first edition, G.B. 1937. $40.
SOLD! Dogs as I See them, Lucy Dawson, first edition, U.S. 1937. $40.
SOLD! Dogs (Rough and Smooth), Lucy Dawson, first edition, U.S. 1937. $35.
The Dog Book, Albert Payson Terhune, illustrated by Diana Thorne, first edition, 1932 $40.
Real Tales of Real Dogs, A.P. Terhune, first edition,1935. $40.
Good Gun Dogs, Capt. H.F.H. Hardy, illustrated by G. Vernon, Stokes (r.b.a), first edition, G.B. 1930. $40.
Love on a Leash, Kurt Unkelbach, first edition, U.S. 1964. $6.
The Winning of Westminster, Kurt Unkelbach, U.S. 1966. $6.
Best Dog Stories, selected by Dwight Everett Watkins and Charles H. Raymond, first edition, U.S.,1925. $52.
Beagle and Terrier, Roger Free, G.B. 1946. $10.
My Dog and Yours, Joe Walker, London, 1930. $10.
Life With Rover, H. T. Webster and Philo Calhoun, U.S., 1949. $15.
The Book of Bow-Wows, Elizabeth Gordon, first edition?, U.S. 1913 $10.
Scarlet Blue and Green, first ed., 1932, illustrated by Cecil Aldin $40.
Sit-The Dog portraits of Thierry Poncelet, first Ed., 1993. $20.
Some of My Best Friends, compiled by Bernie Crampton, 1967. $10.

A Brisk Day on the Farm!

2008-12-07T19:17:00.001-05:00

Sunday, December 7, the club held its last meeting of the year to accept recommendations from the nominating committee for officers and board members to be officially elected at the annual meeting in February. The meeting was preceeded by a comprehensive training session on the setting up and running of an AKC Earthdog test by Pat Walters and attended by trial co-secretaries Randy and Bob along with Brenda, Steve and Denise as backup and support.

With the temperatures at barely above freezing and a cold front moving in during the lunch hour, Ed and Shelley graciously allowed the club to take over their dining room for the club meeting and pot luck lunch. Much was discussed, including logistics for the April test, a presentation of the new logo in progress, and updates on the status of the club's AKC approvals. The meeting closed with agreement on an annual meeting to be held February 21, 2009.

With that, everyone bundled up in everything they had on hand and went out for an afternoon of practice. With the wind whipping up in the west and a remaining dusting of snow on the ground, the dogs remained unhampered by mere climate issues while their handlers quietly froze their buns off! Brenda found a unique way to keep herself warm:

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Club Meeting: December 7, 2008

2008-11-20T18:46:00.002-05:00

Attention all members:

On December 7th there will be a regular meeting at 12:30 with a potluck lunch to follow. The purpose of the meeting will be for the nominating committee to present their nominees to the membership. Voting will take place in February at the annual meeting.

Brenda will be bringing Chili. I've signed up with a "potluck" site for people to sign on to list what they would like to bring. This way everyone will know what each other is bringing. Please go to the below site and click on "Add a New Item" to add your item to the list (you will see Brenda's name and item already added to the list.)

http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/RivannaRiverEarthdog

After the meeting/lunch, Brenda will be conducting Earthdog Training Sessions.
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Meeting Minutes

2008-11-19T19:03:00.001-05:00

Rivanna River Earth Dog Club
Twin Springs Farm
October 25, 2008

Steve Weintraub, President, called the meeting to order following the conclusion of the Earth Dog Test. He asked that Pat Walters, secretary, read the names of those who had applied to become club members. Those are: Clarke Brady, Robert Hechtman, Julie Morrison, Darlene Simpson, Margaret Thomas, and Sonja Winter. A motion was made and seconded to accept these new members. Members voted unanimously to accept them.

Steve announced that the AKC had cited two necessary changes to the Bylaws. The first would offer Associate membership to out of state members. The second change would govern the selection of a replacement vice president should the elected vice president assume the duties of president. In that case, the AKC specified that the Board would appoint a new vice president. A motion was made and seconded to make these two changes to the Bylaws, and the motion was unanimously approved.

Steve asked for two volunteers for the Nominating Committee. Gail Warnick and Denise Lodge volunteered. They will join Ed Bear (Chair) to comprise the committee. The slate of officers will be presented at the December meeting and will be voted on in February.

Brenda Weintraub reported on plans for the first official Earthdog Test, now rescheduled for the last weekend in April 25-26. Members will be needed to volunteer to prepare for the test. Repairs to the Junior, Senior and Superearth dens are needed, and a work day (or two) will be scheduled on a weekend earlier in April. Brenda asked for suggestions for IQ and Junior event judges. M.A. Klein can judge Master and IQ, and Susan Fuller was mentioned for Senior and Junior. (Later info- Susan had to decline).

A discussion followed about the ribbons and possible sashes that could be given to those receiving titles. One suggestion was to give an Iron Dog recognition to those dogs who qualify in both Senior and Masters on the same day. Pat Rock expressed “philosophical opposition” to the Iron Dog award, and others spoke in support of keeping the first test as simple as possible.

There was no update available on the logo for the club. Members felt the logo could be attractively displayed on patches given as Junior, Senior and Master earthdog recognition and would serve as good publicity for the club.

Brenda polled club members on interest in an end of season, fun event such as a barn hunt. No training or competition would take place on this day. Much interest was expressed and the idea will be pursued.

The last item of business was to decide when dues for next year would be due. The possibilities were March and June, but Steve noted that collection of dues in March would help to finance the expenses of the April trial. It was moved and seconded that dues for the next full year would be due in March. The motion passed.

Steve adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Helen McKann

AKC A-Test, October 25, 2008

2008-10-26T16:13:00.001-04:00

The Rivanna River Earthdog Club held its official AKC A-Test this past Saturday, October 25, 2008 with great success! Over 25 members were in attendance along with guests and new members, and a total of 28 entries in Intro to Quarry, Junior Earthdog and Senior Earthdog classes. Despite the rain and cold, the atmosphere was relaxed and jovial.

Donuts and coffee as well as lunch were provided by Brenda and Steve Weintraub. The judge for Junior and Senior was Brenda Weintraub, and for IQ Ed Bear (with help from Gail Warnick.) Secretary for the match was Pat Walters with friend and assitant in tow. Bob --- assisted to learn as much as he could in order to take over as trial secretary. Stewards were Cecilia Laviolette, Shirley Thomas, Kathie Helmkamp and Paul Emanualson.

The match was followed by an official club meeting to vote in new members, approve amendments recommended by AKC, agree on a nominating committee for next year's board, discuss plans for the Test to be held in April. and the next meeting in December, where it is rumored a barn hunt may be in the offing!

Thanks to all members who attended and particularly to those who assisted in the setup, clean up and running of the event. Hopefully everyone will be doubly enthusiastic about the test this spring when all members will be needed to run an efficient and enjoyable weekend!

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Meet Ed Bear

2008-10-24T20:08:00.001-04:00

Our generous host and patron, Dr. Bear, lives and manages Twin Springs Farm. He and Brenda Weintraub are the founders of our club which all started many years ago when Ed and Brenda could not find a good location for training for earthdog. Ed provides generous access to his farm where he and Brenda built no less than 5 tunnels/dens. All are fenced as protection from the cattle and give a measure of security to owners. Dens are set up for all four levels of testing as well as a special training set up which can be modified for all levels.

Ed lives on Twin Springs Farm where he lives with his family, three border terriers, several head of cattle and several greenhouses where he grows boxwoods of all varieties.
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