Well, I'm truly beaten to the punch - trying to catch up on neglected work I'm afraid. But I must add my 2 cents, because so many people worked so hard to put on this (as always) magnificent trial. If you live anywhere near, you really are missing out if you don't join us next year - February 21-23 2014. A great site, RV parking right by the arena, nearby motel and stores - couldn't be better!
We are a small group so we all wear many hats to put on a trial. Debbie Kuykendall is a wonderful chair, always pleasant and helpful, no matter what potential problem arises. Maudeen Martin keeps us all up to the mark and turns her hand to anything that needs doing (including filling all those tunnel bags - thank you Maudeen!) Sara McKinley looked after our judge all weekend. Murrelet Halterman made sure the courses were built quickly and efficiently, and Kim Hastings coordinated the workers (which was pretty much everyone). And Marj Vincent and Ken Perlmutter were everywhere all the time, helping with anything at all that needed doing.
Arlene Courtney, our judge, brought great courses, was unfailingly supportive and encouraging, and also turned her hand to course building, bar setting, etc. Thank you Arlene - we *love* having you!
As always at BARK trials the food and the raffle were both incredible - the best anywhere! Debbie organized the food and Maudeen and Nancy Rico the raffle, with contributions from many other people. I mention Judy Frantzich in particular, who provided many fun bags of toys for the raffle.
Set up and take down is a *lot* of work, and we couldn't put on a trial at all without Debbie, her husband Lew, her sister Nancy, Maudeen, Judy and her friend Bill, who every year help to move the equipment. Debbie, Lew, and Nancy also store most of the equipment and supplies and use their trailers to bring it to the site. Thank you all so much! This year we also had help in take down from a newbie - Scott Streetman - at his first ever trial with his pretty aussie Gizmo - little did he know what he was getting into!
I must mention in particular Ken Perlmutter and Marj and Gene Ross - these wonderful people have supported our club and our trial every year from the beginning, always there and helping out in any way they can. And a shout out to Marj Vincent - she and Bruce started the tradition of trials in Madera with funraisers some years ago.
And finally to the best note of all - Marj and Chellie getting NATCH 24 in a lovely jumpers run. How wonderful is that! Marj, I am so glad it happened at BARK and that we all got to celebrate with you! Debbie supplied a delicious ice cream cake, that said "Marj and Chellie- a NADAC legend" and I think that about sums it up.
Thanks to all who came to the trial - you all helped out but if I list all the names this long message will become unreadable. See you all next year!
Jennifer, trial secretary.
