Dear Western Illinois NAVHDA Members and Friends,

The May training day was outstanding.  We had a tremendous turn out and accomplished a lot of training.
It really helps when members step up and take charge of a training function so multiple types of training can go on
at the same time.  It was fun to meet some new members and dogs and it was great to see other friends and all
their dogs.  We hope for another turn out like that in June.  

Speaking of June, we had to change the date.  No one was going to be available to host the training day on the
second weekend, so the members decided to switch to the first weekend.

JUNE TRAINING:  Saturday, June 2, 2007, 08:00 AM, Henke Residence, 10447 - 55th Street, Wapello,
Iowa.  Jeff and I will provide shredded pork, buns and chips for lunch.  Please bring something to share and what
you want to drink.  We have homing pigeons for pointing and steadiness drills.  We do NOT have any kill birds.  If
you want any ducks for training you need to bring them or call Jeff by Thursday evening.  We may be able to pick
up a few ducks outside Muscatine.  I do not know the price.  We have great water for duck searches, blind
retrieves, and puppy swimming lessons.  We can also work on drags.

MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING:  Several points were discussed.
1.  The members voted to conduct all training days on Saturday the remainder of the year.

2.  Jim Crowder reported we still have 8 openings for the two day collar clinic on July 14th and 15th.
This is a great opportunity to learn about the proper use of collars for a very reasonable $75.00 cost.
Where else can you get two days of training for $75.00?  

3.  The members voted to hold the August meeting at Crooked Creek Shooting Preserve, however, that will need
to be changed.  We just learned Crooked Creek is being auctioned off the end of June.  That is very sad news for
us and other dog training groups.   Crooked Creek has always gone out of the their way to host our events.

4.  The possibility of combining chapters with Spoon River NAVHDA was discussed and the members present
voted NOT to proceed with that at this time.

5.  Chapter merchandise that is currently on hand is on SALE for $5.00 an item.  We don't have much left.
If you are interested, give me a call and I'll check availability.  We will also have the box out at the next training day.

6.  New Chapter merchandise has been selected and will be available from Jan's Hanging By A Thread in either
embroidery or heat press.  Terry will work on digitizing the chapter logo.  Watch the web site for photos of the
items and pricing.  http://www.westernillinoisnavhda.org

7.  The pic-nic table crashed.  It served many a training day, clinic and meeting.  A motion was made and passed
for the chapter to build a new 10 foot table and have it ready to use at the July clinic.  

8.  FALL TEST:  DO WE WANT TO HAVE A FALL TEST???  We selected October 20-21.  
Rich Runge is to contact the judges before we apply for the test.  We had discussed holding the test at either
Crooked Creek or the Henke Residence.  With Crooked Creek being sold that leaves here.  We have lots of water
right now but it will depend on how the summer goes. WE NEED YOUR INPUT!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:  It is our great pleasure to welcome:

1.  Lou Ligeno, 6971 Caves Road, Maquoketa, IA  52060  563-652-9799  jligeno@mchsi.com
   Breed:  DD

2.  Mike Kennedy, 3165 - 15th Avenue, Moline, IL  61265  mlkennedy@mchsi.com
   Breed:  Brittany

MEMBERS BRAGS:
Congratulations to Randy Meester for getting a Junior Hunter title put on Bailley this spring.  
Randy also has a litter of French Brittanys due around May 22nd.  It will be out of Gus and Tori.
We will be looking forward to hearing all about the puppies and seeing pictures.

A little bird said Tom Deckert has a new puppy . . . OK Tom, send pictures!  We will look forward to meeting him!

I guess that's it for now.  We hope to see you all on Saturday.  Be sure to call Jeff if you have training questions or
needs.  563-299-4435

Mark Gehrke continues to do a wonderful job on our web site.  Be sure to check out all the new pictures and
information!
http://www.westernillinoisnavhda.org

See you soon,
Bobbi Benson, Secretary
Western Illinois NAVDHA
309-337-7708