G S C A M O N T H L Y E N E W S L E T T E R April 2016 Volume 16, Issue 4 Giant Tales Humane Society Director Buys Dog from Breeder by Bob Hazen, Feb 2016 Inside this issue: AKC PAC 2 Financials 3 Board Minutes 4-5 National Specialty 6 New Member Applications Southern Regional Specialty Upcoming Events: June 2016 Southern Regional Specialty, Tampa, FL October 14-16, 2016 National Specialty, Enid, OK 6 7 PITTSBURGH The director of the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society resigned Friday amid controversy over allegations that she paid a breeder for a dog rather than adopt. A sign notifying visitors that the Humane Society was closed for an "emergency staff meeting" was posted at the front door Friday afternoon. Given the present circumstances, I have made a personal choice to step away from the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society and resign my position effective immediately out of respect for my family and out of respect for the organization," Braunstein said via email. "I wish the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society well and will continue to be a supporter of the organization." Braunstein had been put on paid administrative leave following a petition that called for her removal. The petition on change.org, supported by more than 900 people, accused her of paying $1,000 to a breeder for a collie from "Carter Collies" in North Carolina. "If you are the director of an animal shelter you should not be buying an animal of any kind from a breeder. Shame on her," wrote one supporter of the petition. Another poster went even deeper. "Joy Braunstein, you are a disgrace to the rescue community and should be removed from your position effective immediately. Paying $1000 to a breeder when you are going over a list of dogs to decide whether or not you will euthanize them is a complete conflict of interest," they wrote. "I think it's hypocritical. She's the director of the humane society that are promoting adoption," said Kelly Sham, who signed the online petition. On Wednesday, Pittsburgh police confirmed that two women tied to the petition had been issued " non-traffic citations for harassment." Police said those women are Diane Elaine Bandy and Tara Vybiral. Police did not specify any details of the alleged harassment. "I never harassed her. I ve never harassed anyone," Vybiral told Pittsburgh's Action News 4. "It's a symptom of the culture, really, where people are looking to deflect and blame others rather than looking at personal responsibility." Bandy said that she did not harass Braunstein, who she called a "compulsive liar." Earlier this week, Braunstein's husband called the allegations against his wife "ridiculous" and told Pittsburgh's Action News 4 that she was "pretty upset." Criticism continued online Tuesday night, with several people identifying themselves as former employees and volunteers claiming they had quit, been fired or resigned because of a negative environment during Braunstein's leadership. She began her role at the Humane Society in January 2015. Source Website www.wtae.com./news/western-pahumane-society-director-on-leaveamid-collie-controversy/37787450
AKC Asks for Help! Page 2 Dear AKC Club President, As many of you know, the future of responsible dog ownership and breeding is under attack. Every year, the number of bills that threaten our dogs and our sport increases. In 2014, HSUS spent $57 million on advocacy and public policy. In 2014, the AKC Political Action Committee (PAC) received only $32,851 in contributions. The 2016 campaign season is in full-swing and candidates across the U.S. are competing for your vote. Meanwhile, attacks on our rights as dog owners, exhibitors and breeders continue. Now is the time for us to work together to elect legislators who will protect our rights. I am asking for your help in turning the tide by personally donating online to the AKC PAC today, and by urging every member of your club to do the same. Supporting the AKC PAC is one of the most efficient ways that your club members can influence the political process. The AKC PAC works because it combines contributions from AKC club members and uses those funds to support the campaigns of candidates in key races who are willing to defend the rights of responsible dog owners. It s also an excellent value. Because the American Kennel Club pays all the PAC s administrative costs, 100% of your contribution to the AKC PAC goes directly to electing dog-friendly candidates. It s easy for club members to make their contributions. The simplest, most convenient way for your members to donate is to make a donation online atwww.akc.org/pac. Just select your club from the drop-down list and follow the instructions. A recurring gift of even $5/ month can made a big difference in protecting our rights. A more traditional donation method is for your club to collect checks made out to AKC PAC from club members, have each member provide their donor information on theakc PAC Donor Identification Form, and send the checks and forms to AKC PAC, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27617. Federal law requires that donations to the PAC come from individuals, not from club funds. Please consider conducting a fundraising drive at an upcoming club meeting. The AKC PAC will gratefully acknowledge each individual member of your club who donates and your club will be recognized for supporting these important advocacy efforts. By encouraging your club s members to contribute by July 1, you will help strengthen the PAC s ability to influence the 2016 elections and beyond. I am confident that you are up to this challenge, and I look forward to reporting that your leadership helped secure a strong future for responsible dog breeders and owners. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Carl C. Ashby, III Chairman, AKC PAC Board her at : Corn60@gmail.com Denver Billboard.. Brought to you from the people who killed Maya- PETA Website Source: www.naiaonline.org /article/denverbillboard-broughtto-you-by-thepeople-who-killedmayapeta#sthash.sanat LGO.dpbs
Page 3 Financials
Board Meeting Minutes, March 10, 2016 Page 4 GSCA Telephonic Board Meeting Minutes Board Members Present: Kim Demchak, Howard Postovit, Jennifer Tennison, Brenda Cejka, Cornelia King, Janine Poyfair, Kappy Zahn Absent: Doug Hill Call to Order: 7:37 PM CST Next meeting to be held April 14, 2016. Approval of Minutes: Brenda Cejka Howard moved that the minutes be approved as written. Kappy seconded. Two votes were done since the last board meeting. Robyn Elliott had requested permission to change some things on the website that will cost approximately $100. Kim made a motion to approve. Brenda seconded.. Bernie had an expense for ten 6 medallions he picked up in the amount of $400.00. Kim made a motion to approve. Janine seconded.. Treasurer s Report: Jennifer Tennison Jennifer gave January s Financial Report as she was absent in February. In January we had software costs for quarterly maintenance in the amount of $150 and postage. Kim mentioned that the National balance from the prior National and the prior Southern Regional needs to be zeroed out. We also need to change the title of the 2015 Southern Specialty account to 2016 Southern Specialty and the balance should be $500 for the seed money for the Regional plus any monies that has been generated plus anything sent to the Southern by members. Brenda made a motion to approve January 2016 Financial Report. Howard seconded. There was little activity in the month of February. We did receive a check from Purina Farms for the Partnership Program. As an account has not yet been opened for the 2016 National, the GSCA paid for the logo out of the general fund. The logo expense will be reimbursed by Cornelia King. This is a donation that she will be making to the National. Vicki Kallett had total expenses for Meet the Breeds at Eukanuba in the amount of $367.50 and $70.00 for the Judges Selection Committee. Howard made a motion to approve the total of $437.50. Kappy seconded. The Board made mention that going forward we do need to set a limit for expenses for Meet the Breeds. A guideline will be considered. Howard made a motion to approve the February 2016 Financial Report. Kim seconded. President s Report: Kim reported that E-Balloting has been approved by the AKC. We now need to consider a venue that will handle the balloting going forward. Kim did not attend the delegate meeting. The vote was to allow delegates to charge for judging up to a certain amount. The vote did not pass. Unfinished Business: Kim stated we need to consider a replacement for the Midwest Director for the remainder of the term. Mike Rutkas has agreed to fill the position for the remainder of the year. Kappy made a motion to appoint Mike Rutkas in as the Midwest Director for the remainder of the term. Kim seconded. Directors Reports: Southern: Cornelia stated they are in the process of ordering ribbons and prizes. The committee is working on the menu for the dinner. Some items have been donated by vendors for the auction. They are also working on an online Facebook auction. They are looking for a print shop for the shirts and hats. Kim stated that we need to get the info on the GSCA website for membership. Cornelia will get with Robin to get more updated information. Continued on next page.
Page 5 Board Minutes, continued West: Kappy reached out to the group in Northern California (Golden State) as they were considering a supported entry. They wanted to make sure there were no conflicting dates with the National. They have decided to scratch it for the time being. They will be hosting a supported entry on August 27 th and 28 th at the Minsota Kennel Club show. They will discuss the National for 2019. As we must start planning these Nationals at least three years in advance, we need everyone in the West to consider an interest. Ginny Maese is considering a Regional in November 2016. She is looking at a Judge s Seminar. The board s issue is the limited number of Giants in that area. There is also concern with the weather for those that would be traveling. East: Janine finally received a check from the Eastern Regional. She will now be able to close the books for that show. Cynthia Sansone is still considering the National for 2017. She is concerned about some of the suggestions for the venue. She will be considering other locations. If the show is held in August at Harrisburg, there would be Conformation, Obedience and Rally. Agility would have to be at another location and we would need a club and have to provide equipment. We will need an application so that the judges can be selected. Midwest: No report. National 2016: Liz Lagmanson is gathering auction items. They are working on a trophy donation list for the newsletter and the website. Their committee is meeting weekly to finalize details. Steps: March 18 2016 is the deadline for any articles for Steps. National 2018: Howard has contacted Purina Farms to see if they have upgraded the electricity since we were there and had problems in 2010. They said there have been no changes. They are fine with us bringing in a generator. They suggested we get pricing and they will as well when it gets closer to the date. Then we can select from the list and pricing. This National would be held in the middle of October 2018. We need a chair from the Midwest. This will be an independent show. Minimal expenses will be involved as the show will be held outside. Howard made a motion that we have the 2018 National at Purina Farms. Kim seconded. Old Business: We have had a letter from Mary Falls with the Working Riesenschnauzer Federation to assist with the facilitation of the AKC IPO titles recognition program for Giant Schnauzers. Howard will follow up with Mary Falls to get more info. It will be discussed further at our next board meeting. Kim reported that Melissa Davis and Mike Rutkas and others are working on a memorial trophy. This trophy would never be retired. The Board still needs to review the Rescue Code of Ethics. New Business: No new member applications. Membership: Brenda reported that we have 60+ members that have not currently renewed. Brenda has sent an email reminding everyone of the deadline. The regional directors will be following up with members to remind them of the deadline. Kappy made a motion to adjourn. Kim seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:29 PM CST
Page 6 2016 National Specialty Update We are in need of Auction Items. If you have the perfect item, please contact Liz Lagmanson. liz@agiusa.com or (512) 293-8151. There are also lots of trophies that need sponsors! Thank you to our Sponsors! Thank you to those who have already sponsored a trophy or made a general fund donation! Bridgette and Bernie Tuerler Cadbury Giant Schnauzers Robert Darden Terry Parker Ricky Penn New Member Applications Kelli Kohler 530 N 101st PL Mesa AZ 85207 Kel@stylindogs.com 480 285 9338 Sponsors: Luke & Joann Edmonds Julie Elliott 19426 N. Pietra Dr. Maricopa, AZ 85138 702-460-1648 jelliott715@gmail.com Sponsors: Kim Demchak Brenda Cejka Eric Riley 3508 Indian Summer Trail Lexington, Kentucky 40509 859-263-5235 ERILE@LEXCLIN.com Sponsors: Steve Fox Brenda Cejka Cheryl & Robert Schaffer 9065 Caddie Cir. Foley, AL 36535 251-379-4829 worknfires@aol.com Sponsors: Melisa Davis Pam McCleary
Southern Regional Specialty, June 2016 Page 7 5 Shows in 4 days: 4 All Breed shows & a working club Show GSCA Southern Regional Saturday, June 18 with supported entries (at the all breeds) on 6/17 & 6/19. Southern Regional online/facebook auction coming soon Host Hotel LaQuinta Inn & Suites Tampa Brandon Regency Park 310 Grand Regency Blvd Brandon, FL 813-643-0574 Rooms $85.50/night +tax Ask for Giant Schnauzer Club of America" rate & block of rooms. Must reserve by 5/25/16 Donations Needed for the Specialty in Tampa Donations for trophies, general fund, & auction being accepted! Please contact Vicki Kallett jkallett@centurytel.net for available trophies to sponsor! Donations can be mailed to Robin Henderson, 16 Nashua Way, Ocala FL 34482 Available Trophies: Regular classes dog and bitch $ 35 each Veterans $35 each BOS to Best Puppy in Sweeps $70. Sweeps classes $25 each Obedience High in Trial $ 150 High combined $100. All Novice and Open and Utility are $35 each High combined Open and Utility $100 Novice A & B, Open A & B, Utility A & B are all $35 each Beginner Novice A & B, Open, Pre Novice, Pre Open, Pre Utility, Versatility and Veterans are all $35 each Rally High Combined in Adv B and Ex B is $50 Novice a & B, Advanced A & B, Excellent A & B are all $35 each Southern Regional Specialty Sponsors Robin Fish Henderson Melissa Davis Pam McCleary Brenda Cejka Dorothy Izmirilian Anna Stromberg & Ben Franzoso Jerry and Vicki Kallett Cornelia King Bonnie Parrish Mel Hollomin JoAnn Friese Brenda Nyx
GSCA E NEWSLETTER Celebrating more than 50 years of the GSCA Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. is a member club of the AKC. Editor: Robyn Elliott ilovegiants@hotmail.com Please send suggestions and photos to editor. Deadline for submission is BEFORE the 10th of each month. It is the time of year, in Texas, where we celebrate the beautiful wildflowers that were first seeded during the LBJ administration. First Lady Johnson made it a priority to establish highway beautification. The state flower of Texas is the Bluebonnet. The rolling hills of North Texas are in full bloom this time of year and it is a sight to see! Everyone visiting and living here has bluebonnet pictures of family and pets. It has become a timehonored tradition. If you have the opportunity to visit Texas in April, make time to stop on the side of the road for a pic in the fields of blue- you wont regret it!