inside this issue...inside this issue...

TheThe

Berner BlattBerner Blatt

the newsletter of the

Bernese Mountain Dog Clubof Nashoba Valley

the club for new england berners & their families

August 2016

VermontPicnic

pages 6 & 7

Calendar of Event ..............................22018 National News ..........................3Fall Fun Day Preview ........................4Retreat ................................................ 5Vermont Summer Picnic ..................6

Rescue Notebook ...............................8New Members ....................................9Birthdays, Brags ...............................10In Remembrance .............................12

Dalton showed Wynter how to pull a cart at the Annual Vermont Picnic at Dog Mountain. Tennescott White Mtns Dalton “Dalton”

is owned by Barbie Beck-Wilczek and Snowpaw’s Waitn on the Perfect Storm is owned by Heidi Henderson. Photo by Heidi Henderson

FMI: www.bmdcnv.org/events.html

Calendar of EventsBMDCNVHelp WantedHelp Wanted

Watch for 2017 Calendar of Events

coming in the September Issue!

board of directorsboard of directorsthethe BMDCNVDirectors:

PresidentMarge Bumenpresident@bmdcnv.org

Vice PresidentPatricia Buickeroodvicepresident@bmdcnv.org

SecretaryCarol Jensensecretary@bmdcnv.org

TreasurerBruce Halldentreasurer@bmdcnv.org

Karlo Laforteza • director_Laforteza@bmdcnv.org

Sue Mahan • director_mahan@bmdcnv.org

Steve Diers • director_diers@bmdcnv.org

Jean Michael • director_michael@bmdcnv.org

Anya Wittenborg • director_wittenborg@bmdcnv.org

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SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR: After two years, Karlo Laforteza will be stepping down as social media chair. He is looking for volunteers to train and take his place. Responsibilities include promoting BMDCNV events on the Facebook page, Facebook groups and Yahoo groups to increase awareness and membership. Lead other admins for other social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, etc. Coordinate with the Board, Berner Blatt editor and webmaster. Volunteers must be members of the BMDCNV or other Regional club for at least 1 year. All inquiries and applications can be sent to: social@bmdcnv.org

DRAFT TEST VOLUNTEERS: Seeking a Chief Steward for the Fall Draft Tests on October 15 & 16th. Anyone interested in volunteering or who would be available to help throughout both days would be appreciated! Experience volunteering in the past is helpful for the Chief Steward, but no experience needed for any of the other jobs. Contact Draft Show Chair, Susan Nowak: cdberner@yahoo.com

ANNOUNCEMENT: BMDGNY will hold the second BernRR Picnic on Sunday, October 9 1pm – 3pm. The event will be at The Greenwich Firehouse, 266 Glenville Road, Greenwich, CT. This is the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, so traffic should be light! The picnic will be much like last year. We are planning a pot-luck, a raffle, Berner education and book signing tables, a BernerGarde database entry station, a short Berner parade (bring all carts) a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test and a traditional blessing of the animals. It is a great day for fun and socialization. We think we had 250 in attendance last year!

• • SAVE THE DATE • •

BMDCNV Supported Entry Saturday, September 17, 2016

Cape Cod ClusterCape Cod Fairgrounds

1220 Nathan S. Ellis Hwy, Falmouth, MA

Closing date: Wednesday, August 31, 2016Judge: Mrs. Sandra Walker

~ 2016 ~Sept 17:

BMDCNV Supported EntryFalmouth, MA

Sept 18: Picnic and Seaside Stroll

Groton, CT

October 15 & 16: Fall Draft TestWestford, MA

Oct. 16: Fall Fun DayWestford, MA

Nov. 10: Retreat Weekend Ocean Park, ME

Dec. 11: BMDCNV Holiday Party

Sturbridge, MA

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National Specialty Updateby Jim Todhunter, Show Chair - Nationalchair@bmdcnv.org

2018 BMDCA National News

What does it take it to put together a great National? Some might say a great show site or top flight judges or fun side events. But, the secret ingredient for a fabulous National is people. Our Nashoba Valley Club shines every 10 years because our members are terrific people who are ready to take part in the fun of organizing the best Nationals. The Show Committee that brings the National together comprises many roles. Recent additions to the National Show Committee are: Phil Atkinson – Tracking ChairBuffy Bell – Rally Obedience ChairCheryl Brickach – Herding ChairStephanie Freeman – Welcome Bag ChairMichelle Keck – Catalog Ads Production & Alpenhorn Publicity

If you want to join the team, it’s not too late. Trophy Chair and Ways & Means Chair are two essential roles we still need to fill. The Trophy Chair chooses and orders unique, thematic trophies for the Show. The Trophy Chair also organizes a small team to deliver the trophies to the various show events on time. The Ways & Means chair selects and orders the 2018 Logo merchandise. The Ways & Means chair also manages the distribution, sales, and fulfillment for this merchandise at the 2017 and 2018 Nationals as well as on the BMDCA web site. Both the Trophy Chair and Ways & Means Chair roles could be shared by co-chair teams. Contact Jim Todhunter at NationalChair@BMDCNV.org if you’re interested in either of these roles. The Club needs your help in these ways. Become a part of the team; join in the fun; feel the excitement.

BMDCA Specialty 2016 - Frankenmuth, MI

GCH CAN CH Tennescott White Mtns Ripley Falls AM/CAN CD, RE, OAP, NJP, NFP, MDD, CAN DD, ABNDD, CGC, TDI “Ripley” - Rally Advanced B – Qualification (99.0)Rally Excellent B – Qualification (90.0)RAE – 3rd QualificationObedience Novice B – Qualification (182.0)Obedience Brace – 1st w/ Daughter Balsam (181.0)Draft Novice Brace– Pass w/ Daughter Balsam – Oldest Qualifying Dog AwardVersatility Excellent – Over 7 – 1st Place (w/ entry of 3) - Shown Beautifully by Sara GregwareTri-Athlete Award for Qualifications in 3 Different Performance EventsABNDD Plaque – Received at Annual MeetingVeterans and Veteran Sweeps – Shown Beautifully by Sara Gregware

GCH/CAN CH Tennescott White Mtns The Balsams Am/Can CD, CDX, RA, MDD, Can DD, ABNDD, CGC, TDIRally Advanced B – Qualification (97.0) – New Title RAObedience Open B – 3rd Place (191.5)Obedience Brace – 1st w/ Mother Ripley (181.0)Draft Novice Brace – Pass w/ Mother Ripley – New Title ABNDDNovice Brace Obedience – Qualification w/ Mother Ripley – New Title – ABNDDTeam Obedience – 2nd Place w/ Barb Gibson and Tugboat, Linda Seaver and Gem, & Cheryl Brickach and ZurriVersatility Excellent – Under 7 – 1st Place (w/ entry of 1) - Shown Beautifully by Sara GregwareTri-Athlete Award for Qualifications in 3 Different

Performance EventsMDD Plaque - Received at Annual MeetingBOB - Shown Beautifully by Sara Gregware Am GCH Can CH Backcountry PandemoniumVCD1 CDX TDX RE AXP OFPGwen and I had a busy and wonderful week in Frankenmuth. Gwen won High Combined in Rally with scores of 100 in Advanced B and 99 in Excellent B, placed 2nd in Open B Obedience with a score of 195, placed 3rd in Team Obedience and passed the Draft Test. Having qualified in 3 performance events, Gwen qualified for the Tri-Athlete award. She was recognized as the Top Scoring Open A Obedience BMD for 2015. Couldn’t be prouder of my beautiful girl. Beth Atkinson; Bolton, MA

Cursallagh’s Never Say Never IICongrats Felix! Third in Amateur- Owner -Handler Class at Specialty!!. – Judy Bache; Starksboro, VT

Almost 9 year old Ripley and her 5 year old daughter Balsam did wonderfully well at in Michigan!

– Barbie Beck-Wilczek; Littleton, NH

Fall Fun Day!Sunday,

October 16, 201610am - 2:30 pm

Westford 4H FairgroundsWestford, MA

Fall Draft TestSee Bernese Mountain Dogs at the Draft Test

Puppy WorkshopAcquiring the right BMD for you and your family

Clearance Sale!Giant Savings on all Paws & Shop merchandise.

Health InformationLeaflets & pamphlets to support berner health

Training WorkshopBeginner Obedience Training

Education and Beginner Obedience Training,

Puppy Play Corral, Raffles and more!

Great Family Fun with your Bernese Mountain Dog!

SAVE THE

DATE!

FMI and premium list: http://bmdcnv.org/events.html#draft

Sat. & Sun., October 15 & 16, 2016 Middlesex County 4-H Fairgrounds

Westford, MAEvent Chair: Susan Nowak Secretary: Beth Atkinson

Judges (both days):Julie Bacon Lovettsville, Virginia &

Jennifer Brightbill Oregon City, OregonBack-to-Back Draft Tests

Entry deadline:Wednesday • Oct. 5, 2016 • 6 pm

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Berners beating the heat and enjoying the Dog Days of Summer

5th Annual BMDCNV Fall Retreat Weekend At Oceanwood

http://www.bmdcnv.org/retreat.html

Reservation Form and check payable to BMDCNV: Melissa George 237 Rand Hill Rd Alton Bay, NH 03810.

is available at Yahoo Group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/BMDCNVmembers/files

REGISTER ON-LINE:

RESERVATION FORM:

REGISTER BY MAIL:

November 10-13, 2016 Oceanwood Camp and Conference

Center • Ocean Park, Maineoceanwood.org/facilities

Rates: $250 pp

$80 pp deposit will hold your reservation.

Includes all meals, lodging and events! Payment

must be received before you can be listed for

preferred housing.

Join us for BMDCNV Retreat Weekend! The Wilczek’s will be presenting their carting workshop on Friday, November 11, 2016. Throughout the weekend, we will also offer Rally, Camp Games, Crafts, and many more activities.

This is 17-month-old Ajax (Backcountry Trailblazer) enjoying the sea breeze at Seal Cove, Maine on Mt. Desert Island in July. He loves the water, we can’t wait to return to Maine with him again soon, it is such a dog-friendly state. – Terry Spies; Phoenicia, NY

Haley & Chloe have spent their summer swimming, swimming and more

swimming! They love the water. They also wanted to share a spectacular Cape Cod sunset. – Joanne Brown; Greenfield, MA

Vermont Summer Picnic

Dog Mountain welcomed all of us with open arms! 77 degrees and Sunny day and lots of Berners and people alike! We had about

40 people and 50 Berners grace the land, the chapel, the gallery and of course the pond! Big thanks to Cory and Tressy Manning who helped get us setup and broken down. Our day started with a gathering and introductions. Some short hikes to the plateau for scenic views. Barbie Beck Wilzcek and Buffy Bell brought their carts and got some great practice in for the upcoming draft tests. We had Dan Lawrey on the grill cooking us all our favorites. The pot luck picnic table was loaded with lots of great foods brought by members and shared. We ended our day with a fabulous blessing in the chapel read by Martha Phelps and then the group photo. Great day had by many!

– Heidi Henderson; Killington, VT

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For more great photos, check out Heidi’s photo file at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/87964967@N08/sets/72157656010776209/

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EDUCATION & RESCUERescue NotebookRescue Notebook

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What is iGive?

Attention shoppers!! Before shopping online or going to one of your favorite stores to load up on your pet

supplies, back to school shopping or Christmas shopping, check to see if your favorite store is in the store directory for iGive.com! iGive is essentially an online shopping mall (yes,a mall!) with thousands of stores. Shopping via iGive is essentially a store rebate program where iGive members have the opportunity to donate their rebate to Berner, Inc. iGive has pretty much something for everyone! Kohl’s, Kids Footlocker, Justice, Aeropostale, Stride Rite, Toys R Us and Target are all participating stores on iGive! Major department stores like Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Kmart, Sears and Walmart also can be found on iGive.com. The next time you are loading up on pet supplies from your favorite stores order through iGive! PetCo, PetSmart, 1-800-Pet Supplies, Pet Supplies Plus and Pet Food Direct are also all on iGive! Join iGive.com TODAY!

BERNER INC NEEDS YOU...to Get Donations from retailers you shop with on-line! When you register with igive.com and designate Berner, Inc as the cause you’d like to support, ALL your on-line purchases will automatically generate a donation from the retailer to Berner, Inc.... at NO cost to you!

It’s quick... It’s easy... and FREE!Learn more at http://igive.com//Q6w2UJmt

iGive.com®

Change online shopping for good.

$1325earned to date!

Family Dog Training, located in Hudson, MA is offering the following benefits to BMDCNV, BMDCA and BMDCC members:Rescue Bernese Mountain Dogs owned by members: (verified through the rescuing organization)• Free tuition in any training classes at Family Dog Training• Free telephone/email behavioral consultation• 50% discount on in-home consultation within service areaOther Bernese Mountain Dogs owned by members• 50% discount on all Family Dog Services including training

Visit us at: http://www.family-dog-training.com

Contact Paul Emerson at bernerfur@charter.net or 508-243-3922

Reminder...

Share photos & videos of your Berners! Join the Facebook group at

fb.com/groups/BMDCNVMembershttps://www.instagram.com/bmdcnv

Congrats Lisa & Murray!

Instagram Photo of the Month

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New Members

Calling All Crafters & Artisans:

We are summoning all you creative spirits out there to share your handiwork to raise funds to help finance our BMDCNV programs, events, and operational expenses.

This year’s BMDCNV holiday gathering will be on December 11, 2016 at the Host Hotel in Sturbridge. Our first holiday gathering in 2015 featured great food, a cookie-exchange, holiday-themed raffle items, and holiday photography. It was so much fun for the canines and their companions that we’re doing it again!

For this year’s event, we are inviting all of you to share your special talents by creating unique handmade items for our Craft and Artisan Table. All of the proceeds from your donations will support the BMDCNV.

• You set the value based on your time, talents, and materials.• We will display your creations.• The party-goers can purchase your handcrafted items as holiday gifts for family or friends or take home a special treasure to call their own.

• hand-assembled first-aid kits for dogs• homemade wines and spirits• fresh-baked breads• homemade fudge, candy, or jam• knitted scarves, mittens, hats, sweaters, blankets• quilted items• hand-sewn doggie bandanas• handmade dog collars and leashes• embroidery• paintings• sculptures• wood-working• homemade greeting cards and bookmarks

• jewelry• hand-made pocket books and picture frames• basket-weaving• calligraphy• soap• candles• ceramics• felting• rug-hooking• pottery• stained glass• paper mache• origami• metalworking• clay figurines• etc.

Please consider “your specialty” (i.e., creating something with love that is uniquely you) and sharing the product of your talent and passion with your fellow BMDCNV members. To donate your item or get more information, please contact: Nancy and Linda Bates at lindmariebates@comcast.net or (508) 415-2535.

The possibilities are as endless as your imagination:

Share your wares at the Holiday Gathering and Raise Funds for the BMDCNV

New Members

Showcase

Joanne Brown; Greenfield, MAHow Many = 2Loves = photography, hiking, swimming, agility, playing, reading with children, riding in the carThank you for the great welcome into your club. My name is Joanne Brown and I live in Greenfield, Mass with my 2 Bernese Mountain dogs, Haley (5) and my rescue dog, Chloe (3). Haley is a certified Therapy Dog and loves having the preschool children read to her. Chloe loves to have her picture taken and has become the face of my new business adventure - Big Bernese Photography. My dogs and I are very active and enjoy hiking, swimming, basic agility, kayaking and playing! Each week we volunteer at a local dog shelter photographing dogs in need in order to help them find a loving forever home. We look forward to meeting you!

Andre & Christine NavezHopkinton, MA Catherine WadePawcatuck, CT

Elizabeth Craig & Gerald UlbrichtStamford, CT Paul & Janet Piazza HennesseyLondonderry, NH

chairpeoplechairpeoplethethe BMDCNVThese dedicated chairpeople provide essential services to you, our membership. Please feel free to contact them with your questions, concerns, suggestions, requests for help or offers of help. Our mission is to provide the best for Berners and their families.

Berner Blatt EditorCarolyn Masseybernerblatt@bmdcnv.org

Breeder Referral ProgramMegan McTavishnorarose2@sbcglobal.net

Health Liaison Chair: Karen Foxhealth@bmdcnv.org

MembershipKarlo Lafortezamemberchair@bmdcnv.org E-List Help DeskJeff Nowakelisthelp@bmdcnv.org Members List ModeratorSharon Bradymoderator@bmdcnv.org

Public EducationMartha Phelpsand Diane Smitheducation@bmdcnv.org

Puppy ReferralLaurel Woodpuppychair@bmdcnv.org

Regional Club Rep (RCC)Karen Foxrcc@bmdcnv.org

RescueLinda DeCelles1-877-4BMDCNV (toll free)rescue@bernerinc.org

Social Media Chair: Facebook & Twitter -Karlo Lafortezasocial@bmdcnv.orgInstagram -Nadine Thomas

Training ResourcesPaul Emerson508-243-3922training@bmdcnv.org

Trophy ChairDonna Bennetttrophychair@bmdcnv.org

Volunteer CoordinatorMartha Phelps802-368-7656volunteers@bmdcnv.orgWays & MeansJudy Hartman- Web Page RetailLynne Bailey- Blatt Custom Ordersshop@bmdcnv.org Web MasterMimi Englanderweb@bmdcnv.org

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Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...

Kodiak is 8 years old!

8.24.2008

Foxfire's Kodiak Blue's Brother

Happy Birthday to our big love bug!

– Fran & Phil LaFlamme; Salem, CTHappy Birthday 3rd

Birthday Jackson!8.25.2013

Hickory's Expect the Unexpected.Here comes the good dog! Love you sweet boy. – Vicki, Bruce and Stoli (He is still

annoying) Fallin; Cromwell, CT

Happy 3rd Birthday Dante!8.11.2013Glenmegan's Make Someone Happy CGC– Lots of love, Mari, Rob and Mavis Higgins; Pawlet, VT

Roxy (left, Southwind Roxy Girl, owned by Melissa and Matt George) and Bentley (right, Southwind Le Mans Best Friends, owned by Lynn and Lloyd Jones and Judy and Dr. Jon

Cons) from their "Thank Heaven for 11" birthday party on July 28. Both kids remain full of spunk and living life to the fullest. – Lynn & Lloyd Jones and Bentley; Intervale, NH

Birthday Girl!7.4.2013

Olympian’s Sweet Dreams CGC, aka Bacio celebrated her 3rd birthday. She is our

little firecracker for sure. – Jeanne & Jim Robbins;

Canaan, NH

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Buster Myotie's Your Wildest Dreams earned his CGC in June at Fun Day.

– Carol Jensen; Cromwell, CT

My Callie earned her CGC in January! – Barbara Morss; Littleton, MA

New Champion: CH Tennescott White Mtns Dalton RN CGC TDI

3rd generation Tennescott White Mtns Berners. – Barbie Beck-Wilczek and Bill Wilczek;

Littleton, NH

Three and a half year old Laukie (TENNESCOTT WHITE MTNS

MOOSILAUKE CDX CKC DD BMDCA NDD CGC TDI) finally completed his Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) in

Tunbridge, VT. He did it on a very hot Saturday afternoon.

– Barbie Beck-Wilczek and Bill Wilczek; Littleton, NH

Just one month after saying goodbye to 10 of her 11 pups, Moriah added her Rally Advanced Excellent title to her

name at the Tunbridge, Vt shows. She is now, Tennescott White Mts Moriah CD

RAE NDD BN CGC. What a girl!! – Buffy Bell; Reading, VT

New Champion!! Congratulations to Skylyn's Tangos with Valkyrie for finishing her championship at Southern Adirondack

Dog Club, Inc. on August 13th with a Best of Breed Win. Tango also had wins at North Shore Kennel Club - Best of Breed; Middlesex County Kennel Club - Winners

Bitch; Green Mountain Dog Club – Winners Bitch (4 point major!). – Judy Guimond; Augusta, ME

Our girl, Olympian’s Sweet Dreams CGC, aka Bacio earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen title at the

BMDCNV Spring Fun Day on June 11, 2016. We are so incredibly proud

of how far she has come. – Jeanne & Jim Robbins; Canaan, NH

Congrats...

In Remembrance

SAVE THE DATE!FALL FUN DAY

Sunday, October 16thFall Draft Test, Beginner

Obedience Training, & more!

Daisy May 1/18/06-8/12/15

We miss you, our silly bobble-head! You were the pretty girl with the snowshoe paws, our sweet Swiss Miss with the Swiss Kiss. We are so grateful to Berner, Inc. for entrusting us with this special girl. We will never forget you, Daisy May. You are forever in our hearts.

— Fran LaFlamme; Salem, CT

Gus Gus 9/25/2005 - 5/18/2016

Forever in our hearts.

— The Kapoor Family; West Newton, MA

BMDCNV19 Lantern Ln.Milford, MA 01757-3709

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