Cocktail Party at Wood Dale Farm Hosted by the Haydens

The Cocktail Party was graciously hosted by Barbara and Bob Hayden at their home, Wood Dale Farm which is celebrating its 200th Anniversary!. Their party room was a warm and inviting location for this well-attended evening event. The wine and beer flowed and so did the conversation … the food was delicious with bacon-wrapped shrimp, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, artichoke dip among the hors d’oeuvres.

The silent auction was well underway with many items including a shotgun donated by Bob Hayden. Other items were wine, a custom-made tray, e-collar, 3-year subscription to Retriever News, a custom glass bowl and many others.

National Retriever Derby Club — 2019 Annual Business Meeting

National Retriever Derby Club 2019 Annual Business Meeting – Sedalia, Missouri

NRDC President Larry Morgan

Cynean Bartlett, Don Fregelette and Mike Robicheaux

Tony Despenas, Becky Eckett and John Stracka

Called to order by NRDC President Larry Morgan. We all recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then Larry called for a Moment of Silence. He then introduced the NRDC Directors:
President - Larry Morgan
1st Vice President - Michael Robicheaux
2nd Vice President - Jeff Lyons
PRTA Director - Becky Eckett
Secretary/Treasurer - John Stracka

Larry congratulated all the qualifiers and entrants and welcomed them to the area and the event.

Secretary/Treasurer John Stracka certified that there was a quorum and there was no need for a roll call.

We then proceeded onto Club Business …

Report of Nominating Committee for 2019 - Larry Morgan announced the slate of officers for the following year:
President - Michael Robicheaux
1st Vice President - Jeff Lyons
2nd Vice President - Don Fregelette
PRTA Director - Becky Eckett
Secretary/Treasurer - Cynean Bartlett

The motion to accept the slate of Officers was made by John Russell and seconded by Jack Unbehaun.

Financial and Business Report:
There was a presentation and approval of 2018 Financial Statement by John Stracka as well as the presentation and approval of 2018 Annual Minutes.
The motion to approve the Financials and Minutes was again made by John Russell and seconded by Jack Unbehaun.

Report of 2020 Judges Committee - Michael Robicheaux 
Mike announced that we would return October 5-9, 2020 to the Hayden Wood Dale Farm property and he thanked Bob and Barbara for their generosity. 

The slate of Judges will be:
Western Region – John Robinson
Northern Region – Frank Purdy
Southern Region – Robert Elias

Mike Robicheaux

Larry Morgan revealed the painting of the winner from last year, Robbie Knutson and "Pink."
The painting was sponsored by Starline Brass and the artist was Artist was Stephanie Sattler.
2018 Winner - Seaside’s Got To Get Up And Try - Pink, LF Handler - Robbie Knutson;
now owned by Mark and Suzanne Medford

Larry Morgan presents the painting of "Pink"

Larry Morgan acknowledged the National Derby's major Sponsors:
Nestle Purina – Dean Reinke (in attendance)
Avery Sporting Dog – David Carrington (he would come later in the week)
Starline Brass – Robert & Barbara Hayden and David Wolfe
Kent Cartridge  – no representative present
Garmin – Rehan Nana
Dogtra – no representative present

Chairman Don Fregelette acknowledged the Land Owners and VIP’s
Don thanked the land owners and all his committee chairs by name. He then went on to thank others: AKC Representative Greg Lister, Retriever News Blog Crew of Tina Styan and Gwen Jones; and the Official Photographer, Deana Wolfe.

Introduction of 2019 Judges - Larry Morgan
Northern Region – Mitch Patterson
Southern Region – Phil Hey
Western Region – Rob Reuter

The 2019 Judges: Mitch Patterson, Rob Reuter and Phil Heye

An appreciation gift was presented to the 2019 Judges by Larry Morgan as well as an appreciation gift was presented to Don Fregelette as this year's Field Trial Chairman.
More announcements were made:
Cocktail Party – Sunday 6:00 pm at the Hayden's     AND
Workers Party – Wednesday 6:30 pm at the headquarters Best Western in the upstairs ballroom.

NRDC 2019 Trial Announcements
Introduction of Test Dogs and Handlers - Don Fregelette
MALE: Meadowbrook's Doc Holiday, owned and handled by Judy Despenas
FEMALE: Pendragon's Encore, owned and handled by Sue George
ALTERNATE: Beaver Creek's White Lightning, owned and handled by Sol Semmler

Head Marshal Trial Procedure Announcements - Tony Despenas 
• There would be two test dogs for each test and one test dog for a split test.
• There would be a gun change after the 15th running dog.
• There would be three holding blinds.
• The handler could come to the line on lead, but then would have to remove it. The handlers were asked to leash their dog immediately after handing the bird to the judge.
• If a test is scrapped, and another test starts the same day, the next dog would be the starting dog.
• If the new test starts the next day, it would go back to the same dog.
• The no bird policy is as follows: 1st no bird, go back 6 dogs and the seventh dog runs; 2nd no bird, go back 6 dogs and the seventh dog runs;and for the third no bird, you must go to the end.
• The First Series is a Land Double with a rooster flyer go bird and a rooster dead bird.
• Please enter at the second driveway which is the BSG entrance – follow the signs.
• 7:30 National Anthem followed by the Test Dogs at 7:45 am. The first 10 handlers with their numbered bibs may view the line and then the next 10 and then all the remaining.
• Callbacks will be posted at HQ and the blog. If there are any questions about the Callbacks, please work with Chief Marshal Tony Despenas.
• The instructions regarding the Finalists will be given at the last series.

Tony Despenas

Lori Morgan selected the starting dog: #23
Dog #25 was a scratch and #33 and #34 were late qualifier additions
The Rotation is: 23, 32, 7 and 16

Lori Morgan and Don Fregelette

John Russell came to the front of the room and thanked Bob Hayden for everything he had done for the Derby from its inception. He then went on to recognize Dean Reinke from Purina who was retiring this year after fifteen years with the firm. Dean made a short speech about his sentimental feelings for the Retriever Group.

Bob Hayden and John Russell

Dean Reinke from Purina

The Bitch Check location was behind the Best Western

Folks were encouraged to meet with their committee chairs and sign up for a committee if they hadn't already done so.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Mitch Patterson and seconded by Greg Lister.

One last announcement: Dog #5 failed the bitch check.

Schedule for Today …

Come get your Handler's Bag!

Set-Up Party at the Haydens

Robert and Barbara Hayden hosted the Set-up crew party at their house on Saturday evening. It was very nice to be in such a relaxed atmosphere at their house. The group enjoyed good company, drinks and a BBQ supper catered by Kehde's Restaurant. All had a good time!

What a MILESTONE!!!

Judge Phile Heye and John Stracka

Curt Showalter, Lori Morgan, Russ Hardy and Don Fregelette

Judy Despenas & Tony Despenas and Mike & Cheryl Robicheaux

Lori Morgan and Russ Hardy

Two New Entrants to the Derby!

Good Morning! Happy Sunday!

We have two new qualifiers and entrants to the National Derby Championship so far …

John Stracka and "Ollie"      AND

Bobby George and "Boomer"

Congratulations to both teams!