2 0 1 0 G W P C A N AT I O N A L S
Central Washington Provides Beautiful Backdrop for 2010 GWPCA National Events By Laura Reeves Gorgeous weather. Stunning views. Spectacular sights. Add great dogs, old friends and new, the spice of competition and you have the makings of outstanding National events. We were truly fortunate, as Columbia Park and Anderson Ranch were blessed with sunshine, moderate temperatures and no rain. The wind kicked up a few times, including sending an attack tent-canopy hurtling toward the parked cars at the field-trial grounds. Fortunately, no people or vehicles were injured in the assault. The perpetrator was captured and rendered harmless by valiant volunteers. The staff of the Red Lion Hotel was patient, helpful and professional. The hotel set-up was ideal, with rooms facing a grassy courtyard area, a hospitality room, lovely banquet facilities, excellent food and all located directly adjacent to the Columbia River and its pedestrian pathway. Every major event presents challenge,s and this one was no exception. Fortunately, the GWPCA volunteers on hand were experienced, proactive, flexible and efficient problem-solvers. A resounding thank you is due Laura Myles. She worked and worried, and worked some more to make this event the success it was.
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WIRE NEWS
©2010 GWPCA
Throughout the show events, Paul and Kathy Wymer smoothed every rough edge – they quietly and thoughtfully worked behind the scenes to provide a fun experience for everyone in attendance. Kathy even managed to find time to make me a bulls-eye for the balloon toss, perfectly constructed out of red and white paper!! Too cool for words. At the field events, Gary Wickwire worked himself into the ground to make sure everything ran smoothly. And behind the scenes, but always taking care of all the little things that make a big difference, was Mary Hanson. Our National events are testaments to a lot of people lending helping hands. Sometimes, it’s one small thing, or many small things, or a couple of huge things. The people who can be counted on to step up to the plate any time they are asked are enormously appreciated. I know many are noted elsewhere in the newsletter, but a few require my personal thanks. Kelly Wisch, who stuck around to help with the balloon toss when everyone else ran out of steam, who sold raffle tickets and hawked auction items, whose unfailing cheerfulness is a balm to the spirit. Betsy Watkins and Anne Kostishak and Diane Marsh, whose devotion to the creation of raffle and silent auction baskets helped balance the budget – I daresay they could solve the Nation’s economic woes if they were The list of every person who did something to help – for an hour, a day or non-stop for 10 days running – would run several pages. To each and every one of you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I am proud that we have a Club whose members can and do work together toward a common goal. See you all next year in Michigan – Great Lakes, Great Dogs!!!