President’s Message November/December 2005 Allow me to personally congratulate all the winners from the 2005 BHCA Nationals.   And congratulations once again to Beverly Barringer-Ruggeri, Gene McDonald, the Childers family along with the entire St. Louis nationals team for putting on still another stellar event.   Next year, it’s on to Gettysburg and Anne O’Reilly’s team will have the opportunity to show us some of their Pennsylvania hospitality. My first President’s message was written exactly one year ago, and as I re-read my thoughts provided to you at that time, I realized how much has happened this past year - elections, new committee appointments, the making of new friends and the painful losses BHCA has suffered.  Issues of legislation, canine health and welfare continue to rise to the forefront.  I asked in my last message where we will be in 2015, but let’s stop for a moment and focus on 2006. Two new board members joined the ranks of BHCA.  Mary Smizer as director has a long history in the Basset Hound world.  She has extensive experience (past nationals coordinator, show chair, etc) and is a contributor both on and off the field.  You’ll find Mary to be positive and astute, a valuable asset.  Our new 2^nd VP, Ken Engle, is also no stranger to the BHCA and has served in previous board and officer capacities.  Ken’s knowledge, experience and good common sense bring balance to the board; he’s a worker, a team player, and always puts BHCA first when casting his vote.  Welcome to both of you. Our committees have been reorganized and some new appointments were made.  One of the changes was the board appointment of Mrs. Catherine Elin from California as the new BHCA legal counsel.  I’m impressed with her knowledge and understanding of canine issues, and you should all feel comfortable that her philosophy and insight will guide and protect our best interests. With Kate, we are in professional and competent hands. Heading up the Health and Research Committee is Dr. Norine Noonan, a dynamic individual who brings with her a wealth of knowledge both personally and professionally.  Norine has cleared her desk for future BHCA endeavors and we look forward to her hands-on involvement.  Health issues will be a very focused endeavor of our club. Larry Little comes in as chair of our Ways and Means Committee.  Here is another dynamic individual who knows how to raise money and keep his “eye on the prize” - a professional individual with the right connections, business sense and expertise. Joni Rush has taken on the most important job of club historian and we look forward to enjoying the interesting articles she has planned for Tally Ho.  JoAnn Hilliker moves into the hunting test chair and is highly qualified for this position.  Mark Chryssanthis is our new webmaster; his creativity and enthusiasm will certainly be a positive influence on our website. Sharon Nance has taken on awards; Jeannie Horn is our liaison person responsible for gathering information to properly honor members who have crossed over.  Doug Taylor comes aboard heading up our canine legislation committee while pulling double duty with Randy Frederiksen and Jim Dok on the bylaws committee.   These new appointments along with those who are remain represent a strong, sensible, cohesive group of dedicated volunteers, sure to bring success to the BHCA.  Thanks to all of you serving now, and to those who have served in the past. This year we will address the possibility of establishing a health registry for Basset Hounds; more involvement for our junior handlers; a BHCA health day during Nationals; discounted testing programs specific to Bassets; further involvement  in Rescue; funding for emergencies such as Katrina and Rita; and possibly a foundation program within BHCA available for crises and scholarships. These are important and far-reaching issues and we are just beginning.  Our spring board meeting is scheduled for the last weekend in February, in or near Gettysburg and already looks to be busy.  If you have any items that need addressing this would be a great time to bring them forward.  Thanks for the new friends I’ve come to know, the memories of those lost, and my family all of whom understand my devotion and dedication to this wonderful breed of dog.  My best wishes to you and yours, and all your hounds during the holiday season. Be safe in all your travels.  Best regards, Thad Makowski