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Our banner cat for April is CFA's Twenty-Third Best Cat in Premiership, GP, NW, AG Rockn' Spots Frijoles Chocolates a chocolate spotted Ocicat neuter.
(photo by Larry Johnson)
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April 16, 2018
Proposed Amendments & Resolutions must be RECEIVED in CO by this date.
May 1, 2018
- Delegate forms must be POSTMARKED, FAXED or EMAILED by this date to be eligible to vote at the Annual.
June 1, 2018 - CFA Officers and Regional Directors ballot must be POASTMARKED or EMAILED by this date.
June 1
June 10
Deadline for submissions for
On The Road Again to
Cheryl Coleman
June 21
Deadline for the
Annual Banquet dinner reservations
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I have always said that central NC is at its most glorious this time of year! The trees are beginning to bloom and leaf out, and the area is filled with a fine mist of green, pinks, fushias, and whites. I think that they overshadow our flowers sometimes.
This tranquil scene is a contrast to April in the show halls. Emotions can run high as exhibitors scramble for those last few points. But remember this: come May 1st, that cat you have spent months or perhaps the year with is still with you, and love is not determined by the number of points she has.
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Greetings!
It has been a busy six weeks for me as I have been traveling quite a bit in my role as CFA President. I flew to a show in Hong Kong and from there I flew to Bangkok to attend the CFA International Cat Show / Asia. A week after my return I drove to Alliance, Ohio, to accept an award for CFA from the Alliance Area Preservation Society for our work to preserve our office building in Alliance. It is designated as an historical building. As mentioned in the press release which I sent out at the time, we spent several hundred thousand dollars with building improvements to turn it into the crown jewel of downtown Alliance. Last week I flew to Milan, Italy, to attend the annual World Cat Congress meeting. We were a founding member of that organization 26 years ago. It was created to create harmony in the cat fancy and its members include the major cat associations around the world. Elsewhere in this month's newsletter are articles on my trips to Asia and Italy.
Our Budget Committee has been working hard to develop the budget for our next fiscal year which starts May 1st. The CFA Board of Directors will discuss it this week and vote on it the following week. The budget presented to the Board includes many improvements. Our association has been making a healthy profit the past few years and we plan to invest some of it back into our organization. We are proposing a big increase in our marketing efforts in an attempt to increase registrations and entries at our shows, particularly in North America where it has been shrinking. We also plan to invest more than $150K in improvements to our computer system. Central Office plans to hire two m
ore staff members in the Registration area and one additional staff person in our IT area. We are increasing the number of pages for our Yearbook from 320 pages to approximately 500 pages. We plan to continue to provide cash sponsorships to our shows in an attempt to help them cover their expenses and be able to advertise to bring in spectators. We are aggressively working to improve CFA and provide our customers with quick, quality service.
Our next Board meeting is scheduled for April 24th. If you have any comments you wish to share with the Board, please provide them to your Regional Director.
Our Central Office and the Southern Region are working to provide you with a top-notch Annual in Atlanta. Check the CFA website for all the details. Here is the
Schedule of Events, a link to
hotel reservations, and
banquet reservations.
The end of the show season is just two weeks away. Good luck to each of you and I hope you achieve your goal(s).
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Terri Barry
CFA Executive Director
As we close out the show season, we continue to be very busy here at Central Office. Just a few more weeks to go and another show season comes to an end.
A few reminders:
- April 16, 2018 - Proposed Amendments & Resolutions should be received in Central Office
- May 1, 2018 - Delegate forms must be POSTMARKED, FAXED or EMAILED by this date to be eligible to vote at the Annual. Faxed and emailed forms must be received by 11:59 P.M. E.D.T.
- May 11, 2018 - Club fees and membership list must be RECEIVED by Central Office to be eligible to vote at the Annual
- June 1, 2018 - Club fees and membership list MUST be received by Central Office for a club to remain on CFA's membership roster
- June 1, 2018 - CFA Officers and Regional Directors ballot must be POASTMARKED or EMAILED by this date. Electronic forms must be received by Central Office no later than 11:59 P.M. E.D.T.
- June 28 - July 1, 2018 CFA's Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at the Crown Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, Atlanta, Georgia.
- June 4, 2018 - Deadline for room block reservations
- June 1, 2018 - Deadline for Delegate book ads
- June 21, 2018 - Deadline for breakfast and dinner reservations. PLEASE note the $25.00 charge for any dinner reservations received after the deadline of the 21st.
- June 21, 2018 - Deadline for the pre-paid Delegate luncheon
Lunch at Friday's delegate meeting is often a "here, there and everywhere" scenario. Restaurants at hotels often can't accommodate a large number of people showing up at one time and most attendees don't want to venture too far away from the hotel. This year the Crowne Plaza is offering a lunch buffet in their restaurant for $21, inclusive. We encourage you to reserve a spot in advance so the hotel can staff properly and have sufficient food available for us. You can prepay and reserve lunch the same way you order your dinner for Saturday night at
http://catalog.cfa.org/annual.shtml#lunch
There are several options to get to the Crowne Plaza from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport (ATL). A taxi is about $70, making this fairly cost effective if there is more than one person. We've been informed that MARTA (public rapid transit subway system) is a good option. You can pick up the Red Line at the airport and take it to the Dunwoody Station for $2.50 each way. For additional information check out itsmarta.com for route information, exact rates, etc.
Once you arrive at the Dunwoody station, contact the Crowne Plaza at (770) 395-7700 and a hotel shuttle will then pick you up.
Another option from the airport to the hotel is a Superior Shuttle and Limo which cost about $35-$50 one way or about $70 round trip. It is a multi-person shuttle so be aware that multiple stops could be made. They can be contacted at 770-457-4794 or at superiorshuttleandlimo.com
I look forward to seeing all of you in Atlanta!
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Meet the CFA Central Office Staff!
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Shirley Dent
interview by Geri Fellerman 
Shirley was no stranger to the cat fancy when she accepted her first part-time position with CFA - then based in Manasquan, NJ - on October 1, 1991. She had been breeding stunning, award winning silver Persians since the early 1980's and was well-versed in calculating scores. Her first job with Central Office entailed grand scoring. Eventually, more tasks were added to her daily duties. First came the clerking program, at which point this was no longer a part-time position. After the move to Ohio, the position was expanded to include national/regional scoring. The addition of a lengthy list of new duties, far too numerous to mention and, of course, the shows in China really added to Shirley's daily challenges. I'd love to be able to list all of Shirley's endeavors, but space is limited - I've only noted the tip of the iceburg.
Born in California, Shirley moved to Kansas at the age of seven, and then on to New Jersey in 1990. After attending Wichita State College, she moved on to a career in computers - specifically programming.
The typical week begins with problem solving - putting out any fires that might have erupted in the previous week as quickly as possible. Other items that might crop up which would require Shirley's input at any given time might include reviewing and setting up of new breeds and responding to inquiries regarding color/genetic for all breeds. Then on to Grands of Distinction, Agility (Jill Archibald does the actual scoring, but Shirley is responsible for titles and keeping track of score sheets), DM's, and so on. This year adds the requisite clerking tests, making sure dues are paid and licensing clerks. Never a dull moment. Actually, this sort of hectic workweek is one of the things Shirley most enjoys about her position, including the challenge of deciphering of changes to color classes as written by the Master Clerks. While much of her work is supposed to be computerized, a surprising amount of "hand work" is still required.
It goes without saying that Fridays are the busiest in an already busy workweek. Everyone is patiently awaiting the posting of scores from the previous weekend's shows so it becomes a scramble to get everything posted. On an average there are 10-11 shows on any given weekend during the "busy season" - like right now. The number of shows generally drops in the summer when Shirley gets to enjoy the occasional long weekend by taking off on Thursday and Friday. A full week's vacation comes the week after the Annual Meeting when no shows take place.
Faced with a little leisure time, Shirley enjoys her group of 14 Persian and Exotic retirees who have remained with her after her decision to stop breeding and especially loves caring for her two acres of garden which includes her beloved day lilies - hundreds of which Keith Kimberlin helped to transplant from her home in New Jersey and are now flourishing in Ohio.
While Shirley thoroughly enjoys her job and the challenges it presents, the one thing she would love to see improved is the new computer system - someday, someday.
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Only 2 months until the
CFA Annual Meeting
June 27-July 1, 2018
Crowne Plaza
Atlanta Perimeter Ravinia
Atlanta, GA
information continually updated at
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The CFA Southern Region welcomes you to Atlanta!
Don't forget to be finalizing your plans now!
Complete information about all of the happenings can be found on the
CFA Annual website and we would like to tell you about a couple of special items.
The 100 Peaches fundraiser
Only 100 people will have the opportunity to be our very special guests at the Annual. Perks include:
- a limited edition Peach pin
- reserved seating at Friday's annual meeting
- admission to "Suite Georgia Peach" Thursday through Saturday evenings.
The CFA Delegate Bag...we're looking for your swag! We are giving EVERYONE the opportunity to contribute items to the bag that delegates receive at meeting check in. It's a great way for clubs to advertise themselves and their shows, and individuals to celebrate their past season with other.
Not sure what to contribute? We have suggestions! Or make it even easier and contribute a donation for the bag and we'll do the shopping for you! But hurry - it takes time for all that great swag to get here, so don't wait. Contact Regional Treasurer
Karen Boyce to make a donation or donate
via PayPal. Contact
Trish Blees for other bag-related details. D
ownload complete details on the delegate bag here.
Speaking about sharing news...don't forget that you can advertise your club, cattery, or show in the
CFA Delegate Book. It's easier than passing out flyers! A full page black and white show flyer ad is only $35 and color is $70! Full page, 1/2 page, 1/4 page and business card ads in black and white and color are also available. Deadline to submit your ad is June 1. Here is
a link to more detail.
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Breed Awareness & Orientation Schools
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Melanie Morgan 
CFA Judging Program Chair
So you want to become a judge?
Or you just want to become a better breeder/exhibitor... The CFA Judging Program has just the place for you to start that journey:
Breed Awareness & Orientation Schools
Have you ever wondered what goes through a judge's head during the judging process? Do you want to know what the decisions are based on? Would you like to know more about CFA's amazing breeds of cats? And would you like an opportunity to handle good examples of those breeds? If so, the Breed Awareness and Orientation School (BOAS) may be just the thing for you.
The school is not just for those planning to go into the judging program. The CFA Breed Awareness & Orientation School is open to anyone who may someday plan to apply to the CFA Judging Program, as well as those serious CFA breeders who may desire a better understanding of the judging process and the other recognized breeds with which they do not work. Several newcomers to the cat fancy have also attended in order to understand the culture of CFA and to learn more about the breed they are working with as well as the other beautiful breeds in CFA.
The school curriculum includes subjects such as:
- Applying to the CFA Judging Program
- Getting Started/How To Be a Good Trainee
- Judging Ethics and Etiquette
- Condition, Standards and Structure of the pedigreed cat
- Judging and Handling the Pedigreed Cat.
- The Psychology of Judging
- Colors and Patterns in the Pedigreed Cat
- Detailed Review of the SH Breeds and LH Breeds
- Handling Sessions
Participants select either longhair or shorthair tracks for their sessions. Following joint sessions covering shared topics, the groups split off for specific instruction on either the longhair or shorthair breeds. The information shared in the classroom is reinforced in the handling workshop on the last day - "In-The-Ring".
The CFA Breed Awareness and Orientation Schools are held several times a year, normally including one in conjunction with the CFA International Show and the others throughout the regions of CFA. Every other year a school is held in Region 9 (Europe) or Asia. For example, in 2016 a school was held in Genk, Belgium, Region 9. Then in 2017, a BAOS was held in Hong Kong.
In May 2018, we are in Europe again in Lommel, Belgium. And of course, there will be a BAOS in conjunction with CFA's International Show in October 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Watch for announcements of future Breed Awareness and Orientation Schools on the CFA web site and consider attending. Where else could you get an experience like this?
For information on applying to the CFA Judging Program contact Applications administrator Penni Richter at
partiwaiex@me.com
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Kathy Durdick
CFA Webmaster
Announcing a couple of recent updates to the CFA website:
- The 2018-19 show rules and combined standards are now available online
- The February 1997 and June 1997 minutes have been added to the online list. Look for them here
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Monte Phillips, Chairman
Show Rules Committee
Subsequent to the February board meeting, the Board voted on four rule changes and passed all of them. The rules affected should have virtually no impact on CFA exhibitors in the United States, depending on where you show, as clubs inside the US already comply with all of these rules.
The first rule that was revised was show rule 4.04, which was revised to clarify that the club is submitting an application for a license, not a license. That is, CFA issues the license, clubs submit applications.
The second rule changed was show rule 9.08j to specify minimum dimensions for both the judging cages and the opening through which the judge removes the cat. This was changed because some clubs overseas have such small cages that in the effort to extract the cat, judges were being bitten. The rule specifies a minimum size of 22x20x21 inches, with a door dimension of at least 14x12 inches, opening horizontally (that's not a change).
The third change was a clarification of show rule 35.04 to make it compatible with show rule 21.01, specifically, no cat transported to a show by a judge can be shown in that judges ring at that show or it will be disqualified.
Finally, Numbers 4 and 6 were revised in the Regional Definitions section of Article XXXVI (National/Divisional/Regional Awards) to clarify that ONLY cats residing in the China Divisional Award area can earn points toward a National/Divisional Award from a show held in the China Divisional Award area. Cats from other award areas (Regions 1-9 or the rest of the International Division area) can not earn and keep points earned at shows within China.
All of the above take effect with the next show season, which starts in 15 days (May 1, 2018). As always, if you have any questions on show rules, or ideas to improve them, please contact me at jouvencebleu1@gmail.com
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Advertising Special!!
Don't miss this great opportunity!
Place an advertisement in BOTH the 2019 Yearbook AND the August issue of Cat Talk magazine for ONE low p
rice.
SPECIAL RATES
$350.00 for a full page ad
BOTH publications
$200.00 for a half page ad
BOTH publications
DEADLINE
JUNE 20, 2018
OR when quota is met
Limited space available, send your ad in early.
Once our quota is met, we will not be able to accept any more ads for this special combo.
Information can be found
here or email
Shelly Borawski with any questions.
GRANDSTAND, GRAND OF DISTINCTION AND DISTINGUISHED MERIT PHOTOS
The 2019 Yearbook will feature cats that have become a Grand, Grand of Distinction and Distinguished Merit during the show season of May 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018. If you haven't yet sent in your photo and payment to be included in this fine publication, please do so now. You can email everything to
Sborawski@cfa.org or mail it to Cat Fanciers Association, Inc., 260 East Main Street, Alliance OH 44601, ATTN: Publications.The deadline is August 22, 2018.
REGIONAL WINNER SECTION
Picture your 2017-2018 Regional Winner for $32.00 in the special Regional Winner section of the 2019 Yearbook. This special section will feature the cat's picture, and list the award, cat's name, description, breeder and owner. Don't miss this opportunity. Email a high resolution digital to
sborawski@cfa.org
and make your payment
here.
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Alliance Honors CFA With Award
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 On March 26, 2018, The Alliance (Ohio) Area Preservation Society presented an award to CFA for the preservation of our office building as an historic Mid-Century Modern building. CFA purchased the building in 2011 which had been a bank in its previous life with granite walls outside and marble inside. With the investment of several hundred thousand dollars the building was brought back to its original glory and is the pride of downtown Alliance.
In accepting the award, CFA President Mark Hannon commented that while CFA is an international organization, we are proud to have our home office in Alliance. We try to be good neighbors by being a sponsor for the annual Carnation Festival, many of our employees volunteer at the local animal shelter, and we anticipate becoming a participant in the annual Zombie Fest at Halloween. We are proud of our building and appreciate the recognition provided by the local preservation society. |
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CFA's Traveling President
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 I have not made many international trips in my life, with the first one taking place last May and the second one in June. My third such adventure took place last month when I spent a week in Hong Kong and the following week in Bangkok, Thailand. That had to be the experience of a life-time. For those who may be interested,
here is the story of my trip to Asia last month.
This month I flew to Milan, Italy, for the annual meeting of the World Cat Congress. While there I attended a FIFe show on Saturday and a CFA show on Sunday. This was my first experience with FIFe and my first visit to a CFA show in Europe.
Read about my European experience.
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Change of Address
CFA Treasurer Kathy Calhoun recently retired from her position at PepsiCo.
As her contact information included her old work email address, and that email does not forward, please note
that all correspondence to her should go to:
calhounkathy38@gmail.com
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Teresa Keiger
Editor
The April issue of Cat Talk is out and its full of kittens! Yes, it's our annual Kitten issue where we look at lots of topics pertaining to kittens.
Do you know someone new to CFA? Remember to suggest that they subscribe to Cat Talk - it's a great way to learn about CFA, exhibiting, and lots of other things related to cats and breeds.
We always want to know what topics our readers are interested in. We can't be YOUR magazine if we don't know what you're looking for. Have an idea for a story or a series? Please let me know via email at
tkeiger@tkeiger.com
Remember that you can subscribe to either the print or the online version of Cat Talk. It's available online through the
Kindle Newsstand or through
Magzter. Complete ordering information is
here.
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WINN FELINE FOUNDATION
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A list of our donors contributing $100 or more in March is available here
2018 Shelter Medicine Grant Review:
Winn announced three research grant awards for feline shelter medicine. Funding for these grants was made possible through a donation from PetSmart Charities®. Dr. Jody Gookin from North Carolina State University will be conducting a study on protecting foster kittens from infectious diarrhea through the use of a new probiotic containing specific protective bacteria. Profs. Vanessa Barrs and Julia Beatty from the University of Sydney, Australia will be evaluating natural and vaccine stimulated resistance to panleukopenia to enable the design of more effective prevention strategies. Gary Whittaker, PhD and Elizabeth Berliner, DVM from Cornell University will assess the importance of feline coronavirus as a cause of upper respiratory disease in shelter cats, and the role it plays in the development of FIP.
A Reminder ~ Winn Symposium Registration is Open:
Our theme this year will be "Perplexing Paradigms in Feline Medicine."
Dr. Katie Tolbert from the University of Tennessee will discuss new research on a common and frustrating infectious cause of feline diarrhea, Tritrichomonas foetus.
Our second speaker, Dr. Melissa Beall of IDEXX, will explain how our understanding about feline leukemia virus infection in cats is changing. Details to register are here.
Cat clubs that have donated $500 or more between July 1, 2017 and June 25, 2018 will receive one free registration for a representative to attend the Symposium.
Party at the CFA Annual! Celebrate Winn's 50th Anniversary on June 28th (immediately after our annual educational symposium). Cake, a cash bar, and light refreshments will be served, so stop on by to show your support and drink a toast to our past successes and hopes for the future of feline research. The Symposium speakers will be present, along with Winn board members, to answer questions and talk about cat health. Thanks to IDEXX for their generous sponsorship of this special event.
A Loving Legacy tip for April
by George Eigenhauser
Thanks to recent law, the individual exemption from Federal estate, gift and generation-skipping taxes has been increased to $10 million (before indexing for inflation) for tax years 2018 through 2025. (Note: unless extended, the personal exemption would later revert to $5 million, indexed.)
The IRS has determined that (after indexing) one person may exempt from Federal estate tax up to $11.2 million in assets in 2018. Married couples may be able to exclude $22.4 million from estate tax for 2018 using a tax provision called "portability". Using portability, the personal representative may elect to transfer the decedent's unused estate tax exemption amounts to the surviving spouse to reach the $22.4 million.
In addition, the annual exclusion from federal gift tax increases to $15,000 per donor for each donee in 2018. For example, a couple may each gift a person $15,000 for a total gift of $30,000 to one person from the couple. If the donee is married, the couple may gift the spouse another $30,000 free of federal gift tax. This means fewer estates will be subject to Federal taxation and may mean more opportunity to make planning for avoidance of Federal income taxes a priority.
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By Kelly Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison
Massachusetts and New York Legislatures Consider Expanding Breeder and Dealer Regulations to More People
Massachusetts and New York legislatures are considering bills that, if enacted, would regulate fanciers in each state. Current Massachusetts law requires inspections of certain dog breeders. The legislation being considered in that state would expand the number of dog breeders subject to inspection and adds cat breeders to the law. In New York, there is legislation that would expand the number of breeders that would be classified as pet dealers if enacted.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, cat fanciers may find themselves regulated along with dog fanciers in the state. If Senate Bill 2331 is enacted, more dog breeders will also find themselves subject to inspection without the exemptions contained in current law. On March 15, 2018, Senate Bill 2331 was amended and substituted for S. B.1155 from 2017, previously discussed in What's Hot in the October 2017 issue of the Cat Fanciers Association e-newsletter. The bill would require annual inspections of commercial and personal catteries and kennels. As defined, personal catteries and kennels are those in which "not less than 5 sexually-intact female dogs or cats are kept to breed the dogs and cats and sell the offspring as household pets." The rules and regulations to be drafted by the Department of Agriculture that would be required by this legislation shall ensure compliance with facility and care standards, and responsible breeding practices.
As with S. B. 1155, the legislation provides that a town or city licensee could be subject to review upon the submission of a petition signed by 25 citizens. Also carried over from S. B. 1155 are the pet lemon law provisions applicable to anyone selling a cat or dog, and the consumer protection provisions restricting the source of cats and dogs sold by pet stores to breeders in good standing as defined in S. B. 2331, shelters, and rescues.
Senate Bill 2331 has passed the Senate with a 36 yea to 0 nay vote with three senators absent or not voting. The House Committee on Ways and Means is currently considering the bill. Members of the committee are listed at https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/H34
New York
Assembly Bill 465 is another attempt to increase the number of cat and dog breeders that would be subject to regulation as pet dealers under New York law. Current law exempts "any breeder who sells or offers to sell directly to the consumer fewer than twenty-five animals [defined as dogs and cats] per year that are born and raised on the breeder's residential premises." [Bracketed language added for clarity.] Sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-88), A. B. 465 would reduce the exemption from twenty-five dogs and cats to fifteen dogs and cats born and raised on the breeder's residential premises per year. This threshold can be reached with one or two litters with some cats and dogs, putting many fanciers at risk of being classified as a pet dealer under state law if this change goes into effect. The bill had its third reading on March 18, 2018. New York fanciers can find their Assembly member at this link: http://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/
Please report legislation happening in your area to the Legislative Group -
legislation@cfa.org
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 by Karen Lane
CFA Ambassador Cats Program Chair
Meet our newest Ambassador Cat Member, and welcome Selma Kessler
Selma lives in Omaha, Nebraska, Region 6, and refers to herself as a hobbyist exhibitor. She is being mentored by Nancy Dodds and attended 15 shows this past season. Her cat is a Cornish Rex called Valentina. When I received her photo, I was not sure who was prettier, Valentina or Selma. They are a stunning couple.
Selma read Mark's recent article about an unhappy spectator, at one of our shows. She took Mark's comments to heart and thought that she and her cat might make a difference and let our spectators see CFA's positive side. The Ambassador Cat Program is many things. First and foremost, it is an out-reach program and Selma understands this, and how important it is to have a kind word and an understanding heart when people are interested in our cats, and what CFA is all about. One thing we all need to remember, no matter how busy we are at the shows, we represent CFA.
Most of our shows depend on spectator money to cover our show expenses. With the added number of spectators we all need to be aware of being put in the "spotlight." When you are at a show, our spectators think you are something special. Because you have a great amount of knowledge of cats and feline behavior, you are an expert to our show visitors. CFA needs all of us be be something "special" to people who have paid to see our cats and us.
When Selma is not working with her cat or showing Valentina, she is a Civil Engineer in her real life. If anyone sees Selma at a show, please say hello and thank her for her extra commitment to CFA.
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 Candilee Jackson
CFA Ambassador Chair
Welcome to "Sprinter"!!!! With the Midwest still bogged down by snow, and ornamental trees which have not yet blossomed, CFA ambassadors are charging to the finish line of the current show season.
Region 6: Candilee Jackson
With the past winter months, the MWR has been busier than normal... seven shows since January! During this time, our ambassadors have been on their toes greeting both newcomers and return friends to the show halls. 
Several shows, regardless of inclement weather forecasts, had spectacular gate which came out in droves! Therapy cat, Lady Bronwyn, continues to walk show halls on her harness and leash, and makes a bee-line to anyone in a wheelchair, first asking to jump up, and to the amazement of many, does so on command. She was in her element at COWs last weekend when a group of physically challenged folks stopped by for senior center visit.
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by Carmen Johnson-Lawrence, Chair
Can you believe it? Two weeks left in this show season! Our youth all across CFA have been busy this season - from stewarding, clerking, showing their cats, participating in club meeting, giving presentations to other organizations, volunteering at shelters, and assisting in other ways at shows. The activities these youth participate in are far too many to mention! All youth should start submitting activity reports to their Regional Coordinators so that scoring can be done in a timely manner, ensuring all awards are ready for Regional Celebrations.
The Youth Feline Education Program has grown this year too - adding members in five of the seven regions here in the United States! This month you'll hear from one of our newest members, Matilda from the Northwest Region.
Matilda Starbuck - Northwest Region Lions Division
On February 17th-18th we took our Chartreux kitten, Natalie to her first show. There were 8 rings and agility. There was another Chartreux kitten there too, her sister, Narnia.
In the very first ring, the judge gave Natalie best of breed and a final. We took her up, we were very excited! The judge began to take out the kittens, 10th best, 9th, 8th, 7th, 6th... Finally the judge got to 5th best kitten, took Natalie out and said things like, "Beautiful ears!" and, "Great temperament!" We were so proud of her!
Natalie was a little shy in the cage, but she was playful on the podium, and scratched on the pole. She really liked the hammock we got her, she slept in it a lot. She got best of breed in most of the rings. On the second day she got another final, the judge said some great stuff about her and gave her another 5th place ribbon!
We saw some people doing agility, it turned out one of them had just broken the world record, running the agility course in 7 seconds! We wanted to do it too, so we signed up and went into the agility ring. At first Natalie sniffed around and didn't seem too interested, but we practiced with her. When we said we were ready, I led her through the course, she ran fast. The ringmaster stopped the timer and exclaimed, "16 seconds!" We got second place to the world record holder!
At the end of the show, we packed up and left with so many ribbons and good memories!
If you know a youth that is interested in the Youth Feline Education Program, you may contact Carmen at carmenlawrence.yfep@gmail or reach out directly to your Regional Coordinator!
North Atlantic Region - Lynda Smith
Northwest Region - Sande Kay
Gulf Shore Region - Anne Paul
Great Lakes Region - Lorna Friemoth
Southwest Region - Kelsey Friemoth
Midwest Region - Cathy Dunham
Southern Region - Chandler Bussey
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 by Karen Lawrence
The Abyssinian breed display is now open in the Feline Historical Museum. This exhibit explores the history of the Abyssinian breed, including an historical slideshow, as well as photos, books and artwork depicting the breed. The exhibit will be open until October 31st.
The CFA Foundation regularly shares photos that we come across in our research history on our Facebook page, and Karen shares them also on her personal Facebook page. From the comments we've received, we know that people enjoy this look at the history of the cat fancy. It does, however, take money for the CFA Foundation to acquire these historical pieces and make them available for you to enjoy. We've recently added a DONATE button to our Facebook page. Please consider helping us raise funds to maintain and enhance the collection at the Feline Historical Museum.
We've been busy on THE HISTORY PROJECT web site adding various pages to the section on the artifacts from the Cat Fancy, and giving visitors a look at the history behind each item. Recently we've added:
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c1905, Original Louis Wain Watercolor
The Feline Historical Museum is located at 260 East Main Street, Alliance, Ohio.
Hours are 10am-4pm Tuesday thru Friday and 9am to noon on Saturday.
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| Our friends at Motel 6 would like CFA to continue to receive the 10% discount at participating locations by using the new updated reservation code of OAPHHT. There is a dedicated reservation site for CFA at https://www.motel6.com/en/cp/cat-fanciers-association.html or you may call 800-466-8356. |
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Discounts Available to You!
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by John Adelhoch, Regional Director
Well, will spring ever get here? April seems to be a very quiet month in our Region. I know that there are clubs looking for show dates, perhaps they might look into April? It's a nice month to put on a show and for exhibitors to finish up getting those extra points for the wins. It can also be a great time to bring out those cats leaving kitten class into championship, with the hope of entering the new show season as a Grand.
Sign of the Cat/Nova Cat Fanciers will be holding their traditional close of the season show on April 28-29th, in Easton, PA. This is a show to celebrate the end of the 2017-18 show season, and as mentioned to bring out all our new cats for showing. The club puts on a fabulous show, with a really nice raffle table that we all love. I will be holding a regional meeting on Sunday morning. Please try to attend if you are at the show so that you can get up to date information regarding our 2018 NAR Regional being celebrated at the Best Western Hunt Landing, PA. More information is on the NAR web site on the CFA site. It's very important to make those hotel reservation soon, as we only have so many room in the block.
Bye for now, remember "These are the Best of Times" so get out there and make new friends and celebrate with all!
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Terri Zittel, Regional Secretary
Down to the last show of the season for Region 2. Last weekend the Crow Canyon Cat Club held a two day 10 ring show in Pleasanton, CA. From all that I have seen and heard it was a terrific show with an outstanding entry.
This weekend is the Puget Sound & Mckenzie River Cat Clubs show in Longview, WA. This is an outstanding location with natural light in a lovely show hall. It is also a 10 ring show with 6 judges on Saturday and 4 judges on Sunday.
There will be lots of grand and grand of distinction parties throughout the weekend. We have also worked extra hard on the publicity. Ariel Bartelmes has done a fabulous job with the online advertisements. Maureen Clark and her grand-daughter, Kenna Goldsbary, have handled the print advertising in the Longview area.
This wraps up the show season for Region 2. Wishing all the Regional Winners and National Winners the best outcomes.
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by Kathy Black, Regional Director
The Gulf Shore Region has been busy with shows in the past month. Greater Baton Rouge Cat Club held their annual show on the last weekend of March. It was the only show in the Continental US and exhibitors came from many different areas to compete. This club honors the top cats in each category with the Jean Bassett memorial award. Congratulations to the following:
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Championship:
KASANOVAKATZ REYNAH - Burmilla Longhair
Owners: SJ Mohr-L Hollister-G-L Sorokin
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Kittens: ADORABLEDOLL SUGAR OF DOLL VILLA - Ragdoll
Owners: Jia Tan-Yuqing Yang
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Premiership: ABIZAQ BLAZIN BITZ OF PALOVA Maine Coon Cat
Owners: Vicky Edwards/Pat Idleman
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Household Pet: TIK TOK DONT STOP OF CAREYCATS
Owners: Al & Tanya Walbrun/Sherry Green
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At the Oklahoma City Cat club show April 7th the exhibitors were reminded that Winter is not over yet. Icy roads, sleet and snow greeted them as they entered the building Saturday morning. The absentee rate was very low, and everyone enjoyed a new facility and a great time. Best Household Pet was awarded to Allenia Voerster for GHP Blaze of Marleevo, a Brown McTabby and white neuter.
Most popular cat as voted by the spectators was GP Ri-Kar Katts Aharon of Angelforest, Norwegian Forest Cat owners are Dwight and Leah Dow. (below)
The Region has three shows remaining on this year's schedule: Foot of the Rockies Cat Club in Loveland, CO April 14-15, North Texas Cat Club April 21 and Ft. Worth Cat Clubs in Mesquite, TX April 22.
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Outside of the show rings the Breeder Assistance program has been busy arranging donations of food and delivering to the shelters in and around the Dallas Metroplex. Over 13,000 lbs of Chicken Soup for the Soul wet and dry cat food was donated from the Ogden, UT facility and delivered to Stephenville, TX. CFA BAP-BRP Jan Rogers with the aid of her husband Jim Rogers coordinated getting this wonderful donation unloaded for Rescue Shelters. Jan arranged the pickup and delivery to the following shelters: Grandbury Shelter #1000, DFW Purebred rescue #1000, Mesquite Animal Shelter #1000, Katie Lou Catty Shack #1000 and many more locations. Thank you, Jeanne Blandford, Jan Rogers, Jim Rogers, Ace Hardware and team, for your hard work!!!
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| Jim Rogers with a palate of the donated food |
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by John Colilla, Regional Director
Our region is very active in social media with a Facebook page as well being a member of Pinterest. Please stop by and check out what is going on in our region at:
https://www.facebook.com/cfagreatlakes
Show Report 
Mid-Ohio Cat Fanciers held their 27th annual show in Mansfield, Ohio on April 7 and 8 with a 10-ring format.
The weather gods abided the club's wish for it
not to be spring-like for the weekend, so the spectators would come out to see the fancy felines and not stay home to work in their yards. The gate was the highest receipt in the club's recent history, but not only the weather deserves credit. Co-show manager, Nannette Schindler, Diana Nolan from S.T.O.P. (Stop the Overpopulation of Pets) and entry clerk, Nicole Turk, put forth tremendous advertising efforts on a regular basis to publicize the show.
Along with all the seasoned judges that were invited from three regions, Bethany Colilla made her debut as a Longhair Specialty judge. She was the first one to present rosettes that were donated by Summer Flower in China.
The Fairhaven Hall at the Richland County Fairgrounds offers a spacious hall with delicious homemade food by fairground docents. The club had successful raffles both days with offerings of gift cards, a TV, Cat stroller, scratching post and many other prizes. John Colilla did an annual 50/50 raffle to benefit S.T.O.P. and was able to donate more that $400 to the no-kill rescue group.
Plans are underway for next year's show already!
2022 Annual Fund Raising for Louisville
Great Lakes Region would like to thank all of the people who submitted pictures for our 2022 Fund Raising Calendar. We sold out all of spots for pictures.
Be sure to mark your calendar with our upcoming shows:
- APR 21 -- Just Car-In Around, Taylor MI 5AB 1SP
- May 12 - Anthony Wayne Cat Faciers, Ann Arbor, MI 5AB 1SP
- May 19 - Almost Heaven Cat Club, Charleston WV 4AB 2SP HHP
- May 20 -- Great Lakes and Great Maine, Charleston WV 4AB 2SP HHP
- May 26 - Golden Triangle Cat Fanciers. Cambridge, ON 5AB 1SP HHP
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by Lisa Marie Kuta, Regional Director
Thanks to the MalThanks to Los Colores for continuing the tradition of producing fun,
well-run shows. It was a real treat to spend a beautiful March day out in
Palm Springs.
Close out the season with a visit to the Southwest Region. The Las Vegas
Cat Club's show on April 28-29 is at the Flamingo, RIGHT ON THE STRIP!
Close out the show season with all the fun of Las Vegas right out the
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by Mary Auth, Regional Director
The "Rainbow Cats" show in Gardner, KS at the last of March was a fun show with a prize for most closely guessing the number of rainbow Skittles were in the jar (see photo). Selma Kessler won with her guess of 3225 - there were actually 3825 in the jar (whoever counted those!!!) Selma also took home a final from Brian Pearson, one of the show's organizers and judge.
Fun also was had at the Cats of Wisconsin show on April 7 in Waukesha, WI. COWS - as the show and club are fondly known - take the theme each year to new heights. Cary Plummer with his cow bell and cash prizes were again a big hit.
Later this month, the America's Heartland show plays host for the last weekend of the show calendar. America's Heartland is actually not a club, but a collection of Midwest Region clubs that come together for a year-end celebration - usually with food.
The Midwest Region is adding more shows to the calendar. Mo-Kan will host a show on November 3 in Lenexa, KS and the Midlands Cat Club is hosting a show in Iowa City, IA on November 17 - filling the weekend when the International Show used to be held.
The region is planning a clerking school on Friday, August 3 in advance of the TGIF and National Birman Fanciers show in Gray Summit, Missouri. Watch for more details to come.
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Garfield takes a quick rest at the COWS show.
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| Sue Vande Sande and Monica Zehnder came up with the successful raffle at the COWS show. |
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Selma Kessler, a new Cornish Rex exhibitor from Omaha, won the Skittles counting contest and a final from Brian Pearson.
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There were 3825 Skittles in the jar at the Rainbow Cats show in Gardner, KS on March 24.
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by Jean Dugger, Regional Director
March was a whirlwind of activity in the southern region starting with Crab & Mallet and Atlanta Phoenix; then Coastal Paws in Raleigh, N.C.; and then finishing the month at Tennessee Valley Cat Fanciers in Knoxville, Tennessee. With the show season at its peak and everyone fighting for every point, the Knoxville club graciously provided Super Specialty rings which were a great bonus to many of us! Our Facebook advertising initiative has been a boon to our clubs, as they have advised of the "best gate in 10 years", "awesome crowd" etc. Ending the Southern Region month with our Knoxville Show, I was told that over 1800 spectators came through their gates! (I believe it - as you could hardly walk...) It was an amazing show and crowd! Thank you Vivian Baylor for your hard work - on Facebook and as show manager!
The region wraps up the show season with the Mad Catters' show in Frederick, MD on April 22. Then we kick off the new season in Lawrenceville, GA with the New Vision CC and the Rebel Rousers' shows May 5-6.
Behind the scenes, the Southern Region team is hard at work planning the regional and annual events. Much information about the regional is available on our website and I hope you can join us in Roanoke . Sponsorship information is available on our website and on Facebook - so be sure to check this out!
A few of the SPECIAL Peach Pins are still available! You can join in the fun of special events at the annual - just for "Peach Pinners" - you can order them from our website or buy one at a Southern Region show! Don't miss this!
We recently sent out information to all clubs providing deadlines and suggestions for items that can be included in the annual delegate bags. Although the items are not needed until June, we want to ensure that we have a great delegate bag with lots of special items. We are asking that clubs let us know as soon as possible what they plan to send. If your club needs help deciding on an item, our Southern Region volunteers are here to help! Don't be left out - contact us now.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Or as we say in the South - y'all come!!
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Kayoko Koizumi, Regional Director
No report this month
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by Michael Hans Schleissner
No report this month
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by Dick Kallemyer
The CFA International Asia Cat Show was a big success in Bangkok, Thailand, the week of March 17-18.
The awards banquet has been tentatively set for Bangkok, Thailand on August 18. DO NOT MAKE PLANS yet as the location may still change. Here is the distribution of DW awards to be presented at this year's banquet.
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Country
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Shows
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Rings
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Awards
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Asia West/Africa
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3
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16
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3
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Brazil
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0
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0
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0
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China
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102
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753
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25
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Hong Kong
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9
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58
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12
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Indonesia
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10
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58
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12
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Israel
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5
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10
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3
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Malaysia
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11
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52
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10
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Singapore
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4
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12
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3
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South Korea
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5
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21
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4
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Taiwan
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3
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14
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3
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Thailand
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6
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41
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7
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Totals
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158
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1035
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82
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Have a question or a comment about the CFA Newsletter?
Feel free to contact me at
tkeiger@cfa.org
Thank you for being a subscriber!
Teresa Keiger
CFA Newsletter Editor
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