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Happy 2023 to One and All!
The Official CFA Discussion Group (OCDG) has been up and running for nearly six months. This is a good place to start discussions and ask questions. If your questions are not answered immediately, be patient, as we get into a sustainable rhythm. As I write this message the OCDG has more than 3,000 members and gaining new members almost each and every day. We look forward to more content and diversity of thought.
The CFA Board of Directors will meet in-person for the February Board meeting in Cleveland, Ohio and the meeting will be broadcasted on the CFA Facebook page.
The 2022 – 2023 Show Season and Fiscal Year will be coming to an end in April. A chance to celebrate our cats at the Regional Awards Banquets and the CFA Awards Banquet in Tucson, Arizona will soon be upon us. Plan ahead and find a photographer to take those special pictures of your precious cat.
It’s also time to recognize those hard-working individuals who went above and beyond this past season. Be sure to submit your candidate for a STAR Award.
And it’s time to formalize ideas that your club might want to put forth at the Annual Delegate Meeting. Be sure to submit your proposed Amendments and Resolutions to the Central Office by Monday, April 17, 2023.
The next few months will be very busy indeed. Take time to enjoy the moment and as always be kind.
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Our featured cat for January is CFA's Second Best Kitten, Regions 1-9, GC, NW BELLA MIA AVA OF PURRCASSO, a Brown Classic Tabby-White Exotic female. | |
February 1, 2023: Club fees & membership list must be RECEIVED in CO by this date for a club to be eligible to vote for CFA Directors-at-Large
February 4-5: CFA Board Meeting in Cleveland, OH.
February 20, 2023: Central Office Closed in observance of President’s Day.
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CFA’s Show Calendar
Publicize details regarding your show for FREE on CFA’s show calendar. Include information such as hours open to spectators, admission prices, contests, photographer, parking details, etc. such as the example below.
| Use the link at the top of the show calendar page to send us your show flyer, breed summary and any other information you want to advertise, or use this direct link: https://cfa.org/submit-show-information/ | | |
Allene Tartaglia, CFA Executive Director | |
The CFA storefront, where you can purchase items with the new CFA logo, will debut soon. In addition to clothing, we plan to offer mugs, phone chargers and other items. We’d like to hear from you about what types of clothing you’d like (hoodies, sweatshirts, dress shirts, jackets, vests, tee shirts, etc.) and other items you’d like the store to carry such as a fleece throw/blanket, ball cap/hat, insulated tumbler, glassware, etc. We can’t guarantee that all the items requested will be available in the store, but we’ll try and carry the most requested items.
Please email Amber Goodright with your requests, agoodright@cfa.org.
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RETIREMENTS
Allbreed Judge Gene Darrah 1978-1/1/2023
Gene’s farewell letter
GENE DARRAH, PROUD CFA ALLBREED JUDGE,
"THE RIDE" 01/01/2023
The ride started back in the 70's, I was showing a black Persian male named Desi, met a man named Don Williams. He strongly suggested that I show this cat for a national win, I did just that and the ride started moving fast, Desi was 6' best cat in 1975. In 1976 we showed two black Persians to national wins. Best Cat and BestKitten, two different litters. I was hooked and wanted to try Judging. Went through all the steps and finally achieved all breed status. For the next 44 years the ride was moving super-fast. Today the ride stops. I am retiring from the CFA Judging program effective immediately. I have ongoing health issues and even with a year's leave the board graciously granted me I have to call it quits. I will miss my friends in the fancy more than they will ever know, but even more than that I will miss handling the beautiful Cats and Kittens they brought to my ring to Judge. I hope all of you fanciers will continue to support CFA and shows the hard working clubs present for us. I would like to thank all of the clubs that asked me to Judge their shows. Thank you CA and the Board for continuing to keep the business running in a positive and professional manner. In all the years I have been in the fancy I have met and got to know some of the greatest people on earth. (Cat People) I know you fanciers will continue to work hard and continue to breed and show some of the best and most beautiful felines in the world. I will miss you guys but never forget you. It was the "BEST RIDE" in my life ever.
Gene Darrah
Surrey Hill Persians
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RESIGNATION
Rod Uren joined the CFA Judging program in 2018 after guest judging for CFA numerous times. Rod has submitted his resignation effective 11/27/2022.
Dear Vicki,
Following a recent discussion with Diana and some suggestion over the last year about my future, I am taking the next step. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and camaraderie that resulted from all the CFA shows I have judged since 2006, having seen so many beautiful cats, and wish it could continue.
However, because of Covid I feel unlikely to travel safely overseas again and have to ask myself the purpose of keeping my CFA licence if I am not going to use it. There are also family issues to consider with Cheryle’s health, which has left her bedridden after 13 months in hospital and now aged care. We don’t know if it will be permanent or not.
In addition, Cheryle’s forced withdrawal from the Australian cat fancy has left an enormous gap in expertise and knowledge, which I have found hard to ignore after being a member of FCCV in the state of Victoria for 55 years myself, including a life member for the last 20 years. In an effort to give back to the fancy here, I stood for Committee, have just been voted on by the members and appointed as President of FCCV. I have just arrived home from the Annual General Meeting where the positions were announced. I can’t assume these roles and be a CFA judge, so my resignation from the CFA Judges Panel is tendered with regret.
I can only wish you and all the friends I have made over the years the best for the future. I hope to see some of you again in Australia. As you can see, I have copied this email to Diana, as she needs to know the outcome.
Sincerely,
Rod U’Ren.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Liz Watson has requested a 6 month Leave of Absence for the period 1/6/2023 through 7/6/2023
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Mark Hannon, Publications Chair
The 2023 Yearbook, which highlights the 2021-2022 show season, is now available. The digital version was emailed last week to those who ordered them. If you did not receive it, please contact Shelly Borawski at sborawski@cfa.org . The hard copy was also shipped last week to those who advertised or pre-ordered them. They were shipped from the CFA Central Office via the US Postal Service.
If you did not order a copy you are not too late. You can order either a digital version or a hard copy. The Yearbook contains photos of our nationally winning cats from last show season for cats around the world as well as breed winners, Grands, and Distinguished Merit winners. There is an article with photos from our Annual Meeting last June in Louisville, an analytical review of last show season, and update on the history of the CFA International Cat Show, and lots of ads highlighting cattery achievements.
To order a Yearbook go to https://catalog.cfa.org/yearbook.shtml .
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CFA’s Official Discussion Group | |
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Mark Hannon, Publications Chair
Last summer CFA kicked off an official CFA Discussion Group on Facebook. It is an online location to discuss subjects of interest to those participating in CFA whether they be exhibitors, breeders, judges, clerks, club members, breed council members, etc. The Administrators and Moderators include the CFA President, Executive Director, several board members and judges … people who have a depth of CFA knowledge who can answer questions and provide guidance and help. In addition, many who have joined also have a wealth of knowledge to share with the group. This is a place to share ideas, get help, and simply chat about everything CFA.
It is exciting to see that over 3,000 people have joined this discussion group since it was started just a few months ago. We hope everyone who has joined feels comfortable participating in the discussions. Share your thoughts with the rest of us.
We also ask that you encourage your friends in CFA to become members. To join go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cfacats
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It started with a request for a pen pal campaign. Then, in addition to lifting the spirits of discouraged Ukrainian breeder, it also became a way to raise funds for these breeders’ cats.
Last fall, CFA BAP/BRP chair Charlene Campbell was corresponding Olga Rakitny regarding helping feed breeders’ cats. In war-torn Ukraine, feeding people can be difficult, much less feeding the animals. Fanciers and friends from Europe and the US participated in various fundraising efforts and while that certainly helped the cats, living in a war zone is still mentally challenging for anyone.
Charlene thought that a “pen pal campaign” where fanciers would write letters of support and encouragement might help raise the spirits of those breeders. She and BAP board members Jan Rogers and Cyndy Bird reached out to the CFA community, suggested some talking points for letters, and gave them email addresses for correspondence. These include:
· Keep your message positive, focusing on their personal experience.
· Avoid any political/judgmental statements against Russians. We have many Russian CFA breeder friends, and they didn’t attack Ukraine.
· If you would like to express your anger and disgust, expressing disagreement with the actions of Putin should suffice without demeaning our Russian fancy friends.
It worked! SO many breeders responded, thanking everyone for both the food donations AND thinking of them and their plight. Read one of those letters here.
It is truly amazing what just a few kind words can do to lift the hearts of those in need. Donate to BAP's efforts here
NEW Website Address
BAP/BRP has moved!
Our new web address is: https://breedersassist-rescue.cfa.org/
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Teresa Keiger, Editor
You don't want to miss our February issue of Cat Talk magazine. it is our annual "Breeding" issue and contains some great articles about difficulties in conception, explores the important relationship between breeders and veterinarians, and looks at the many reasons of why breeders breed.
NEW FEATURE
in 2013, Cat Talk ran a series of articles exploring the stories behind breeders' cattery names. There were SO many great stories and some very clever names.
Well, it's been 10 years and new catteries have been registered in the meantime. Do you have an interesting story about your cattery name AND it was registered since 2014? We'd love to hear it! Please send it to Nancy Kerr at nakerr68@outlook.com. We can't wait to read your stories!
And don't forget: Cat Talk makes a great gift for friends near and far - or yourself! Order and gift a subscription at https://cfa.org/cattalk-almanac/
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Kelly Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison
Sharon Coleman, CFA Legislative Legal Analyst
Enhanced Emergency Notification and Response Systems
Information and time are crucial elements during disasters or when an emergency response is necessary. Fanciers can benefit from enhanced systems, often provided by for-profit third-party companies, to improve fundamental government alerts and responses. They can help fanciers avoid problem areas, get the best evacuation paths, or increase their chances of survival if an emergency response is required.
Enhanced emergency response systems, like Smart911, enable registrants to volunteer helpful information, including family or caregiver information, medical conditions and disabilities, addresses, utility information, and even animals, including pets and livestock. According to Smart911, the information provided is available only to 911 call takers when a registrant calls them. Fanciers will want to carefully consider the information they provide to this or similar systems, given the laws in their area and personal comfort level with privacy concerns. Since this is a nationwide program, should a fancier live somewhere that does not use the service, they may still want to consider the benefits of registering with such a system for when they travel, including using cell phone data to route the call appropriately.
Enhanced evacuation planning systems like Zonehaven, operating in Northern California and Southern Oregon, work with local governments to provide enhanced information for emergency awareness and avoidance for communicating to the entire population. The government uses this information in its public notification alerts. People can also go to the website or app to get evacuation statuses for their area.
Emergency notification and response systems save lives. However, fanciers should carefully consider the information they provide such systems. The broadly disseminated public alerts generally do not require much personal information. Emergency responses, though, are focused on the individual where personal information is critical.
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Please report legislation happenings in your area to the Legislative Group – legislation@cfa.org
Visit the CFALegislativeNews Facebook page and the CFA Legislative Group Blog to see the current legislative news.
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EveryCat Health Foundation | |
submitted by Virginia Rud | |
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A list of our honored donors for the month of December is available here
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EveryCat is back at CFA Annual!
EveryCat Health Foundation is excited to announce that we will once again be presenting a symposium at the 2023 CFA Annual Meeting in Tucson, AZ. We are scheduled for 4:00-6:30 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Stay tuned for more information!
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Tax Tips with George Eigenhauser
Calendar 2023 has now arrived along with many changes to federal tax laws. Some COVID-19 tax breaks and temporary stimulus provisions have expired. Tax brackets and other provisions may be adjusted for inflation. As you prepare your 2022 tax return you may discover that your employer is withholding too much or too little tax. Changes in your personal life such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child, adoption, or changes in your job or other income may also affect your tax liability going forward. If you are not having enough tax withheld from your paycheck you may owe Uncle Sam at tax time. Withholding too little could result in unexpected taxes or penalties due. In times of higher inflation if you are having too much money withheld your refund later may have less purchasing power than money in your pocket today. You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to determine the right amount of withholding for 2023. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator The IRS recommends everyone use the Tax Withholding Estimator to perform a “paycheck checkup”. It’s free to use and may help you avoid unpleasant surprises at tax time next year.
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Breeding Cat Coverage
Now Available!
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Protect your breeding cat with Felix:
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Enter breeding cat’s info to Get a Quote
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Select the optional add-on for Breeding Coverage*
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Click on Checkout to complete enrollment
Click here
to get started or call 1-866-FELIX-09 (1-866-335-4909).
*Coverage for accidents, illnesses and complications relating to or caused by breeding, pregnancy, whelping or nursing. Conditions and limitations apply.
Felix Cat Insurance is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.
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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 CPOAPHHT. There is a dedicated reservation site for CFA at www.motel6.com/en/cp/cfa.html or you may call 800-466-8356.
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Code: 1000026977
or call 877-999-3223 and ask for the discount code CFA CAT FANCIERS ASSOCIATION
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Click logo for information | |
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Sharon Roy- Regional Director
This is what cat shows should really be about….
Every once in a while the unexpected happens and that was certainly true of the Vermont Fancy Felines and the Fleur de Lys show this weekend. Both of these clubs and their members are hard working for CFA. The advertising hit the mark, as the club had over 3000 paid spectators come through their gate. That 3000 did not include all the families who brought their under 5 years of age children to visit as well. All 12 judges engaged with the audience throughout the show, explaining the cats, taking the cats out for the finals, continually answering questions.
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The parade of breeds was well attended for the 4 presentations over the weekend, standing room only. Special thank you for all the exhibitors who lent their beautiful cats and were willing to tell attendees, what made their breeds special. The best question came from a young girl, who asked if we have blue cats, were any breeds green? She would love a green cat. I even had a young girl come up and give me a cat toy, she purchased for being so nice to her.
Special thanks to Lorna Freimoth-Gallion for the online publicity and to Marilyn Conde who handled the local media outlets.
Special thanks as well to Laura Gregory, Region 7 exhibitor and LH judge who saw the gate group needed extra hands to help keep the lines moving.. she went right over and volunteered to help.
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Terri Zittel - Regional Secretary
We just returned from an exciting and fun filled show in Seaside, OR. The Emerald Cat Club outdid themselves again this year. The show hall is fabulous with three huge screens that portray the show scene. This is super great for those of us that are height challenged.
Huge crowd of spectators during the show and viewing the cat “dress up” event held at noon each day. Pam Moser orchestrated the Saturday contest and Brian Pearson the Sunday event.
The local paper, The Seaside Signal, published a great article about the show. I have chosen to share three of the photos from the paper. One is Kendall Mar with his and Deana Zittel’s Cornish Rex, CH Quails Nest Miss Fortune. The second is Brandy and Brynne Slack with two of their HHP contestants and the third is Linda Osburn’s decorated cage in the show theme of “Happy Mew Year”. I am sure she won. I have also added a picture of Deena Stevens and her winning entry in the Sunday dress up contest.
Put this show on your “must attend” calendar for 2024.
We are also happy and relieved that Ariel Bartelmes is home recovering from her surgery. Good thoughts, Ariel
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John Colilla, Regional Director
Ohio State Persian Club and Just Cat-in Around Cat Fanciers – Dec 10-11, 2022
written by Staci Taylor
The weekend of December 10-11, 2022 the Ohio State Persian Club with Just Cat-In Around Cat Fanciers
put on a fantastic show in Columbus, Ohio! It was just like walking into a winter wonderland! Between the delicious cookie table, whimsical winter decorations, and outstanding raffle table, how could it go wrong? The show had spectacular vendors and the amazing Larry Johnson was there to take pictures of your gorgeous cats. On Sunday we even got a visit from one of Santa's little helpers! A huge shout out to the clubs, the exhibitors, the spectators and all the amazing judges who all helped to make this show one for the books! We cannot wait to do it all again next year!
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Mike Shelton, Regional Director
It's been a quiet time for us in the Southwest Region over the last few weeks, with no shows since the last newsletter. But in this time, much of the west coast has been hit by devastating storms, so we would like to take this opportunity to ask you to donate, as you can, to CFA Breeder Assistance or the CFA Food Pantry to help those members of our CFA family who have been affected by these and other life-altering events. For details on how to donate, you can go to https://breedersassist-rescue.cfa.org/donations.html. Thanks for any help you can provide.
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Kenny Currle - Regional Director | |
Takako Kojima, Regional Scretary | |
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Japan Shaded Fanciers had their Christmas show on December 25 at Yokohama. Secretary, CFA Allbreed judge Teruko Arai-san passed away last June. She has been breeding Egyptian Mau, Chinchilla Silver and American Shorthair and judging for almost 40 years. Her two daughters and families had this show for her memorial. Many exhibitors missed Teruko-san and attended this show.
I attached Teruko Arai-san’s family. The pretty cat with Arai-san’s
picture is a publicity for a musical “ CATSLA”
She also showed us her many talents as artist and soprano.
I imagine that she is painting of her lovely cats with many beautiful flowers in the heaven. Teruko-san, thank you so much for giving us lots of wonderful memories.
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Pam DelaBar, Regional Director
Region 9 Europe kicked off the first weekend of the New Year with a show held in the Helsinki, Finland area. The show was conducted by Sunshine Cat Club (which everyone was hoping for sunshine); however, the white surroundings (snow) were offset by the colorful interior of the show hall. We had many new exhibitors who were thrilled their entries were received so well during judging and they have stated they will return to all our shows. And speaking of “all our shows”, we are seeing our shows starting to fill early, an entry clerk’s dream.
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We have two programs currently ongoing that are receiving a lot of attention: our six associate judge trainees are working diligently in acquiring excellent handling skills and breed knowledge. This is working “hand-in-hand” with the new JPC Handling Program with Peter Vanwonterghem acting as chief for Region 9.
We are a diverse Region, so if you want to work on your tan in Southern Spain, see the Northern Lights, or drive a dog sled, we will welcome you - and your cats - to Region 9 Europe: where the cat fancy is still lots of fun.
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Hong Kong
Suki Lee- Coordinator ID-Hong Kong
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Gong Hei Fat Choy! Happy New Year of the Rabbit!
CFA returned to Hong Kong with a "Bang"
The Glamours International Ambassador club ("GIA") put on their first CFA show on January 7th and 8th in Hong Kong. It is the first show to take advantage of the relaxation in the Hong Kong Covid policy. The club invited Carol Fogarty to be the first US judge to return to Hong Kong since the Covid quarantine measure was implemented in 2020.
The 2 days 4 rings show was well supported by fanciers and there was plenty of media coverage. GIA founders Fanny and Thomas are husband and wife who are passionate about Russian Blue. They have been active exhibitors for years and they wanted to bring something different to the CFA circle. The theme of the show has a lifestyle angle with a homely decorated reception and a specialized coffee barista hosting a booth.
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The show successfully attracted new fanciers and revived sleepy fanciers. The exhibitors were engaging and paid attention to judging. Carol, Suki Lee, Kit Fung and Amanda Cheng were judging the show. They were impressed by the overall quality and conditions of the cats. They appreciated the opportunities to handle the beautifully well-groomed cats. Many breeds were competing in the rings and the audience was entertained.
GIA club would like to thank Alex Chan for his great work as master clerk and the entry clerk for the show. All the volunteers, ring clerks, participants and sponsors to make GIA first show a success.
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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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