The holiday season is upon us and I’d like to announce a large gift ODS received from the ODS Championship show committee. The committee turned over $12,000 to the ODS board that represents show profits from the past two years with the majority of it coming from the 2005 show. The committee also retained sufficient seed money for the group to kick off the 2006 championships.

I’m particularly pleased with the financial results from this year’s show. In 2005, the fees, participant numbers, and facility charges were not significantly different than the prior year. Rider costs are well in line with other area shows who don’t turn a profit. Only better management can be credited with the increase in profits. I’d like to recognize Rose Newman, show manager, and Mary Neal, show secretary, for their work.

The aim of the championship show is for it to support itself. However it is exceeding that goal and contributing back to ODS in a big way. All members, (whether you are an active competitor, or never enter the show ring), benefit from this endeavor. I’ve said it before, but it is well deserved— thank you to the dedicated committee, and volunteer workers who do such a great job with this show.

On that happy note, I’ll relinquish the rest of my space to Corinne, who has some reminders from the office.

Happy Holidays.

John