The United States Dressage Federation announced August 1, 2008 the start of its “Going Green” Campaign.  The campaign was developed to manage costs in a tough economy and support worldwide environmental efforts while continuing to provide the best in member benefits and services.

The first major step in the effort was the launch of the USDF Web site last fall which has allowed USDF to provide extensive information and services to its members online, reducing paper usage, shipping costs, and staff processing time.
To further the campaign and involve all members, USDF has instituted the choice for individuals to opt out of receiving hardcopy membership cards and USDF Directory as both of these can be accessed online.  Also, by renewing online for the 2009 membership year, members can not only help save paper, postage, and handling, but will also receive a $15 gift certificate from Dover Saddlery.

As incentive for local group member organizations (GMOs) to become involved in these efforts, GMOs can opt to become a “Green Club.”  By opting out of receiving hardcopy membership cards for members of their club and by submitting their rosters electronically, any “Green Club” will receive a USDF Club Point for each member submitted on their roster.  USDF Club Points can be used for purchasing prizes and gifts through USDF’s Lendon F. Gray Bookstore.

For more information on how you can become involved in USDF’s “Going Green” campaign or to offer suggestions on how to further expand these efforts, visit the USDF Web site or contact the USDF office.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage.  For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

Dear ODS Members,

Thank you for your support in entering the ODS Linda Acheson Benefit League Show. Unfortunately it has been decided to cancel the show because of the small number of entries received by closing date. We very much appreciate that you took the trouble to enter the show and regret that we have to cancel it.   I will destroy any checks that you sent; none have been paid in so far.

Thanks once again and please look out for the show next year. We have asked that the ODS board review the date and format of the show to ensure its success in the future. I look forward to seeing you there!

Chris Main
(show secretary)

The ODS Board will meet August 9 in the Sherwood area. The September Column will include a report on the news and business that results from that meeting.

In the meantime, there are still plenty of ODS events coming up in August and September:

The Breeders Showcase at Devonwood August 9 and 10. This is a fun show to work at because you get to see a lot of foals and youngsters. Lots of help is needed to make this 2 day event go. Contact Rose Newman if you can spare a day or a few hours to help out.

The Linda Acheson Education Fund Benefit shows are August 16 and 17 at Lake Oswego Hunt Club. These are ODS League shows and they need volunteers for gate people, scoring, scribing, runners and warm up. League shows are a good way to try a volunteer position in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you can spare some time on this date contact Kim Barker.

ODS is the host GMO for the USDF Region 6 Adult Clinic with Jane Savoie. This will be held at Devonwood August 22-24, starting Friday night with a lecture. There is a fee to audit the clinic. Volunteers are needed to help register and check in auditors. If you volunteer your auditing fee can be comped. Contact Francy Haupt for more information.

On the same weekend at Devonwood the ODS Young Rider show is being held. Lots of help is needed for this show and it is a League show as well. Contact Gaye McCabe if you can help.

The ODS Open and Championship shows are September 12-14 at Devonwood. This is a big weekend with 3 rings, lots of vendors and lots of excitement. Many volunteers are needed to make this show the success it has been for quite a few years. Contact Jennifer Milburn if you can help. There are prizes for volunteers and for the chapter giving the most volunteer time. Admission to the Championship Show is a donation of at least $5.00 for the Oregon Food Bank.

On Saturday September 13 the ODS Annual Awards Banquet will be held at the Holiday Inn in Tualatin. Volunteer opportunities include greeters and registration, help with set up and help with the Silent Auction. Items are needed for the Silent Auction and the Chapter baskets will be auctioned off as well. Please contact Rose Newman if you would like to help with the banquet.

Until next month,

Marsha

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