Here I am back on line again and feeling badly about missing the column last month. September was a good month for ODS. The Championship show filled to approximately it‘s usual capacity in spite of the economy. I was holding my breath on this show season and the financial effect it would have on our organization so this is a huge relief. Ed Miller has taken charge of the Nominations for the ODS Board Members. There are several candidates for 2 Director at Large positions. As of this writing we are still seeking candidates for the Eastern and Central Regions.

The Food Bank collection at the show was down a bit but $322.00 and 363 pounds of food will go ways in helping the hungry in Oregon. Our Central Oregon Chapter has been running a similar program this year based on the ODS program and our donations are going to a local food bank in Central Oregon. It makes me happy to see our members taking an interest in those less fortunate, especially for the children, who have no choice.

Many thanks to Siobhan Barker who was the person responsible for making the Food Bank program go this year at ODS Championships. She was attending the booth an donations for the most part during the show. I am pleased that competitors and spectators participated in this meaningful project.

Memberships are coming in for 2010 slightly ahead of schedule! Again this is good news and a pleasant surprise in the current economy.

Please make a plan now to attend the Region 6 Mini Convention and ODS Awards Banquet and annual meeting to be held November 21 and 22 at the PDX Holiday Inn. Saturday’s schedule runs from 8:00 to 5:00 starting with an educational seminar, followed by the Region 6 meetings and ending with another educational seminar. The ODS Awards Banquet will follow in the evening at the same locale. Sunday morning is the annual ODS General Membership Meeting.

The hotel is offering special room rates of $85.00. More specific information as to the price of lunch and banquet tickets and any changes to the schedule will be announced as the date approaches. We are hopeful many Region 6 members and ODS members will attend and get an introduction to what it is like to attend a convention. Members have a chance to offer input on the issues at both meetings. It is a great chance to meet the people who will be representing us at the National Convention.

I am especially pleased to see the number of Musical Freestyle competitors increasing. The ODS Freestyle Clinic with Cynthia Collins was well attended and well received. I have been impressed with the quality of rides I have seen. Another clinic is planned for 2010. There have been several privately sponsored Freestyle clinics this year so we should see the competition increasing even more next year.

I really hope to see many of you at the meetings later this month. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. I promise it will be fun and informative.

Sincerely,
Marsha

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