Association of Michigan Field Trial Clubs Annual Meeting and Awards
August 3, 2022
Source: Dinora Wellman
Department: UKC Hunting Ops/American Field
Email: dwellmann@ukcdogs.com
Article emailed to Dinora Wellmann, submitted by David A. Fletcher
Article received on July 27, 2022
Sunday, July 10, historic Alibi Hall on the Gladwin Field Trial Area grounds was the site of the Annual Meeting, Yearly awards program and steak fry of the Association of Michigan Field Trial Clubs, representative of twelve trial clubs. The business meeting began at 11 a.m. followed by the steak fry and when the steaks and other goodies were delightfully consumed, the yearly "Dog of the Year" award plaques were presented. The awards were in four categories, Open Breed Cover Dog, Horseback, Open Country Walking, and Restricted Breed Cover Dog.
In addition the Bill Rogers award given to the individual whose hard work and dedication to the Association trials was recognized. Winner was Bernie Bauman, a tireless worker at our trials who passed a year or so ago. His memory will linger on.
Officers elected for the upcoming year were Jim Cipponeri, president, Vice presidents, Tom Fruchey and Mark Beniak. Directors re-elected were Bill Klenner, Chuck Langstaff and Bryan Wood. Secretary Treasurer for 15 years Dave Fletcher announced his retirement and was replaced by Denise Peters. Tom Fruchey, chairman of the committee that hosted the event at Alibi Hall put on a great meal, very well organized and the affair ran very smoothly. Helpers were Brent and Denise Peters, Debbie and Mike Singleton and others joined in to help put out the chairs and get the site ready for a meeting and cookout. Members brought some wonderful "dish to pass" selections.
From left, Jim, and Connie Cipponeri with Steller Wind, Horseback Shooting Dog of the Year Runner-Up, Sandy Maclean holds Wicked Hippie, Horseback Dog of the Year Winner, jointly owned with Kelsey Hajek, Scott Chaffee, handler, holds EJ Jonesy, Cover Dog Derby of the year owned by Taylor Kegley, Bill Branham, holds Huron Creek's Dough Boy, Horseback Derby of the Year Runner-Up, jointly owned with his wife Julie, Rich Hollister, handler, holds Grouse Ridge Larry, Walking Shooting Dog of the Year Runner-Up, owned by Paula Giulitto, Robert Ellis holds Pine Straw's Cover Queen Walking Puppy of the Year Runner-Up.
Standing from left, Mike Singleton holds plaque for his Meredith Grade Kati, Cover Dog Derby of the Year winner, Trey Rector hold plaque for his One Acre Wood Smokey, Cover Dog of the Year Runner-Up, Dr. George Najor, hold plaque for Buck of Piney Wood, Walking Puppy of the year winner, jointly owned with Richard Warters, Jenny Herzog holds Bruno's Piney Run Pearl, Runner-Up, Walking Derby of the Year.
Other winners not in attendance were: Wicked Twister, Horseback Derby of the year owned by Kelsey Hajek and Sandy Maclean, Shady Hills Zeena, Cover Dog Shooting Dog of the Year, owned by Deb Nihart and handled by Marc Forman, Hifive's Top Shelf, Cover Dog Shooting Dog of the Year Runner-Up, owned by Ben Batey, handled by Bruce Minard, May's Legacy of Justice, Cover Dog of the Year Puppy winner, and Walking Derby of the Year winner, owned by Ken DeLong, K-Del's Eagle Magnum Bullseye, Restricted Cover Dog Shooting Dog of the Year, owned by Christy Helmes, K-Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot, Restricted Cover Dog Shooting Dog of the Year Runner-Up, owned by Ken DeLong, Tupelo Honey, Walking Shooting Dog of the Year winner owned by Bob and Diane Wheelock.
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