The 81st
ARBA National Convention in Providence Rhode Island
presented a great week for the Flemish Giant Breeders that
attended. Every National Convention has its own
attractions, and outstanding positive attributes. As with
most Conventions, as soon as you learn how to get around on
the super High ways and find the best restaurants, we are on
our way home.
Providence Rhode
Island afforded all our members a great Vacation away from
home while exhibiting their Flemish Giants or taking part in
the festivities. Hoop-Waa was in
order for all that attended and enjoyed the company of their
fellow Flemish Giant Members and the show events during the
week. This included some very outstanding members like, Doc
“Dan” Hall, Bill & Marianne Mairs, Joanne Walker, Kathy
Rynard, Dr. Mary & John Mahalovich, and Allen & Tammy Bush
who did not Exhibit Rabbits, but enjoyed the fun. Included
in the Crowd were Past president, and Sec./Trea. of our
Wonderful Federation Harold May, and Roger Dent.
The entire week
was hi-lighted by the Flemish Show activities that started
on Monday with the Judging of the Flemish by two very
outstanding Judges, Kyle Cunningham and Willie Davis. Our
annual meeting, that went extremely well, followed this.
(Minutes of the meeting in newsletter by Sec./Trea. Allen
Bush). The week concluded on Weds. with our annual Banquet
and awards night at the “Prov”.
The Flemish
Giant exhibit included 274 rabbits shown by 36 exhibiters.
In the open we had 246 Flemish shown by 27 exhibiters, and
28 Flemish Giants shown by 9 exhibiters in the youth. Part
of the Objective of the Federation is to “Promote and
improve the breeding of Flemish Giant Rabbits, and to
encourage the exhibition in all varieties of Flemish Giant
Rabbits”. The National Convention provides us with the
opportunities to evaluate our breeding programs and, if
required, to purchase fine animals to improve each individual
herd. The Top Rabbits in each variety, in my opinion were
very outstanding Flemish Giants, and benchmarks for others
to compare their individual breeding programs. In reality,
everyone goes home a winner.
Individual
accomplishments also must be recognized for the hard work,
and level of achievement reached by those that have set the
benchmarks. (The show report is included in the newsletter-
Congratulations to all the winners). Danielle Souster in
the youth had “Best”, and “Best Opposite” of Breed in the
youth. Not only her accomplishments should be recognized,
but also her sharing of her trophies with other youth
members not as fortunate was a very Sportsman like action
that should be noted. From the President, and for the
Members, a “Giant” Congratulations to such a wonderful
member of our organization. Also noted that 25% of the
exhibiters showing at the Convention were Youth. 20% of
the members showing in the sweepstakes are youth. Something
must be working.
The Open Show
winners in every variety were outstanding, but the Sr. Buck
owned by Bob and Lynn Bolyard, picked Best Opp. Of Breed is
in my opinion one of the best Flemish Giants ever put on a
show table. (R-109B). Also very impressive was the “Best
Blue” owned by Cathy Caracciolo. This rabbit is testimony
to the improvements made in this variety, and Cathy deserves
a big congratulations. (All winners’ pictures are posted on
the Flemish Giant Website.). Keep up the good work.
The Flemish
Giant Booth, always the hub of activity was set up by Frank
& Judy Welch, and all the award displays set up by Frank for
our members. The awards were some of the best ever
presented at a National Show. (Thanks Frank & Judy). Mabel
Tobias & daughter Sue, Judy Welch, Kathy Bomia, along with
others spent hours at the booth working for our raffle.
Thanks again to Mabel for the outstanding beautiful quilt
that she donates yearly to help our revenue. The Quilt was
won by Frank Welch (Who bought only one ticket!). Thanks to
all those that contributed raffle items, and worked at the
booth. (Booth pictured on our Website).
(We will have a
double
booth at next years Convention).
Our Awards
Banquet was at the “Prov” which provided us with good food
with 40 members in attendance. Everyone seemed to have a
very good evening. Some of the High lights from the banquet
include:
Tom Orr, long
time outstanding member of the Flemish Federation gave grace
prior to our meal.
Honor Roll –
Inducted into the Flemish Federation Honor Roll were Doc
“Dan” Hall, Mn., and Tom and Bobbie Barker, Texas. Both are
very deserving. Doc Hall was presented his Honor Roll
induction Plague by our outstanding Director, Peter
Stephens. Vice President, Jack Langley, and Honor Roll
Committee Chairperson presented Tom and Bobbie Barker with
their Plague at a show in Texas latter in the month.
Youth Awards-
Tom Orr, Chairperson for Youth promotion in our
Organization, presented all youth awards. Tom has done and
outstanding job in helping to promote youth activities in
our Federation.
Outstanding youth recognition awards were presented this
year to Danielle Souster, Plum City, Wi., and Chris Fleming,
Ivanhoe, Calif.. From the President, and all members, we
congratulate these fine young individuals on their
accomplishments.
Outstanding
Directors Award was presented to Bob Bolyard, Michigan for
all the work that he has done to help the Federation. Bob
always helps when asked, and is a big part of doing the work
to complete our Guide Book. He also held the National
show at his home this spring. From the President, and the
members, a giant Thank you.
Outstanding
Service Award was presented to our Sec./Trea. Allen Bush by
President Robert Bomia. “Allen does it All”, and in my
opinion is the Best Sec./Trea. In the whole ARBA. We are
all very fortunate to have him as our Sec./Trea… Thank You
Allen. (Allen also presented all open awards to our
wonderful members, including annual sweepstakes winners)
Fun Awards were
presented to:
President Robert Bomia presented Frank Welch the Toilet Seat
award, and he wore it proudly….
Lynn Bolyard was presented with a Rabbit hide with “R109B-
Retired” written on the inside. She loved it…
Robert Bomia was presented with a 5 lb. Lobster from Mabel
Tobias. Mabel, I will always keep this Giant of the Sea
under close watch. Thank You.
In conclusion,
everyone seemed to enjoy their week, and had a great time.
I would like to end this report from myself and for the
members of the Federation thanking the following members,
and also those that assisted in anyway in the success of the
National Convention. Emily Carter: Motel Facilities, Frank
& Judy Welch: Booth set- up, and getting all the
outstanding trophies., Mabel Tobias & daughter Sue for the
wonderful Quilt, The Lobster, and all the work at the
booth.. Juan Perez: Thanks for obtaining the Banquet
facilities. Judy Welch, Kathy Bomia and others for working
at the booth. Allen Bush, Tom Orr, Bill Mairs, Bobbie
Melton, Pete Stephens Sr., Kathy Bomia, Bob Bolyard, and
Frank Welch a big Thanks for their work at the Judging table
writing, helping and carrying rabbits, and those not listed
that helped.
Thanks to all
the members that attended and participated in this wonderful
event. (Many pictures are on the Flemish Website). Lets
all get together and make the National Convention in
Indianapolis, Ind. in 2005 the best ever.
For the membership:
Robert Bomia, President
