Janet Ricketts

Art, You forgot to mention one very important point - YOU are the one that twisted Donna McCullen's arm to step up and commit to doing the meet. You worked very hard to get a 2005 Winter Meet on the books. If it weren't for your determination as Chairman of National Activities, it would not have been possible. We thank you for your dedication to AACA and the passion you have for this great hobby. Janet <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Sky, The Winter National Meet is going to be hosted by the North Central Florida Region in Gainesville, FL. The meet will be held on March 3-5, 2005; host hotel is the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville. Showfield is on the grounds of the University. Janet R.

Pat, This is one of the best threads I have enjoyed in a long time. I feel that making some of the CJE programs available online along with the judging school has a lot of merit. I believe my fellow board members and the judging committee will look at this recommendation in a positive manner. I agree with Ron's comments about getting back to the basics in judging. All you have to do is to talk to Bo Croley, VP Class Judging, and you will find that he echoes those remarks wholeheartedly. Janet R.

Rich, Thank you for your participation in the youth program. It certainly sounds like a very successful day. We appreciate your view on what it takes to make this program work.

Judy, Boy some people will do anything for attention! Sorry, Judy, I just couldn't resist. All kidding aside, we are so glad you are home, which will speed your recovery, especially with Barker's great care. Looking forward to seeing you down the road. Janet <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Steve, I hope Judy finds humor in it - John and I certainly did. Tell your daughter thanks, we got a lot of good chuckles out of it. I will be forwarding it to my daughter who is a cat lover with a sick sense of humor. Janet <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Barker, Sorry to hear about Judy's illness. We knew that she did not feel that great in Philly, but I noticed it did not keep her from hanging out in the hospitality suite - she is a trooper. Give Judy our best! Janet

Howard, I can't hold a candle to you Howard! Thank you for the compliment. Janet

Jay, Thanks for sharing your idea of attracting younger members. Hope more of us take your lead. Janet

Wayne, I don't know, you all sound like a bunch of whimps to me. I have been going to Philadelphia for about sixteen years and I have NEVER come home sick. Most of the time I arrive on Wednesday, leave on Sunday, and ususally do not have the luxury of going outside during my stay. There may have been some problems this year, but I have experienced much worse in a lot of other hotels. Janet

Steve, Interesting site! Could not open the 'Listen to Archived Show' for AACA, but was able to view the Chip Program. Janet

Howard, Yes, I can confirm that Earl's remarks at the Awards Banquet were fantastic. I knew he would do a wonderful job, but he exceeded my expectations. Janet

Dan, Elected to the board for 2004-2006: Earl D. Beauchamp, Jr. Harold Henry James Raines Joseph Vicini James Cook Randy Rutherford Joanna Cooper 2004 AACA National President - Earl Beauchamp; Executive VP - Dave Zimmerman Janet

Peter, I am glad everything worked out. The forum is an importmant part of the website and I think it is great that the DF'ers have a special place to gather. Janet

Perhaps next year you can coordinate your lunch with the Chairman of the Annual Meeting and have him set aside a meeting room for you to use and enjoy your box lunch at the same time. It may not be too late for this year, if someone would like to take the ball and run with it. Janet