Northern New Jersey ASC Chapter 25 Whippany, NJ 17 October 2009

The venue of the show changed from Parsippany to Whippany this year but it was the same good cheer and hospitality from Chapter 25's members that greeted MASCOT's traveling contingent who participated in this classic ASC event.   With 243 entries (173 young and 70 old), and 19 contestants, it was the largest ASC-sanctioned show thus far on the east coast.  Judge Ella Galik of San Marcos, California listened to 18 old bird classes and 8 young bird classes before choosing a singer bred by Katrina Knauff as the best in show.  It was only two weeks ago in Sandusky, Ohio that Katrina won Best Novice at Chapter 32's show.  So special recognition indeed is due to her for her fine achievements there and in Whippany. Jeanne Pieper, Tad Rykojc, Mark Bange, and Sharen and Robert Virgin represented MASCOT at the event, while Andre Dight, unable to attend, sent his birds to the show with a fellow club member.  Together they entered 56 birds earning many class ribbons and reaching the Top Bench with Mark's finish of fifth best in show.  Laura Schwanof and Tom Miller did superior jobs organizing the classes and Danny Iacovone and Jeff Lingenfelter staged the birds in front of judge Galik without delay.  Nevertheless, due to the large number of entries the show did not end until after 7:00 pm, a full 11 hours after the first class was shown.  Kathy Steckler handled the secretarial chores (and reached the Top Bench twice herself) while Celia Miller made sure an excellent selection of morning refreshments and lunch menu items were served. Judge Galik worked tirelessly with great focus through all 26 classes to select a varied Top Bench that honored numerous participants as the list of winning exhibitors below will attest.  Also worthy of note was a visit to the show hall by long-time exhibitor Abe Van Gilst and his wife Peg. It was great to see them again and all present were glad that they found time to stop by and see their American Singer friends. There are no American Singer shows in the immediate area next week for most MASCOT members.  However our own Annual Song Contest on Saturday November 7th will soon be a reality.  Please make every every effort to join us that day together with judge Dorothea Ashbery and our resident Tune Whistler expert Paula Hatcher for what promises to be a highlight of the ASC season.  The show will not disappoint you.  We look forward to seeing you there! But before then, please take a look at some photos from our day with Chapter 25.  A fine time was had by all.  The members of MASCOT, as well as those from other chapters who were present,  understand and appreciate the hard work required by Chapter 25's show committee to host such a nice affair. Well done!

Gotcha!

Birds, birds everywhere!

The raffle -- pick me a winner!

Tom staging a class.

Don't believe a word they're saying.

Abe -- so good to see you!

Kathy and Ella checking the scores.

Walter marks the class winners.

Tom says "thank you" to Ella -- 243 birds!

The Top Bench (Subject to ASC Approval) 1.  Katrina Knauff 2.  Saoud Rihan 3.  Stan Jones 4.  Sam Can 5.  Mark Bange 6.  Saoud Rihan 7.  Kathy Steckler 8.  Walter Larsen 9.  Georges LeClerc 10.  Kathy Steckler