MASCOT ASC Chapter 28 Glen Burnie,MD 5 November 2011

Tad Rykojc won MASCOT's 21st Annual Song Contest under judge Anand Persad topping a field of 215 entries and 17 contestants. He also won the Lee/Simons award for having the highest score in the show by a MASCOT member.  Rounding out the top three postions were Steve Baptiste of FL who finished second and Tom Yang of MI who finished third.  Judge Persad did an outstanding job both in managing such a large field and in selecting a top bench that represented the best singers of the day.  Best Novice went to newcomer Charles Walter of WV who took the top three Novice spots and also won a show cage for his achievement.  In the hen competition, Aji and Dodi Sunjaya took the first and third spots while Charles Walter won the second position.  Paula Hatcher once again searched the field for Tune Whistlers and Free Singers. Contestants submitted 14 birds to her.  She determined that Paul and Cheryl Ferguson had the best Free Singer -- the second year in a row that Paul and Cheryl have won that award.  In the Tune Whistler competition, Paula  determined that Laura Schwanof had a bird worth honorable mention. Paula also ensured that contestants had an official MASCOT greeting by providing them with welcome bags that contained a note pad, pen, rubber bands, crackers, information about local attractions and perhaps most the important item of all  -- an apple for their birds. It was a very nice touch and indicative of Paula's concern for the hobbyists who attend our show. Jeanne Pieper served as show secretary.  She successfully mastered the mysteries of spreadsheet software and provided all contestants with computerized scoresheets.  Her efforts also provided a quick and sound validation of the scores of Judge Persad's top birds.  Carl Kress and Gino Salvi ran this year's raffle that once again benefitted from the generosity of members and guests.  Kathy Steckler crocheted a beautiful afghan, as she does for many shows, that was perhaps the most coveted prize on this year's table.  Tom Yang, Laura Schwanof and Carl Kress each donated birds while many others provided bird suppplies and household items.  MASCOT certainly appreciates all who particpated in the raffle.  Lastly, Tad Rykojc and Mark Bange organized and staged the classes throughout the day with help from many stewards.  MASCOT's show is much more than a canary competition.  It's a contest for sure, but it's also a day-long party filled with laughter and fellowship by people from many walks of life who happen to have a common interest in canaries. They have a very good time together as the photos below will attest.  The members of MASCOT deeply thank all who particpated in and supported our show. Several MASCOT members are heading to Livonia, MI next week where our own President, Jeanne Pieper, will judge Chapter 22's song contest.   A good time is certainly to be had at this premier ASC event.

Dodi checks leaderboard.

Raffle Masters -- Gino and Carl.

An organized staging area.

A gentle reminder.

Jeanne + Laptop = Computerized scores!

Anand enjoys his work.

A fine array of awards.

Tad and Charles present a class to Anand.

Anand is pleased with his gift from MASCOT.

Charles -- A happy Novice winner.

Another successful show for Paul and Cheryl.

Paula awards Free Singer trophy to Paul.

Tad's winning bird...

...and his well-deserved MASCOT award.

Tad and Anand -- Congratulations!

Maryland Crabcakes -- a great way to end the day.

The Top Bench (Pending ASC Approval) Best in Show 1.  Tad Rykojc, 96.9 pts. 2.  Steve Baptiste, 96.85 pts. 3.  Tom Yang, 96.8 pts 4.  Steve Baptiste, 96.7 pts. 5. Laura Schwanof, 96.3 pts 6.  Luis Sorto, 96.1 pts 7.  Paul and Cheryl Ferguson, 95.7 pts. 8. Jeanne Pieper, 95.65 pts. 9.  Tad Rykojc, 95.61 pts. 10.  Steve Baptiste, 95.61 pts. Best Young 1.  Luis Sorto 2.  Paul and Cheryl Ferguson 3.  Jeanne Pieper 4. Tad Rykojc 5. Laura Schwanof Best Old 1.  Tad Rykojc 2.  Steve Baptiste 3.  Tom Yang 4.  Steve Baptiste 5.  Laura Schwanof Special Awards Lee/Simons Trophy -- Tad Rykojc Novice Charles Walter (Show cage and Ribbon) Free Singer Paul and Cheryl Ferguson Tune Whistler Laura Schwanof (Honorable Mention) Hens 1.  Aji and Dodi Sunjaya 2. Charles Walter 3.  Aji and Dodi Sunjaya