The Minuteman Samoyed Club was founded in the early 1970’s under the name of Blackstone Valley Samoyed Club. It was later renamed the Greater Worcester Samoyed Club, before finally taking its current name. It is a nonprofit organization comprised of Samoyed breeders, exhibitors, owners, and individuals interested in the Samoyed Breed. Its objectives are:
to encourage members and breeders to accept the American Kennel Club’s standard of the Samoyed breed as the only standard of excellence by which Samoyeds will be bred and judged
to do all in its power to protect and advance the interest of purebred dogs
to encourage sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, obedience trials, rally trials, agility trials, sled races, weight pulls, and other performance events
to hold specialties and matches and support entries of dog shows under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club
to promote cooperation and good sportsmanship among its members in the training and exhibition of dogs.
MEMBERSHIP: Owning a Samoyed is not necessary to be eligible for membership in the Club. Minuteman is open to all people 18 years of age and older who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of this Club. Children under the age of 18 are also welcome as Junior Associates. Most of our members reside in eastern New England, where the Club functions, but membership is not restricted as to residence.
There are 2 types of membership: Regular, and Associate. Associate members do not hold office or vote. Dues are set annually by the Board. Application for membership is made after attending 2 Club meetings within a year, and must include the endorsement of 2 current members in good standing. Applications can be obtained from the Club Secretary.
CLUB COMMUNICATIONS: The club publishes a monthly Bulletin which keeps members and subscribers up to date on Club plans and upcoming events. When space allows, it also presents articles of interest to the Samoyed owner. The Club shares newsletters with other Samoyed Clubs around the country. Newsletters are sent via email (.pdf) and mailed to those members without computers. Non-members may request a complimentary copy by contacting the newsletter editor.
Members also have the opportunity to join the Minuteman Samoyed Club on Facebook, which includes information on show results, members’ brags, upcoming events, and links to other websites with Samoyed information.
CONTACTS :
Officers:
President – Marion McNeil sterlingsami@att.net
Vice President – Helen Sullivan hsulli5539@aol.com
Treasurer – Cheryl McClosky camcosky@snet.net
Secretary – Beverly Delaney ala-kasam@hvc.rr.com
49 Fred Short Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477 845-246-7509
Board 2018-19
Donna Clark-Thornton sammy12341@charter.net
Lori Perry dazzling@mhcable.com
Chris DuBois gulliver_23@msn.com
Diana Walther dianawalther@charter.net
Pete Zezima ppzezima@aol.com
Delegate to MA Federation of Dog Clubs – Helen Sullivan
MEETINGS Regular meetings are held on Saturdays in conjunction with dog shows in the state of MA. The meetings are an informal gathering of the members to conduct Club business and plan future events. Some meetings include educational programs which encompass a variety of subjects which serve the diverse needs of all Club members.
March is our annual meeting with annual elections and awards, and is held at a restaurant near to the show. In August, we hold a potluck picnic in conjunction with the meeting, which is always a fabulous event.
CLUB ACTIVITIES
SPECIALTIES AND SUPPORTED ENTRIES: Our Parent Club approved Regional Specialty is held annually in April, and we support the entry of Samoyeds at several shows in the state of Massachusetts throughout the year.
WORKING DOGS AWARDED: The working dog aspects of owning a Samoyed are encouraged by the Club. Members are recognized annually at our annual awards dinner for their outstanding achievements in sledding, weight pulling, backpacking, hiking, skiijorking, carting, herding, obedience, rally, agility, therapy, CGC, as well as the conformation ring.
BREEDER REFERRAL: The Minuteman Samoyed Club is a member of the Pure Bred Dog Breeders Referral Service and encourages its members to educate potential new owners about the breed, and on responsible dog ownership.
RESCUE: Several members have organized a group of volunteers dedicated to finding responsible, loving homes for lost, abandoned, or unwanted purebred Samoyeds. By working with private owners, breeders, shelters, and humane organizations, they help to match adoptable Samoyeds with qualified adoptive homes. In addition to replying to calls, evaluating dogs, screening adoptive homes, and transporting dogs to safety, they also hold fund raising events for rescue throughout the year.
