Page 70 - ShowSight - September 2019

IN A WORD... HOUSTON
FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR EMERITUS
Joseph Neil McGinnis III
ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY
Joseph Neil McGinnis III Photos: Sharon Carvalho, Julie Lynn Mueller and Derek Glas
Founded in 1919, and wearing its storied history like the world’s most jaunty hat, The SANTA BARBARA KENNEL CLUB has, for a century, amused us, thrilled us, and yearly called us back to its coastal, storybook, home. Among its members are some of the sport’s greatest minds, and in its entry we see stunning examples of all breeds. We’re also treated to more than just the average dog show; SBKC (not to forget SIMI VALLEY KC’s Friday event on the three-day weekend) provides parties, camaraderie, and numerous allied events including the Breeders’ Showcase, Bullyganza, the Sighthound Spectacular, Foreign-Bred and National Owner Han- dled competitions. There’s also the Hat Contest which invites ex- tremely creative design and sassy presentation. Some year I’d like to get a photo of all the behatted attendees but it never seems to work out. I’ve included the photo of Jeanie Austin, Hospitality Chair and sport luminary, to represent this aspect of the weekend and also because I believe she deserves every award possible. But perhaps SBKC weekend’s best attribute is its laid-back pace. This is truly a venue in which to be mentored, to do so for others,
L>R: Jeanie Austin; Julie Lynn Mueller; Bruce Schwartz & Roz Kramer; Connie Miller, Judy Cooper, yours truly and Susan Sprung; Sharon Carvalho reacts to the arrival of her two handsome sons, Julian and John. See pages 84 and 206 for more SBKC
or to simply sit, talk and learn. Imagine my delightin having the time to laugh, learn from, and enjoy so many of our brightet lights. Exhibit A: Connie Miller, Judy Cooper, yours truly and Susan Sprung. Not only can these ladies teach a Master Class in Dogdom, they’re also some of my favorite people.
Hats off to SBKC, its president Abbe Shaw, Show Chair Bruce Schwartz, and all involved in making this another spectacular weekend. Special thanks to our two uber-talented photographers, Sharon Carvalho and Julie Lynn Mueller, for capturing the event for posterity (and we’re happy to report that Sharon, who had some health problems of late, is back up to one-hundred percent of her wonderful self and sparkling like a shiny diamond).
And Santa Barbara would have been a one-hundred-carat hit if it weren’t lacking Anita O’Berg, Chair for so many years. Her shining inner light and outer glamour were missed by many.
Don’t miss your chance to attend SBKC. Whether it be your first or your last, its memory may just be your best.
—JmackG
68 • ShowSight Magazine, SepteMber 2019