| Some twenty years ago,
in the early eighties, a handful of dog show folk - chatting as dog folk
are inclined to do - recognized the need for a professional stewarding
group, thus under the leadership of Pat McLean, the professional stewards
association came into being.
Among those first folk
who are still associated with the grandchild known as Dixie Professional
Stewards were Millie and Gail Meyer, Myrtle Willis, Barbara Luebbert,
Rita Stoval, Les Alberti and others.
Pat Mclean ran the group
for more than a decade then released it to the care of Pat Berube who managed
Heart
of Dixie Stewards Association for four years before relocating to Canada.
Nancy Gines assumed responsibility
for the ever-growing stewarding association for the next three years as
Heart
of Dixie Stewards Association expanded its activities providing kennel
clubs with professional and well trained stewards in the geographic areas
from Florida to Kentucky, Georgia to Mississippi, the Carolinas, and Tennessee
to Alabama.
Nancy eventually accepted
an opportunity as a licensed superintendent with the Jack Onofrio dog show
organization. She turned over the stewarding responsibilities to Norman
Crook, who enthusiastically accepted the reins (leash?) of its leadership.
Norman 'co-opted' Marilyn
Currey, perhaps 6 years ago, as lead steward with authority to sign contracts,
write checks and act at any time as Chief Steward.
January 2011 will mark
another transition as Norman fully retires and Marilyn Currey assumes full
responsibility. No changes in policy nor procedures are expected.
With an availability list
numbering over 150 folks prepared to work dog shows in their respective
areas, DPS continues to offer top flight, responsible, ethical,
and professional stewards who assist judges, exhibitors and the show giving
kennel clubs to ensure flawless ring operation.
DPS and its many
stewards now provide Confirmation, Obedience and Rally stewards to some
150 shows, including national and regional specialty clubs. |