Awesome - Upper Midwest Australian Shepherd Club
Transcription
Awesome - Upper Midwest Australian Shepherd Club
Aussie Awesome Newsletter of the Upper Midwest Australian Shepherd Club Spring 2013 Awesome Aussie Publication Dates March 1 June 1 September 1 December 1 President Jan Polys Vice President Connie Chapman 2nd V.P./Membership Carrie Van Horn Secretary Heather Haider Treasurer Jean Kubic Affiliate Representative Kim Patterson Deadline: 15th of the prior month Note the March issue contains the previous years award winners, therefore is not available until the annual awards banquet. Send stories and newsletter contributions to: Directors Denise Yokom Jodi Ebert Jan Poole Katie Kupfer Ashley Roeser Editor & Creative Director Judith (Judy) Wickham 1210 2nd Street St. Paul Park, MN 55071 [email protected] Advertising: FRONT COVER FULL PAGE HALF PAGE QUARTER PAGE BUSINESS CARD 7 7 7 3 1/2” x 4” 1/2” x 10” 1/2” x 5” 5/8”x 4 3/4” $15.00 $10.00 $7.50 $5.00 $3.00 Already created ads should be sent as print quality PDF’s, if possible. Photos sent vie e-mail should be: • Scanned at 300dpi and do not reduce • Digital photos send as is but do not reduce • Indicate cropping If photos are sent via snail mail, please include a SASE, if photos are to be returned. Committee chairs Agility Denise Yokum Confomation Ashley Roeser Membership Carrie VanHorn Newsletter Judith Wickham Obedience Jan Poole Rally Jan Poole Special Events Stock Jodi Ebert Tracking The Awesome Aussie is a publication of the Upper Midwest Australian Shepherd Club, inc.; UMASC. Articles may be reprinted with credit given to the author. Members and readers are encouraged and welcome to contribute. Opinions expressed in The Awesome Aussie do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor, UMASC or ASCA. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse any copy. Please send ads flat and camera ready, Indicate photo placement, but do not attach. Subscriptions to the Awesome Aussie are free with a UMASC membership or $10.00 per year for nonmembers. Correct payment MUST accompany ads. Clubs, who send exchange copies of their newsletter to the editor, will be added to the mailing list free of charge. All Rights Reserved. © 2013 http://www.uppermidwestasc.com Page 1 AwesomeAussie Contents Awesome Aussie Newsletter Spring 2013 Ponder Announcments Board Members 3 4 5 Herding UWRF Duck Trail 7 Awards Year End Awards Year End Titles 8 9 Science and Health ADHD in Dogs 10 Epilipsy 10 Events The Members Issue The photos on the cover and throughout this issue are photos of members dogs. This issue is dedicated to the members. To become a member please visit www.uppermidwestasc.com Calender 11 DIY Doggie Treats 12 Good Eats 12 AwesomeAussie Page 2 Ponder “Outside of a dog a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” Groucho Marx, The Essential Groucho: Writings For By And About Groucho Marx Page 3 AwesomeAussie Announcements Volunteer Your Time Volunteer at every show and trail! Please Inform your show/trial Secretary of your volunteer hours. Ribbon Coordinator UMASC is looking for someone to organize the ribbons You would be responsible for ordering and inventory for each venue Membership Renewal If you have not renewed your 2013 UMASC membership you need to do so by April 1, 2013 or your name will be taken off the membership list. If you have any questions email: Carrie Van Horn, Membership Chairman - [email protected] You can find the membership renewal form on the UMASC wesite. Go to www.uppermidwestasc.com. Editor’s Note Hello all! My name is Judy Wickham. I am very excited to be creating this newsletter. I hope you find it fun and informative. I really enjoyed putting it together. ASCA Records Please check your records on asca.org There have been record keeping problems. Call ASCA to fix any problems you find. ASCA Business Office Phone (979) 778-1082 Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST, M-F Biogrophy The first dog in my life was a Dalmatian named Pepper. Also, she was the first dog that I experienced welping (I was 6 yrs old). I had dogs as pets but in high school always dreamed of going to the Westminster (even though I did not understand it) and running agility courses. It wasn’t until I went to college that I learned about Aussies. My professor, Kris Hiney, had an amazing dog, EZ. He brought me to love this breed. With some help from Kris, I found Tahi, the dog I have now. I got him in 2010 as a 2yr old from Sharon McCully of Vearitas. Tahi is the best dog I could have ever ask for in a first dog. We have learned a lot and earned many titles (conformation, agility, rally and obedience). We will continue to learn and earn more titles. Photo Credit: Barbara O’Brien AwesomeAussie Page 4 Members Board Kim Patterson I joined UMASC in 1979 and started serving on the board in 1980. I first served as Secretary for 3 years and then as Treasurer for 24 years. I was then President for 2 years and am just starting my 4th year as Affiliate Rep. My daughter, Sarah Kalkes, and I currently have 6 Aussies. Sarah & I own a Dog Grooming Business in Excelsior and I also teach beginner Obedience at Dog Works in Eden Prairie. Jodi Ebert I became involved with Australian Shepherds over 15 years ago. I fell in love with the tail-less dogs who shadowed my every move when I volunteered at the local animal shelter. I finally succumbed to temptation, adopting a pretty blue merle Aussie, and the rest is history. I am actively involved in agility, herding, and committed to preserving the breed’s versatility. I have two Aussies, Hurry and Stout. I currently live in River Falls, WI. To support my canine habit, I am a Technical Writer for a large medical device company. Ashley Roeser I first started dog training in 4-H when I was about ten years old. At the time I just had a little golden/springer mix. I enjoyed the bonding experience that I felt between my dog and I so much that when I returned the following summer I had my sights set a little higher. I didn’t want to just train and compete in 4-H once a year I wanted to do it all year. It didn’t take too long to convince my parents to allow me to get an aussie. Since then I have been actively showing in conformation, obedience, agility, and have even dabbled in a little bit of rally. By day I am a dog groomer, by night a dog trainer, and on the weekends I am a dog handler. I am happy to have the opportunity to be on UMASC board of directors this year and I hope there are many more to come. Page 5 AwesomeAussie Katie Kupfer Hey everyone. I am currently serving my 4th year on the UMASC BOD. I have been involved with Aussies since 1995 when I started as a junior. I have titled dogs in Conformation, Obedience, Agility and Herding. My greatest joy in this sport besides spending time with my beloved dogs is all the wonderful friends and experiences it has brought me. Good luck to everyone in 2013! Connie Chapman I have always been in love with dogs. They have enriched my life with such amazing beauty and deep bonds. They are a gift from God and I am truly thankful for how they fill my heart with joy. I believe the Australian Shepherd to be a very special breed and am honored to be involved with them and the people who love and appreciate them. From the first time I was introduced to this breed, I was hooked. I am fascinated by structure and movement and how that affects performance. I started showing in conformation and obedience back in the early 80’s and had my first litter in 1986. It has been a fun adventure ever since. Carrie Von Horn I had always wanted a dog ever since I can remember. My mom said when I was 2 years old I had a pretend dog. In grade school I played with all the neighborhood dogs, and took many of them for walks every day, as I was not able to have a dog of my own. In 1979 I received my very first Australian Shepherd, Candi. I have trained in all venues, and titled in all but Tracking, but came very close to getting a TD with Lacey. I have been owned and loved by 10 Aussies since 1979 and currently have just one, Fanci, who is currently retired. Other than enjoying her Aussie Advocates she hopefully will soon be a Therapy Dog. I love Australian Shepherds so much and I know I’ll never be without one! AwesomeAussie Page 6 Awards Year End Champion Dog Altered Champion Dog Champion Bitch Altered Champion Bitch Non-Regular Puppy Dog Non-Regular Puppy Bitch Promise of the Future Merlin BBX Award Fritzmeier High Score Obedience Fritzmeier High Score Obedience Other Breed High Score Agility HOF CH Bayouland’s Crème Brulee DNA-CP “Keegan” Brandi/Todd Dirksen & Martha Gisselbeck A-CH Highpoint’s The Outlaw James RNX “Jesse” Sharon Garske CH Ninebark Silver Buttons “Minty” Kim Patterson / Sarah & Krist Kalkes N/A Cattail Ridge Cloak and Dagger “Grim” Ashley Roeser Navrock Pardon My French “Burke” Brandi/Todd Dirksen Navrock Pardon My French “Burke” Brandi/Todd Dirksen Senex St. Pauli Girl “Pauli” Cassie Engmann Gafglens DelMontes Sweet Fruit “Kiwi” Suzi & Dick Johnson KF’s Lil Yellow Mouse Zeke “Zeke” Laura Funk High Point Junior Handler ATCH-IV Fairoak’s Firestarter CD RAX DNA-CP “Flint” Niki Manning Cibola Rhapsody Ewe Nanimous “Winn” Chris Mosley ATCH-IV Roanoak’s Solar Flare STDds “Solar” Barb Taylor WTCH Las Rocosa Lisa’s Red Ruby RTDs PAT Dcs “Ruby” Deb Conroy MacDuff’s Spot “Spot” Joanna Yund CH. Waterfall’s Caution: Molten Hot! REMX RTX CDX GS-N JS-N DNA-VP Rebecca McCoy KF’s Lil Yellow Mouse Zeke “Zeke” Laura Funk Josie Scoonover-Nelson Reserve High Point Junior Handler Lauren Dirksen and McKayla Smith High Score Agility Other Breed High Score Agility Veteran High Score Stock High Score Stock Other Breed High Score Rallyt High Score Rally Other Breed Page 7 AwesomeAussie Titles Year End Owner Dog Title(s) Mary Bente Legends Star N Straight Shooter “Arrow” GS-N, GS-O, RS-N Katie Kupfer and Steph Ihbe Ch Heartlands Crème De La Crème CD, STDcd, OTDs “Fenn” STDcd, OTDs Katie Kupfer ASCA Ch Meadowlawn’s Eclipse at Heartland “ Maci” Ch Grete Krause Big Marine’s Satin Sapphire STDs “ Satin” STDd Grete Krause Big Marine’s Ebony Reflection CD, STDs “Target” OTDd Josie Scoonover-Nelson HOF Ch Meadowlawn’s Standing Ovation “Encore” RJ-O, JJ-O April Wilson Uproar’s Sparks Will Fly “Stryker” A-CH, RN, GS-E April Wilson Tuscaroras Indecent Proposal “ Reddy” RN, RS-N, RS-O, GS-N, GS-O, JS-O April Wilson Blue Banners Miss Bella Blue “Bella” GV-E, RS-E, JV-E Lauren Eberhart Rising Sun Chloe Eberhart “Chloe” RS-E, JS-O, GS-O Lauren Eberhart Meadowlawn’s She’s The One “ Billie Jean” RS-O, RS-E, GS-O Kay Schway Dejemo’s Gamblin’ Man “Gambler” A-CH Sharon Garske A-Ch Highpoint’s The Outlaw James RNX “ Jesse” RN, RNX Chris Mosley Cibola Double Dare Ewe “DDare” RS-N, JS-N, GS-N, JS-O Chris Mosley Cibola Rhapsodi Ewe Nanimous “Winn” O-JS-E Judy Wickham Verita’s Kiwi Katch “Tahi” CH, RN, RS-N, JS-N-OP Jodi Ebert Uproar’s Gonna Make Ewe Hurry “Hurry” CH, ATCH III, OTDd Rose Park WTCH Rising Sun Lucky Charm GS-O, JS-E, RS-E “Chubby” ATDs, WTCH Rose Park Rising Sun Miss Kit ATDd, OTDs, STDc “Kit” STDc, OTDs, ATDd Janna Cowen SRN Eagle’s Joan Robinson “Robbie” RA, OTDs, OTDd, OTDc Kathy Sianko Ch Diamond Aire Right On Track CD STDd “Ben” STDcs, OTDs Kathy Sianko Ch Diamond Aire Hot N’ Blazin CD “Justin” STDds Ann Stead Diamond Aire Jae “Jae” RV-E-O, ATCH Ashley Roeser Cattail Ridge North Country Girl “Rilly” Ch Ashley Roeser Ch McMatt’s Unspoken Truth CD, “Sookie” RN, RNX, RS-N, JS-N, JS-O, GS-N Ashley Roeser Ch Cattail Ridge Hope and Desire RS-N, GS-N, CD, JJ-O, JS-O “Andi” RN, RNX, CDX, RS-O Jan Polys Hangtime’s Runnin’ With the Devil “Sin” GS-O, JS-O, JS-O-OP, JS-O-SP, RS-O, RS-O-OP Kelli Kupfer Ch If Ever Keepin’ The Look CD, STDc, OTDsd “Micah” STDc, OTDs, OTDd Jan Poole A-CH Uproar’s For Cody’s Boot Scooter CDK, RS-O-OP, GS-E, JS-O-OP,RA, RAX “Spur” A-CH, RA, RAX JoAnne Schwietz Hangtime’s Bandit’s Capn Hook CD, RS-O, GS-E, JS-N-OP, RA “Hooker” RA Sandy Thompson Adhara’s Try To Walk Away CD, GV-E, JV-E-OP, RV-E, DNA-CP “Macy” RN Sandy Thompson CBARC Ixi Doodle All the Day “ Ixi” RN, JS-N Kim Patterson and Sarah Kalkes Ch Meadowlawn’s Night To Remember “Ethan” Kim Patterson, Sarah Kalkes and Josie Scoonover-Nelson Ninebane Pants on Fire “Fannie” CH Kim Patterson, Sarah Kalkes and Krist Kalkes Ch Meadowlawn’s One More Night CD, RS-O, JS-E ,GS-O, GS-N-OP “Porter” CDX Denise Yokom ATCH III Riverstyx Kodiak’s Revenge “Revi” ATCH III Denise Yokom Rising Sun Fosters Bettin’ Blu “Wager” RS-E, JS-E, GS-E Kim Torson-Schneider Tucker Creek’s Blue Valkyrie “Zelda” OFTDS, OTDc, OTDs, OTDd Kim Torson-Schneider Tucker Creek’s Mountain Man “ Zeke” RS-N, AFTDs, AFTDd Kim Torson-Schneider Elysian Farm’s Big Rig “Dieszel” GV-N, JV-N, OFTDs, AFTDd Heather Haider Hangtime’s Put Your Lights On “Siren” RS-N, GS-O, JS-O AwesomeAussie Page 8 Herding Duck Ducktastic December Event (Dec 15-16, 2012) What a Quacky and Wacky weekend! We hosted an ASCA Sanctioned Duck Trial, an AHBA Sanctioned Duck Trial, and a Duck-Off event to raise money for Aussie Rescue. Dana Mackenzie was our judge for all 3 events – she was a fabulous judge – fair, consistent, and fun! The UW-River Falls arena was a great location for duck herding in December – a heated arena, plus the benefit of having students come out and help at the event! Everyone had a great time and we had a fabulous turn-out to raise money for Aussie Rescue. The Duck-Off Fun Run raised $840 for Aussie Rescue of Minnesota. THANK YOU everyone who came out and supported this event!! The highlight of this event was watching the very talented Junior Handlers begin their career as future duck whisperers ~ Elliot Haider (4), Kody Elmquist (9) , Morgan Tate (13), and Piper Tate (19 months). ASCA Trial Results Advanced 1. Traine/ Clark 111 Australian Kelpie 2. Zelda/ Schneider 103.5 Australian Shepherd 3. Mist/Clark 99.5 Border Collie Open 1. Cutter/Dusek 102 Australian Shepherd High in Trial Other Breed: Traine/Clark High in Trial Australian Shepherd: Zelda/Schneider AHBA Trial Results Level III 1. Train/ Clarke 88 Australian Kelpie Leve II 1. Mist/ Clarke 86 Border Collie 2. Zelda/ Schneider 82 Australian Shepherd 3. Hurry/ Ebert 76 Australian Shepherd High in Trial Other Breed: Traine/Clark High in Trial Australian Shepherd: Zelda/Schneider Page 9 AwesomeAussie Started 1. Lark/ Vezina Border Collie 2. Geo/ Eaton Border Collie 3. Rodeo/ Bunker Australian Shepherd 4. Terra/ Dusek Australian Shepherd Level I 1. Geo/ Eaton Border Collie 2. Lark/ Vezina Border Collie 87 80.5 77 71 70 66 Health Science & Polymorphism in the Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) Gene Is Associated with Activity-Impulsivity in German Shepherd Dogs Abstract We investigated the association between repeat polymorphism in intron 4 of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene and two personality traits, activity-impulsivity and inattention, in German Shepherd Dogs. The behaviour of 104 dogs was characterized by two instruments: (1) the previously validated Dog-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (Dog-ADHD RS) filled in by the dog owners and (2) the newly developed Activity-impulsivity Behavioural Scale (AIBS) containing four subtests, scored by the experimenters. Internal consistency, inter-observer reliability, test-retest reliability and convergent validity were demonstrated for AIBS. Dogs possessing at least one short allele were proved to be more active-impulsive by both instruments, compared to dogs carrying two copies of the long allele (activity-impulsivity scale of Dog-ADHD RS: p = 0.007; AIBS: p = 0.023). The results have some potential to support human studies; however, further research should reveal the molecular function of the TH gene variants, and look for the effect in more breeds. Article Source: Polymorphism in the Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) Gene Is Associated with Activity-Impulsivity in German Shepherd Dogs. Kubinyi E, Vas J, Hejjas K, Ronai Z, Brúder I, et al. (2012) Polymorphism in the Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) Gene Is Associated with Activity-Impulsivity in German Shepherd Dogs. PLoS ONE 7(1): e30271. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0030271. http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0030271 Identification of a Novel Idiopathic Epilepsy Locus in Belgian Shepherd Dogs Abstract Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs, with an incidence ranging from 0.5% to up to 20% in particular breeds. Canine epilepsy can be etiologically defined as idiopathic or symptomatic. Epileptic seizures may be classified as focal with or without secondary generalization, or as primary generalized. Nine genes have been identified for symptomatic (storage diseases) and one for idiopathic epilepsy in different breeds. However, the genetic background of common canine epilepsies remains unknown. We have studied the clinical and genetic background of epilepsy in Belgian Shepherds. We collected 159 cases and 148 controls and confirmed the presence of epilepsy through epilepsy questionnaires and clinical examinations. The MRI was normal while interictal EEG revealed abnormalities and variable foci in the clinically examined affected dogs. A genome-wide association study using Affymetrix 50K SNP arrays in 40 cases and 44 controls mapped the epilepsy locus on CFA37, which was replicated in an independent cohort (81 cases and 88 controls; combined p = 9.70×10−10, OR = 3.3). Fine mapping study defined a ~1 Mb region including 12 genes of which none are known epilepsy genes or encode ion channels. Exonic sequencing was performed for two candidate genes, KLF7 and ADAM23. No variation was found in KLF7 but a highly-associated non-synonymous variant, G1203A (R387H) was present in the ADAM23 gene (p = 3.7×10−8, OR = 3.9 for homozygosity). Homozygosity for a two-SNP haplotype within the ADAM23 gene conferred the highest risk for epilepsy (p = 6.28×10−11, OR = 7.4). ADAM23 interacts with known epilepsy proteins LGI1 and LGI2. However, our data suggests that the ADAM23 variant is a polymorphism and we have initiated a targeted re-sequencing study across the locus to identify the causative mutation. It would establish the affected breed as a novel therapeutic model, help to develop a DNA test for breeding purposes and introduce a novel candidate gene for human idiopathic epilepsies. Article Source: Identification of a Novel Idiopathic Epilepsy Locus in Belgian Shepherd Dogs, Seppälä EH, Koskinen LLE, Gulløv CH, Jokinen P, Karlskov-Mortensen P, et al. (2012) Identification of a Novel Idiopathic Epilepsy Locus in Belgian Shepherd Dogs. PLoS ONE 7(3): e33549. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0033549 http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0033549 AwesomeAussie Page 10 Events ASCA April March 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 MN Conf/Ob MN Conf/Ob 8 9 MN Conf/Rally 10 7 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 MN Agility 12 13 14 15 16 WI Conf/Ob Rally 18 19 20 21 22 Aussie Rescue Pet Expo 25 26 27 28 Aussie Rescue Pet Expo 29 30 WI Agility WI Agility 14 15 16 17 18 19 MN Agility 23 WI Conf/Ob 24 2 MN Agility 11 17 1 20 MN Conformation 21 22 23 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 31 May June 1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 1 WI Agility 5 6 7 MN Agility (Duluth) 12 13 14 15 16 21 22 23 12 17 18 24 25 18 MN Conf/Ob 9 25 16 24 4 MN Herding 28 29 30 31 23 30 Other Events (MN Only): Rally Herding Conformation Mar 15-17 29-31 Apr 5-7 12-14 19-21 May 3-5 10-12 25-27 31 Jun 2 7-9 15-16 28-30 Apr 6-7 26-28 May 4-5 24-26 Jun 8-9 Apr 6-7 May 4-5 24-26 Jun 8-9 Jun 22-23 May 25-26 Jun 8-9 20-23 Mar 23-24 Apr 6-7 May 11-12 25-27 Jun 15-16 Mar 16-17 Apr 20-21 May 18-19 25-27 Jun 7-9 AKC Obedience CPE Agility NADAC AKC 6 7 8 WI Herding WI Conf/Ob/Herding 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29 WI Conf/Ob/Herding Upper Midwest ASC & Minnesota ASC Aussie Advocates River Rock Valley ASC and Outback ASC Page 11 5 MN Herding 27 MN Herding 11 17 MN Conf/Rally 26 10 WI Agility/Conf/Ob WI Agility/Conf/Ob 20 3 WI Agility/Conf/Ob MN Agility (Duluth) 19 2 WI Agility AwesomeAussie Yum D.I.Y. & Doggie Treats Show Meals Basic Treat (for doggies) Mediterranean Wrap (for people) 2 cups 100% organic whole wheat flour 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup couscous, preferably whole-wheat 1 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint 1/4 cup lemon juice 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided 2 (4oz) jars of pureed baby food - beef, blueberry, sweet potato, chicken - whatever. Avoid any with artificial preservatives (should be easy, most are just pureed veggies and water). 1. Preheat oven to 350. 2. Mix together to form a stiff dough. If necessary, add extra flour or water as needed. 3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about a 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shape or a pizza cutter to make cubes. 4. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, place treats about 1/2 inch apart. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before storing in a paper bag (storing in an air-tight container will make them soft, but they’re still edible). Photo credit: Judith Wickham 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 pound chicken tenders 1 medium tomato, chopped 1 cup chopped cucumber 4 10-inch spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps or tortillas 1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in couscous and remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Set aside. 2. Meanwhile, combine parsley, mint, lemon juice, oil, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper in a small bowl. 3. Toss chicken tenders in a medium bowl with 1 tablespoon of the parsley mixture and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Place the tenders in a large nonstick skillet and cook over medium heat until cooked though, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a clean cutting board. Cut into bite-size pieces when cool enough to handle. 4. Stir the remaining parsley mixture into the couscous along with tomato and cucumber. 5. To assemble wraps, spread about 3/4 cup of the couscous mixture onto each wrap. Divide the chicken among the wraps. Roll the wraps up like a burrito, tucking in the sides to hold the ingredients in. Serve cut in half. AwesomeAussie Page 12 Aussie Newsletter of the Upper Midwest Australian Shepherd Club Awesome To become a member please visit www.umasc.com. Family Membership: 2 Votes; $15.00/year Single Membership: 1 Vote; $12.00/year Junior Membership : No Vote; $5.00/year Affliate Membership (Mailings Only): $10.00/year