2007 Empress Annual Meeting

(Preparation)
   All the work that is done before anyone gets there is to much to try to list.  
But, there is always more to do, that is last minute.  Below, you will see the usual
spirit of  helping hands that occurs at any chinchilla gathering.
The distance between the light bulbs
and the top of  the table must always
be the same distance to assure
uniformity and optimum lighting.
Light fixtures must be level and
secure to prevent accidents.
Strong wooden blocks raise
the table top to a more
comfortable level for the judges.
 
 
"Bright White" paper
is used to cover the table,
so that the "natural lighting" bulbs
will reflect only the natural color
of the chinchilla's fur.   
The old GE "natural light" bulbs
are recommended,
if you can find them.
Show cages are collapsible
for storage, so they
must be re-opened
and set up at each show.
Several layers of paper are used,
to not only protect the table,
but also to make it easy to remove
between each set of chinchillas
that are being judged.  
The tables must be placed
in an area that is away from the wall
for easy access by the judge
and the animal handlers.   
For safety all electrical wires
are covered with tape to prevent an
accident as people walk over them.
 
 
Most chinchilla shows start
in the morning and will end
late afternoon or early evening.  
During this time, the judge is
on his/her feet almost constantly.  
The optimum possible comfort zone
for the judge needs to be made
anywhere possible.  
The table is raised with wood blocks,
to more comfortable height,
than what is usually normal
for a dining table.
The lighting fixture should be
slightly below eye level,
to keep the constant glare
of the lights out of the judges' eyes,
but must also be the regulation,
28" from the table top.
 
An extra helping hand
or two are always welcome,
regardless the task at hand.
 
The topic of conversation is
always chinchillas and family.  
The two best topics I know.
 
Door prizes are always donated.  
From cookie jars, to bubble bath, to candles, to grooming apron,
to Ohio State memorabilia (the host state),
to the beautiful teddy bear in the center ...
They will all be reminders to those who attended this
fun-filled weekend of education and discussion
of our favorite subject - chinchillas!
 
Meanwhile, up on the 3rd floor, there are other busy hands ...
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Our hostess, Barbara Shoots,
has apparently made
quite a few trips to the grocery store
to get all the food and drinks
that will be available
at the social tonight.
Another part of the weekend
that needs a few "helping hands"
to prepare ahead of time
for events later in the day.
There are coolers filled with ice
to chill the drinks.
Meat and cheese to slice, a variety of
crackers, chips and dips to display.
A table prepared
for a board meeting discussion.
All is ready and covered.  
What can we do next?
 
 
 
 
 
 
It's down stairs to take care of other things before the meeting starts.
Busy, busy, busy ...
 
Registration
Composition books, pens & tickets.
The chairs are set in place between the two sets of two lights,
with all chinchillas in their show cages,
now it is time to start!
Luv 'N Chins