Everyone Will Be Welcome At The Dog House

May 17th, 2008

By

Todd De Haven

I am always so happy to plug those businesses who support the efforts of your Humane Society. No small business here in Greene County does more for our animals than The Dawg Haus, a local pet grooming service. Owned and operated by Deanna Norton and Rhonda Wallace, the girls are relocating The Dawg Haus to a far more convenient address in town at 813 Tusculum Blvd. in the East Gate Shopping Center. To welcome everyone they’re planning a huge Grand Open House event on Saturday, May 31st. Throughout the year, Deanna and Rhonda take many of our animals and make them look irresistibly precious, thereby helping to insure they are adopted into marvelous homes. Now they’re even helping us to raise money at their own Grand Open House. Everyone is invited and there will be free treats for everyone be they two or four legged! The Dawg House is also providing at their Grand Open House, a professional portrait photographer to photograph you and/or your pet! There is not only no sitting fee, you’ll even receive a free 8 x 10 portrait! The portraits will be by appointment only, so just call the Dawg Haus at 638.3369 to schedule yours. Also, if you purchase additional copies, 10% of the profits will go to benefit our animals!!! So make your portrait appointment; then get your pet into the Dawg House the last week in May to make them all gorgeous. Come Saturday, May 31st, all you have to do is get the children in their Sunday Go To Meetin’s, talk dad into going (I know, that won’t be easy but you gotta’ try) and go have a real professional family portrait made! What a meaningful and marvelous gift family portraits make for grandparents, other family members and even close family friends. Why, you can get three quarters of your Christmas shopping done by June 1st and help our animals at the same time! Cool, huh?

The Dawg Haus offers full service grooming, pedicures and even tooth brushing (any vet will tell you that oral hygiene is just as important for your pet as it is for you, not to mention that your dog’s breath smells so much better when he’s panting in your face at three in the morning ‘cause he’s hungry). Now listen to this, sports fans; The Dawg Haus even offers Blueberry Facials for dogs! And if that isn’t enough, they even offer aromatherapy baths!. Put the last three altogether and you wives will definitely want to take your dog places you’d never take your husband.

For do it yourself types, The Dawg Haus even sells aromatheraphy pet shampoos, collars and leads, toothbrushes and toothpaste (uhh, even though your dog may love it’s taste, you don’t really want to get it mixed up with your Colgate). Oh, you mustn’t forget to pick up some of those delicious Bark Bar Doggie Treats (even if you don’t own a dog, if your husband refuses to go for the family portrait, stick one of those into his lunch – it’ll result in his snarl and bark being so much more realistic). And get this, If you mention this edition of Animal Talk, you’ll even get $5.00 off full grooming and baths!! Why, when Fran learned of the aromatherapy baths, she even wanted to send me! I mean it folks when I say, it doesn’t get any better than this! So come on out. Fran and I are planning to go and we’re looking forward to seeing everybody at The Dawg Haus in the East Gate Shopping Center on Saturday, May 31st, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Don’t miss it!

 

 

Your Pets Know When You’re Stressed

May 10th, 2008

By Todd De Haven

My wife, Fran, became critically ill and last week all seemed a blur until around Wednesday evening. Our cats also sensed something was very wrong. At the time they didn’t know what it was exactly until Fran, who came home this past Sunday, told them. As she came through the door, all five were sitting apprehensively in the kitchen. Even though she was exhausted, prior to going to bed, Fran sat down on a kitchen chair and they all ran over to her with Felix jumping up into her arms. “Mommy, where have you been,” asked Felix? “Mommy was in the hospital,” my wife replied. “Were you very sick,” asked Winston? “Yes,” said Fran, “your mother was awfully sick but your mother’s Oncologist Dr. Patel working along with Dr. Jose Garza and all the wonderful nurses and staff members at Takoma Regional Hospital made sure I’m now much better.” “We’re so glad,” said Oliver. He continued, “We knew something was up, only Daddy wouldn’t tell us what. It was obvious when he fed us that he didn’t know what we like; Yuck!” “We also knew something was really wrong,” said Felix, “when Mr. Knabel from across the street cut the lawn this last week.” “Yes,” said Fran, “and what made it especially meaningful was that his wife is at home herself recovering from very serious surgery. I hope you understand children, just how lucky you are to be living here in Greene County and in this neighborhood with such wonderful people.” Fran also wanted me to again tell all my readers that her illness reminded her of how important it is for anyone who has a pet to right now make contingency plans for their animals should they die unexpectedly.



   

Fran, I and our five feline children certainly aren’t alone in our sentiments nor are we unique in our experiences when it comes to hospital care. There are the wonderful healing talents of all of our local physicians such as Fran’s oncologist, whom I refer to as “The World Renowned Dr. Dharmen Patel” and of course, my “Dad,” Dr. J.R. McKinney. They’ve been recently augmented by Greeneville’s newer physicians, several of whom work as Hospitalists at Takoma Regional. One such specialist is Dr. Jose Garza who rolls out of Del Rio, Texas. A truly down to earth person, Dr. Garza simply exudes optimism and good humor. When first I stepped off the elevator the morning we knew Fran would be going home, I loved the way he vaulted out of his chair with his big infectious grin and threw up his arms as if to say, “We won!” Such a gesture was just what the doctor ordered. Not a reserved, “I think everything’s going to be alright.” but one reflective of a resounding, “YESSS!” I sincerely meant it as I stuck out my arm, pointed straight at Dr. Garza’s chest as he stood behind the nurse’s station and in my patented command voice announced, “You are THE MAN!” I sure hope Greene County realizes what a treasure it now has in one of it’s newest physicians and we hope he remains with us for many years.

But the doctors don’t do it alone. The most attractive Eva Fields, Dr. Patel’s PA, is such a caring, loving and supportive person. It takes very special people to work in the practice of Oncology. While I can’t remember everyone and apologize to those I forget, I want to preface the following by saying Fran and I both love you all. The list includes Gina Cancienne and the entire 3rd floor Nursing crew; the incomparable Blanche Brown from Housekeeping; Bernadette Keyes and her ICU team including Jim Cox and Tina Miller (Fran says that if it weren’t for Tina’s rooting and urging her onward, she’s not sure she would have ever made it home); those wonderful Respiratory Therapists and all the Lab Techs to whom I fondly refer as “Dracula’s Finest.” There was also Chris Wills down in X-Ray who doubles as one of the wonderful members of the Takoma singers whom Fran and I both so love and who even treated her to an in room serenade and prayer on Saturday evening. Then of course there were the prayers, visits, flowers, fruit baskets and a stuffed cat for Fran to love absent her own more “lively” felines, from folks such as; Steve and Erney Poenitz, Randy Dean, Kitty and Gregg Jones, Amy Bowman and Wendy Palmer, Tom and Mary Helbert, Bob and Carol Brown, Ron and Jo Knabel, Rev. Carolyn Isely, our dear friend Camellia Fox and everyone else who knew of Fran’s illness. We all know, however, to Whom All the Glory goes. As is so beautitfully illustrated in the paintings found throughout Takoma, it was He who guided the hands of those wonderful medical professionals. May God continue to richly Bless you, each and every one. 

 

A Salute To Our Volunteers

May 9th, 2008

ByTodd De Haven

I always like to periodically highlight a group of folks that no successful charitable or non-profit organization can do without, it’s volunteers.

You’ve heard me frequently say that we have the largest and overall most committed group of volunteers we’ve ever had since I’ve been a Board member of your Humane Society and that’s been over eleven years.

We’ve always had wonderful volunteers throughout our history, many of them very committed. But never have we had the number nor the willingness to serve in any capacity that we have today. As I was telling someone just yesterday, I’m afraid I’m afraid to pinch myself for fear I’ll wake up and they’ll all be gone.

Do you know we have high school students who come to help do the really necessary but not most pleasant task of cleaning our runs and cages. And fine representatives of their age group don’t come once or twice a week either. Nosiree Bob, they are there every single day! Then there are the family units that often come on the weekends to play with, love and exercise our animals. Often the same people will come weekly.

There are those volunteers who have told us they’ve been hesitant to volunteer because since they don’t know from week to week when they’ll be able to come to the Adoption Center, they figured we probably wouldn’t want them. Absolutely not true! We value all of our volunteers regardless of how little or how often an individual can come to help us. Also, we have volunteers who hesitate to come out because they really just want to love and play with the animals. We tell such folks to please come whenever they want because the socialization and exercise of our animals is one of the most important aspects of guaranteeing friendly, adoptable animals. Anyone with any experience whatsoever with a non-profit totally privately funded organization will tell you that as many volunteers as an organization may have, it can always use more. Truer words have never been spoken. Yes, we are indeed blessed with our volunteers, more so than in our entire history. But we still need more and always will.

If you’d like to become one of our volunteers, we have dozens of animals with wagging tails and soft purrs just waiting for you. To get started, all you have to do is to drop by our Animal Adoption Center at 952 Hal Henard Road and speak to either Amy Bowman, our Manager or her assistant, Wendy Palmer and they’ll be so glad to explain everything to you. Try it and I believe, as have so many others, that you’ll find it one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

 



 

Congratulations to Jim Cox, one of those marvelous folks in the Takoma ICU and his wife Karen, on their new “child,” an adorable Schnauzer named Lily. Parents and “daughter” are doing fine!

A Lesson In Fox Hunting

April 21st, 2008

By Todd De Haven

I am so indebted to Lisa Scott Fisher for explaining to me what fox “hunting” really entails. Although the term is “hunting,” it should more realistically be fox “chasing.” Lisa took great pains to point out that the goal of fox hunting does not entail any intentional harm to the fox nor does it entail the use of weapons. Rather it all revolves around bragging rights for a particular hound. In fox hunting, the hunters gather with their hounds which are then turned loose to track and chase the fox. The hunters more often than not, sit around a campfire and listen to their hounds. They can tell by the sounds, which dog is leading the chase. Eventually the fox finds a hiding place and the “hunt” ends. Lisa also informed me there are several “Fox lots” in Greene County. Enclosed areas of as much as 100 acres (or maybe more), fox lots as well as foxes are maintained specifically for the sport. The lots provide their own foxes which they treat with the same care and concern the hunters treat their hounds. As an example, one owner of a popular fox lot in Greene County feeds his foxes the finest dog food, provides all their necessary shots and even creates other than just the natural hiding places for his foxes to safely hide from the dogs.It appears now that the proposed legislation to legalize fox “hunting” was in effect an effort to legalize the trapping of foxes. As it also increasingly appears, the recent bill legalizing cable snares was merely a preparatory measure to legalizing fox trapping. I say that simply because after spending over twelve hours on the internet learning about how best to control the excessive coyote and what was erroneously implied fox overpopulation, I learned that aside from being both cruel and barbaric, trapping using any form of leg hold trap is not that effective in long term population control for either animal. I have heard that trappers have told people that there is very little chance of a pet being ensnared in any leg hold trap and could provide not one instance. Well, I learned just this past week of a Greene Countian whose cat suddenly disappeared for two weeks. Then one day, it reappeared, starving and crawling in an agony of pain into the yard with a leg hold trap still attached to it’s leg. Although the poor animal survived, it’s leg had to be amputated. Let’s be realistic here. Although I’m sure there are some trappers who would, do you believe the average trapper is going to admit ensnaring a pet in one of their devices? What about those of you who have pets who have come home with a terribly injured leg? How many have had their pets wander off never to return. Could any of these two type incidents ever be related to leg hold traps? I’ll allow you to draw your own conclusions. I am just proud that Greene County did not itself fall for the bill of goods that quite possibly, did many other Tennessee Counties.

 



 

Now for some quick thank-you’s. First out of the box is Reeve Hann, 9 year old daughter of Don and Michele Hann who donated all the proceeds from her lemonade stand to our animals. Thanks also to the Chuckey Middle School 4-H Club which, under the guidance of the County 4H Director Milton Orr and Program Assistant Barbara H. Holt, donated so many wonderful gifts to our animals. To both Reeve and the 4-H club, we send out a great big Woof-Meow! God Bless you all!

Representative David Hawk Pulls Fox Bill

April 14th, 2008

ByTodd De Haven

I am so very happy to note, as The Greeneville Sun reported on Friday, that State Rep. David Hawk, r-5th, of Greeneville has taken “off notice” his proposed legislation to again legalize fox hunting in Greene County pending action on the issue by the Greene County Commission. In a telephone call to me last Saturday evening, David informed me that, after long consideration, he decided that such was the correct decision… He is to be commended, and I’m sure that you all join with me in thinking him for taking this step, even though the ultimate fate of the proposed legislation is not yet settled. For the present at least, depending on what the County Commission does, the bill is not moving forward.

Although a legislator deals with hundred of bill and thousands of proposals, David has also assured me that henceforth, he will make it a point to carefully scrutinize any future legislation that concerns animal welfare. I have told him that I am always available, should he ever wish for any assistance or opinion. I don’t think we could ever as of an elected official any more than that.

We so appreciate all of you who helped out in this effort, whether it was by making a telephone call or writing letters. It only goes to who that by all of us working together, we can effect change. Thank you!

__________________

Over the years I have often written, as many of you will recall, about Adelaide Laurie, affectionately known by us as the Staten Island Cat Lady. Adelaide is my wifes niece who resides in Staten Island, New York,. The widow of hero New York City Police Officer Rocco Laurie who along with his partner, Gregory Foster were gunned down in 1972 while walking their beat in Manhattans Greenwich Village, Adelaide has devoted her life since that traumatic event to animal welfare.Escorted by her cousin, my wifes son Kenneth Anderson, she was honored as the Hudson County New Jersey Animal Leagues “Humanitarian of the Year” at an immense banquet attended by major community leaders. Hudson County encompasses the cities of Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken and Union City and is located across the Hudson River from lower Manhattan and Staten Island.We are indeed so very proud that Adelaide has received this signal honor and I say with no reservation whatsoever, that I could never think of a more deserving recipient. What makes the award even more special was that it came as an utter surprise. As the MC of the event related the qualities of the person receiving the award, Adelaide kept wondering upon just whom in the vast audience such extensive praise was being heaped. She tells us she was almost paralyzed when her name was announced as being the recipient. As is always the case with Adelaide in such instances, aside from being greatly honored, she was also humbled by the prestigious award, repeating that she was most undeserving. Having no idea that her sister, two nieces and her nephew had been advised of the impending award, their sudden appearance only added to Adelaide

s thrill. Congratulations Ad, from all of the Animal Talk crowd in Greene County, Tennessee!__________________

As I wrote a few weeks ago, we really would love to see the national and award winning Kind News program in all of our grade school classrooms. If you would like to contribute to this effort you can either mail your checks to GCHS, Box 792, Greeneville TN, 37744 or make your donations by credit card via PayPal by going to our Website at www.gchumanesociety.com . Your contributions to this extremely worthwhile educational program are so very important and most greatly appreciated.

Bill To Legalize Snare Traps Passes

March 31st, 2008

ByTodd De Haven

I am disheartened to report that the Bill authorizing the legalization of snare traps has been passed by the State Legislature and by an overwhelming margin. All of us who love animals, are deeply indebted to Representative Eddie Yokely for going against the tide and voting his conscience.

On my part, I had understood that any person in Tennessee could set even a snare trap on their own property. I was wrong. Only by the passage of this legislation will it now be legal to set a snare trap on one’s own property or for someone to do so for them. But there is a way that such a law could have been modified to dovetail with the law governing Dyer County.

For those who missed my letter to the editor last week, the law was sponsored by Senator Steve Southerland as a result of complaints his office had received from pet owners whose “cats and poodles” had been killed by coyotes. What I and many others found most interesting was that while it could well have occurred, I have yet to hear of one confirmed report in Greene County that a pet had been killed by a coyote. If the problem is so severe in other parts of Senator Southerland’s district as to warrant such drastic action, how come even if it has happened, it certainly is not a problem here? Why does it not surprise me that the Tennessee Trappers Association was a big sponsor of this bill? Do you suppose someone might profit from setting cable snares? Is it possible that someone’s pet could be caught in such a snare? The short answer is, “yes.”

For the uninformed, snare traps are, as are any other form of leg hold trap, extremely cruel. This is especially true when one learns that the law requires all such traps to be checked only once every 36 hours. Can you imagine even a wild animal such as a coyote (or even a family pet), frightened half to death, trying to free itself from one of these traps for up to 36 hours? What if the animal becomes ensnared around it’s neck? The biggest kicker is just how, with its current manpower levels, will the TWRA ever be able to realistically enforce the 36 hour rule?

Although I’ve heard that the excuse for passing the law was to equalize the situation between East Tennessee and the rest of the state wherein such traps are legal, then why is there an exception for Dyer County? In Dyer county only the landowner themselves can set the cable snare. Now while we’re totally against any form of leg hold trap, I personally say that a on his/her own property, the landowner him or herself has the right to control predators, within of course the confines of the law. As it stands now, with an owners permission, anyone will be able to come onto the property and set snare traps. Could such landowner maybe be convinced by some “interested party” that he/she may have a problem that actually doesn’t really exist but that the “interested party” would be pleased to cure? I don’t know. You tell me? Oh, and finally, there is no effective means yet proven to control the coyote population and isn’t that the stated purpose of the legislation? Hmmm……….

 



 

We are now formally announcing that our nine week canine obedience training program will commence with Registration on Saturday, April 5. Our own unparalleled canine instructors, Carol “Granny” Wainwright and Wade GeFellers are donating their time and talent to this effort and the entire course fee of $100 is going to our animals. This fee is hundreds of dollars below what such courses normally cost. We seriously urge those who are interested to call Carol at 342-4254.

Things Cats Find Annoying

March 31st, 2008

ByTodd De Haven

Most of us who have had cats for years know what annoys them and pretty much how such annoyances are reflected in their behavior. Ed and Doris Goodwin recently turned me onto a website that is among the best I’ve found when it comes to pets. On this site they have lists of what annoys both dogs and cats. For those of you who would like to view the the entire lists, you can find it at, www.PetPlace.com .But I wanted to take the list of feline annoyances one step further by asking our own cats what specifically most annoyued them. So as they were all together coloring their Easter eggs, I got their attention by saying, “Hmmmm, I wonder what I’m going to do with this open can of Fancy Feast?” In an instant, I was surround by our five felines, all of whom were looking up at me in eager anticipation.

I then said to them, “Alright, before I give you your snack, starting with you Weaver and going down the line according to age, I want to know the one thing you find most annoying.”

Weaver pondered for a moment and then said, “Probably the thing I find most annoying is when after I finish my supper and go to eat Jennifer’s, she won’t let me.

Winston followed with a one word reply, “Felix.”

Oliver then stated, “My biggest annoyance is that Fancy Feast doesn’t put enough gravy into their food. Don’t they know I don’t eat canned food, that I only drink the gravy?”

Jennifer without hesitation announced, “One of these days I’m going to do to Oliver what Jackie Gleason playing Ralph Kramden in the Honeymooners back in the fifties on TV used to always threaten to do to his wife Alice played by Audrey Meadows. That was, ‘One of these days, Alice, one of these days………Bang Zoom………to the Moon!’”

Finally, it came around to Felix’s turn. “I know that Winston is my senior and is old enough to be my father and I do know I have to respect him but gosh darn it, every time he climbs up on the bed, it’s late at night and he steps right on me. Do you all know what a field mouse experiences when an elephant steps on it? Well I certainly do!”

I then said to them, “Well, at least we all know what annoys the each of us. But I’ll clue you in on something. What annoys your mother most is when you all get to fighting and remember, your mother is the one who feeds you.” The looks on their faces revealed they well understood.

I then said, “Alright, you can all go back to your coloring your Easter Eggs, but first, what do you want to say to all of the readers of my column. In unison they exclaimed, “HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY!”

The Kind News Educates Our Kids

March 16th, 2008

ByTodd De Haven

Thanks to magnificent donors, many of our children in elementary schools throughout the city and county have for years been recipients of a program called Kind News. At an annual cost of only $25.00, a classroom will receive 28 copies monthly from September through May of the periodical Kind News. The newspaper can come in one of three grade levels: Primary (K-2), Junior (3-4) or Senior (5-6).

This award winning program that teaches children about the humane treatment of all animals, also helps to insure that our children are aware of the importance of protecting their environment. The program is universally applauded by teachers throughout the country. In addition to the student newspapers, the teacher receives the Kind Teacher Resource Book.

This extremely valuable program does not cost taxpayers one dime as it is completely privately funded through your donations. Through your efforts, we are currently able to furnish Kind News to 1,580 students. The problem is, we have 5,179 children of eligible ages in our schools.

Won’t you please, think about giving a classroom the benefit of an entire school year’s worth of Kind News for only $25.00? If you can, please mail your $25.00 check made out to the GCHS to P.O. Box 792, Greeneville, TN 37744. Just write in the memo portion of your check, “Kind News.” If you knew just how beneficial this program is, you wouldn’t hesitate!

 



 

Whoops! I made an error in my thank-you’s in last week’s column about Cliff’s rescue. Jon Waddell was the Rescue Squad member who climbed the ladder. Paul Frutiger was the Squad member who climbed up on top of the cliff to tie off the rope. Sorry fellas for the error.

 



 

The Eeyore class (2 year olds) of the Asbury Child Enrichment Center recently made a wonderful donation. Now I know some of you are going, “Eeyore, hmmm … sounds familiar but I just can’t place it.” It’s Really driving you nuts, huh? Oh alright, I’ll tell you, even if it means you’re a lot older than you thought you were. Eeyore’s the Donkey from the Winnie the Pooh series. Now be honest, how many of you are going “Ohhhhh…nooooooo” about now?

Anyway, those little tykes from Eeyore’s class donated a whopping $70.00 to our animals! That is just heart warmingly wonderful!!! So along with our great big Woof Meow, Eeyore himself sends along a big “EEEEE-YOORRE!

Welcome To Animal Talk

February 23rd, 2008

Welcome to our website and especially to Animal Talk.  For those of you unfamiliar with our organization, I am Todd De Haven, the current President of the Greeneville Greene County Humane Society and Animal Talk is our column that I have been writing for around eleven years and which is published weekly in the greatest small town newspaper in the world, The Greeneville Sun.  If you read this column regularly, you will soon come to the conclusion that most folks around this part of East Tennessee already have…..that I’m a bit well……let’s just say that my wife and I are able to converse with our animals and several others as well and leave it at that and allow you to draw your own conclusions. 

Your comments are solicited which is why we have set this up in the form of a blog.  Having never administered a blog before, please bear with me as I get used to this newfangled but evidently quite popular way of exchanging information.

We welcome you to our website and hope that you’ll visit often.

Todd

Three Neglected Horses Given a Fantastic Home

February 23rd, 2008

You may remember back in January my writing about our having to temporarily house 11 horses in an abuse/neglect case. As a result, we recently took permanent custody of 3 of the horses and I had intended to mention that they were available in today’s column. What happened Thursday afternoon at our Animal Adoption Center, however, couldn’t have been better had it been professionally scripted. A news team from Knoxville’s Channel 10 news was even on scene to capture the moment 9 year old Nicole Lockhart (wearing a shirt with “I Love Horses” spelled out in rhinestones) accompanied by her six year old sister Tonya, first gazed upon their three horses. The TV folks had, unbeknownst to us, been notified by a friend of the adopting family.The story started forming around the first of the week when our Assistant Manager Wendy Palmer, took a phone call from Steve Livesay. Steve, a 911 Dispatcher for Hamblen County had learned from a friend who is a state highway patrol trooper, that we had three horses that were part of a neglect case that he thought were up for adoption. Knowing that his eldest granddaughter adores horses and has made it clear that she wants to become a Vet, Steve figured a horse would be perfect for the two girls Talking it over with his wife Stacy, they concluded that no, one horse wouldn’t be perfect … but all three would!

Owners of plenty of pasture land that sports a barn and on which live several goats, a few chickens and even a couple of Peacocks, Steve and Stacy checked with their daughter and son in law, Sandra and Michael Lockhart. Both parents thought the idea was wonderful and would be a perfect way in which to instill the importance of proper animal welfare in their daughters.

We had only recently contemplated the difficulty of placing the horses because none are able to be ridden. The successful adopters had to understand this and we knew that such a restriction severely limited an already narrow field of adoption possibilities. That was not, however, a problem with Steve.

Although a grandfather, Steve certainly doesn’t look the part. A big man with huge hands that have known many years of hard work, Steve’s eyes flared with anger when I described to him the initial appearance of the horses when first we took them in. He, his son in law Michael and both girls assured us all that from that point forward, Cheyenne, Lucky and Solidor (names the girls had given the horses prior to even setting eyes on them) had nothing in their future but loving and tender care. Of that I have no doubt. If you had been there, you’d have none either.

 



 

Before I forget, I want to send out a big Woof-Meow! to the Third Grade students at Chuckey School who saved up $70.00 of their own money in order to adopt one of our cages. Thanks kids, that’s fantastic!

I end on a sad note by noting the passing of Charles Johnson. An absolutely brilliant man, a marvelous conversationalist and a man who could construct virtually anything in his basement; Charles was also a strong supporter of our efforts. We extend to his wife Corrine and their family, our most sincere condolences.