President's Letter

Thanks to you, all of you, for the years of effort bringing CdECA to the threshold of its second decade.

There will never be sufficient words to
thank all who have worked so hard to accomplish the formation and preservation of the Club but, for "posterity", we would like to recognize those individuals. Our Cirnechi Chat has provided a perfect vehicle by way of a Profile which will be a regular Chat section. This quarter we will begin withPast President Lucia Bornstein and hope to wind our way through CdECA history as the year progresses.

2008 has already proven a year of tremendous energy within the club. The board has been in constant motion with the driving force being our "new blood" - Sam Jimeson, VP, Jim Buden, Viv Eggen and Deborah Poole, Directors. Sam, Anne Mitchell and Viv have spent inordinate hours and days working on a club more relevant in members' lives. Which leads us to Viv's effort to direct the Board into well defined Goals and Objectives that will give the membership awareness of club activities and afford greater avenues of participation. The resurgence of this newsletter is the result of Jim Buden's driving force. We hope that the energy is contagious and anyone who has not thus far been involved in
activities and committees will find the challenge irresistible and join in! Whether or not you participated in the survey, please place a most important date on your calendars - the Eleventh Annual Specialty has been set for November 7 - 9, 2008. This is, of course, the largest event of the year but you will want to peruse the calendar which is part of our "Chat" for other events in your area including our West Coast meeting this Saturday the 26th. A New Year's Resolution to participate would be most appropriate.

Lucia Prieto
President 2007-2009

Milestone Celebration

Cirneco family and supporters gathered in Cat Spring, Texas November 2-4, 2007 at Rancho Texcelente IXL to participate in the 10th Annual Cirneco dell’Etna Specialty. We had 26 registered dogs and numerous human participants who traveled from around the country and the world including Finland, Italy, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., New Mexico and Illinois to join our milestone celebration.

We were honored to learn from highly regarded FCI Judge Antonio di Lorenzo in the conformation ring. Our dear friends Domenico Tricomi and Jane Moore guided us once again with their vast knowledge of our special breed.

We have seen the Cirneco Specialty grow from a relatively small gathering to become a formidable event focused on education and competition. What started out as a “fun run” in the earlier days has become a two-day lure coursing event that is sanctioned by the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA). Because the Cirneco achieved “provisional” status, points accumulated further added to the excitement of watching these athletic hounds chase the lure. What started out as a hunting demonstration has expanded into a serious hunting trial. We were fascinated by the intensity, skills and instincts of these trained hunters in action, doing what they were originally bred to do.

In keeping with the educational purpose of the Specialty, we offered four workshops on Friday night on key topics: Breed Seminar, Dr. di Lorenzo; Hunting Seminar, Domenico Finocchiaro; LureCoursing, Carl White; and Conformation Ring, Garry Newton.

While we all enjoyed the Specialty on a social basis, we understood it was a serious competition. Conformation judging was held on Saturday afternoon.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect – comfortably warm on a beautiful sunny day. Similar to European Specialities the dogs were shown in the field – their tan-colored coats a complement to nature’s backdrop of green grass.

Best of Breed was awarded to Fiore, proudly owned by this writer, her husband and Cy’Era Cirnechi. Best of Opposite Sex was given to Ferrari, owned by Cy’Era Cirnechi and bred by Hadranensis.

We were impressed with the hunting skills of Cy'Era Hali and Cy'Era Jaspar, owned by Jim Buden, Suzette Meshulam and Cy'Era Cirnechi. It was easy to see why this dazzling pair won first place in the hunting trial. Second place was won by Fatima and Fendi, owned by Steven and Malee Earle. Third place was won by Frida, owned by Cy’Era Cirnechi.

It was a joy to see Cy'Era Calista, owned by Carl White and Cy'Era Cirnechi in action. This lovely athlete took first place on both days of the lure coursing event. Second Place was won by Dawn, owned by Deborah Poole. Third Place was won by Dublin owned by Gregg and Ashley Lovelace.

Congratulations to these canines and their parents!"

The full list of the conformation winners is on page four of this newsletter, as well as placements for the lure coursing event and hunting trial.

We held the CdECA Annual Meeting after conformation, where we discussed various business items as well as elected officers. Lucia Prieto was re -elected as president. Sam Jimeson was named vice president. Jim Buden and Deborah Poole were elected to two-year board positions. Viv Eggen was elected to a one-year board position.

Participants had the opportunity to purchase Cirneco items including t- shirts, sweatshirts, calendars, mugs, watches, bags, premier leads and collars at the CdECA Store, as well as bid for silent auction items donated by generous members. Proceeds went toward Cirneco rescue efforts.

We want to thank the steering committee who worked tirelessly to make the 2007 Cirneco Specialty a huge success. Lucia Bornstein, Viv Eggen, Aliza Fan, Carlos Fernandez, Sara Fernandez, Sam Jimeson, Christopher Kyle McLain, Deborah Poole, LuciaPrieto, and Mark Scioneaux planned and laid the ground work for the event. Carlos Fernandez received the registrations and kept the data base. Lucia Prieto was the point person for myriad questions, sharing with us her knowledge of the breed and the Specialty. Sara Fernandez prepared the printed materials. Aliza Fan solicited funds for the workers fund and coordinated the raffle and silent auction. Deborah Poole gathered area information for those coming from out of town and coordinated the snacks and drinks. Domenico Finocchiaro took charge of the hunting demonstration. John Unger coordinated the lure coursing event with ASFA. Viv Eggen managed the CdECA store and Lucia Bornstein, Carla Tremblay and DeborahPoole manned it. Lucia Bornstein secured the conformation awards and prepared the treat bags for cirnechi participants. Carl White donated the trophies for the lure coursing event. Sam Jimeson, Mark Scioneaux and Frank Brown helped plan even though they were unable to attend. Much appreciation goes to Christopher Kyle McLain, Luis Gilberto Rivas, Teri Baker and Carla Tremblay, for doing tasks as needed.

Most importantly, we thank YOU who made the trek to a beautiful country town to share in the celebration of our very, very special breed. Please come join us later this year for the 2008 Cirneco Specialty!

Lure Coursing
at the Tenth National Cirneco Specialty
By Karen Arends

I was pleased to be invited to judge ASFA (American Sighthound Field Association) lure coursing at this year’s Cirneco National Specialty in Cat Springs, Texas. I was pleased with the ability and desire of several Cirneci to follow the lure, take great turns, and maintain good speed through their runs. These dogs will certainly be competitive when allowed full ASFA status.

Although there are differing opinions within the Cirneco Community as to whether these should be considered as coursing hounds, it appears that the dogs I watched should be able to excel in both coursing and hunting venues. Although not bred specifically to chase and catch small game or birds as are true sighthounds, the instinct to watch and chase a lure and the agility to maneuver at high speed are qualities that will also benefit a Cirneco finding and following game to ground.

I will be watching for your versatile dogs to do well in many areas of competition, with the guidance of enthusiasts who seem to be anxious to show Cirneci are truly worthy of the admiration
they’re receiving from their families.

The CdECA Store Winter Clearance Event!

CdECA Logo Watches (w/o battery)
One Men’s Large and Six Ladies’ small available.
Regular Price $20.00 now selling for 75% OFF! $5.00

Coffee Mug w/special Mt.Etna Logo
Designed by Malee. Not good for Microwave use.
Normally $15.00 Only 7 available for 66% OFF! $5.00

Souvenir 2007 Calendar
Great Pictures of our special dogs
Original Price $20.00 Only 10 available for 50% OFF! $10.00

Tote Bag -White w/Black Straps
Logo on side. Great for carrying Cirneco essentials
Regular Price $20.00 Only 10 available for 50% OFF $10.00

T-Shirt
(Sand w/Brown Logo) True to size if not running a little small.
Sizes: Small (1), Medium (3), Large (4), XL (3) and XXL (4)
Normally sells for $20.00 Only 15 available for 25% OFF! $15.00

Orange Hunting Caps
(w/Embroidered Logo and reflectors on both bill and on back).
A bargain at $20.00 Now 3 available for 10% OFF! $18.00

2008 Calendars still available at the REGULAR price of $20.00

Proceeds from all sales will support the Club Activities and Events with special emphasis on Cirneco rescue activities.
Email store@cirneco.com and place your order TODAY!
Shipping Rates via USPS Priority mail: Under 1 pound = Add $4.60
All over a pound = Add $8.95

Dear Cirnechi Chat-

I want to thank and commend the AHCGH and all those who worked on the coursing event at Cat Springs last weekend. We were only there on Sunday, but what a well run meet and what a beautiful place to run! the only "downer" was that Savage wasn't there on Sunday, and Ivory seemed to miss him; I think she has a crush.

Tom Kinsey and Ivory

Tenth National Specialty Results  

Puppy Sweepstakes Male:
1st Cy'Era Kamal
2nd Cy'Era Kalos
3rd Cy’Era Karpos

Puppy Sweepstakes Female:
1st Cy'Era Kleio

Male Open:
1st Cy'Era Hadranensis Fendi

Male Intermediate:
1st Cy'Era Jove
2nd Cy'Era Isildur
3rd Cy'Era Jaspar

Male Champion:
1st Hadranensis Ferrari

Male Veteran:
1st Bruk del Gelso Bianco
2nd Ron

Male Neutered:
1st Cirosgostha's King

Female Open:
1st Cy'Era Fiore
2nd Cy'Era Farah
3rd Vespinja’s Delightful

Female Intermediate:
1st Cy'Era Juno

Female Champion:
1st Diva
2nd Cy'Era Concordia

Female Veteran:
1st Rosy

Female Spayed:
1st Cy'Era Fatima

BOB: Cy'Era Fiore
BOS: Hadranensis Ferrari

Lure Coursing

Saturday:
1st Cy’Era Calista
2nd Cy’Era Dawn
3rd Cy’Era Dublin
4th Cy’Era Bianca
NBQ – Cy’Era Isildur

Sunday:
1st Cy’Era Calista
2nd Cy’Era Dawn
3rd Cy’Era Dublin
4th Cy’Era Isildur
NBQ– Cy’rena Seta del Oro

Hunting Trial
1st Cy’Era Jaspar and Cy’Era Hali
2nd Cy’Era Hadranensis Fendi and
Cy’Era Hadranensis Fatima
3rd Frida 

Member Profile: Lucia Bornstein
By Lucia Prieto

Amongst the CdECA veterans is Lucia Bornstein. In August 2000 another dimension was added to Lucia's life with the adoption of her first Cirneco, Carlo Salvatore. It was not long before she and her husband Jack had made room for Concordia, Carlo's sister. The tremendous good nature and athleticism of this lovely pair took their doting "Mom" into a new world as she dove head first into the "dog world".

Carlo and Concordia loved lure coursing and Lucia took the lead for Cirneco recognition with ASFA. Giving up time and comforts of home and family she was consistently on the field sporting this unknown breed and took any opportunity afforded her to limelight their abilities. Along with this she became active within the club by serving on the board, first as Director, as Vice-President and finally as CdECA President for 4 years, 2001 to 2005. As President she continued to work to gain national recognition for our breed taking her own Cirnechi as well as other "kids" to events, which was critical in forging the path to gaining breed recognition at ASFA-sponsored events. She attended many CdECA functions throughout the country, including our West Coast gatherings, and represented the Club at national ASFA meetings.

With a ready smile and a helping hand, Lucia’s commitment is obviously fueled by her love of the breed. She has not only donated her time, but also been the purveyor of those wonderful doggie “goody” bags that are given to all canine participants of the Specialty. She has and continues to be critical in heading our Trophy committee and always stepping in to fill needs whether in hospitality, manning the store, supplying transportation and, yes, left behind on more than one occasion with the cleanup!

CdECA is proud to have this friend in Lucia Bornstein

New Year - Membership Renewals Due.
By Anne Mitchell

With the New Year comes the time to renew our memberships in the Cirneco dell Etna Club of America. I like to spend a few minutes at the beginning of the New Year to think about who and what I am grateful for in my life and to think about the coming year and the experiences I will have with those I am most grateful for. For me and my husband, time with Odette and Ciro are precious gifts we are very grateful for. They remind us of the things that are most important in life and we try to take their lessons to heart – always greet each other with exuberance; get outside for a walk everyday and take the time to smell the scents along the way; take great joy in the food that nourishes us every meal; remember to be silly for at least some of each day; totally forgive and forget any transgressions; and know that the best feeling in the world is to cuddle up with the people and dogs you love most in the world at the end of a hectic day. So, take a moment, think about life with your Cirnechi and renew those memberships while you’re thinking about them. Following is the membership renewal form for your convenience.

2008 Calendar
January
♦ Renew Membership in the club!
♦ Purchase 2008 Calendar.
♦ Take advantage of the CdECA Store’s Winter Clearance Sale

February
9th Reception in New York - 6pm to 9pm (See Invitation Page 3)
9th Westminister Dog Show, New York (runs through 13th)

March
5th Deadline for articles, Cirneco Chat, 2nd Quarter Issue
16th Cirneco Specialty Grassobbio, Italy
♦ Join a standing committee

April
19th CdECA 4th Annual Hunting Workshop Peticote Game Preserve
Southhampton, New Jersey
Contact: Domenico Finochairo, , 267-255- 9460
♦ Cirneco Chat, 2nd Quarter, published

May
♦ West Coast Workshop (Details to be announced)
31– June 1 ASFA International Invitational Leesburg, VA
CdECA Reception TBA

June
5th Cirneco Chat deadline for articles
♦ Take advantage of the CdECA Store’s Summer Clearance Sale

July
♦ Cirneco Chat, 3rd Quarter, published
♦ Volunteer to be part of the rescue network

August
♦ Join one of the Specialty Committees!

September
5th Cirneco Chat deadline for articles
♦ Early Registration for the Annual Specialty

October
♦ Cirneco Chat, 4th Quarter published
♦ Register for the Annual Specialty

November
7th—9th The 11th Annual CdECA Specialty, Cat Spring, TX
8th CdECA Annual Meeting and Elections

December
♦ Do your Christmas shopping at The CdECA Store!