Statement From the Lead Pack

The North Star Kennel Club stands in solidarity with those fighting systemic oppression, racism, and bigotry. We firmly believe that Black Lives Matter and Black Trans Lives Matter.

The North Star Kennel Club strongly encourages our members to take a stand and actively participate in efforts underway to make our cities, state, and nation equal and just.

There are many organizations and movements that could use your support (money and/or volunteer time). We join Minnesota Leather Pride in making these suggestions:

• Black Visions
• Racial Justice Network
• Reclaim The Block
• North Star Health Collective
• Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar

We look forward to when we can safely hold in-person events again. Until that time, we hope you are well, being kind to yourselves, and being supportive of each other.

Our Events and COVID-19

As public health concerns regarding large gatherings of people continue, the NSKC's Lead Pack felt it prudent that we implement temporary policy regarding moshes and other in-person events so that we can set expectations for when we will resume those events. That policy is outlined below.

• We will cancel all scheduled NSKC events, excluding Lead Pack meetings, until such time as local and state public health authorities allow gatherings of 25 or more people. In cases where local and state authorities differ in their requirements, the stricter requirement will be followed. Cancellations of this type will be determined two days before the scheduled date of the event at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. For example, for the May 9 public mosh, the local and/or state requirements in place on May 7 at 5:00 p.m. will determine any cancellation.
• We will cancel all scheduled NSKC events, excluding Lead Pack meetings, if their scheduled venue is not open. Cancellations of this type will be determined two days before the scheduled date of the event at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. For example, for the May 9 public mosh, if The Saloon has not indicated that it will be open by 5:00 p.m. on May 7, the event would be canceled.
• Once local and state public health authorities allow gatherings of 25 or more people, capacity controls will be put in place for NSKC events until such time as local and state public health authorities allow gatherings of 50 or more people. For example, if local and state public heath authorities allow gatherings of no more than 25 people, no more than 25 people will be allowed to be present at an event venue at any time.
• If any in-person events are held, relevant public health guidance (e.g., taking of temperature at the door, availability of hand sanitizer, wearing of masks, social distancing, etc.) will be followed. Related actions (e.g., no toys at moshes) will also be implemented as appropriate.
• These measures will remain active until such time as the statewide peacetime state of emergency is lifted or the Lead Pack votes to end them.

Governor Walz has renewed his declaration of a statewide peacetime state of emergency through August 12, 2020.

Given the requirements of social distancing, we are investigating options for holding online social events, including partnering with other pet/handler organizations in the region. If you have ideas on events we might host, use our website's event submission form. You can also reach out to our new Education and Events Committee Chair, Paul Jenings, via email. As these events are finalized, we will announce them through this newsletter, northstarkennelclub.org, Twitter, and our Facebook page.

2020 Memberships Extended Through 2021

Owing to our inability to host moshes and other in-person events for at least half of 2020, the NSKC Lead Pack voted at its May 20 teleconference meeting to extend the memberships of those members who have joined or renewed in 2020 through the end of 2021. For more information, or if you want to join or renew your membership, please contact Toby, our Membership Committee Chair.

Lead Pack Changes

The NSKC Lead Pack appointed two new members to its ranks at its May 20 teleconference meeting:

• Pup Ardent (at-large member, term expires January 2022)
• Paul Jennings (Chair, Education and Events Committee, term expires January 2021)

Zoom!

The NSKC Lead Pack voted at its July 15 teleconference meeting to begin paying for a Zoom account. This will allow us to hold Lead Pack teleconference meetings and host virtual events while COVID remains a concern.

If you are interested in attending future Lead Pack teleconference meetings, please contact Minutes, Chair of the Lead Pack, for details.

Second NSPAH Contest to be Held in 2021

The NSKC Lead Pack voted at its May teleconference meeting to hold the second North Star Puppy and Handler Contest on a date to be determined in 2021. In the meantime, our existing titleholders will continue to hold their titles. We will keep you posted on developments through this newsletter, northstarpahweekend.org, Twitter, and the contest's Facebook page.

Give Us Your Feedback and Event Ideas!

Please use our website's feedback form to give us any comments, suggestions, or questions you might have. These are sent to the Lead Pack and the committees that perform the club's activities. You can find it in the menu bar under Feedback.

If you have an event that you would like us to promote, organize, or co-host with you, please use our website's event submission form. You can find it in the menu bar under Events.

StrictlyGeneric Discount

As members of the North Star Kennel Club you can get 10% off custom chain maille collars, harnesses and accessories, made by our own Pup Nyx, at StrictlyGeneric.com. Order from him in person and mention the discount, or order online and use code "NSKCMEMBERS" for the discount. Your club membership will be verified.