A Fond Farewell with New Beginnings

Written by Jeremy S. Cowan

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has helped bring the Breeders of the American Rabbit, N.S.C. to life. While an endeavor like this is never easy, nor is it always universally popular, I believe it has been worth it.

When I was asked to participate in the new club, and serve as its President, I was a bit confused. I was a relative newbie to the breed, and really had no other qualifications than having hopped into a van to drive rabbits around the country. Some might have written that off as lunacy, and maybe it was (Ann, Kathy???), but I think that is probably what landed me at the helm of the club these last two years.

The club has had a bit of a rocky start. Last year, there were no elections because no one offered to run. This year, we had three positions turn over, and those three new members were surprised by the announcement because there was no balloting. Our Constitution and Bylaws instruct that no election expense may be incurred for electing unopposed candidates. So, again, no balloting happened this year. And without fanfare or ado, Mike Landers, Rebecca Jones, and Anne Vellinga won the positions of President, Treasurer, and Pacific Director, respectively.

It is my great pleasure to welcome Mike and Anne as the newest Board members and congratulate them for their willingness to step up and make a difference. I would also like to congratulate Rebecca and express my appreciation to her for being willing to bear the added responsibilities that attend the Treasurer position. These are good people with a real love for our American breed of rabbits. I trust that they will carry the club forward in the best manner they know, and that we will all benefit from this effort.

As I depart, I would be remiss to not thank the Board members that are serving now and those that have served in the past. Every one of them has played a role in establishing this club as well as preserving and promoting the American breed. I would like to especially thank Linda Adams for her service as Treasurer and her willingness to finish her term despite life's call to move on to the next things.

Thank you again to everyone who has participated in this club, to those who have yet to join but might someday, and to those who never will but share our mission to preserve and promote the American breed of rabbit. We share a common interest, an interest that has driven many of us to do things we never thought ourselves capable, and all for the betterment of others. This is truly a unique group - one that I am proud to associate myself with. And while I will no longer be serving on the Board, I still plan to actively participate with you all in whatever capacity I can.

Farewell,
Jeremy S. Cowan