Thank you for the opportunity

To the editor:
Opportunity is defined as (1) a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place (2) a chance for advancement.
Opportunity is what was given to ShyAnn Harker and Kyndal Huey last month when they were able to attend the 90th American Rabbit Breeders Association Convention in Harrisburg, PA. This opportunity was made possible by several community-minded sponsors who believe in and support the youth of Jay County.
The ARBA is a national organization dedicated to the promotion, development and improvement of the domestic rabbit and cavy. This organization holds an annual convention where there are not only thousands of rabbits on display, but the youth of the organization participate in various competitions to test their skills and knowledge about rabbits and cavies.
ShyAnn and Kyndal competed at the Indiana State Rabbit Breeders Association’s annual convention in Indianapolis in September. While there, they participated in various youth events and earned the honor of representing our state at the ARBA Nationals. Kyndal was on Team Indiana’s Senior Breed ID team and ShyAnn was on Team Indiana’s Intermediate Breed ID team. The girls also applied for and were chosen to be members of District 8’s senior and intermediate judging teams. The D8 Senior judging team placed second. ShyAnn also exhibited six educational projects while at nationals.
Without the support of the generous sponsors, these girls would not have been able to attend the National Convention. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who were so generous: T-Flyerz, Williams Auto Parts, Smitley Trailers, Smitley Yorkies, One Shot Sports, Renegade Customs, Jayland Mowing, Central Outerwear, True Value, Tire Center, Wendel’s Gun Shop, MW Sales, Shawver Auctioneering, The Delts, FCC, Ja-Mar, Lehman Feed Mill, Matt’s Garage, Hair Candy, Kiwanis of Portland, Schmit Chiropractic, Cheryl Skirvin, The Oasis, Jay County REMC, Inman Insurance, Clear Choice Chiropractic, West Jay Optimist, Gamma Nu Sorority, The Portland Veterinary Clinic, members of ShyAnn’s family, members of Kyndal’s family and those who wish to remain anonymous.
Attending Nationals is a wonderful experience, though quite expensive. And without the support of these sponsors, it would not have been a possibility. Because of their help, the girls were given the opportunity to attend and compete at Nationals. Showing rabbits and participating in youth competitions are something these girls love and the experience and chance to advance themselves in this hobby is priceless. Both girls are active in the Jay County 4-H Rabbit Club and plan to donate the remaining funds along with money of their own to the Rabbit Club.
Thank you once again for supporting the youth of Jay County in their efforts to expand their horizons and achieve their dreams.
Ken Harker and the families of Kyndal Huey and ShyAnn Harker

Hunt was fun
To the editor:
My family really missed the Myers Pumpkin Farm this year. We really enjoyed all the phases of it.
Hats off to Redkey Fun for Kids this year for their flashlight candy hunt at Redkey Park. I think it was a great success.
Dottie Quakenbush
Redkey

Retrospect missed
To the editor:
For many years I enjoyed the retrospect in Saturday’s edition of The CR. Does anyone else miss it?
Jerry Sullivan
Portland
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Editor’s note: “Retrospect”, which was a photo from 25 years ago published in each Saturday’s newspaper, was discontinued in 2011 partially because of the switch from film to digital photography. The CR no longer has the darkroom materials necessary to develop photos from film.[[In-content Ad]]