NEWS ARCHIVE
[10/8/2007]Poodle Bichon Extravaganza Deadline Extended
There have been some questions about items in our catalog, so here is clarification on these items.
There is no cancellation fee for Shirlee Kalstone's Extravaganza.
Pre Registration deadlines for the Extravaganza have been extended to Oct. 20th, 2007. Anyone who sent in the extra money from the 9/14/07 deadline will receive a refund for the difference at the show.
[9/28/2007]A La Carte pricing for the Bichon/Poodle Extravaganza
Its seems that we have overlooked people who want to attend the friday intensive workshops for only one of the breeds. Well, ask and you shall receive! A la carte pricing is now available for the morning or afternoon sessions HERE.
[9/21/2007]A note from Shirlee Kalstone
The focus of the Bichon/Poodle Extravaganza is GROOMING. Our experts will concentrate on Bichons Frises during the morning session and, after lunch, on Poodles. Whether you are interested in pet grooming, contest grooming or show grooming, the educated groomer knows that overall balance, proportion and symmetry are of the utmost importance to a finished trim. Each dog is different. It’s impossible to trim any dog, especially a coated breed, to its best advantage without an understanding of its correct conformation. Each session will begin with an evaluation of the breed standard by Mr. Frank Sabella, followed by pet, contest and show grooming demonstrations by the panelists.
[8/31/2007]Online Registration is OPEN!
Yes, Its here! We have been working hard to make your registration go as smooth as possible, so make sure to read all the instructions, as they can answer most of your questions.
If you do not see the registration page: For those of you who have been checking the site often, sometimes your computer gets tired of downloading the website to your computer, so it will save a local copy. This is fine, except when we update the page, and your computer doesn't bother to check it. Go to the Registration Page, press and hold the CTRL key (open apple for macs), and click your browsers "Refresh" button. This will retrieve the newest version of the page from our servers. If that doesn't work, then you can try contacting us via E-Mail.
[8/15/2007]Poodle Bichon Extravaganza, Friday November 2nd
Yes, Fall is coming, so it is time to get ready for the New England Pet Grooming Professional's Fall Festival! Catalogs are being sent as we speak, and things are getting busy at NEPGP. We have some very exciting things planned for this year, and Starting off our show this year will be Shirlee Kalstone's Poodle/Bichon Extravaganza. If you would like more information, a full press release is Available Here
Many more things are in the works, so make sure to start checking this page more often!
[8/15/2007]Groom Expo
GROOM EXPO is coming to Hershey, Pennsylvania, Sept. 6-10, 2007 and is the biggest Pet Pro Show in the World with over 170 booths.
Visit Groom Expo '07 for complete information and convenient on-line registration.
For a full color program book mailed to you, go to http://www.groomexpo.com/Groom_Expo_07/ge07_request.asp
[5/7/2007] Spring Fling Recap
What a success! There was a wonderful presentation on CPR for pets, very complete and educational, with a lot of useful information for how to handle most health emergencies in the salon. Following that was the Health and Safety checklist, including a discussion of the current proposed licensing legislation. The buffet style lunch allowed time to meet and greet each other and was delicious as well. The grooming demos were wonderfully educational and lots of fun, with lots of poodles, Bichons, a Springer and a Giant Schnauzer. Pictures are available in the Flickr Album --Please feel free to add any pictures, or comment on our pictures, including your name if you wish. Kim's Kollars and PetEdge attended this years Spring Fling. Kim's Kollars were hand embellished with personalized or seasonal art, and were beautiful. PetEdge showcased new products, and raffled off 3 clippers on behalf of the manufacturers - our thanks to PetEdge, Andis, Oster, and Wahl. The happy winners went home with an Andis LightSpeed clipper, an Oster Performax, or a Wahl Arco SE in pink!
Thanks to all the board members and officers who worked hard for a great day, and thanks to all the participants, we hope you learned a lot!
[4/26/2007] FREE Fall Fest Pre-Registration to Competition and Trade Show
We need to let our Vendors know we have people coming to our "growing" show. You can help and save money too. This Free Pre Registration includes entrance to the trade show floor and to view the grooming competitions Nov. 3-4th, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick, RI. The more people we get to pre-register, the more vendors will be there to give us amazing deals - its a win-win situation! Just send Linda Claflin, our show coordinator an email: lclaf@comcast.net including your name, salon, address(street, city, state, zip), phone(with area code) and email. In the subject line put: C&T Pass. Do it NOW so we can impress our Exhibitors. That's it and she will send you a confirmation.
Just back from Intergroom -it was nice to speak with you. We handed out flyers for Shirlee Kalstones Poodle and Bichon Extravaganza, plus our Fall Fest and Spring Fling. We had a terrific time--our booth with new banner looked so nice. We sold caps with our starburst poodle and tee shirts with our full logo.
-Linda Cooper Claflin[4/25/2007] - Spring Fling Pre-Registration Closes This Saturday, 4/28/07
Last minute pre-registrations can be made by this Saturday, 4/28/07 for our Spring Fling. This will include our delicious pot luck lunch made by the Board and Officiers---yes, we also love to cook. Remember, the CPR Course is an excellent way to be knowledgeable about emergency techniques, taught by a Vet and you receive a Certificate. The Salon Safety check list is included in any event. The Hands On is an opportunity to improve your skills. You can also pre- register to Observe the afternoon sessions. Pet Edge will be selling some products relating to the demos. You can register Online HERE. Spring Fling held at the Silver City Training Center, Taunton, MA May 6th, 2007.
[4/19/2007] - Official Guest List For Friday at the Fall Festival
This year we are including a special all-day Poodle/Bichon Frise Grooming Extravaganza, here is our list of panelists and speakers:
Shirlee Kalstone will be hosting.
International:
- Frank Sabella - International Dog Show Judge
- Anita Bax (Talladaga Poodles, England) - Breeder/exhibitor, award-winning groomer, judge
- Peter Young (Lotsmor Poodles, England) - Professional handler, award-winning groomer, judge
- Sasha Riess (Serbia & Montenegro) - Professional handler, award-winning groomer
- Christina Pawlosky
- Loretta Marchese
- Julie Ostoski
- Sue Zecco
- Jay Scruggs
- Vivian Nash
- Carrol Miller
Topics will include type, structure, all phases of Poodle/Bichon grooming and coat care, followed by demonstrations of Bichon trimming and the following Poodle trims: Puppy, Continental and English Saddle Clips, Second Puppy (or Scandinavian) Clip plus several stylish pet trims.
[3/14/2007] - Two More Stars!
Sasha Reiss (from Serbia/Montenegro) and Carrol Miller will be joining us at the Friday Poodle/Bichon Extravaganza. You won't want to miss this - plan on adding Friday, November 2nd to your Fall Festival.
[2/16/2007] - Board News
Thanks to Cheryl Purcell for doing the Newsletter editing and Catalog layout for the past few years. We appreciate all your efforts Cheryl. Best of luck teaching etc. Cheryl has resigned from the board too. Our new Newsletter editors are : Daryl Conner and Carol Visser. "WELCOME" Each are capable, and together combine wit, knowledge and a new direction for our newsletter. We hope you like our next issue.
We'd also like to wish Annie Brown the best of luck in her new venture with her new salon and doggie day care. Annie was our Exhibitor Coordinator for 2006, had some wonderful ideas, was a board member and also resigned.
Mr. Tony Coppola was voted in as our new Exhibitor Coordinator. If the name sounds familiar, his wife is Toni, our President. So, saying Mr. Tony or Mrs. Toni clears it up.
We'd also like to wish Anita Gagnon, who helped with the mobile groomers and Chris Dwyer who helped at the fall fest all the best. They had to resign for personal reasons.
That leaves some positions open for the nominating committee at our Spring Fling, May 6th, 2007. The only requirements is that you attend board meetings, are a member, are willing to work at the fall fest and make suggestions at board meetings to help move New England Pet Grooming Professionals forward. Thanks!
[2/6/2007] - News Flash!
Shirlee Kalstone is coming to our New England show. We are excited to be a part of: The Breed Study Extravaganza on the Poodle and Bichon Frise add on program Friday, Nov. 2nd, 2007. This is in conjunction with the New England Pet Grooming Professionals twenty-seventh annual Fall Festival at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI. As of press time, some of the "All Stars" include: Frank Sabella, Julie Ostowski, Chris Pawlosky, Jay Scruggs, Sue Zecco and Shirlee.
This in-depth informative session will not only help breeders/pet stylists but will also offer ways to achieve a beautifully balanced pet trim after learning the secrets. (Time is money in our grooming salons.) A notebook will be given to each attendee. Space is limited, so start saving tip money or set money aside for this must see presentation.
The “stars” in the lineup are very knowledgeable, well known and very willing to share secrets to help you achieve more wonderful results! It should be a lot of fun too!
[2/6/2007] - Save These Dates
The Spring Seminar is scheduled for May 6th, 2007 at Silver City Training Center in Taunton, MA. So far, CPR training, demos, and a potluck are scheduled, but knowing NEPGP, you know that many more things are in the works for the Spring Seminar! If you are the type to think far into the future, the 2007 Fall Festival is FRIDAY till sunday, November 2-4th. Thats right! We've added a friday lineup!
[12/5/2006] - Winding down from Fall Festival
There are more pictures on the Flickr NEPGP Group, special award listings for 2006 on the 2006 Fall Festival Results Page and a list of the vendors that attended the fall show on the exhibitor page.
[11/9/2006] - Thanks to Everyone for an AWESOME Fall Festival!
Wow, what a busy weekend! Sorry for the delay in posting, but we still have lots of things going on here at New England Pet Grooming Professionals. First of all, thanks to EVERYONE who attended - Your energy was felt throughout the weekend and affected everyone in a positive way.
Winners can be found here, and quotes from the festival can be found here
Photos of the winners will be placed on the website when we get them, and we invite you to post your photos of the festival to our flickr.com site at our NEPGP Photo Group.
For those of you who registered for membership at the fest, we have lots of your friends membership registrations to enter into our database as well, so please be patient. If you gave us your e-mail address, Linda will send you an e-mail to confirm your membership.
Many things have been learned from the new team's first festival, and the list of suggestions and improvements keeps growing. We would like to hear your input, it really does count! In the works is a survey, but for now, please e-mail Linda Claflin with your thoughts and suggestions.
[10/24/2006] - Seminar Schedule Change
The early registration deadline has passed, but you can still fill out the application.
An important notice as far as scheduling:Sunday, Daryl Conner's cat seminar will start at 9:30-11AM and Jeff Graeber, Lawyer will be Sunday 11:30-1PM. Sorry for inconvenience.
[10/16/2006] - One week till the deadline... three weeks till the show
It's getting busy around here, and exciting! Here are a few reminders.
- Deadline: early pre-registration for seminars and grooming competition is: Sa 10/21/06. Remember-all Entry and Intermediate entries may attend seminars at no additional charge providing you complete grooming at least one dog. It’s the same price whether you do one or up to four dogs.
- Basket Raffle: if you are a business owner, please contribute a theme basket (tax-deductible) for our raffle. Baskets can be for dogs or people— i.e.: a tub with shampoo products, chocolate lovers basket, scratch tickets. Wrap the basket in cellophane with your business card for advertisement.
- Business cards: remember to bring extra business cards for our business card exchange. (free advertising and networking)
- Voluntary Competitor Meeting: Sa. 11/4/06 @ 10AM near the dog holding area for last minute questions.
- Online Pay Pal: You really can do this! Take a deep breath, read the directions and follow - you can do it! Alternatively, if you are more comfortable with real mail, then use it! Don't stress out about the internet, just print out pages 26, 27 and 29 in the catalog and send them in.
[10/1/2006] - Fall Festival is just around the corner!
Thats right, the fall festival is rapidly approaching. The cutoff date for the lowest room rates ($102 for up to 4 dogs in a room) is October 4th. Call 1-401-732-6000 and mention NEPGP to get the low rate. Other deadlines: October 21st for the Competition. First come, first serve. Use the Online Registration, and remember that October 21st is also the cutoff for preregistration for seminars(lowest rates).
We'd also like to take this time to welcome our newest members, thank you for joining, and please, let us know if there's anything we can do to help. The people who are working for you can be found at the "Contact Us" page
[9/5/2006] - Catalog Corrections
Lots of little things to correct, thanks for the feedback. If you have questions, other people probably do too - we like to hear from you!
If you want to print registration forms and mail, go to Pages 26, 27 and 29 in catalog.
If mailing applications: Checks or money orders made to : NEPGP, 7 Dewey Circle, Haydenville, MA 01039 Questions about seminars or competition: Linda C. Claflin 1-413-268-3426
Remember to book your hotel reservation directly with Crowne Plaza 801 Greenwich Av. Warwick, RI 1-401-732-6000 or 1-800-227-6963. Cut off for special room rate is Oct. 4th, 2006.
Buick's Raffle is for a Garment not an "outfit". (a dress is a garment-no wedding dresses!)
Request which seminar you would like to attend; sorry we’ll provide boxes for 2007. First come, first serve! Register EARLY to avoid spending extra money and disappointment.
Some very important people asked for more details on Monday's mini workshop. Ask, and you shall receive! Here is a more detailed summary from Linda Claflin:
The mini workshop on Monday, 11/6/06 is an opportunity for you to be in a group supervised by a qualified instructor to assist you, meet you where you are, and go from there. If you have been to our spring seminars in the last few years, we have had success with this format! Currently confirmed instructors are Lisa Leady, Cheryl Purcell, Linda Claflin, Ed Nickel, and Julie Wilkins.
The way it works is: you bring the dog you want to improve on (bathed and dried), your own grooming table and equipment. You will have an hour and a half with three other people with similar dogs (sporting with sporting, terriers with terriers, mixed...etc) in the Grand Ballroom. The instructor will spend quality individual time with you, then when the alarm goes off, move to the next person for their individual time. You will have time to assimilate techniques you learned, practice them plus have a follow up critique. To me, one little new bit of knowledge or change of my hand in a technique to improve would make the mini workshop worthwhile. How exciting to learn something new!!! It’s a great way to improve skills by placing your work under the critical yet supportive eye of a prize-winning champion. Remember, ALL levels welcomed!!! It’s an hour and a half for $50. -- a special price for NEPGP Fall Attendees, members or non-members.
[9/1/2006] - Online Application For Fall Festival
Finally! The Online Application for the Fall Festival is now ONLINE! You can sign up for the seminars, workshops, competitions, and tradeshow here. More to come...
[8/2/2006] - Fall Catalog Available Online!
Haven't gotten your fall catalog? Not on our mailing list? Have no fear, our fall catalog is now available online.
In it you will find the applications, schedules, speakers and judges, exhibitors, and many more things you will find useful leading up to your NEPGP Fall Festival. Check it out!
[7/11/2006] - Mini-Workshops lead up to Fall Festival
Yesterday, Monday July 10th, a mini-workshop was held at Lucky Dogz and Catz Too, in Attleboro, MA. Pictures of the event can be seen on Flickr, come take a peek. Linda Claflin was the instructor, thanks to everyone who participated!
In other news, it has been comfirmed that Petlift will be donating one of their tables as a Grand Door Prize at the Fall Festival, but you need to BE at the Fall Festival to have a chance to win!
[6/25/2006] - NDGAA Certification at Fall Festival
National Dog Groomers Association of America will be conducting a workshop and certification at the NEPGP Fall Festival. Something new about certification this year, you will be able to use your competition dogs for the certification process.
The NDGAA certification is a way to show that you are current on the techniques, styles and skills of dog grooming; great for new and seasoned groomers alike!
First step, send for a study guide from the NDGAA, and contact Annie Brown to get more info and pre-register.
[6/11/2006] - The New Face of NEPGP
The face of NEPGP on the internet has changed! Using some fancy html stylings, NEPGP has recieved a fresh clean look.
You are currently at the welcome and news page, all other content can be accessed via the menu to the left of this. Links to other sites can be found below the menu, and plenty of things are yet to be added. if you wish to view the old NEPGP site, you might be able to find a link hidden somewhere around.
[6/4/2006] - The Fall Festival is coming!
We are hosting our 26th annual Fall Festival Nov.4-6, at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI, just outside of Providence. Last year's show featured educational seminars, pet styling competitions and a trade show with vendors exhibiting latest products and tried and true winners. This year's show promises to be bigger and better. We have added an Entry Level competition to encourage newcomers to test their skills in a supportive environment.
NEPGP members receive generous discounts to events, a newsletter, lapel pin, member directory, a membership certificate suitable for framing and other special benefits.
If you only attend the Fall Show, the membership discount for that event alone covers the whole cost of your membership!
In memory of Liz Paul
Liz Paul passed away recently, a memorial site has been posted here. We will miss you, and remember you always.
