Vizsla Club of Northern California
Promoting understanding and responsible ownership of the Vizsla breed
About the VCNC
The Vizsla Club of Northern California, Inc. (VCNC) is a breed club officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It proudly represents the devoted Vizsla enthusiasts across Northern California. The club abides by its governing bylaws.
Our membership is a vibrant mix of individuals from diverse backgrounds and interests, united by our shared passion for the magnificent Vizsla breed. Together, we strive to uphold the breed standards established and upheld by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Vizsla Club of America (VCA), ensuring that future generations of Vizslas continue to embody these standards.
Our mission is to safeguard and promote the health and well-being of the Vizsla Breed. We actively encourage sportsmanlike competition at various events including dog shows, field trials, hunting tests, obedience trials, agility trials, and any other events sanctioned by the American Kennel Club under its rules.
The VCNC holds educational and social events throughout the year with and without the dogs, and three to four General Membership meetings. The Club also conducts AKC licensed field trials and hunting tests, a Specialty (conformation) show, and training and agility trials. Occasionally, the Club conducts Versatility testing in obedience and conformation which is sponsored by the VCA. All meetings and events are open to visitors who would like to see if the Vizsla is the right breed for them. If you decide to have a Vizsla join your family, the VCNC can help you find the one to suit you either from a breeder or our breed rescue program.
VCNC Club Officers
President - Jeff Funk
Vice President - Patsy Pope
Secretary - Theresa Prikazsky Mrazek
Treasurer - Jessica Troianello
Membership - Theresa Prikazsky Mrazek
Rescue Operations - Darci Tuuri (925) 922-0601
Breed Education - Nancy Colwell
Board of Directors - Leslie Anderson, Gina Galetti, Joan Mantecon, Cindy Sauvignon, Jessica Vetter
VCNC Membership
We'd love for you to join us!
To be eligible for VCNC Membership, applicants must be in good standing with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and align with the objectives of this Club. Those seeking membership will include 2 current VCNC member in good standing sponsoring the member application. Applications for New Memberships are voted on by the membership and Board of Directors.
Membership Level descriptions are below.
Associate Individual or Household (Non-Voting)
This membership is considered the introductory level, without granting voting rights or the opportunity to hold an officer position within the club. As a result, attendance at club meetings is not required as frequently as it is for full members. However, this membership level serves as the initial stepping stone towards full membership.
Regular Individual (1 Vote)
Single household vote and the qualification to hold a Club position. It is anticipated that you will participate in a minimum of two club gatherings annually and actively contribute by volunteering in the organization and execution of club affairs and/or our various events.
Regular Household (2 Votes)
This option offers the equivalent benefits of Individual Membership, but for two individuals residing in the same residence. Each person is granted their own voting rights. Similar to Individual Membership, you are required to attend two club meetings and actively participate by volunteering in club activities and/or our events.
VCNC Membership Details
Dues
The membership year covers January 1 to December 31. Annual dues, payable on or before January 1 of each year, entitle all members to access to the Members Only section of this website and the opportunity to participate in meetings and club activities. However, only Regular (Individual or Household) Members are entitled to vote or hold office. No Regular member(s) may vote whose dues are not current.
Participate
Because the VCNC is a volunteer organization, it is important that, as a member, you are prepared to volunteer. We need your commitment to attend the club meetings. We also need your commitment to assist with club functions. Both the meetings and the club functions are held in various locations in northern California so as to prevent a hardship to those living in any one geographic location. However, the geographic location may be dictated by the function. If you are unable to commit to a minimum of two official meetings per year and volunteer to assist with one club function per year you may wish to consider an Associate (Household or Individual) Non-Voting membership.
Why do we need your commitment of a minimum of two meetings?
Meetings are where we conduct the business necessary to keep the club functioning. In order to do this, members vote on club business issues. Unless a quorum of club members (in good standing) are present a vote cannot be taken, and therefore no club business decisions can be made. It is critical for the club, should you decide to become a Regular Household (2 Votes) or Regular Individual (1 Vote) member, that you attend the meetings.
Why do we need you to volunteer to help at a minimum of one club function?
This is simply because it is not fair to those who do volunteer to be the continuous supporting body for those who do not volunteer. This situation causes burn-out in our active members and eventually they too become inactive members.
What are the differences between a Regular and Associate Memberships?
All memberships enjoy all the privileges of the VCNC except for the fact that Associate (Household or Individual) members are precluded from holding office or voting on club business.
Definition of Associate Non Voting Memberships
As an Associate member, you are welcome to attend any and all meetings and are encouraged to help with one or more club functions. However, as an Associate member, your commitment to attend club meetings is not expected.
Associate Household – 2 or more members without voting privileges
Associate Individual – 1 member without voting privileges
Definition of Regular Voting Memberships
As a Regular Individual or Household member you should be prepared for an annual commitment to attend meetings to vote on club business and to volunteer to help with one or more club functions.
Regular Household – 2 or more members with voting privileges for 2 votes
Regular Individual – 1 member with voting privileges for 1 vote
Only you can decide which participation level is right for you or your family.
Personal schedules today are very hectic, especially if you or your children are involved in other activities. If this is the case, becoming an Associate member provides you with the opportunity to attend any or all functions without the pressure of additional personal commitment. If you do have the spare time, we welcome you with open arms. No matter which membership option you select, we look forward to seeing you at club meetings and events.
VCNC Payments and Donations
VCNC Membership - Associate Individual $28.00*
*Includes $3 PayPal processing fee
VCNC Membership - Associate Household $38.00*
*Includes $3 PayPal processing fee
VCNC Membership - Regular Individual $38.00*
*Includes $3 PayPal processing fee
VCNC Membership - Regular Household $48.00*
*Includes $3 PayPal processing fee
Please consider making a donation to the VCNC in one of the following areas; Vizsla Rescue, Equipment or future Specialties.
VCNC Vizsla Rescue Fund
Help support the on going rescue efforts and rehoming of purebred Vizslas.
VCNC Equipment Fund
Support maintenance or upgrades of our Club equipment pool for Field, Show, and more.
VCNC Specialty Fund
Support the costs of holding a Specialty Show. If sponsoring a trophy, please indicate what the name of the award(s) are.
Judy Jackson Award
The Vizsla Club of Northern California (VCNC) is a membership club which is only as strong as its members make it. Hours of volunteer time go in to maintaining the club and putting on its different programs and events. To recognize these efforts, the board of the VCNC in 2007 initiated an annual award to be presented to a volunteer that has gone “above and beyond” in their efforts to help the club achieve its mission of “promoting understanding and responsible ownership of the Vizsla breed.” The award is named after Judy Jackson, a beloved long time Rescue coordinator.
Judy and her husband, Don, selflessly co-chaired our rescue program from 1993 to 2006. Together, Judy and Don ran such a successful program that it was awarded the top rescue program within the VCA for many years running. They sacrificed much to ensure that every homeless Vizsla was taken in, cared for and placed. When the club lost Judy unexpectedly due to complications with an illness, we lost a woman who was bigger than life.
The Judy Jackson award is bestowed annually on a Club Member who has gone “above and beyond” the call of volunteering their time to the VCNC, ensuring that the VCNC continues in existence and flourishes. To receive this award, the individual has consistently shown commitment to the VCNC year after year in areas such as serving as an officer or committee head, chairing club events, serving the Rescue program, and lending a helping hand to assist when needed, even when not in the member’s main area of Vizsla interest.
The previous recipients are listed below, along with some of their noteworthy club contributions.
- 2007 Gordon Strohmeier – Field Trials
- 2008 Rita Martinez – Board work, Newsletter contributions, Rescue work
- 2009 Jamie Menasco – Board work, Admin work (update bylaws and club’s legal entity status)
- 2010 Vickie Payne – Board work, chaired committees, Walking FT secretary, initiated Agility Trial
- 2011 Pam Lambros – Board work, chaired multiple committees
- 2012 Tiffany Jorgens – Board work, rebuilt our website, Rescue work
- 2013 Kay Ingle – Board work; committee chair, Rescue work
- 2014 Theresa Prikasky – Committee chair, raffles for Specialty, trophy donations
- 2015 Suzy Baur – Board work, Rescue Picnic Chair, Fun Field Day Chair, Hunt Test Chair
- 2016 Mike Menasco – Walking Field Trial Chair, Gunner, Field Trial Judge
- 2017 Michelle Artis – Board work, event volunteering
- 2018 Dane Mrazek - Board work, Newsletter Editor, Cow Palace Chair, event volunteering
- 2019 TBD
- 2020 Michelle Rochester - Board work, event planning
- 2021 - No recipient
- 2022 - Steve Artis - Field Trials, event volunteering
- 2023 - Nancy Colwell - Board work, Website, Hunt Test Chair, Field Trial Chair, VCNC Breeder Referral Chair, volunteering.
The nomination phase begins in November and concludes in mid-December. Please refer to the News page and keep an eye out for an email shout out for more detailed information. The awards will be announced during the Membership Meeting in January, typically at the Awards Luncheon.
