Margaret Silverthorn of the English Springer Spaniel Club of Long Island (NY) and Tom Freeman of the Channel City Kennel Club (CA) were honored as AKC Community Achievement Award recipients for the third quarter of 2010.

AKC Community Achievement Awards are presented each quarter to recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts by AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations and individual members of AKC dog clubs. Honorees receive certificates of recognition and their clubs or federations receive $1,000 to further public education and strengthen government relations efforts within their communities.
 
Margaret Silverthorn, president of the English Springer Spaniel Club of Long Island (NY), has devoted 29 years as a public educator, fundraiser, club officer, newsletter editor, event chair, and trainer on behalf of the English Springer Spaniel (ESS) and other breeds. Known as “Marge, the Springer Lady,” she joined other ESS owners to host community service booths at the Riverhead Country Fair and appeared on local television with information about the ESS breed and rescue activities. As a co-founder of ESS Rescue, she has provided counseling to owners faced with giving up their dogs and guidance to rescue volunteers. Through her efforts, many dogs remained pets and companions rather than being inappropriately placed or needlessly euthanized.

Tom Freeman, a retired teacher, is the AKC Canine Ambassador Chair for the Channel City (CA) Kennel Club. He coordinates educational programs in schools, pre-schools, youth clubs and libraries in Santa Barbara and surrounding communities. Each month, Channel City Kennel Club members teach children about breed histories, proper dog care and activities with dogs. They also demonstrate how to correctly meet an unfamiliar dog. Students practice properly greeting and petting dogs belonging to club members. Now in its fifth year, the program reaches over 3,000 young people in diverse neighborhoods and even includes Spanish translation.

For the fourth quarter only, any AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations and their members who host an AKC RDO Day event in their community are eligible for nomination. In order to qualify for the award, the club must hold its event in the month of September. Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year-round, however, due to the fact that the 4th quarter awards are dedicated solely to AKC RDO Day, nominations for RDO Day events will not be accepted for consideration for the next three quarters.