December 16, 2022

Ellen Nieslanik – Honorary Chair to the Meeker Classic

There are so many folks amongst us that have been instrumental at the Meeker Classic, how it functions and its basic existence. Without the work, dedication and love of their endeavors, the Meeker Classic would not and could not exist. It does take a village – a widespread collection of people dedicated to creating the magic of this event.

Spearheading the charge are a few people whose efforts have given direction in the growth and sustainability of the Meeker Classic. These people are recognized as Honorary Chairs to the Meeker Classic Board of Directors. We’ve come to rely on these people for their infinite wisdom and support. Gus and Christine has been Honorary Chairs for some time now and we’re happy to add Ellen Nieslanik to the group!

Ellen Nieslanik, now of Waldport, Oregon

has participated and given of herself to the Meeker Classic at many levels. First a volunteer, then a vendor, a jackpot competitor, coordinated the Jammin Lamb Festival,  and the Trial Director from 2005 to 2011.  Ellen now labels herself a life-long fan and admirer of the Meeker Classic from a distance. Ellen helped her cousin Bridget orchestrate the 2011 USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals in Carbondale, Colorado. This forged the path and framework for the return of the finals to Carbondale every three years.

First as a volunteer and then a vendor,

Ellen, her husband Joe and kids, Meg, Jake and Sam worked tirelessly at any job necessary for the Meeker Classic. Be it fixing fence, mowing weeds or pounding t-posts – the kids started their volunteer training at the Meeker Classic.  The Nieslaniks set up camp as food vendors marketing their own natural raised lamb. The White River Lamb company soon became a standard for quality and innovation that operated until 2016 when Ellen’s health forced them to sell their flock. The famous White River Lamb Seasoning is still stocked in many pantries around the country.

Ellen loves her dogs and used Border Collies

as help on the farm and with the sheep. Moving from a key volunteer to “director in training” in 2005, Ellen began the transition to the Directorship under Gus Halandras and took the reins in 2006. She carried on the traditions that Gus and Christine had established and managed the operations to meet an ever changing world of technology and communications. Equally enthusiastic about working dogs, volunteers and community, Ellen stepped into Gus and Christine’s shoes without missing a beat. She brought her organizational skills with her that provide the framework for the Meeker Classic today.  Ellen started the Dog Sponsor Program as a way of fundraising and encouraging participation at a grass roots level. Her insight and the concept is widely used now in several trials across the country.

A skilled communicator,

Ellen shares her memories and thoughts as a retired shepherd in her blog, https://ellennieslanik.wixsite.com/tendingtheherd/blog  Anyone looking for inspiration and insight into life will be well rewarded by reading her posts. You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl – applicable words that describe Ellen. She now lives in Waldport, Oregon and keeps up with friends she’s made around the world. Kind and giving, she always has time for one in need. Using he trademark empathy and kindness in all that she does.

Ellen, like Gus and Christine remains an avid supporter of the Meeker Classic and lends her advice when asked. Her words describe her feelings for the Meeker Classic:

“I’m sort of a has-been in Meeker Classic lore, but I can say that in my adult life the Meeker Classic is categorically one of the greatest things I’ve ever been a part of – and I’ve participated at many levels.”

We can say with out a doubt, that Ellen, Gus and Christine are some of the greatest contributors to the Meeker Classic.

Thank you all – we are so grateful for your love, support and participation in the Meeker Classic.