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by Rich Esposito
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association December 2002 Newsletter)
Our annual Sportsperson of the Year Dinner/ Dance was held on Sunday, November 10th, and by all accounts was the best we have ever had. There are many who contributed to the success of this year’s event. I would like to take this time to reflect on them.
First, on behalf of the JCAA, I would like to extend our deep appreciation to Governor Jim McGreevy for giving the evening’s keynote address, presenting Ray Marione with this year’s award and for the fact that his presence was a big factor in drawing the largest crowd we have ever had for this event.
Secondly, a great deal of credit goes to all those friends and sponsors who donated the vast array of great prizes that we had for the evening. Needless to say, without the generosity of these good friends, we could never achieve the success we have. Once again, on behalf of the JCAA, I would like to say thank you for your support.
Lastly, the lion’s share of the credit for the success of this year’s event goes to those JCAA members who worked behind the scenes and put forth a tremendous amount of time and effort. Chairman Paul Turi, Ed Cherry, Al and Don Marantz, Phil Celmer, Rich Pasko, Mark Taylor, Tom Fote and not forgetting Gary Caputi for his great job of emceeing the evening’s program. To all of you I say thanks for a job well done, for without your personal dedication, an undertaking of this magnitude would be impossible to accomplish.
Please be advised that the December General Meeting has been moved up to December 18th, as not to conflict with the Christmas Holiday, and we will be serving Pizza that night, as we did last year, in order to say thanks for those club representatives who religiously make the monthly general meetings. I would also like to remind all representatives that the vote for next year’s slate of officers will take place at the December meeting, and I urge all to attend this most important meeting. We also want all representatives to be aware that due to the shortness of time between the November and December Meetings, and with all the important meetings that are being held with the Striped Bass and Weakfish, next month’s newsletter will not be mailed before the December 18th meeting, so please make a mental note of the change of date. The newsletters will be distributed at the meeting, and also mailed out then.
Speaking of the slate of officers for next year, there are still some positions available, so if anyone in interested, please contact Nomination Chairman Don Marantz, or you can call the JCAA office and leave a message.
Another reminder that we are still looking for volunteers to man the JCAA booth at the Raritan Sportsman Show, to be held in January, and the Atlantic City Boat Show, to be held in February. Vice President Mark Taylor will be coordinating the effort, so please give Mark a call and let him know when you could be available. As I am sure you are all aware of, a great deal of the officers and BOD members have full time occupations, and it is impossible for those of us to man the booths during the weekdays, and we need the help of those lucky retired members to help out for those times.
Finally, I would like to wish a healthy and happy Thanksgiving to all members and their families, as this is the time of year when we should share the joys of the season with our loved ones.