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by Paul Turi
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association December 2004 Newsletter)
On Sunday, November 14th, JCAA held its annual Sportsperson-of-the-Year award dinner/dance at the beautiful Crystal Pt. Yacht Club in Pt. Pleasant. This year’s honoree was Len Fantasia. Len was nominated for this award by the Hi-Mar Striper Club and was elected by our member clubs at our general membership meeting in October. Through Lenny’s efforts, out-of-state menhaden reduction boats were moved 1.2 miles offshore and eventually through Lenny’s efforts and the efforts of others these boats were removed from state waters altogether. Anyone fishing for striped bass this year has Lenny to thank for the huge bass they are catching this year.
In addition to receiving a plaque from JCAA, Lenny was also presented with a letter from Senator Corzine which was read by a representative from the senator’s staff.
Our guest speaker this year was George Poveromo, Senior Editor of Saltwater Sportsman Magazine and host of ESPN’s George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing. Much to the surprise of everyone present, George advocated a state saltwater fishing license. He said in Florida, where he resides, they were never able to convince the politicians that the recreational fisherman provided more to the economy than commercial fishermen until the state instituted a state saltwater fishing license. He said at that point it became evident to everyone that there were a large number of recreational fishermen in their state spending an awful lot of money bolstering that state’s economy - more so than the commercial fisherman. He said at that point things changed dramatically in Florida in favor of the recreational sector and against the commercial sector. JCAA also presented George with a plaque for his dedication and contribution for the last 18 years at the Saltwater Sportsmen seminars.
Greg Kucharewski, Chairman of JCAA’s Youth Education Committee, presented this year’s Youth Education Award to the Shark River Surf Anglers.
This affair is JCAA’s second largest fundraiser, and as of this writing I can report that it was very successful. Having said that, it should be noted that this event could not have taken place without the generosity of the many people and companies that donated the many different items that were auctioned off and given away as door prizes. This year was very difficult for the many companies who sponsor JCAA and the work that we do. Economically this was a very difficult year for many businesses. So, I would be remiss if I did not mention each and every oneof them because JCAA could not exist without their generosity and support.
The following is a listing of all our sponsors who donated prizes, and on behalf of the JCAA I would like to thank each and everyone of them: Optimum Baits, Lamiglas, Shakespeare, Schuyler Tuna Club, Fins on Feathers Charters, Ameripack, Don Marantz, Absecon Saltwater Anglers, New Jersey Angler Magazine, Golden Eagle, Capt. Cal, Jersey Shore Florist, Sport Fishing Magazine, Solunar Sales Co, Julian Bait Co., Tom Siciliano, Bernadette Turi, MT Plumbing & Heating, Fisherman Magazine, Ocean Waves, Suzie Girl, Night Hawk, Miss Belmar, Skipper, Al Ristori, Gene Nigro, Lou Grazioso, Big Mohawk, Schneider’s Restaurant, Fisherman’s Den, Fisherman’s Headquarters, Canyon Gear, Regis Hair Stylists (Quakerbridge Mall), Roger and Janice Staib, Fred’s Bait & Tackle, Sciortino’s Tackle Box, Blair’s Hot Sauce, T&A Tackle and Hunting, Lou Truppi, Chambliss Marine.
Special thanks to the Fisherman Magazine for the beautiful Steve Goione prints they donated for each table.
Special thanks also to Dr. Pat Donnelly for the terrific job he did again this year as our Master of Ceremonies.
I would also like to thank all those who took a table of 10: Manasquan Fishing Club, Village Harbor Fishing Club, 4 B's, Newark Bait & Fly Casters, Shore Surf Club, Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County, Bay Head Shores Fishing Club, Hudson River Fishermen's Association, Hi-Mar Striper Club, Shark River Surf Anglers, Forked River Tuna Club, Johnson & Johnson, Berkeley Striper Club.
I would also like to thank the many individuals and organizations who also attended and who have shown their support of the JCAA.
Also, special thanks to Dan Miller who handled the ticket sales this year and Ed Cherry who helped me with the many donations that came in. I would also like to thank Don & Al Marantz, Mark Taylor, Tom Fote, Tom Siciliano, Frank Richetti, Heather Miller, Tom Fote and Bruce Smith.
I hope I have gotten everyone and every company and organization that participated to make this event a successful one this year. If anyone has fallen through the cracks and I have neglected to mention them, I apologize in advance. I have made every effort to keep accurate records, but, unfortunately, not everything gets into my hands the way I would like it to.
Again, on behalf of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, thank you, everyone!
