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by Rich Esposito
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association December 2001 Newsletter)
We will be meeting on the normal
meeting day this month, which is Tuesday November 27.
But next month because of the Christmas Holiday we have change the date to
Wednesday the 19. We also will be sending
out the next JCAA newspaper either after the meeting or giving it out at the meeting. The reason the delay will take place is because of
the December joint meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Marine Fisheries Management Council and
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to set the meetings happen the week of the
December 12.
I would like to start out my report by
thanking all those individuals who contributed to the success of this year’s
Sportsperson of the Year Dinner/Dance, making it one of the best ever. First, I want to
say thanks and a job well done to this year’s chairman Tom Siciliano and to his
supporting cast, which consisted of Al and Don Marantz, Phil Celmer, Rich Pasko and Tom
Fote. These gentlemen took time out of their already busy schedules to put forth the
effort required to stage an event of this magnitude, which is the second largest fund
raiser of the year for the JCAA.
Secondly, I wish to thank all the
sponsors who donated the vast array of prizes we were fortunate to have for this event.
The list includes Penn Reels, Clark’s Marine Supply, Berkley Fishing Tackle, Roque
Rods, Glimmer Glass Decoys, Jim Freda, The Fisherman Magazine, Butch’s Bait and
Tackle, Ed Cherry, John Fish, The Tackle Box, AFTCO Bluewater, the Thirsty Mallard,
Schneider’s Restaurant, J + W Furniture, Thomas G Siciliano, Tom’s son, the
Fisherman’s Den, Ocean Wave Sunglasses, Crabby’s Bait and Tackle, Power Pro
Line, Bullet weights, Reel Saver, Fisherman’s Choice Squid, Driftwood Lures, North
Jersey Yacht Sales, Boater’s World, Meltzer’s, Peggy Richetti, Sue McGowan,
Roger and Janice Staib, along with the Party Boats from Belmar, including Captain Cal, Big
Marie S, Big Mohawk, Night Hawk, Fisherman’s Headquarters and Skipper. As one can
clearly see, the list is rather extensive and we should make every attempt to patronize
any and all of these generous sponsors whenever possible.
Next I want to thank all the member
clubs who showed their support by attending. Those clubs who sponsored full tables were
The Schuyler Tuna Club, the Fish Hawks, The Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County, the Village Harbor Fishing Club,
Newark Bait and Fly Club and the combination of Len Fantasia of Johnson and Johnson and
the Hi Mar Fishing Club. The other member clubs who sent representatives to the dinner
were the Forked River Tuna Club, the Manasquan Fishing Club, the Hudson River Fishing
Club, NJ PIRG, Absecon Fishing Club, South Jersey Salt Water Anglers, Friends of Island
Beach, NJ Marine Science Conservancy, the RFA and the Point Pleasant Charter Boat
Association. This year’s winner, Gary Caputi, sponsored two tables for his friends
and relatives. Needless to say, we would not be able to put on this function if not for
the support of our member clubs. However, it is my sincere hope that we double the number
of supporting clubs for next year’s Sportsperson of the Year Dinner/Dance, which is
tentatively scheduled for November 10th, 2002.
We presented Gary Caputi with the JCAA
Sportsmen of the Year Award. The speeches by Tom Fote and Al Ristori pointed out why Gary
deserved the award. Gary’s acceptance
speech was one of the highlights of the dinner. It
talked about his love for the sport and peopled that influence him.
Last, but certainly not least, I would
like to thank this year’s Keynote Speaker, Lillian Borrone, for her interesting and
informative presentation. We were extremely lucky to be able to have a person with Lillian’s
vast qualifications address the gathering, and we look forward to working with her in the
future.
As I mentioned in last month’s
president’s report, we are now in the process of putting together the slate of
officers and chairpersons, which will guide the JCAA in the year 2002. Vice President Mark
Taylor has volunteered to be this year’s Nomination Committee Chairman. Anyone
interested in filling any of the vacant positions, whether as an officer or as a committee
chairman, please contact Mark at 732-929-2591, or you can leave a message at the JCAA
office at 732-506-6565.
It may be somewhat early, but with the
Holidays approaching, I feel the need to remind everyone that there will be two major
fishing shows in January, in which we will need help manning the JCAA Booth. The Sportsman
Show in Raritan Center this year will be held from January 10th thru the 14th,
and the Saltwater Sportsmen’s Show will be held on January 12th at
Monmouth College. More information about the
this show is in our newspaper. All those
interested in lending a hand, please contact either the JCAA office at 732-506-6565, or
any officer or BOD member, and let us know when you will be able to help. Let me remind
all of us that we must stop relying on the same individuals year after year to do the
work, and this is a great opportunity for you to show your support for the JCAA.
I want to take this opportunity to wish a healthy and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
