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Comments by Tom Fote
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association January 1994 Newsletter)
Capt. Al Ristori was honored as the recipient of the first annual OSEG Outstanding Contribution to the Outdoors Award. The award was presented at the Meadowlands Sportsman's Show on January 7th by Scott Weiner, former commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection and Energy. Comments were made during the presentation by John Chiola and myself.
I first met Al Ristori when I became involved with JCAA. I held Al up as an example of how to work for the resource and the marine recreational community. His success in working for the passage of the 200 mile limit against overwhelming odds illustrated what could be accomplished if you worked hard and didn't give up. It is hard to find a stronger fighter or one that participates more than Al. He is always willing to attend meetings, symposiums and other workshops to educate and inform the public.
As JCAA vice president and president in a four year span, having to deal with a budget that was meager, at best, there was only so much the association could accomplish. When I was V.P., Al walked into a meeting with a check for $2000 from the Metro Classic Tournament, which allowed us to expand our horizons as a conservation group. These donations over the next few years became the seed money that allowed JCAA to generate more funds to finance our ever increasing participation in the fishery management system. This made it possible for JCAA personnel to actually attend meetings and take an active roll in management decisions.
Early on, Al realized the potential of a well financed organization like JCAA. It's tough to say where JCAA would be today without his early support, but suffice to say it would probably still be struggling. It was with great satisfaction that I watched Al being honored with this award, as there are few people more deserving. One of my greatest personal benefits I receive from working for JCAA has been the opportunity to establish relationships with outstanding individuals working in the recreational fishing community. Some of these people have become valued friends and Al Ristori is a prime example.