President's LetterHey, everyone! Our January meeting was quite productive. At a board meeting held prior to the regular meeting, we made several decisions affecting the upcoming 20-Year Anniversary Convention, including advertising, show and auction rules, awards, and purchases of a printer and laptop computer. We also voted to re-start the Breeder Award program. Ralph DeBoard was appointed Chairman. John Gilliam volunteered to revise the handbook/by-laws and secure non-profit corporate status for the club. Volunteers interested in helping with any of these projects should get in touch with Ralph, John, or myself. Thanks to Larry & Melissa Lampert for allowing us to meet there prior to the regular meeting! After 2003 officers were elected, we enjoyed listening to Larry talk about his Mexico trip and viewing his slides.
Plans for the 20-Year Anniversary Celebration Convention are progressing well. We have five confirmed speakers: Toby Veall, Ad Konings, Jack Wattley, Wayne Leibel, and John Kuhns. The T-shirt design is awesome! A tri-fold flyer has been completed. We are advertising in all the fish magazines and The Cichlid Room Companion on the internet (www.cichlidae.com). Contact me if you would like flyers to distribute and if you have any other suggestions as to how to promote this event.
The February meeting brought us to Keith and Stephanie Pearson’s Dallas home. Thanks, Keith and Stephanie, for having us – your new kitchen is beautiful! We gained two new members--welcome Erin Hollingsworth and Rob Mears! After the business meeting we viewed Ad Konings’ Malawi video.
TCA has been asked to participate in a Herpetological & Science Education Expo at Aledo High School on March 29, a one-day event featuring various vendors and participants. Jody Hodges, an American Teacher Award recipient, spearheads the event. Hodges conceived and oversaw the development of The Wild Side, an outdoor wildscape and classroom. This is an excellent opportunity for TCA to interest younger hobbyists! Keller Farms has graciously donated the use of a 55-gallon setup and fish, but we need volunteers to set up the tank, attend the event and answer questions. Let me know if you are interested.
TCA’s March meeting was held in Caddo Mills, with Keith Arnold from Texas A&M as guest speaker. I’m sorry to have missed it. I heard everyone had a great time, saw some beautiful discus, and learned a little about goodeids. Hopefully I will make the next meeting – I’m having TCA withdrawals!
See you then!
Kathy