President’s Message – February 2023

Dear Aquarist,

We are finally back in the NY Aquarium!! In February, we had our first meeting since Covid shut us out in 2020. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are very glad to be back. Our February meeting was a big hit! We had our own Don Lang speaking on breeding fish. Don did a great job filling in as speaker at the last moment. His presentation was well received. He not only delivered his first BAS talk, but he is always there to help where needed, and we’re thankful for his dedication.

We are now getting ready for our March meeting featuring Jay Hemdal. Jay will speak on fish diseases on Friday March 10th. He will also discuss quarantining fish. Something I believe all of us could use a refresher on.

The meeting on March 10th be A 50/50 auction at the NY Aquarium’s Education Hall. We are going to be doing a 50/50 auction on all live stock every month for the time being. Up to 10 bags will be eligible for the 50/50, after that it will be a straight donation. When bringing in fish please us know if it is a 50/50 or a donation.

When attending the meetings, please try to keep your distance between members — there is plenty of room. These days, masks are at your discretion.

As you know, there is parking and refreshments. This past meeting we celebrated our 112th anniversary! Marie Licciardello made arrangements for the birthday cake again this year and it was terrific! It was big enough for everyone to have a piece or even two!

At these meetings we always have a variety of items for sale, including tanks, light, and filters.

It has been a little over a year since our friend and former president Joe Graffagnino passed away. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Joe’s name can donate to either Disabled American Veterans or Tunnel to Tower Foundation. These are the organizations that Joe requested donations to be made in his honor.

Look on our Facebook page for aquatic sales from our club. We post things for sale periodically. We always have tanks and equipment available. If you are looking for something aquatic, reach out to us. We probably have it in storage and would love to sell it to you!

Any hobby or aquatic information you hear or read about, please share with our Editor, Ginny Cahill. It can be your own short stories or anything about your aquatic experiences. Please send all emails to Ginny at basny.editor@gmail. com. She is continually looking for interesting tidbits to include in our publication. Please try to be part of it.

We are interested in your input on our events. Please let us know if you want speakers on a particular aquatic topic. We need our members to be involved as we are always trying to better our club! For more info, please call our hotline 718-837- 4455.

STEVEN MATASSA
​​​​​​​President