We now approach the end of another year and look forward to a new, and hopefully more prosperous, year. This organization has made it through this year, stumbling and faltering at times, but continuing to exist and function with the efforts of a few dedicated individuals performing multiple jobs in the club.

Once again I ask each and every one of you to decide if you want this club to continue on. If you decide that you would like to see the club continue then volunteer for a position that may require an hour or two of your spare time each month.

We would also like your input as to what speakers or topics you might like to hear in the next year. Are there any functions or events that you would like to see the club put on, such as a show or flea market. We are having our Spring Auction, tentatively on Sunday, March 18, 2012, and will announce the venue as soon as it is confirmed.

The JSAS Annual Holiday Party will be on Monday, December 12, 2011, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Freehold, our regular meeting location; there will be a no cash auctions, door prizes, and food. As in the past please bring one dish or desert to the party; the three four foot sandwiches will be there as well as soft drinks and utensils. If you are unsure as to what to bring just contact any board member. Bill Guest who normally chairs this function has been ill for some time and was unable to perform the function this year. Let us all wish Bill a return to good health and a large thank you for his efforts throughout the years.

The first priority of the New Year will be the Spring Auction which will, tentatively, take place on March 18th (venue to be announced). Please see Bill Loesch, Rory Lay, Mike Palmese, Norm Gruenfeld or me to volunteer for a myriad of jobs that are available. The annual spring auction is the main source of funds to keep the club running. The more successful the event will provide funds for better speakers being brought in and for other club amenities and events.

Membership expansion is another goal for the coming year, as it is each and every year, so bring a friend or two to a meeting. If you are in a pet store and there is someone looking at an aquarium or fish let them know about the club, invite them down to a meeting; tell them about the Spring Auction.

The 110 gallon aquarium that was donated by the Club to Jackson Memorial High School is up and running and is populated with African cichlids graciously donated by Mike Palmese. I wish to thank Matt Siegel for storing the tank and equipment, Jeff Compell, Jeff's son, and Norm Grunfeld for helping deliver the tank to the school, Rory Lay and Catfish Jim G. for setting up the tank and plumbing services. The tank would not have possible without the efforts of Bill Loesch and his continuous support of the Club through the years has been invaluable as well as his good humor.

I have been discussing a captive breeding program of endangered species with the head of the ecology department at the school and this may be part of a joint program with the Club and the school.

I also wish to thank all those individuals who have given of their time to keep this club in existence.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Holiday Party on December 12th!

- Sheldon (‘Shelly’) Kirschenbaum