February 2003

GFSA Info

Terry Cusick has assumed the duties of editor, publisher, membership and BOD chair, and has asked some individuals to serve as temporary board members. To support society operations, Terry is personally covering or has asked others to cover the different offices that have been vacated by resignations during 2002. The current line-up is on the society officers page.

The November-December Goldfish Report was distributed, with very positive feedback from the membership on the appearance and content of the publication. The color content is something that many people have lobbied for long and hard. The January-February edition is now in preparation; if you have articles, questions or comments, get them in soon! There is a lot happening! If you have let your membership lapse or have been thinking about joining the GFSA, now is a great time. To submit material to for the Goldfish Report to Terry, please see the updated society contact info. Articles and photos in electronic form are particularly appreciated.

The events calendar has received the 2003 updates we are aware of ... if your event that is not on it, please advise us!

Seasonal Advice

An absolutely frigid January in much of the US has given way to a daunting but not quite as bad February. Can spring be far off? Well, the local groundhog told us at least 6 weeks more winter. Even so, the snowdrops are sprouting and the crocuses can't be too far behind.

The wisdom of covering small ponds with clear, supported plastic has been apparent this winter. If the pond gets sun during the day, the plastic will moderate temperature swings, keeping the pond 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the ambient night time temperatures, and reduce evaporation (which is also a cooling factor). Just be careful when the temperatures moderate; you might find your fish breeding a month earlier than you expected or were ready for.