Northeast Discus meeting 2008---updated with Pics and Info

Hi all,
Its been awhile since the last time we had a meeting of Discus Keepers in the Northeast USA....We've done this twice over the last few years and they have always been alot of fun... I've been asked repeatedly to host another one and have finally caved in to the pressure:) ...(heaven help me!)

I'm still kicking around the format..but it will be informal as the last two were... Depending on the numbers interested we'll either have it catered or at a restaurant as we did before... If the group is of reasonable size we may just have it here at my home in Northford CT, and I'll fire up the grills, firepit and get my cooking attire on ...

There is no fee for attending except to cover the costs of the event...and I'll let you all know that once its finalized.... All are welcome to attend this social event.

The Date for this meeting is June 14th, 2008... It will probably be a noon to whenever meeting.....so set the date on the calender if interested..

Goals of the meeting so far...

1) Meet and get to know fellow hobbyists
2) Discuss the formation of a regularly meeting Group that will rotate around members homes on a Monthly or Bi-Monthly basis
3) Talk Discus:)

I don't know if we'll have speakers.. depends on how many interested members we have.......I'm leaning towards no speakers and more open discussion in a round table format....but thats subject to change.

I'm considering having an auction at the end of the meeting where members can auction any fish of supplies they have if theres interest in that.

For members that are new here and don't know me...I'm a hobbyist breeder with a bunch of tanks in my basement and a fairly decent collection of wilds and domestics that I work with.....My system is as low tech as it gets...but works well for me:) The fishroom will be open for viewing as well, just don't expect fancy...:bandana:

If you are new here...this would be an excellent opportunity for you to meet others in this great hobby... bring your questions and learn from others...

2 years or so ago we had about 35 people attend..... hopefully we'll have good turnout this time......but if its a handful of us ...thats fine too...

I'd like to ask you to sound off here if you are interested in

1) attending
2) an auction

As soon as I have a better idea of numbers interested and format...I'll finalize it and asked for a hard commitment from you to RSVP.

Thanks all... hope you can make it...

-al

Sounds like a GREAT idea Al! Please count me in, and sign me up for whatever capacity is needed - coordinating details, slinging burgers, cleanup detail after festivities. You name it, I'm ready to support this effort.

Thanks for kicking it off!

Well You better have an extra grilling apron for me my friend!! :D :D

I like the informal idea alot. A nice meet an greet and talk discus. Talk about a Northeast Discus club and future meetings. It would be great to kick start an informal NDA or whatever everyone wants to call it and have monthly meetings at other members places!

I like the auction idea, an I can donate some things my self. :)

I hope we get alot of interest in this since we have discussed this before. It would be excellent to make it a reality!

A pig roast is an idea we can kick around as well depending in the interest thats generated here. I will make the grill, you will just have to dig a hole, and with the work you did in your garden, that would be a walk in the park!

BTW...Are you making 10 gallons this year brew? ;) :D :D

I'm interested Al, not sure if i can attend quite yet, but i'm interested.

I would be interested in an auction as well... what a fish meeting if you cant bring anything good home, right?

Al, Another dream come true.. Count me in !! Please post if you need the money up-front !!!! Your apprentice, David T :9)

Al,
I'm definately intrerested.:D
I'll probably try & tie it together with a family long weekend in Ct.(we been threatening to get up there anyway).
The auction idea sounds great.
I'll mark the date on my calender!
Rob

Yes very much interested. Put me down as a volunteer to do any work as well.

Cheers
Ashay

Yeah Al, I'll be there... =)

I'll personally help dig the hole for the pig roast, what a dream come true discus and a bbq!

That sound like alot of fun...... Count me in. Can you bring your family too?

Will there be Beer!!!!!!!:D:balloon::D:balloon::D:balloon:

Hi all,
Great interest so far... Thats awesome!

Tamara,
yes....Family is welcome... I have decent sized yard and sand box here for kids to play in.... as well as lots of critters to look at.

There will be beverages there....both high test and unleaded.:D..I may even brew up something special..:)

-al

Quote:

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Originally Posted by brewmaster15

I'm a hobbyist breeder with a bunch of tanks in my basement and a fairly decent collection of wilds and domestics that I work with....

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And we should also hand out awards. Based on the above quote, I'm nominating you for the "Humble Understatement of the Year" trophy. :D

Great idea,. It has always been a pleasure meeting other folks with a discus passion.

Due to soccer commitments I will likely not be able to attend. I am certain it will be fun.

Sweet!!!!!!!!!

If anyone wants to carpool from Queens, NY let me know. I got a SUV with 3 seats available.

Hi Al... Great idea.. We will be coming to visit the grandkids, near Marion and New Haven, but unfortunately it will be later in the summer so we will have to miss this one..:(:( But... we are plannning on moving out there (near Mystic or Woodstock) as soon as the re market here in Georgia gets a bit better.. so plan on our being there and maybe hosting in the future... maybe some homemade brew of our own too... By the time we move out there or vacation next time, you guys will have the thing completely worked out and all we'll have to do is help bbq and clean up... sounds like a great idea..:D:D We would love to met you all... Have a fantastic time and have a brew for us... Sue:angel:

Al, This sounds great...Don't tempt me because I'll buy a plane ticket and stay the weekend...:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eyecandy

Hi Al... Great idea.. We will be coming to visit the grandkids, near Marion and New Haven, but unfortunately it will be later in the summer so we will have to miss this one..:(:( But... we are plannning on moving out there (near Mystic or Woodstock) as soon as the re market here in Georgia gets a bit better.. so plan on our being there and maybe hosting in the future... maybe some homemade brew of our own too... By the time we move out there or vacation next time, you guys will have the thing completely worked out and all we'll have to do is help bbq and clean up... sounds like a great idea..:D:D We would love to met you all... Have a fantastic time and have a brew for us... Sue:angel:

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Sue...There will be plenty of time to catch up when you get up here!! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dan

Al, This sounds great...Don't tempt me because I'll buy a plane ticket and stay the weekend...

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Dan...If Al doesn't have room I do!! ;) :D :D

I have just recently emptied out the spare bedroom!! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by senso

Great idea,. It has always been a pleasure meeting other folks with a discus passion.

Due to soccer commitments I will likely not be able to attend. I am certain it will be fun.

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Rosaano...I thought for sure you would come my friend!! :(

:( Gosh Al, gonna miss another great time, since I've moved, lots more going on up there than in these boondocks.....sure do miss you all....oh well!, C'est la vie....have a fun get-together....maybe I'll see some of you in Hotlanta in July....;)

Dottie

I am planning on being there. Anyone from Southern Ontario or Western NY want to share a ride?

HI Al, I am intrested but dont know if the date works yet. I think I would fly though as it would be a long drive from Northern VA. Ed

Sounds Great everyone...looks like we have a great group starting to form up here... I'll give it until next week to see how many are interested and plan on attending , do a head count and Finalize things....

Thanks all,
looking forward to seeing you.


-al

I wasn't at the 2nd one, but I was at the first! Think I have a few pics of it around here someplace in fact. Al, I'll DEFINATELY be there.

Rich

Great Rich,
It'll be great seeing you again!:)

-al

Looks like its shaping up to be a great meeting Al...:)

I for one cant wait to meet everyone!

tc

Hi Al, I wont be able to make the BBQ:( I have a golf tourney that was resched for that date.. Bummer Ed

I'll probably be there... so far nothing I can recall for that date already.

HI Ed,
You are welcome up anytime!:)

Hi everyone,
Well, looks like we have a pretty decent group... Looks like we will have a get together here in Northford,CT (06472 for mapquest estimates)

Should be alot of fun... I spent a few Hours yesterday "brewing up" some Picnic beverages for those that are interested:) I'm thinking Barb-Q and some discus discussions..

So...please everyone check the date and let me know either in this thread or by PM If you are definetly attending and how many of you there will be.. Family and kids are definetly welcome....I just need to know how many so I can plan on the food and drinks... and possibly a tent if needed.
Thanks,
-al

Count me in. My family will more than likely attend as well. Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday!

I'll bring some of my pride and joy, Snakeskin x Wild Blues cross (parents from Al-where else?) and they should be a decent size by then, as they are 3 weeks old now.

Will this be a BYOB (bring your own beef/beverages) kind of thing, or will you be taking money/donations to help pay for it?

My wife and I will definitively be there.

I will be there Al.

Probably 2 people from my family, or maybe even just me.. not sure yet.

I'll be there Al. And I'll bring the boss with me. ;-)

Will be much fun. Please PM me if there is any assistance I can provide. Thanks for putting this together.

If I can get the day off from work I will be there too!

Al, I will definitely be there and my girlfriend will accompany me.. How much money do we send plus would you like us to bring a dessert, beans or other dish??

Great everyone... as to what bring...let me get the numbers in first of whose attending..then I'll know better whats the deal with that.

Thanks!
-al

Should be able to attend ...

Hi, My husband and I will be there.

Wishing everyone a great time in advance! With the master Al around there won't be shortage of FUN that's for sure.:) Gosh you guys are so blessed to be within driving distance of Al's!:angel:

Kenny

Hi all,

Okay, meeting update here... Looks like we will be having it my home for sure...

At this point I have heard from 20 members , 16 are definites... and 4 are maybes... With family taken into account we'll have about 45 people so far:)

If you are thinking of attending the June 14th get -together...I need to get a solid headcount.... please let me know if you haven't already ..

Please let me know by Friday June 6th....

You can pm me here on the forum or sound off in this thread..

Thanks,
al

Ps... Please pray for good weather! Or I may need to get one BIG tent:)