This is also posted on ncpars.org under the link Ricky posted
Bio & Club Goals for nominees Rich & Kelly Rivera
We are both currently on the nomination slate for the BOD of NCPARS. We were both going to do separate Bios and Club goals but our backgrounds, beliefs and what we would like to see for the future of the club are so much the same we decided to do one post for the both of us.
We were both owners of an LFS which gave us the opportunity to acquire extensive education in the areas of coral propagation, care, husbandry and also the care of fish and invertebrates. Rich has done extensive work with coral propagation and also worked extensively with the repair and regrowth of damaged and "sick" corals and fish
We are both also very active in organizations that are related to the conservation of the oceans & reefs. We care deeply about the future of our oceans & reefs and that is what has leaded us to supporting Reef Nest that Mo has for the education of children. We feel very strongly that our children need to be educated not only on the reef keeping hobby but also to respect and conserve our oceans & reefs. We have donated livestock and dry goods to Reef Nest to support the work that Mo has done. We are also currently working towards finding Reef Nest support from local and national businesses that are in the reef industry and also other industries.
Kelly has been very active in the past with NCPARS, SVSEA and Reef Nest acquiring sponsors and donations for raffle items. She has built relationships with people and businesses in and outside of our hobby giving the opportunity for better things for the future of the club. She also has 15 years experience in business administration and management giving her the foundation needed to support and guide the club.
NCPARS has a lot of potential to be a great club. There is currently a great member base and a huge potential for an even greater member base all over the state of Pennsylvania and other surrounding states. NCPARS needs to be a club not only wanting members but to also welcome others whom share the same goals, values and ideas that the members of this club have. Our meetings and activities as a club should not be created to make money but to offer a time to offer ideas, show demonstrations, educate children as well as adults, trade corals & equipment and best of all make friends.
The following are the club goals that we both support and would push for if we were to be on the BOD:
1. Frag Swaps - At least 4 frag swaps per year. Each swap being at a different location giving the opportunity of attendance to members and others that may not like to travel long distances. We would like to see a swap held in the PSU/Williamsport area, Lehigh Valley area, Philly area, Lancaster/York area and possibly other areas depending on the requests from members and others interested in attending NCPARS swaps. The following are some ideas that we have that relate to frag swaps:
-Bigger raffles that include livestock, dry goods, gift certificates, etc.
-More door prizes for new members and children that are in the
hobby
-Club meetings at the beginning of each swap (this allows a better
opportunity for members, BOD and others to bring up topics, ideas,
etc. while everyone is present)
-More advertisement for club events
2. More Events - Group trips, bus trips, BBQs and any other event that maybe of availability. NCPARS needs to do more then just have frag swaps. NCPARS is more then just a club that meets to swap corals and have raffles. We are a club that consists of people that have a common interest and a group of people that are friends. We currently are able to offer NCPARS the opportunity to attend the Farm Show that is located in Harrisburg. This would give the club the opportunity to bring in more members, more hobbyists and to also show the area the importance and enjoyment of this hobby. We would also like to see more interaction between NCPARS and other clubs.
3. Education ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ NCPARS needs to support the idea of education. To do this we as a club need to support Reef Nest and other avenues that do the same. As a club we can offer help and support education through doing:
Sponsoring Reef Nest events
Going to schools/colleges on our own
Doing acts of conservation as a club
Becoming active on our clubââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s website to help newcomers in the hobby
Offering demonstrations at LFS and other clubââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s events
4. Relationship between BOD & members ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ There needs to be a good relationship between the BOD and the members of NCPARS. Notification of club status, events and decisions need to be done in a timely manner. We do realize that there are some situations that need to be kept private but there is also a lot of information regarding the club that needs to be announced to the members. All members should feel that they can contact the BOD and their situation, idea, etc. will be handled to the best of the BODââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s ability.
5. Sponsors ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ Support of our clubââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s sponsors needs to be done. We would like to see our sponsors more involved with our club and also see our club members be involved with our sponsors. Supporting our sponsors not only benefits them but also benefits us as hobbyists and consumers. We would like to also to see more sponsors offering demos and to attend meetings in person (when available) to allow attendees the opportunity to meet and ask questions.
6. NPO status ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ Utilize the benefits that the NPO has to offer the club. We canââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t hold a NPO status and not use it to our ability. There are many government grants and programs, both state and federal, that we as a club can use towards education and to benefit our members.
We both want to see this club grow and be able to use the experiences and education of the clubââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s current members and supporters for the good and future of the hobby. Keep us in mind when it comes time to vote for your next BOD.
Thank you for your time.