Birdlady Named Carver Of e Year

TOMS RIVER – The New Jersey Decoy Collectors Association, Inc. announced the selection of its 2023 “Carver of the Year.” The selection honors Nancee Jo Luciani of Toms River long known as “Birdlady” among New Jersey decoy collectors and carvers for her career passion and talent for carving wooden birds and duck decoys. Luciani joins 27 bird carvers that have been elevated for the award in the 50 years the group has formally existed and is the fi rst woman to be recognized.

In making this announcement, Jaim Lloyd, NJDCA’s President, said: “Nancee Jo is without question a pioneer among decoy carvers. Her 20 years of trail-breaking in the realm of fellow carvers has opened new horizons not only for other women but also for the scores aspiring youth carvers she has mentored these many years.”

Says Ms. Luciani: “some say I have a deep passion for observing our feathered friends and I try to translate my observations into the beauty and emotional power those birds bring. I suppose I am a pioneer, and I am honored to receive this award!”

Ohio-based Laurel Dabbs, herself a long-time decoy and bird carver writes: “My friend Nancee Jo over these many years has developed a combination of the traditional with her own contemporary interpretations – I send admiring congratulations”.

In addition to her artwork, Ms. Luciani served for 16 years as the editor of the NJDCA monthly publication “The Watchgander,” a continuing newsletter circulated to over 200 decoy enthusiasts throughout the East.

The Carver of the Year award will take

Homeschool Gym Class

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Registration

Begins March 23. This class is designed for children who are being homeschooled, but still want that gym class atmosphere. Every week, fun new activities will be introduced to allow children to get some exercise, learn new skills, and play and interact with other children. Not only is exercise good for your physical well-being, it also helps decrease levels of stress and anxiety and helps improve self-esteem among many other health benefits. The instructor will bring various pieces of equipment for all to use depending on the activity planned for the day. Please wear sneakers and bring a drink.

If you have questions, contact: Victoria at vwagner@co.ocean.nj.us or call 732-5069090 ext. 5951.

Class to be held at Soccer Field 1, Freedom Fields County Park, Little Egg Harbor. Session 1: Wednesdays, March 29 to April 19; Session 2: Wednesdays, April 26 to May 17; from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 5 to 7 years old; and 12 to 1 p.m. for ages 8 to 12 years old. Fee is $12 per child. Register at oceancountyparks.org or call 732-506-9090.

place during the 29th annual NJDCA decoy show to be held on April 1 at The Seaview Hotel & Golf Club in Galloway, New Jersey.

Show hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with over 60 exhibitors. Admission is $5. Children are free. Refreshments available.

For more information about the event, please contact Clarence Fennimore (Co-Chairman) at 609-405-4376 Ducksnmore@hotmail.com, John Shores (Co-Chairman) at 732-295-5869 cshores@ hotmail.com or Al Barker (Art Chairman) at 609-298-7459

For more information about NJDCA and membership, contact NJDCA President

Jaim Lloyd at 609-703- 6143.

The NJ Decoy Collectors Association is a group of over 200 collectors and carvers formed 50 years ago who share an interest in decoys. They meet monthly (except December) on the 4th Tuesday of the month at the Manahawkin Elks Lodge, 520 Hilliard Boulevard Manahawkin.