Mid~Atlantic Koi The Magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
March 2015
Mid~Atlantic Koi The Membership Magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
Volume 28, Number 7
March 2015 Beginner’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 MAKC Corporate Members . . . . . . . . . .8
—Upcoming Events MAKC Special Meeting . . . . . . . . . . .37 Saugerties Chapter Meetings . . . . . .37
Introducing Nogami Koi Farm . . . . . . .9 Courtesy of Hikari USA
MAKC Drawing - April 2015 . . . . . . . .13 Pond Predators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
—MAKC News President’s Message . . . . . . . .4 From the Editor’s Desk . . . . .6 Treasurer’s Report . . . . . . . .36 MAKC Health Hotline Volunteers . . . . . . . .37 Sunshine Column . . . . . . . . .39 F..A..S..T Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Lisa Burns, Backyard Getaway
18 or so Heron Control Suggestions . .16 Linda Montgomery, KHA, Oregon
Herons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Carolyn Weise, Florida
Saugerties Chapter Holiday Party . . . .21 Pond Protection 301 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Ron Kardynski, California
Mid-Atlantic Koi Deadlines
Word Search - Fins and Flowers . . . . . .24
for articles, meeting announcements and ads
Couple Removes 6,000-gallon Pond After Otter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
April Issue Deadline: Available Online:
March 1 April 1
May Issue Deadline: Available Online:
April 1 May 1
Mark Duell, England
Peppering Racoons with Mothballs . . .28 Steve Lopez, LA Times
Single Tail Fish-Common Goldfish . . .31 American Goldfish Association
Weather and Feeding Your Koi . . . . . . .34 Linda Montgomery, KHA, Oregon
Nogami Koi Farm
On the Road to a Koi Event . . . . . . . . . .36
Photo Provided by Hikari USA
The Story of Artist Christine DeMarfio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 To My Winter Wonderland Friends . . .43 Ron Kardynski, California
MAKC Membership Application . . . . .44 Page 2 Mid-Atlantic Koi
March 2015
P r e s i d e n t ’s M e s s a g e by Joann Mead Suggestions4MAKC@gmail.com pring is supposedly around the corner but you would hardly know that from the snow storms that have come in the past few weeks. I cannot stress enough having a Koi Care Emergency Kit, as outlined in the January/February Mid-Atlantic Koi Club (MAKC) Magazine 2015 issue, and having a preparedness plan in place before a problem arises.
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Chapters. If you are interested please contact your Chapter Vice President, for the Center Chapter contact Bruce Damme (302) 598-8431 and for the Southern Chapter contact Alan Mickelson (301) 332-7042.
Joann
This year for the MAKC Membership renewal we are going to be doing something different. In the next few weeks the Club will be sending renewal invoices through www.PayPal.com. PayPal is an online service that helps people and businesses accept and make payments online. Many of the companies who advertise in our magazine pay their invoices through PayPal. You will receive an email from the Club and within the email there is a yellow button/link that will say “View and Pay Invoice.” When you click on the button/link, the invoice will open in your web browser. You can pay the bill using your debit/credit card, PayPal account, or print the bill and mail in your membership dues. It’s that simple! Also, attached to the invoice will be the MAKC Membership Application. The Application has been setup as a “fillable form.” This means if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader just download the Application, type out your information, save it and email it back. Once your membership has been processed by the Membership Committee, you will receive MAKC Membership Packet via email. We are still looking for you, members, to host meetings for the Central and Southern Club Page 4 Mid-Atlantic Koi
MAKC Contest See Page 13 for Details March 2015
MAKC Executive Committee President Joann Mead
(845) 389-5712
jo_mead@earthlink.net
Vice-President Herb Ehrich
(845) 247-7105
koiking15@yahoo.com
Secretary Looking for a Volunteer Treasurer Anthony Vitale
(516) 420-0740
nyssba96@aol.com
Central Chapter Vice-President Bruce Damme (302) 598-8431 Drbdamme@windcrestanimal.com
Remember to Renew Your Membership
Long Island Chapter Vice-President Bruce Levine
(516) 735-2644
bruce@li-koi.com
Saugerties (NY) Chapter Vice-President Herb Ehrich Alan Mickelson
(845) 247-7105
koiking15@yahoo.com
South Chapter Vice-President (301) 332-7042 alanmickelson@msn.com
Standing Committees Richard Douglass
Membership (845) 723-4373
pvsherow@gmail.com
MAKC Sales Looking for a Volunteer MAKC Notice Group Manager Michael Snyder Sarah Johnson
(301) 762-2059 makc@imsnyder.com WebMaster (732) 567-6678 sarranna@yahoo.com
Executive Board Advisor y C ommittee Joe Zuritsky (215) 575-4001 Eric Wilson
jzuritsky@parkwaycorp.com
(443) 203-6486
wilseric@comcast.net
Don’t Wait – Do it Today. Renewal form you can print out is on page 44.
MAKC Home Page: http://www.makc.com
Production: Cindy Graham, NextUp Creations
Mid-Atlantic Koi is the magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club. Material is selected for its interest to Koi keepers. MAKC accepts no responsibility for accuracy of content. Reproduction of uncopyrighted articles is permitted as long as this magazine is credited as the source. March 2015
Mid-Atlantic Koi Magazine Editor, Carolyn Weise
(239) 573-6650 x105
Advertising Editor, Joann Mead
(845) 389-5712
makcmag@makc.com jo_mead@earthlink.net
Meeting/Events Editor, Carolyn Weise (239) 573-6650 x105 makcmag@makc.com FAST Ads Editor, Carolyn Weise (239) 573-6650 x105 makcmag@makc.com
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 5
From the Editor’s Desk by Carolyn Weise makcmag@makc.com
gain, we owe a debt of gratitude to Hikari for their insights into the Japanese Koi farmers’ work which is required to produce the amazing quality fish most of us can only dream about, and yet, some will achieve in our lifetime. This is the high quality fish we strive for and the reason we love Koi shows so much.
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I thought, since one of my favorite sayings is “Beware the Ides of March” the theme could easily be applied to ponds! With Koi being colorful, easily spotted from the air, we want to protect them at all costs. Some of the predator articles in this issue are humorous, some are insightful, and all will give you food for thought. There are ways to protect your prized fish if you know your enemies. A big thank-you to Lisa Burns of Backyard Getaway in Myakka City, Florida, and Linda Montgomery, KHA from the Northwest Koi & Goldfish Club in Oregon for their great articles this month. Check with local experts to see what wildlife is in your area. If they live there, they will come to your pond sooner or later. And you will be prepared.
March 1st and the deadline for the May issue is April 1st. That should give you an idea of how to submit your photos and articles to me. Love to hear from you! Nothing is too small (or big!) to post. Do not worry about grammar or spelling. I am going to make you look like an English scholar. We will help you with photos to get them at the highest resolution. There is nothing prettier than a spring pond… Yours in Koi! Carolyn
We are always looking for articles from our membership. If you have a new fish, new pond, old pond with a problem, or simply want to show it off, send me a note and picture and let us see what’s going on in your neck of the woods. The deadline for our April issue is Page 6 Mid-Atlantic Koi
March 2015
Beginner’s Corner Ask a question and we will get you an answer. Remember any questions you have are welcome, Just send them in to the editor.
30 lb. monofilament fishing line across the tops of the stakes. This will help keep them out.
Question - Pond Predators
Raccoons are the next Bad Actor for your pond. If you follow the building directions above, steep sides and no shallow areas you will have them on the run. Remember they like to play in the water for their food they don’t dive after food.
What predators will I have in and around my pond and what should I do to protect the pond and fish?
Answer Herons will come to the pond no matter where you live. Two things will protect the fish. First when you build the pond make the sides drop almost straight down, and then
The best and easiest thing is to install a couple of Scarecrows around the pond depending how large an area the pond covers and is it close to a water supply line. The Scarecrow is an electric eye operated water sprayer. It gives them all a good shot of water and helps scare them away from the pond. If these don’t work park your “ LARGE DOG” next to the pond. Note: This column offers suggestions only; the ultimate care of your pond and fish is up to you. !
don’t put any shallow areas in the pond. Herons don’t like to land in water more than a few inches deep. Also they like to walk into the water and hunt in the shallows. So to keep them from walking into the pond, drive thin stakes around the pond about four feet apart and 18 in high. Then tie March 2015
Wanted – Your Questions Please email your questions to makcmag@makc.com.
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 7
MAKC
Corporate
Members
Quality Koi Company Nisei Koi Farm 856-299-7564 info@qualitykoi.com
www.qualitykoi.com
www.mazuri.com
Interested in becoming a Corporate Member? Reasonable one time fee for the year – includes a Business Card size ad in all issues in this section and on the MAKC website. Contact Joann Mead at 845-389-5712 or jo_mead@earthlink.net Page 8 Mid-Atlantic Koi
March 2015
Introducing Nogami Koi Farm Courtesy of Hikari USA
s we continue our visits to top Koi breeders to introduce you to their focus and expertise, today finds us with Mr. Hisao Nogami. Nogami Koi Farm bred spectacular Kohaku that have continuously won grand championship; Hiigata Nishikigoi Show, 2008 and 2011, and in the Zen Nihon Rinyukai Show, 2010.
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I. About Nogami Koi Farm History Located in the city of Nagaoka, Niigata, the farm has a 44 year breeding history. They produce a total number of 1,000,000 (yes, million) Koi annually, with six Kohaku and three Showa in their spawning process using four indoor pond houses and 50 field ponds (approximately five hectares of farming area). The Kohaku variety accounts for 80 % of their total output.
Yondan: A Grand Champion March 2015
After graduating from high school, Mr. Hisato Nogami trained for 15 years at one of the best farms in Japan, Dainichi Koi Farm. He worked under the farm's predecessor, Mr. Minoru Mano, from whom he learned how to properly handle and examine Koi, while also learning the business side, like how to deal with customers and so much more. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 9
The farm is very clean and all the tools are kept in their proper place, which Hisato Nogami was taught by Mr. Mano. He says “Nishikigoi are works of art, and thus their environment including the tools and instruments must always be kept clean and tidy.” Mr. Hisato Nogami's Unforgettable Koi
This Kohaku (“Takara” page 12) was produced, raised and personally given the finishing touches by Mr. Hisato Nogami as his the first solo trial. It is representative of the Nogami Kohaku whose quality and white base are the most impressive. When this fish was young, it already showed refined quality, luster and body shape with splendid skeletal structure. Unfortunately, its pattern was rather poor due to the poor second hi marking which was a little too short and didn't hang down the side of the fish's body. However, when the fish reached seven years old, its skin came to look even more beautiful. The fish turned to a Kohaku whose highlight became
the beautiful pattern created by the brilliant white base adorned with red hi markings. Even that poor second hi was working to set off the glistening scales and pure white skin. At the age of eight, Mr. Nogami exhibited this Kohaku in the 48th Niigata Nishikigoi Show, where it won the grand championship. After that, Mr. Nogami finally decided to exhibit it in a national show, and started to develop his finishing touches to this Kohaku personally. He chose two types of Saki-Hikari®, one for gaining weight and other for color enrichment. He also learned the kind, amount and exact time to stop feeding food were paramount to his success. This Kohaku was nominated as one of the candidates for the grand champion in the 40th All Japan Koi Show, and created much excitement at the show. The next year, in the 41st show, it obtained the Kokugyo Prize in the 90 Bu class. Yondan (seen on page 9): This Kohaku is also one of the representatives of the Nogami Kohaku. It is becoming more and more beautiful year after year, and has achieved good results in
Mr. Nogami is selecting young fish to meet his strict criteria with a keen eye. Page 10 Mid-Atlantic Koi
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three consecutive shows; the grand championship winner in the 41st Zen Nihon Rinyukai Show in 2010, the gigantic championship winner in the 42nd All Japan Koi Show in 2011 and the grand championship winner in the 4th Asia Cup Koi Show in 2011.
II. Production style of Nogami Koi Farm Q: What sort of Koi do you intend to farm? I intend to produce Koi with splendid hi and the white skin along with a magnificent physique. However, I always attach more importance to the beauty than the size of the fish. Q: Could you tell us your secret to choosing a good Nogami Kohaku? The Nogami Kohaku has a trait of gradually becoming a better Koi. When you choose a young Nogami Kohaku, please choose one with
March 2015
a solid body shape and don't pay too much attention to the markings and the color of the skin. Q: With a total farming area of 5 hectares, Nogami Koi Farm is not a huge Koi farm. What do you think enabled your Koi to be recent successive award winners?
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person from beginning to end, and “Yondan” was raised in the Narita Koi Farm's attentive management. There was one other important factor for both “Takara” and “Yondan” to win. They had such solid body shapes that they were able to maintain their ideal physical condition over the two years.
III. Daily feeding and giving finishing touches to their Koi Q: What do you demand from Koi food? I think food should help Koi not only to maintain their beautiful figure and color but also to help them gain weight without putting a burden on their body. Consequently, Koi food must be easy to digest and properly absorbed. That's why we mainly use Hikari® brand diets. Q: How do you use food properly? We must select suitable food for breeding conditions; such as in the field pond or in the spring pond, in lower temperatures and so on. Especially for the spring feeding, we’re found the Saki-Hikari® series is essential because of the Hikari Germ™ already inside the food which helps us maintain ideal water conditions.
Takara – Grand Champion, Over 85 Bu, Kohaku in the 48th Niigata Nishikigoi Show, 2008
I think an eye for distinguishing superb lineages of Koi and a firm strategy of farming our ideal Koi are the oznly things we are required to have. The farming area, of course, decides the number of Koi we can produce, but no matter how small the area, there are always some special Koi and it’s the farmer's ability and true devotion to develop prize winning Koi. I feel breeding conditions are as important as the lineage of Koi. For example, I raised “Takara” in Page 12 Mid-Atlantic Koi
For the Koi we intend to exhibit in a show, SakiHikari® Pure White™ is a very effective choice to be used right before the show. Because we feed a large amount of color enhancing food to those fish during the summer season, their skin tends to yellow. By using Saki-Hikari® Pure White™ for a short period of time their yellowish skin will certainly become beautifully white. According to Mr. Nogami, “the fundamentals of Koi breeding are managing the Koi's physical condition by controlling their surroundings to best fit the Koi's needs. Food is one of the important factors on which we should keep a watchful eye. ! March 2015
Win a Free MAKC Membership for the 2015/2016 Year! So how do you enter to win a free MAKC membership for the 2015/2016 year? Just mail in an original sale receipt dated from June 1, 2014 thru March 31, 2015 for any products or services from any of the vendors who advertise in the MAKC magazine! Mail the original receipts along with your name, address, phone number and email address to: MAKC PO Box 91 Ulster Park, NY 12487 There is NO limit to the number of entries you can submit! Entries must be postmarked by April 5, 2015 in order to be eligible. The drawing will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2015.
March 2015
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Pond Predators by Lisa Burns, Backyard Getaway very fall we receive phone calls and emails from upset customers whom have lost fish to predators. We can sympathize and know firsthand that terrible feeling they have when they realize their pond is now a sushi bar. Herons, Egrets and raccoons are the most popular culprits in our area but there are others to watch for too. Otters, opossums, foxes, bobcats (if you are in a rural area), snakes, snapping turtles and even large bullfrogs will eat your Koi and Goldfish.
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I know what you are thinking, you have never seen a heron near your pond and most likely, you never will. They will wait until there is no movement near the pond to attack. Herons are extremely patient and once they find your pond Page 14 Mid-Atlantic Koi
they will return on a daily basis until they have picked off every fish. If your fish are disappearing but there are no signs of disruption, you have a Heron or Egret visiting your pond. These large birds will swoop in and take the fish with them, or if the fish is too large, they will leave it by the side of your pond. Remember in the fall the birds are migrating and the Koi are slowing down making them easier prey. Raccoon damage is easier to detect. They love to make a mess. You will see muddy footprints around the pond, your plants will be torn up, pots knocked over or broken and rocks knocked into the pond. Most importantly you will find fish bones. Of course, raccoons are nocturnal so you most likely will not see them either. Otters and Snakes are a bit less noticeable and they have March 2015
no problem feasting on your Koi even if you are home. There are several options to help prevent fish lost. • Net the pond: This will work for birds, raccoons and even otters if the net is secure enough. Also helps to keep leaves out of the pond in the fall. • Install Koi caves: Caves will provide your Koi a feeling of security giving them a place to hide from predators and the summer sun. • Install decoys like floating alligator heads, mirrored balls. These inexpensive items
may or may not work. Herons are not only patient but also smart if something is in the same spot every day like a fake heron or owl statue they will figure out that it is not going to harm them. • Install a scarecrow: No not the kind Dorothy runs into on the yellow brick road. The contech Scarecrow is a motion sensor device that connects to a garden hose and runs on a 9-volt battery. The scarecrow will cover 100sf of pond. It is important to make sure you test the battery regularly. You may want to replace it every month to be safe. This is my personal favorite. We have not had any fish loss in our ponds since installing our scarecrows eight years ago! I have been told that Otters are not deterred by this and in fact enjoy playing with the blast of water. • Electric Fencing: Low voltage electric fencing works great to keep raccoons and other small critters out of the pond. It is not pretty but effective. For those of you who are considering creating a pond or water garden have no fear there are ways to prevent fish loss and raccoon damage before you dig your pond. Sloping edges may look the most natural but it is also an invitation for small animals to enter your pond. When building a pond for Koi be sure the sides are straight and drop two feet or more. You can still have plant shelves installed on the pond edges with rocks on the edges to keep the Koi off the shelves and a steep drop from the shelves into the pond to keep the raccoons out. ! Lisa Burns of Backyard Getaway our website is backyardgetaway.net.
March 2015
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18 or so Heron Control Suggestions by Linda Montgomery, KHA, Oregon
often hear the question “what can I do to protect my pond from predators.” It is not uncommon to hear about such natural predators as raccoon, great blue heron, osprey, kingfisher, eagle, and even an otter taking advantage of a convenient meal in our Koi ponds, but of these, most hobbyists feel that the great blue heron is one of the most difficult and persistent to deal with.
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The great blue heron is a member of the egret family and when viewed away from our Koi ponds, is quite a magnificent bird. The adult heron can stand 3 - 3 ½ feet tall and weigh from 5 to 9 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 6 feet. They are known to feed mainly at dawn and dusk but I have found them near my pond at almost any time of day. In our area they are seen mostly between the months of May and September. Since I live close to the Willamette River and close to Elk Rock (which has a heron rookery), I certainly have had lots of personal experience with heron and other predators. In nearly 20 years of having our Koi pond, we have employed many methods to try to keep our beautiful Koi safe from the blue heron and osprey. As with any trial and error process, some of our methods have been more productive than others…but all have been educational and interesting to say the least! It doesn’t require great detective work to identify when you have had a visit from a great blue heron, or any other predator for that matter. The Koi that are ordinarily very friendly are hiding from view or extremely skittish and wary, and of course the other obvious sign and the horror of Page 16 Mid-Atlantic Koi
any Koi keeper is missing fish. Heron are capable of taking fish up to 12˝ but they can still spear and kill the much larger Koi in your pond with their sharp pointed beaks. Of course, as with any case of “natural selection,” only the most prized and friendly of our Koi are hunted by the heron. However, there may be more of an explanation to this than you might at first think. I, like most Koi hobbyists, really enjoy hand feeding my Koi, the friendlier they are the more I treasure them. When it comes to the blue heron, this may be more of a detriment to the health of my Koi than I could possibly have ever imagined. I discovered this early one summer morning when I saw a heron perched at the side of my pond. As I went running out to my pond, to battle with the heron over my Koi, my first thought and huge disappointment was that the heron decoy (heron control #1) that I had purchased earlier in the year didn’t work at all. (Herons are territorial and will avoid areas that are already occupied by another heron, however they are not totally clueless and if the heron decoy is not moved around often this predator control is ineffective). My second thought was that he had already had breakfast as I saw lots of disgusting stuff floating in my pond at the spot where he had just flown off. Thank goodness this was not the case as all my fish were present and accounted for. Then I remembered something I had read some time ago, that heron will regurgitate into the water to get fish to come within easy reach of them when they come up to feed. It was also interesting how the heron had picked the exact spot where March 2015
I always feed my fish; I then realized how cunning these clever birds are and how hand feeding my fish may not have been such a great idea. Since that moment, I realized that I had to get much more aggressive with predator control, as I was not about to change the most enjoyable aspect of keeping Koi for me: that of hand feeding my fish. One of the first things I tried was a sonar predator control device (heron control #2). This little gadget emits both high and low frequency sound that is supposed to be extremely irritating to all manner of predators including the dreaded heron. My first concern with deciding on this option was the fact that at the time I had a 17-year-old Yorkshire terrier to be concerned about, and dogs, like any of the predators I was trying to eliminate, would also be affected. However, I was willing to try the sonar device as my dog had been almost totally deaf for a year, and also since my local water gardening store, Hughes Watergarden, was kind enough to give it to me on a trial basis. I was so happy when I set it all up and my little Yorkshire terrier had absolutely no reaction to it at all. Since I also had a family of raccoons making my yard their home, this would kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. I can’t tell you what a major disappointment it was when my son, Casey, who was 18-years old at the time, came home at 10:00pm that night, went up to his bedroom (which by- the- way overlooks the pond), and came running back down the stairs with his hands over his ears, asking what that awful noise was that was driving him crazy! Needless to say, heron control #2 had to be returned the next day. (Evidently there are a few people with sensitive hearing that can hear this!) After asking around and getting advice from many Koi keepers with much more experience than myself, I felt I could easily eliminate other options of heron control that for varying reasons would not work for me. A large dog was not an March 2015
option, (heron control #3); a hot wire or FidoShock (heron control #4) was out, as my little Yorkshire terrier could get zapped; and the inflatable snakes or alligator decoys (heron control #5 & #6) were not something I even wanted to contemplate in what I hoped was a Japanesestyled garden. Another good option that seemed to work for many people, but was not something that I wanted to consider, was constructing a wood arbor to cover the area above the pond (heron control #7). Our pond covers too large an area to make this a very practical option. Another successful method that many people I talked to had tried, was to string fishing line in a cross-thatched pattern approximately one foot apart above the pond (heron control #8). Many people will also put bird netting over the surface of their ponds (heron control #9), however heron can still stab at and kill the fish, but this may prevent them from actually removing the fish from the pond. All of these were definitely viable options for some people, just not for my particular situation. After weeding through the above alternatives to heron control that were not an option for us, I then focused on some suggestions that I hoped would be a more positive way to control the heron that was visiting our pond. So my next plan of action was to try a trick I had heard could possibly work, that of placing a string or fishingline about 18˝ off the ground around the perimeter of the pond (heron control #10). The idea behind this is that a heron can only step over a certain height and if placed correctly the heron cannot get within reach of the Koi (they have a striking distance of ~2 ½´). After placing a call to the Audubon Society I found that this option could have some merit behind it. Because a heron’s “heel” (which is the joint that we would probably think of as its knee, as it is half-way up the leg), can allow only forward movement of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 17
lower leg, the heron cannot step over a certain height (approximately 18˝). This was fairly successful for us, which was very evident in the behavior of the fish, not to mention the fact that no one turned up missing! However, when I heard about the success of the “Scarecrow” (heron control #11), about a year later I decided to try it out. This device has a motion sensor that when triggered shoots a jet stream of water in the direction in which the motion was detected. It worked great, the only problem was that I kept forgetting it was on, and so did my little Yorkshire terrier, Trouble. That was bad enough but more often than not, I would also forget to warn the different visitors to our pond. Several of my friends and family would even accuse me of ambushing them with the “Scarecrow” on purpose, mostly, I assume, because I got such a kick out of seeing some of them get wet! But in all seriousness I would have to say that the Scarecrow (heron control #11) would be my predator control of choice at this point. I have used it for years and have been pretty successful in keeping the local herons at bay. Years ago, Will Judd, a member of Washington Koi & Watergarden Society, mentioned to me that he has had great success with a heron control device that mimics the sounds of the Great Blue Heron (heron control #12). Heron are said to be territorial and so when they hear the sounds of another heron’s distress call they stay away. Will has said that this has worked beautifully for him and he no longer has heron problems since installing this device. In fact, a few years ago his device quit working and before he could get it repaired they had a couple of visits from a heron. Since it was replaced they have not had another heron visit their pond. I have also talked to some people who have had some success with using actual scarecrows (heron control #13). The life-sized scarecrows placed on benches or chairs near ponds seem to discourage Page 18 Mid-Atlantic Koi
heron from flying into and around the pond area. I have also heard that some people have had success with floating a gazing ball in or setting it close to their pond (heron control #14). The heron sees itself in the gazing ball and the idea again is that the heron is territorial and will not compete with another heron. Another interesting philosophy is that heron will not go where crows nest. I don’t know if this is true or not, but if you aren’t one of the ‘lucky’ Koi keepers to have the good fortune to have large crows nesting nearby, I don’t know how you would convince crows to set up house next to your Koi pond. I have seen a few Koi keepers try to divert herons by placing a very large nest with dinosaur- sized eggs in them (heron control #15). I have no idea if this method has been successful for the Koi keepers that have tried it or not. Another ‘quick fix’ that I have heard has had some success is using a radio (heron control #16) to scare off the bird, however, I tried that and it didn’t work for me. Maybe I just didn’t have on loud and irritating enough heavy metal music. I have just recently heard of a local Koi keeper having heron trouble and using some Halloween yard ornaments that make loud noises that are activated by motion (heron control #17). He swears by this and has lost no fish since putting it in his yard. I didn’t feel that this was an option for me, I just would have a hard time with a Halloween ornament screaming at me every time I went out to feed my fish. However, I suppose if you are losing fish and have no other option at the time this would be a quick fix to save your fish temporarily. Another person mentioned to me that they have used a dancing inflatable advertising man (mini sky dancer- $50-$80) as a successful heron March 2015
control (#18). It is amazing how creative and downright ingenious some people can be when they are desperate and losing their precious fish to heron!
In Conclusion I would say that probably the best option for controlling the herons in your area and keeping them away from your pond and fish is to design a Koi pond that makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for a heron to make a meal of your Koi (heron control #19). If you design your pond with straight sides, raised sides, good depth, and obstacles that prevent the predators from approaching or getting too close, then you should not have to worry about creatively coming up with some ingenious heron control device.
known heron rookery. Mainly due to the design of the pond, it is fairly difficult for a heron to easily get access to our fish, and we are banking on the fact that the heron, like most predators, will go for the more easily accessible fish and leave our precious Koi alone. But for me even a slight chance makes me very nervous and we are still working on a way to make it virtually impossible for these cunning birds to make a meal out of our Koi. So if any of you have heard of any new ideas or any old ones that I have not heard about please let me know! !
I am fortunate that for the most part our pond is basically heron resistant, especially considering that we are located just a few blocks away from a
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Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 19
Herons by Carolyn Weise, Florida
Question: I have strung fishing line across my pond but it didn’t work. The heron got some of my fish. Do you have any other ideas?
Answer: Understanding the birds' habits is the first step to discouraging them from fishing in your pond. Here are some key points: 1- They have a "knee/leg" which flexes opposite what ours does, or backwards. It has to bend forward from the knee. 2- They do not land in a pond- they land elsewhere and walk to your pond to fish. 3- They seek a suitable fishing "station" or overlook point from which to catch their dinner. 4- They are extremely patient. 5- They will open their wings above their heads as a shade awning to attract fish. 6- If that doesn't work, they "chum" by regurgitating into the water, feeding the fish... 7- They have excellent eyesight and photographic memories. 1 & 2- If you look at your monofilament fishing line, as it is, "across the pond": Can you see why it hasn't deterred the heron? The purpose of using the fishing line is to place it around the perimeter of the pond, starting about 3' back, as a baffle, to make it as difficult as possible for him to reach the pond in the first place. The reason we use the clear monofilament line isn't for the fish, it's for us. He can see it just fine, but we don't want to look at it any more than we have to. If placed close enough together, and at varying heights, he Page 20 Mid-Atlantic Koi
will have trouble bending his legs up and over it. Remember, these birds can hop, skip and jump, too. 3- Pond construction dictates here that we do not provide predator "feeding stations" such as shallow areas or plant ledges (unless they are already filled with plants). It would be beneficial to use logs, rocks and plants (and whatever other structures) around the perimeter to provide protection from the walking predators. (Remember that we also have raccoons in most areas and some will have bears, otters, mink and goodness knows what else!) 4- Just because you don't see him for a while does not mean he's gone! He can out-wait you as long as there are fish in the pond. He'll be back! 5 & 6- I have seen them do this and it isn't pretty!! They are expert fishermen. Never underestimate them. They make their livelihood at this. The good news is that yours isn't the only pond in town. 7- People who use the heron statues have to move them around every day because these birds WILL notice. If the bird statue doesn't move, they know it is a statue. Also, please note that it could attract them during mating season (March-May in the north). My advice? Now, I can tell you that I've heard the best results have come from using a combination of prevention strategies. Use an outdoor radio with talk station playing. Have the monofilament line properly set up and have the pond edge completed so not to invite fishing. ! March 2015
Saugerties Chapter Holiday Party
oliday time is always a fun time all around the world. In our corner of the world, a town called Saugerties, known to be "one of the coolest towns in the nation," we celebrated the holidays in style! The members of the
H
March 2015
Saugerties chapter gathered together at the home of Herb and RoseMarie Ehrich for an afternoon of good food, laughter and the annual grab bag game. While our Koi are sleeping, we partied and planned! We planned for the upcoming Spring season. We talked about the many different ways to grow our club and the many accomplishments our new President, Jo Mead has achieved since being elected to the office. We agreed that volunteerism is optimum for success, but we are confident that the future of MAKC is on the right track. Once again, a good time was had by all. We parted to journey on with our winter plans vowing to meeting again on Sunday, April 19 for our first meeting of 2015.. !
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 21
Pond Protection 301 by Ron Kardynski, California
here is no better feeling than protecting your Koi pond from predators and having it work. My first line of defense started by visiting the home of Bruce Modetz and seeing his ‘netting scheme’ around his pond. At that point, the wheels started to turn. Taking Bruce’s design, I tweaked it by painting
T
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the conduit poles black. Then, added black painted tennis balls to the top of the poles in order to make pulling the net taunt a breeze. This protection worked great and after a while we got accustomed to view the poles and net structure. Dave & Julie Buttigieg came over and liked the idea with one change. Our next improvement came after visiting them. They had the same basic design except they cut their support poles down to about 24˝ to 30˝. This turned out to be less offensive to the eye than the 4´ to 5´ poles and side nets. The improved design eliminated the side curtains by pulling the net over the poles and to the ground. This design made it possible to look down and clearly see the Koi.
March 2015
The next day, pipe cutter in hand I cut my front poles down to 2´ and my back poles to 3´. When I stretched the net over the poles it made a natural slope. An added bonus is with a little wind it keeps the leaves off. The true test came a few weeks ago when Sue ran to the garage with concern in her voice and told me to quickly go to the pond. To our disbelief there was Mr. Heron walking on top of our net observing the Koi. Before chasing him off, I was able to get the picture above. He did come back later that day, stayed awhile but left disappointed, hungry and never to be seen again! (We hope.) Mr. Heron’s dinner plans were foiled by club members sharing ideas to develop an effective way to protect their ponds. ! Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 23
Fins and Flowers
Answers on page 42.
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March 2015
Distraught Couple Removes 6,000-gallon Pond After Visit From Hungry Otter by Mark Duell, England
‘devastated’ couple was forced to remove a 6,000-gallon pond from their garden after 200 of their prized fish worth a total of £10,000 were eaten by an otter.
A
Linda and Alan Brown, both 60, said the huge pond in the garden of their home in Thetford, Norfolk, which contained about 150 goldfish and 50 other fish, was the talk of the local neighborhood. Wildlife including ducks, herons, kingfishers, frogs, newts and even snakes would visit the pond, and children would feed the goldfish, Koi carp, mirror carp and ghost carp - some weighing up to 25lbs. But when the couple returned home after a month-long visit to see their daughter in March 2015
New Zealand last week they found that an otter had treated itself to a free meal. Their neighbor had been left to clear up the halfeaten, rotting fish that were left sprawled on the decking around the pond, which has now been removed to avoid giving the otter any more to eat.
Mrs. Brown said: ‘People would come and bring their children to see all the fish and the wildlife. It was devastating for us because they were so beautiful and had been a part of our life for 25 years. ‘We had a good fence around the pond, a net over the top, but there is no way you could stop an otter getting in. We will not see the same wildlife visiting our garden anymore. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 25
‘We are not giving the otter another chance to kill or mutilate any more fish. That wildlife won't be in our garden now and maybe not in other gardens either after the otter has visited their ponds. ‘The otters just eat the livers and the kidneys so they just left the carcasses of the fish all over our garden and our neighbor was left to clear it up while we were away.’ The music shop worker added: ‘Some of the larger fish like the Koi and the other colorful carps altogether could be worth around the £10,000 mark. Money isn't the issue though, we loved these fish and they had been a part of our lives for so long. It's just really devastating.’
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A national pot of money is available to contribute towards the cost of electric fencing seen as the best way to protect the fish. But Mrs. Brown felt that not enough was done to let people know about the cash and she feels that more needs to be done to educate other pond owners. She added: “We didn't know about this and haven't seen it advertised anywhere and it's taken an otter to destroy our pond for us to find out about it. We have nets and things for child safety and to stop animals getting in but it wouldn't stop an otter. We need proper protection.” “Otters are cute, they really are, especially when they are lying on their backs and playing with the fish. But I feel the people who released these otters back into the Norfolk Rivers haven't looked into this enough.” !
March 2015
hen I confessed a few weeks ago that I had a bit of a raccoon problem in my garden and was buying coyote urine to repel them, I had no idea I had joined the ranks of some of the most exasperated and unstable people in all of Southern California.
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It turns out that from Santa Barbara to San Diego, homeowners are at war with raccoons living in their attics, under their houses and in their yards. My readers inform me that raccoons are stealing fish from their Koi ponds, trying to drown their dogs and breaking into their houses in search of food. To read my mail, you'd think this was one of the great untold stories of California. People seem to be outnumbered and outwitted, trying to scare the varmints off with Christmas lights, Page 28 Mid-Atlantic Koi
smoke bombs, electrified fences and rubber reptiles. "I have tried everything," said a desperate reader named Sherwood. "Loud, terribly annoying electronic buzzer [that the neighbors absolutely hated], coyote urine, humane trap and tuna fish mixed with antifreeze - nothing, nothing has worked." Remind me never to have a sandwich with this guy. Tuna fish and antifreeze? He wasn't the only one who'd gone around the bend. David Browne suggested spiking Coke or Pepsi with Blue Streak fly poison. "Give up on coyote urine," said David H. Goodwin, who moved on to cheese soaked in antifreeze and mixed with rat poison. When that didn't work, he said, "I was finally able to smoke March 2015
them out with a smoke bomb made for gophers [Home Depot]. My only other advice is to give up and move." Larry Maxcy of Yucca Valley was one of several people who suggested trapping raccoons with peanut butter, but his recipe was different from most. "Mix four parts of peanut butter and one part of Portland cement, and roll into bonbons," he said. Thanks, but I wanted to be able to say no animals were harmed in the writing of these columns. Maxcy also suggested what he called a more SPCA-friendly offering. "Roll up some peanut butter bonbons and insert small pieces of frozen jalapeno peppers into them." Sounded to me like Maxcy had hosted one too many Super Bowl parties. Other readers recommended a less militant strategy, if not outright surrender. "You really have the wrong approach to the raccoon issue," wrote Bob Schauer of Long Beach. "We've had raccoons for years [they were here first, actually], and we have come up with a simple solution. We FEED them!" "They are partial to cat kibble," Schauer said. "And we leave out a big bowl of water [raccoons are fastidious creatures and like to wash up after meals]." Just what I always wanted. Pet raccoons. "We live in Ojai," said Chris Shepherd. "If you find a reasonable solution, short of coyote urine or a 12-gauge, please let me know or publish in your column. They are driving us crazy." Mary Baruch has given up. "I have a smart raccoon," she said. "When I set a trap in the March 2015
backyard, he digs up the front. I read an article in the Bakersfield paper, and it said they are smarter than you are and we will have to learn to live with them. Good luck." Thanks a lot, Mary. After rejecting her neighbors' suggestions of "wrist rockets, pellet guns, harpoons" and other weapons, Dee Nelson says, her embattled husband took up night patrol. But he'd eventually doze off on the couch, and of course, that's when the raccoons went to work. In the end, Nelson thinks what drove the raccoons away was the fear of her obsessed husband, who once woke up in time to maniacally chase them into the street. John and Marjorie Francis of San Dimas, who may be watching too much of the Food Network, suggested a potion of garlic and water pureed in the Cuisinart and drizzled around the yard. Cindi Kane of the Coastal Animal Services Authority in San Clemente told me to try a "scarecrow motion detector" sprinkler that guns down squirrels with a jet stream. Others, including Marjorie Noyes of Chula Vista, recommended professional trappers. But Susan Groesbeck gave me some doubts about trappers, saying she pulled up to a stoplight near UCLA and saw an unusual sight in a nearby car. "I said, 'Hey, you have a raccoon on your shoulder.� ‘Turned out to be a trapper who informed Groesbeck he had another raccoon on his lap and five skunks in the back. I don't know how some of my readers made such discoveries, but Bob Gale is convinced that bars of white Dial soap - they have to be white and they have to be Dial - will drive raccoons away if left in the yard. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 29
In Woodland Hills, William Schneck hired a trapper who baited a cage with cantaloupe. Schneck looked outside one night to see a Houdini-like raccoon eating the cantaloupe outside the cage. The trapper retired. When Janet Paulson's neighbor lost a battle with raccoons, she was moved to poetry. "Raccoons are digging up all of my sod, I've cursed them to Satan, and I’ve pleaded to God." Actress Eva Marie Saint and husband Jeff Hayden suffered for years in Santa Barbara, gave up on trapping and decided instead to try a chemical spray to kill the grubs the raccoons were dining on. "You have to repeat the treatment a couple of times a year, as I recall," Hayden said. "But it works!" Here's another winner: "Nothing worked until I bought two rubber coral snakes at a toy store," said Bill Borgers, Sr. Jim Hughes suggested setting an AM-FM receiver near the offending creatures and tuning into talk radio, a sure-fire repellent. "That, along with having motion sensor lights in the backyard, did the trick," he said. I don't know. I think I'd rather be subjected to raccoons than to talk radio. Ron and Erin Smelser suggested that urine isn't a bad way to go, but they recommended against relying on coyotes. "Take a 6-pack of your favorite beer," they advised. "Drink copious amounts of said beer. This is key: DO NOT GO TO THE BATHROOM. Go out into your yard."
I like the idea, but I'd probably end up getting arrested for indecent exposure. In the end, I decided to go with two popular reader recommendations - mothballs and cayenne pepper. "Shake the cayenne over whatever area you don't want raccoons on," said Alyce Harris. John Schulian of Pasadena backed her up. "It's a very simple process," Schulian said, "and if the animal-rights folks start bellyaching, you can tell them you're just clearing up the raccoon's sinuses." To be honest, I don't know what kind of credentials some of these people have. But Hugh Taylor, a Caltech professor, was one of several who suggested mothballs. The guy's in the geological and planetary sciences department, so he must know something. And so one night, more than a week ago, I went outside and sprinkled cayenne pepper on one side of my yard. I sprinkled mothballs on the other. I don't know if I've won the war or if the raccoons are plotting a monstrous insurgency, but so far, so good. And to think I was about to try the six-pack suggestion. ! *Reach the columnist at steve.lopez@latimes.com and read previous columns at latimes.com/lopez.
www.makc.com
Do you get the picture? Page 30 Mid-Atlantic Koi
March 2015
Single Tail Fish Common Goldfish
• The common goldfish is classified as a singletail fish, having a dorsal fin. The fish possess a “torpedo” shaped body, and can grow to become from twelve to twenty inches in length. The body shape of the fish, while similar in appearance to that of a common carp, is not as deep as that of a common carp, and hence, has a more streamlined appearance when viewed from the side. When viewed from the top, the goldfish has an aerodynamic appearance, with the front and rear of the fish tapering into a “torpedo” shape. The common goldfish possesses double pectoral and pelvic fins, a single anal and caudal fin. March 2015
• Common goldfish, while often thought of as red fish, come in a host of colors, including orange, yellow, white, olive or drab green, yellow-brown, and black. In prior versions of the standards, scalation in common goldfish was limited to the metallic form, but these standards have been modified to include nacreous and matte forms of this goldfish. • The number one criteria in judging a fish is the overall appearance or “conformation” of the fish. The fish should be free of defects and disease, and should swim horizontally through the water. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 31
• Scalation should be regular and even, and scales should not be missing.
Red and White Common Goldfish
• In metallic fish, the sheen of the fish is important, and coloration takes on added significance and should be a deep uniform color, throughout. In the case of matte or nacreous fish, sheen will not be as apparent as in metallic fish. In nacreous and matte fish, the quality of the skin becomes more important, and should exhibit a healthy glow. • Fins should be in good shape, with the tail fin being about 3/8 the length of the fish. The dorsal should be carried erect, and should be about ¼ to 3/8 the depth of the body. Paired pectoral and pelvic fins should be the same size, and should be full.
Orange and White Common Goldfish
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American Goldfish Association 2014 Goldfish Standards Variety Name: Common Goldfish Dorsal Fin: Y/N, Y Tail Type: Single Special Characteristic: N/A
Description
Points
Body Style
20
Coloration
20
Deportment and Condition
20
Finnage
20
Special Characteristics (color)
20
Total March 2015
Yellow Blue Belly Common Goldfish
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Weather and Feeding Your Koi by Linda Montgomery, KHA, Oregon as this been a mild winter or what! My fish are a bit confused; they have been very active and very hungry for this time of year, acting more like they do in the early spring.
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Do your fish appear hungry this winter? The question I was asked: is there any harm to feeding my Koi during a warm winter? My answer is there are so many misconceptions with feeding fish when the water temperatures drop to 50°F or below. One is that the food will sit in the Koi gut and the Koi will not be able to digest it. It is true that their metabolism is slower and their bodily functions slow down quite a bit, but that does not mean that they can’t digest. They still digest food, but it just occurs at a much slower speed, which means that the food will stay in the intestine longer. As the temperature lowers, the time it takes for the food to pass through the gut, slows dramatically down (for example: at 68°F it takes between 4-5 hours for this process). So at 55 - 50°F this rate can be significantly reduced to as long as 24 hours to process food through the gut. At very low temperatures the food cannot be digested and could sit in the gut fermenting and producing toxins. The good news is that Koi at low temperatures will simply
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not eat any more than their bodies need. This is because their metabolism slows down and so does their intake of food. The danger here is with the potential of a sudden drop in temperature. So when the water temperature gets down below 50°F, it is extremely important to be very careful in feeding your Koi and watch the weather forecast very carefully. If the forecast is for an extreme drop in temperature don’t feed your Koi. This is definitely more of an issue for pond owners with smaller ponds as small and shallower ponds will cool much faster than larger ponds. Another issue with feeding your Koi at lower temperatures is the issue of water quality. Remember that when feeding your Koi at lower temperatures, you must be careful to not throw in more food then the fish can consume in a couple of minutes as this will dramatically affect your water quality. Any uneaten food can pollute the pond and overload the system, which would, in effect, slowly poison your Koi by the deterioration of good water quality.
considered easier to digest in cooler temps. I have been feeding my fish their normal Koi pellets but I have been soaking them in orange or grapefruit juice before feeding. I have also been giving them Cheerios/Honey Nut Cheerios as a treat. They supply good energy with minimal nitrogen to strain your biological filtration and have low residue and low nitrogen…and my fish love them! I have been feeding my fish approximately twice a week (with the temperature close to 50°F) and much smaller amounts than I feed at warmer temperatures. I also try to feed them when they are the most active usually between 11:00am and 2:00pm. Remember that the fish do not need as much calories at colder temperatures. Interesting fact that I found on KoiVet.com: Did you know that for every ten degrees increase in temperature, the metabolism of a cold-blooded organism doubles? There are some reasons for not feeding Koi or fasting them in the colder water temperatures. These are a bit controversial but some are: • Fasting allows a female to reabsorb eggs • Filters are relatively inactive in the colder temps so more of a water quality issue • Is easy to overfeed if not careful • Fish that have unhealthy fat/overweight need fasting to use up that excess fat (my fish have never had that problemthink this issue is much less an issue in the Northwest). !
What you feed and how often you feed your Koi in the cooler water temperatures is also very important. It is a good idea to offer foods which are easily and quickly digestible and which contain minimal residue to stall the intestine. One pond owner mentioned feeding her fish Hikari wheat germ, which is March 2015
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 35
Treasurer’s Report
On the Road to a Koi Event March 7-8 Koi Club of San Diego 28th Koi Show San Diego, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds www.koiclubofsandiego.org
March 13-15 Central Florida Koi Show Held at the International Palms Resort & Conference Center on International Drive, Orlando, FL. http://cfks.org
May 22-14 Greater Louisville Koi & Goldfish Society Annual Show Memorial Day Weekend www.louisvillekoiclub.com/annual_show.html
June 19 – June 21 PNKCA Convention (Pacific Northwest Koi Clubs Association)
31st Annual Convention and Pond Tour and Koi Organisation International 1st Ever Wet Lab and Get Together Held at the Red Lion River Inn Spokane, Washington Hosted by Inland Empire Water Garden & Koi Society. Updated information see our website www.pnkca.com
June 26-28 Midwest Pond & Koi Society Koi and Goldfish Show & Tradeshow Held at the Darien Sportsplex. http://www.mpks.org/
Submitted by Anthony Vitale, New York Beginning Balance Dec, 31, 2014 Income Host Fee Refund Total Income Expenses Printing/Publications Total Expenses
$18,281.31
$46.82 $46.82
$800.00 $800.00
Ending Balance January 31, 2015 Saving Balance Club Total Balance As if January 31, 2015
$17,528.13 $6,325.57 $23,853.37 ❖
July 12-13T Tri-State ZNA Koi Show/Anniversary Event Held at Kodama Koi Garden Kodama in Saddle River, New Jersey. http://tristateznakoi.com/
September 13-15, 2015 ZNA Potomac Koi Show Held at Meadowlark Gardens, Virginia; for information see our website http://www.znapotomac.org/show.htm Have an upcoming Koi event, please send the information to makcmag@makc.com. We will be glad to include it in future articles. Don’t forget your own MAKC Club has events coming up that can be found in our digital magazine or at www.makc.com. We always need volunteers for meetings and shows. It is amazing how much you can learn by helping. Take advantage of being an MAKC member and participate in the club events. See you soon at a Koi event. ❖
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March 2015
M A KC Me e t i ng s an d Eve nt s MAKC Special Meeting
Saugerties Chapter Meetings
Sunday, March 1 1:00pm Held at Quality Koi Company, Inc.
No meetings scheduled for January, February and March 2015. However, we MAY BE invited back to Adams for a workshop. We will update you when we know.
Special meeting to vote on Bylaw changes. The guest speaker will be Mat McCann of Quality Koi.
Sunday, April 19 3:00 pm
Quality Koi 104 E Quillytown Rd, Carneys Point, New Jersey 08069 ❖
Future meetings May 17, June 14, July 19, August 16, Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, and Dec 13.
Chapter Vice Presidents
Dec 13, 2015 is our annual Christmas Social Event at the home of Herb & RoseMarie Ehrich.
Central Chapter Bruce Damme 302-598-8431 • Drbdamme@windcrestanimal.com
Contact Herb Ehrich for further information about upcoming meetings - email Herb at koiking15@yahoo.com ❖
Long Island Chapter Bruce Levine 516-477-1823 • kuba1953@aol.com
Saugerties Chapter Herb Ehrich 845-247-7105 •koiking15@yahoo.com
MAKC Health Hotline Volunteers Tom Burton
Middletown, NJ
732-671-7045
South Chapter
Jan & Bill Fogle Wayne, PA
610-687-3105
Alan Mickelson 301-332-7042 • alanmickelson@msn.com
Terri Janas
Ashburn, VA
703-729-2988
Jeff Nicholson
Odenton, MD
301-912-1928
Check back in the next issue for upcoming meetings and events. !
Send your meeting and event information to Carolyn Weise makcmag@makc.com Deadline March 1st for the April 2015 issue. March 2015
All members have microscopes and health books. In the event of a recorded message, please suggest a time when you're home to receive a return call or when you'd like to call back. Please remember that advice is given based on your input–the ultimate responsibility and treatment must remain with you. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 37
The Story of Artist Christine DeMarfio
n a beautiful summer day this past August, I placed a few canvases on my picnic table in my backyard. I am by nature a very detail-oriented artist, but this time I painted with abandon and allowed myself to create with an abstract hand and an open mind. These backgrounds of fluid movement were new for me and I was enjoying them.
O
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I became inspired to relate these paintings to water and the summer. Without a specific intention in mind I began by watering down the surfaces. I dripped on the acrylic paints, then swirled, blended and softened up the hard edges with a large brush. What the canvas revealed to me when I stepped back was a beautiful, deep, dark Koi pond. I thought to myself, how amazing the bright colors of the different varieties of Koi fish would look against these backgrounds.
Sunshine Column
Excitedly, I took my iPad to the local nursery specializing in Koi ponds, Koi fish and aquatic plants. With their permission I began taking photos of the Koi fish swimming in their ponds. I watched carefully as they gracefully swam about the pond while noticing how they followed each other and liked to be in groups. I also photographed their lily pads and flowers so exquisitely floating in the dark ponds. This is a beautiful little world I highly recommend visiting. My photographs excited me so much that I could hardly wait to begin. I knew that what I saw and captured on my iPad was going to be a great point-of-reference for my new abstract background paintings. To be continued. Here (on page 38) is one of the paintings I composed from my photos on an abstract background. My interest in art began even before I attended the High School of Art & Design in Manhattan. I continued to study commercial art at the Art Institute of Atlanta where I received an associate degree. My career moved me into the advertising field and lasted for about 15 years where I worked in Atlanta, Long Island and Las Vegas. I then moved onto faux painting the interior of homes for about 3 years and now I enjoy painting as an independent artist. !
s anyone celebrating a Birthday? Wedding Anniversary? New baby in the family? New fish directly from a Japanese Koi Farm?? Is anyone in the Hospital? Contact Carolyn.
I
Send submissions for our Sunshine Column to Carolyn Weise, Editor makcmag@makc.com â?–
www.makc.com
Christine DeMarfio • C.516.769.0367 March 2015
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 39
F..A..S..T.. Ads – March Disclaimer: MAKC and its officers assume no responsibility for claims of advertisers or the quality/serviceability of goods offered.
FOR SALE Remember any MAKC member can list their Koi, pond, or related items for sale here in your magazine at no charge. Please contact Joann today if you have something for sale. BAMBOO. Winter hardy and tropical for indoors. Thinning collection. Reasonable prices. Call Ron Altman, NY 718-442-1673 (Office) or 908-658-3055 (H).
F..A..S..T.. Ads Policy & Deadlines F..A..S..T.. Ads are available FREE to MAKC members only; no commercial ads. Ads are limited to 10 items and must include name, phone number, town and state. Deadline is the 1st of each month. Help do you have an hour or two? We need a volunteer to manage this page. Please contact Joann Mead 845-389-5712 jo_mead@earthlink.net
Page 40 Mid-Atlantic Koi
WANTED KOI. Foster Home. Large natural pond. Happy to accept your overgrown or unwanted “children.” Call Rich Menashe in Metuchen, NJ, 732-767-0720.
KOI. Wanted Healthy Pond Grade KOI over 10˝. Will pay reasonable prices. I have a 750,000 gallon pond and will adopt any unwanted KOI. Call Joseph Pollock in Virginia at 540-788-9222. KOI. Wanted for large deep natural pond next to soon to be built wine tasting room in wine country of Northern Virginia. Happy to accept any and all Koi of any size and color. Stop by and visit them next year when our tasting room opens. Call Mark Malick in Purcellville, VA, 540-270-3399 (cell). KOI BITO MAGAZINES – in good condition. Send list with asking price, or call Roger Klocke 701-491-2803, E-mail at rklockejr@aol.com. Mailing address: Roger Klocke, 4805 Meadow Creek Dr., Fargo, ND 58104. KOI STORE EMPLOYEE. Looking for a knowledgeable Koi and pond hobbyist. Part-time, competitive pay. Outstanding employee discounts! Call John at Blue Ribbon Koi Products. 703-753-7566. MAKC SECRETARY AND MAKC SALES POSITIONS – are open; please contact club president Joann Mead for more information on how you can fill one of these positions. Joann Mead 845-389-5713 or e-mail jo_mead@earthlink.net !
March 2015
Mid-Atlantic Koi Ad Index
Next issue learn about the Goldfish variety the Comet.
Join or Renew Your Membership Submit Your MAKC Membership Form by printing out page 44 and mailing it in. Do it today, it only takes a couple of minutes.
ABC Pond Book . . . . . . . . . .19
Nisei Koi Farm . . . . . . . . . 8, 19
Hikari . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3, 8
Pentair Aquatic
Kodama Koi Farm . . . . . . 8, 21
Eco-Systems, Inc. . . . . . 8, 27
Matala USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Quality Koi Company . . . 8, 19
Microbe-Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Total Koi Food . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Advertise in Mid-Atlantic Koi! Ad Rates from $15/issue* for a business card ad to $300/issue* for a full page color ad.
Reach your target audience of Koi keepers & water gardeners each month and leave your competition in the dust!!
Contact Joann Mead at 845-389-5712 (leave message) or e-mail: jo_mead@earthlink.net to request information on our advertiser packages and/or a copy of our ad rate sheet. *With an annual 10 issue contract.
March 2015
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 41
Puzzle is on page 24. Do you have a picture to share? Please send them to the Editor, Carolyn Weise. makcmag@makc.com
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March 2015
To My Winter Wonderland Friends by Ron Kardynski, retired and enjoying the warmth in sunny California
riday night I was looking at the weather forecast for Saturday and saw that Michigan (MI) was going to be snowy and cold. Here it will hit 80, unseasonably warm.
F
The weather must really have been on my mind since I dreamt that night I was all bundled up and shoveling the snow on my driveway, followed by jumping in to make a snow angel.
The reality was that I woke up and to my disbelief I saw the white stuff on my driveway. Like in my dream I bundled up went outside to clear off the driveway. Just to top my dream off I went down to the ocean to make a beach angel. I guess the pictures says it all "You can take the guy out of MI, but you can't take the MI out of the guy." Love you all, Ron
March 2015
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 43
Page 44 Mid-Atlantic Koi
March 2015