Since 1991 I have been an active member of the Minnesota Aquarium Society. The club has been instrumental in making me a better aquarist and in encouraging me to stick with the hobby. I recommend that any aquarist reading this should find his/her local aquarium society and get active. ...and let me know if I got you to do it!

From the very beginning I have been participating in M.A.S.'s Breeders program, In my first 10 years I earned credit for over 170 species -- and I've had limited success with additional species (but not enough to BAP). I keep my list of BAP species on this site. Had I not been a part of an organized breeder's program, I probably would never have become as involved in breeding as I have become.

During my involvement in MAS I founded its loaning library, served as President ('94-5) and show chair ('94-7), Treasurer(95-8), and then headed the planning of our fishroom tour weekend events. In '98 I decided that it was time to let go of club obligations so that I could reach for other things, like writing and giving talks. Though I no longer serve on teh board or in any major position, I'm still an active member and attend every meeting (unless I'm out of town). I heartily endorse being active in one's local aquarium society.