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Greetings and Happy New Year!

    Once again we are experiencing the gray days of winter here in the Northeastern United States. Some days are snowy and cold, while other days are windy or icy. Sometimes the temps vary and turn a bit warmer, that we call the winter thaw. This change in temps can be very challenging for koi keepers here in the Northeast. Our koi should be hibernating, but with the ups and downs and temperature fluctuations, this could be very disturbing to our koi during this period. During the winter, be sure to use a very reliable aerator, only a few inches from the top, to continually replace oxygen back into the water. I also use a de-icer which is on a reliable thermostat, keeping a hole in the ice for air exchange in the pond water.

    MAKC had a great 2024. Our chapters learned from in-person meetings as well as Zoom meetings.  In August, the Hudson Valley members traveled to Fitz Koi Farms in New Jersey to participate in their annual Koi-Fest. The Long Island Chapter as well as the The Hudson Valley Chapter enjoyed a presentation by James Rothwell. We are grateful to Jim for traveling to the Hudson Valley to share his knowledge and valuable information. The Hudson Valley Chapter ended the year at their Holiday Get-Together where everyone enjoyed a koi or pond related “Santa” grab bag. It was an afternoon of fun and laughter. A great way to end the koi season and to begin the Holiday Celebrations.

    We are looking ahead to a possible club trip to Japan. At the current time, we are doing the research within the club to be sure that there is enough interest in participating. Our hope is to visit breeders, parks and temples in Nigata and nearby areas. If there is at least 10-12 members interested, then we will go ahead and seek information from our vendors who purchase their koi from Japan.

We shall see what exciting events takeplace in 2025!

Best wishes,
MAKC Co-Presidents
Herb Ehrich and Rosemary Vena