Ok......it's my understanding that Nikki is the new president of the TSHS......CONGRATULATIONS NIKKI......

As fa as members.....who knows. It looks like the TSHS is starting from scratch.

As George and Nikki had mentioned before, I guess it will be their #1 priority to make sure that the group is registered as a not-for-profit organization. This seems like a good start since it was never done in the past and thee wee a lot of opportunities missed because of it, as far as freebies and the like.

The major issue going on right now are the newly discovered laws in Ohio and the raid at the Columbus All Ohio Reptile Show. It seems that the federal government has been planning a sting operation with undercover agents and decided to strike a couple weeks ago. Some animals were confiscated, and vendors were fined, in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. This is a serious matter and knowledge of the PA state regulations on reptiles need to be addressed and documented. The TSHS should be a source of information for all reptile owners in the state.

As an open poll, what do you (the general public of Pennsylvania) think is the highest priority for an organization made up of reptile keepers. Our previous mission statements were:
1.Educating the public with programs and expos to ensure that they understand these animals and the importance they have on our lives.

2.Fully endorsing the practice of captive breeding as to provide for the survival of the species in nature.

3.Providing our members with information and knowledge, to enable them to be responsible keepers in our society.

4.Assisting as much as we can, the scientific studies of herpefauna throughout the world so that we too can understand these creatures to their fullest.

5.Providing an outlet for keepers in the area with a group that they can feel comfortable with

While all of these are valid points, it is my belief that more and more people are looking for an organization that will stand up for them (provided what they are doing is legally, and ethically correct)

Ideas for fund raisers were also a really big problem within the group. Small Groups can never have power to lobby government agencies unless well funded, and some of the ideas for fund raisers require capital to start. Yearly dues is hardly a source of substantial income, and I'm not sure there was ever a set fee for an educational program.

Other issues that would need to be address are, where to meet? When to meet? How often to meet?

Nikki's Job is not going to be an easy one, and I'm sure she's aware of that. With some input from potential members, former members, members of other groups (hopefully successful ones) etc., we can maybe give her some things to think about, and ideas that we can all build on. Please feel free to post whatever it is you want, suggestions, complaints about how things were. Compliants and comments on the state of the herp world as it is right now. Issues you think that a club like this should address, etc. It's an open discussion, let it all fly.

Thanks
Todd Evans

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