Bellingham, WA
Hello Rock hounds,
Exciting news from Jim Fackler, who shared with us the history, and a demonstration of flint knapping in September:
“I have received permission to use the Unity of Bellingham parking lot, at 1095 Telegraph Rd in Bellingham, from 10:00 to 2:00 on Saturday the 28th. I have several 10×20 canopy’s that will be set up if the weather requires. I will be providing the materials and tools. “
Please respond to Jim directly if you have questions and/or to RSVP:
Jim Fackler
360-434-0554
10/2/23 MBR&GC Board Meeting Held at Bellis Fair Mall, space 424. In attendance: Gordy, Candi, Micheal, Bonnie, Ralph, Trevor
Meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard at 6 pm.
Secretary Report: 5 people signed up for a shuttle ride to Marysville Rock and Gem Show, Saturday, October 7th. I placed calls and have confirmed with all 5 riders. Shuttle is FREE, so is the show. // Have we received any more phone calls on the mall phone? Yes, it is being used and worth the $20/ 90 days expense.
Treasurer: not present, but all receipts have been submitted to Deb.
Vests are available for purchase! $25 for members (the club is subsidizing the cost.) Currently there are (4) Medium, (10) Large, (10) XL, and (5) XXL. Bring cash or check to the next open meeting on Monday, October 16th to purchase yours! Other sizes can be obtained, but a shipping fee may apply. Thanks Bonnie, for making this happen!
RRR: it’s happening on the 21st! 10 am – 5 pm, Pioneer Pavilion in Ferndale. Doors open at 8 am for vendors to set up. Tear down is from 5-6 pm. Each space is 10′ wide, 8′ deep. Bring your own tables, chairs will be provided. We had a small discussion about advertising efforts. Next Door, Facebook, Craigslist, personal social media, etc.
We discussed options and possibilities to help the club auction on Monday, November 20th, run smoothly. Talked about having higher-end equipment and items on a silent auction table to keep the manual bids moving along. Trevor volunteered his house as a drop-off point prior to November, and for folks who can’t make it to the auction.
Donations for the auction should be brought to the Pioneer Pavilion by 6 pm. Bidder registration will happen from 6-6:30 pm, to allow ample time to run the auction.
If possible, please mark donated items with locale, and suggested retail price. This will help us group the items together in reasonable lots.
October Theme: OPALS, bring your best example for show ‘n’ tell. See everyone on the 16th at the next meeting!
Finally, friendly reminders:
1. Dogs not allowed in the Pioneer Pavilion.
2. To use the lap room on Thursdays nights, please sign up and pay the $10 fee by Tuesday.
3. It’s time to renew dues for 2024 – bring $20 cash or check to the next meeting, or pay in the mall shop.
Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary
Club Web Address: www.mtbakerrockclub.org
Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtbakerrockclub
For Questions, Club Email: admin@mtbakerrockclub.org
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Club Retail Store, Bellis Fair Mall, Space 424 (JC Penney Wing)
Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Saturday 11 am – 7 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 7 pm
Phone: 564-565-0840
9/11/23, MBR&GC Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
Meeting held at Portal Way Clubhouse, Ferndale, WA.
In attendance: Gordy, Michael, Wes, Deb, Candi, Mike M., Ralph, Trevor
6 pm – Meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard.
Secretary Report: Shuksan healthcare inquiry about providing on-site education. Discussed; the club does not have resources at this time to provide. Trevor will follow up with the inquiry.
Lap Room – trim saw by doorway needs attention, 400 grit arbor is wobbly, please check it out. I put the lap room “OOO” for the week of 9/11.
Currently about 4 people have signed up for the shuttle to the Marysville gem show Saturday, October 7th. I will make a last call at our open meeting on Monday, 9/18. So far, nothing has been booked through Fountain Rental, I can accommodate 4 riders in my personal van.
Treasurer Report: costs include store supplies, phone minutes. Just made a recent bank deposit. Unclear about current status of Insurance/ agreement with mall. “No news is good news.”
Reminder to start soliciting renewals for dues. October is officially renewal month, members can pay in the mall shop, directly at a club meeting, or by sending a check to our PO Box. New members that join now-end of year are paying for 2024 cycle.
Mall Report: discussion about vendor relations & sniping sales, general courtesy of other volunteers. One vendor may be moving around the end of the year. Current vendors are interested in taking over the open hours/shelves. In anticipation of the Q4 busy season, a request to keep products/merchandise off the sales counter when the shop gets busy. It will also be helpful to have more than 2 vendors onsite able to accept card payments, invoicing, and wrapping purchases.
Mineral Council: Little Naches field trip coming up. More about field trips HERE.
RRR: table space is full, thank you to all who have pre-paid for your space. Discussed promoting the event, where to advertise? Whatcom News, Cascade Weekly, Facebook, mailers to other clubs, etc. We need more 1/4 page sheets for mall, to hand out.
2024 Scholarships; will Todd by handling like in the past? (Todd not available to comment.)
Discussion about security for 2024 show. Stipend for volunteers? More information to come about this.
Meeting adjourned at 7 pm.
Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary.
8/7/23 MBRGC Board Meeting Minutes
Meeting held at Portal Way Clubhouse, meeting called to order at 6 pm. In attendance: Michael, Ralph, Dick, Deb, Wes, Bonnie, Candi, Sharon, Trevor, Todd
Secretary Report: recent emails regarding rocks & items people would like to donate to the club. I am currently working on coordinating pick up. We agreed to keep the phone at the mall plugged in to avoid it dying.
Treasurer Report: recent costs include: Tables (Lowes), reimbursement to Wes for tables, bearings and stabilizers for lap room, brochures, Mike Marsh reimbursement, wheels/casters, grit, honey bucket (picnic), store supplies.
Membership: 2 new members, 152 active emails on membership list
Federation: Show just ended 8/6, temps were in the 70’s with thunderstorms. WA mineral council overnight outing 8/19 & 8/20 in Greenwater. To participate, meet at Enumclaw ranger station at 9 am 8/19.
Lapidary: 3 new people took class and are eligible to use the machines, use of the lap room has been steady.
Mal Report: mall in general is bustling with back-to-school traffic, though it has not impacted our store sales positively or negatively.
The July picnic was a success with ~ 32 members attending. Any ideas on how to increase awareness or participation next year?
Vests: minimum order of 20. Cost is $35/each, two pockets and very sturdy. After discussion, a movement was made, and approved (all in favor) to order 30 pieces in varying sizes. Extras to be sold in the mall store.
Discussion about guest “speakers” at meetings. Please obtain board approval before inviting guest speakers, as we already have a series of presenters and curriculum lined up, and time during meetings is limited. Monthly meetings are not an appropriate place for our members to be solicited to, and gaining approval will help prevent conflicts of interest. Guests are always welcome to attend open meetings, to observe our club and decide if they want to join, etc.
September Meeting: Presentation about flint knapping by Jim Fackler, club member.
RRR: 10/21/23, Same day as Bellingham Comicon, also held in Ferndale at the event center at exit 262. Discussion about auction and whether to move it, will it interfere with RRR? Decision was made to keep all dates the same. There are 6 remaining tables available for RRR – cost is $10 for 10′ space. Plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, chairs, tables, table cloth, etc.
On account of Labor Day weekend being the first weekend in Sept, our next board meeting will take place on the 2nd Monday of 9/11/23.
6:50 pm – Meeting adjourned!
Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary.
Hello Rock Hounds,
Here is your reminder that our club picnic is this Sunday, July 30th, at Candi and Gordy’s house. (1371 Paradise Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248).
Arrive as early as 10 am to socialize and/or tailgate. This is a potluck, so please bring your own chairs, beverages, and a main dish to share.
Hotdogs and water will be provided. Lunch is being served at 1 pm, so please arrive with your dish by then.
Folks are welcome to stay and socialize and/or continue tailgating after we eat.
Looking forward to seeing your friendly faces!
~Trevor, club secretary
July 17, 2023 General Meeting Minutes
Meeting held at 2007 Cherry St, Ferndale, WA 98248. Called to order at 7 pm by President Candi Gerard.
Welcome to the 9+ guests in attendance! Congrats to raffle winners Francisco, Jeffrey, Michael
Secretary Report: Confirmed requirements for the 15 person shuttle rental at Fountain Rentals; driver must have valid driver’s license, working credit card, personal liability insurance policy. I (Trevor) qualify to be the driver on October 7th to the Marysville rock and gem show.
Treasurer Report: bills including dump run, light bulbs, paper & toner for flyers < $100, repairs to lap room 80/100 grinder, pebble ID fold-out pamphlets, tables from Lowes (incomplete order).
Federation: Mineral Council gathering 7/22 @ 11 am, Gold Hill to dig for Travertine. Darrington rock show July 22 and 23. Next field trip during the show, starts at 10 am. More info about the show HERE. The next field trip will be in August, in Greenwater, WA. This is an overnight excursion, meeting up 8/19 at 9 am at the Enumclaw Ranger Station. Continues through 8/20. NW / National chapter show in Billings, MT 8/3 – 8/6.
Lap Room: back into full service as of Tuesday, July 18th. Thank you Harold, Roy, Gordy for your help with troubleshooting and repairing the equipment! Friendly reminder, please sign up for Thursday lap room time by Tuesday, and pay in advance to secure your spot.
Vests: please contact Bonnie Keel, or reply to this message with your size and quantity needed. The cost is $35/ club vest. To order, we need a minimum of 12 vests to be claimed (any size).
Upcoming – club picnic, Sunday, July 30th, at the Gerard’s. (1371 Paradise Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248). Arrive as early as 10 am to socialize and/or tailgate. This is a potluck, so please bring your own chairs, beverages, plate settings, and a dish to share. Water will be provided. Food will happen at 1 pm, so please arrive by then.
RRR: $10/space, bring your own table(s), we have a lot of interest, but still have spots open. The event is Saturday, October 21st. Members are welcome to sell their rocks and rock-related items. The event is open for the public to shop.
Guest Tyler from North Idaho will be hosting a three-day pop-up Mineral and Gem sale Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7/21-7/23. 10am – 7pm daily, address: 1407 E Maryland St, Bellingham, WA 98226.
Show ‘n’ tell was obsidian, we saw some incredible specimens. Thank you to all who shared.
We had a wonderful presentation about Tourmaline, a pegmatite gemstone by member Ray Cline. He shared about the mines in San Bernardino, CA and Mesa Grande. He broke down the varieties of Tourmaline and many different color presentations. Tourmaline is classified as a semi-precious stone and the gemstone comes in a wide variety of colors. It is a piezoelectric mineral, meaning that when warmed, it attracts dust and other lightweight particles. Thanks Ray, for sharing your incredible specimens with us as well.
Please email mtbakerrockclub@mtbakerrockclub.org if you are interested in taking the shuttle to the Marysville rock and gem show. Saturday, October 7, 2023. Be sure to include your phone number so we can reach you. We are limited to 15 passengers, first come first served.
Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan
Mount Baker Rock and Gem Club board meeting, 6/5/23.
Meeting held at Portal Creek clubhouse, meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard at 6 pm.
Secretary Report: It’s time to renew minutes on our phone for the mall – okay to purchase another $20 phone card? Voted – passed.
Steve Duncan placed an inquiry through email about sharing info with his club from CA to come rockhound our area. We agreed to tell them about the shop in the mall to pick out a book. The Bushman rock sale is still happening in Sherwood, OR through Sunday, June 11th. 14901 S. W. Glade Lane, Sherwood, OR 97140. Rockhound pre-estate sale in Marysville, WA 6/30 & 7/01. Details will be shared at general meeting.
Show Report: Marysville Rock & Gem Club, 47th Annual Rocktoberfest 2023, October 7-8, 2023. Discussed possibility of a shuttle to a nearby rock and gem show – Candi will inquire about rates & availability.
Treasurer Report: incoming – dues, donations, lap room, classes, club sales, space rent. Outgoing – kitchen supplies.
Membership Report: 1 new in June, 7 new in May
Federation Report: Mineral council has a field trip on Saturday, June 10th at Saddle Mountain. Map here.
The gathering for 2024 will be May 10-12th in Hermiston, OR.
Mall Store: going well, please be sure to collect the funds for scheduled classes in advance; if no-call, no-show, forfeit the funds as a donation. Get their email and phone #.
Lap Room: all is well, staying busy on Thursdays. May train Trevor on saws so we can have a third host soon.
Todd: talked about ways to use web sing-ups for events, also interested in having a presentation to the club about earthquake preparedness. Does anyone know any city or local officials that could help present/educate on the topic?
Old News: discussed grit prices, readjusted pre-polish and polish to $10/lb. to stay competitive. Bonnie shared info about vest pricing and the need to gather interest/sizes for order of 12+ vests. Upcoming member presentations: July – Ray Klein, September – Jim Fackler (flint knapping). Dave Sarna would like to present about faceting. Club storage clean-out to occur before the end of June. Interest in an AM field trip to Racehorse Creek. Reschedule Olivine/quarry dig from 2022?
Next Lapidary intro class: Tuesday 6/20, openings available ($30, must pay in advance.)
Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan
Next general meeting: Monday, June 19th, theme is Rose Quartz for show and tell.
Club Web Address: www.mtbakerrockclub.org
Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtbakerrockclub
For Questions, Club Email: admin@mtbakerrockclub.org
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Club Retail Store, Bellis Fair Mall, Space 424 (JC Penney Wing)
Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Saturday 11 am to 7, Sunday Noon to 6 pm
Phone: 564-565-0840
7:05 pm – Meeting called to order at Pioneer Pavilion, 2007 Cherry St. Ferndale, WA, by President Candi Gerard
Guests: Nancy. Raffle winners: Nancy, Bill, Alex
Alex Newsom, our third scholarship recipient, told us about his project relating to the interpretation of magma flow below the three sisters in Oregon (specifically, the middle sister.) Working in collaboration with other teams.
Q: Are you involved in dating the samples? A: No, we are mostly taking samples by hand, about 50-60 samples collected last year. We are reading the element concentration > crystal texture. Other teams are taking other measurements. The big and middle sister haven’t erupted for 14,000 years, while the little sister last erupted 2,000 years ago.
Secretary report: Inquiry about stone from Skagit Mountain being used in home building, possibly during the 90’s? Wes reports most likely not. I will follow up with the inquirer. Second emailed inquiry from Crystal Heyer Letson; does anyone in the club remember her grandfather, Claude H. Heyer and/or his wife Eva? He would have been a member in or around the 80’s… no info available.
Treasurer Report: nothing new to report, just catching up on mail and show info.
Federation Report: nothing new from Federation, show in August from 8/3-8/6 in Billings, MT. Plans for a “late May” rainbow chert hunt in Verlot, WA.
Lapidary News: slow in the lap room at the mall for the last month.
Show Report: 27 new families became members between the show & up through this meeting. Show was a success! 1470 show-goers
based on door tickets. Thank you so much to everyone who helped with loading/ unloading. Things went much quicker than last year. We appreciate you!
Field Trips/ Wagonmaster: We need leaders who know where to go to step up and organize field trips. If unable to physically take
folks, provide maps, and an idea of what tools will be needed for the job. Thank you Chris for offering your knowledge!
Volunteers to bring snacks next meeting: Bonnie, Ralph, Edgar
There will be a presentation at our next meeting, including a slide show from the big Tucson gem show.
Places to get big rocks cut? The Princess Jade shop near Nugent’s Corner was mentioned as a “wire saw for hire.” Their posted details are:
Address: 3813 Mt Baker Hwy, Everson, WA 98247. Phone: (360) 592-1317
Discussion about the Amethyst and Himalayan salt rooms at nearby Ferndale facility Flow Motion. Located in: Carnation Oxford Building
Address: 1920 Main St #19, Ferndale, WA 98248
Reminder of the upcoming Seattle Mineral Market show at Magnuson Park in Seattle: MAY 20 & 21, 2023
Hangar 30 Building @ Magnuson Park
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
SATURDAY 10:00AM-6:00PM
SUNDAY 11:00AM-5:00PM
Happy 2.5 year anniversary to our shop in the mall!
8:03 pm – Meeting adjourned. See you all next month, Monday, May 15th at 7 pm
Attendees: Candi, Ralph, Deb, Wes, Gordy, Dick, Sharon, Michael, Todd
Treasury Report:
** City of Ferndale returned damage deposit (from show)
** Received last 2 weeks receipts from club store
** Received one vendor deposit for next year’s show
Membership:
** Five (5) additional members were added at the store the 2nd half of April.
Annual Show:
** Outstanding show
** All finances cleared
** One auction item & one raffle prize remain at the store.
** Thirty (30) tables will be ordered for future shows.
Federation:
** No new news
** NW Federation show scheduled August 3-6 in Billings, MT.
Lapidary
Activity is still good on Thursday evenings.
Mall Report
** Business somewhat slow since show.
** Mall management has sent communication to stores with guidelines for longer hours (including Monday). We will need to determine how this impacts our store,
** We will be soliciting possible new vendors (club members in good standing for at least one year membership).
Next Club Meeting
Next meeting will be May 15th, Wes will do a presentation regarding his visit to the Tucson Mineral Show.
Club Picnic
Discussion whether we should have a picnic this year.
It was agreed that we would have a pot luck picnic on July 30th (Sunday) at 1:00 at Candi & Gordy’s.
Rock Rendezvous
** Show scheduled October 21st (Saturday only) at Ferndale Community Center
** Tables will be only $10 table
** Members should bring their own tables
** Sharon Geleynse is the coordinator for the show.
Lap Intro Class
** Class is required for lap room usage
** Must be member ($20) and pay $30 for class
** Candi will be trying to schedule sessions each month
Marysville Rock & Gem Club Rocktoberfest
** Scheduled October 7 & 8 at Evergreen State Fairgrounds
** Flyers in store and at club meetings
Rock Sale (private sale)
** June 2 – 11 in Sherwood, OR
** There will be buckets and 2,000+ cabs
** Flyer will be at club meeting
7:05 PM – Meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard at the Ferndale Pioneer Community Building.
Door Prizes: Congrats Kevin and Sandee!
Secretary Report (Trevor): Upcoming local mineral shows (fliers available at our gem show.) Tracfone has been secured for the mall store. Our new number is 564-565-0840; please use sparingly and continue to contact each member on their personal mobile phone when possible.
Treasurer Report (Deb): Incoming – dues, lap room, vendor fees, donations, club sales. Expenses: supplies, receipt books. Savings are looking good, but will decrease after the show.
Membership (Wes): 2 new members this month
Federation Report (Michael): NW Federation show in Billings, MT 8/3-8/6. Ed has stepped down from hosting field trips, but there was mention of events in April. 4/15 & 16 opalized wood, late May Rainbow Chert in Verlot, WA. June, Saddle Mountain, July Darrington. Check Federation website HERE for details
Lapidary Room (Gordy): Busy! Cleaning party will be coming soon.
SHOW news (Wes): Friday 3/24, meet at Gerard’s in Ferndale by 9 am to load materials and equipment. Pull up behind Pioneer Pavilion to unload, get vehicles out of the way for dealers. Bellingham wedding company bringing 30 tables. Volunteers to set up cases, table skirts, etc. Pizza feed thanks to Westside Pizza for volunteers. Security has been rented to provide overnight services. Saturday, 10-6 show. Sunday 10-5 with 4 pm raffle drawing + 2/3 scholarship recipients will accept their check. 5 pm, breakdown and loading out. Thanks in advance to all of our amazing volunteers! Grants Burgers will be our food truck vendor at the show, please support them!
President Report (Candi): We still have openings for door greeters (say hello, hand out door tickets and free rocks to kids,) Club Sales: busy Saturday morning, weighing material sold for the club, taking money and making change. Raffle Tickets: $1 each, write name and phone number on the back to win if not present. A $100 bill is the top prize! Drawing occurs at 4 pm Sunday. Silent Auction: for kids and adults, run the timer and call the bids. Lots of fun. Spinning Wheel station: $.50/ spin, geared toward kids but anyone can play. Prizes include critters, grab bags. Sunday after the show: We really need help with tear down and loading out. Everyone will be tired, but this is a necessary part of the process.
***Volunteers – we recommend a good pair of gloves to avoid splinters while moving display cases, etc. Water will be provided by the club.
Thank you Roy and Michael for your help with the Fluorescent mineral show in the kitchen!
Next Intro to Lap Room class will be Tuesday, 4/18. $30, pay in advance to secure your spot. Sign up at the mall.
April 17th, next general meeting. Theme: Favorite acquisition from the show.
For members wishing to present or do a demonstration at a meeting, contact Bonnie Keel. She is our speaking coordinator, thanks Bonnie!
There was a brief break for cookies, then show and tell.
ADVERTISEMENT – Upcoming Event/ Vending Opportunity
Rock ‘n’ Wellness Fair
Saturday, May 6th 10am – 6pm
Rocks, Crystals, Minerals, Healing Services, Raffle, Bake Sale
Unity of Bellingham, 1095 Telegraph Rd. Bellingham, WA 98228
Club Web Address: www.mtbakerrockclub.org
Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtbakerrockclub
For Questions, Club Email: admin@mtbakerrockclub.org
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Club Retail Store, Bellis Fair Mall, Space 424 (JC Penny’s Wing)
Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Saturday 11 am to 7, Sunday Noon to 6 pm
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Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan