Author: T.C. Folsom

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January minutes of the Board meeting

January 2026 Board Meeting
 
Secretary’s Report
 
We have 134 members plus family as per Jan 1.  Reports were handed out.  We have a good number of new members and good membership renewals.
 
We need to fill out the report for the Federation but can’t find where to do that as they don’t have it on their website.  We will look into how to do that.
 
Tracphone:  We need to check the minutes.  People working at the store just keep an eye on it.  If it gets close, then give Tawnya a call.
 
Treasurer’s Report
 
We had another good month!  More income than expenses. 38 memberships processed.  Good club sales in the store for Christmas.  The club sold two tumblers.  
 
Expenses:  Paid the Rent for the Mall and PO Box.  
 
Acquisitions:  Gordy purchased some new thunder eggs for the store.  It was a Good buy!  He got a good deal.  
 
Federation Report
 
Submitted the collected scores for the survey that we sent out.  The highest suggestion to them was to develop scholarships.  Haven’t heard anything back from them about it.  We will be providing them with feedback about fees and benefits.  They will probably discuss it at the march meeting, which we wont’ be at.
 
There appears to be a problem that our annual show isn’t listed in the advertising in their ads.  
 
We will be reporting our membership to the Federation but as of right now they appear to not need it yet.
 
Lapidary Room:
 
There is 2 people signed up for this coming Thursday evening open Lap room.  We still need someone to volunteer to help run the room.  Two people would be good.  They would need to be vetted and trained on policies and procedures.  Tawnya will  send out an email and post an ad to members.
 
There is a Lapidary Introduction training and class on the 13th at 6pm and the cost is $30.  Sign up at the mall and pay.  Space is limited.  Members only.  This will qualify for you to use the Lap room.  
 
Annual Show:  It is going well.  There is only one or two spaces that haven’t paid.  We have one food vendor for Saturday  and are still looking for one for Sunday.
 
Need to do advertising for the show.  Need to set that up on Facebook
 
ATM machine.  The new guy was flaky and we ran into issues at the Rock Rendezvous.  Might look for another or will work it out. 
 
New Business: 
 
Need a new Director for 2026.  Michael will reach out to a few people.  New board members will be sworn into at the next meeting.  
 
Show and Tell theme:  Fossils.   
 
Field Trips:  The Mineral Council will have their 2026 field trips coming up soon in January.  The schedule will probably be very similar to next year.  We will try to expand our own as well.
 
Tables:  We need more tables for the new storage container and for the Annual Show.  2- 8′ and 2- 6′.  Candy will go get them.
 
Probably need a work party to move things in to the new storage container.  
 
RRR:  Last year  the Rock Rendezvous was self funding.  We are going to move it to “participating” members which will not make it self supporting but general consensus was that that is alright.  Limit to 30 tables instead of 40.  We will check to make sure that they are at meetings and known.  Will mention this at the meeting.
 
Should it be a one day or a two day?  General discussion that two days worked:  Saturday and Sunday,  Ralph will go book it for last week of Sept.  Make sure not to conflict with Seafest
 
Club Tee Shirts:  We would like to do a tshirt.  Seren did it last year.  We will check with her.
 
Bus trip to Burke museum in Seattle.   Summer or Fall:  Looked to renting a  15 passenger van.  It will be a Day trip.  Looking into group pricing etc. (possibly first Thursday of the month but busy)  possibly in the Fall.
 
Store at the Mall:  We are looking for someone to cover at the Mall. Saturday 11-3.  New vendor.  You can have a shelf.  Come to the store or Contact Sandy.
 
Classes upcoming at the Store:  Wire Wrapping on Monday Jan 26th –  $20, 5-8pm
 
Rock Tumbling, Monday January 12th – $20  5-8pm
 
Lapidary Introduction:  Tuesday January 13th  6-8pm $30
 
Tawnya will post on Facebook and send out a memo to membership about classes
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CHRISTMAS PARTY for club members

DATE: MONDAY – DECEMBER 15TH TIME: 7:00 – 9:00

LOCATION: Pioneer Pavilion, Ferndale

THIS IS A POTLUCK!

The main course is provided – ham & chicken. Bring side dishes! (fruit/vegetable/cheese plates, Salad, chips, rolls, etc.)

There is a Christmas Cookie table as well! You can also bring your favorite Christmas Cookie to share. If it is a “special recipe” bring 10+ copies of the recipe to share.

** Plates, cups, cutlery provided

Voluntary GIFT EXCHANGE: (not required)

If you would like to participate it is a bring a gift – take a gift. Gifts are usually in $10-$15 price range, preferably rock/gem related & fun and/or useful!

If you can RSVP that would be great to let us know how many will be attending so we can set up the correct amount of tables. Please try to RSVP to mtbakerrockclub@mtbakerrockclub.org by Dec 8th with how many will be coming.

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Christmas hours at the retail store

The store (and the mall) are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Christmas hours are extended (2025) and include Mondays:
Nov 28: 9-9
Nov 29: 9-9
Dec 1: 11-4
Dec 2-4: 11-8
Dec 5-6: 10-8
Dec 7: 10-7
Dec 8-13: 10-8
Dec 14: 10-7
Dec 15-20: 10-9
Dec 21: 10-8
Dec 22-23: 10-9
Dec 24: 10-6
Dec 25: closed
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Beach Field Trip- May 3, 2025

Kid Rock Crawl at Semiahmoo Park

(Ages 9 mo – 99 years)

Saturday May 3, 2025

9 am start time

9261 Semiamoo Parkway, Blaine, WA 98230

We will be meeting at the totem pole near the bathrooms next to the parking lot.

Come explore one of Whatcom County’s favorite beaches for collecting Rocks. This adventure will be geared toward school age children but all are welcome!

We live in a geologically interesting area and we will be discussing where and how the rocks that we find on the beach may have gotten there. We will also be identifying the types of rocks that are at this beach, and how to safely and responsibly rock hunt.

Bring your buckets, and boots and warm jackets it could be muddy!

Tawnya Crowe

Homeschool coach and educator

503-801-9564

tawnyacrowe@gmail.com

*This is a Adventure for Club members of The Mount Baker Rock and Gem Club if you are not a member the cost will be $20 (the cost of one years membership…then you can go to other cool rock walks!)

The info above comes from Ms. Crowe. Note that people can join the club at the retail store in the Bellis Fair Mall, mailing a check and the membership form found at our website or at a monthly meeting.