Author: Club Secretary

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April, 2023, General Meeting Minutes

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

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5/1/2023 Board Meeting Minutes

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

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3/20/23 General Meeting Minutes, Volunteeer info

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

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3/6/23 Board Meeting Minutes

6 pm – Meeting was called to order by President Candi Gerard at the Portal Way Clubhouse.

Secretary Report (Trevor): Upcoming Seattle Mineral Market, flyers sent to mall

Treasurer Report (Deb): < $100 purchase for a fire extinguisher at mall. We need to update our address with insurance provider to reflect 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy as opposed to “Bellis Fair.”

Membership (Wes): 2 recent renewals

Federation (Michael): 3/18 Proposed field trip near Hood Canal, don’t have details

Lapidary (Gordy): The lap room has been filled up recently with 4 occupants on Thursdays, should we overflow to another weeknight? (Next intro class is in April.)

SHOW (Wes): Security with Fire Dept. fell thru – already booked. Bonnie suggests local Eagle Scout troop for the overnight Friday and Saturday. She will follow up. 21 display cases to be filled, will have to get creative with placement. Club members can drop by the mall to sign up for various volunteer tasks during the show.

We have enough trucks for transporting material to/from the show, thank you!

Vending space all filled up, full fee due by the weekend of the show

President Report (Candi): Grants burgers will be the food vendor for our show.  Should we do another summer picnic in August? Rock exchange with Tulip City put on back burner until after show. 

We were featured on Whatcom Talks website – great article about the club: HERE

Scholarships (Todd): 3 eligible applicants; motion by Deb to award all three $1000 was put to a vote. The vote passed unanimously with all in favor. (Trevor will follow up with a congratulatory letter to recipients.) Traditionally, they accept funds at  ~4 pm Sunday at the show.

Cascade Daily – Todd sent a flyer about the show. He also has cones/signs for the parking lot Friday 3/24.

Bonnie mentioned critters & painted rocks for the show, we anticipate about 200 to hand out.

Ralph will confirm with Westside Pizza about the food for volunteers Friday. Bellis Fair mall will be closed Easter Sunday 4/09 – do we want to participate in a mall-wide egg hunt Saturday the 8th? He will clarify about the eggs. Diligence requested of mall volunteers due to broken/missing items.

General: interested folks want to share knapping, faceting, Tourmaline, Tucson Gem show presentations/demonstrations at upcoming meetings. We can discuss more about the schedule after the show.

7:15 Meeting adjourned. Notes submitted by Trevor Duncan.

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2/20/23 General Meeting Minutes

7:06pm: Meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard at 2007 Cherry St. Ferndale, WA 98248

*Raffle* guest Joe, and member Violet won. Congratulations!

Presidents Report: Shared articles about lab created diamond terminology. Glenn from Hawaii sent a copy of their mineral society newsletter. Next month’s (March) meeting will be centered around the gem show, no show and tell. Club books for sale on the side tables, please check out with Deb.

Secretary Report: Tulip City, MI wants to do a rock/mineral exchange. By filling up a large flat rate box and sending through the mail. Flyers available for 3 upcoming nearby gem shows.

Treasurers Report: Incoming – dues, club sales, donations. Outgoing – grit, belts, nametags, saw oil, NFMS dues, show fliers, books for store, business cards, table rentals, postage to FL. Savings are looking good.

Membership: 2 new members in February; welcome to new members who joined at tonight’s meeting. 

Show updates: will need help to load/unload UHAUL on Friday 3/24 at Candi & Gordy’s house. Please sign up if you’d like to utilize a display case. Still looking into food truck options. For those with access to a pick-up truck, please check in with Wes about transporting rocks to & from the show. Volunteers are what make the show possible, thank you in advance to all who plan to help with door prizes, spinning wheel, greeters, club sales, etc. Wes has a map for the vendors, spaces will be marked with tape the day of set up.

Federation / Mineral Council: NW Mineralogical Society currently has 67 active clubs in AK, WA, ID, MT, OR. *UT. Big show in Billings, MT 8/3-8/6. Talk of a 2024 show in Hermiston, OR but dates not yet announced. Did anyone go on the S. Skagit field trip with Ed on 2/18? Next proposed excursion is for March 18th at Beaver Valley, near Port Ludlow, WA for Calcite, Copper, Pyrite.

Chad informed us about the WPMA Gold & Mineral show – this was their best year yet, expanding beyond “just” gold into gems, minerals. The Everett show is upcoming at the Monroe Fairgrounds. The WPMA includes WA, OR, ID, MT. Cost of membership is $65 first year, $50 annual renewal. Membership provides access to multiple Carl Carlson Ellensburg Blue claims.

Todd shared a new page on our website about volunteering for the show. It can be viewed HERE. 

Important items the club needs help with for our show:

#1 Display cases – pick a theme, label items in big letters for legibility. 

#2 Critters & Painted rocks – we need more before the show

#3 Loading the truck at the Gerard’s Friday morning, unloading at the venue

#4 Greeters to hand out rocks, help with door prizes, ticket sales, collect donations, etc.

     Spinning wheel $.50-$1/spin, club sales (cash handling, weighing product)

Sunday night we will all be tired, but still need help packing up and loading club property back to the Gerard’s

Break-out for snacks.

Big shout out to Walt Hekala for donating a plethora of items for door prizes at the show. You ROCK Walt! Thank you also for your presentation about Trapiche amethyst.

A few members shared rocks & hand cut gems at show and tell, then the meeting was adjourned.

________________________________________________________________________________
Club Web Address:  www.mtbakerrockclub.org
Visit us on Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtbakerrockclub
For Questions, Club Email:  admin@mtbakerrockclub.org
==============================================================
Club Retail Store, Bellis Fair Mall, Space 424 (JC Penny’s Wing)
Hours:  Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Saturday 11 am to 7 pm, Sunday Noon to 6 pm

Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary

Posted on

2/6/23 Board Meeting Minutes

6 pm: Meeting called to order at the Portal Creek clubhouse by President Candi Gerard.

Presidents Report: Dick Rantz, longtime club member, has sadly passed away at age 101. The club sends our condolences to his family, including wife ErmaDeanne, sons Tom, John & his wife Maryann and grandchildren. Motion granted to send flowers to Ermadeanne on behalf of the club. 

Secretary Report: Tulip City, MI club reached out last November about a rock exchange. Board votes to participate, will request donations from the club at February meeting. Still have not procured a mobile phone as we are waiting to see how the new mall ownership deals with the [lack of public] wi-fi situation. 

Treasurer’s Report: recent expenses include NFMS dues, mailing costs for flyers, books for the store, business cards for name tags, table rentals for show, mail/postage to send mall space rent to FL.

Federation: No dates set yet for Hermiston, OR show. Mineral Council website not up-to-date with field trips, but word of Bar Hill hike for blue agates. 

Membership: 7 new members onboarded this year. 

Lapidary Room: Next intro class 2/21 ($30 – pay in advance to secure your spot). Our hold harmless waiver must be signed, and a friendly reminder to all who use the lap room on Thursdays: please thoroughly clean up after each use so we can all continue to enjoy the facilities. 

Show News: Todd made a new page on our website, HERE about ways to volunteer with the show. Members are invited to display their personal rockhound collections in a 4′ x 2′ x 2.5′ display case. Vendor spots are all booked. We still need volunteers to help load the UHAUL at the Gerard’s & set up on Friday, March 24th. Pizza will be provided for those who help. Candi is looking into the possibility of having a food truck onsite during the show.

February Meeting: the focus will be our upcoming show in March. 

Other Business: a rock-themed trivia night has been suggested, team style with candy or stones as prizes. The club has some 6′ or 8′ tables to give away – please let us know if you are interested. 

Ways members can help: Donate items for silent auction and/or door prizes at the show. Create painted rocks and/or critters for the kids spinning wheel at the show. 

Submitted by: Trevor Duncan, club secretary.

Other Club Information:
Club Web Address:  www.mtbakerrockclub.org
Visit us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtbakerrockclub

Mount Baker Rock and Jewelry Shop: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088585843699
For Questions, Club Email:  admin@mtbakerrockclub.org

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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12/19 General Meeting Minutes

7:00 pm – Ferndale Pioneer Pavilion. Meeting called to order by president Candi Gerard. Approximately 20-25 members in attendance, we enjoyed a successful potluck.

7:42 pm – new board members sworn in

7:55 pm – gift exchange

8:00 pm – meeting adjourned, cleaned up and appreciate the leftovers.

Thank you to all who were able to attend. Looking forward to seeing you again in the new year.

Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan


Other Club Information:
Club Web Address:  www.mtbakerrockclub.org
Visit us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtbakerrockclub
For Questions, Club Email:  admin@mtbakerrockclub.org

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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12/19 Holiday Meeting

The next general meeting is Monday, December 19, 2022, 7:00 pm, at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry St, Ferndale.  This is our holiday meeting, including the potluck & gift exchange. Bring a dish, and a <= $10 gift (if you’d like to open one.)

****update*** the club will provide paper plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery

Wear what you are comfortable in, and we look forward to seeing you!

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12/5/22 Board Meeting Minutes

6:13 pm Meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard at Portal Creek Park Clubhouse.  Attending: Candi, Deb, Wes, Dick, Gordy, Ralph, Sharon, Michael, Todd, Bonnie, Trevor

Secretary Report (Trevor): emails to respond to, will forward appropriately. (up to date as of 12/6)

Treasurer Report (Deb): Grit was purchased, price of step 1 and 2 adjusted (+$1) to $4 to compensate for price increase to club. P.O. Box renewal occurs this month.

Membership Report (Wes): 14 new families in November, 3 new this week. ~ 100 non-renewing families in October, will remind members at the 12/19 meeting. Distribution lists will be updated accordingly in 2023.

Federation / Mineral Council Report (Michael): Big show dates confirmed – 8/3-8/6 in Billings, MT.

Lapidary Committee (Gordy): Struggling to find low cost oil, either mineral or bio diesel varieties. ~ $24/ gallon, need 1.5-3 gallons per saw for lap room. Discussed swapping 1000 grit belts for 800 which was discussed; club prefers to have 1000 grit available as they are the same cost as 800. Treasurer approved proceeding with purchase of oil + belts.

Education (Todd): Sent email to WWU admin RE: scholarship/show. Received a link to check weekend availability for a potential rainy day field trip in January. A new page has been added to the club website with store info and pics. (http://mtbakerrockclub.org/?page_id=887)  Small discussion about a separate FB/ email account for the mall store. Trevor is willing to assist with a FB page.

Show Updates (Wes): Table rentals are $10/day or ($30/ table). Discussion about tables and storage. Can move 4’ x 8’ tables from storage to accommodate more 2’ x 8’ tables.  We also need to print many more ¼ page flyers for the show, which will be placed in the store in Jan.

Store Updates (Ralph): Multiple weeks with $2000+ in revenue, every vendor has successfully made a sale in the last month. Gift Certificate sales are up; would be useful to train all vendors on G.C. procedures.

Holiday Meeting 12/19 & Potluck discussion. Reminders: gift exchange requires that each person participating brings a gift. Sharon offers to handle the gift table and “ticket” system. Ralph will bring a cooked Ham. New board will be installed at the meeting.

Old Business: Hold harmless waiver for lap room – Candi presented draft ideas. Each person taking the class would sign the form to be kept on file in the mall. 

Badges; quoted at $1.67/each for 50 with magnet, $.36/each with pin.

New Business: Discussed possibility/ need for a dedicated store phone to field incoming inquiries. Interest in T-shirts, discussed pre-order/ gauge interest before placing order. Trevor will research phone cost/ options.

7:07 pm Meeting Adjourned

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Reminder: 12/19 Potluck & Gift Exchange

Friendly reminder that our December meeting on the third Monday (12/19) is also the holiday potluck. It is an expectation that everyone attending will contribute to the potluck to make it a success. Please plan to bring a dish. (Check your email for a list of item people have already signed up for.)

Suggest items:

Protein/ Main Dish:

 Turkey

Casserole:

Side Dishes:

 Mashed Potatoes

Dessert:

Please also be aware that beverages, cups, plates, and silverware are “BYO” – Bring your own.

Finally, there will be a gift exchange. To participate, bring a wrapped gift in the $10 or less price range. Participation is optional.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!