Category: Minutes

Monday, December 2, 2024. MBRGC Board Meeting

6 pm – Ferndale, Portal Way Clubhouse. In attendance: Deb, We, Candi, Gordy, Harold, Michael, Ralph, Bruce, Trevor, Mike M. Todd, Bonnie

Meeting called to order by president Candi Gerard

Secretary Report: Thanks Mike M, I will be sending out mailers with flyers for the show next week.

Treasurer Report: 26 new/renewing memberships, classes, club sales, silent auction. Another positive month with a deposit made at WECU!

Membership: renewing members are down from this time last year. 

Federation: Updating contact info, switching from Michael L. to Mike M. The Blanchard Mt. trip was a success on November 23, the weather held at about

50 degrees. The cut was discovered 36 years ago, making it harder to find crystalized stilpnomelane specimens. 

Mineral Council: nothing reported

Lap Room: Closed for December, as mall retail traffic picks up. There are 2 intro classes in January, next class is on December 10th. Discussed raising up

two machines by ~4″ for taller members.

<LAP ROOM CLOSED IN DECEMBER>

Mall Report: pretty good week with increasing number of sales. We hope things will continue to pick up. Discussed holiday decorations. 

ATM for show – $200 max withdrawal, $3.50/withdrawal fee. Can do multiple withdrawals up to your bank or card limit..

New/Old Business: Danielle @ City Hall reached out regarding a $50 discrepancy on check written in December 2023. Ralph will clear the books and replace $50 if needed.

Todd: new business; proposal to increase the $1000 scholarship to catch up with inflation. Proposal was made, seconded, voted, and passed to raise minimum to $1500/ recipient.

Our new board will be installed at the December holiday party. Bonnie is taking care of decorations, Ralph and Mike are coordinating food.

Action items: send out an email about the holiday meeting (completed).

December meeting: Fried chicken and ham are provided. Cups, plates, cutlery, napkins, coffee, and water are provided. The rest is potluck style. Bring a side, pasta, salad, etc. BYOB (NON-AOCOHOLIC.)

Gift exchange: up to $15 value, please mark masculine/feminine/inisex. Please bring a gift to open a gift, the exchange is completely voluntary.

Gordy needs help with rock cleanup by the Conex. Work party proposed Sunday, December 8th at 10:30 am, weather dependent. 

Remaining Mall Holiday hours: 
Monday, 12/16 – Saturday, 12/21 10am – 9pm
Sunday, 12/22 10am – 8pm
Monday, 12/23 10am – 9pm
Tuesday, 12/24 10am – 6pm
Wednesday, 12/25 (Christmas) CLOSED
Thursday, 12/26 regular mall hours resume

Gold panners at the 2025 Show? Have Chad reach out for contact names. 

Taxes/CD any conflict? Need to update authorized users of WECU bank account with change in board. Ralph, Michael, Wes.

Let’s send a big thank you to Candi Gerard for her most recent 6 years of service as club President. Candi, you ROCK!!!

minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary.

Monday, October 7, 2024 MBRGC Board Meeting, Ferndale, WA

In attendance: Deb, Wes, Candi, Gordy, Ralph, Michael L., Bruce, Bonnie, Mike M, Todd

Secretary Report: Discussion about trim saw in lap room, pulley puller needed to properly service saw. Motion made by Bonnie, voted, passed to replace the saw with a brand new one if it is deemed irreplaceable. Blade needed for 16″ and 12″ saw, plus two tumblers wanted for holidays. Approved to order now, replace when needed, and reorder at time of replacement to have blades on hand.

Treasurer Report: September was a good month, 21 memberships/renewals. Income from lap room, classes, shelf donations. Reimbursements paid out for field trip, publicity for RRR, supplies, bio diesel oil for saw.

Federation 2025: Wala Wala, WA weekend after labor day. No more printed newsletters, moving to monthly electronic updates on their website. HERE is the link: http://northwestfederation.org/

Field trip 10/13: meet at REI at 9 am, and also; Happy Birthday to Gordy! (The field trip was a success, thank you Michael M. for taking us.)

Mineral Council: Next field trip 10/19 – Index area for picture jasper. More info HERE

Lapidary Room: oil changed in the big saw, please do not write down names in the lapidary book until they have paid. With the lap room getting busier, people have gotten bumped. In the event of a no-call, no-show, fee paid will be forfeited.

2025 Show Chairpersons: Candi & Tracy. Do we want to invite the gold panners to our show, and where could they set up?

Mall: Vendor Meeting was held, mall holiday hours are posted and everyone is up to speed. An account was created with CNG (Cascade Natural Gas) to stay in compliance with our lease. Thermostat is turned off, temp holding at 70 degrees.

Old Business: RRR wrap up, many positive reviews and feedback. More info to come and arrangements will be determined for next year’s event.

Todd – Square card reader proposal. Discussion about renting an ATM for those without cash and unable to take cards. Will look into this further.

Discussion about scholarships and fine print. 

Vice President needed for 2025 board. Members can nominate a fellow member if no one steps up.

Discussion about field trips and $$ stipend, mileage, insurance requirements (only members.) We also discussed getting basic business cards printed for the mall shop and location of large stamp for paper sacks.

Next meeting is our annual auction, Monday, October 21, 2024. Board members, please remember to wear your club vest! Bidding starts promptly at 6:30 pm.

minutes submitted by club secretary, Trevor Duncan.

9/16/24 MBRGC General Meeting, 7 pm – Pioneer Pavilion, Ferndale, WA

7:05pm – meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard. 

Raffle: welcome to our guests, and congrats to Steve and Andrew for being winners.

Secretary Report: no report

Treasurer’s Report: 4 new members in August, so far 14 new members in September. (Renewals start next month in October.)

As of August, the meeting space at the pavilion has been paid for for the March show and 2025 meetings. Thanks Ralph!

Overall we are doing well with P&L (Profit and Loss.)

Volunteer opportunities are highlighted on the side table – we will soon start soliciting for volunteers to help at the show.

Federation: wi-fi is working in the Pavilion again. NFMS website HERE. 

Check out news, etc. as fewer newsletters are being sent physically. Find info about upcoming shows, events, etc.

Mineral Council field trips:

10/19 – Index area for picture jasper

11/16 – Blanchard Hill for Stilpnomelane. Click HERE for the calendar and more info.

Upcoming local field trips: Sunday, October 13, Swift Creek for Baker Blues. Meet up at REI in Bellingham at 9:30, carpool to Cook Rd. exit 232 to meet up with Michael at 10 am to convoy to the location. More details to come soon.

2025 Show: Candi & Tracy are chairpersons, sign up sheets will be at the next meeting for volunteers at different stations. Volunteering is a great way to learn about the club!

Ralph reported on the RRR – 40 spaces sold, a few no shows. 25-30 vendors sold their wares. Exit interview revealed the following marketing efforts were most useful:

#1 Facebook

#2 Craiglist

#3 Physical posters around town

Thanks Michael, Trevor, Seren for all your hard work getting the word out!

Call for board member volunteers. It is nearly time to vote for our 2025 board. We will have openings for directors at large, etc. Get ready to nominate and vote!

John Lindell reported that the event at the museum was successful, several hundred people came and saw the displays. Lots of youth participation. Thank you, John and Michael L for organizing this!

October Meeting: Monday, October 15, 2024. Annual auction to benefit our scholarship fund. Please bring donations by 6 pm, 6-6:30 pm is registration to get a bidding number/ paddle. The auction starts promptly at 6:30 pm. Bring cash or check, card payments are not accepted.

<Break>

Show ‘n’ tell. 

Meeting adjourned

Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary.

September 2, 2024

MBRGC Board Meeting, Ferndale, WA

In attendance: Deb, Wes, Mike M, Bonnie, Trevor, Todd

Items discussed:

Show chairman created posters for the March 2025 show. Is there room to add a QR code to our site?

Club Participation at Museum on Friday, 9/6/24.

Planning ahead: 12/31, current paid members (head of household) will be reported to the council.  Separate page > add new members

Good to go with SOS filing as of 8/2/24 – no further action needed until July 2025.

Publicity ramped up for RRR by Mike, Trevor, Seren

Ad in Cascade Daily for 3 weeks – we got a copy in the PO Box,

Meeting adjourned.

minutes by Trevor Duncan, club secretary

August 19, 2025MBRGC General Meeting, Pioneer Pavilion, Ferndale, WA

Meeting called to order at 7 pm.

Secretary Report: Two upcoming sales in September, Saturday & Sunday 9/7 & 9/8 Location:

Glen Ripper

21102 91st ST. E

Bonney Lake, WA 98391

glen311944@yahoo.com

Lapidary Shop Liquidation Sale, one-day only Saturday, September 28th

2124 E Grand Ave (Blue house)

Everett, WA 98201

park on street. Cabs, equipment, rough, jewelry, etc.

Treasurer Report: 8 new members, club sales up in July. Thank you Gordy for help with a donation, and raising $2k from equipment sales.

Expenses: insurance. So far in August we have paid for next year’s show and meeting space for all of 2025.

Mineral Council: Lake Wenatchee trip for Garnets will most likely be cancelled due to a forest fire. More info here: https://mineralcouncil.wordpress.com/

Red Top 9/7 – Central WA. 8 am meet up at Teanaway campground.

Next: Little Naches for thunder eggs, Jasper

Local Field Trips? tentative: Baker Lake / Swift Creek for Baker Blues, October 6th.

If you would like to lead a field trip, please speak up!

Show Chair: Candi confirmed in event of no volunteers, the president can appoint a co-chair, so she has appointed herself. Thank you Candi!

We will soon be voting for a new board, we will have seats available as Vice President, and directors at large. A great way to get involved. Be prepared to vote in December.

A big thank you to everyone who helped at the picnic. Special thanks to Kim for assisting at the Old Settlers Days, as well as at the picnic. You rock!!!

John Lindell and Wes Ganaway were approached by Whatcom Museum to assist with a display/greeting table on Friday, September 6th during the Paleontology exhibit. Setup at 10:30 am, tear down at 4 pm. This is a kid-friendly, family event open to the public. There will be art and fossils on display at the Lightcatcher building.

Ed Mosley’s collection is being prepped for sale. October 12, 2024 in Arlington, WA. More info to follow. ~1200 specimens, crates of lapidary material, tools, etc.

RRR: Only 1 spot left! Saturday, September 14th from 9-5. Vendors can set up Friday, 9/13 from 3-6 pm.

There will be a club info table at the door, volunteers wanted from 8am-1pm, 1pm-5pm. Please see Ralph if you want to help out.

Speaking of Ralph, thank you for your lemonade stand at the picnic that raised $100 for Growing Veterans. With his $100 match, there was a $200 donation.

After a short break, we enjoyed a show and tell of people’s favorite colored stones from their collection.

Next meeting: September 16, 2024. The theme will be a favorite acquisition from the RRR (or a favorite of your choice.) 

minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary

7/01/24 MBRGC Board Meeting

In attendance: Gordy, Candi, Ralph, Michael L, Bonnie, Bruce, Mike M, Trevor, Wes, Todd

Meeting called to order by president Candi Gerard.

Secretary Report: Katie from Sumas was very excited and grateful for our donations. Follow-up: I forwarded photos she provided to Todd. As of 7/02, new memberships have been processed.

Treasurer’s Report: $2775 expenses, $1990 deposit made, latest deposit of $900+ made in July. 3-months rent paid for the mall space.

Federation (Mike): Nothing to report, although a club member, Ken Fleming is interested in selling the club 295# (270 pieces) of thunder eggs for $2/ lb. $600 total. They look to be from Richardson Ranch and/or Lucky Strike mine. A motion was made, voted, and passed. A check was cut for Ken in the amount of $600. We discussed the ability to cut the eggs onsite at the pavilion. If not, we will direct them to the mall to have stones cut.

A change is being made to our club flier/ application – the info on the back of the removable app will be inserted into the flyer to use less paper.

Field Trips: no feedback received about latest trip from Verlot with Daniel D. 

Upcoming: 7/20 – Sweetwater for Travertine. Find out more HERE

Mineral Council: No news

Lapidary: large trim saw overheated multiple times last week; needs a new blade.

2025 Show: Tracy is co-chair, but we will need another co-chair for show. We discussed getting new table skirts, in a uniform color for next show. Green, Blue, black? Committee sign-ups are coming for the next show. We discussed the success of color coding / balloons at each station for next year. We would also like to update the scholarship poster to something more current, with Candi presenting a check.

Old Settlers: coming up fast, people are signing up to volunteer- thank you! We discussed show cases, tables, thunder eggs, books, etc. 

Set up will occur Thursday, 7/25 at 1 pm at the Pioneer Pavilion

This event occurs Friday and Saturday, 7/26 & 7/27. 

RRR: 32/40 spaces booked, 8 spots remain for $20/ spot, bring your own table to sell your rocks and rock-related wares.

We discussed publicity on Cascadia Daily – which is still in print, and they published our last show. Whatcom news, an electronic only media outlet will have a link. 

A proposal was made to give Trevor a budget of $200 to market the event online in the metaverse. Voted, passed. 

August Picnic: next meeting, we will have a show of hands for who wants a hotdog. Chicken, dogs, water will be provided.

Liberty Mutual insurance has been renewed. We had a discussion about “members only” at field trips due to liability policy.

Side note: a member asked to have a donation jar inside the mall store to help finance a cab machine. This was discussed, and was unfortunately declined due to possible  conflict of interest. All members are welcome to have a table at the RRR to promote their own business.

Meeting adjourned at 7 pm.

Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary

6/17/24 MBR&GC General Meeting

Pioneer Pavilion, Ferndale, WA 
7:06 pm: Meeting called to order by club President Candi Gerard

Raffle/ silent auction announcement. Congrats to members Devon (welcome!), Bruce Hurley, and Gale & Luca for being raffle winners.

Secretary Report: upcoming rock sale in 8/2-8/3 – flyers available at the mall. Katie from the Sumas Museum gratefully accepted our donation of goodies for kid bricks, and will tell everyone about our next booth at Old Settlers Days.

Mail from our insurance company – has been placed in safe at mall for Ralph to collect.

Treasurer’s Report: May was a great month! We made a healthy deposit into our bank account. Keep up the great work.

Field Trips: 

7/20 – Sweetwater for Travertine @ Gold Hill

8/24 – Marysville club trip to Lake Wenatchee for Garnets

RRR: 8 spots left @ $20/ 10 x 10′ space. Members must supply their own tables for this event on 9/14/24. 9am – 5pm, sell your rocks, and rock-related items.

Federation: nothing to report

Lapidary: All is well, new machines are really getting used, thank you everyone.

2025 Show: we have a co-chair person, but need more volunteers to head committees to help our next show be a success.

Annual Picnic: 8/4/24 (Sunday) – this is a family/ kid-friendly event. The club will supply water, hot dogs, chicken – please bring a side dish for the potluck style picnic. BYOB. Meet at the Gerard’s at 10 am to tail gate (Sell rocks out of your car), and help organize the club’s buckets in prep for our next show.

Lunch will be at 1 pm. Address: 1371 Paradise Rd, Ferndale, WA, 98248

Old Settlers Days: Thursday, July 25th, we need help setting up our information booth. Then Friday and Saturday 7/26 & 7/27, we need volunteers to man the booth. The club will sell books, etc. We recommend coming early to find parking, otherwise plan on a short hike to the Pavilion.

After a brief break, we enjoyed a show and tell of WA minerals. Thank you to John Lindell for sharing your rare finds with us!

July show n tell: Free-for-all, bring whatever rock / specimen you care to share.

minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary.

6/3/24 MBR&GC Board Meeting – Portal Way Clubhouse

Attending: Gordy, Mike M. Ralph, Wes, Deb, Candi, Bonnie, Trevor, Bruce, Michael L.

Meeting called to order at 6:02 pm by President Candi Gerard

Federation: Mike M will check with Pioneer Pavilion regarding the issue with the “projector not found” error message. 

Summary of printed pages for toner cartridge:

150 (600) RRR 1/4 page fliers

840 pages 2024 Show

100 welcome letters

900 applications double sided tri-fold

200 pages for 2024 RRR

~3400 pages / cartridge

Mike M will not be present at July or August meetings.

Lap Room: Rubber mats were confirmed for comfort, not functional, so it’s okay to trim them. Discussed tripping hazard. No changes made so far. Rubber gasket over glass on small oil saw is warped – Gordy and Trevor will look into an adjustment or replacement.

Mineral Council:

6/15 – Saddle Mt. (Marysville club) field trip

7/20 – Sweetwater for Travertine. 

More info HERE:https://mineralcouncil.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-field-trips.pdf

Reminder, there is a rockhound sale happening on Saturday, 6/15, If you want to come shop, meet at the Gerard’s at 10 am to caravan/ carpool.

Treasurer’s Report: Healthy income in May at the mall, 11 new memberships (65 new to date). Revenue from lap room, classes, RRR. Still working with COF (City of Ferndale) to secure Pavilion space for the last weekend of March in 2025 for the show. Ralph will be on vacation on 6/13, will not do a payout for a week, will catch up the following week. He will also miss the June general meeting.

Mall Report: 2 year lease signed with same rent, but small $50 increase for garbage service. 

• rented “as-is” (hot water tank)
• can lights getting hot – in talks with PSE for an upgrade
• clause about no jeans, t-shirts, or flip flops (not being enforced)
• Mondays – clause about $50/ hr fee for not being open during mall hours – assured this will not affect us

The next Wire Wrapping class with Bruce Wickler is on Monday, June 24th. There are spots open, come to the mall to sign up and pay $22 fee.

Old Settlers Days: we still need a few volunteers to pull it off. We need help setting up on Thursday 7/25, manning the table Friday and Saturday 7/26 & 7/27. This is a great way to support the club and give us a face in the community.

Vending Opportunities:

Jam on the River – Saturday, July 13th in Ferndale at Riverfront park. For more info, contact Heather Sheirill: director@ferndale-chamber.com.

Friday, 8/2 and Saturday 8/3 – Ferndale Block Party. Contact Ali Hawkins: ferndaleblockparty@gmail.com

RRR: We can set up on Friday, September 13th between 3-6pm, no overnight security. The Rock Rendezvous 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, September 14th. Members can pay for space(s) at the Club meeting (June 17th) or at the Mall Club Store. The cost is $20 space with a maximum of 2 spaces.

30 of the 40 spaces have been taken, so sign up if interested. 10 spots remaining.

Todd is updating the website with correct info for the 2024 show. 

June theme for show ‘n’ tell: Washington stones. If anyone has any specimens we can use for display during Old Settlers Days in July, please get in touch with the board to arrange.

Outstanding: Sedro Woolley club, whom are club members have requested to borrow tables for use during their show. After much discussion, a motion was made to collect a $200 damage deposit for tables, which will be refunded upon return of tables in the condition they were borrowed in. This is a one-time courtesy/ goodwill gesture. Voted, passed. 

<Discussion and agreement to continue having board meetings in the Portal Way Clubhouse.>

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary

MBR&GC General Meeting, May 20, 2024

Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, Ferndale, WA Meeting called to order at 7 pm by club President, Candi Gerard

Door prizes: congrats to guest Gayle, members Tawnya, and Trevor

Secretary Report: Katie Montague with Sumas Museum asking for help with kids dig kits – a few people stated they would help with donated items, etc for the kit. I (Trevor) will follow-up with Katie to determine how many they’d like, etc.

Field Trip News: Recent Mineral Council Racehorse Creek trip was successful with 20+ people attending. Fossils were located! Another trip to Swift Creek attracted 12 people who traversed the rough road to procure blue agates and geodes. Next dig is 6/15/24: Saddle Mountain, followed by 7/20 in Darrington. Find more information HERE:

(https://mineralcouncil.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-field-trips.pdf)

Upcoming local trips:

• Rainbow Chert in Verlot, roadside, kid & family friendly. 
• Cherry Creek – per wood w/ Pyrite included, cherry creek jasper (red, yellow, some w/ agate)
• Saddle Mt? high temps, trip will be closer to fall. Overnight/ camping, possibly two separate locations. Family-friendly.
• UV night trip – later in the year, when night time happens sooner. Stay tuned for more info!

RRR: ***DATE HAS MOVED**** Saturday, September 14, 2024. 1-day event, 9am – 5pm. 

• Access to set up Friday 9/13, from 3-6pm.
• THERE WILL NOT BE SECURITY ONSITE OVERNIGHT
• Must be a club member to sign up as a vendor – can sell anything mineral, rock, rock-related (tools, jewelry, etc)
• $20/ 10′ x 10′ spot, maximum of two spots per member (40 spots total available)
• sign up at mall – must pay applicable fee at the time of sign-up
• open to the public for shopping, so feel free to promote to help drive exposure/ traffic. 
• long-standing 20-year tradition for the club

Store Report: Excellent news – the mall has presented a new 2-year lease. Candi and Ralph will review before signing. All else is going well, club revenue has been increasing due to more interest in lap night with new machines. Tumbling classes and wire-wrapping classes open to anyone, must be a member to use lap facilities.

Old Settlers Days: coming up in July, we have access to 1/2 the Pavilion building to promote the club during the event. Set up Friday, 7/25/24. Event 7/26 & 7/27. This will be a great way to introduce our club to the public. Volunteers will be needed to answer questions, etc. Please contact Candi Gerard at 360-366-0121 if you would like to volunteer.

BIG SALE happening on Saturday, June 15th – meet up at Candi and Gordy’s (1371 Paradise Rd, Ferndale, WA, 98248) at 10am to carpool to the location. Cabs, slabs, equipment, 6-wheel grinder, etc.

After a brief break, we enjoyed a show and tell of everyone’s second favorite rock. June theme: Washington Minerals.

Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary