MBRGC general meeting minutes, 1/15/24
Meeting held at Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, Ferndale, WA
Meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard at 7:02 pm. The meeting began with the new officers being installed/ sworn in.
Our 2024 Board of Directors:
PRESIDENT: Candi Gerard
VICE-PRESIDENT: Michael Langley
SECRETARY: Trevor Duncan
TREASURER: Ralph Sisco
FEDERATION DIRECTOR: Mike Marsh
WAGONMASTER: Need Volunteer
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE: Bonnie Keel
DRECTOR-AT-LARGE: Bruce Wickler
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE Alt: Sharon Geleynse
PAST PRESIDENT: Wes Gannaway
MINERAL COUNCIL: Michael Langley
Secretary Report: updated the outgoing name on emails from “Admin” to “Mount Baker Rock & Gem Club,” to help messages get past spam filters. If you are not receiving our messages, please add admin@mtbakerrockclub.org to your email contacts. Many inquiries about vending space at show – the show is full for vendors.
Federation: Mike M is getting onboarded, more info to come soon.
Mineral Council: Walker Valley field trip scheduled for 1/20 or 1/27 (depending on weather), meet at the Big Lake parking lot at (time?). Here is the official page, which has not been updated since December: https://mineralcouncil.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/fieldtrips_2023.pdf.
Members Michael Langley and Sandee Hess are working hard to find volunteers to lead in-person field trips in our area. The board has approved a $50 stipend to anyone who leads a local field trip. We would love to hear from subject matter experts about Swift Creek, Fossil Creek, Blanchard Mountain, Skagit, Walker Valley, etc. We need people to step up and lead the way in this area. Participation is key!
Lapidary Room: all is well, has been slow. The board has approved the purchase of 3 new all-in-one 6-wheeled (8″) cabochon machines. Candi and Gordy are getting quotes. We will update everyone with news about this, and decide what to do with the old arbors. Stay tuned!
Treasurer Report: Thank you Deb, for the last 10.5 years of incredible service! Ralph, our new Treasurer reports that the club took in $2700 from club sales, before expenses in December. Expenses included: Q4 mall rent, deposit for RRR. Friendly reminder, 2024 dues are due, if your family has not settled up yet, you can do so in the mall, at a meeting, or by mailing a check to our PO Box. An audit was recently conducted on the 2023 books by Ralph, Bonnie & Trevor. Everything was in perfect order (Thanks again, Deb!)
Classes at the store run by Candi, Sandee, and Bruce have been consistent revenue makers, and are conducted nearly monthly. Stop by the store to sign up and PRE-PAY to ensure your spot.
Show news: it’s coming up fast! Wes passed around volunteer sheets for each of the stations that require volunteers (greeters, silent auction, raffle, spinning wheel, etc.) We will also need help with setting up on Friday 3/22, and tear-down on Sunday, 3/24. The show is 10-6 Saturday, 10-5 Sunday.
Todd shared with us that he will present about OR and WA fossils at the February 19th general meeting. Our website also had 206 unique views last year, including spectators from Switzerland and France! Please be sure to check out the “DIY Field Trips” and “About Club” sections on our website.
After a brief break, we did a show and tell about Garnets. Thank you to all who brought a specimen to share! Thank you also to those who purchased items in the silent auction.
Upcoming events:
Rockhound Downsizing/ Estate Sale, one-day only, Saturday, February 3rd. Location: Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA.
Whidbey Island Gem Club 58th Annual Gem Show, Sat/Sun February 10, 11th. 9am – 5pm @ The Center 51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
Mount Baker Rock & Gem Show, March 23, 24th. Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry St. Ferndale, WA 98248.
Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan, club secretary