MBRGC Board Meeting, Monday, May 5, 2025
Secretary Report: Baker Lake agate hunting season has closed, the water is as high as the highest plateau now.
Treasurer: Deposit made at WECU in April, 12 new memberships. Discussion about CD purchase from WECU. Insurance Premium payment is coming up. Elizabeth has been training on mall payroll to serve as a backup. Thank you, Elizabeth!
Speculative conversation about Bellis Fair, economy, other stores closing.
Federation: Expenses to attend show in Walla Walla ~$750 for the weekend, including two nights in a hotel, etc.
Lapidary: Bad motor/ arbor has been replaced on our donated machine, which seemed to have rust and water damage inside the original motor.
Show Report: vendors at Everett show still praising our success and record turn out. Other shows over saturated with vendors. Some Everett vendors reporting 40% decrease in sales. Final count for attendance was sadly not captured, though we sold through 2000 raffle tickets! Takeaways for next year: need more critters/ kids prizes. Need to include verbiage about table capacity in contract for next year.
Upcoming meetings:
May = Candi Yellowstone presentation
June = John L. western rockhounding presentation
July = ??? (feel free to let Michael know if you want to present on a topic)
Old Business: Todd > Scholarships > most apps past deadline > spoke to geology department at WWU > scholarship portal w/ deadline in April. Is it worth collecting 5-10 apps annually, or letting the school/ department handle the funds? In this case, school would determine who and when they get the funds.
New Business: Big sale on Saturday, May 10th @ Candi & Gordy’s. Thank you to Dave, Karen, Judy, and Walt for your help with pricing and arranging the extensive collection. This initial sale will be 25% off for members (and is open to members only.) Gordy also offering 25% off his inventory.
There will be a second-chance sale also at the Gerard’s on Saturday, May 31st. 10 am. Location: 1371 Paradise Rd., Ferndale, WA 98248
<discussion> RE: Picnic in August, location, logistics. Candi and Gordy leave down for Yellowstone trip on 8/1. Tracy wants to power wash our stones. Also discussed cups, mugs, shirts, coasters, etc. promotional products available from a nearby vendor at the mall.
RRR: Folks can now secure their table by swinging by the mall shop, or sign ups will be available at our next meeting on Monday, May 19th. The cost is $30/table for one day, or $50/ table for two-days. Or $60 for two tables for one day, or $100 for two tables for both days. Payment is required via cash or check at time of reserving. There are ~28/40 tables left to reserve.
Further discussion about possible Burke Museum trip, including fees, transportation, etc.
May show ‘n’ tell theme: Anything goes; please bring your favorite rock or mineral to share with the group.
Meeting adjourned.
minutes submitted by secretary, Trevor Duncan.