July General Meeting Minutes

July 17, 2023 General Meeting Minutes

Meeting held at 2007 Cherry St, Ferndale, WA 98248. Called to order at 7 pm by President Candi Gerard.

Welcome to the 9+ guests in attendance! Congrats to raffle winners Francisco, Jeffrey, Michael

Secretary Report: Confirmed requirements for the 15 person shuttle rental at Fountain Rentals; driver must have valid driver’s license, working credit card, personal liability insurance policy. I (Trevor) qualify to be the driver on October 7th to the Marysville rock and gem show.

Treasurer Report: bills including dump run, light bulbs, paper & toner for flyers < $100, repairs to lap room 80/100 grinder, pebble ID fold-out pamphlets, tables from Lowes (incomplete order). 

Federation: Mineral Council gathering 7/22 @ 11 am, Gold Hill to dig for Travertine. Darrington rock show July 22 and 23. Next field trip during the show, starts at 10 am. More info about the show HERE. The next field trip will be in August, in Greenwater, WA. This is an overnight excursion, meeting up 8/19 at 9 am at the Enumclaw Ranger Station. Continues through 8/20. NW / National chapter show in Billings, MT 8/3 – 8/6. 

Lap Room: back into full service as of Tuesday, July 18th. Thank you Harold, Roy, Gordy for your help with troubleshooting and repairing the equipment! Friendly reminder, please sign up for Thursday lap room time by Tuesday, and pay in advance to secure your spot.

Vests: please contact Bonnie Keel, or reply to this message with your size and quantity needed. The cost is $35/ club vest. To order, we need a minimum of 12 vests to be claimed (any size).

Upcoming – club picnic, Sunday, July 30th, at the Gerard’s. (1371 Paradise Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248). Arrive as early as 10 am to socialize and/or tailgate. This is a potluck, so please bring your own chairs, beverages, plate settings, and a dish to share. Water will be provided. Food will happen at 1 pm, so please arrive by then. 

RRR: $10/space, bring your own table(s), we have a lot of interest, but still have spots open. The event is Saturday, October 21st. Members are welcome to sell their rocks and rock-related items. The event is open for the public to shop.

Guest Tyler from North Idaho will be hosting a three-day pop-up Mineral and Gem sale Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7/21-7/23. 10am – 7pm daily, address: 1407 E Maryland St, Bellingham, WA 98226.

Show ‘n’ tell was obsidian, we saw some incredible specimens. Thank you to all who shared.

We had a wonderful presentation about Tourmaline, a pegmatite gemstone by member Ray Cline. He shared about the mines in San Bernardino, CA and Mesa Grande. He broke down the varieties of Tourmaline and many different color presentations. Tourmaline is classified as a semi-precious stone and the gemstone comes in a wide variety of colors. It is a piezoelectric mineral, meaning that when warmed, it attracts dust and other lightweight particles. Thanks Ray, for sharing your incredible specimens with us as well.

Please email mtbakerrockclub@mtbakerrockclub.org if you are interested in taking the shuttle to the Marysville rock and gem show. Saturday, October 7, 2023. Be sure to include your phone number so we can reach you. We are limited to 15 passengers, first come first served.

Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan

June Board Meeting Minutes

Mount Baker Rock and Gem Club board meeting, 6/5/23.

Meeting held at Portal Creek clubhouse, meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard at 6 pm.

Secretary Report: It’s time to renew minutes on our phone for the mall – okay to purchase another $20 phone card? Voted – passed.

Steve Duncan placed an inquiry through email about sharing info with his club from CA to come rockhound our area. We agreed to tell them about the shop in the mall to pick out a book. The Bushman rock sale is still happening in Sherwood, OR through Sunday, June 11th. 14901 S. W. Glade Lane, Sherwood, OR 97140. Rockhound pre-estate sale in Marysville, WA 6/30 & 7/01. Details will be shared at general meeting.

Show Report: Marysville Rock & Gem Club, 47th Annual Rocktoberfest 2023, October 7-8, 2023. Discussed possibility of a shuttle to a nearby rock and gem show – Candi will inquire about rates & availability.

Treasurer Report: incoming – dues, donations, lap room, classes, club sales, space rent. Outgoing – kitchen supplies.

Membership Report: 1 new in June, 7 new in May

Federation Report: Mineral council has a field trip on Saturday, June 10th at Saddle Mountain. Map here.

The gathering for 2024 will be May 10-12th in Hermiston, OR.

Mall Store: going well, please be sure to collect the funds for scheduled classes in advance; if no-call, no-show, forfeit the funds as a donation. Get their email and phone #.

Lap Room: all is well, staying busy on Thursdays. May train Trevor on saws so we can have a third host soon.

Todd: talked about ways to use web sing-ups for events, also interested in having a presentation to the club about earthquake preparedness. Does anyone know any city or local officials that could help present/educate on the topic?

Old News: discussed grit prices, readjusted pre-polish and polish to $10/lb. to stay competitive. Bonnie shared info about vest pricing and the need to gather interest/sizes for order of 12+ vests. Upcoming member presentations: July – Ray Klein, September – Jim Fackler (flint knapping). Dave Sarna would like to present about faceting. Club storage clean-out to occur before the end of June. Interest in an AM field trip to Racehorse Creek. Reschedule Olivine/quarry dig from 2022?

Next Lapidary intro class: Tuesday 6/20, openings available ($30, must pay in advance.) 

Minutes submitted by Trevor Duncan

Next general meeting: Monday, June 19th, theme is Rose Quartz for show and tell.

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 Penney Wing)
Hours:  Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Saturday 11 am to 7, Sunday Noon to 6 pm
Phone: 564-565-0840

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

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.

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.

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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

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

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!

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

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!

11/21/22 General Meeting Minutes

November 21, 2022 Mt. Baker Rock & Gem Club general meeting minutes and potluck info/sign-up.

7:04 PM – meeting called to order by club President Candi Gerard.

Secretary Report: Minutes from 11/07 Board Meeting approved

Treasurer Report: Deb went over income and expenses for flyers, rubber stamp, rent, website, books, mileage, tumblers, and Halloween candy.

Membership: 7+ new members. (Welcome Jessica and Edgar who joined at the meeting!)

Mineral Council report: Blanchard Mt. was the last event of the season. Things pick up again in 2023. Upcoming American Federation and Northwest Federation Gem & Mineral Show August 3–6, 2023, Billings, MT. (Dates confirmed via https://billingsgemclub.com/rock-shows/2023-show)

Lapidary Report: things have been steady. 

2023 Show: March 25 & 26. Current focus is advertising; thanks for helping us spread the word!

Vote for 2023 Board – went over volunteers,does the club accept?

President: Candi Gerard

Vice President: Ralph Sisco 

Secretary: Trevor Duncan

Treasurer: Deb Gannaway

Federation Director: Michael Langley

Director-at-large (3): Dick Carr, Sharon Geleynse, Bonnie Keel

Chairs: Kevin & Kathy Mayock (kitchen)

The club unanimously voted yes to the above, and the new board will be installed in December for the 2023 term. 

Our next meeting is Monday, December 19, 2022. This will be our holiday gathering, as a club we voted to have a gift exchange and potluck. Attire: Wear whatever you are comfortable in. If you want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a gift, if not, don’t.

Coffee duties will be taken care of by volunteer Harold while Kathy & Kevin are away. Thanks for stepping in to help Harold!

Friendly reminder: intro classes, wire-wrapping classes, lap room time must be paid for in advance (at the Mall Store) to participate. If unpaid, a spot may be forfeited in the event of too many people signed up. Please provide receipts and make sure to get phone numbers!

Todd installed a new link on the website for DIY field trips. (If you have photos or info to contribute, please forward them to Todd to be included.) http://mtbakerrockclub.org/?page_id=742.  To navigate from the homepage > Field Trips > DIY Field Trips

7:20 PM – break for coffee and treats.

7:32-7:52 PM – Todd’s presentation about the Grand Coulee Dam and Steamboat Rock geology. It has seen been added as a PDF to our website here: http://mtbakerrockclub.org/?page_id=235

Homepage > Learn More > Links and Resources > Instructional/Educational/Suppliers > Geology of Steamboat Rock State Park (PDF Version)

Mall Store hours: 11-7 including Mondays through the holidays, 11-6 Sundays.

A sign-up sheet went around for the potluck at our December meeting. The following people agreed to bring…

Vegetable Platter, Dinner Rolls: Robin

Potato Salad: Michael

Turkey Meatballs: Jackie

Cookies / Dip: Ralph

Chicken Soup: Jessica 

Deviled Eggs: Trevor

Carrot Bars: Harold

8:00 – Meeting adjourned

Distributed by Secretary Trevor Duncan