Sunsites Gem & Mineral Club
Pearce, Arizona
85625
Attendees: Paul and Beth McKnight, Jeannine Paterson, Richard & Barbara Yeager, Keith McRobert, Larry Strout, Hanni Sigal, Jack & Cindy Weller, Ken LaFayette, Don & Harriet Krey, Ed Fenn, Carol Thomas, Curt Kelly, Don and Joan Hammer, Retha Brouhard and Marie Sherman.
President Paul McKnight called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm and asked for any changes to the minutes of the previous meeting as published in the newsletter. Seeing none, he asked that they be approved as published. He then asked each member to take a few minutes and tell us a little about themselves. Don Hammer explained the results of the lapidary class survey and asked interested members to sign up for the day and time they would like to attend. Larry Strout explained we shared the lapidary room with the ceramics folks and they would be using it on Wednesday and Thursday though we could use it on Wednesday evening.
Paul then explained the Web page was up and running and would be used to update members on events. Advertisements would be differentially charged to members and non-members. Persons living outside the county and wishing to be members of the Club would be offered a reduced membership rate if they received their newsletters via email. Randy Stewart has undergone back surgery and will be unable to lead the Saturday field trip. The Huachuca Club is going to the Baker Ranch in New Mexico for red geodes and our members are welcome to go along. For those interested a sign up sheet is on the membership table. Check the Web site for directions to the second meeting place. The Stewarts agreed that the Club could hold their summer picnic (June or July) at the Stewart’s mine site in the Dragoons. The March meeting will feature a wire-wrapping demonstration by Larry Strout, Bob Peterson, Keith McCord and Don Wells. The program for the April meeting will feature a U of A archeologist presenting evidence that the Chiricahua Apache were in the Stronghold in the 15th century. We presently have about $5,500 in the treasury. The Christmas party will be potluck with Curt leading the cooking of the entree.
Retha moved that the Club make a $50 donation to the Garden Club for beautification of the entry signs of Sunsites – Ironwood, Treasure Road and High Street, Jeannine seconded and a discussion ensued. The donation is a substitute for rental on the Senior Center, some felt the town realtors should donate. The motion passed with 11 ayes and 2 nays.
Retha proposed that the Club donate $250 to the Friends of the Sunsites Library fund. The County provides the books and salary for a part time librarian. The Friends provide the building, maintenance, utilities and volunteer staffing. Discussion points included we have already donated to the Bookmobile this year, in the past we have donated books and perhaps the Club could donate an item for the auction at Elegant Dessert Night. Paul suggested we refer this matter to the Board.
Larry moved and Beth seconded the motion to adjourn at 7:45 pm.
After refreshments Randy Stewart explained the intricacies of locating and laying claim to a gold mine and the results they have had to date with their mine in the Dragoons. Considerable discussion followed his presentation.
Members interested in lapidary agreed to hold one class on Wednesday evening and one class on Saturday afternoon with Larry Strout instructing both classes.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald A. Hammer, Secretary