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| Minutes of December 8, 2007 Annual Banquet/Meeting
The 2007 Annual Banquet/Meeting was called to order by Pres. Mitch Bowman at 1:52pm. 22 members were present & one guest: Gordon May. Thank you for attending! Minutes of November 10th: There was one correction to the minutes. Valerie Jones volunteered to donate Arkansas Crystals for next year’s Learning Fair, not Barbara May. Mike Hoover made a motion to accept the minutes as amended; seconded by Rose Morris. Motion carried. Officers Annual Reports President January of ’07 was the beginning of a lot of hard work by all of our committee members in preparation for our 2007 show. New officers began their year terms, taking over the reins from their 2006 counterparts. Some personal problems between club members were dealt with early in the year. Thankfully, most of those problems were aired out and resolved. In February, we worked hard to wrap up last minute details for our March Show. Two Scholarship applicants were chosen (Victoria Miller & Steven Zilenach). Our club continued the work of moving our club facility from our former club home of many years to Ernestine & Bev’s property. Jim Bretes was also organizing our North Carolina fieldtrip. March was show time “Gem Heaven in ‘07”. The show was successful because of all the hard work from our committee chairpersons and volunteers alike. A lot of time & effort was spent during the cold days of winter putting our Silent Auction together. On the 22nd of March, we lost a Life Member and good friend, Phyllis Drew. She was always at our show helping out in many ways. She will be dearly missed. April was a “wrap-up” of our show. May was “Field Trip Organization” month. Mike Hoover was working on a trip to the U.P. & Jim Bretes was making the final preparations for the North Carolina trip. June’s meeting was conducted by V-Pres. Dan Hovater. This meeting was a potluck held at the home of Mike Hoover. A lot of members were in N.C & therefore not present at this meeting. Our budget for the next year was finally put together during this month. July’s meeting was just plain scrubbed due to our UP trip and other interests. In August, the Learning Fair at Spring Arbor College was held. Everyone appreciates the hard work done by Bev & Ernestine Baldwin, Diane Good, Linda Henline, Mike Hoover and Lenore Semposki. Those attending the fair appreciated & enjoyed the “fruits” from their efforts also. Our August meeting/potluck was held at Mitch & Jeanne Bowman’s residence. A rough draft of our 2008 show flyer (Rockin’ the State in 2008) was present by Jeanne Bowman. Work shops began for our 2008 Silent Auction. A motion passed changing Article III – Regular Meetings, Section 1 of our By-Laws to read: “Regular meetings shall be held on the second Saturday of each month, at such place as announced.” September was wrap-up time for our 2008 Silent Auction workshops. Thank you to all who made this possible. In October, 15 club members & 2 guests made a 1-day field trip to Michigan Aggregate’s gravel pit. In November, Scholarship applications were mailed out to Jackson Co. schools by Mike Hoover, a Slate of Nominees for 2008 Officers and Board of Directors was established, and plans for our December Christmas Dinner & meeting was finalized. There are some people I need to give a “Special Thanks” to for the work they have done this year. 1. Jim Bretes – for the work he’s done as Show Chairman on our 2008 show, for his work on standardizing forms for show dealers, scholarships & memberships. Thanks also for organizing a great trip to NC for our club. 2. Jeanne Bowman for her great job on the newsletter each month. 3. Bev & Ernestine Baldwin for their work with the Beading Babes each month. 4. Mike Hoover for organizing the UP field trip and handling scholarships. 5. Diane Good and all who worked on this year’s Silent Auction. 6. Hank & Debbie Hoppe for being such good friends. 7. All of our members who I haven’t personally mentioned who helped me make it through the year. I am also thankful for our new members. Welcome! I most of all appreciate all of our members. Thanks for putting the club back together this year. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2008 to all! ******** End of President’s Annual Report ******** Vice President Dan Hovater gave a verbal report of his activities of 2007. He was very busy with his studies this year at JCC. He attended several “Knapper” events as well as attending the Central Michigan Gem show and the Livingston Gem show in Hartland, MI. He also mentioned to the club that the Livingston club has a permanent room at the old Hartland High School that they use for meetings & have set up their lapidary equipment for members to use. This “permanent room” set up might be an idea for our club to look into. ******** End of Vice President’s Annual Report ******** Secretary/Editor 2007 was quite the busy year for our club. In 2006, it was asked that hand guides/manuals be established for each position. I volunteered to set up standardized form letters/forms to be used for years to come. Thankfully, Jim Bretes took over the majority of the work. The club now has standardized forms for Membership, Scholarship Applications, MGMS Show Vendors, Silent Auction Bid slips, and a “Welcome /Intro” letter for potential new members just to name a few. In keeping with this & to establish a permanent mailing address for correspondence and contact information, a post office box was acquired in August. Our mailing address is: Michigan Gem & Mineral Society of Jackson P. O. Box 6106 Jackson, MI 49204 As Editor/Publisher – Thank you to all who sent in articles for publishing as well as sending me information for our “Upcoming Events” calendar. We currently have 50 individual/family memberships. 34 of 50 memberships have email addresses for correspondence, etc. This resulted in postage savings of $167.28! Our web site generated at least one family to attend our 2007 show as well as 2 individuals interested in our club activities and memberships. In April, I received permission to purchase a domain name along with a web host. To date, I have not done this as I had not found a web host that would be cost effective. Last month, I attended conferences in Jackson, Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids where I obtained valuable information on establishing a web presence for MGMS. As Editor/Publisher, this will be my 2008 goal. ******** End of Secretary/Editor’s Annual Report ******** Treasurer Lori Tsutsui gave a summary of M.G.M.S’s checking, savings, petty cash and Prize Fund balances. ******** End of Treasurer’s Annual Report ******** Our Liaison, Lenore Semposki, was unable to attend this year’s banquet. She was in Farmington Hills to join family that had arrived from Denver. She wishes all a Very Merry Christmas. |
| A Different Christmas Poem (shared by Mike Hoover)
The embers glowed slowly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in a tree I believe, Completed that magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and in the dark night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. “What are you doing?” I asked without fear, “Come in this moment, it’s freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!” For barely a moment, I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts, To the window that danced with a warm fire’s light Then he sighed and he said, “It’s really all right. I’m out here by choice. I’m here every night.” “It’s my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I’m proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at Pearl on a day in December,” Then he sighed, “That’s a Christmas Gram always Remembers. My Dad stood his watch in the jungles of ‘Nam’ And now it’s my turn and so, here I am. I’ve not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he’s sure got her smile.” Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white and blue….an American flag. “I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain & the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother… Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.” “So go back inside, “he said, “harbor no fright. Your family is waiting and I’ll be alright.” “But isn’t there something I can do, at the least, Give you money”, I asked, “or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all you have done, For being away from your wife and your son.” Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, “Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while were gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled, Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you, and you mattered to us.” |
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| Standing Committees
Sunshine Report: Linda Rutan reported that Ron Roberts was moved to a care center closer to home. Visitors are welcome! He is now at Faith Haven Care Center in Jackson. Email us for more information. Show Report: Chairman Jim Bretes reported that 6 of last year’s vendors will be returning. He and Bev Baldwin have been gathering info for a replacement bead dealer. Show Dates: March 14th, 15th and 16th, 2008 Advertisements have been placed in the Lapidary Journal & Rock & Gem magazines to run in the Feb. & March issues. Jim has an advertising list of 5 TV stations, 7 radio stations & 21 newspapers that was handed out. He needs 6 volunteers to help contact these advertisers. He also would like 5 Free Passes for each of the radio stations. Each will be color coded so that we can track where the best response is from. Free Passes for all advertisers are needed 1 month before show. Jim will be contacting last year’s caterer & the new potential caterer shortly. He will be asking for a breakdown of their menu as well as pricing. Free coffee & doughnuts will be available for our members setting up and working the show. An hourly sign up work schedule will be posted for all work areas of our show. Jim needs volunteers for setting up. He would also like add a door “Greeter” to our show. For public mailing, we will be using the Raffle addresses for mailing out “Reminder” post cards. Demonstrators: Jim & Bev have been in “Ka-Hoots”! (Jim’s words not mine J ) Rick Williams would like to demonstrate his Scrimshaw again this year. The back room of the Masonic Lodge will not be available this year. Deb Hoppe said they have 2 security cameras that the club can use. Jeanne B. will make the security signs for them. Scholarship: Mike Hoover has heard from both of last year’s scholarship recipients. Both are attending JCC and both are on the Honor Roll! So far, one application has been received for consideration as next year’s scholarship recipient. Raffle: Betty Heath reported that the raffle license will be done in January and tickets printed ASAP for early sales. Fieldtrips: Mike Hoover has been arranging a fieldtrip to Arkansas which will be March 30th – April 6th (Spring Break) for club members. The fieldtrip will include Mt. Ida quartz crystal quarries, searching for pyrite, magnetite, Fossil clams in the Missouri River & much more. While in Arkansas, you may wish to take a day out to hunt for Diamonds at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds. Mike has a list of Hotels/Motels in the Mt. Ida area. Please contact him ASAP(!) if you would like to attend. We would also like someone to plan a 1-day fieldtrip to Carr Bros. gravel quarry in Parma to search for fluorescent minerals, aragonite, etc. MGMS fieldtrips will be advertised at our 2008 Gem Show. Mitch B. will be contacting Joel Vestal regarding Mining Safety Training. Unfinished Business Calling Committee Procedure - Jerry Morris explained the calling procedure to members that were present. This procedure would be used to contact the Society members in cases where immediate notification of the membership was needed. Valerie Jones made a motion for MGMS to implement this procedure. Betty Heath seconded. Motion carried. 501C3 – After further review of the 501C3 Non-Profit forms, Mitch B. informed the membership that our Officers and Board of Directors need to meet in order to make line-by-line decisions. An Executive Board meeting will be held Friday, December 21st at 1:30pm at the Leoni Twp. Hall. This meeting will also include an audit and updating our banking information. 2007 Officers and Board of Directors as well as their 2008 counterparts are asked to attend. The gift basket to the Leoni Twp. Hall office will be delivered this week. New Business Beading Babes – During the winter months of January, February & March, Beading Babes will be meeting during the daylight hours. Next Beading Babes class will be held Friday, January 11th at 11:00am at the Baldwin residence. Please bring a sack lunch to class. This will be catch-up day for the Ladder Stitch and Reversible Millipede Bracelet projects. Supplies needed: Reversible Millipede Bracelet • About 10 grams size 8 Delica beads (4x4 cubes also work for the ‘mega’ version • 5 grams size 11 Japanese beads (2 different colors) or use size 11 beads for ‘mega’ version • Size 12 beading needle • 6# Fireline • Magnetic Clasp with split rings 6-Color Ladder Stitch Bracelet • 5 grams size 8 Japanese seed beads • 1 gram each of size 11 seed beads (5 colors) • Toggle Clasp • Fireline 6# test • Size 12 Beading needle 2009 Fieldtrip – Jim Bretes is organizing this fieldtrip well in advance so we can save our $$$ for THE MOTHER OF ALL FIELDTRIPS! We will be visiting at least 7 states: Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Oregon & Montana. • Custer, S. Dakota – Rose Quartz • Kissimer, Wyoming – Fossil Fish • Winnemucca, Nevada – Peacock Mine – Black Opals • Plush, Oregon – Spectrum Mine for Sunstones • Helena, MT – Castles Sapphire Mine, Cactus Hill for Sapphires, Montana Agates, Garnets, Topaz, Gold & ?? • York, MT (along El Dorado Bar, Missouri River) – Sapphires, Dinosaur bones, Montana Agate, Gold & ?? • Miles City, MT – along and in Yellowstone River – Montana Moss Agate, Gold & ??? • Going Home L with a truckload of specimens to cut, polish, sell for silent auction, etc Also on the agenda we’ll be visiting such landmarks as The Bad Lands, the Famous Wall Drugs Store, Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Yellowstone and probably a few ghost towns! This will be a 2-1/2 week trip around the 3rd and 4th week of June. The cost will be between $2-3,000 (at this time). 2008 Learning Fair at Spring Arbor will be July 10th & 11th. Nomination of Officers & Board of Directors – The Nomination Committee provided paper ballots for voting. Ballots were tallied by Bev Baldwin, Mitch Bowman and Rose Morris. The following are the Election results: |
| 2008 Officers & Board of Directors
President: Jerry Morris Vice President: Mitch Bowman Treasurer: Sue Estep Secretary: Barbara May Three (3) 1-year Directors Bev Baldwin Thurman Estep Mary Ann Wilson |
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| Congratulations to all & a big round of applause to our out-going 2007 Officers and Directors.
Next MGMS Meeting will be Saturday, January 12th 1:00pm, Leoni Twp. Hall There being no further business, Barbara May made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Hank Hoppe. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 3:25 pm. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * |
| Christmas Party 2008 |
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| We played "Rocko" for our Christmas Presents Exchange |
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| Have a Safe & Happy New Year! |
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