The Bitterroot Conglomerate
Newsletter of the Bitterroot Gem & Mineral Society
Vol. XXIX issue 2
Presidents Column
I want to thank everyone for allowing me the opportunity of being your president this year. Rock hounding has been a passion and a pastime that I’ve enjoyed for years. If it looked interesting I picked it up and brought it home. Over time this collecting filled old coffee cans and shoe boxes. Of course when rocks over ran my room my folks would discreetly help them find there way back outside. Only to be discovered again.
In looking to the year ahead, I think we have some very exciting programs, field trips and a first class gem and mineral show in the works. I would encourage all members to come to the meetings and take an active part in everything that is going on. A special thanks to all the people that stepped forward, volunteered or continued to head committees. Without your help I know the job would be overwhelming.
It’s your club, come and be a part, I think you’ll enjoy it. If you have suggestions let me know. The plan is to try and come up with different things each month that will be of interest to of all the members.
From agates to amethysts, fossils to field trips it’s a pastime that can be enjoyed by young and old rock hounds.
Thank you
Mike McConnell
Editors Notes
The newsletter will be coming out a little earlier this month so don’t forget the monthly meeting which will be on Saturday Feb. 13th at 2PM.
Please note in the minutes, Mike’s plan for an attendance prize for members.
Those planning on going to the Spokane Show will need to get their money in to Jo before the 1st of March.
I will need reports from the Chairperson of the various Committees during the 1st week of each month so they can be included in the newsletter.
The Editor is not responsible for the accuracy of articles accepted, items for sale, nor are the opinions expressed therein necessarily those of the Club Officers, members and/or the Club Editor.
BGMS Minutes January 9, 2010
We opened the meeting with a program presented by Wayne Farley. Wayne showed the video on “What’s Hot in Tucson” Rock Show. It was excellent. This is a continuation from the November 2009 presentation. They started out with continued interviews of many of the display vendors. It showed mixtures of Gems and Minerals, including several of the native silver. They were from all around the world including our own United States. Some of the countries included China, Brazil, South Africa, Norway and even our own Arkansas, Ohio and Elko, Nevada. We completed this first video, and there is another one to see sometime in the future. Our guide was Dave Wilber and Jeff Scovil was the Photographer. Thank you very much, Wayne.
After a delicious snack served by Sharlene Farley, we resumed order and had the business meeting. The meeting was called to order by President, Mike McConnell. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag, the 25 Members started the meeting.
Committee Reports:
Show: Steve Veith reported the Fairgrounds has been reserved. There are 16 confirmed Dealers as of tonight, they run from local Hamilton to Lewiston, Idaho. The Insurance Policy for one million dollars has been ordered and will cost between $350 and $380. This will cover us from opening on Friday morning to 9 pm on Saturday night. Steve will call the individual Committee heads rather than hold a full Show meeting.
The Spokane Show will be coming up on March 13th. Those wishing to attend will only have to pay $10.00 per person with our Club paying the balance per person. We will be joining the Missoula Club and riding over on the bus for a full day. Leave in the morning – spend the day and return home that night. Saturday…the show is Fri, Sat and Sun for those interested in more time there.
Ralph Luther reported on our Idaho Claim. He will try to get the Excavator up there this Spring.
Don Tibbs reported the Scholarship Fund is due May 1st. The amount is $500 and is open to any student in any Earth Science Field in Our Bitterroot Valley.
The Hospitality has been taken over by Sharlene Farley as she prepared and takes care of our yummy goodies each meeting.
The Historian Chairmanship was OPEN…Jenet McConnell has volunteered to take over this great position and is thinking of putting it all onto Disks. Yea….
Old Business:
Pat Tibbs informed the members we collected 58 pounds of food at our Christmas Party for Haven House. They were VERY grateful.
New Business:
The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce membership is now due. It was discussed and we will send in our dues for another year.
A Thank You from Angie Scanland via her Mother, Mary Ann. She very much appreciated and put to good use the money for expenses due to her being hit by a truck.
Don Tibbs will take over our Stamp collecting. All kinds are gathered through the State Rock Clubs. They need to be cut to ½ inch plus all around, if possible. Check out our Newsletters – Ralph tries to use the commerative or pretty stamps soooooo collect them and bring in to Don.
Ron Livsey has volunteered to do our phone call reminding. Thank You to Jo for the last several years and a big Thank You to You, Ron, for this stepping up to the plate. It is so nice to receive that last minute reminder.
We will need to have our 2009 books audited soon. Wayne and Margaret will get together.
Don Tibbs asked Ralph for clarification of the $1200 in the Budget for the Blue Grouse Mind. Ralph explained how the money is given as a deposit before we do our reclamation work. Then once completed, they return it to us but we need to spend it before we get our deposit back.
2010 – MEETINGS:
President, Mike had a suggestion that he will bring a prize each meeting for current Members, one of whom will be drawn to get it. This may mean you want to COME to the MEETINGS for a chance to receive the prize. If your name is drawn, but you aren’t there…whoa…You miss out and the prize will hold over ‘til the next meeting.
A reminder that on the 2nd (second Saturdays in January and February) the club will meet at 2pm in the afternoon so we will not need to drive at night in bad weather.
The door prize from Posey was won by Gladys Simonds. She then gets to bring one to the next meeting. The 50/50 drawing was won by Bill Morelle and amounted to $18.00, the Club keeps the other half.
John Simonds made a motion and Wayne Farley seconded to close the meeting. All in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dianne Ayres
Secretary
Field Trip or Show Report
Please note the attached schedule of planned field trips.
Start thinking about where you would like to go on a field trip next year, then communicate that thought to the field trip chairman so it can be incorporated into the field trip schedule. Steve has the field trip schedule nearly complete but has left some spaces in it for other trips that the members may want to take.
SAVE USED POSTAGE STAMPS FOR CANCER RESEARCH!
GIVE A HOOT - DON"T POLLUTE! KEEP MONTANA GREEN
