The meeting was called to order by Les Presmyk. A motion was made by Ben Benham and seconded by Steve Decker to approve the November meeting minutes. The motion passed.

Treasurer's Report: Les read the Treasurer's Report.
Collection Committee: Darrel Dodd reported that new stands are in place for nearly 100% of the Gallery specimens while about 90% of the labels have been completed. The stands, which were crafted by Jay Hays, greatly enhance the presentation of our specimens, and Darrel recommended that members visit the new and improved Gallery. As the Gallery efforts wrap up, work will shift to the Main Floor.
Show/Symposium: Ray Grant announced that flyers for the Symposium are now available and encouraged everyone to pick up a copy. This year's Symposium will be held on Saturday, March 31 at the Mesa Southwest Museum. Ray indicated that the registration fee includes free admission (a $6 value) to the Museum which is becoming a very popular attraction. A definite "must see".
Ray also circulated a sign-up sheet for helping with the Flagg Show and mentioned that this year's dealer turnout appears to be lower than average. Overlap with the Quartzite show was cited as a possible factor.
Newsletter: Steve Decker described the need for a current events schedule along with articles for the next Newsletter. He indicated that members can make his birthday a really happy one by submitting their inputs by Feb. 28. Given no new Newsletter expenses, Steve did not request any funds.
Membership: Lavone Archer requested that members pay their dues if they haven't already done so. Les added that members who haven't paid will not be allowed to participate in the mineral pre-sale.

Maricopa Lapidary Society: Shirley Cote announced that the 52nd Annual Phoenix Gem & Mineral Show will be held on Mar. 2-4 at the Gila River Indian Reservation's Wild Horse Domes

Event Center. She mentioned that there are still a number of exhibitor spaces available and encouraged anyone interested in putting together a display to pick up a form. Les suggested that the Collection Committee consider a Foundation exhibit.
Minas Gerais Trip: Dave Douglass indicated that he is organizing the ultimate Brazilian mineral collecting trip. This trip is tentatively scheduled around July 15 and is expected to run about 11 days. Total cost is estimated to be about $2,600, and the excursion will be limited to 10 people. Interested parties should contact Dave in the next two weeks and be prepared to put down a $1,200-1,300 deposit.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Society: Jim McGlasson described the special Tucson Show activities involving the Fabergé gem masterpieces. Fifty gold art pieces along with three Imperial eggs from the Forbes Collection will be on display. In addition, a pre-show reception will feature a special guest - Peter Carl Fabergé's great granddaughter, Tatiana Faberge.
Lavrion Micro-minerals Presentation: Steve Kaminski mentioned that Piet Gelaude, who studied the micro-minerals of the slags around Lavrion, Greece for 25 years, will be visiting the Tucson Show and has offered to make a presentation on these interesting, controversial minerals. Please e-mail or call Steve if interested in attending Piet's talk.

Museum Volunteers: Les reported that 18 Foundation members have devoted more than 100 hours volunteering at the Museum. He indicated that the efforts of these dedicated individuals should be recognized with free memberships for the upcoming year along with special mention in the Newsletter. Shirley further added that total volunteer time for the past year amounted to over 9000 hours - over 4 people years!
Donations: Les summarized the specimen and cash donations that the Foundation received over the past year. Key contributors included Gene and Rosalind Meieran and Wayne Sorensen.

Pyromorphite Preview: Les mentioned a potential new specimen acquisition - a large, well formed

Previous Page

Next Page