Rock Talk May 2025

St Lucie County Rock & Gem Club
Meeting Minutes April 27, 2025
La Buona Vita Club    8601 S Federal Hwy.   Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952
Combined Executive Board & General Meeting Minutes

The meeting opened at 2:02 with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed immediately by check for a quorum (confirmed) and the program.

Program

Our program was a lampwork presentation by (the incredibly talented) Denise Baker. The art of making glass beads, known as lampwork, received its name many years ago when beads were crafted by hand using oil lamps for the heat! Proper Didymium safety glasses are an essential tool for protecting your eyes while using the flamework torches. Flares can easily damage your corneas!

Denise pointed out that there is a lot to learn, but that most students can produce nice beads after one session of lessons. “They won’t be your best work, but they will be nice enough to keep and wear”, she said, adding that she still has the first beads she made.

March Minutes

The business meeting continued after the program. Scott Turner made a motion to accept the March minutes. Bob Hanson seconded the motion, which passed.

Treasurer’s Report

Wendy presented treasurers report. Revenue included class registrations and vendor contracts for 2025 show, which are coming in.

Wendy also shared that incredible opportunity to earn her degree in silver smithing and metal working with a Navajo master teacher in New Mexico, So exciting! She is leaving in August but will continue as our webmaster. Wendy will be assisted by Terry Kaye to ensure the treasurer’s responsibilities are met for the rest of 2025.

2025 Show

Meri Jo is hard at work on the 2025 Show. Invitations have been sent and contracts are still available. Thirteen tables have been paid for as of this date. More contracts are pending payment. New rack cards for the Show came out beautifully and are available now. We are requested to please pass them out to family and friends.

The 2025 Show admission is $6 but rack card coupons save folks $1! New R&G flyers are also available, and they include QR code that goes directly to our website. Again, please share where you can. If you know somewhere we can pass them out to prospective members, let an officer know and they will get it done.

Although no decision was made, discussions were made on putting together goodie bags/ mystery bags to sell at the Treasure Table for $5, or free with a $5 purchase.

Meri Jo pointed out that there has been a lack of interest in the children’s area of the Show, so that area of the building will be used for other activities this year.

Group ticket sales, guest tickets and members selling advance tickets were also discussed.

Southeast Federation

Meri Jo’s report on the Southeast Federation pointed out that there are Federation classes being held at William Holland and at Wild Acres. Class schedules available at the Workshop. They can also be found online at the two schools’ web sites.

Registrar’s Report

Registrar Terry Kaye asked for help filling classes. She noted that Saturday classes with Joe David will not be running for session 3, but will be back for session 4. Have fun!

Kathleen Schwartz will be teaching a stained glass class in session 3, amidst lots of excitement, it’s been a while since the Club had both a teacher and interested students! The first project is to be a sun-catcher, but possibilities are endless.

Facility and Equipment Report

Scott Turner and Bob Hanson reported that the task checklist on the yellow sheet has been completed, and is currently up to date. The trim saw has a new diamond blade. There was a discussion as to whether the blade is strong enough to slice geodes and harder rocks.

Membership

Kathy Jenkins, our Membership Coordinator, shared that we currently have 91 paid members. She reminded us that our success rests with our members. Our present goal is to double membership. Please encourage friends to join if they share our interests.

Discussions were held about children’s programs at the workshop and their potential for bringing new members. The subject was tabled for now, to be discussed at the teachers’ meeting.

Special Programs

Although still looking for a Special Programs Coordinator, Scott Turner is checking into a field trip to The Gillespie Museum

Newsletter

Please continue to share your awesome projects, videos, and exciting classes and news for the Rock Talk! Event listings of possible interest will continue in the Rock Talk.

Webmaster

Wendy Mathisen shared that classes for Session III will be posted to the website during the first week of May.

 Zoom

Zoom Coordinator Jennifer shared that Zoom codes for the remainder of year (at least) will be same codes that were published for April’s meeting. The information will be published in May and later editions of the Rock Tak as well.

YouTube

Scott shared he has published on our YouTube site. He is looking for help and ideas, please and thank you!

Librarian

Cynthia Benoit, our librarian, has chosen a program (“Library Thing” I believe) for getting the library organized. Cynthia encouraged members to donate their spare lapidary-related books. Like to play with books? Please come join us…

Fund-Raising Discussion

There has been a move among members currently seeking sponsors and Rock Club supporters. Items considered viable include donations of gift baskets, services, gift cards, and financial support. Donors would be acknowledged on an insert to the flyers/vendor listings that are given out at the Show. Too shy to ask someone yourself? Let us know and we’ll visit your suggestions!

New Business

June 14 Tailgate and Open House

Coordinator Terry Kaye reminded us that June 14 is coming up fast! She asked for ideas for give-aways, take aways, and perhaps a quickie project. She said that great summer snacks are planned too! Come sell, show off, buy great deals, and sell great deals. Come see your old friends and make some new ones!

Denise Baker made a motion to adjourn. Scott Turner seconded the motion, which passed. We followed up, as always, with a great raffle and yummy snacks.