Rock Talk April 2025

The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m., and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Program
Our first featured speaker was member Jack Fisher and his beautiful wife Juanita, speaking on the art of making wax molds for casting metals. Jack uses a 2-part mold putty, mixing evenly until the two parts blend to a consistent yellow color. The mold putty is available from Rio Grande, Michaels and Hobby Lobby. The molds have two pieces, with special pins to hold them together. The item to be copied is pressed deeply into the mold, creating a 3-dimensional impression. When the mold hardens, the two sides are pinned together and wax poured in via hole in the mold. An impression is made, wax poured, and the two sides are pinned together to dry. Once set, the mold is carefully removed and trimmed. Jack mentioned getting his wax from Rio, and using Wax Bright (also from Rio) to smooth the wax and ensure it is ready for casting to metal. Jack continues to make and sell a wide variety of waxes that can be used in casting silver, gold, copper, and other metals.

Thank you Jack & Juanita. Thanks for supporting our members!

Denise Baker was invited to be April’s speaker. She will be sharing some of her amazing lampwork beads that are embedded with cast charms. Be prepared to be delighted!

Roni Welton also volunteered to share her incredible chainmaille process!  We will be welcoming her as the speaker at our May meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

2025 Show

Committee reports began with Meri Jo sharing info on our 2025 Show. The website is up and contracts are coming in already. Show tickets will be priced at $6.00 but there will be $1.00 discount coupons on flyers.

Door prizes are being asked for from each class and, hopefully, solicited from vendors. The hunt is on for local sponsors. Please share your ideas about businesses you think might be interested in sponsoring our Show with a donation of cash or merchandise.

Rack cards are being designed for the Show. Minuteman Printing can handle the job but less expensive avenues are being investigated.

Southeastern Federation

William Holland is having Southeastern Federation classes in April. Cynthia Benoit will be attending classes, wish her the best! The Federation also has workshops scheduled from June 8-13. The Wild Acres retreat in Spruce Pines will be hosting SE Federation workshops August 11-17, and September 15-21.

Meri Jo announced that the SE Federation Rockhound RoundUp in Live Oak included 34 vendors.

The upcoming Rucks Pit open digs were also mentioned. The days are April 10-13. Participants must register ahead of time. Cost is $475 per day.

Treasurer’s Report

Wendy presented the Treasurer’s report. We discussed the ongoing issue of septic system conversion to city sewer, estimates, and different scenarios.  MoiraLynn explained that she attended the most recent Condominium Board meeting along with Kathy Jenkins. During that meeting, the Board decided to request engineering proposals and said another meeting will be called when they have more information. Neither Kathy nor MoiraLynn have been notified of another meeting, as of this date.

Registrar’s Report

Terry presented the Registrar’s report. She pointed out that most classes still have openings. She hopes each student finds and brings a friend to help fill classes!

Workshop Report

Bob Hanson spoke on workshop upgrades. Joe David did a beautiful job on refinishing the back table. The new writable wall areas still need framing. He and Scott will figure out the flat lap issue. He has ordered three new lamps for the worktables.

He reminded us that we are to leave the thermostat set at 75 at all times- don’t adjust it. We’re hoping to extend the life of existing unit for as long as possible!

Bob and MoiraLynn also reminded us that it is the Teachers’ responsibility to ensure the workshop is clean after every class! It is part of class, part of the process. Check saws and all other equipment. Countertops and work tables need to be damp-wiped clean. Recent finds have included issues with students not using the strainers properly (with filters!), leaving expensive polishing pins in the sink and going down the drain. Also, the polisher was recently left on. We cannot afford costly mistakes. Students must learn that proper setup and cleanup are part of every project.

Membership

Kathy Jenkins reports current roster of 88 paid members. She is looking for volunteers to serve on the Membership committee three: more volunteers please.

Volunteer Coordinator

Melinda Cunningham has made lots of calls to reenlist lapsed members. She is willing to help to with other tasks, and says, “just ask!”

Special Programs and Events

We are still looking for someone who will serve as Special Programs coordinator. However, MoiraLynn encouraged any member who has ideas for places to go or special events to attend to bring that information to the Club. That way, no one person has to locate and coordinate all events.

Zoom

Zoom worked! Thank you Jennifer Wilkes! We had both audio and visuals for those joining this meeting by Zoom.

YouTube

Scott Turner is working on YouTube. He has specifically requested videos of classes and of equipment use. He has also requested suggestions for videos that can be posted on YouTube.

Library Report

Cynthia Benoit is choosing cataloging, spreadsheet, and digitizing library.  With digitizing, not only our physical books will be available, but links to like materials will be accessible and available. Looking forward to a new chapter. Thank you!

OLD BUSINESS

Class clean up. – The need for thorough cleaning after all classes was re-emphasized.

Teeshirts currently available at DayDreams Uniform Shop in PSL. Many sizes, colors and styles available $21-$25.

NEW BUSINESS

Towels/rags at workshop vs paper towels. Decision was made that, due to a lack of interest to help maintain towels, (wear on washers, grit, and such) that teachers will advise students to bring and maintain their own towels if they feel they need them for themselves. Paper towels will be stocked, but please help keep that cost effective.

Discussion on table for recruitment at PSL Green Market, 10×10 space, $50/day really doesn’t seem like a fit for our club.

At 3:55 pm Denise Baker motioned to end meeting. Kathy Jenkins seconded.

We followed the meeting with the raffle, snacks and conversation: always fun!