1/13/10 Minutes

President Glenn Coleman opened the meeting just after 7:30 pm

Present were 17 members and 11 visitors. The visitors were invited to introduce themselves, which they did.

Secretary Bill Bass read the minutes from the previous meeting, and the minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer, Patti Freeman, presented the Treasurer’s Report, and reported a balance of $187.71 prior to that night’s donations. Donation rules were explained and the pan was passed around. The Treasurer’s Report was approved as read.

Glenn called for old business, and none was discussed.

Glenn called for new business

George recommended that the minutes of the meetings be posted on the web site. There was much discussion but no action was taken.

Outing Coordinator: Phyllis Coleman stated that the outing schedule as posted are only suggestions until they are voted and passed. Once passed they still can be rearranged depending on circumstances. Some future outings could consist of small groups that have specific interests.

January 1st outing of 2010, Jan 23, Gold history bus tour of two gold mines, and ending at a fish camp for the evening meal, which is either dinner or supper, depending on where you‘re from. Previously approved

February: Outing to be at Coleman Grove, Feb, 20, Third annual equipment demonstration and education program, also known as show and tell. Pot luck dinner will follow. Bring your favorite foods. Begins at 11am and ends when everybody leaves.          Previously approved

March: Outing to be at Cotton Patch, March 27-28 It is being coordinated with the GPAA club from Aberdeen. Camping and cabins are available. There will be a planned potluck Saturday night organized by Gayle Eyre.          Previously approved

April: Miners retreat in Helen, GA. April 23-25. Two of the houses that were used last year have been reserved. Prices are slightly higher than last year. Number of days could be extended but would cost more. Camping is available at several nearby campgrounds or at Loud Gold Mine, a LDMA facility. Their annual common dig is the following weekend, so camping spots may be scarce. Gayle Eyre will coordinate the meals. Exact costs are not finalized. Houses must be paid for in advance, deposits cannot be returned.   Previously approved

May: Outing to be at Vein Mtn. NC May 12-16 The LDMA facility is sponsoring the GPAA national event As a centrally located GPAA club we should sponsor this outing even if we choose not to camp for the weekend or participate in the common digs. Two common digs: All 5 days is approx. $175, Saturday and Sunday dig is approx. $100 Good opportunity to find potential members for our club. There is camping only at Vein Mtn, but camping and cabins are available at Thermal City Gold Mine, about four miles away.                It was voted and approved

June 26-27 Uhwharrie National Forrest Incorporation with the Aberdeen GPAA club. This is where they go and know the area very well. National and State lands do not allow motorized equipment, panning and creek sluices only. It will be warm weather and there are snakes there. Big snakes. Camping is available at several campgrounds. Phyllis very highly recommended the Badin Lake Campground   It was voted and approved

July 10-11 The annual Cotton Patch Festival George says that it is bigger and better than ever.

It was voted and approved

August 12-15, Helen GA, same as above only better.              It was voted and approved

September 10-12 was voted and approved for a gem mining trip to Franklin NC. Details are to be worked out, and Patti Freeman was asked to take the lead.

October 8-10 Thermal City             No motion was made.

November 13, Swap Buy and Sell Details to be worked out.      It was voted and approved

December 18, 4^th annual holiday dinner (potluck)               No motion was made

Several members are interested in metal detecting. It was decided that we should try to have a metal detecting day trip in November.

GPAA National gold shows in our area will be at the State Fairgrounds in West Virginia, Oct 23-24, and the Georgia Mountain Center in Gainesville GA, Oct 30-31

The Fairview Volunteer Fire Dept. annual BBQ will be Feb. 13 Starts at 11am and ends when the food runs out.

Glenn raffled off a bag of gem material, and a bag of gold material from Crisson Gold Mine, all for the benefit of the club. Dave Wedra won the gold, and George McDonald won the gems. It was a big success.

A motion to adjourn was accepted, and after snacks and much conversation the first meeting of 2010 came to an end.

GPAA Matthews, NC
GOLD HISTORY