Orlando Florida GPAA - 2009 Meetings

Newsletters 2009

January '09

Hello Everyone,

Well, we got off to a great start for the new year. Despite the cooler temperatures we had a super turn out.

On a sad note, we would like to offer our condolences to Tom and Rae-Lynn on the passing of one of their family members.

On a sweeter note, we would like to welcome John and Margaret Shoemaker, guests to our club today and hope they have found a new hobby to add to their lifestyle. We would also like to say hello to Tommy Thomas who attended today. Here�s hoping that they will become regular members and attendee�s to our club.

The main topic of discussion today was for the upcoming Fossil Dig. This outing is tentatively scheduled for Saturday February 28th and will be at Fort Drum, Fl. near Okeechobee. This is basically a clam fossil dig, but shark teeth and other items can be found. This is a pay to dig site and the cost is $30.00 per person, you are allowed a 5 gal. bucket per person. Among the items you will need to furnish other than the bucket are boots, gloves, a small shovel of tool to rake thru the dirt, knee pads are optional, but worth bringing, a lawn chair (for relaxing and sitting), newspaper to wrap your clams and maybe crystals in to keep them from cracking against each other. There is a Pavillion, and of course some other amenities. Check out the outings page of the website for more options on this venture. Directions are also available on the website.

For those of you who have not yet visited the new website, please do so. The address is www.orlandogpaa.org.

The first Gold Outing of the year was also discussed today and the date will be the Memorial Day weekend, May 23 and 24. The exact place has not yet been determined, so please be sure to attend the monthly meetings and give us your ideas of where to go. There has been suggestions of maybe going to the Carolinas, and also a place called Barefoot Gold, which are pay to dig sites.

Frank also has a Alaska Claim that I�m sure will be in the works for prospecting later in the summer, as you all know, you can only go prospect in Alaska certain times of the year.

Birthdays for the month of January were, John Shoemaker, Jan. 6, Paulette Chancey, Jan. 7, and Jim Green, Jan. 11. Hope everyone had a Happy Birthday.

Well, that�s all for this month, have a great month, keep warm and stay safe.

Paulette, pchancey46@hotmail.com

February '09

Hello Everyone,

Well, we had pretty decent weather for our meeting today and a great turnout. Art brought coffee and other goodies and of course I didn�t even think about him doing that, so I didn�t have any cups, sugar or creamer with me, duh!!!!

Anyway as I said the meeting was a good one. A lot of the members were talking about the Fossil Dig Outing that was scheduled for the 28th of February, at last count there were about 10 or so planning to attend. I�m anxious to find out how they did at our March Meeting.

Kathy and Steve were not with us this month, Steve had to have some surgery and probably needs some recoup time. Hope all went well for him.

The Outing scheduled for Memorial Day weekend was discussed today and voted on. It will be May 23 and 24, that�s a Saturday and Sunday, and will be held in Buchanan, Ga. At the farm. For those of you who have never been to Buchanan on one of our outings, it�s a lot of fun. Some go up early and get set up, some come just for the outing days, and others sometimes stay longer. There will be a lot of talk between now and then about the trip.

We had a guest with us today, George, who was with Pat Kennedy. Hope he had a good time and will return soon. Red Branson was also with us today, been awhile since we�ve seen Red and he better not stay gone so long anymore.

Our MARCH MEETING, Saturday the 14th will be a POT LUCK. You know the procedure, email me or call and let me know what you are planning to bring. This is a open menu, so anything goes, JUST LET ME KNOW!!!!PLEASE.

The Raffle today was for a 2009 Un-circulated Silver Dollar. There were 2 up for grabs and Art wolf and Tom Davis were the winners.

Hope everyone had a great February and didn�t get too cold. See you at the March Meeting.

Paulette, 407-671-2918, pchancey46@hotmail.com

March '09

Hello Everyone,

Hope everyone has had a great month so far. We had a really good meeting this month. The POT LUCK was very good. We had everything from Ham, Potato Salad, Slaw, Baked Beans, Veggie Tray, Chicken, Deviled Eggs, Macaroni and Cheese, Fruit Salad and Donuts. I'm sure we all got our fill.

We had a couple of guests this month, Tommy Thomas and Les and Ann Proehl. We would like to welcome them to our club and hope they return soon. Kathy and Steve were with us this month after a couple of months of recoup time for Steve. This was Steve's first time out since his surgery, and I'm sure he enjoyed being among friends for a while. Wishing you a quick recovery Steve. Warren Megibow also joined us today from Boca Raton.

Steve and Cathy.

Some of the guys ready to start the meeting.

From the sounds of it, seems like everyone who attended the Fossil Dig at Rucks had a great time and a lot of really nice clam fossils were brought back and shared with everyone. I hear that John Fry fished in the Pond while he was there. Visit, Feb. '09 Rucks Pit for some great Photo's of the outing and Clams members found.

There was some discussion today about the upcoming Memorial Day Outing in Buchanan, Ga. Time is getting near, so I'm sure there will be more talk about it in the next 2 meetings.

There was also some talk today about going on a trip with a Fossil Club out of Zolfo Springs at the Peace River in April. Camping is available for $10.00 a night and $15.00 a night for electric and water hook-up. Bob Gaebler sent me an email describing this trip that I emailed to everyone, and I'm sure he will be posting more info about it on the website.

The Raffle today was a bag of concentrates and was won by Tom Davis, (although I'm reasonably sure that Rae-Lynn will be the one doing the panning). We will all have to wait in anticipation for the results of Rae-Lynn's find.

Well that's about all for this month, our April Meeting will be on Saturday the 11th at 9:00 am. As I mentioned before, it is getting closer to the Memorial Day Outing, so please try to attend the next 2 meetings so you can get the particulars. Hope everyone had a Happy Saint Patricks Day and I'll see you on the 11th.

Paulette, 407-671-2918, pchancey46@hotmail.com

John and Paulette Looking over some of the clams he found.

Mark, Kathy and Tom also checking them out.

April '09

Hello Everyone,

Hope all are well and those of you who could not make it to our meeting today are doing well also.

The meeting today was presided over by our Vice President, Tom Davis, as Jim was not feeling up to par and also had some out of state company.

Tom starting the meeting.

Paulette reading last months minutes.

We had a Guest with us today from Ocala. Darren Moeller is a LDMA member and has been to Buchanan, Ga., and met with some of our members. He is planning to be there for the Memorial Day Outing.

Most of the discussion today was of the upcoming Memorial Day Outing and will be finalized at our May Meeting which is on the 9th.

There are 2 things I would like to re-introduce. One is the Fossil Dig in Zolfo Springs along the Peace River. This is being held April 25-26. More information can be obtained on this by visiting our website. The second thing is the Common that is being held on July 11 at the Alabama Gold Camp, (www.alabamagoldcamp.com) and we have been invited to join this Outing by the GPAA NORTH ALABAMA CHAPTER and the GPAA PHENIX CITY GOLD GRUBERS CHAPTER, for more information on this Outing please contact me, as I have the contact name and phone numbers.

Members listening in.

The Raffle for today was for 4 separate draws. Two (2) were for Silver Dollars and (2) were for some pretty good size Geodes. The Silver Dollars went to Steve Martin and Rae-Lynn Davis, and the Geodes went to Art Wolf and Barbara Fry.

Well, that�s about all for this month. Hope everyone has a great month and we look forward to seeing you at the May Meeting so that we can get a good idea of who will be attending the Memorial Day Outing and plans can be made for our Bar-b-que or Dinner out. If you absolutely cannot make the meeting, please let me know by the 15th of May of your plans. My family and I will be leaving for Buchanan on the 18th of May.

Paulette, 407-671-2918, pchancey46@hotmail.com

Local Hawk with a nice snake he caught while our meeting was taking place.

June '09

Hello Everyone,

Hope everyone is having a great month so far, a couple more days and we will be into the second half of the year. Time sure does fly by.

The meeting today was presided over by our Vice President, Tom Davis, as Jim still has not returned from Georgia. Last I heard he was in North Carolina trying to check out some possible new places to prospect.

Topic of discussion today was as of the Memorial Day outing in Buchanan, Ga. Seems like everyone who attended had a great time and are looking forward to doing it again. The possibility of a 2nd Outing over the Labor Day Weekend, Sat. and Sun. Sept. 5th and 6th was brought up and will be discussed more at our July meeting.

I hear Frank and Art had some truck problems on the way to Alaska, but hopefully they finally made it.

Speaking of Alaska, I received a e-mail from Randy Renfro. Randy and his family are now residents near the Fairbanks area, and Randy has opened up a upholstery shop and is the only one there. Says summer is the busy time for that so he hasn�t been able to do any mining yet, but promises he will. His daughter and her family moved up there in March and his son was flying up the weekend of our June meeting, so they are out of Florida.

I also received a e-mail from Ross and Kay Houchins saying they will be back around November. They are traveling around, in N. Va. when this email was written, working their way to Syracuse, NY., Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee and then back down South.

John Fry did a cross cut on one of those Geodes and it was really very beautiful, just needs some polishing to finish off.

There will be a POT LUCK at our JULY MEETING. This is going to be a SNACK FOOD, FINGER FOOD affair. With the temperature being so hot, not a good idea to have items that need to be kept refrigerated, nobody wants to get sick. The club will furnish ICE for your beverages, but please be sure to bring your own drinks. If you think about it, please drop me an email and let me know what you are bringing for food.

The Raffle to day was for Silver Coin and Tom Davis was the winner.

Well, that�s about all for now, have a safe and Happy 4th of July and I hope to see you all on Saturday, July 11th,Warren Park, 9:30 am.

Hope all are well and those of you who could not make it to our meeting today are doing well also.

Paulette, 407-671-2918, pchancey46@hotmail.com

July '09

Hello Everyone,

We had a really nice POT LUCK this month, there were all kinds of goodies to satisfy just about everyones taste.

Jim was back from North Carolina and was visiting John and Margaret Shoemaker who are now residents of Statesville, N.C.

While on his trek, Jim went by Vein Mountain, Lucky Strike, N.C. Emerald Mine and Heather Grove. A plus to his trip was he got to meet �Nugget John�, this is the guy who carries the 2 pound nugget around all the time and shows everybody. I understand that arrangements can be made with the caretakers for an Outing at the Loud Mine or Vein Mountain. Might be worth checking out.

We had a visitor with us today, Hal Zacke, from I believe Inverness. We welcome Hal and sure hope he comes back to visit again soon.

There has been some talk about a 2nd Outing this year, maybe over the Labor Day weekend. I�m sure more will be discussed on this at our August meeting.

Elections will be held in September, please put your thinking caps on and think about running for an office. As all of you know, the Secretarial Office is wide open for NEW nominees this year. It is not a difficult position to maintain, but it does require pretty much all of the monthly meetings attendance, except of course during an emergency. I have enjoyed being the secretary for the last 7 years, but on a sincere basis, I�m burned out right now. Maybe in the 2010 elections, I�ll go for it again.

I want to thank everyone for their cooperation and assistance during my reign. I�m not leaving the club, I just need a rest.

I have made the reservation for the Annual Christmas Party to be held on December 12th at the Pavilion at Warren Park. More discussion will be held on this at upcoming meetings.

The Raffle for today was for 2 bags of concentrates from the Buchanan Outing over the Memorial Day weekend. Tom Davis and Mark Turner were the lucky winners. Good Luck guys, here�s hoping you get a big gold smile in your green pan.

Well, that�s all for this month, hope everyone has a safe and happy month. See you Saturday, August 8th, Warren Park, 9 am.

Paulette, 407-671-2918, pchancey46@hotmail.com

August '09

Hello Everyone,

Well, we had a very nice meeting today, some new visitors and weather was not too bad.

We would like to acknowledge the new faces we had the pleasure of meeting today. There was Michael Osterman from New Port Richey, Dave and Patty Lagle from Cocoa (Port St. John), Mark Robinson from Orlando and Ray Carr from Cocoa, and Douglas Sayre from Port Orange.

We are glad they came to our meeting and sure hope they return soon.

We would also like to welcome back Les and Ann Proehl who have been doing some out of state traveling, and sounds like they had a great time.

There was talk of an Outing over the Labor Day weekend, this would be Saturday and Sunday September 5th and 6th. A few people were interested in going, but there was not a definite plan. I believe that anyone who wants to go will just be there on the dates mentioned above. The place would be Buchanan, Ga., at the farm campsite. This is primitive camping, no amenities. If you have a camper, motor home or generator, you�ve got it made. There are plenty of places to eat, grocery stores and a Super Walmart nearby. There is also a full hook-up campground about 10 miles, give or take a mile away.

Anyone wanting the directions to Buchanan and the campsite, can get them from our website. (www.orlandogpaa.org)

The Gold Show this year, as far as the closest to any of us, is in Concord, N.C. It is scheduled for October 17th and 18th. It is my understanding that Steve and Kathy are planning to have a booth at the gold show. The club had a booth last year that Steve and Kathy helped run with a couple of our other members, and they were lucky enough to meet Tom Massie and have a really nice chat with him.

There is also talk of an Outing during that same time as the Gold Show at Vein Mountain. There could also be possible car pooling for the Gold Show to maybe cut down the travel expenses for those that would like to attend. I have never been to one of the Gold Shows, but I hear they are really a lot of fun. More will be discussed and planned at our September meeting on these events.

Please don�t forget, ELECTIONS are at our September Meeting and everyone should attend. The September meeting will be Sat. Sept. 12th, Warren Park, 9:00 am.

Our raffle today was for a Silver Round and a bag of Alaskan Concentrates. Our visitor Mark Robinson was the winner of the Silver Round, and Rae-Lynn Davis took home the concentrates.

Well, that�s about all for this month, hope everyone has a great month, and if you are traveling over the Labor Day weekend, please drive safely.

See you in September.

Paulette, 407-671-2918, pchancey46@hotmail.com

September '09

Hello Everyone,

Well, we had a pretty good meeting this month considering the weather was trying to rear itself, just enough sprinkles to keep the umbrellas out.

We had some new visitors today, and we would like to welcome Gene and Sue Tomlinson and Richard Amman. We always look forward to seeing new people and we certainly hope they continue to come to our meetings.

As far as the Labor Day Outing, there were 4 groups of us who were there before the weekend. Duane and myself arrived on Tuesday the 25th, Mike and Connie came in a day or so later, behind them was Les and Ann Proehl and on Saturday evening Tom, Rae-Lynn and Tom�s dad arrived. Somewhere between then and the following Tuesday or Wednesday Mike Osterman and his son got there. Les was sporting a brand new 4� dredge, brand new ATV, new trailer to pull the dredge up to the creek with and many other new items. Les was eager to get that dredge in the water and worked very hard to accomplish that as quickly as he could. Rae-Lynn and Connie took their buckets, shovels and sluices to the creek and worked their little hearts out, shoveling and panning. All in all, I think everyone had a good time. All too soon it was time to pack up and return to the daily routines at home. Maybe one of these days we can leave the big city life behind and live in the country, sure would be a great change to me.

Brice Looper, President of the Gold Prospectors Supply Company in Kissimmee, Fl., is offering a 6% discount for some items purchased from his store if we link him to our Website. Brice is a Keene Dealer here in Florida. Sounds like a pretty good deal.

There is a Gem and Mineral Show November 13th thru the 15th at the Central Fla. Fairgrounds in Orlando. Tables are available for $10.00

Kathy and Steve are doing the Gold Show in Concord, N.C. October 17th and 18th and then traveling to Carlisle, Pa. to do the Gold Show there on the 24th and 25th of Oct. They are acquainted with a gentleman out of Tampa who has a ingenious business for those of you who are into fishing. It is called the EMMROD Compact Fishing System and looks really cool. This gentleman would like to set-up with Kathy and Steve at the Gold Show in N.C. sharing a table and give us 5% of what he does in gross sales.

Elections were held today and here is results.

President------Jim Green
Vice Pres.-----Mark Robinson
Secretary-----Tom Davis
Treasurer-----Frank Mercier

I�m sure each of you will do a great job and keep the club going.

The Raffle today was for a bag of Concentrate and a Prospector Coin. Sue took home the Concentrates (good luck Sue) and Doug won the Prospectors Coin.
At this point I would like to say that it has been a pleasure to serve as Secretary of the Club over the past 7 years, but it is time for someone else to take over. I want to thank everyone for their cooperation and input to me during this adventure, it has been greatly appreciated.

Well, that�s all for this month, don�t forget the monthly meeting Saturday October 10th.

Paulette, 407-671-2918, pchancey46@hotmail.com

Nov '09

Welcome to new members and visitors: Long time GPAA member and LDMA member Bob McCullough made it to the meeting. Welcome!!!
Our November meeting was held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.

VP Mark starting the meeting.

Old Business: Old business was skipped due to the President and Secretary both were absent from the meeting. Business from previous month is as follows:

New Business: Politicking to have the 2011 Gold Show here in Orlando.
Raffle was for a bag of concentrates. Our newest guest and member Bob McCullough won. Congratulations Bob! Don�t make a habit of it. Your moving in on my turf.

Pat relaxing.

Bob McCullough. our raffle winner.

Next Meeting: THIS COMING SATURDAY!!!
Christmas Party: Dec 12th
Start time is 1000 Set up is a 0900 for those helping.
Location is our normal meeting location except we will be under the Pavilion.
Address is: 3406 Warren Park Road, Orlando, FL 32812-3744

The club will supply a honey baked spiral ham. Below is a list of who will bring what. If you have a special platter that is not on the list please feel free to bring it I have estimated that we will have around 31 participants. I�m positive that we will have a few more.

Frank will bring soft drinks and ice.
Barbara will bring sweet potato souffl and a chocolate fudge cake.
Steve , Cathy, Mom and 3 or 4 Guest (2 will be new members) will bring 2 trays baked ziti with meatballs, and a pan of Italian Sausage..
Bobs specialty; Deviled eggs.
Rae-Lynn钒s specialty; potato salad and a olive & pickle tray. (Tom�s specialty; Publix sweet tea)
Pat & Debbie�s specialty; corned beef.
Bill and his Guest will bring Fluff. (brought it last year) yumm yumm
Debbie Cranberry Sauce
Paulette, Duane and possibly Tommy will bring gravy with dressing
Bob and Camile will bring squash casserole and un-sweet tea.
Jim and Cookie will bring Turkey and a Watergate salad.
Betty and Jim will bring Macaroni salad.
Marty and Linda will bring bread rolls and butter.
Art and Faith will bring cookies and coffee
Mark Robinson on standby to bring anything else we might need.

If I missed anyone; my apologies.

Don�t forget about the Secret Santa Gift Exchange! Please bring a gift not to exceed $10.00 for the exchange. As I stated last month it was a good time for all except for Rae-Lynn. She still feels really bad about taking Barbara Fry�s bucket of gems and concentrates.

Can you say claim jumper yet?

Look to see you all there!

GPAA Orlando Secretary;

Tom Davis
407-207-2554
thomas.davisjr1@us.army.mil

P.S. I will bring computer and printer to make badges for those that did not receive one and those misplaced.