Orlando Florida GPAA - 2012 Meetings

Newsletters 2012

January, 2012

Hello Members;

I hope everyone is off to a great start this new year.

Florida�s warm winter this year decided to take the day off for this meeting, as there was a distinct chill in the air, or should I say the Cold Air. It took a bit of time for some of us to warm up, while others looked toasty sporting their colder weather gear. Well, at least we can say we got to use it once.

For the first meeting of the New Year we ended up with a nice turnout. The chapter would like to welcome Rob and Cat Burnett, Jody Sealkowski and Danny Jewell. We hope to see all of you at a future meeting, and possibly join us on one of our outings.

Old Business.

Our chapters officer elections held in December. The results were mentioned again; President � Tom Davis, Vice President � Doug Sayre, Secretary � Bob Gaebler, Treasurer � Frank Mercer. Documents reflecting these changes were filled out, and will be sent to GPAA headquarters.

New Business.

Bob would appreciate getting any photographs from the holiday party for use on the Website. Please forward them to RJGaebler@cs.com.

It seems that Frank is missing a Christmas Platter that was used at the holiday party, and would appreciate its return. Please bring it to the next meeting, or contact Frank at wfmercier@aol.com.

Winter and spring are the prime time for Fossil hunting. Ruck�s Pit and the Peace River were discussed. As long as the Peace River is low as it is now during our dry season, it�s a trip we should think about. Tom contacted Ruck�s Pit during the meeting, and we discovered that they are not closed. They are open 9-5, 7 days a week but at a new location 2 blocks west from the old site. They now have a Store, Museum, and their website is www.thefortdrumcrystalmine.com. Visit the site for further information. No firm dates were decided, but it looks like late February or early March we�ll have an outing planned. Final decisions will be made at the February meeting.

The raffle for a bag of concentrates was won by Tom, and a large geode by James. Frank also offered a Tow rope to all the truck owners which Tom also won. Congratulations.

Our next chapter meeting is on Feb. 11, 2012, at Warren Park. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am. Since we'll be discussing a potential Fossil hunting outing, maybe we should bring some to show to the membership. Tools of the trade included.

Hope to see everyone there;

Bob Gaebler
Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA

RJGaebler@cs.com

February, 2012

Hello Members;

This marked the second meeting in a row with a chill in the air. Here in Florida, that means winter must be ending. Maple and citrus trees are sporting new growth, and within a week or so the sweet smell of orange blossoms will be filling the air. This can only mean �Gold Season� is approaching us fast.

Old Business.

Fossils, Fossils, Fossils

We discussed potential fossil hunting outings to either Ruck�s Pit, or the Peace River. Concerning Ruck�s Pit, Tom pointed out that members Debbie and Dave visited the new location within the last few weeks, and were disappointed with the amount and quality of material that was there to go through, plus some issues with the availability of water. With this disappointing news the chapters� discussions leaned more towards the Peace River. Ruck�s Pit, however is going to be visited by a few members on Saturday, Feb. 18th. They will be reporting back to the chapter in March for further discussions on a possible Outing there for April. See the separate Email send earlier for more information about the 18th.

As far as the Peace River goes, Marty and Bob brought some of the equipment they used. Floating classifying screens that can attach to your waist, shovels with foam on the end that float, sand probes to locate gravel areas under layers of sand were discussed. Thanks Marty, for giving a brief talk about these at the end of the meeting. The chapter held a vote, and it was decided to hold an Outing on Saturday, March 3rd. Members planning to attend should visit the chapter's website at http://www.orlandogpaa.org/nxtout.htm for full details. Even though it was decided to meet in the main parking lot of Pioneer Park at 10am, I would suggest that members plan to arrive near 9:30am to allow some leeway for traffic conditions. This is a one day outing to a site that is about 10 minutes north of the park, so it�s imperative everyone meets on time. Members whom wish to spend a night or two in the area should look for accommodations nearby.

Note: The water level of the Peace river needs to be below 6 feet at the Zolfo Springs station in order to have a successful hunt. This Outing may be cancelled if the area experiences significant rainfall in the week prior to the trip. If it is cancelled or postponed, you will receive an Email by Friday evening March 2nd, so make sure to check your Email.

New Business.

Bob brought up Brice Hooper, and an issue that is occurring with his company clients and backers, as it seems that people are contacting the Chapter looking for information about him. After a short discussion we determined we didn�t know any more information than the email contained, and the chapter is removing the link to his company from our website.

Tom mentioned that for the March meeting members should be ready to discuss the possibilities for the chapters Spring Gold Outing we usually hold on Memorial Day weekend. So keep this in mind and be ready to make plans in March.

Tom also pointed out the GPAA outings that will be occurring at Loud Mine, and Vein Mtn., June 6th � 10th, and June 13th -18th respectively. Bob mentioned that it was a great place for beginners to learn a lot, work some pay dirt, meet fellow miners, learn things in the classes and get a few pickers in the gold draw. Members can choose from a 3 day or 5 day outing. Les reminded us that the 5 day participants get 2 draws at the end of the week in the gold draw while the 3 day participants only get one. Members can visit the Main GPAA site at http://goldprospectors.org/Events/Outings/tabid/61/Default.aspx for further information, photo�s, etc. and/or even look over our own orlandogpaa.org under member submissions for stories of member outing adventures.

The Chapters raffle for a bag of concentrates was won by Frank, and a neat auto emergency kit donated by Tom was won by Les. Congratulations you two.

Our next chapter meeting is on March 10, 2012, at Warren Park. After the Meeting Tom and Bob thought it would be good to make this one a Pot Luck, so plan on bringing a dish to share with everyone. Please Contact Rae-Lynn at Raelynn0615@gmail.com and let her know what you plan to bring so we avoid duplicating dishes. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am. Hopefully members will have lots of fossils to display along with all the good eats to enjoy.

Hope to see everyone there;

Bob Gaebler
Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA

RJGaebler@cs.com

Congratulations Les...

March, 2012

Hello Members;

First off, over the last several months many of our members have been faced with personal hardships, and on behalf of the Chapter, the officers want to take a moment to wish all our members the best in the tough times they have had, and/or are currently facing. Every one of us will eventually have to face situations which can happen at a moments notice, or develop and take place over months or even years.

To those whom have lost family and loved ones, our deepest condolences.

To those with illnesses, may each of you have a swift and full recovery.

And to all of us facing such events, may you have the strength to face them head on and with full resolve knowing that the path chosen is sound in both heart and mind.

This past meeting saw a nice turnout and the membership enjoyed the good eats that our pot luck meetings always have. We didn�t officially have any new members attend but two members of the Central Florida Metal Detecting Club joined us. We thank you for stopping by for the day, and hope to see you again.

Old Business.

Fossils. With the Chapters Outing to Peace River just this past March 3rd, the attendees brought for display many of the fossils they found. Lots and lots of Shark teeth plus other teeth, vertebrae, rib bones, bone fragments, etc. were all on display, even an old rotary engine�s rotor was found. Marty brought a neat page depicting the different types of fossil shark teeth found in Florida, and members spent a bit of time identifying them. It looks like we had examples of most if not all of them. Thanks to Tom for located the best spot of the day, where a fossil bearing layer of gravel/fossil rubble varied in thickness of up to 6 inches for a good area in the river. Head over to our Chapter's Outing page for more details, and some Photo�s.

We also discussed Ruck�s Pit, again, as Terry was to report back to the members about his trip there on Feb. 18th. Terry indicated his disappointment in not being able to find the new location. Debbie, whom brought a really nice specimen for the club to view, added that the new location is not as easily located as the old one. Dave, mentioned that the amount of material one has to go through is not piled as high as the in the past, but you still have to search through it all to find better fossil specimens. With this information, chapter members choose not to plan an outing there at this time. Tom added that members are free to visit and report back on their experience.

The GPAA Gold Outings at Loud Mine, and Vein Mtn. will be on June 6th � 10th, and June 13th -18th respectively were mentioned again. Members can visit the main GPAA Site for further information.

The Chapters Spring Gold Outing is set. After a brief discussion lead by Tom, there was enough interest to head over to the GPAA Buchanan site on Memorial Day Weekend. With a showing of hands, the decision was made official. Memorial Day this year falls on Monday, May 28th, which sets the outings dates as Saturday and Sunday, May 26th and 27th. As always, everyone planning to attend is free to arrive earlier in the week, or stay a few days extra. With the dates set, the chapter�s web site has been updated.

New Business.

The chapter secretary, Bob is requesting the phone numbers of members who believe they will be heading to Club outings. This came about due to the Chapter�s recent Fossil Outing on the 3rd. It seems Pioneer Park had a weeklong festival going on, and the members attending had to quickly meet at a different location then what was published. After a few calls, we all met up, but with the chance that a member was missed he feels that for future outings this contact information would be good to have. Several members gave their numbers at the meeting, and these will be noted with their contact Email address information.

Florida Senate Bill SB868. Florida State Senator Alan Hays has introduced changes to the existing Florida code concerning archaeological sites. An Email to members was sent out recently to notify the chapter membership. Details of the code changes as they stand now can be viewed Here. Bob attended the Central Florida Metal Detector�s meeting on Friday, March 9th, to learn further details, and let their club know information about the GPAA. It seems the bill in its current state is significantly redefining the land that is affected, and penalties. It was learned that at the moment the bill has been tabled, as the current session is over, and that the Central Florida Metal Detector Club is trying to have Senator Hays attend one of their meetings in the near future. Bob expressed that our membership should make every effort to attend this meeting so we can have a voice in this process.

Bob noted that our chapters small presence on Facebook has more fans at 77, than Newsletter Emails sent to our membership at 72.

The Chapters raffle for a bag of concentrates was won by Tom, and Ray-Lynn won a nice 40% silver dollar. Congratulations you two.

Our next chapter meeting is on April 14, 2012, at Warren Park. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am. Will we be planning something special for the outing at Buchanan? Be there to find out Hope to see everyone there;

Bob Gaebler
Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA
386 837-3423

RJGaebler@cs.com

Congratulations Rae_Lynn and Tom....

April, 2012

Hello Members;

April has come, and is now gone. Sorry for being a bit slow on getting the April Newsletter completed. This past meeting had a nice turnout and some new attendees. We would like to welcome Tony Maxey & Family and Bruce & Debbie Brock. Thanks for stopping by for the morning and hope to see you again at a future meeting.

Old Business.

The GPAA Gold Outings at Loud Mine, and Vein Mtn. will be on June 6th � 10th, and June 13th -18th respectively were mentioned again. Members can visit the Main GPAA site for further information.

We thanked the members whom voluntarily supplied their phone numbers of those whom believe they will be heading to Club outings. This is just in case of unexpected future situations, such as the change of the initial meeting spot which occurred on the Chapter�s recent Fossil Outing on March 3rd.

It was announced that Florida Senate Bill SB868, concerning archaeological sites died for the moment in fianc committee, but could show up again in the future. Details of the Bill, and the code changes can be viewed Here. Bob is still going to see if the sponsoring Senator Hayes will be talking about the bill at the Central Florida Metal Detectors club in Sanford, and will keep the chapter up to date.

With the Chapters Spring Gold Outing set for Memorial Day weekend, May 26th-27th the chapter went over a few items. Tom and Bob talked about general information, and fielded a few questions about the Claim site. It钒s a nice primitive camping spot which can handle trailers and RV�s up to 26 foot or so. Stoves are allowed anywhere, but only one central campfire ring. For those not wanting to camp, there are motels about 15 min away near the interstate, and doing a look up for Buchanan should get a good list.

We confirmed that the Chapter is contributing $100.00 towards a chapter dinner. Will it be a evening out on the town or a local roasted chicken potluck BBQ at the camp. We�ll see, as those whom attend decide this up at the outing.

We went over the split a bit, and reiterated that all the gold coming from the common operations will split among those whom choose to join in on the common operation. Concentrates will be classified to 1/20th. Like always, members are free to set up their own equipment, and not be a part of the common.

A few laughs were had when Tom and Bob brought up usual amount of gold the chapter�s past commons have produced. Anywhere from a gram or two, to up to � an ounce, for a weekend of activities, and hoped this didn�t scare away any from attending. Frank offered some gold to be added into the chapters common operations as he did for last year�s Memorial Day outing. Thanks Frank for your generosity.

We talked about 2 options concerning compensation to members whom decide to supply dredges and highbanker/dredge combo�s for the common. First, Tom brought up that the first/largest picker found would go to the dredge owner, and secondly Bob brought giving the dredge an extra split from the common as the chapter did at Vein Mtn. Forgive me at the moment as my CRS is acting up a bit, and I didn�t note the full outcome of this discussion, but I believe the Vote was in favor of the first/largest picker, but not both.

Bob brought up an idea he had of having the chapter pay towards the gas usage over the two days of common operations by compensating the dredge/highbanker owners $15.00 - $20.00 each for the weekend. This again brought up a few laughs, and comments which in the end made it a complete nonissue, as it really didn�t matter to the members with equipment.

New Business.

We informed the membership of the passing of �The Nugget Man�, Bill Willcox in late March and the chapter members remembered the many great stories he had to tell, and the superb nuggets he freely displayed to everyone he met. We will miss you Bill.

Tom talked about our upcoming Holiday party, and suggested that members reach out and look for alternatives for chapter gifts/raffle prizes. Possible donations from members and or business associates would be appreciated.

The need to get the main pavilion rented out for the Holiday party in December was mentioned, and our chapter�s treasurer Frank, supplied a check for the Fee, which last year was $50.00.

Bob mentioned that at New Smyrna Beach there was a Surfing contest going on this weekend, and might be a good place to go for a metal detecting trip. There wasn�t much interest as he was looking to get members to attend the very next day. Way too short notice.

Our next chapter meeting is on May 12, 2012, at Warren Park. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am. Will we be planning something special for the outing at Buchanan? Be there to find out

Hope to see everyone there;

Bob Gaebler
Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA
386 837-3423

RJGaebler@cs.com

May, 2012

Hello Members;

Well it�s that time of year again where all the preparations for a new gold prospecting season are nearing completion, if not so already. May is also time for our Annual Memorial Day Outing. As with past years, Buchanan is our destination, and it seems like there will be a nice amount of members making the trip this year. We would also like to wish a safe a prosperous trip to those members heading off to their claims out west. It was also great to have a visit from Randy Renfro, a member who took the leap a few years back and moved to Alaska. It�s was great to hear he�s doing well and that he gets a nice amount of time in the summer to continue his gold prospecting.

We would like to thank Bill Mathews and John O�Brian for stopping by. We hope you enjoyed the morning with us and hope to see you again at a future meeting.

Old Business.

Last call! For the GPAA Gold Outings at Loud Mine and Vein Mtn. that is... They will be on June 6th � 10th, and June 13th -18th respectively. Members can visit the main GPAA site for further information. These are great for anyone new to Gold Prospecting, as you�ll be able to use many different pieces of equipment and determine which might be best for you. I guess I�ll mention the Athens, MI Outing also I know it�s a bit far to travel to, but one could call it an East of the Mississippi Outing, and maybe one of you might want to really take a road trip.

Tom mentioned again about members looking to areas outside of the Club for donations of items, etc. for our holiday party, and/or monthly raffle prizes. It would be nice to see a few new items.

We cleared up the CRS moment Bob had concerning Compensation for the dredge owners supplying dredges for the common. Yes, they get an extra split from the common, and a picker, if their dredge produces one. All other pickers will be applied to the common. Let�s hope we hit a nice pocket of gold, and we can hold a draw for #1

Bob mentioned that the pavilion rental fee was paid, and we are all set for the Holiday meeting in Dec.

Ken with several members going over Photo's of a trip to the Cotton Patch...

New Business.

Our chapter received an Email from a School, where one of the Pupils used our website as part of a class project. In return, to assist them with the project, a link to a Metal Detecting information site on our links page. Take a look if you have the chance.

May 19th is Minelab Day, and at KellyCo here in Florida is one of the few places nationwide to sponsor the event. Speakers, Raffle prizes, tours, eats, etc. will be had, so make sure to register, and attend.

( Update Several of our members did attend this event. While we didn�t have any luck with the Raffle prizes I believe we all came away with a larger appreciation of the Hobby, a few new tricks, and a few got some new gear. Thanks Minelab, and KellyCo for putting on a great day of events. )

We briefly mention the possibility of a Fall Outing, and further discussion will take place at the June meeting after we complete our Outing to Buchanan, GA.

We decided to Hold a Member Auction of GPAA Items which the Club has had now for some time. This are hats, pans, shirts, snuffer bottles, etc. all freebies from the GPAA as part of the point system chapters get for members. All proceeds will be used towards raffle prizes, and the holiday party. While we didn�t really determine a date, it might happen as early as next month. We�ll see

Congratulations to Ray-Lynn for winning this month bag of concentrates. Looks like there was a nice picker showing through that black sand. Hopefully there is another one in there keeping it company.

Our next chapter meeting is on June 9, 2012, at Warren Park. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am. With the Buchanan Outing completed, will members be showing off a bit of Gold? Come over and see

Hope to see everyone there;

Bob Gaebler
Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA
386 837-3423

RJGaebler@cs.com

Congratulations Rae_Lynn...

June, 2012

Hello Members;

A cloudy Saturday morning, couldn�t keep the prospectors away as it was a Pot Luck day. Lots of good eats since every member brought a bit of something to share. While we had many different dishes to eat, we were a bit lacking on drinks. Thanks to Terry for taking a few minutes to pick up some extras for the Club.

We did not have any new members in attendance this meeting.

The area was a bit busier than normal. Members were discussing the Memorial Day outing, eating, and showing off a bit of gold here and there. A classifying and panning area was set up on one of the tables. This was quickly put to use once the last few bags of concentrates were picked up by members whom had to leave the outing early. Yes there was Gold in every bag. Some more than others, but that is usually how the common draw goes.

A bit of panning going on.

Old Business.

The Memorial Day outing was talked about a bit to get feedback from the membership. Since most that attended the outing were at this meeting also, it was good to hear that everyone enjoyed it. Members had plenty of time to check out the different gear, and learn about each, by getting a bit of hands on experience.

We opened up talks about a possible outing around Labor Day. Discussions ranged from trying to head to one of the LDMA sites, to various Pay to dig places. Bob expressed concerns about the LDMA sites, believing it was already too late to get the required approvals. We left it with asking the membership to check out each of the areas, so at July�s meeting we could take a vote. Here is a list of the places, with links to their websites. Each while is similar, they do vary a bit in overall cost.

      1. Alabama Gold Camp .
      2. Carolina Emerald Mine .
      3. Cotton Patch .
      4. Crisson Gold Mine .
      5. Gold N Gem Grubbin .
      6. Lucky Strike .
      7. Thermal City .
      8. Weekend Gold Miners .
            ( membership required or being a guest )

( Maybe someone will go a step further and see if one of these sites is willing to offer our chapter a weekend outing at a per member fee for the 2 days. Camping, and Pay dirt / dredging included )

As always, we can head back to Buchanan, GA. and not incur any additional cost as the pay to dig sites will charge.

We did a brief mention of the Minelab Day event sponsored by Minelab and Kelly Co. How the event was, speakers, lunch, and the amount of prizes. While none of our members there were lucky, those that attended were glad they did.

The chapter decided that the August meeting will be the Auction. The chapter has a few items that have been hanging around a bit for a while. At the moment there are 10 items ranging from GPAA hats, to shirts, and pans, plus more. Members are invited to add an item or two if they like, noting that proceeds will go towards the chapter. A list of items will be supplied in July.

Congratulations to Terry for winning this month bag of concentrates. He panned it a bit at the meeting, but since I didn�t get to see the results, I can�t be sure what he found. Let�s hope it was a good bag.

Congradulations Terry.

Our next chapter meeting is on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Warren Park. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am.

Hope to see everyone there;

Bob Gaebler
Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA
386 837-3423

RJGaebler@cs.com

July, 2012

Hello Members;

Sometimes the second Saturday of each month doesn�t come to fast, but for me June flew by, and here it is already July, and before we know it, August will be here.

The Chapter would like to welcome Dana Smith, and Pat Rose. We hope you had a good time, and will join us at a future meeting.

Old Business.

Our end of summer/fall outing decision was postponed to give Tom and Doug a chance to contact the Weekend Gold Miners, since Doug and Chris were up there this weekend, and it seems we may be able to have out outing at one of their properties. The choices presented are below, and we look forward to the August meeting.

      1. Alabama Gold Camp .
      2. Carolina Emerald Mine .
      3. Cotton Patch .
      4. Crisson Gold Mine .
      5. Gold N Gem Grubbin .
      6. Lucky Strike .
      7. Thermal City .
      8. Weekend Gold Miners .
            ( membership required or being a guest )

New Business.

There wasn�t any new business brought up for discussion.

Looking towards our August meeting, remember we will be having a small auction. There is a limited amount of club items available to the membership. Members can still bring an item or two if they like to donate to the chapter. All proceeds will go towards the general fund.

Here�s a list of the items to be auctioned.

    1. Small black pan
    2. Green GPAA pan
    3. 2 Black GPAA hats
    4. A snuffer bottle kit
    5. Black GPAA Shirt (L)
    6. Blue GPAA shirt (L)
    7. GPAA Belt Buckle
    8. Best of the Buzzard Book
    9. 3 back issues of GPAA mag. (2006)
    10. A toy Car ( found at the monthly meeting site in Warren Park and donated to the cause. It is said to hold Magically Properties / Mojo that will assist the owner in locating Gold deposits. )
    11. Seaworld Tickets? (Note: Might be held for part of the Holiday party for use in 2013)

Congratulations to Tony for winning this month�s bag of concentrates and Connie for winning a hat.

Our next chapter meeting is on Saturday, Aug 11, 2012, at Warren Park. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am.

Congradulations Tony and Connie.

August, 2012

Hello Members;

Once, Twice, Sold

This month we added a bit of fun to the normal meeting by holding an auction of a few left over GPAA items that had been accumulating over the years. A few members also donated items. All and all it went well. Thanks to Tony for being our auctioneer for the day, his son for the fine job of showing the items to our membership. We�ll find out next month how much we raised.

The Chapter would like to welcome Harry and Diane, Freda and Mark, and Joan and Oscar. We hope you had a good time, and will join us at a future meeting.

Old Business.

With Labor Day approaching fast, the Chapter decided to head over to the Georgia Weekenders site for out fall outing. A separate Email will be sent out to the membership with all the details as it�s a bit short notice to get everything setup on the website. This looks to be a good one, as the Weekender�s site�s are known to have some good gold. The only drawback seems to be their rule on member�s only using mechanical mining equipment. It looks like we�ll be sharing the dredges of Tom, Doug, and Chris, as they are members of the GA Weekenders. Maybe another member or two will join adding their equipment to the list.

New Business.

As mentioned at the start we held an auction. Most of the items went for under or near $10.00. and all the proceeds are going towards the chapter�s general fund.

Let the bidding Begin...

How much for The Best of the Buzzards book?

Here�s a list of the items that were auctioned.

    1. Small black pan
    2. Green GPAA pan
    3. 2 Black GPAA hats
    4. A snuffer bottle kit
    5. Black GPAA Shirt (L)
    6. Blue GPAA shirt (L)
    7. GPAA Belt Buckle
    8. Best of the Buzzard Book
    9. 3 back issues of GPAA mag. (2006)
    10. Tom & Perry Clean Up kit.
    11. Seaworld Tickets.

Mike Wicks asked if the chapter would like to check into a post in the Pick & Shovel, where a NC Doctor is offering � of his mineral rights to 160+ Acres. The chapter decided to have Bob check into it to get more details on just what this offer is about. Tune in next month

Congratulations to Tony�s son or winning this month�s bag of concentrates.

Our next chapter meeting is on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Warren Park. This will be a Pot Luck meeting so please bring an item everyone can enjoy. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am.

Hope to see everyone there;

Bob Gaebler
Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA
386 837-3423

RJGaebler@cs.com

Congradulations

September, 2012

Hello Members;

This month we had a surprise celebration for Connie Wicks as she recently became a US Citizen. Tom and Ray Lynn did a wonderful job of getting everything ready. Tom gave a brief speech in honor of the occasion going over how much Connie when through to achieve this honor, and Ray-Lynn did a great job creating a stunning cake. And yes, Tom did surprise Connie once he announced her name. I think we all learned a bit as he listed all the requirements necessary and the chapter toasted to Connie�s accomplishment. Congratulations Connie.

Super cupcake cake...

Connie and Mike. Congradulations !

Members enjoying the Pot Luck.

Old Business.

Tom gave a talk about how the Labor Day outing went up at the Georgia Weekenders site, and several members did have a bit of color to show off. Tom brought some concentrates, and members took turns panning out some of the 20 mesh and under gold. He indicated the need for a prospector checklist of sorts that would include all the items necessary, even spare parts, tools, etc. for the dredges.

Jim doing some panning.

A bit of Color.

Bob gave a talk about last month�s request by Mike Wicks to learn more about a � share of the mineral rights to 160+ Acres. The owner is selling it for $18,000.00, and complete information is being mailed to Bob. Dr. Hood indicated that the 160 Acres are a part of his family�s estate, once owned by a cousin of his. The other half is now owned by several property owners as the 160 acres was sold to a developer, and subsequently resold in various acre+ lots. We would have to negotiate with each owner concerning the other half. More info at the next meeting after the information is received.

Chris brought up another possibly as he located a 5 acre site being sold that has footage on the Tesnatee River in GA. He�s looking into this further, but brought it us as another alternative for the club.

New Business.

We discussed the upcoming GPAA Gold show being held in Spartanburg, SC October 27 � 28. Due to a lack of interest in members wanting to sell items at the GPAA Gold show, the chapter decided not to get a table this year. Members going to the show will be able to enjoying it to its fullest without having to worry about who�s manning the booth.

Everyone might want to make it to the October meeting, as John donated an item to be auctioned. He couldn�t make the August meeting but decided an item worth up to $250.00 would be a help to the chapter. We will be auctioning it off at the October meeting. We will decide then to open it to see what it is, or leave it as a mystery item. Thanks John.

Congratulations to Linda for winning this month�s bag of concentrates.

Our next chapter meeting is on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at Warren Park. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am.

Hope to see everyone there;

Bob Gaebler
Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA
386 837-3423

RJGaebler@cs.com

Congratulations.

October, 2012

Hello Members;

With the gold prospecting season coming to an end in many locations due to the onset of cold winter weather, it�s great to be living in a southern state where the season for the most part never really stops. Florida has its perks, even if we don�t have much natural gold to speak of. With October here it means that the Fall GPAA Outings just completed, and there�s a Gold Show coming up at the end of the month. Several chapter members have attended the Loud Mine Outings over the years, but for Les, this year�s outing will be something he�ll never forget. Stories of mining, meeting up with friends, the massive pan of concentrates are all going to have a spark to them this year, and for years to come. You see, this year Les joined a club, as the first chip he pulled in the gold draw was #1. Congratulations Les upon your entrance into the GPAA�s #1 Club.

Old Business.

There was a quick reminder of the GPAA Gold Show being held in Spartanburg, SC October 27 � 28. Try to attend, as it�s good to meet up with friends, get the latest mining information and gear, and possibly win one of the various prizes.

Bob presented the printed information send to the Chapter from Dr. Hood, about the � share of the mineral rights to 160+ Acres up in Cleveland, GA. It seems the members weren�t too interested in looking it over at this time. Tom took this home to go through it.

The 5 acre site Chris brought up in September is still being looked into as the realtor he contacted couldn�t fully answer all his inquiries about the property.

Tune in later for more information on these items.

New Business.

Our Chapters website, orlandogpaa.org has been renewed for another two years. The cost was paid out of the chapters general funds. There is a new page uploaded with photographs from the chapter�s last outing at the Weekenders property in Georgia.

The chapter discussed the Holiday party, as it�s only two months away now. With the ever increasing price of Gold, it seems we are being priced out of giving Gold to all of our GPAA/LDMA members in attendance. Frank brought this to attention and asked about alternatives, and possible donations towards the gifts and/or raffle prizes. Suggestions ranged from smaller amounts of gold in each gift, to various silver coins, US 90% coins to .999 one ounce silver rounds. Suggestions for the major gift were either a nugget, gold coin, or a good sized bag of Gold concentrates. So keep this in mind for the November meeting, as it will need to be finalized at that time. Also as a reminder, the chapter gifts to our membership at the Holiday Party are only to those currently active GPAA and LDMA members, so keep your membership current, and carry your membership card, as the chapter will be checking this at the November meeting and the Holiday Party itself.

The chapter also had a small auction. At the September meeting John donated a mystery item, and we held off a month to make sure other members knew about it. Prior to starting, a decision was made to open it up. It contained 2 admissions to Disney world. A few members were bidding on these but Tom ended up taking home the prize. Congratulations Tom.

Our monthly raffle for a bag of concentrates was won by Terry. Way to go Terry.

Tom holding the Disney Tickets.

John picking the raffle Winner.

Congratulations Terry.

Our next chapter meeting is on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at Warren Park. Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am.

Hope to see everyone there;

Bob Gaebler
Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA
386 837-3423

RJGaebler@cs.com

December, 2012

Hello Members;

A new year is here, and on behalf of the chapter I'd like to wish all our members and their family�s good health and a happy new year. Here's to a very Golden New Year !

There is nothing like our December meeting, as it's not much of a meeting. Fun and relaxation is the order of the day. This is usually our chapters largest gathering of the year where members share a lot of delicious homemade Foods and catch up with each other adventures over the last year, and begin to plan for the next.

We would like to welcome Carlin Ellyson and Bill Fitzhugh as this was their first visit. We hope you had a good time, made a few new friends, and hope to be seeing you at some of our future meetings.

As for our meeting, concerning Old Business; Bob reminded the chapter that with Florida hosting a GPAA Gold show in September of 2013, we should be thinking of what we could do. So keep this in mind, and maybe have a suggestion ready for an upcoming meeting. Also if members have any ideas for chapter outings, the January meeting is the time to bring them up.

The only New Business of the day was to hold our election of Chapter Officers. Three of our officers decided to stay on in their positions, which were Tom Davis as President, Doug Sayre as Vice President and Bob Gaebler as Secretary. There was no objection by the membership, or other candidates wishing to run for these offices.

On behalf of our chapter I'd like to thank Frank Mercer for his service as treasurer over the years. I believe he has served the chapter as treasurer in all but one year. With his departure, this left the treasurer position open for nominations. After a little bit of discussion, and a some "no not me's", ( lol... ), Chris was willing to be treasurer, but James stepped up and wanted it more. After a quick vote the decision was made. Congratulations James.

Congradulations to the chapters officers for 2013.
Tom, Doug, Bob and James.

Frank giving James a few pointers.

With the meeting behind us, the remainder of the day was just Fun. The chapters Crazy Santa gift exchange when off without a hitch as members opened and did a few gift swaps. It seems this year's item on the most traded list was a small bottle of aged whiskey, followed by a nice large flashlight.

Our Raffles winners of the day: Dave�s number was drawn for the bag of concentrates; Ann won a nice Commemorative Coin, and James won a gold coin. Congratulations.

The membership gift always adds some excitement as members want to be the last one called. As tickets were picked, one by one each of us took home a 2012 presidential proof coin set. At the end, the second to last winner, Terry won a nice 2 grams of gold, and the holder of the final ticket, Ken, took home the grand prize. A really nice bag of Alaskan Gold Concentrates from Filex's. Congratulations Ken.

Or next meeting is January 12, 2013. Hope to see everyone there.

Bob Gaebler

Secretary � Orlando Chapter, GPAA

Bob - RJGaebler@cs.com

Below are some of the highlights of the Holiday Party. Thanks Ken, Tommy and Bob for the Photographs.