August 15, 2009
Yes, it’s that time again!
This letter is later than I wanted but I had some important info coming in and I waited for it. The biggest topic I have been contacted about is the passing of the anti-dredge law. All kinds of stories have been reported to me, but what I have been able to confirm is this: Absolutely NO one( of us common folk that is,)will be allowed to dredge ANYWHERE in our state. If you are caught dredging, you face a $1000 fine and /or up to 6 months in jail. For those of you who bought a dredge permit, they have sent or will be sending you a letter telling you to go suck sewer water. (those are my words, but they might as well have put it that way). Even tho’ you had a contract with them to allow you to dredge for a fee, they are voiding their half of that contract and revoking that right. But they expect you to forfeit your money and they refuse to give a dime of it back. You have to honor the written contract and pay your fee, but they get to default on the same contract. I think you can tell I am enraged by the feudal system California has become, so I apologize to anyone I offend. He first gave me the information, and Rose Klemenok read me the letter she received confirming NO REFUNDS. Get this: You don’t get money back because refunds weren’t written into the Bill. I’m so glad our Representatives are looking out for us. Also, there will be ANOTHER environmental impact study about dredging to determine the validity of this ban, and it won’t be concluded until around 2011. Guess who is going to be paying for this “study” AGAIN? THEN, we may get to have another bill about Maybe letting some people dredge. It’s further proof that we need to stop complaining and do something. Any legal ideas? Bring them to the meeting.
The August meeting will be held on the 19th in the Lodge Room, at 7:00pm. We’ll be there by 6:30pm if you want to come early and check in with other members. That’ the Vet’s Building of Santa Rosa to anyone who’s never been to our meetings and wants to come check us out. People are invited to visit a few meetings to see if they want to join us. No cost and no pressure to just check us out.
Last month: Ben opened the meeting and welcomed newcomers. We voted to move to the bigger Lodge Room with the option to move back to the North Room if finances required . Ben talked about the stuff for the Bear River Raffle. It’s to raise the extra money for two outings instead of the one the club usually pays for. Many members felt Ben shouldn’t have to raise the money, that the club should pay for this second outing. I have even offered Ben the money. To set the record straight! Ben wants to see if he can raise the money. It’s a point of pride with him. IF he doesn’t raise the money, he’ll let the club pay the difference. It comes down to Ben being a man of his word and altho’ he really appreciates the offers of help he feels he can do this. I respect his decision, and think it shows we have a good man holding the office of president. And he has lots of ‘stuff’ to raffle off. Thanks to everyone who has donated. Remember the Bear River outing is next month, Sept. 18th through the 21st.
He still has club t-shirts so bring your money to the meeting if you want one. He, remember to bring the shirts, Okay??? There was a lot of talk about the SB670 bill. Paul Dito and George Frazier talked about the restrictions on even obtaining a dredge permit. We talked about the success of the picnic and next year using the same park. We decided to start the picnic earlier and stay later next year to allow games as well as the usual stuff. Again, thanks to everyone for making the picnic a good time.
David Yoch showed new styles for the name tags and talked a bit about changes we could make. If you don’t have a name tag, please let Dave know so one can be made.
Charles Gresalfi donated a beautiful oil painting he made. It is titled “claim jumper” and there were comments on which member he looked the most like. The raffle for this original painting will be held this meeting. We have an opening bid of $100.
Roger gave his ‘gold’ report. I gave the ” treasurers ” report and reminded everyone dues are due; Family fee is $35.00 and single member is $30.00. Checks or cash are accepted.
SHOW & TELL: Ben showed his gold and talked about his claim. Bill Lieberman went to the American River and found color. He met up with Elmer Rosenblad. Apparently Elmer had a big laugh at Bill’s expense. We didn’t have as much sharing this month, but I’d like to remind you: if you participate in the show and tell you receive a raffle ticket for the main raffle of the night. Many free tickets have won nuggets for members. It doesn’t have to be gold you show. We like to hear about outings and experiences too.
We were reminded about the Annual Gem & Mineral Show coming in October. We are given a free space at the show to display club info and give panning lessons. Bob Draper has brought detecting equipment. He usually organizes the club participation, so sign up and check in with him if you’d like to be a part of the Gem show this year. He, if you weren’t it this year, you are now! Thank you.
Lance Thomson spoke about the New 49er’s and his membership with them. It really sounds interesting and worth checking out. He again talked about the value of subscribing to the Mining Journal. He has found many good, comprehensive articles in the journal. It should be part of every ‘gold seekers’ kit. Subscribe through the magazine or on line. Look for ICMJ Mining Journal. ( http://www.icmj.com). He also reminded us about the Memorial Day Forest Hills Gold Panning contest. Our own Maryann McGinnis is among the elite champions of this annual event. Richard Giddens reminded us about the monthly Flea Market held in the Veterans Building parking lots. Member should bring donations to the booth at the flea mart, or contact Buck or Richard about where to bring their ‘stuff’. An auction for a Blue Bowl was held, and Kim Anderson was the winner. George Frazier mentioned he has maps for sale. Rose Klemenok told two jokes. Ben wished everyone a safe journey home and the meeting was adjourned.
I want to again thank those who contacted me with information for the newsletter. If anyone has something to contribute in any way, please contact me at 707 575 8915, or online at katheclose@att.net. (If you want to be anonymous that okay too.) Ideas, comments good or bad, suggestions, complaints, news, etc, it’s all welcomed.
Okay, joke time.
From F. Robinson How to be a gracious BITCH:
Jennifer’s wedding day was approaching. Nothing could dampen her excitement, not even her parent’s NASTY divorce. Her mother had found the perfect dress to wear and would be the best dressed mother-of-the-bride ever! A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father’s new much younger wife had bought the exact dress as her mother. Jennifer asked the new wife to exchange it, but she refused. “Absolutely NOT! I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I’m wearing it” she replied. Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, “Never mind sweetheart. I’ll get another dress. After all, it’s your special day.” A few days later they went shopping and did find another gorgeous dress. When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother “Aren’t you going to return the other dress? You really don’t have another occasion where you could wear it.” Her mother just smiled and replied, “Of course I do! I’m wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before your wedding.”
The duck is dead!( Also from Frank)
A woman brought a very limp duck to a veterinary surgeon. As she put the duck on the exam table the vet used his stethoscope to listen to the bird’s chest. After a moment, he shook his head and sadly told her the duck was dead. The distressed woman wailed ,”Are you sure?” “Yes, I am sure. This duck is dead” replied the vet. “How can you be so sure? She protested. “I mean you haven’t even run any tests on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something.” The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador Retriever. As the woman looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the exam table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet patted the dog’s head and took him from the room. A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped onto the exam table and delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back, shook his head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room. The vet looked at the woman and said, “I’m sorry, but as I’ve said, the duck is most definitely 100% dead.” The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few buttons and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman. The duck’s owner, still in shock, looked at the bill. $250.00 just to tell me my duck is dead!???!!!!” The vet shrugged, “I’m very sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20.00, but at YOUR insistence, with the Lab Report, and the Cat Scan, it’s now $250.00”
People are like a tea bag; you never know how strong they are until you put them in hot water.
Some things to think about:
Life is sexually transmitted.
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes the whole box of matches to start a campfire!
Take care and I hope to see you on August 19, 2009 in the Lodge Room located at the Santa Rosa Veterans Building next to the Fairgrounds. Meeting starts at 7:00pm, but come early and visit for a while.
Take care and be safe,
Kathe