Hello again,
We had a different, energy-filled meeting in March. Not a bad thing, just different. James Conrad opened the meeting by telling us about a conversation he had with Danny Laborin. Apparently Danny has commitments that prevent him from devoting the time needed to be the president of our club, so he asked James Conrad to take over for him as president . A motion was made, seconded, and voted on; James is now our president and no longer the vice-president. Several comments and suggestions were made on office elections, perks for “officers”, etc. After much discussion, we nominated, and elected, Randy Ricci as the vice-president.
Just to make sure everyone understands the ‘rules’ in place at this time for Board-member elections and their perks: we hold elections every two years. The Board members are exempt from dues for their term on the Board, ‘tho most go ahead and pay the yearly dues. Board meetings are held monthly (or less) and decisions are then brought to the members for ratification. Board meetings can be called at any time if the need arises. Usually those attending these meetings are the Board members, but sometimes other members come to give information needed to make comprehensive decisions. Only the Board members can vote on issues at these Board meetings. Also, the club usually pays for an extra large pizza, and a pitcher of soft drinks; again most times the Board members contribute to the cost of the meal. (It’s a perk for the Board to have Pizza since these people give up their time and evenings to attend to Board matters.) To prevent a tie-vote on issues, we have an un-even number of Board members. If a Board member is unable to attend a Board meeting, a phone vote is accepted on large issues. Brian Benn is the designated “tie breaker” if it comes to a stalemate. We try hard to make sure all views and opinions are heard and debated before bringing the issues to the membership. The club members still have the ability to decline our decisions or to request further information. It’s not a dictatorship, and it would seem that the majority of the issues are settled in a way that the members approve. It is encouraging when we are asked to re-think our decisions; it lets us know that you as members are involved. I realize that this is a simplification, but I am trying to provide insight so everyone knows what the Board is and what we provide; there’s more to the job than sitting at the front table during the meetings. Now, back to the March meeting………..
James has a lot of energy and he enjoys sharing his knowledge, so he gave us an overview of the things he would like to accomplish for the club. His energy and enthusiasm was contagious, and there was a lot of group participation.
Ben Conrad brought an order of T-shirts. He sold them for $10, and let us know that we can special order sweatshirts, jackets, etc. There will be more shirts available at the April meeting. THANK YOU BEN for taking care of us even though you are so busy.
James asked about visitors and/or new members. We had a couple of new members, and one ” new/ old” member; he belonged to the club when it was held on Jennings Ave, left for a while, and is back with us again.
Bill Lieberman and Dick Sibbert talked about the Gold Show they attended. They shared a lot of interesting information with us.
James talked about the high prices of gasoline and diesel and a suggestion of car-pooling. He noted that many of us have lots of ‘stuff’ we need to bring to outings, but asked that we at least think about car-pooling.
The Public Hearing to be held in Sacramento on March 29th was also discussed. I have had several e-mails about this Hearing, and am hoping to have a lot of information at the upcoming meeting on Wednesday, April 20th. Come find out what’s happening with our right to dredge.
Rose Klemenok read an article on dredging being permitted from July 2012 to January 2013; there will only be 4000 permits issued. This touched off more discussions on the proposals offered; i.e. snow in November, December and January, high water, etc. Rose made several copies to share with members. Thank you so much Rose for continuing to keep us updated on things that relate to us. I also need to apologize to Rose and the club; Rose sent me information that the club could have benefitted from, and I lost it before I could print it. I most sincerely apologize to everyone.
Frank Maytus spoke about the Endangered Species Act and how it is being used, sometimes erroneously, to prevent the use of public lands, AND private lands. He had good information about the REAL results of studies and alternatives. He spoke about dredges, mercury in the water, cause and effect. He shared a lot of information and answered questions from the audience. James then joined in and told about the dredge he made from the 1994 regulation alternatives. He said he’ll be providing more info as he builds and tests. We then had the break, and there was A LOT of continued discussion. It’s nice to see members getting involved in the issues again; it’s like we’re waking up from a long winter sleep! (Maybe that’s just me; I AM as grouchy as a bear!!!)
Frank Maytus again reminded us of the need to write letters. We need to let our representatives in the State Government system know that we DO NOT APPROVE! We need to remind them every day if necessary, to get back our right to dredge. We can’t hope that someone else will do it for us. If you will write the letters, (and they do not have to be long letters) we can vote that the club pay the postage. It’s not expensive, and it sure is worth the 44 cents to state your case. Please write, even just a note; we’ll figure out to whom to send it, and get it mailed.
One of the ideas James has to increase member interaction and raise money is a “Tail Gate’ party; he’ll bring his BBQ and roast hot dogs before the meetings. I believe the cost will be $2.00, and he states they will be quality ‘dogs. If you don’t want to fix dinner you can grab a dog from James and put your money toward our club, effectively killing two birds with one stone. His lady Staci will be helping plan and execute the menu. They are also planning a pancake breakfast for the outings, and have quite a list of hot cake flavors to try on you.
Frank Robinson showed us his abalone pearl, shaped like a tooth, and the Boy Scout pin he found in the street.
I have also been asked to find out who has the club owned book “THE ROAR OF THE MONITOR. Several members have asked to see the book, and some asked to borrow it. Will the person using the book please: either bring it to the April meeting, or let us know you still have it? Thanks.
Now, here are some jokes sent to me……….If you don’t like off-color jokes, read no further
Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking by the hospital swimming pool, Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end, where he sank to the bottom and stayed. Edna, seeing that Ralph couldn’t swim, promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom, grabbed him, and pulled him to the surface, then out of the pool. When the Head Director became aware of Edna’s heroic act she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered Edna to be mentally stable. When the Director went to Edna to tell her the news, she said, “Edna, I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is you’re being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of a person you love…. I have concluded that your act displays a sound mindedness. The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he’s dead.” Edna replied, “He didn’t hang himself, you silly!! I put him there to dry! Now how soon can I go home?
Louella Bobbit, sister of the infamous Lorena Bobbitt, is said to have been arrested for allegedly attempting to perform the same act on her husband as her famous sister had done several years ago. Sources revealed Louella was not as accurate as her sister Lorena though. She allegedly missed the target and stabbed her husband in the upper thigh, causing severe muscle and tendon damage. The husband is in serious but stable condition. Louella has been charged not with a felony, but a misdeweiner.
A blonde was stopped by a police officer for speeding. The officer asked her very nicely if he could see her Driver’s License. She replied in a huff, ” I WISH you guys would get your act together! Just yesterday you take away my license, and then today, you expect me to show it to you!”
Okay, since I make fun of myself, PLEEEZE do not get upset when I razz brunettes!
Blonde’s revenge jokes: What’s black, blue, and brown and laying in a ditch? A brunette who’s told one too many blonde jokes.
Why are so many blonde jokes one-liners? So brunettes can remember them.
What do you call a brunette in a room full of blondes? Invisible.
What do you call a good looking man with a brunette? A hostage.
Why didn’t savages scalp brunettes? The hair from a buffalo’s behind was prettier.
Why are brunettes so proud of their hair? It matches their mustache. ;););)
From the Best Smart-ass answers of 2010: A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at a grocery store but couldn’t find one big enough for her family. She asked the stock boy, “Do these turkeys get any bigger?” The boy replied, “No m’am, they’re dead!!”
It was mealtime on an airline flight. “Would you like dinner? ” the flight attendant asked John. ” What are my choices?” replied John. ” Yes, or no” she answered.
See you at the meeting, April 20, 2011. We’ll have lots of new information for you, so please plan to be there. As most of you know, the meeting starts at 7:00 pm in the Lodge Room. Bring something for show and tell and get a free raffle ticket. Bring food or drinks to share and receive a raffle ticket. Bring guests if you’d like; there is no charge to visit. No obligation to join our club. There will be Hot Dogs by James in the parking area before the meeting, so come early. Check our web page for updates and events. If you have questions or something to share, there’s an open forum during the meeting. Bring your thoughts, your questions, your answers, but most important, bring your selves. See you then.
Kathe Close
SRGD
PS!!!! I NEED JOKES!!!!!!