THE SEARCHER

a publication of the Sea Shell Searchers of Brazoria County

April, 2004

The primary purpose of the Sea Shell Searchers of Brazoria County, a not for profit organization, is to provide educational opportunities for the scientific study and conservation of molluscs and other related fields.

Membership is open to everyone. See the club web page for details. Correspondence regarding the newsletter should be directed to Newsletter Editor, SSSBC, 400 College Dr, Clute Texas 77531. <http://bcfas.org/museum/SSSBC/SSSBC.html>
Next meeting Apr 6th 7:00 PM at Museum of Natural Science
Our April program will be by Connie Stolke from Sea Center Texas

President’s Message – April 2004

I hope everyone has had a happy spring so far this year. Maybe the Janthina’s will be coming ashore within the next two months and we can all enjoy their purple beauty. Our April program will be presented by Connie Stolke from Sea Center Texas. Connie is very enthusiastic about Sea Center and since this is their spawning season she should have a great program for us. We will follow-up with a tour to the Sea Center on April 24 at 3:00 pm. I would like to suggest that we plan to go out to eat following the tour. Plan to come to the April meeting with your suggestions for where to eat. Also at our April meeting, we will hear from the nominating committee. If you would like to serve as an officer for one year please contact, Rusti Stover, Janey Nill or Cliff Harris. Election of officers will take place at the May meeting and the new officers actually take office in September. Congratulations go to Leslie Crnkovic who has won major awards at several Florida shell shows over the past few months. Way to go Leslie!!! Let us all remember that COA will be held this June in Tampa, Florida. Texas shellers are always well represented at the convention and as usual we eat too much and have loads of fun. So if you have not made arrangements to attend, do so now so that you do not miss out on the food, fun and many shells to be found. See you April 6th.

Happy Shelling,

Wanda

CALL TO ORDER: The March 2, 2004 meeting of the Sea Shell Searchers was called to order by president Wanda Coker.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Steven (aka Stephen) Coker’s name was misspelled. Motion by Rusti Stover, second by Wayne Humbird to accept as corrected. Passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Wayne Humbird reported a balance of $7329.96.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership: Steven Coker has directories, let him know if you need one.

Field trip: Dean Harris – suggested Sea Center behind the scenes visit in April, on a Saturday

Hospitality: Freida White – needs people to sign up for food next month; it was suggested that names be published in newsletter

Publicity: Irene Norris – The Facts is not putting in the announcements

Auction: September 18, Saturday, Wayne Humbird is accepting donations

Program: April is Sea Center, May is covered dish

FAVORITE SHELLS: Angela Doucette gave a talk on her favorite orange shells.

OLD BUSINESS

  1. Sea Center event: Wanda Coker brought her touch table, the event was well attended. Patty and Wanda were given a behind the scenes look during the event. It is very interesting learning about redfish culture.
  2. New shirts: committee to design new shirts – Tina Petway, Rusti Stover, Patty Humbird, Angela Doucette
  3. Nominating Committee: Rusti Stover, Janey Nill, Cliff Harris presented the following slate:

    President: Steven Coker

    Vice President: Craig and Karen Latimer

    Treasurer: Wayne Humbird

    Recording Secretary: Patty Humbird

    Corresponding Secretary: TBA

  4. COA 2006 committee needs to meet to look into possibility of hosting COA
  5. Club brochure: Janey Nill is making new brochures

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Dean Harris talked about Migration Celebration and she is looking for donations for the silent auction. The club has been asked to have a booth during Migration Celebration April 15, 16, 17.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  1. Museum program: Gem Hunter
  2. Houston shell club auction Saturday, March 20
  3. Dave Barziza invited all members to their Bay House, Saturday, March 6
  4. Leslie Crnkovic is exhibiting in Florida; he won COA trophy in St. Pete
  5. April issue of Coastal Living will have pictures of Rusti Stover’s sand collection.

ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Tina Petway, second by Rusti Stover to adjourn. Passed.

PROGRAM: Wayne Humbird gave a program on "Surfing for Shells" an internet program.

Field trip to Sea Center "behind the scenes" April 24th 3 PM

 April tides San Luis Pass