THE SEARCHER

a publication of the Sea Shell Searchers of Brazoria County

January, 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 Jan 6th 7:00 PM at Museum of Natural Science
400 College Dr Clute, Tx
Dave & Nancy Barziza will present the program on one of their many shelling trips.

Presidents Message

By the time you read this some club members have just returned from South Padre. I understand that the weather was not cooperative and the trip was cut short. Better luck next time.

As we enter a new year let us be thinking about what our club can do for the community to enrich the learning of shells and our coastal environment and what we can do for COA to help the shelling hunt continue. Hold that thought, I have to get the pie out of the oven. If you have suggestions for field trips or just plain old get-togethers, be sure to tell Dean. She is great at organizing a social with the best food in town. Had to leave again the dryer was calling me. OK, back on track.

I know Steven would like to hear from you as to what type of programs you would like to have. Let him know what your interest is. The first person to make a suggestion to him at the January meeting will receive a small prize. In January Dave & Nancy Barziza will present the program on one or more of their many shelling trips.

The shell show committee could use some more members. They don’t have a lot of meetings but they do a lot of delegating and phone communication and would appreciate your help. The suggestion has been made to host COA in 2006. If we want to do this, we need to decide now!!!

Let us all remember to ask Freida if we can sign-up to bring refreshments to the meetings for the next few months. The first person to sign-up at the January meeting will receive a small prize. Our "supper" before the meeting is appreciated by many especially our members who come from out-of-town.

Speaking of membership, most of our members are not local and travel some distance to be with us. However, our membership is down this year. Anyone have suggestions for how to increase the number? Just a minute, the phone is ringing. Be sure to see the Shell Game elsewhere in this newsletter. The person with the most shell words will receive a prize.

I hope everyone has had a safe and happy holiday season. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the January 6th meeting. Until then…

Happy Shelling,

Wanda

 

January Meeting

January 6th

7:00 pm refreshments

Food: Jeanne T., Rose P., Freida W., Wanda C.

Drinks: Wanda & Steven

7:30 pm meeting

"My Favorite Shell" presentation by Tina Petway

program by Dave & Nancy Barziza on one of their many shelling trips

Shell Game

Take the club’s name "Sea Shell Searchers of Brazoria County" and write as many shell names as you can. The person with the most approved words will receive a prize at the January meeting.

Minutes Nov 4th, 2003

CALL TO ORDER: The November 4, 2003 meeting of the Sea Shell Searchers was called to order by vice president Steven Coker.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Motion by Cliff Harris, second by Alan Satchel to approve minutes as mailed in newsletter. Motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Wayne Humbird reported a balance.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  1. Membership: Steven Coker is still working on directory
  2. Newsletter: Wayne Humbird can write to website but it cannot be read.
  3. Field Trips: Dean Harris reported on the local field trip November 8; November 22 going to Guaymas, Mexico; day after Christmas going to South Padre, more information in newsletter
  4. Hospitality: Frieda White reported that next month is Holiday party; bring dish to share. If you wish to participate in gift exchange bring gift. Limit is $10.
  5. Museum Study Project: Roe Davenport has not measured any shells; Leslie Crnkovic sent all our records to Kim Hutsell for the world record book.
  6. Historian: Dale Satchel brought the albumn.
  7. Auction: Wayne Humbird - Thanks to all who donated and bought, he is taking donations for next year’s auction

FAVORITE SHELL: Tina Petway will give a program on cones

OLD BUSINESS

  1. Shell Show: Patty Humbird thanked everyone who participated in the shell show. It was a great success
  2. Shell Show: Steven Coker gave a financial report for Wanda Coker

NEW BUSINESS

  1. By-law change: Steven Coker explained that we need someone who will take care of incorporation reporting to the state. Add the words: "The treasurer will be responsible for submitting corporation papers to the state of Texas". Motion by Cliff Harris, second by Dave Barziza to make the change. Motion passed.
  2. Festival of Lights: Patty Humbird reported that we will be putting a display at the Civic Center. Let Patty know if you want to put in a display.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tina Petway presented the Pulley award from the Houston Conchology Society to Irene Norris (who was unfortunately in the hospital) for her Lightning Whelk exhibit at the shell show.

ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Cliff Harris, second by Dennis Harris.

Program: Steven Browning gave a program on Haliotis