November Business Meeting Summary
by Andy Thompson, MSDC Secretary
The club’s monthly meeting on November 5 was our members’ first gathering after having a wonderful mid-October picnic, potluck, and show-and-tell hosted by Kathy and Ken Hrechka. At the meeting, those who attended the picnic were still talking about the pleasure of being together and the interesting “show and tell.”
MSDC President Dan Teich called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone, and invited any first-time-attending visitors to introduce themselves and say a little about their interest in minerals. Dan welcomed Christine and Robert (Bedouin Bob), thanked them for coming to the meeting and for sharing what they found interesting about minerals. He also thanked the four club past-presidents present for their earlier service to the club.
Looking back to the MSDC picnic, Dan thanked Kathy and Ken for hosting the event which was a wonderful gathering enjoyed by all. He also said he was looking forward to the club’s participating in the NVMC mineral and fossil sale at George Mason University on November 22 and 23. He encouraged everyone to come enjoy the event and, if possible, support it by donating minerals and by volunteering to staff our table. The event supports our club’s fund raising efforts that allow us to make a financial contribution to the Smithsonian’s Department of Mineral Sciences and also provide a George Washington University undergraduate with funds for summer geological research.
Members wanting to donate minerals were told to contact Dan Teich (in DC), Andy Thompson (in MD) or Susan Fisher or Kenny Reynolds (in VA) so the minerals can be priced and labeled appropriately for sale.
Approval of the October Business Meeting Report
Dan called for and received a motion to approve the minutes as published in the club’s October newsletter. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
Reports from Club Officers
Vice President for Programs Kenny Reynolds noted the names and topics of the club’s upcoming monthly programs which have been identified through February of 2026. That information is listed elsewhere in our newsletter and website. Dan mentioned he has been working on a topic and hopes to present it when it is ready, if there is an opening.
Treasurer John Weidner confirmed that the club’s finances have been sufficient for paying the bills. He also clarified that for the first time, the University (GMU) hosting the mineral show is requiring everyone who will be parking in Parking Lot A to register their car's license plate either when entering the auditorium or by doing so online beforehand.
Secretary Andy Thompson encouraged members to be in touch to donate minerals and staff the club’s table at the GMU mineral and fossil show the weekend of November 22-23. (Late Breaking News: MSDC this year will have two tables at the show.)
Newsletter Editor Ken Rock reported that the club’s Mineral Minutes newsletter is now being sent via email to 251 recipients and the majority do open the link to review its contents. He encouraged everyone to click on the many interesting articles and news items which cover a broad range of topics.
Old and New Business
With no further business to discuss, Dan called for a motion to close the Business Meeting and the motion was voted with unanimous approval. He then turned the microphone over to Kenny Reynolds to introduce the evening’s speaker.