PRCS Minutes 1977-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I AGENDA ITEM 1 . Presentation by Sequoia Gem and Mineral Society Mr . Paulson introduced Mr . Brooke Thrasher , President of the Sequoia Gem and Mineral Society and Mr . Chuck Follansbee , Lapidary Shop Manager . He then gave a background of how the club became involved with the Redwood City Parks and Recreation Department : in 1972 , the Department procurred $3 , 000 worth of lapidary equipment and at the same time , the Sequoia Gem and Mineral Soceity needed club meeting space , so they joined forces . They assisted the City in installing the equipment at the Red Morton Center . Mr . Paulson further indicated that the Society provides a service that the Department could not provide to Redwood City residents without great cost . He informed the Commission that the Society had received the Volunteer Citation Award from the California Parks & Recreation Society . He then turned the floor over to Mr . Brooke Thrasher . Mr . Thrasher gave a background of the club , the stones they used , how rocks were turned into jewelry , places the club visit ( other clubs ) and the Annual Gem & Mineral Show held in September for two days at the Red Morton Center . He indicated that the club attracted a variety of age groups . He further indicated that the club contributes to a scholarship fund . Chairman Schlesinger inquired if any geology was taught along with the class . Mr . Thrasher indicated that they did not teach geology , but that they have had a variety of speakers including geologists come to the meetings and talk to the club . Commissioner Anderson asked Mr . Thrasher what the fees were to join the club and how someone would go about getting involved with the club . Mr . Thrasher replied that the fees are $7 . 00/year and meetings were held once a month at the Community Activities Building and are open to the public . He indicated that the fees from the club go to the maintenance of the equipment . Mr . Thrasher turned the floor over to Mr . Follansbee . He gave a background of his classes and equipment used . He has been offering classes for four years on a contractual basis . Fees from the classes go towards supplies for the shop . Mr . Thrasher felt that it is a skill that once acquired , is never lost . The students always seem to produce high quality merchan - dise and enjoy themselves immensely . He indicated that it could be an income source for the elderly and a skill for the younger people to keep throughout their lives . He further indicated that the lapidary show would be open and running during the Mineral Show in September . Mr . Paulson congratulated the Society on the success of the club and the high status that they held with other clubs and the Department . The club is a model example of how co- sponsorship should work . -2-