September 15, 2001 CVGP Meeting Announcement.
CVGP: Central Virginia Gold Prospectors.
CVGP MEETING NOTICE-NEWSLETTER #18
Dear Fellow Prospectors,
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE !!!!!
The 18th meeting of the Central Virginia Gold Prospectors;
(CVGP)will be a combined meeting and “Miners Day” and will take place at the
RED BARN in Orange County, VA on Saturday, 9/15/01 at 10:00 AM. (More details
of this special event are below).
DIRECTIONS to the RED BARN: If you’re heading north on Route 15, the RED BARN
is about 2 miles North of Gordonsville on Route 15 on the right. If you’re
coming from the north (Fredericksburg area), take Rt. 3-West to Route 20 and
make a left. Continue on Rt. 20 which “dead ends” into Rt. 15. Turn left
and travel South on Rt. 15 approx. 9-10 miles and the RED BARN will be on your
left. If you get into Gordonsville, you passed it and need to turn around and
head back about 2 miles. There is an open sided pavilion and that is where
the meeting/Miner’s Day will take place.
**** IMPORTANT NOTICES APPEAR IN THIS NEWSLETTER RIGHT AFTER THE FINANCIAL
REPORT AND ARE MARKED WITH 4 ASTERICKS (****). PLEASE READ THESE NOTICES !!!!
*(We ask those that have been receiving this notice/newsletter for a while to
be patient with items that are repeated. We need to do this for the benefit of
new CVGP members that are continuing to signup with the club. We will now try
to keep these repetitive items located towards the end of the newsletter and
which occasionally will have some changes.)
First, the minutes of the last meeting
=============================================================
MINUTES OF THE 17th MEETING
"Central Virginia Gold Prospectors"
Date/Time: 8/18/01, 10:38 AM-11:01 AM
Place: Small Country Campground, Louisa, VA
Attending: 22 Members & guests.
- Joe Coyle, CVGP President, opened the meeting with aprayer.
- Joe discussed the “Miners Day” plans for the Sept. 15th meeting at the Red
Barn and gave the directions.
- Joe mentioned an historical organization called the “Field Day of the Past”
that is requesting help from any CVGP members that would be interested in
giving panning demonstrations or talks on prospecting at their 10th Field Day
on Sept. 21-23. Last year Palmer Sweet helped out but can’t participate this
year. If interested, please talk to Joe Coyle or myself for some forms you
would need to fill out.
- Joe also mentioned someone contacting him requesting CVGP members start
writing letters to Wash., DC about some new changes to the mining laws that
are in the works. We’re expecting a Fax from the person on specifics and will
let you know more when we receive it.
- Ron reminded everyone that the vote regarding whether or not the CVGP should
be a chapter of the GPAA was extended to Sept. 1st and urged any members that
have not voted yet to cast their vote either at the meeting, by E-Mail or by
“Snail” mail.
- Joe again mentioned the VERY important need for volunteers for the CVGP
Claims Committee and also if any members know the names of property owners on
potentially good gold bearing areas to bring it to the attention of the Claims
Committee (currently John Hakala is the only member!)or to any of the club
officers.
- John had some comments to make regarding certain by-laws the GPAA requires
of it’s chapters that are not appropriate.
- Club member, Gilbert Sorg, mentioned that prospecting clubs in Georgia and
North Carolina are set up to pay any member that passes on info for a
potential claim that eventually becomes a club claim.
- John passed a pan around asking all attending members to donate $1 for to
give to Small Country Campground for the use of their pavilion.
- Joe suggested that members should feel free to bring any prospecting
equipment to CVGP meetings to either demo or offer for sale to members.
- Ron Pope reminded everyone that the term of the current CVGP officers will
expire at the end of this year and new officers will need to be elected at the
last meeting of the year on October 20th. (**** More on this below).
- Attendance list was passed around.
- Raffles (including raffle for a nice gold nugget) and club sales were
conducted after the meeting.
- The meeting adjourned at approx. 11:01 AM
Submitted by: Ron Pope
______________________________________________________________________________
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CVGP FINANCIAL REPORT
The Central Virginia Gold Prospectors currently does not charge dues or fees
of any kind to be a member of the club. To cover any expenses for club
activities such as outings, dinners, property leasing costs, postage, etc. we
hold raffles, sell 50/50 chances, accept donations, etc. Therefore, a regular
part of this monthly newsletter will be an up to date financial report
indicating both income & expenses and current balance of the CVGP account (a
CVGP checking account was opened on 7/28/00 with F&M Bank). As voted and
approved at the 4/21/01 meeting, a $100.00 (maximum) Petty Cash Account was
started. $100.00 was retained from the 5/19/01 meeting proceeds to start the
Petty Cash Account. Any future Petty Cash expenses will be replenished from
meeting proceeds as required to maintain a $100 Petty Cash balance ):
STARTING Check Account BALANCE (as of 7/25/01)...........$ 1820.14
INCOME
- 8/18/01- Club Raffles &
Sales....................................................$ 262.00
EXPENSE
- Joe Coyle -reimbursement - Postage (from Petty Cash)..-$ 12.60
- Miners Keepers – Nuggets for raffles & prizes.........-$ 386.90
- Walter Carr - (15) CVGP "T" Shirts (Chk #112).........-$ 100.00
PETTY CASH BALANCE.......................................$ 100.00
*($12.60 replenished from 8/18/01 meeting proceeds)
CVGP CHECK ACCOUNT BALANCE (as of 8/29/01)...............$ 1582.64
TOTAL CVGP BALANCE (as of 7/25/01).......................$ 1682.64
**** “MINERS DAY” –The “Miners Day” at the Red Barn on Sept. 15th should be
a fun day for all. Joe Coyle has arranged to have a Roasted Pig to satisfy our
appetites. There is also a panning contest (for a gold nugget prize) planned.
We hope to have a number of different types of prospecting equipment on
display and ask that members who have any unusual or “homemade” equipment to
bring to the event. May even be some door prizes. Members are encouraged to
bring any dishes to compliment the hog such as cole slaw, potato salad,
refreshments (non-alcoholic please), snacks, deserts, etc. Maybe someone would
like to bring some Horse Shoes for a CVGP tournament???
______________________________________________________________________________
_______
**** VOTE EXTENSION ! - Regarding the question of whether or not the CVGP
should be a chapter of the GPAA, the Sept. 1st deadline has passed and all of
the votes have been counted. The results will be announced at the Sept. 15th
Meeting/Miners Day. (P.S.- thanks to the many members who have expressed
their wishes regarding this matter by casting their vote !)
______________________________________________________________________________
_________
**** CVGP NOW ON THE WEB ! - A big THANK YOU to new member, Dave
Saum for putting a CVGP page on his web site "http://infiltec.com/gold"
which has a link to the CVGP page. Or, you can go directly to the CVGP
page using "http://www.infiltec.com/cvgp". I'm sure Dave would
appreciate hearing from CVGP members that may have any ideas or suggestions
regarding his Web site and/or the CVGP page.
______________________________________________________________________________
__________
**** UPCOMING CVGP OFFICER ELECTION - The 2 year terms of the current CVGP
officers will expire the end of this year. An election will be held at the
last meeting of the year on Oct. 20th for: President, Vice-President,
Secretary, Treasurer (or Secretary/Treasurer) and Claims Committee Chairman.
THE CVGP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO FUNCTION WITHOUT THESE OFFICER
POSITIONS FILLED! So, if you are interested in any of these positions or
would like to nominate someone , please talk to, call, write or E-Mail either
Joe Coyle, John Hakala or Ron Pope before the Oct. meeting. I'm sure there
are numerous members that would do an excellent job in leading the CVGP in the
right direction maybe with some fresh ideas!
(P.S.- the new Claims Committee Chairman will be needing volunteers
for assistants...a good number would probably be 3-6 assistants).
CVGP MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY – I STAND CORRECTED!!!! At the last meeting, one of
the members asked why we can’t have a membership directory available for
all members to have and I told him I was under the impression that Privacy
laws would prevent this. I’ve been since advised and corrected that there is
no Privacy Law problem as long as the directories are passed out to CVGP
members only and kept amongst the members only. So, we will look into what
it would take to develop a directory that could be put together and
maintained without an excessive cost to the club or membership. More on this
later…. maybe a good project for the new incoming club officers???
______________________________________________________________________________
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BUY/SELL/TRADE BULLETIN BOARD
6/27/00 - Russ Neitzelt, a prospector in Ohio who had to cancel his visit to
CVGP in Sept.-Oct has the following FOR SALE: Fisher M-Scope Two Box Detector.
80's Model. Good Shape. Needs batteries which can be purchased at Radio Shack.
Has instructions to go with unit. Will take $250.00 and you pay for shipping.
Russ Neitzelt, E-Mail: neitzelt@eohio.net, Phone: 704-968-4734
8/13/00 - Member, Harold Riley has a 3 inch combination High Banker/Dredge FOR
SALE. NEVER BEEN USED! Asking $1,100.00. For more details, call Harold at
304-456-4490 or talk to him at a meeting as he attends regularly.
11/6/00 - Member, Roland Harris is looking for the following: 1) Good boots
(not waders) with sturdy sole to use when shoveling and working in water with
a high-banker. 2) Anyone that has a Minelab 2000 series detector to
give Roland a demo (preferably at Contrary Creek) and for possible purchase.
Roland can be contacted by phone at 703-354-8764 (home 6-11 PM),
1-800-311-1078 (leave message-24 hrs.) or by E-Mail at shaveclose1@juno.com
1/24/01 - Member, Roland Harris has the following NEW Briggs & Stratton
engines FOR SALE: 1) 5 HP B&S Engine, 6-1 gear reduction ratio, new in
original carton w/Tiny Tac (meter for usage), 135252-1049, Model # 135252,
Type: 1049E1, Code:980608YA, $330.00 including shipping in USA. 2) 10 HP B&S
Engine, 6-1 gear reduction ratio, new in original carton w/Tiny Tac (meter for
usage),226452-0049, Model # 226452, Type: 004901, Code: 961106YD, $670.00
including shipping in USA.
Roland can be contacted by phone at 703-354-8764 (home 6-11PM),
1-800-311-1078 (leave message-24 hrs.) or by E-Mail at shaveclose1@juno.com
2/26/01 - Member Roland Harris has a Gold Genie spiral wheel, a 4" Dredge
with air and a 6" Dredge with air that is willing to loan to any
"RESPONSIBLE" person or help anyone needing help in learning to
operate these types of equipment. Roland can be contacted by phone at
703-354-8764 (home 6-11 PM), 1-800-311-1078 (leave message-24 hrs.)or by
E-Mail at shaveclose1@juno.com
3/27/01 - Member, Paul Ensogna, Sr. is looking for an easy to carry around
Sluice, 3 feet or smaller. Paul can be contacted by EMail at ensognas@shentel.net.
* (If Your Message Is Not Needed On This Bulletin Board Anymore, or if you
have contacted someone that no longer is interested in buying, selling or
trading a listed item PLEASE LET ME KNOW so we can remove from the list!)
Ground rules for this BULLETIN BOARD:
1) Contact Ron Pope by E-Mail (RPASSOC@aol.com) to have your item put on
the Bulletin Board. THIS WILL BE THE ONLY WAY FOR NOW TO GET YOUR NOTICE ON
THE BULLETIN BOARD!!!!
2) When submitting, please give us your name, E-Mail address or phone # and
a BRIEF description of the item(s) you want to buy, sell, trade or swap for.
You will have the option on whether you want to have a price in your message.
3) We will review your submission to decide whether or not it's appropriate to
be included in the Bulletin Board.
4) If your message is received by us too late for the next meeting notice,
it will be posted in the notice for the following meeting.
5) Please notify us as soon as possible if your notice is no longer needed to
be on the Bulletin Board, so we can then remove it and always keep
the Bulletin Board up to date (P-L-E-A-S-E!!!!)
6) Any transactions as a result of Bulletin Board notices are ABSOLUTELY NOT
to take place during CVGP meetings!!!!! Only discussions that will be
permitted during a CVGP meeting regarding the Bulletin Board will be
discussions or suggestions concerning format or ground rules of the Bulletin
Board.
7) CVGP will not be responsible for sellers description or representation
of items. Buyers will be solely responsible for understanding what they
are purchasing from a seller. In other words, as with any purchase,.."Buyer
Beware".
8) CVGP will not in anyway be a part of or responsible for any
transactions other than providing a means for its members to communicate to
each other their desire to sell, buy, trade or swap items amongst themselves.
If there is any dissatisfaction over a transaction, it will be the sole
responsibility of the parties involved to settle their differences.
______________________________________________________________________________
___________
THANKS !
- Many thanks to the members that continue to bring food, goodies, snacks and
refreshments to the meetings and to those who have made cash donations and/or
donate their 25/25/50 winnings back to the CVGP.
______________________________________________________________________________
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CONTACTING CVGP CLUB OFFICERS,COMMITTEE MEMBERS, Etc.
- Should you ever need to contact any of the CVGP club officers or
committee members, please jot down the following numbers for future reference:
CLUB OFFICERS:
Joe Coyle, President - PH: 540-672-9113; E-Mail: jhcoyle@ns.gemlink.com
John Hakala, Vice.Pres. - PH: 434-457-2407; E-Mail: johniblu@juno.com
Ron Pope, Sec./Treas. - PH: 434-263-5981; E-Mail: rpassoc@aol.com
CLAIMS COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Chairman - (POSITION VACANT! -NEED VOLUNTEER TO FILL!!!!)
John Hakala - PH:434-457-4178; E-Mail: hcwald@erols.com
______________________________________________________________________________
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FUTURE CVGP CLUB MEETING DATES
John Hakala advised me that Small Country Campground will continue to allow us
to use the pavilion for our club meetings every 3rd Saturday of the month
through and including October. So For those who like to plan ahead,
the meeting dates for the rest of the year will be: 9/15/01 and 10/20/01.
______________________________________________________________________________
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CVGP VOLUNTEER REQUESTS
1. As previously requested, the Claims Committee could use the talents of
someone that has surveying experience to assist in difficulties they are
experiencing reading old plats, identifying old boundary markers, etc.
(Contact John Hakala if you can offer assistance).
2. If the CVGP is to have a "Miners Day" open to the general public
next year, members should start thinking now about forming a committee soon to
properly plan this event.
______________________________________________________________________________
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MEMBER DONATIONS
You've probably noticed that in just about every CVGP Financial Report, there
are "donated" amounts showing up. Some winners of 25/25/50 raffles
at past meetings turned over their winnings back to the club. Others donate
by participating in the various raffles or bringing covered dishes to the
meetings or donating their time and talents or simply donating information
regarding prospecting. This is the type of member participation that will
ultimately insure the success of our club !
If you do not need to specify what you want your cash donation to be used for
it will be deposited into the clubs general fund. However, if you want to
make a cash donation for a specific purpose, please see me and make sure to
let me know what you want your donation to be used for. We will keep a record
of your donation so that it is only used for the purpose you designated.
______________________________________________________________________________
___________
Member Participation
We are attempting to keep the CVGP meetings as informal and as relaxed as
possible since we don't want to get into arguing parliamentary procedures
instead of discussing what we all come for......prospecting! So, if you have
a suggestion, an idea, prospecting hint or tip, a question or anything
relating to the club and/or prospecting, please do not hesitate to bring it up
at a meeting. Except for the opening prayer, committee reports, club
announcements, etc., consider the entire meeting an "open discussion"
period for you to participate to your hearts content.
______________________________________________________________________________
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INTERESTING PROSPECTING WEBSITES
(If you know of some real interesting and informative gold prospecting
Websites and would like to share the Web address with the rest of the
members, please let me know and we'll put it in the next newsletter.)
- I recently came across a Web site called "Prospecting Near Washington, DC".
Has information on prospecting places in Virginia and Maryland, access to
prospecting equipment plans, topo maps, prospecting dealers, Mineral Resources
Depts. and loads of links to other interesting sites many of which relate to
the Virginia and Maryland areas. The site address is:
"http://www.infiltec.com/gold". (This is new member, Dave Saum's site
in which he has added a CVGP page as noted above!).
______________________________________________________________________________
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MEETING HANDOUTS
Several members often bring in copies of various prospecting articles,
prospecting tips, prospecting "how to" sheets, duplicate prospecting
magazines, etc. to share with the members. If you have come across something
you would like to share with the members, please make some copies and bring
with you to a meeting. If you do not have access to a copy machine, if you
give me the article, I'll be glad to run off some copies to distribute to the
others.
______________________________________________________________________________
___________
GMM Card, Sportsman Pledge Cards
One of our members, Dennis McClevey, showed me his GMM (General Mineral
Mining) card which shows that he took a mining safety course. Seems to me that
having such a card might just be one more sign of credibility you can use when
attempting to get property owners permission to prospect. Dennis says the
Virginia Div. of Mineral Resources should be able to give you details on who
will be giving the next course and where and when. Related to this, Dennis can
show you an "Operation Respect Pledge" card which is very similar to
the "Sportsman Pledge" cards John Hakala has. All of these things
should help prevent a land owner from looking at you as being a "crazy"
but instead as someone who will treat his property with respect!
______________________________________________________________________________
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VIRGINIA DIVISION OF MINERAL RESOURCES - PUBLICATIONS & UPDATE
In past newsletters, we've listed a number of gold prospecting related
publications that are available from this very valuable resource. Instead
of continuing with our listing, it would probably be better for you to
obtain their latest "Catalog of Publications and Maps" which is 33
pages long! It includes a listing of all of their publications, bulletins,
reports, maps, books, etc. Prices (which are VERY reasonable) are
also listed. You can even purchase rock and mineral sets. You can also bring
in your rock/mineral finds to have them identified.
CONTACT INFORMATION: (Hours 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Monday-Friday)
Virginia Div. of Mineral Resources, Box 3667, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Information Phone #: 804-951-6354; Publication Ordering Phone #:
804-293-5121; FAX #: 804-951-6365;
E-Mail: JMARR@geology.state.VA.US (John Marr, Information Officer)
WEB Site: http://www.geolgy.state.va.us
______________________________________________________________________________
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PROSPECTING IN VIRGINIA
Please keep in mind that with a few exceptions, most gold bearing areas in
Virginia are located on Private Property! We do not want to create a bad
image of recreational prospectors in Virginia not to mention the fact of
having to face a judge for Trespassing charges! ALWAYS get permission from
the property owner BEFORE starting your prospecting activities on private
property! Also, if you have a place that you have permission to prospect on,
PLEASE show your appreciation to the property owner by not "trashing"
his place. Remember, if you bring it in (bottles, soda cans, paper bags,
etc.) take it out. Leave the property in the same if not better condition than
when you first came there. Then, for sure, you'll be welcome to come back.
______________________________________________________________________________
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FUTURE OF CVGP
The registration list of the CVGP continues to grow from meeting to
meeting. Currently at over 170 registrants! Attendance at the last few
monthly meetings runs anywhere from 30+ to 50+. Important matters
concerning the future of CVGP often come up at most every meeting. So for your
benefit and the benefit of all members, please attend as many meetings as
possible and feel free to join in any of the discussions with your thoughts,
ideas and viewpoints.
______________________________________________________________________________
___________
GUEST SPEAKERS AT A FUTURE MEETING
We were fortunate to have geologist, Dave Wooley at the April meeting.
Maybe with a little "arm twisting" we can convince him to come back
and again share some more of his valuable knowledge with us? Efforts are also
continuing to line up other Guest Speakers at future meetings. If you know
someone that would be able to offer some valuable information regarding
prospecting in Virginia, by all means please do not hesitate to invite them to
attend one of our meetings.
______________________________________________________________________________
___________
LOOKING FOR A PROSPECTING "BUDDY"?
We now have 170+ prospectors registered on our club listing that live
throughout the state of Virginia, West Virginia and even Ohio. Many
prospectors find that this hobby/recreation is more enjoyable when they have
some company with them. So, if you would like to get in contact with someone
near you, please contact either:
Joe Coyle (540-672-9113; JHCOYLE@ns.gemlink.com),
John Hakala (804-457-2407; Johniblu@juno.com) or
Ron Pope (804-263-5981; RPASSOC@aol.com.).
Due to Privacy Laws, we cannot give you any names but we can pass on your name
and phone number to other prospectors in your area and if they're interested,
they'll contact you.
CVGP CLAIMS COMMITTEE
The "CVGP CLAIMS COMMITTE" was formed at the July, 2000 meeting.
This is the KEY for our club to develop more prospecting places for club
members to go to in Virginia!!!!! If you are aware of a property that may
have good potential as a club claim, PLEASE bring it to the attention of
either of the Claims Committee. It is their job to determine if there is legal
public access to the property or if private property, to determine the
property owners for the purpose of either obtaining permission and/or any
special arrangements such as leasing for club members. (By the way, leasing is
one of the reasons to build up the club "kitty"). (NOTE: The
Claims Committee currently needs a Chairman and 3-6 committee members!!!!).
OTHER PROSPECTING INFO ON THE WEB & TV
-Occasionally, you may find documentary shows regarding the history of
Gold Prospecting as well as Treasure Hunting on TV channels such as &
"The Learning Channel (TLC)", "The History Channel" or "The Discovery Channel"
so it might be good to keep an eye out on
these channels when browsing through your TV guide.
- The national GPAA has a WEB site "http://www.goldprospectors.org" which
every prospector should check periodically and in particular the Forums. The
GPAA site also has links to their prospecting sites where you can find loads
of info even including plans on how to make your own prospecting equipment!
The GPAA also has several prospecting shows such as "Prospecting America",
"Gold Fever Show" and "Buzzardite Classics" on the
Outdoor Channel on TV (check with your cable TV provider or for dish owners,
the Outdoor Channel is located on Galaxy 10/24 and X4/402).
E-MAIL CLUB NOTICES/NEWSLETTERS
At present, it is only practical to get these somewhat detailed
monthly notices/newsletters to members that have E-Mail (about 1/2 of the
entire membership). Eventually, all those without E-Mail will be getting
"snail mail" postal card notices thanks to the hard work of
Joe Coyle and the generosity of member Jack Rankin who has a printing
business. However, the "snail" mailed notices will be only to alert
members of the next meeting dates. If you have not been receiving these
E-Mailed notice/newsletters, it's either because you don't have E-Mail or we
do not have your E-Mail address! If you know any members that are not getting
any of these E-Mails, please have them E-Mail me (RPASSOC@aol.com) their
E-Mail address and we'll be sure to add them to the E-Mail listing.
SUGGESTIONS
Please remember, your suggestions, thoughts, ideas, information for the
club meetings, monthly newsletters, etc. are ALWAYS welcome. We do not ever
want to forget that the main goals of the CVGP are to not only promote
the hobby/recreation of Gold Prospecting but to also make it more enjoyable
and rewarding for those already involved. Even if you think that whatever you
have to contribute is unimportant, believe me, if it has anything to do
with prospecting, you can count on the others being interested in what you
have to say!!!!
CVGP IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
The CVGP currently does not charge membership dues or fees of any kind.
To cover the cost of any club expenses such as phone calls, postage,
outing related expenses, property leasing, etc. we raise money by holding
raffles, 50/50 chances, selling or auctioning donated prospecting items,
receiving donations (of either time or money), etc. Your support of any of
these fundraising activities (or contribution of your talents or resources)
would not only be appreciated by all of the members but ultimately will
benefit all members in reaching our common goals for this club.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Please feel free to bring along any prospecting buddies of yours,
family members especially your children or friends that want to find out more
about prospecting to the meetings. CVGP meetings are open to ALL those
interested in prospecting!
HAPPY PROSPECTING and hope to see you all on Sept. 15th
Regards,
Ron Pope
Secretary/Treasurer - CVGP
(804-263-5981)
RPASSOC@aol.com
Please send comments or problems with this web page to the
.