CENTRAL VIRGINIA GOLD PROSPECTORS REPORT ON APRIL 16, 2005 MEETING PLEASE NOTE: THE LOCATION OF THE MAY 21, 2005 MEETING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THE LEASED PROPERTY IN BUCKINGHAM. More details will be given below. This will be An open meeting meaning you everyone will have access to the Property. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM. The April 16, 2005 meeting was called to order by our President, Ben Vaughan. There were approximately 80 members and guests present. Everyone was welcomed. The Secretary and Treasurer gave reports. Harry McElhone talked about the proposed trip to North Carolina the last weekend in August, the 26th, 27th and 28th. The cost is $80 per person for the weekend and a reservation will be needed.. If you are interested in going, please let Harry know as soon as possible. He can be contacted at: harrymc1@peoplepc.com Harry had photos from last year’s Field Days of the Past event. Looks like everyone had a great time except for when the flood happened. Harry will be heading up our representation at this event in September and would appreciate your volunteering to help. Next, use of the Buckingham property was discussed. After the May meeting there will be a work session. We will be completing marking of the boundaries and picking up litter. Please bring gloves, clippers, trash bags, paint brushes (to mark trees) or anything else you think might be useful. We were reminded that there are a number of pits and shafts on the property. These are covered with timbers that are rotten and therefore not very substantial. It was also mentioned that when you are turning over rocks, exert caution—you never know what might be lurking under them (not everything gold- colored is desirable). A number of people will be camping overnight and everyone is welcome. Just remember, no open fires. DIRECTIONS TO LEASED PROPERTY IN BUCKINGHAM COUNTY: On A map find the intersection of route 15 and route 60 at Sprouse’s Corner. Go 1 ½ miles south on route 15. In curve you will see a sign for route 714—go to NEXT gravel road and turn right. It is across from two churches on left. After going through gate, go past trailer on right. When you come to a clearing on the left with a large oak tree you should bear to the right. This road will take you to the creek. You should not attempt to go any further than the creek unless you have an ATV or 4-wheel drive. Dredging Report by Ben Warner: Final approval has not yet been received but is still expected soon. The delay was the result of a “fish kill” in the Richmond area that required their immediate attention. Be patient, it won’t be much longer. We are happy to report there was a donation of money to purchase a supply of paper for the outhouse. This had been taken care of by one of our very efficient and responsible members who has our gratitude. There was then a discussion of what our insurance policy covers. It is a liability policy. For example, if you are prospecting on private property and break your leg, it will not pay for your leg but it will cover the property owner in case you should decide to sue. The premium has been paid for another year. Permission slips to have signed by property owners were distributed. Bill Hart was recognized for providing us with another supply of maps showing the boundaries for the leased property. Tom Sablon, President of the Northern Virginia club donated several items for us to use as door prizes. We thank you ! The door prize recipients and raffle winners were then announced. The meeting was adjourned. At the May meeting in Buckingham, the club will provide hot dogs and burgers. Please bring a covered dish— some suggestions are potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, chips, dessert, etc. Please let Sandy Stowe know what you plan to bring or to get suggestions so we can have some variety. You will need to bring your own drinks. For those planning to attend but that are new to prospecting, we can team you up with some of our more experienced members who will be glad to help you. In case of rain, we have a large tent that we can get under for the meeting and food. Of course, if it is too wet, the work day will have to be re-scheduled. Reminder: If you plan on joining GPAA or are renewing your membership let them know your are a member of Central Virginia Gold Prospectors. We get credit for each new member or renewal. Contact information for the CVGP officers: President: Ben Vaughan Telephone - (804) 693-9843 Email - BEVS23061@yahoo.com Vice President: John Schlabach Telephone – (540) 949-4741 Email – weas1000@aol.com Treasurer: Sandy Stowe Telephone - (540) 948-6689 Email - bob&sandy@crosslink.net Secretary: Bob Stowe Telephone - (540) 948-6689 Email - bob&sandy@crosslink.net Item for Sale: 3” Pro-Mack high-banker/dredge combo—5.5 hp Honda motor p-180 pump includes hoses—engine has less than 40 hours on it. Price $1,000 firm. Contact Mike Blessing at (703) 971-5636 Look forward to seeing everyone in Buckingham on the 21st of May. Since I have a little space left, I will include the following verse from a poem titled “The Spell of the Yukon” by Robert Service: “There’s gold, and it’s haunting and haunting; It’s luring me on as of old; Yet it isn’t the gold that I’m wanting So much as just finding the gold.”