| T H E S E E K E R |
| September 2024 | The Newsletter of the Shore Seekers Artifact & Recovery Club | Vol. 34, No. 8 |
This has been a long, hot summer, but as I write this, it feels like fall. Many members went to the beach in search of that elusive treasure and a few actually scored some very nice finds. I confess that I have been slack due to other matters taking up my time, but I intend to make up for it this month as temperatures hopefully remain balmy. Aside from influencer videos, I have nothing new to share on the Garrett Vortex. My last conversation with John Rebman led me to believe it will be available before Christmas. I believe they are tweaking the software in response to actual field use, which is why the influencers weren't able to show the VDI readouts yet. I have not seen any fields harvested yet, but have to head down to Snow Hill in a week or so, so will have some reports by meeting time.
We had a great turnout last meeting, even though we were in tight quarters and had a couple of new members who seem like just the kind of folks we need to keep the club growing into the future. Plans for the Big Hunt continue, so sign up when you can. Julie put out the word about the holiday party, so please sign up and pay ahead if you can. I again encourage folks to share some of their used sites for club hunts. It's the spirit of giving and friendship that keep this club going.
It is with deep sadness to report the death of an early member of the club. Juanita Messick, wife of the late ex-President Billy Messick, was a detectorist all in her own right and it was nothing to see her at the beach, barefoot, looking for jewelry. Short and quiet, she had a big heart and enjoyed the sport. Along with Billy, she was a great supporter of the club. She, and all those we have lost over the last 30-some years, will be missed.
Well, that's all I have for now. If I don't see you at the meeting, maybe I'll see you in the field (or the beach, hard to say this time of year).
Your President,
Andy Nunez
The last meeting of the SHORE SEEKERS Artifact and Recovery Club was held on Thursday, August 8, at 7:00 p.m. at Christ Church.
Guests were Regina Custer, Mollie and Jaxon Montgomery, Larry Murphy, Jessica Potts and Joe Sciaffino. Andy explained that guests would need to attend three meetings before being allowed to join the club. This explanation was directed at the guests so they would know what to expect in the future.
OLD BUSINESS
Extra copies of THE SEEKER were available.
Minutes were approved as distributed.
The Treasurer gave his report.
We talked more about the members' only hunt on November 2. The cost will be $25 for those who have attended at least three meetings since the beginning of the year. Members who don't attend meetings will pay $50 to participate in the hunt.
There was more talk about the Christmas party. Our final menu is meatloaf and gravy, crabcakes, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls, coffee and water. Julie will provide desserts. We will need a head count by the September meeting so we can lock in the appropriate ingredients. You do not need to pay at this time, just let us know if you plan to attend.
The ESTC still has tickets available for a cash raffle in January, 2025. Scott explained that each ticket has 31 chances with each day's winner being the winning Maryland Pick 3 lottery number drawn every evening. Tickets cost $5 each or 5 for $20. The ESTC will have the tickets through December or until they sell out. Prizes range from $25 to $100 per day and each ticket is good for the whole month meaning you could win on multiple occasions if your number matches what the lottery draws that day. Scott reminded everyone that these are good stocking stuffers.
NEW BUSINESS
Several people gave reports about their experiences at the beach. Some have found nice jewelry and lots of change. Hurricane Debby seemed to influence the beaches south of here more than they did in this area. John Rebman reminded everyone that there is free beach parking in Ocean City from around 12th/13th Streets north.
Scott thanked the Shore Seekers again for our donation to the ESTC and presented Andy with a thank you card and five free tickets for their January cash raffle. Thank you, Scott!
John won't be able to attend the upcoming members' only hunt as he is planning a detecting trip to the UK. The cost for this is approximately $3,000, including accommodation, some meals, transportation while on the ground in England, tour fees and export licenses but NOT airfare. There are still a few slots left. Please contact John as soon as possible if you're interested.
We did not hold the Penny to a Dollar game or have the Finds of the Month competition because we didn't have enough space in the room we were moved to. The church was having a dinner/program in the space we usually have our meetings in. Both will return in September. The Finds competition will work the same way it does in January: submit your best find of the previous two months (in this case, July and August) and you will receive double points but only ONE prize per category.
Thanks to Nancy Jelich for the snacks. Next month's snacks will be courtesy of Cynthia and John Fassel. Thanks also to Tab for his generous donation toward future refreshments.
Our raffle winners were Jessica Potts (50/50) and John Rebman (silver half dollar and attendance).
Julie Pryor,
Secretary