November 2013
MFSTC Newsletter
At 7:12 P.M. our November 26, 2013 meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Gary Pennington, at our Victory Villa meeting location. The minutes are provided by Mr. Alvin “Bud” Lamb who filled in for Ms. Christine Wisnom, Secretary.
Organization officers: Howard Shettle, vice president, who runs the display board and contest, and Steve Cunningham, treasurer, were introduced. Alvin “Bud” Lamb substituted for the secretary position as Ms. Wisnom was not present. Steve Cunningham is our membership chairman, Club Hunt organizer, newsletter editor and website administrator.
New members: The M.F.S.T.C welcomes Leo Pollock and Mike McCullough as new members, both experienced detectorists.
Guests: We had two guests this month; Susan Bauman who hunts with a Garrett Ace 350; and Frank Hollen who prefers the Bounty Hunter 300.
Refreshment Committee: We would like to thank Jim and Austin Bialozynski, for their continued efforts in providing refreshments for our group.
Treasurers Report: Mr. Cunningham conveyed the M.F.S.T.C. has $797.23 in the bank and $386.22 in petty cash in wrapped coins and bills. The M.F.S.T.C. currently has an account balance of $285.71 in the Recreation and Parks account.
New Meeting Place and Time: We again discussed our new meeting date and time. Notwithstanding our December 19th pot-luck holiday meeting and dinner, our new meeting date will be the last Thursday of every month. Meetings will begin at 7:30 in the auditorium. This will be a permanent change starting in January.
Pot-Luck Signup: Many of our members volunteered to bring food to our December 19th pot-luck dinner. They are; Jim Bialozynski (mac and cheese); Charles Brandner (lasagna); Steve Cunningham (shrimp and pasta); Dave Denkenberger (Italian pasta salad); Gene Dixon (Potato salad); Bill Hill (pies); Trevor Hugunin (chips and dip); Nancy Jelich (deviled eggs); Steven King (ham); Mark Krieger (stuffing); Dave Miller (chili); Patrick Roche (salad); George Venker (ice). Gary Pennington announced that the club will provide chicken wings, plates, cups and plastic ware.
We hope all of our members enjoy the bounty.
Dealer’s Report: Bob Taylor of Taylor Metal Detectors introduced the Garrett ATX pulse induction metal detector and the Model 301 electroscope. Bob also had a card for all of the members to sign for a club member who had a serious operation. Bob had already sent flowers a few weeks prior.
Jay Brown of Essex Detector Sales announced the new White’s MX5 metal detector which he had in stock at his shop along with all the necessary accessories needed for treasure hunting.
Mark Krieger had gear for the serious detectorist for sale including the army Molle system backpack and accessories. The backpack easily accommodates a metal detector and accessories for the deep-woods detectorist.
President’s Report: Gary Pennington talked about various donation gifts from the M.F.S.T.C. We have club patches ($5 donation), bumper stickers ($5 donation) and T-shirts ($20 donation). He also brought up the subjects of our new meeting date, time and place (see above), and our pot-luck holiday dinner on December 19. Gary also talked about the Maryland Free-State Treasure Club webpage and the ever-updated bounty of information and photos contained within.
Facebook page: Members Bill Hill and Leo Pollock have done a wonderful job of creating a facebook page for the Maryland Free-State Treasure club. They have been busy uploading photos of members’ finds, club meetings and hunts.
Please visit and “Like” the M.F.S.T.C. facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/marylandfreestatetreasureclub
Club Hunt: Though the Ravens game prevented most members from joining us Sunday, November 10, it was a beautiful day at Druid Hill Park. Those who came were Chris and Wade Wisnom, Frank Silva, Ilario Pogliani, Kathy Pine, Mark Dickerson, Gary Pennington, Steve Cunningham, Tom Katzenberg, and Mike Mathias (from the M.A.R.S. club). Also met Doug Franz detecting at the park who expressed interest in our club.
Many old coins and a silver Cub Scout ring were found in a matter of 2 hours and those who stayed found more rare coins such as Indian head pennies. The coins were about 6-10 inches deep.
See photos here:
http://marylandfreestateclub.com/MemberOutings2013.html
Mr. Cunningham. our hunt coordinator, announced that, while there will be no official Club Hunt in December, members are encouraged to email him if anyone needs a partner too hunt with. Email Steve at [email protected]
Individual Hunts: George Venker and Gary Pennington went to Druid Hill Park every day for a week after the club hunt and found additional treasures such a Civil War gold infantry button, wheaties, Indian head pennies, Civil War bullets and silver nickels/dimes/quarters; Ilario Pogliani found an Indian head penny, musket ball and an old slot machine token; Dave Denkenberger found a musket ball, harmonica plate and 1944 penny at an undisclosed location; Dave Miller found an old piece of property in Mt. Airy and that turned up 4 silver quarters (oldest 1933), 2 silver dimes and a half dozen wheaties. Both Bill Hill and Leo Pollock displayed a table full of treasures ranging from bottles and trophies to unusual implements and coins.
Visit Members’ Finds on the M.F.S.T.S. website for photos and details:
http://marylandfreestateclub.com/MemberFinds2013.html
Display Board winners: Our display board was brimming with the bounty from the earth this month. Coins- Gary Pennington won first place, George Venker and Dave Denkenberger won second and third place respectively. Relics – Dave Denkenberger won the first place prize and George Venker took second. Steve Cunningham won the Club Favorite.
Raffles: The 50-50 Raffle was won by Dave Miller who walk away with $40.50. Bill Hill won the silver dollar raffle and Ron Long won the shirt and hat.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm. Our next meeting is Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 in the auditorium. This will be our annual holiday pot-luck dinner. Visit our website for more information.
See you there,
Steve