January, 2012   Hello Members; I hope everyone is off to a great start this new year. Florida’s warm winter this year decided to take the day off for this meeting, as there was a distinct chill in the air, or should I say the Cold Air.  It took a bit of time for some of us to warm up, while others looked toasty sporting their colder weather gear.  Well, at least we can say we got to use it once. For the first meeting of the New Year we ended up with a nice turnout.  The chapter would like to welcome Rob and Cat Burnett, Jody Sealkowski and Danny Jewell.  We hope to see all of you at a future meeting, and possibly join us on one of our outings. Old Business. Our chapters officer elections held in December.  The results were mentioned again; President – Tom Davis, Vice President – Doug Sayre, Secretary – Bob Gaebler, Treasurer – Frank Mercer.  Documents reflecting these changes were filled out, and will be sent to GPAA headquarters. New Business. Bob would appreciate getting any photographs from the holiday party for use on the Website.  Please forward them to RJGaebler@cs.com. It seems that Frank is missing a Christmas Platter that was used at the holiday party, and would appreciate its return.  Please bring it to the next meeting, or contact Frank at wfmercier@aol.com. Winter and spring are the prime time for Fossil hunting.  Ruck’s Pit and the Peace River were discussed.  As long as the Peace River is low as it is now during our dry season, it’s a trip we should think about.  Tom contacted Ruck’s Pit during the meeting, and we discovered that they are not closed.  They are open 9-5, 7 days a week but at a new location 2 blocks west from the old site.   They now have a Store, Museum, and their website is www.thefortdrumcrystalmine.com.  Visit the site for further information.  No firm dates were decided, but it looks like late February or early March we’ll have an outing planned.  Final decisions will be made at the February meeting. The raffle for a bag of concentrates was won by Tom, and a large geode by James.   Frank also offered a Tow rope to all the truck owners which Tom also won.  Congratulations. Our next chapter meeting is on Feb. 11, 2012, at Warren Park.  Members begin arriving at 9am, and the meeting usually starts at about 10am.  Since we'll be discussing a potential Fossil hunting outing, maybe we should bring some to show to the membership.  Tools of the trade included. Hope to see everyone there; Bob Gaebler Secretary – Orlando Chapter, GPAA RJGaebler@cs.com