The meeting was held in the all purpose room of the Salvation Army Building on Clinton Street in Concord, New Hampshire.

The meeting was called to order by president Bill Brown at 1:30 PM. There were 27 members and one guest speaker present, Ted Johnson.

The secretary's report was accepted as printed in the newsletter. The treasurer's report was read and accepted.

Old Business: Bill Brown thanked Jon Herndon and Steffen Hermanns for cooking the Christmas party turkey and ham. Alvin Jones check update and Eden Mills, Vermont accessibility for this coming year was discussed.

Vince Valade brought up the new club shirts to be printed up for the Sunapee show this year. All club members helping with the show will receive a shirt. Bob Whitmore shared his thoughts about some new opportunities coming up for the club to obtain mineral rights and/or land with some well known mines in Grafton County. Bill Brown brought up the similar announcement that Woody Thompson is helping the State of Maine set up a park for mineral collecting in the Newry mine area. Donations are being requested from all area clubs. Both discussions were tabled for the board to review and come up with recommendations. A small committee was formed with Bob Whitmore as chairman to look into details with the New Hampshire opportunities.

New Business: Bill Brown pointed out the displays brought in by members. He also reminded members about the rock shop in Hooksett on Rt. 28. The 2002 Capital Mineral Club Best Author Contest was held with "Goffstown - Gold, Silver, Aquamarine and Maybe even Diamonds" by Vincent Valade coming in first. "Mascot Musing" by Bob Janules was second. "2002 The Last Hurrah" by Pat Barker was the third place finisher. Four new members were voted in: Charles Forsberg, North Sutton, NH; Brian Bissonnette, Allenstown, NH; Janet Breton and William Miles, both of Goffstown, NH.

Howard and Bea Ewing supplied this month’s refreshments.

The two door prizes were a Calcite from Nova Scotia won by Scott Higgins and a Herkimer Quartz from Fonda, NY, won by Bob Whitmore.

Ted Johnson was this month's speaker. Ted has given many great talks for the club. This one was on his southern Californian collecting adventures. Through a slide presentation, Ted talked about his time collecting in the various pegmatite mines. This area has produced many of the finest gem tourmalines, gem beryls and topaz from this country. Another enjoyable talk – thanks Ted.

Respectfully submitted,

Vincent Valade

Secretary

Concord, New Hampshire