MAAST Meeting - March 29th - Now w/ POLL

[Chris]

The Time will be @ 2PM!!!

This meeting will be held at Jim Norris's house.

1018 Oaklands Dr
Round Rock, TX 78681

Mapquest (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&addtohistory=&address=1018+Oakl ands+Drive&city=round+rock&state=TX&zipcode=78681& homesubmit=Get+Map)

http://www.maast.org/jim5.gif

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[Jimnorris]

I want to say that I enjoy meeting everyone at Troy's beautiful house. Thanks for a GREAT time. I am looking forward to having everyone come up to Round Rock for the next meeting. I was wondering if Sat. is better than a Sunday? Possibly the 29th???? The main topic will be about giant clams. You will be able view a 22 minute video taken from the Marshall Island clam farm showing what it takes to raise clams. You will also get to see my gigas clam which is about 17 inches and GROWING! You will see "Scar" my derasa clam (for full story about a amazing clam go to my website and see SCAR.) www.tanku.net Also Tim and I are working on some GREAT door prizes!!!!!! Now getting back to clams, you will all be invited to handle the clams in my holding tank. I will show how to clean and inspect clams and how to super feed them. I will also teach what it takes to keep clams.
Again it was a pleasure meeting everyone!
Thanks,
Jim

[z28pwr]

I want to say that I enjoy meeting everyone at Troy's beautiful house. Thanks for a GREAT time. I am looking forward to having everyone come up to Round Rock for the next meeting. I was wondering if Sat. is better than a Sunday? Possibly the 29th???? The main topic will be about giant clams. You will be able view a 22 minute video taken from the Marshall Island clam farm showing what it takes to raise clams. You will also get to see my gigas clam which is about 17 inches and GROWING! You will see "Scar" my derasa clam (for full story about a amazing clam go to my website and see SCAR.) www.tanku.net. Also Tim and I are working on some GREAT door prizes!!!!!! Now getting back to clams, you will all be invited to handle the clams in my holding tank. I will show how to clean and inspect clams and how to super feed them. I will also teach what it takes to keep clams.
Again it was a pleasure meeting everyone!
Thanks,
Jim

This is going to be a meeting I won't want to miss.

[Brett Wilson]

I suggest people carpool! This last time 5 of us rode in one vehicle, this made it a lot more enjoyable of a drive. We talked about reefs on the way to the meeting, during the meeting, and on the way home. That was like 8 hours of reefs on the mind! Who here could say no to that!?

-Brett

[dow]

Jim.

Sounds like a great meeting. I look forward to seeing and learning more about clams.

On a related note, I just clicked on the link in your last post for your webpate, and I get a "Coming Soon!" page from Register.com. Any ideas why the link won't work?

[Jimnorris]

Did the same for me. But if I put my address the normal surfing way it works??????
www.tanku.net
www.theclamclub.net

[Chris]

There was an extra period at the end so you would end up going to

www.tanku.net./

Should be fixed now ;)

[Yves Nobleza]

Hey Josh...Shotgun :-D

[captexas]

Jim -
I didn't get a chance to talk with you at the meeting, but I look forward to hearing your presentation on clams. Sounds like it will be well organized and very informative. I just recently upgraded my lighting on my tank and have thought about getting a clam. It will be great to learn the proper techniques for taking care of them from someone with so much knowledge on the subject beforehand. I expect you will have many on hand and hopefully I can purchase one along with some Clam & Coral Diet afterwards.

Chris Parker :D

PS - I have a Blazer so I can fit one more person in the front and two in the back (or three really skinny people! :-D ) if anyone needs a ride and still have room in the back area for buckets/stuff.

[Sherri]

Good question Josh...I would also like to know just how "fragile" or "hardy" clams can be. I checked out your website Jim and you really have some beautiful ones...If you are going to be selling any...I'd like to maybe plan ahead. Any possible pics of any that will possibly be for sale or is that creating a monster before the meeting? :skeezy:

Would just like to know before the meeting how hard they are to keep.

Sherri

[Jeff Post]

I would be interested in getting a clam also. Let me know if it is going to be an option or what additional info you need.

[Jimnorris]

Yes I plan on having approx 50 clams for viewing and buying. But please do not be offended if I do not sell one to someone. I always ask to tell me about the system the clam or clams will go into! The system has to meet some requirements. These requirements are reall easy! I will have farm raised maximas and squamosas. I am also planning on a gift to everyone who attends---so a real good headcount is really needed! Of course the gift will go into your tank! There is also going to be several door prizes!!!!
My address is 1018 Oaklands Drive Round Rock, 78681. Very easy to get to right off the 35 and 620 in Round Rock.
Jim

[Tim Marvin]

If shipping comes through this week I will also have a rare specimen to be auctioned off! This will be something probably nobody in Austin or San Antonio has or will have. This specimen is from the Sea of Cortez, very hardy, and can tolerate most conditions! We are deciding on the price, but probably about $10 a ticket! Worth every penny! This will be on top off all the other great deals and door prizes! So bring a little money and be prepared to go home with a permanent smile!

[Jimnorris]

Tim,
How about one clue??????? Is it RED????
Jim

[Janice]

We are there. :grin:

[Tim Marvin]

Fire engine RED. That's enough Jimbo! No more clues.
If we get ten people on the raffle it can go for $5. a ticket, and even less if more people jump in.

[R.Allard]

Sounds like a blast wish i could be there!!!!
wont be able to make that meeting but ill try to plan on going to the april meeting.
Whats that you say !!Whats more important than a meeting on clams???
Well ya see ill be on the coast fly fishing for redfish and specs and
maybe some flounder and have been planing this trip for awhile.
Also if anyone else likes to fish. I plan these trips ahead of time so
just let me know and ill put ya down for the next trip.
I useually leave on Thursday night and return on sunday afternoon.
Plan on bringing a sleepingbag and a tent.I go about 10 miles south
of the National Seashore and not to much is out there,BUT THE FISHING OHHHH THE FISHING !!! is great!!
SEE YA NEXT MONTH
R.

[MikeP]

I will be able to make this one for a change. I have a couple of nice frag's I may bring (beautiful galaxea about 2.5" square and some neat flourescent orange rhodactis shrooms, have some sinularia dura I may frag too if anyone is interested - somehow I ended up with 2 huge colonies) - also if anyone is interested in macroalgae I have some green gracilaria looking stuff and a couple of varieties of halimeda which would be free for the taking.


Jim - if you will have any clams for sale I was interested in a squamosa or possibly a small maxima (46 gal has 400 watts VHO - that enough for a maxima or they need halides? The squamosa would be going in my nano 18 gal with 96 watt powerquad 50/50 bulb). Calcium levels are right around 400 ppm in main tank (kalk for topoffs) and about 350 for nano (using aragamilk - no real heavy calcium suckers I can tell in tank , mostly zoos , a fungia and a trachyphyllia).

Look forward to meeting some of you in person (Have met Vinh, JimD and Ed/Hammer so far).

-Mike

[Tim Marvin]

I'll take the orange rhodactis. Let me know what you want in trade or cash.

[Triggerman]

i'm looking forward as well they'll be quite a few of us coming up there from san antonio. sounds like jim and tim are going to be putting on a great meeting about clams and corals. on the frags you might bring i'd really be intersted in the orange rhodactis sp., so save one for me.

ray

[Jeff Post]

I am interested in the orange rhodactis also if there are enough.

[Sherri]

Ditto on the orange rhodactis if possible Techo......

Also..Jim...I would be interested in a clam also...prob a small squamosa. Don't think I could get a maxima cause I don't have metal hallides. I do have 440 Watt (3 ea. Actinic Sun 110W) (1ea. Super Actinic Blue 110W) in a 100 gal reef. Or could I? :-D

Thanks...

Sherri :wave:

[captexas]

As good as things sound from Jim and Tim, I think we should move the meeting up to next weekend as I can't wait! :confused:

[MikeP]

Wow lots of interest. I have a pieces of branch rock with about 8 1-2" polyps plus 2 that I moved to my nano. I'll experiment with forced fragging one tonight when I get home to see how they take to that - they are really nice and positively glow under the actinics. As for trades I'm looking for blue zooanthid morphs, maybe red epizoanthus if anyone has em - heck I'm not picky. I'll try fragging one and see how it goes over the next few days then may frag a few more off before meeting.

[Tim Marvin]

I'll take the branched rock. Can you send me a picture?

[Sherri]

I'm with you Cap.... :rotf: I've got to be in Austin tomorrow...why not then! :angel:

[Brett Wilson]

Jim, are we solid on the 29th being the day we want to have it?

-Brett

[Jimnorris]

I am set for the 29th!!!!!! All clams are now being ready!!!!! All door prizes are rolling in!!!!!
Welcome all!!!!
Jim

[minimasterflash]

Wow, this sounds exciting. This will be my first meeting, although I only have a baby nano, I'm tons intreasted in seeing some fine clams.

I would really like to make some sort of barter arrangment with anyone who could supply me with frags of Xenia and calustra (candy cane). I would be willing to trade a box of whatever salt that person uses.. any takers?

I'm excited! Don't know if i can take a month plus of waiting!

[Isis]

Where can I find out more info on the next meeting?? Are they always held on Saturdays?

[MikeP]

Wow, this sounds exciting. This will be my first meeting, although I only have a baby nano, I'm tons intreasted in seeing some fine clams.

I would really like to make some sort of barter arrangment with anyone who could supply me with frags of Xenia and calustra (candy cane). I would be willing to trade a box of whatever salt that person uses.. any takers?

I'm excited! Don't know if i can take a month plus of waiting!

Xenia - MMF I hae some pulsing I got from Tim M a few months ago that is already spreading very fast. I can cut you off a small piece - whew what a stink though! I also have some two tone pom pom xenia I got from Coraldynamics but it is not doing nearly so well. Xenia cutting would be free btw.

[Chris]

Isis: Usually we've been having our meetings on Sundays but since Jim requested Saturday, and he's the gracious host... it'll be on a Saturday for the March meeting.

We don't yet have our meetings planned out all that far ahead of time, but hopefully around the time of the March meeting, we'll have the location for our April meeting announced. ;)


It looks as though we're going to have a few guests from Houston show up for the meeting so this should get pretty interesting. I can't wait to meet all the new people. 8)

[Isis]

Thanks Chris...

I am the one (my handle on MARSH is Kim) who is trying to get a carpool thing going, and if possible, I would like to make this a regular occurance. Saturday is great day for us here in the Houston area to make a road trip that is why I like that this one is going to be on a Saturday.

I would really like to get some more interaction between the clubs. So going to monthly meeting will be a great start for us, but unfortunately our meetings are on Wednesdays, so out of towners are less likely to visit us. But we do have our frag swaps on the weekends, so maybe we will see more of the MAAST members in the future.

Can't wait to meet some of you....
:D

[Chris]

Hey Kim,

I spoke with Sherri mentioning in either June or July we plan to take a trip down to Corpus Christi. We'll be able to visit Minh (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2002/aquarium.htm) as well as head to the beach for a collecting trip. Some people have also expressed interest in turning it into an overnight trip so we can do our fishing/scuba diving/partying or whatever.

This would be an excellent opportunity to get both our clubs together. If you're able to spread the word around MARSH it might help convince Sherri to make a decision.

8)

[Reefdude]

did someone say partying??? are the fish gonna party with us?? i don't want them to feel left out ;)

[Chris]

did someone say partying??? are the fish gonna party with us?? i don't want them to feel left out ;)

I'm sure if we stayed the night... someone will end up trying to get the fishies drunk. :twisted: They won't be left out.

[Isis]

Chris,

Tonight is our board meeting, so I will bring it up for discussion because I REALLY want to do this too. If anything, I want to keep this on the minds of our members so that if we don't have a club sponsored trip to CC, we can at the very least join in the festivities.

We will keep in contact about this, but please feel free to email the board when ever you have any suggestions about doing multi-club excursions. I would really like to get more TX and LA clubs involved with each other, but I haven't made any contacts yet except with you and our board. Just something to think about...

[djdubdub]

Well DARNIT!!!

I am going to have to miss ANOTHER MAAST meeting... My wife and I will be in Dallas for the NASCAR race that weekend!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!!!

Any plans for April meeting yet???

[reefer]

this will be my first meeting, i am looking forword to this, as i am interested in getting a giant clam and their requirements as well. i have an oyster, but a maxima clam would be nicer for the tank if possible.
:shock:

[Brett Wilson]

http://www.ausreefkeepers.com/meetinglocation.htm

I added this meeting info to the ARK site as well :)

-Brett

[Hammer]

Cool, another meeting. It has been way too long for Austin!
Count me in :)

[Jimnorris]

Just an undate: Premium Aquatics (just confirmed) BIG box of goods for door prizes on their way!!!! Also 30 clams just came in which brings total up to 40 and more on the way!!!!!
Jim

[Pernelf]

I'm over in College Station and I'll be there with mabye a couple people in tow. :-D

Leslea

[Isis]

Leslea,

I am glad you finally made it over here...

Kim

[Jimnorris]

News FLASH! Just got off the phone with Brian at HELLOLIGHTS, BIG box on the way for door prizes for the 29th!
This is going to be FUN!!!!!!!!!
Jim

[Henry]

This meeting sounds very exciting. This will be my first meeting and I can't wait any longer.

[captexas]

Jim -

I hope you realize that the more prizes and things you announce, the more people will show up. The January meeting had a huge turn out simply to take advantage of the coral fragging. If it wasn't for that I don't think there would have been half the number of people there.

Just the presentation you are giving on clams will be wonderful enough as it is! Hopefully the people that do show up are dedicated members, not people just there for free stuff. It's great to have new members of MAAST, but I would hate to have people like yourself and benefits of the club taken advantage of and lose their support.

With all the extra people coming in from Houston and other new areas, I hope you have plenty of room. I wouldn't be surprised if 60 people showed up for this meeting.

Anyways, I have been looking forward to the meeting since it was announced and can't wait to learn about clams. As I mentioned in another post, if someone needs a ride from San Antonio, let me know. I live off of 1604 and Judson and can take 3 to 4 people.

Chris Parker 8)

[DeletedAccount]

I am in the 1604/Bitters area and I can take a few folks. I am planning on making it an ALL DAY event, shopping around at the local stores and stuff.

[Jimnorris]

Captexas,
Thanks---I have room for about 62 people????? I am not concern where they come from just that they learn, share and enjoy the hobby! MAAST is a GREAT club and let everyone share is what we have to offer. I am looking forward to meeeting you also!
Jim

[captexas]

Jim - Sounds like we need to start doing a roll call and get a count on possible number of guests for the meeting. We could end up with too many for you to handle.


Josh - now, now, we don't want to be too greedy! :scold: Members with over 200 posts works better for me! LOL :lol3:

Just playing! Always nice to win a door prize, but I will be happy to learn all about clams and their proper care and hopefully taking home a beautiful little clam for my tank!

[Jimnorris]

Captexas and everyone a RSVP would be very helpful!!!!! 49 posts and over would be better!!!!
Jim

[Chris]

Don't worry guys... i'll be editing the database and resetting Josh's postcount back to a big fat ZERO in a few seconds....

:-D

[Hammer]

You want emails for RSVP or just do a roll call here?
I don't really care about the door prizes. I just like having meetings, unlike the Austin club has been for the last half year or so.

[Isis]

If you end up raffling items off by purchasing tickets, you can always charge less for active members who have paid dues and a few dollars more for non-members who attend the meetings. This also helps with getting more members, which will ultimately add to the club's account for future club sponsored events.

[Brett Wilson]

Chris, can you setup a poll so we can get as good of a count as we can to see how many people are coming?
-Brett

[RedDragon]

well I'll be there


Thanks,
Jaime

[Sherri]

The husband & I are coming... :-D

Sherri

[Chris]

Poll created... i'll add a map too later tonight so everyone can figure out how to get to Jim's house.

[captexas]

Chris -
Several people have stated they might be bringing friends and some will be brining their significant other. I think this needs to be taken into account somehow on the poll if possible. If not possible, maybe start a new thread for people to post if they are coming and if they will be bringing others that are not able to post to get a more accurate estimate on attendees.

[Isis]

I voted, but just to let you know who's coming from MARSH.... Pernelf (Leslea) and a friend from College Station are driving in. I am coming in with Jim, Quoc, Dave and possibly Stuart. I am not sure if any of the other board members are coming, let alone club or web members. As I find out, I will let you know...

[Pernelf]

Did you already add us to the RSVP count Kim??

[witecap4u]

I will most likely be there. This will be my first meeting, so I look forward to meeting all of you, as I have only met one person on the board so far....cs

[Jimnorris]

Guys and Gals Update. Hellolights has donated some AWESOME door prizes, they are here! Premium Aquatics has donated some AWESOME door prizes, they are here. I working on Fritz pets and Aquatrend (makers of tanks). I have currently over 50 clams that will be available that are here. I would like the meeting to start at 2:00pm and a late lunch (or early dinner) will be at about 3:00.
Thanks,
JIm

[Sherri]

Sounds like it is gonna be an awesome meeting Jim. And so informative. I really look forward to it all. Thanks for all your effort in putting it together. Should be a blast. Can't wait to check out them clams... :-D

Sherri :rotf:

[fuzz]

Jim,
Sounds like it is going to be a great meeting. I recently got a 6" Derasa so I am really interested in calm care. I am also interested in getting another calm at the meeting, probably a squamosa. See you there!

-Greg

[Pernelf]

I would like the meeting to start at 2:00pm and a late lunch (or early dinner) will be at about 3:00.


Jim, should we bring anything to help with the lunch/dinner? Is this potluck or something?

Leslea

[Jimnorris]

Thank you, but no just bring yourself. I will supply the food this is the main reason for a good head count!
Jim

[z28pwr]

Thank you, but no just bring yourself. I will supply the food this is the main reason for a good head count!
Jim

Jim, You Da Man !

[RedDragon]

way to go Jim!!!
:flamer: "jew can do it!!!!" :beer:

[RedDragon]

way to go Jim!!!
:flamer: "jew can do it!!!!" :beer:

[Chris]

Just wanted to add... a gift certificate for $20 will be added to the prizes supplied by Acrylic City. According to Augustin, he does custom refugiums,skimmers ,sumps, overflows & more.

8)

[captexas]

If we got door prizes and things like this at every meeting, attendence will increase for sure! Many thanks to Jim, Tim, and Chris for their hard work just preparing for this meeting. :D

[Jimnorris]

Update: Fritz Industries has donated some GREAT donor prizes! Got home tonight and there was 2 nice size boxes filled with their products!!!
Jim

[Pernelf]

I don't think I've seen this anywhere but how do I "offically" join MAAST and what are the dues? Can I join at the meeting?

Leslea

[Chris]

Leslea we've yet to get as far as having club dues. We're still a very young club and I just recently faxed in our Articles of Incorporation. Once that's approved, we'll have our Board of Directors and start working on ideas for all that fun stuff.

For now... your participation on the forums is your honorary badge of membership. :-D

[Pernelf]

You just have to leave your soul at Jim's place... What a bargain!

What if I already promised it to someone else?? :?

Leslea

[JimT]

Jim Norris - he IS Batman!!!!!!

I will be there with my entourage from Houston. My car fits four, but I know that there are at least 8 coming from MARSH.

Since I am the program director for MARSH, I think that my next order of business is getting Jim to come and present in Houston. What do you think, Jim?

[JimT]

Jim Norris - he IS Batman!!!!!!

I will be there with my entourage from Houston. My car fits four, but I know that there are at least 8 coming from MARSH.

Since I am the program director for MARSH, I think that my next order of business is getting Jim to come and present in Houston. What do you think, Jim?

[Jimnorris]

JimT,
I would be honored!
Thanks
Jim

[Jimnorris]

OK all the door prizes are in! I have listed (with pictures) on my website (www.tanku.net) under prizes all of them. But for a quick listing here we go:
Hellolights-- two retro lighting kits!
Premium Aquatics--refractometer and gift certs.!
Fritz--salt, food and water treatment!
Me--several Seachem products and a CUSTOM 40 GALLON BRAND NEW CLAM TANK!
Jim

[Pernelf]

So will there be raffle tickets sold for the door prizes? If so, how much will they be?

Need to figure out how much $ to bring :-D

Leslea

[jake5045]

Jim i'm going to attened the meeting. But I need to know what the dues are so i know i have money to pay them. See you there
Reefman5045 :D

[Jimnorris]

Jake,
Hello! As far as I know there is NO dues at this time! We are going to sell raffle tickets (I am thinking $2.00 a ticket) for the many door prizes. The money raise will (all) go to the club!!!!
If anybody has a different ideas about the raffle price please speak up.
P.S.
I am really looking forward to meeting EVERYONE!

[Brett Wilson]

Jim,

If I am reading the poll correctly we will have 43 people.
Wow, that is a lot of people!

-Brett

[Chris]

I think we're a little closer (or past) 50.

21 will be there = 21
7 will bring a friend = 14
1 will bring 3 friends = 4
1 will bring more than 5 friends (assuming this is the Houston group which I last saw was up to 8 ) = 8

That brings a total of 47 + another 7 who may "possibly" be there.

:grin:

[Tim Marvin]

I am going to throw in a couple corals from GARF. As door prizes.

[witecap4u]

Hope you have lots of parking near your place.....cs :o

[Jimnorris]

Tim,
Thanks for the door prize from GARF!!!!!!! It is a big neighborhood---we will all fit!
Jim

[TexasState]

Hope you have lots of parking near your place
We showed up late at Jim Norris's last meeting. We just had to park a little bit more down the street.

[captexas]

Hey Chris -
With all those people, we definately need to enforce name tags at the meeting, with names and MAAST screen names. Be good especially with all of our out-of-town friends that will be there for the first time.

I think $2 is a fair price for raffle tickets, especially with some of those prizes. I have my eye on the 48in. retro light kit! Would work very well over my 75gallon! :-D

Chris (the other one :D )

[Chris]

Hey Chris -
With all those people, we definately need to enforce name tags at the meeting, with names and MAAST screen names. Be good especially with all of our out-of-town friends that will be there for the first time.


Roger!

The other Chris :P

[TexasState]

We are going to sell raffle tickets (I am thinking $2.00 a ticket) for the many door prizes. The money raise will (all) go to the club!!!!
If anybody has a different ideas about the raffle price please speak up.


I would like to buy several raffle tickets. So, please don't run out of tickets. :lol:

[Tim Marvin]

Considering each give away piece will be valued at over $10 I am going to see about raising the raffle tickets to $5-$10 each. This will still be a bargain for everyone, and considering Jim and I are not getting a penny for doing this it would raise a substantial amount of money to get this club going. If 50 tickets are sold at $10 that would be $500. for the club, as you all know. Do I hear a second on this?

[RedDragon]

I second this motion

[Tim Marvin]

So just buy two tickets then. Yes everything was donated including the livestock and Brand new clam tank, Jim and I are donating. Like I said it is all going to the club NOT Jim or Myself. Since you are also in business Josh, you are more than welcome to donate things to be raffled off for the benefit of the club..... What can we count you in for donation? I will be putting in Ricordia, and RED epizoanthids from GARF, to name some of the things.

[captexas]

I think it's great to raise money for the club, but we still do not have any organization and there are no rules or accounting for the money collected. There are no guidelines as to what this money is to be used for.

Until those things are done we don't need to be so worried about how much money we raise. Getting this club established and organized properly should be our number one priority. The door prizes and raffle are not why we are getting together and should not be the center of attention. We are there to learn from Jim's presentation and share experiences and knowledge. If material goods are the only thing that everyone cares about, this club will not go very far and you might as well change this website to something like Ebay.

Again, I am 100% for this club and think it has great potential. It just sounds like we are putting the wagon ahead of the horse here.

As far as ticket prices go, with a $2 cost, you will sell many tickets. With a $10 cost, people will only buy 1 or maybe 2. The total money raised will probably come out the same either way. I think $2 sounds better. Even if you buy 5 tickets, it makes it seem like a great deal with out losing much. Kind of like spending money on the Texas Lotto. :grin:

Just my 2 cents,
Chris

[Tim Marvin]

You have a business license so you are in business. DON'T let the IRS hear you are just doing it to get stuff cheaper for yourself. You never know who works for them! Well, I am going to talk this over with Jim and we'll decide what will work best for the club. Our objective is to collect as much as we can for the club. It will be beneficial for all of us down the road.

[Tim Marvin]

Oh, and believe me there will be some stuff you can use Josh. Some of the items are valued at over $100. So what did you want to donate? Relax Josh I am just messing with you.

[Tim Marvin]

LOL, OK if you guys want to stay with $2 fine. I really don't care. We are planning to give the money to Chris, that way when we get a little more organized some funds will be there.
I will second the vote with helping out on food cost for the host!

[Brett Wilson]

I always donate several frags to the host, and will this time as well. :)

-Brett

[Hammer]

Well, you can donate simple frags to add to the raffle as well.
I just planned on getting a couple raffle tickets. I don't really have any aspirations of winner, rather actively giving to the club.

[captexas]

Josh - thanks.

I think once we get leadership established and the guidelines setup for the club, no one will have any problems with dues or donating money or raffles. Just to say that the money you give now for the raffle will go to the club doesn't really mean anything as there isn't really a club yet. People will feel much better knowing what the money is going for to begin with. I definately think money will be set aside for things like meeting expenses and helping those that volunteer to host events.

I am greatful to Jim for talking to vendors and getting them to donate things for door prizes at the meeting. In the future if the club organizes and gets going, the club will be the one that can call on companies to donate things for meetings whether it be door prizes or things that will be used for different discussions/presentations. I am just afraid that we are making too much of a big deal out of it and it becomes the only reason why some people come. Just like the "coral fragging" meeting we had. There were many people there that didn't care about the club or anyone else there. They just sat there until it was time to see what they would get and then they were out the door. There were a lot of faces there at that meeting that weren't there at the next when there wasn't anything for them to take home and I bet they are all back at Jims though with all the stuff being given away. The club shouldn't have to bribe anyone to take part in it.

As the site now has over 170 members and we have other clubs from Austin and Houston involved, we must get organized. This should be our primary focus for now. MAAST has great potential epecially if it works together with the other nearby clubs. There will be plenty of meetings, events, and fund raisers to bring in money in the future.

Chris

[MikeP]

I may bring a few frags / corals I don't have space for to raffle off. I had a beautiful galaxea frag I've been growing out the last 5 months was looking spectacular. Well last week it apparently got kocked off the rockwork and rolled right into..... my giant frogspawn.... needless to say my frogspawn almost completely killed it but it has about 1/4 of the polyps coming back.

Let me know who I should contact about raffle items.

-Mike

[Tim Marvin]

Mike you can call me at (512)336-7258 or Jim at 748-9100

We are going to raffle anyway, and the money will go to the club. If that bothers anyone so be it. Don't get involved in the fund raiser if it weighs to heavy on you. We are here to have a good time and share, this is just a small fringe benefit. Jim and I talked it over, raffle tickets will be $5. I'm just looking forward to a great meeting. You are going to be blown away by Jim's tank!

[captexas]

Yes, it will be great to finally see Jim's tank and enjoy his presentation on clams. I know I am but one of many that have been counting the days since the last meeting eagerly awaiting this Saturday! :D

[Jimnorris]

Brett,
If you are bringing the host frags, just park in the driveway!!!!
:-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

[Hammer]

Man, we are going to be parking around the block for this meeting!

[Brett Wilson]

Sure thing Jim!
:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D

[TexasState]

Someone may not want an acro frag for instance because they can't support it until they win one of the lighting kits

My 5 gallons Nano only have 8 Watts of light, is that enough for the Acro Frags? :roll: :-o :lol: :oops:
Seriously, I ditched most of my SPS frags and don't plan on messing w/ frags again. Well, maybe I'll keep the really good color frags. I had too many frags and they kept on getting knock over. Instead of the raffle, you guys might want to auction off the frags if you want to donate to the club.

[Jimnorris]

Vinh,
There are many acros that do well in low light! You may aready know this but GARF's acros are all grown under PCs, VHOs and NOs!
Jim

[JimT]

Should probably do separate raffles for the livestock and dry goods. Someone may not want an acro frag for instance because they can't support it until they win one of the lighting kits ;)

We had a similar situation at our last meeting here in Houston. The way we resolved this is that we just picked numbers, one at a time, and the first number got his pick of what was available, then the second number got the pick of the remainder, and so on. We did not raffle the items off individually, and we did not outline which item was raffled off for each pick. This way the winner gets to pick something that he/she needs/wants/can keep and not get "stuck" with something that they cannot use/keep.

Usually the first number will pick the highest ticket item, however that is not always the case. At our last meeting a person was picked first and decided not to take the Protein Skimmer, opting for a less valuable item since he already had a very good protein skimmer.

I think that this method of raffling is a fair and equitable method without having to work out the logistics of multiple sets of tickets for the various raffles involved in a multi raffle event.

[TexasState]

Good input JimT, much better then my auction ideas.

[Brett Wilson]

I agree with Jim Teel, good idea.

-Brett

[JimT]

Thanks. We at MARSH have tried several methods of raffling multiple items, and I think that this way went the smoothest and also the quickest. Once all of the big ticket items are gone you really can start pulling numbers in quick succession and have multiple people at the prize table at the same time. It helps to make it so that the raffle doesn't take longer than the entire rest of the meeting. :)

Jim Teel

[Jimnorris]

Just my idea---there are 4 plus major door prizes and several dozen others!!!! Each item that is being donated will have a bowl/bucket next to it. The 4 plus major prizes will be $5.00 a ticket and the rest $2.00 a ticket. This method allows the person to really go after the item he/she wants! Example if you really got to have the custom clam tank then you buy as many tickets for $5.00 each and place them in the container for the tank. At drawing time someone pulls the winning ticket from that container. Then we move on down the line for the rest of the items. I think this method is fair and one can bid on items they want---instead of getting something they do not want!
SO let's do it!
P.S. I hope everyone likes pizza I am trying to have Gino's cater the food! (And that's good pie!)
Jim

[Chris]

Jim(norris) I like that final decision. I was going to suggest something similar and you beat me to it. ;)

Thanks for all the work you've been doing into getting these prizes.... lets hope the meeting isn't as heated as this thread has become. :-D

To Josh, I just today received back the authorized Articles of Incorporation.. it was approved on the 18th though, so as of that date we are officially in the eyes of the state, a non-profit corporation.

To answer everyone else's questions about what we plan to do with the money, let me just say this. As long as I have a say in the matter, nothing will be rushed in regards to membership dues or what will be done with money donated to the club. Collecting membership dues is something I plan not to put any sort of precedence on until we first come up with a secure business model as to how & what will be done with all funds to begin with.

Off the top of my head, such funds will be used towards:
Food at meetings
Entrance fee's for special trips
Domain name renewal
Website hosting costs
T-shirts or anything else we purchase
Group trips

There are other items which will have to be looked into, so don't expect the final decision to have been an impulsive one. This club is first and foremost an information & gathering place, and will always remain so... Paying members will not be asked to give up their first born or anything rash, we're talking somewhere in the $20 range per year so don't feel that you're giving an arm and getting back a glove in return.

The main expense i'm looking forward to right now will be our summer trip to Corpus with MARSH. Things are still in the works, but a full weekend trip is in the plans. Food, shelter, and activities are some of the things that MARSH is already able to provide to their members. I don't expect the per person average to be very high, but perhaps MAAST can help lower OUR costs with donations, ie. Caulerpa selling & raffles.

Anyone willing to provide suggestions or wanting any sort of clarification should know that my Private Messages (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB2&file=privmsg&mo de=post&u=3) are always enabled, & my email address is cpugh@satx.rr.com

;-)

[Jimnorris]

Chris,
Well done! I am all for M.A.A.S.T. Our site and club is outstanding, so putting our efforts and resources into this club I am 100% behind!
P.S. Gino's is a fine place to eat and the pizzas will be ready at 3:00pm ---so all come with empty tummys.
Jim

[RedDragon]

I wont eat for 2 day and bring some cash for the goods :-D

[Isis]

Just my idea---there are 4 plus major door prizes and several dozen others!!!! Each item that is being donated will have a bowl/bucket next to it. The 4 plus major prizes will be $5.00 a ticket and the rest $2.00 a ticket. This method allows the person to really go after the item he/she wants! Example if you really got to have the custom clam tank then you buy as many tickets for $5.00 each and place them in the container for the tank. At drawing time someone pulls the winning ticket from that container. Then we move on down the line for the rest of the items. I think this method is fair and one can bid on items they want---instead of getting something they do not want!
SO let's do it!
P.S. I hope everyone likes pizza I am trying to have Gino's cater the food! (And that's good pie!)
Jim

This is how they did at last year's MACNA. The bowl for the fully stocked Oceanic tank was huge by the end of the weekend!

[Janice]

I am looking forward to this weekend! Might try and pick up a clam from Jim as well now that we have the MH setup. 8)

[z28pwr]

Great idea guys.

Chris, can you update the main post with the Time that the meeting will be held at. From what I'm reading it will be at 3:00 PM but I'm uncertain.

Thanks.

[Tim Marvin]

This will be the BEST MEETING yet! Jim and I are well stocked with clams, acropora, and some fantastic brains! If you miss this meeting you will truely miss out! Along with a clam presentation, excellent door prices, and great food. You will also get the benefit of club members knowledge sharing.... See you there!

[Pernelf]

Is it one of those brains that make you smarter? I want one :-D

[JimD]

Hey ya'll,
Id just like to mention that I should have a few kalk reactors available at the meeting for sale, trade, raffle, whatever.... Seeya!

[JimD]

Hey ya'll,
Id just like to mention that I should have a few kalk reactors available at the meeting for sale, trade, raffle, whatever.... Seeya!

[JimD]

grrrrr, friggin dial up sucks,,,, sorry for the double....

[DustinWayman]

hey everyone, you might want to count on one more person. I am bringing my gf to the meeting now, kind of stoked she will actually be interested in something i like, woo hoo.

~Dustin

[fuzz]

Anyone in the 620/183 area want to carpool? Give me a call at 659-4843.

-Greg