Minutes

Springfield Naturalists’ Club

December monthly meeting

December 21, 2005

Winter Solstice

Recording Secretary: Nancy Condon

Attendance: 31

Our annual Show & Tell meeting, with entertainment provided by members was enjoyable and creative. Five members shared travels and natural treasures with attendees. After President Dave Gallup called the socializing to desist, Nancy Condon, the evening’s emcee, wasted little time in introducing our first presenter. Richard Sanderson presented a unique program on Comets and Cactus, a unique and introspective visual intrigue on natural objects either less than 6 inches away or more than 100,000 miles away. Sonya Vickers, sans laptop computer, did a fine job verbally depicting her trip to the Galapagos Islands. Using our imaginations to envision the sights can be just as pleasant as having them shown to us. Some day she shall enlighten us with true visuals. Jack Megas next used slides to take us to beautiful Capital Reef, a sculpted desert landscape in Utah. The architecturally stunning arches, inspiring colorations and striking panorama was inviting for sure. Art O’Leary then unveiled his vast collection of natural objects. Unique baskets, gorgeous stones and minerals, and other curiosities highlighted this year’s collection. Art displays a table-full of new treasures every single year. Can’t wait to see what next year will bring! Finally, to close the evening, President Dave Gallup surprised us with a reading filled with natural comparisons and references – The Night Before Christmas.

Our year closes with plenty of delicious cookies, candies, cakes, fudge, and other delicious edibles made by generous bakers and shoppers in the club. See you next year everyone.