Near Normal Grotto

March 1996 Near Normal News

MINUTES OF THE MEETING
January 26, 196

Called to order at 7:20pm by president John R. Marquart. Present: Kevin Rasmus, Tim Sickbert, Brian Valentine, Mark Valentine, Julie Angel, Lara Storm, Leonard storm, Marty Jacobs, Derek Forman, Brian R. Braye, John Marquart, John Walther, Jim Jacobs, Norm Rogers, Loren Fear, Tim Shaffer, Tim Mikesell, D.C. Young.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as published in the NEWS.
The treasurer's report was delivered by Julie Angel.
Trip reports were given by Jim Jacobs and Mark Valentine on separate trips to Illinois Caverns.
John Marquart reported on the status of the Blackball Mine project, and discussed his paper updating the status of the Indiana Bat. John also filled in for Mark Belding, who was absent, reporting that Mark had finished the cave radio, but it had not yet been tested since the weather had been bad.
Brian Braye said that the patches would run $3-4 each. A consensus of the group present indicated that we would have no trouble selling enough to cover the original cost plus a bit left over for the treasury.
Brian Valentine talked about the World Wide Web page that he has developed for the grotto. It looks really great! It also has connections to the NSS and BCI web pages. Jim J. stated that he would compose a summary of the grotto history and mission for the page. Other possibilities for the page were discussed.
Norm Rogers announced that the Mammoth Cave Field Camp would likely be a week later than last year, and that participants would be able to arrive on the weekend leaving time to meet, greet, and get set up.
John Walther noted that I.S.U. has trips going to Wyandotte Cave, IN, this spring.
Norm R. discussed the Western Kentucky University trips/courses which are given every year.
Brian Valentine has a knapsack and caving helmet for sale.
The business meeting was adjourned.
John Marquart gave his presentation, which included slides, and a demonstration of the chemistry involved in the production and decoration of caves. It was very well received.

Respectfully submitted,
Jim Jacobs, Secretary