Lynn's remarks about Walter doing everything are very pertinent. I decided
long ago that wasn't good - we had one member who was president for five
years because no one would take it on after him (he was so good). So I
refused, when it was my turn, to serve more than two years as president.
Similarly, two years ago I said no more newsletter for me, and last year I
flatly said I wouldn't chair the shell show this year (after seven years).
Guess what? We have other  members stepping in to do these jobs, and I
don't interfere - just answer questions if they ask my advice.

I haven't stopped being active in the club, however. I'm an officer still
and often give educational talks. We try to have minimal business at our
meetings and a major speaker plus a short educational talk. Last night I
talked about putting together a shell show exhibit and I think we'll be
getting a new exhibitor from that experience. Another member put together a
handout with concrete suggestions and advice about exhibiting - and she's
only exhibited once!

For the last two years I've been bringing a shell to one meeting to give to
a novice member, along with some books with information about the shell or
family, and they get to keep the shell if they'll give a report on it at
the next meeting. We've had some outstanding reports, and these people are
learning on their own. I've been so proud of them! The last one even looked
on the internet for more info on her shell and came up with stuff I'd never
heard of. Some of the shells I've given away are: Haliotis iris (Abalone),
Achatina fulica (Giant African Snail), Murex brandaris (the murex that
makes purple dye), etc. There are still lots of interesting tales to tell.
After the oral report is given, the newsletter editor gets it to publish -
so we have some interesting articles for our newsletter too. This wasn't my
idea, but it was a great one.

Our publicity chairman sends meeting notices to the newspapers each month
and, though the big paper doesn't always run them, the smaller ones do
usually and we've gotten a lot of attendance from that. Once you have
someone new at the meeting, you have to do something to keep them coming
back, though! Our club is growing, and at least half now are members of
less than 5 years' standing.

Peggy

                     Visit my website at http://www.shelltrips.com
                                  Peggy Williams
                                   Shell Elegant
                                    PO Box 575
                                Tallevast FL 34270
                                   (941) 355-2291
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