Hi ya all:

This definitely is a GROWING PROBLEM with clubs...is getting good
program givers.

It is really almost impossible to have a speaker each month.....so have
to get pretty creative to do other things for sure!

I believe Tom Rice has some videos/or slide presentations that can be
rented.  The JAX club uses them quite often.

Some creative alternatives for meetings:

"Stump the Experts"    Put a panel of 3-4 of your club experts up
front.  Have everyone who comes into the meeting take a 3x5 card and
write down any question they want answered!  OR they can think up a
question ahead of time ( if you promote your programs ahead of time in
your newsletter).     We have done this a couple of times and it turns
out to be an EXCELLENT program with lots of very good input.

Other alternatives is a Chinese Auction.....Have 20 or so auction items
on a table with a container next to each.  Sell auction tickets (like 5
for $1) and you can put the ticket in the container next to the item
.... if you want to put all your tickets in one container you can do
that.   THEN a ticket is pulled for each item and that is the winner.

Have a mini shell show (or shoe box show)  with items found by members
during the year or craft items made during the year.     Come up with
some "interesting" categories that you never see at a shell show.
Have home-made awards, plaques or ribbons!   The judges are the club
members.

Have your historian give a night of the history of your club...how it
started....maybe some interesting information on "old" members, etc.
This is good for an Anniversary of the club along with an Anniversary
cake?

Of course get members to tell about their latest shelling trips......do
not INSIST they have slides or video....just an exhibit of what they
found, perhaps a table with all their photos or memorabalia.

Just thought that might help!

Would love to hear other club's ideas!!!

Bobbi

P.S.  There is a VERY good possibility there will be a Shuttle Launch on
July 12  - the day after the 2001 Shell Odyssey!  WHICH MEANS.....hotels
will fill up quick.  So get your room reserved at the Radisson right
away....

--
Jim and Bobbi Cordy
Specializing in Self Collected Caribbean Species
Merritt Island Florida

2001 SHELL ODYSSEY
July 7-11
Port Canaveral, FL