Board Meeting was held at Ron & Lois house on Wednesday September 27, 2006.  Attending board members were:  John Augustine, Shari Mullen, Donna Sabol, Ron Peterson, and Bob Hand.  Guests attending were: Donna Bender, Dan and Diane Turcovsky.

The quarry was discussed.  A) Meeting with Mike Miller.  B) North End Signs.  C) Porta Potty upset.  D) Quarry Money.

John will proceed with Sheetz with a new fundraiser.

We reviewed the Raystown picnic.  We will charge $10 for each person on the boat next year.

Arrangements for the Chili Dive and the Christmas Party were discussed.

CONGRATULATIONS:
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Albert Sharbaugh who were married on September 30, 2006 in Ebensburg, PA.  They are currently honeymooning in Hawaii!

Congratulations to Mr & Mrs John Augustine who are being married on October 11, 2006 in Gatlinburg, TN.

The General Meeting was called to order at Penn Gables, Ebensburg, PA  on October 5, 2006 at 7:30 pm, by President John Augustine with the official blowing of the conch.

Treasurers Report for the month of September
 Income  $0
 Expenses $169.60
 Balance $ 2105.52

Membership Report: Mike Miller was approved for membership after re-application.  Terrance Lillis was approved as new member, certified in May of 2006.
 

Old Business

None.
New Business

Sheetz coupons are here!  The fall fundraiser is underway.  Please see VP Shari Mullen to get your coupons.  A $4 contribution buys you a Sheetz MTO item and drink.  The club makes a $1.25 profit on each coupon.  Please support the club by purchasing and selling as many coupons as possible.

Mike Miller took the floor to discuss quarry management.   Mike asked that we all remember that diving at the quarry is a privilege and that we all must respect Judy Risbon’s property and do all we can to assure that we continue to enjoy that privilege for years to come.  Mike will be doing all scheduling at the quarry.  There is an online calendar to view who is at the quarry.  You are required to call Mike’s Scuba to schedule time, or you may submit an online request for quarry use.  You will be given a code number to use when you sign in at the quarry.   Quarry releases must be signed before you may use the quarry.
 Mike's Scuba  814.695.4666
 www.mikesscuba.com/bluehole

In order to maintain the toilet facilities at the quarry, we continue to ask for contributions from divers using the quarry.  Mike has agreed to pay for ½ of the sanitation fees to cover his use during any training activities he is sponsoring.  ANY LAUREL DIVER MEMBER IS NOT REQUIRED TO PAY FOR TOILETS – this is part of your dues.  Any non-laurel diver member using the quarry that is not part of Mike’s training is asked to contribute $2 per diver per day.

If anyone has any problems or concerns about anything occurring at the quarry please contact Mikes’ scuba to report.

The Christmas party is scheduled for Saturday Dec 2nd.    Meal choices are Stuffed Chicken Breast or Lasagna for $17 or Baked Haddock for $20.    Music by John Boyer.  Sign ups encouraged by the November general meeting, and all money and reservations must be paid by November 15th.

The Annual Chili Cook off will be Saturday October 28 at the quarry.   We have invited the newest dive club in the area, the Westsylvania Divers to join us this year.  There will be a treasure dive from 1 pm – 5 pm. $5 entry fee – winner takes all.  Festivities will follow at Bob Hands house if weather does not allow the cook off to take place at the quarry.  1103 Broadway Street, Altoona, PA.  Call Mike Miller via cell at 327-1377 on that day if you have any questions as to where the chili cook off will take place.

Haunted House – Saturday October 21, 2006 at 7pm.  Meet at Ron & Lois’s house in Ebensburg.  Haunted house at the Shadow Box.  Covered dish.

The November meeting will be T-Shirt night – bring your favorite t-shirt and story to go with it – favorite vacation, dive site – or just a good ol’ story to be told.

Anyone with any suggestions for topics at future dive meetings, please contact John Augustine.  We are looking for ideas &/or volunteers.

Shari Mullen has designed cool “hoodies” for the Laurel Divers.  The cost will be $25 without your name, and $30 if you want your name.  She will collect money at the November meeting.  Only those paid for will be ordered, and she will have them for the Christmas party.  If you have any questions, you can email Shari at samst8@mail.francis.edu

Trip Reports

Raystown picnic on Sept 10th – good weather, good turnout, some treasures found!  Next year the raystown dive will have  $10 fee for diver and nondiver wanting to use the boat.

Mike Miller reported on a recent trip to Dutch Springs – vis at 40ft.  Mike was heading back down to Dutch Springs on Oct 7 – and opened the trip to any interested divers.

Mike also reported on plans to open an underwater dive park at Lake Raystown.  He is working with the Army Corp of Engineers who have funding to assist with land access and facilities.  This is a work in progress, but some exciting news for local divers.

John Augustine is planning a cavern/cave trip to Florida on November 11.  Please contact if you have any interest in going along.

Day Book won by Shannon Hoffman – not present – carries over to next month.
Door prize won by Barb Wyland – scissors

Next Board Meeting – Wed Oct 25, 2006 7:30 pm at Ron & Lois
Next General Meeting Thur Nov 2, 2006 7:30 Penn Gables

Thanks to Donna Bender for writing the minutes.