SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FOSSIL CLUB

RECENT ACTIVITIES

2008 Annual Auction - was held on February 9th. Auctioneers Steve Wilson and Chuck Ferrara kept the excitement going all evening. There was a separate auction for the kids. We raised money for at least two $500.00 scholarships to Gainesville University - one to Vertebrate Paleontology and one to Invertebrate Paleontology. Auction Photos

Home Show and January Meeting - We had lots of volunteers and lots of people who stopped by our booth at the Home Show. At the meeting, Dr. Gordon Hubbell was presented a certificate for being a lifetime club member. Home Show and January Meeting Photos

25 Year Celebration - was held on December 8, 2007. It was a wonderful way to commemorate this special occasion 25 Year Anniversary Celebration Photos

November Meeting - Ollie Tipton demonstrated how to wire wrap shark's teeth into jewelry. Wire Wrapping Photos

Last trip to Quality Materials - Quality has been sold and we may have taken our last trip there on October 13, 2007. Quality Pit Photos UPDATE - We have talked to the new owners of Quality and the club will be visiting this site again.

Our annual picnic was held at Hardee County Pioneer Park on Saturday, Aug. 11. A great time was had by all.

One Hot Picnic at Hardee County Pioneer Park!

by Elida Byard

With the temperatures soaring in the 90's and a brief walk causing moisture to soak your clothing, we ate in a wonderful air conditioned pavilion. (We filled almost every seat.)  But the big story is what we ate!  Chicken - both Grilled & Bar-b-qued, Wild pork both Grilled & as Sausage, Venison wrapped in bacon, Shark - both breaded and baked, Lasagna, and that’s just touching on the main dishes! There isn't room on a page to list all the Pot-Luck goodies.  (I tried my best to taste most of them!!!)  I think there were enough leftovers to feed a small army.

The SWFFC Executive Board deserves a standing ovation for their cooking, organization and entertainment!  First there were door prizes. This was the only picnic I have ever been to where someone was thrilled to win a bag full of gravel bits. There were 4-5 people entertained for an hour or so just spreading handfuls on a plate to pick through. They found a really neat 1/4 inch Whale Shark tooth among their other prizes. Each family received an insulated 'grab' lunch bag full of LOTS more goodies which included insulated cup holders, pencils, micro mounts, and glue. There were also gift certificates in special bags for things like a club T-shirt or riker box.   The kids all headed for the fossil pit to search for their own special finds. One young man proudly showed me the large dugong ribs and horse tooth he had found. Then Steve did his best to remember to say 'S' instead of 'B' for the SHARK bingo. Even if you didn't win you got to keep the bag of shark teeth they supplied to cover your special SHARK card.   

I must also mention the great Museum and fantastic Animal Refuge. Being an ex-zookeeper and presently working with Wildlife Center of Venice I must admit to loving animals and knowing something about them. I was very impressed with the large natural surroundings protecting the animals and the elevated boardwalk you traveled to view them. This was the nicest small 'zoo' I have ever seen! I can't wait till next year!

Thank you for making our picnic a success.