2010 December (PDF)

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE GOLD COAST TREASURE CLUB, INC.

VOLUME 35 NUMBER 12

DECEMBER 2010

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE AT 7:00 P.M. DECEMBER 9TH
AT THE WEST PALM BEACH GARDEN CLUB IN DREHER PARK
4800 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, Florida
OUR CODE OF ETHICS: HAVE PERMISSION AND DO NO HARM

2010 ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Join us at 7:00 p.m. on December 9 for our Annual
Holiday Party (or – better yet – arrive at 5:00 p.m. to help
us set up!) The club will provide meats and condiments,
while members are asked to bring a side dish. Please
RSVP to Karen Larson at 561-433-0821 by Sunday,
December 5th and indicate what side dish you’ll bring.
All dishes must be ready to eat, with no heating required.
Bring a serving spoon and warming tray, if needed. Karen
will also need to know the number in your party, the ages
of attending children, if any, and if you’ll bring guests.
The Holiday Party is always free to members. Nonmembers and guests are welcomed to attend for $10.
Our Dessert Contest is an annual favorite. Jan
Smirnow will award prizes for the best homemade
desserts, so start planning your winning entry!
Hunt Master Linda Bennett will announce the awards
for Treasure Hunter of the Year and runners up, Good
Will Ambassador of the Year, and Dubious Awards for
members who’ve provided comic relief during 2010.
One door prize ticket will be given per family
membership. As a reminder, there will be no Tall Tales
Tables, Mystery Item, Monthly Best Finds or 50/50
drawing during the already jam-packed holiday party.
This will be the 15th year that our club has tried to fill a
“treasure chest” with donations for Home Safe to benefit
the abused, neglected and abandoned children of Palm
Beach County. We encourage your tax-deductible checks,
made out to “Home Safe,” or cash donations.
DO NOT JOIN US AT P.A. BBQ THIS MONTH
(Because We Won’t Be There!)

At our November meeting, Linda Bennett, nominating
chair, announced the 2011 slate of officers, which was
approved by the membership. As we welcome new
president, Gary McNew, we thank outgoing president,
Mindy Spiroch, for two years of dedicated service and
leadership. Mindy did an outstanding job of keeping our
meetings on track, while never losing her sense of humor.

th

2011 GCTC OFFICERS
President: Gary McNew
Vice President: Stacey deLucia
Secretary: Jan Smirnow
Treasurer: Eddie D’Amato

TWO – COUNT ‘EM TWO – RAFFLES!!!
Rather than compete with the Holiday Party, we’re
saving our raffle drawings until our January 13th meeting.
Raffle # 1: “Universal battery charger” – Don’t throw
money away on new batteries when you can just recharge
them. Be green & $AVE green! Tickets cost only $2 each.
Raffle # 2: Licensed Massage Therapist Sharon
Cedrone, owner of Art of Massage LLC, has donated an
hour-long therapeutic massage. Win an appointment in a
spa setting, or in your home or office. (Travel fees apply
beyond a 20 mile radius, one way, of Palm Beach Shores.)
Tickets are only $1 each. For info, see Stacey deLucia.
http://artofmassagebysharon.com/
***********************************************
We Wish All GCTC Members and Their Families a
Joyous Holiday Season & a Prosperous New Year!

MEMBERS BUY AND SELL COLUMN
THE GOLD COAST TREASURE CLUB, INC.
Founded in 1973 by Ted Rudd

This column is provided, free of charge, as a courtesy to our club
members. The contents of all advertisements are the sole
responsibility of the members placing the ads. The GCTC does not
imply endorsement, approval or warranty of any product or service.

President
Mindy Spiroch
561-432-7242

REILLY’S TREASURED GOLD offers a complete
line of new & used detectors, scoops, cleaners, tumblers,
and books. The shop also does custom metal working and
laser detailing. For details, call 954-971-6102. Low
prices plus 10% discount to members! See their website:
www.rtgstore.com.

Vice-President
Stacey deLucia
561-687-2310
Secretary
Jan Smirnow
561-735-8921
Treasurer
Eddie D'Amato
561-351-6172
Hunt Master: Linda Bennett
561-290-5112
Cell Phone: 561-352-4068
Assistant Hunt Master: Gary McNew
561-718-5523
Sales and Raffle Promoter:
Elayne Lynch
Photographer: Steve Hoskins
Librarian: Cheryl Petenbrink
Hospitality Hostess: Heather McNew
Prize Coordinator: Jan Smirnow
Membership: Jim Sharp
Website Administrator: John Lobota
Newsletter Editor: Stacey deLucia
Email: gctreasureclub@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.apex-ephemera.com/gctc/

CLUB MAILING ADDRESS
c/o Gail Hoskins
206 Russell Drive
Lake Worth, FL 33461

Dues are $30 a year.
New members pay an
initiation fee of $5, plus:
$30 if joining between Jan. 1st and
the end of June,
or $15 if joining between July 1
and Dec. 31

ED WESTON – WANTED: Collectable and antique
fishing tackle. Lures, rods, reels. 561-301-9062.
TOM LIEBERMAN – Ready to serve your real
estate
needs.
Call
561-852-7409;
e-mail:
telieberman@aol.com.
JAN SMIRNOW – FOR SALE: White's Prizm V
$300; Shadow V with 3 coils $500. Call 735-8921.
TESSA DURAND – BUY OR SELL AVON. Just
imagine yourself as the CEO of your own Company!
Check out my website, order online, direct shipping right
to your door. www.youravon/tdurand-owens.com or
call 561-358-2252.
STACEY deLUCIA – BEADED JEWELRY.
Handcrafted custom-made-to-order for the holidays beaded jewelry featuring your favorite semi-precious
gems. 561-687-2310 or e-mail sdeLuc823@aol.com.
NIKOLAY MALCHEV– FOR SALE: Team
OrcaSound Headphones designed for water hunters.
$170 (GCTC & SFTHC members get 10 % off!) For
info: See me at meetings, e-mail: orcasound@live.com
or go to http://www.teamorcasound.com
JERRY LAUR – DETECTORS FOR SALE:
Underwater or Beach: Minelab Excalibur $800; White's
Beachcomber ID $600; White's Beachcomber 300 with
12" coil - New-never used - $800. Gold - Beach
Machines: 2 Garrett Tesoro El Lobos $500 each; White's
Coinmaster 6000/Di Series 3 - $300. All machines were
purchased new and are in like new condition. Used only
by a little old lady and/or man on weekends! Have boxes
& manuals. Call Jerry 561-694-7963. Illness forces sale.
The board thanks FRANK NASH of PALM BEACH
METAL DETECTORS for donating rebate certificates
ranging in value from $50 to $200 off the purchase of
select detectors. Certificates will be available at the
Holiday Party – valid for GCTC members only. Call
Frank at 561-743-5248 for more details.
Club members may advertise items for sale or items wanted, free of
charge. The club does not profit unless noted in the ad. Sometimes ads
will need to be edited due to limited space. Items do not have to be
related to metal detecting. Contact Stacey (sdeLuc823@aol.com) to
place your ad or to remove it once the item is sold.

NOVEMBER BEST FINDS CONTEST

Second Place for Monthly Best Finds

(Winners receive a silver quarter and certificate)

(Runner up receives a silver dime and certificate)

BEST GOLD WITH STONES –
Jack Petenbrink

Gold with Stones – Gary Spiroch (Diamond Ring)

(Opal Ring)

Gold – Paul Hamlin (10K Baby Ring)

BEST GOLD – Tom Lieberman
(18K Necklace with Pendants)
NO PICTURE AVAILABLE

Silver – Gary Spiroch (Ring)

BEST SILVER – Jim Sharp
(Silver Turquoise Bracelet)

Most Unusual – Al Dillon (Coal Co. Token)

MOST UNUSUAL – Paul Hamlin
(Giant Safety Pin)
Costume – Cheryl Petenbrink (Butterfly Necklace)

COSTUME JEWELRY – Gary Spiroch
(Bracelet)

Coin – Paul Hamlin (English Coin)

MONTHLY BEST FIND WINNERS
BEST COIN – Mindy Spiroch
(1916 Wheatie)

Paul Hamlin, Mindy Spiroch, Gary Spiroch,
Jim Sharp, Tom Lieberman, Jack Petenbrink

NOVEMBER MEETING
Our November meeting included an interesting
presentation by Tony Swicer, numismatist, and Ray
Duclos, president/owner of Rechant Precious Metals.
Thanks to them, club members are now well-informed
about how NOT to get ripped off when buying or selling
precious metals and coins. Tony, who has served as the
president of the West Palm Beach Coin Club for 34 years
and who has vast experience in buying and selling coins
and paper money, warned of rampant scams and
counterfeiting in the coin market. Counterfeit coins and
jewelry that are being passed off as solid silver or gold are
often only plated with gold. Buyers who are not “in the
know” are at great risk of being conned. So, buyer beware!
Free copies of Tony’s “Misconceptions About Coin
Collecting and Consumer Awareness” will be available on
the “free table” during the January meeting.
Secretary Jan Smirnow thanked Mindy and Gary
Spiroch for the delicious refreshments they brought.
President Mindy Spiroch thanked Jim Sharp for
bringing the Mystery Item this month – a spinning top,
which stumped everyone. WTG, Jim!
***********************************************

50/50 DRAWING
Gary McNew won the 50/50 drawing, earning a quick
$50 and a euphoric cheer from wife Heather. Congrats!

ELAYNE AND HEATHER’S CORNER
DOOR PRIZES
“And the Winners Are…”
Nick Mosca – Cap Light
Ralph Squier – Apron with GCTC Pin and Travel Cup
Jim Sharp – Visor and Booklet by Charles Garrett
Bo Greenwood – Treasure Diving with Captain Dom &
RESEARCH Booklet
Karen Larson – Book Bungee & Pedometer
Jack Petenbrink – Silver Dime
Allen Schwartz – Shell Night Light
Bob Dobski – Bottle Holder
Jan Smirnow – Bottle Holder
Linda Bennett – Mini USB Extender & Door Lock
Paul Hamlin – Estee Lauder “Brazil Dream Perfume”
Bob Smirnow – Ring Holder Box
We thank the following door prize donors:
Garrett Metal Detecting Company; Kellyco Metal Detector
Superstore; Reilly’s Treasured Gold; Paul Hamlin and Seashore
Gifts; Nick Mosca; Jim Sharp; Elayne Lynch; and Jan Smirnow.

***********************************************

November birthday celebrants Leslie Batts, Tom
Lieberman, and Frank Nash each received a birthday
dollar at the meeting. Happy birthday, guys!

***********************************************

Positive Thoughts & Prayers Requested
Several of our fellow club members have been facing
illnesses, health challenges and surgeries in recent months.
We wish each of them a speedy recovery and hope to see
them again in the near future. GET WELL SOON!

Joe & Joanne Keeley, Betty Laur,
Frank Nash, Jason Petenbrink,
Jim Smith, Willie Ray

We Remember James Wilhelm
Former GCTC member, James Wilhelm, 46, passed away at
his home on November 14, 2010. James, who served in Iraq
with the Naval reserves, endured grueling treatments in his fight
against lung cancer. He spent his last year and a half enjoying
his family and spending time out on the water. James was
buried with military honors on November 20th at Our Lady
Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach. Our prayers
are with James’ family and friends during this difficult time.

TREASURER’S REPORT (as of 11.16.10) $2,035
PLEASE REMEMBER OUR CODE OF ETHICS:
HAVE PERMISSION AND DO NO HARM

**********************************************
Newsletter corrections and/or suggestions
are welcomed by the editor

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY TO:
Joseph Cook (12/7)
Brenda Dickerson (12/8)
Stacy Mooney (12/8)
Carol Presslein (12/27)
Laura Reilly (12/23)
Jack Saint (12/26)
Jarrett Spiroch (12/6)
John Zabriskie (12/26)
If your birthday is not listed, and it should be, or if it is listed
incorrectly, please contact Jan Smirnow with corrections.
**********************************************
2010 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
The directory is for the personal use of members only.
Please make this update to your copy of the club directory, and
notify Jan Smirnow (jbsmirnow@att.net) about any necessary
changes, errors or omissions.

REVISION:
Ed M. Morin
1001 NE 14th Avenue
Meadowbrook Bldg. 5, Apt. 206
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Phone: 954-399-9127

GOOD WILL AMBASSADORS
Performing Random Acts of Kindness
The GCTC recognizes members who provide selfless
service to our community. The first time a member returns
an item, that individual receives a metal detecting pin
(handcrafted by Steve Hoskins) to wear on his or her hat,
in addition to a certificate of appreciation. Future returns
are recognized by additional certificates. Kudos to all club
members who go out of their way to return items to their
rightful owners. The actions of each of our “Ambassadors
of Good Will” enhance the public’s perception of our
hobby! Way to go, gang! You make us all proud!

REPEAT AMBASSADORS
Returns Recognized at November Meeting

Jim Sharp
18 K Gold Ring
Cell Phone

CHALLENGE LEVELS

Have you mastered the five Challenge Levels yet? It’s
a feat that only a few dedicated members have achieved –
but it’s an activity that is definitely worth pursuing! This
fun program offers a coin reward simply for finding a
specific group of targets and showing them to the hunt
master (Linda Bennett). Information about the challenge
levels can be found in your new member folder and is also
available at the meetings. For questions or explanations,
come early to a meeting and speak with Linda.

*******************************************
NOVEMBER CLUB HUNT

OCEAN REEF PARK
Five club members met early on November 14 to try to
find sand to metal detect beneath the knee deep seaweed.
The waves were vicious – unexpectedly covering much of
the beach even though it was low tide. Many fishermen
were caught unaware and were either knocked further
upon the dunes or pulled out into the water. Even the
arriving surfers turned around and left after observing the
water and beach conditions. Jack Saint found one
costume ring. Bob Dobski found a pair of costume
earrings in the shower area. Karen Larson found some
change and a sinker. While enjoying doughnuts provided
by Pete Schneider, members exchanged tips ranging from
how to improve equipment to types of clothes to wear.

Bob Smirnow
Cell Phone

TALL TALES TABLES TOTALS FOR 2010

As of November

DOLLAR AMOUNT: $2,482.63
PLATINUM: 4
GOLD: 143
SILVER: 206

FOREIGN COINS
For several years now, our club - as well as the South
Florida Treasure Club - has collected foreign coins to
donate towards a summer camp for handicapped children.
This is a year-round project that brings joy to children as
they learn how to detect, despite their challenges. If you
have coins to donate, please see Linda Bennett, who will
make sure your donation goes to the right place.
YOU can be a hero to a child in need!

Photo by Linda Bennett

*******************************************
24th Annual Hunt
Tidewater Coin and Relic Club
May 14, 2011 at the
Virginia Beach Oceanfront

www.tc-rc.com
*******************************************
TCAS 24th Annual Benefit Hunt
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Wabasso, Florida

http://www.tcas.us/tcashunt.htm
*******************************************
Information about 2011 Competition Hunts
will be available at the January 2011 club meeting.

Jan Smirnow, Ed D’Amato and CSI Detective

GCTC MEETS CSI
Bright and early on Sunday, November 7th, eleven
fellow metal detectorists and I helped in a crime
investigation. It seems that a murder occurred in November
of 2007, but it was not until early March of this year that
evidence was found to re-open the cold case. The Palm
Beach Gardens CSI team sought out the GCTC in hopes of
retrieving more evidence. We were asked to detect a 10
acre wooded area where one metal box had already been
found with human remains welded into the box. The CSI
team hoped that we could find the other three or four boxes.

Just two of the many cadaver dogs there that day

Those of us who volunteered that day were told to just
"flag" targets and the CSI and Law Enforcement Personal
would have the cadaver dogs and handlers do the rest. We
believe we did "flag" some prospective and suspicious
targets that were later sniffed by multiple dogs, resulting in
some positive “alerts” by the dogs. Those areas were later
dug up. We were not told at the end if any of the targets we
identified produced additional evidence. I believe it was a
great experience for all who participated, as it would be
wonderful if our hobby did in fact help in their
investigation. I'd like to believe it did.

Mindy Spiroch

Mindy Spiroch, President

Ed D’Amato

Gail Hoskins

Orientation

Ed D’Amato, Mindy Spiroch and Stacey deLucia

We thank Dawn Watkins and Cheryl Stripling from the
Palm Beach Gardens Police Department for these photos

TREASURE HUNTING LINKS
The Tinfoil Times is here to keep members informed
about club activities, treasure hunting-related news and
tips, and to share links to interesting articles, videos,
websites, and forums. Here are just a few favorite
treasure hunting forums where you can “talk” with
other metal detectorists, ask questions, learn useful
tips, and even show off your finds, etc.
These first two forums are sure to please everyone.
Just about any subject related to metal detecting
can be found on these sites.
http://www.thetreasuredepot.com/

GOLD COAST TREASURE CLUB

Membership Renewal Form
Name___________________________
Address_________________________
________________________________
City/State________________________

http://www.findmall.com/
The Surf & Sand forum is a must for water hunters.
http://www.thetreasuredepot.com/cgibin/surfandsand/ss_config.pl
Beach and Water / Scuba Diving Detecting Forum
http://www.findmall.com/list.php?26
Have an interesting link you’d like to share?
Treasure hunting-related links to websites, forums,
etc., and even your newsletter suggestions and guest
articles, are welcomed for use when space allows. Send
them to: sdeLuc823@aol.com. Thank you!
***********************************************

HOLIDAY PARTY PLANNING COMMITTEE
We thank the following members who have
volunteered to make our Holiday Party a success:

Elayne Lynch
Karen Larson
Heather McNew
Linda Bennett
Mindy Spiroch
Gail Hoskins
Stacey deLucia

Ed D’Amato
Gary McNew
Amy Hamedl
Steve Hamedl
Bob Dobski
Jan Smirnow

The committee will start setting up the club house at
5 P.M. on Thursday, December 9th and we’d LOVE to
have your help! Please join us! Thanks everyone!

Zip Code________________________
Phone #_________________________
Cell Phone #_____________________
E-mail __________________________
Please _______DO _____DO NOT
Include my address, phone # and e-mail
address in the new club directory.
(Note: members’ names, at least, will be included.
Directory goes to members ONLY.)

MAIL (with renewal check) TO:
Gold Coast Treasure Club
c/o Ed D’Amato
11745 Greenbriar Circle
Wellington, FL 33414-5911

PLEASE REMEMBER OUR CODE OF ETHICS:

Have Permission And Do No Harm!

GCTC,
INC.
The Tinfoil
Times
C/O GAIL HOSKINS
206 RUSSELL DRIVE
LAKE WORTH, FL
33461

The Tinfoil Times

The Tinfoil Times by e-mail
Any club members who would like to receive their newsletters by e-mail
and save the club money, please e-mail
Newsletter Editor Stacey deLucia: sdeLuc823@aol.com

UPCOMING EVENTS
December 9, 2010: ANNUAL MEETING & HOLIDAY PARTY!
RSVP to Karen Larson by Sunday, December 5th (561) 433-0821
March 12, 2011: 24th Annual TCAS Hunt - Save the Date!!!
May 14, 2011: 24th Annual Tidewater Coin and Relic Club Hunt
at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront - www.tc-rc.com

Thanks to the Following Newsletter Contributors:
Written Content: Linda Bennett, Stacey deLucia, Jan Smirnow
Photo Contributors: Linda Bennett, Steve Hoskins, Cheryl Stripling & Dawn Watkins (PBG Police Dept.)
Editor: Stacey deLucia

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND SEE OUR NEWSLETTERS IN FULL COLOR:

http://www.apex-ephemera.com/gctc/