MESTA Board Meeting
Meeting Minutes
Saturday, Dec 6, 2025
10:00 am

Virtual Zoom Meeting
Members in attendance: Sherry Claflin, Peter Voice, Parker Pennington IV, Andrea Williams,
Dave Chapman, Kevin Dehne, Jay Sinclair, Chuck Schepke, Jack Hentz, Ardis Herrold, Marie Solum,
Tim Neason, Dawn Niedermiller.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions to be taken are in red colored font
10:06 am – Meeting started, welcome by Sherry.
A. Approve Agenda
* Dave made motion to approve agenda with changes as needed. Seconded by Tim.
Vote: approved unanimously.
B. Approve August Meeting Minutes
* Minutes were sent out prior, posted to Drive. Dawn can resend.
C. Rock Shop Report: (Parker Pennington IV)
* Did not do any purchasing at last GLW, has a lot of items, still doing inventory, and
transferring over items from Lawrence Tech and various other donations. MSTA in March next
Rock Shop.
* MSTA-March 6-7. Volunteers: Sherry, John, Dawn, Chuck, Peter, Kevin, Jay, Kevin, Dave.
* Science Olympiad-April 25 th . Volunteers: Sherry, Dawn, John, maybe Andrea
* Parker would like to have another work session at his house to go through and inventory items.
* Ardis stated that she connected Rock Shop volunteer with Parker to help at MSTA.
* MDSTA Conference (Oct 18) – back on track – Andrea reviewed prior MDSTA sales – did well
with sales this year for such small conference (approx. 60 attendees).
D. Field Trip Coordinator Report (Peter)
* Porcupine State Park Field Trip summer 2026 Peter is working on plans, checking into some
mine tours, possibly Sault Adventure Mine and processing plant at Eagle Mine. Peter shared
document file in Zoom with list of possible side trips, will have formal itinerary and pricing by
March MSTA Conference. Chuck offered to help with trip, would like to combine subjects of
Physics and Chemistry.
* Peter gave update about Kalamazoo Mineral Society (they gave donation for this year’s field
trip. Peter, Chuck, Judy and Bill went to KMS meeting and they gave a report of the field trip
gave update. KMS may donate more funds for 2026 trip.
E. Treasury: (Andrea Williams)
* Digital copy of the Treasurer Report for Oct/Dec/Nov 2025 can be accessed at this link.
* Digital copy of the 2025 Annual Treasurer Report can be accessed at this link.
* Andrea opened above links and reviewed money spent, Rock Shop Sales and its 80% of sales
that will transfer over to Rock Shop for 2026 (money to be spent on 2026 RS inventory).
MDSTA Rock Shop Sales: $1563.26
Cash - $409.10
Credit - $1154.16
*

Page 2

Past MDSTA Rock Shop Sales:
2018 $2365.57
2017 $1836.23
2016 $1657.60
2015 $1253.96
* Jack inquired about any interest being earned on accounts. In future, may invest in CD.
* Andrea inquired about donated stocks, Parker offered to help Andrea with accessing and
looking at stocks.
F. E-News Report: (Parker Pennington IV)
* Can post in the current template and email it to yourself to see what it looks like.
Remember: separate files are required for images .jpegs, or GIFs. Would like to have articles
sooner, if item(s) is to be re-run, send Parker a copy.
* Need to look at E-News and look at Constitution and Bylaws-need to continue publishing
minutes in MES or E-News. Need to have new editor for E-News.
* Executive Committee needs to have meeting about future of MESTA. Discussion about future
of MESTA, leadership and need for retreat. Andrea offered to help Sherry with retreat agenda.
Positions need to be filled. Sent date tentatively of Jan 31 st , 10 am – 4 pm at Fish Lake. If
confirmed, MESTA will invite all membership, list it as “Special Alert”. Peter recommended
hybrid meeting.
G. Stoney Grant: (Peter Voice)
* Nothing new to report.
H. Membership Report (Ardis Herrold)
* Membership held steady, have 203 active members: 123 Life members, 87 regular members
and 3 student members. The 203 does not include 9 members who have lapsed memberships
but have not yet been archived (I usually wait 3-4 months to remove them). Membership
numbers are holding steady since the last board meeting. A few (3) new members but more
than 3 have been archived due to non-renewal.
I. NESTA report: (Parker Pennington IV)
* Parker shared his screen to show NESTA journal that had article about Rod Cranson
(sponsored issue with NOAA, open source). Also showed NESTA site with Earth Scientist
archives.
* NESTA elections are this spring, includes new director position for Michigan.
* NESTA took over planetary stewards program (NOAA, NASA, etc), have supervisor who is
administrating stipends.
* Ardis has been doing professional development with NESTA, she reported that NESTA has
started a monthly Earth and Space Education hour (webinars), free to NESTA members, $10
for non-members.
J. MES Editor's Report: (Sherry)
* Sherry stated that she will try to put together December issue, but it may not be done until
early next year. Issue will include tribute to Rod Cranson and Cris DeWolf.
K. MI Quakes Report: (Cris/Kaz)
* Kaz is retiring from MSU, still willing to help problem-solve and maintain equipment, but
would like someone to replace him regarding classroom support. Discussion of future of MI
Quakes, support to keep the program running. Will revisit this topic in future.

Page 3

L. Website: (Jack Hentz)
* Updated Board positions to include MSU Liaison Dr. Robert Drost. Confirmed Kaz’s email.
Parker reminded all that he handles changes in emails – he handles listservs. Jack will email
Parker email information about Dr. Drost. Recommended that MESTA should have backup
person for listserv – should have website backup also. Items to be discussed at MESTA retreat.
* Added a page for Dave C.’s May 2026 Sinkhole workshop. Jack just needs a link to registration,
when ready. Jack can add page for Cranson Scholarship when it is ready to post, and can also
add information to website for July’s MESTA field trip – Peter will send Jack scholarship and
field trip information.
* Jack reported that when he logs in, receives messages that members are close to maximum –
at 209, can be close to 250 if Jack enters people for workshop. Jack asked if #s higher, then
may need to change Wild Apricot platform. Next WA tier costs quite a bit more. Ardi stated it
should not be a problem, she can archive members to avoid 250 max.
M. F & I Report: (Chuck)
* Chuck has resupplied specimens from Bill and Judy and will be ready for MSTA in March 2026.
Will also bring some loose high demand items such as muscovite. Inquired about how to
register for MSTA.
* Judy had ~6K evaporite (limestone, gypsum anhydrites) cores, now Chuck has them – long
term projects (reviewing lesson plans from Art Weinle, looking at chemistry activities.
Dave C. will talk with Chuck about core samples for his May Karst workshop.
N. OESTA: (Andrea)
* Andrea confirmed that there is an OESTA Award recipient. Andrea will order the award
plaque. Discussion about when MESTA will present award, at MSTA Conference could be a
consideration without letting recipient know that they are receiving award. If so, then invite
him to MESTA dinner.
* Andrea or Sherry will confirm if recipient will be attending MSTA and will make plan of when
to present award.
O. Weather, Water, and Climate: (Dave Chapman)
* No new general news. But Dave will continue to help anyone interested in these topics with
information, answers to questions, and teaching activities.
P. Kits: (Maria)
* Maria has sand lab/cards that are ready and available for the next sale/conference (MSTA).
Q. Cranson Report (Kevin)
* Kevin reported that he has an award applicant (undergraduate geology student) who
submitted the application for $1,000 to help pay for a past trip taken to present research at
the Geological Society of America (GSA). This may fit the criteria of the new Cranson
Scholarship.
* Peter presented detailed proposal of the new “Rod Cranson Student Scholarship”, a proposal
seeking Board approval for the scholarship to be established. Peter first gave an update from
the MESTA Scholarship Committee (Peter, Judy, Parker and Dawn) who were tasked with
drafting a proposal that included the language and criteria of this new scholarship. This new
scholarship is different from the current Cranson Field Scholarship. The current scholarship is
designed to support fieldwork and field experiences done by teachers. This new “Rod Cranson
Student Scholarship” will support participation in fieldwork or field courses by college

Page 4
undergraduate students in the Earth Sciences. Peter sent out a draft word proposal document
to Board members on 12/1 for their review. Initial funding from Sharon Cranson.
* Committee proposed that each scholarship award will be in the amount of $1,000, with $500
provided by MESTA’s Cranson fund, with a matching $500 from MESTA funds (to keep the
scholarship going long term). A maximum of five awards would be given each year.
* Peter reviewed the proposal document that listed what each student applicant must submit,
and also what each student is asked to do from MESTA if they are selected as the recipient.
* Discussion of application deadline, consensus is to have no definitive deadline (to allow
flexibility) but to have funds available. Was proposed to create MESTA Scholarship Committee
to look at all scholarships and grants to review year round, topic for MESTA retreat.
* Motion: Dave C. made motion to recognize and establish new Rod Cranson Student
Scholarship proposal as presented by the committee. Motion seconded by Parker. Discussion.
Sherry restated motion to include the addendum to have flexible application deadline. Also
noted that MESTA does not yet have Cranson funds, so MESTA would fully fund the first award
of $1,000. Vote: unanimously approved.
* Motion: Dave C. made motion to approve Kevin’s proposed applicant as the first recipient of
the Rod Cranson Student Scholarship. Motion seconded by Jay. Motion seconded by Jay. No
discussion. Vote: unanimously approved.
* Kevin will let recipient know that they were chosen and will let them know of the
requirements for receiving scholarship. Kevin will let Andrea know who to send the check to.
* Scholarship Committee will finalize the wording of the new scholarship proposal and then
send final draft to Jack to post on website.
* Jack will post new scholarship on the website ensuring that Kevin’s name and address are
listed for hard copy application submissions.
* Kevin will send Jack list of prior Cranson recipients (including year and description of award)
R. MSTA Liaison Report (Tim Neason)
* ENGAGE has officially filed its Certificate of Dissolution with the Michigan Department of
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Lisa Keefer has launched her own association management
company. (Keeferandco.com.) Now in contract with MSTA.
* Lisa and the MSTA Board will closely work together to organize the rock shop / rock raffle for
the Kalamazoo (Radisson Hotel) conference.
* To contact Lisa Keeler, same email addresses for her and for the MSTA office. Her cell is the
same but working on a new number for the MSTA office and will provide that when set up.
Does not have a new office yet, should be new office by January.
* Rock Shop will have a separate area. More information will be coming from MSTA.
* ROCK SHOP QUESTIONS: If you email questions to the MSTA Office and provide a phone
number, Lisa will call you back.
Future MSTA Conference locations:
● 2026 & 2027 Kalamazoo
● 2028 Saginaw Valley State
● 2029 Traverse City at Grand Traverse Convention Center
* Jan 24 Tim has MSTA meeting to confirm all conference details.
* Sherry will email Lisa today to confirm details of MESTA’s participation at conference.

Page 5

S. Raffle (Jay)
* Jay stated he is all set for MSTA Conference, Parker has helped. Now storing items in his
garage. Jay will let us know if he needs anything.
T. MOM report
* Still has not been progress on this issue. To change MOM, we may need to first change By laws
and Constitution. Will talk about this at MESTA retreat.
U. Publicity (Sherry)
* Nothing new to report.
V. Professional Development Coordinator (Sherry and Maria)
* Nothing to report at this time.
W. MSO (Lisa)
* Lisa did not renew her position. Sherry may have someone for position.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Wild Apricot site (Jack, Ardis, Parker)
* Nothing new to report.
B. MESTA Rock Party (Kevin and Dawn)
* Saturday September 19, 2026 – week later than normal
* Attendance: 2023 = 75, 2024 = 90, 2025 = 95
* Issue with people showing up not pre-registered, needed to turn people away. Perhaps have
someone at gate to check registration. Andrea volunteered.
C. MDSTA Annual Conference “Science is Sweet”
* Saturday October 18th, 2025 at Macomb Intermediate School District (talked about prior).
* Dawn brought up idea of Parker getting reimbursed for end of conference dinner for
volunteers – Parker suggested that in the future, perhaps use funds from stocks to support
volunteer workers at some of MESTA’s smaller events that almost require an overnight stay.
D. G-Suites (Parker)
* NESTA still working on this, Parker will update what NESTA is doing later.
E. MESTA Workshop at EMU October 25 - Rubin Observatory (Ardis)
* Jay, Norb, and Sherry attended and provided support. Small group but very engaged. 5 new
people to MESTA, were super enthusiastic about the workshop and indicated they will follow
up with us again. Total of 9 in attendance. Ardis submitted receipts for reimbursement.
F. Board Expired Terms (Sherry)
* Please look at your term and let Sherry know if you wish to continue if your term is coming to
an end.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Future of MESTA 2026 and beyond (Sherry):
* Talked about MESTA retreat earlier in meeting, tentatively scheduled for Sat, Jan 31st from
10 am – 4 pm at Fish Lake in Lapeer.
B. Michigan Karst Conservancy (Dave C.)
* Motion by Dave C. that MESTA becomes "Institutional (organizations)" members of the
Michigan Karst Conservancy, for just $36. Motion seconded by Jay. Discussion.

Page 6
* Dave C. reported that Conservancy is group that is helping support his sinkhole workshop
held in May. Dave attended their annual meeting in Okemos and had opportunity to talk
about MESTA and his workshop. They focus on conservation and education, and have shared
interests with MESTA, would make more educational connections with various groups.
* Vote: unanimously approved.
* Dave C. will get information to Andrea of where to send check.
C. MDSTA Annual Conference
* Assume they will have conference again, MESTA plans to attend.
D. Earth Science Day Trip: A tour of the Ledges
* Would still like to have field trip to Grand Ledge. MESTA member Bruce Bright has also led
trips there for MESTA, other teachers, and students, perhaps Fall 2026.
E. Tax Preparation Procedure
Will need to revisit this topic in the future.
F. Michigan Sinkhole Workshop (Dave C.)
* Saturday May 2, 2026, $35 fee
* “Sinkhole Science: Engaging Place & Problem Based Lesson” - participating teachers will learn
about sinkhole science and experience a problem based learning activity, addressing
engineering standards.
* Need: Many teachers in that region have little understanding of karst features and like most
teachers are unclear about how to address engineering standards. In addition, there are few if
any MESTA members in NE Michigan.
* Support for idea so far includes: Michigan Karst Conservancy, who has agreed to lead guided
walk at sinkholes; Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (which has done
many environmental education workshops with teacher in the region, but none with
sinkholes); MiSTEM Region 12 coordinator; and the American Cave Conservation Association
(who has led problem based learning projects with students related to sinkholes); Michigan
Geological Repository for Research & Education; and Dr. Paul Kelso of Lake Superior State
University.
* This is a MESTA sponsored event. Alpena area. Run registration through Northeast Michigan
Great Lakes Stewardship Alliance, could have link to MESTA website for information. ENews
description for December, will have better description of workshop next month from Dave C.
Registration fee. MESTA approved $1,000 toward workshop at August Board Meeting.
Dave C. will let Andrea know when to send check.
* Dave C. will be following up to get other details and get Jack a registration link for MESTA
website and will have workshop flyer for MSTA Conference.
G. Minutes: format, approval, publishing, and storage
* Nothing new to report, keep topic on agenda for future discussion.
H. Zoom Renewal (Peter)
* Renewed Nov 22, 2025 - total - $169.49.
I. MESTA Stocks and Donations (Parker)
* Still need to address details of this issue. Need to develop general philosophy and establish
procedures of how to use funds. Executive Committee authorized to transfer funds Can be
used to help fund Cranson Award, support volunteer workers for MESTA conferences, among
other ideas.

Page 7

J. PayPal Giving Fund (Parker)
* Sign up for this? Parker will check into it and will give update.
K. Upcoming Dates:
Jan 31: MESTA Retreat (tentative)
Feb 7: Mesta Board Meeting, Zoom
March 6-7: 2026 MSTA Annual Conference, Kalamazoo, MI
April 25: Michigan Science Olympiad, MSU, East Lansing, MI
May 2: Michigan Sinkhole Workshop, Alpena, MI
July: MESTA Summer Field Trip - Porcupine Mountains, MI UP
Sept 19: MESTA Rock Party, Lapeer, MI
Sept 10-13: Great Lakes Star Gaze, Ocqueoc Outdoor Center, Millersburg, MI

Motion by Dawn to adjourn meeting, Motion seconded by Tim. Meeting adjourned at 1:06 pm.