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In this issue:
Newsletter PDF AAPG Foundation
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 Trustee Associates view spectacular geologic formations and scenery.  'Show Me' State Entertains Trustee AssociatesThe 2005 annual AAPG Foundation Trustee Associates meeting was held in Branson, Missouri, on Oct. 12-15 at the Chateau on Table Rock Lake. Amid superb fall weather and panoramic vistas reminiscent of the Texas Hill Country, 100 trustee associates, spouses and guests enjoyed the ambiance of an elegant hotel, good food and informative meetings.  Fred Dix was posthumously presented the Chairman's Award which was accepted by Jean Dix (left) at the Trustee Associates meeting in Branson, Missouri. Marta Weeks (right) graciously presented the Foundation with a $10 million bequest from Austin Weeks. The highlight of the meeting was the stunning announcement by Marta Weeks, widow of Austin Weeks, of the family’s decision to make a $10 million unrestricted grant to the Foundation.Trustee Chairman Jack Threet praised the efforts of the late Fred Dix, who worked closely with the Trustees and Austin Weeks’ family to realize this extremely generous gift to the Foundation. Threet reported on the general status of the Foundation portfolio and discussed the upcoming major fundraising campaign. Alan Bergin of Larry Thompson & Associates Inc., reviewed our portfolio in detail and offered the opinion that energy prices are not expected to moderate in the near term. AAPG President Pete Rose discussed some of the challenges and opportunities facing AAPG as it strives to maintain its position as the dominant geoscience organization in world petroleum, including possible mergers with other geoscientific societies. AAPG Executive Director Rick Fritz, reported details of strategy for the Foundation fundraising program and mentioned some of the many project improvements under way within the AAPG. Bob Esser of CERI gave us his ’05 version of the global oil and gas supply situation, reminding his audience that there is NO shortage of oil in the world at this time, but that refining capacity IS a serious problem. Vice chairman Paul Strunk announced that the 2008 meeting will be at the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole,Wyo.The outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities in Jackson Hole promise a record turnout, so make plans now to clear your calendars for September 2008. New officers for the coming year, unanimously approved by attendees, include: Chairman – Ken Masters;Vice chairman – Lee Backson; and Secretary-Treasurer – Jack Edwards (two year term).
The trip suffered only from the high level of passing motor vehicles intent on reaching Branson before real estate prices escalated beyond reach and all shows were booked solid.  Bob Leibrock, Mike Strunk, Ted Beaumont and Don O'Nesky enjoy Dogwood Canyon. We welcomed Bob and Pam Leibrock of Midland,Texas, on their first meeting as new members of the Foundation, and we helped Bob Bybee, Jack Martin and Anita Wiener celebrate their birthdays. Recreational activity included a golf tournament at the Branson Creek golf course, trout and bass fishing tournaments (including Eddie David and Larry Funkhouser’s competitive display of a disputed catch) and a tennis “tournament” composed of four stalwart players.Obviously,we must take tennis participation into our future membership drive efforts or we will loose our USTA sponsorship! Many of us enjoyed of the evening shows for which Branson is well known, with the Andy Williams and Shoji Tobuchi shows getting the most attendees. Finally, a special “thank you”to Rebecca Griffin, our new administrative coordinator, who organized the Branson meeting and survived her “trial by fire” in most excellent fashion! We look forward to her next outstanding performance when we all meet next year at the La Cantera Resort in San Antonio on Oct. 11-15, 2006. – Terry Britt,Trustee Associates Chairman 2005 |
Our field trip, arranged by member Charlie Mankin,was led by Tom Plymate and Kevin Evans of
Missouri State University, and Tom Thompson of the Missouri State Geological Survey, who took us
to several excellent road cuts exposing Lower and Middle Paleozoic carbonate units.