Very disappointed

As some of you know I am on the board of directors of the Cave Diving Museum, Recently it has been brought to my attention that we have had both money from the donation jar removed along with the sign that was on it. Since we have almost no income it was upsetting that it would have been taken. Even worse though is several items have been removed from the shelves and they were all one of a kind things from some of the early explorers. They did not look all that special but had some history behind them. Since very few people other than cave divers visit this area it is even more upsetting. The Museum is for every ones benefit and enjoyment. I am hoping someone maybe just borrowed something and will return it. Some of the items we have on display are just loaned to us so it affects people other than the board of directors. I hate to even have to post something like this but maybe someone will help us out and return the items. You will notice more things being locked up after this as we face reality and want to keep thing safe for our collection and anybody that is letting us borrow something for display.
Tom

Items missing that I know of so far. I am doing inventory in am.
Small film roll used for a jump reel that Forest loaned the museum
Small plastic reel with Hinkle on it.
Line with a dorf marker from Eagles nest.
Some line arrows.
Some of the books from the loaner pile never came back.
Money.

That's disgusting! I'm sorry to hear about that.

This burns ny %#s. I can't stand a thief. It sickens me when you can't even leave something around without some jerk taking it.
Bob Klauck

totally agree. hate when people mess with stuff that ain't theirs.

I have been through the museum whenever I am at CEE. I do not remember seeing the collection jar, but next time I will be sure to look for it and donate. For that matter, each time I am up there for a cave diving trip I will make a point to put something in it. Maybe make a big box of wood or plexiglass with a lock, lead weights at the bottom and have it near the entrance. Somehow decorate the box so it has a cave diving theme. Wish I could do it for you, but I am no carpenter. Sorry to hear about the loss. Too bad we sometimes have to learn from experience.

I always look forward to visiting the museum. It's a usual stop on the way back to Dive Outpost from Ginnie - a triple play - CEE, the Cave Diving Museum, and boiled peanuts from Tomz all in one stop!

It's hard to believe that a fellow cave diver would steal from there. I guess there are a few scumbags in any group - I like to think that cave divers as a group would have fewer than average. The idea of a more secure collection jar is a good one - maybe a box with a narrow slot and a padlock, bolted to the table. It's unfortunate that such precautions are necessary. At least the ancient moldy and mildewy rubber dry suit that Tracy & I donated a few years ago (Thank You Cindy for getting it out of our house!) is unlikely to be stolen.

Mike

PS:
"Arrrr! Where have ye gotten to, ye vile misbegotten rat-faced foul smellin' scurvy reprobate? When we find out who's been theivin' from the Cave Divin' Museum, he'll be walkin' the plank! And maybe he'll be having a floggin' and a keel-hauling first!"

Sludge - will that be sufficient to keep my post from being deleted? Arrrr!

Again, this just burns me up ! I don't get it ! Can they be so hard up as to steal a small amount of cash, & yet along items that are only of value to the cave diving community ?
Cindy...Tom...........>have you considered opening a small savings account in a local bank & have donaters simply transmitt funds directly via e-accounts or in other words: electronically. Simple enough to do from our mobile phones & computer & then you wouldn't have to worry about cash laying around open to thieves ! Just a thought. I would love to hear of them getting caught in the act & booked for grand larceny.

take care guys
love you
J.

Thank you all for your comments. I am still trying to figure this out.
One of the Forum members has volunteered to get us a lock box.
We have a online donation PayPal account but it doesn't get used.
www.overheadtimes.com
We are going to working on locking things up and hopefully this won't happen again.

That is so sad....cave divers who can afford VERY expensive equipment yet choose to steal from a donation jar... does your mother know the kind of man/woman she raised? She would be ashamed...

As for the missing items...same comment.

Cindy, I think the Pay Pal idea is better, too bad about the 3%, do they have a non-profit status where they would forego their fee?

Dive safe,

Celia