January 20, 2026

President Nick Morgan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

A pre-presentation was made by the Quadruple A Batteries, a group from Pearson Ranch Middle School (Round Rock Independent School District) participating in a First Lego League (FLL) competition. They constructed a low-cost laser security system to combat looting and vandalism damage to archeological sites using laser light and mirrors to create an invisible secured zone. When an intruder enters the site the beam is interrupted, activating a buzzer alarm and audio warning. The students presented a PowerPoint presentation to describe how they selected the problem, received feedback from a panel of experts, and created the device.

Nominations for TvCAS officers were presented as follows:

President – Nick Morgan

Vice-President-vacant

Secretary-Pat Mercado-Allinger

Treasurer-Caitlin Gulihur

There were no nominations from the floor and the slate was approved.

Treasurer Gulihur presented the Treasurer’s report, noting that after repayment to President Morgan for lab supplies and donations to the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, Beyond Texas History, and Texas Archeological Society (for memorials), the current balance is $11,578.14 and there is $32.00 in petty cash. She reminded members to pay their 2026 dues. She also reported that the PNC account has been verified. A motion was made to accept the report by Robin Matthews and seconded by Leslie Bush.

President Morgan provided an update on the Joyful Horse project, noting that lab work continues. Most of the projectile points have been photographed and the project is entering the interpretation phase.

Morgan also noted that the TAS 2025 Field School Youth Group artifacts are also at the Texas Historical Commission’s laboratory awaiting processing.

This month’s presentation entitled Candelilla Wax Extraction:  Chihuahuan Desert’s Least Known Industry was provided by Caitlin Gulihur.

The meeting concluded at 8:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Mercado-Allinger