The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)

AFMS/CFMS Information 1997 Archive.

Table of Contents.

1. FEBRUARY - AFMS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION;
2. FEBRUARY - FROM AFMS NEWSLETTER;
3. MAY - SILENT AUCTION FOR CFMS ENDOWMENT FUND;
4. JULY - CFMS CONVENTION MEETING;
5. SEPTEMBER - AFMS 50TH ANNIVERSARY;
6. DECEMBER - CFMS FALL BUSINESS MEETING.

February.

AFMS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
     The year 1997 marks the 50th year that the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies was founded. As a tribute to the event, the Ways & Means Committee of the AFMS has suggested that each Regional Federation provide at least three special items to be auctioned off during the AFMS show in 1997. The Big Celebration will take place in Jackson, Mississippi on October 17-19. Proceeds from the auction will go to the AFMS Endowment Fund.
     The AFMS is very important to all the Federations. It is the "glue" that keeps the Regional Federations united and makes us a Nationwide Organization. Through it, we can make our purpose and goals known to our lawmakers.
     The CFMS is asking for at least three items from the craftsmen of our Federation. Wanted are items created by our faceters, carvers, silversmiths, lapidaries or an outstanding mineral. The items will be on display during the 50th Anniversary AFMS show, stating the name of the donor and CFMS Federation.
     Can you help? Would you provide a special item for this auction? If so, please contact your CFMS President, Rosemarie Young and let me know what you would donate. The AFMS Ways & Means Committee would like to publicize the items to be auctioned beginning this spring. Thanks so much!
          By Rosemarie Young,
          CFMS President,
          CFMS Newsletter - February 1997.

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FROM AFMS NEWSLETTER.
     Our 50th anniversary is coming. To help celebrate we are asking all clubs to send a cab representing their county by October 1997. It may be a state gemstone or a famous material from that particular area. Cabs should be 40mm by 30mm including freestyle.
     They would like a great many cabs. Give the name and location of the material, your club and/or the name of the individual who donated the cab. Send to: Shirley Leeson, 6155 Haas, La Mesa, CA 91942-4312
     AFMS celebrated their 25th anniversary at the Smithsonian in Washington with a 250 pound cake decorated with 48 cabs. Cabs from Hawaii and Delaware were not available. The cabs were then donated to the Smithsonian.
          Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer,
          Federation Director.

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May.

SILENT AUCTION FOR CFMS ENDOWMENT FUND.
     Don't forget the CFMS Endowment Fund. Although we did finally reach our long awaited goal of $100,000 last year, the Fund still needs your contributions to continue growing. Just as younger members ensure the future of our clubs, a fat balance in the Endowment Fund ensures the financial future of our Federation.
     Late last year, family members of the late Bill Aprile discovered a box of opal which had been donated to the Endowment Fund. Unfortunately Bill passed away before anyone else knew the opal existed. His family immediately notified Rosemarie Young who went over and picked it up.
     It was decided that the best way to convert the donation to cash would be to offer the various lots of opal at a silent auction held at the Convention and Show in Ventura. The opal ranges in quality from ordinary potch and color to a few brighter pieces. Stop by the Endowment Fund table at the show, look over the jars and place your bid. The person who places the highest bid gets the opal!
     Volunteers will be needed at the table throughout the show to promote the Endowment Fund and "babysit" the opal. Let me know when you can be there.
          By Bural LaRue,
          Chair CFMS Endowment Fund,
          CFMS Newsletter - May 1997.

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July.

CFMS CONVENTION MEETING.
     101 Delegates, all officers and 22 chairmen attended the meeting, more than has attended for some time. Ray Meisenheimer welcomed the group as both Bret Breton and Kathy Davis were busy.
     One of the actions of the Executive Committee: Approved establishment of CFMS Historical Library Project Committee, and ad hoc committee, with Shirley Leeson to serve as coordinator.
     Two clubs are delinquent in dues, 6 clubs have disbanded, and one new club was accepted - Bay Area Searchers Metal Detectors Club. CFMS is now down to 153 clubs with 11,794 members, down from more than 22 thousand several years ago.

Show report - Kathy Davis gave a nice report on our show.
     1998: The show will be held in Monterey;
     1999: Two clubs are bidding for that show - Santa Lucia and Paso Robles;
     2000: At the Riverside Convention Center.

Field Trip Chairman North - Chuck McKie has not arranged for a field trip. He may arrange for a seminar later in the year.

Earth Science report - Isabella Burns reported that she is planning some gold panning trips at Camp Paradise.

Education Through Sharing Member Recognition - For their work in educating the public and work with children.
     Ventura - Bruno Benson (recommended by Florence Meisenheimer);
     Conejo - Barbara and Roy Foerster;
     Oxnard - Lois and Bill Allmen.

CFMS Endowment Fund has reached it's initial goal of $100,000 dollars in 1996. During our show $1,708.00 was added to the fund with the sale of material donated by Ray and Florence Meisenheimer.

Museum Report - Richard Knox reported on the number of shows he displayed CFMS Museum material. Richard also stated: "I would like to see the Federation acquire a collection of representative pieces of works of Federation artists both living and dead in carving, jewelry, intarsia, etc., for display purposes either by donation or purchase via the Museum Fund. This would ensure that their genius would survive and inspire future artists. A panel should be chosen to select items for this collection."

          Florence Meisenheimer,
          CFMS Director.

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September.

AFMS 50TH ANNIVERSARY by Shirley Leeson.
     Twenty five years ago when the American Federation celebrated their 25th anniversary a large number of cabochons were made by various members for display at the 25th show. Following that the cabs were donated to the Smithsonian.
     Since the Smithsonian will not loan them out for the 50th anniversary and show, in Jackson, Mississippi October 17-19, 1997, Shirley Leeson is asking for the clubs throughout the U.S.to participate in a new collection. The response has not been good except for CFMS members. Thirty three CFMS members have donated cabs, including Kay Hara and Cal Koch from the Oxnard Club.
     Deadline for sending in cabs in September 20.
          Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer,
          Federation Director.

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December.

CFMS FALL BUSINESS MEETING.
     The Fall Business Meeting was held in the Holiday Inn in Visalia November 8, 1997. One hundred directors, all officers and most chairpersons, attended.
     High Desert Gold Diggers is delinquent in dues and South West Wranglers Club has disbanded. Two new clubs - West Coast Prospectors and Lone Pine Gem & Mineral Society were accepted into the Federation.

SHOWS.
     1997 - Ray Meisenheimer turned over to the Treasurer a check for over $5,500.00 from the Ventura show in June.
     1998 - Ruth Bailey and Kay Carter announced that four clubs are working on the show, to be held at the Monterey Fairgrounds July 3, 4, & 5.
     1999 - At the Stanislaus Fairgrounds in Turlock June 18, 19, & 20, hosted by the Mother Lode Mineral Society.
     2000 - At the Riverside Convention Center August 3, 4, & 5, hosted by Valley Prospectors.

ENDOWMENT FUND.
     Ray Meisenheimer turned over a check for $1500.00 from Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, $500.00 in appreciation for all of the work done by members of the Conejo club, $500.00 in appreciation for all of the work done by members of the Oxnard club, and $500.00 from Ventura Gem and Mineral Society for the privilege of producing the show. Ray thanked the Conejo and Oxnard clubs for their able and dedicated assistance.
     The Endowment Fund is now over $103,000.00.

INSURANCE.
     Since no claims have been made against the insurance company this year, the premiums will remain the same--$1.00 per person per year.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST.
     New Category--AFMS Editors Hall of Fame, proposed by Shirley Leeson was accepted as an official function of AFMS. This honors bulletin editors who give so much of their time and energy to clubs for a long period of time. The newsletter is the heart of the club.
     AFMS SHOW - 1998--AFMS will not have their usual show and convention in 1998. Instead the meeting will be at Houghton, Michigan, with field trips and a sell-a-rama. Sounds like fun!
     HELP--The Goddard School in Glendora, California, has had a lapidary room with classes for a number of years, with the Glendora young people earning awards and trophies year after year.
     This year they have been squeezed out as the school needed the room for other activities. The young people feel very badly about it. One young lad, about 15 years old, came to Visalia to ask the clubs if they could extend financial assistance in building a classroom. About $40,000.00 would be required. They may have the promise of half of that if they can raise the other $20,000.00. Bob King has agreed to chair a committee to raise money - (310) 379-0496.
     AWARDS--Ray Meisenheimer accepted the AFMS Bulletin Certificate for Shirley Layton. She placed seventh in the nation. To be judged in the AFMS competition, Shirley placed in the top three in California.
     Ray also accepted the Education Through Sharing Certificate for Bruno Benson for all of the work he has done for young people.
     Both awards are very well deserved and we congratulate you both.
          Florence Meisenheimer,
          Federation Director.

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