BRUNO BENSON
--
August 15, 1914
to
May 6, 2000.
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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
May 2000.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
It is with great sadness that I announce the loss of our fellow member and friend, Bruno Benson. Bruno passed away on Saturday, May 6th after a brief illness. Please remember him, his wife Opal and family members in your prayers.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our club is the way in which members share information and knowledge regarding our hobby. The "exchange of ideas with friends" is the key to the growth of our club. This includes sharing information through personal conversation, making copies of interesting articles for distribution, giving lectures, offering tours of our museum, loaning books, exhibiting specimens at mineral shows and museums, leading field trips, giving away fossils, rocks, minerals, etc., to others who want to learn and, over all, being active in our club.
Many of our members have gone out of their way to share information with others. Bruno played an important role in the exchange of ideas. He left a "lasting impression" in all of us. In memory of Bruno, let's continue this tradition of sharing ideas about our hobby.
The VGMS Lapidary class, led by Wayne Ehlers, came to a successful conclusion after 5 weekly sessions. A word of thanks goes to Wayne and other members who assisted him in teaching the class. The class was well attended.
The VGMS Annual Breakfast will be held at 9:00am on the morning of Sunday, June 11th, 2000. Please put this on your calendar. Details of the breakfast are printed elsewhere in this bulletin. A signup list for the breakfast will be circulated during our regular meeting on May 24th.
Steve Mulqueen,
President.
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PROGRAM FOR MAY 24, 2000.
Wayne Ehlers will take us on a tour to Luxor, Egypt, as a complimentary experience to Petra, Jordan.
There will also be a Silent Auction. Please bring items we can auction off. If you think there should be a minimum bid, please let us know.
Kathryn Davis,
Programs Chairman.
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FIELD TRIP REPORT.
I'm looking forward to the CFMS field trip to Stone Canyon and hope to see some of you there. I'll take lots of pictures.
How about a quick trip to Topanga Canyon in June for fossils? It will be on Saturday, June 3rd with our club breakfast the following weekend. We'll meet at our favorite launch site, K-Mart on Victoria, at 9:00am or at the location at around 10:00am for those who know the way. About an hour's drive South on 101, right on Topanga Canyon Rd. and it looks like 3-4 miles (per the map) to a good size turn out where we can collect. Bring the usual tools of the trade, water and sunscreen and it'll be a nice change of pace.
The Tri-Club trip to Jade Cove is still in the works, although there are concerns as you can imagine with that being the week of the 4th of July and availability of campsites in the area. Any input is appreciated and as much notice as possible will be given with a final decision.
Greg Davis,
Field Trip Chairman.
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VGMS ANNUAL BREAKFAST.
The VGMS Annual Breakfast will be held at 9:00am on the morning of Sunday, June 11th at the home of Steve & Susan Mulqueen. Their address is 1192 Colina Vista, Ventura, CA. Those who have offered to help with the breakfast are asked to arrive at 8:30am. The VGMS is asking for $2.00 per person to cover the cost of the food. The menu for this event will include coffee, orange juice, "breakfast souffle", bacon, strawberries, biscuits, etc. Please bring your own place setting, such as cup, dish, flatware and napkins. We will need some members to bring chairs and small tables. Maps showing how to get to the Mulqueen's house will be distributed during our regular meeting on May 24th. Please plan on attending.
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PROGRAM NOTES APRIL 26TH, 2000,
BISBEE: THE TOWN THAT COPPER BUILT.
Mike Havstad presented a slide, music, and narration of the rise, fall, and transformation of Bisbee, AZ. Bisbee was a turn of the century mining town famous for the copper and copper related minerals it produced. By 1918 it was a town of 25,000. The mine (Copper Queen) closed and prosperity plummeted in 1974. Visitors now enter a time warp, going back to the turn of the twentieth century.
This was an entertaining and informative presentation. Bisbee is at a higher elevation and not too far from Tucson; i.e. a good place to visit.
Kathryn Davis,
Program Chairman.
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COMMUNITY EDUCATION.
April 20th Ray Meisenheimer had 100 students and 10 adults tour the museum. He was assisted by Wayne Ehlers and Florence Meisenheimer. Thanks Wayne!
April 24th Ray met a school teacher from Briggs School at the museum. She inspected the displays and made up a test for her students who will be visiting in a few days.
That evening Ray again returned to the museum, a teacher was returning some material she had borrowed.
April 27th Ray spent 2 hours showing 64 students and 6 adults through the museum. This group was fourth grade students from Briggs School.
Ray returned to the museum later that day to loan out material to a teacher. This material was put together by Steve Mulqueen and Bruno Benson, and is popular with instructors.
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ZZYZX.
The Earth Science Studies at ZZYZX is now history. It was a very good week. Seventy nine guests and staff were very busy all week. Our handsome new cooks had everyone talking. More people refrained from field trips than ever before - they were so intent on learning and improving their lapidary skills. Sunny Cross and Ed Clark completed some lovely pieces. Saturday's fleld trip to "The Telephone Booth" was quite interesting. A single telephone line has been put in the vast desert area for ranchers and miners to use. A lonesome telephone booth sits all by itself in the wide open spaces. Someone put a message and the number on the internet, and people now call in from all over the world. Groups go out there and camp for days just to answer the phone and chat with the numerous strangers who call.
Florence Meisenheimer.
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BLM - CFMS - HAUSER GEODE BED AREA.
The purpose of the agreement provides continued recreational and educational use by members of the public, while maintaining the health of the land. BLM has agreed to produce maps, brochures and booklets for use by rockhounds and the public.
Pets will be restrained at all times.
CFMS members have the right, with pick and shovel, to improve existing roads.
No desert tortoise may be handled or even touched.
No scrap food or trash may be disposed of in the area. Food draws ravens.
When leaving a hole, leave a 30 degree angle for small animals to get out.
Collecting is limited to hand tools - no power tools, no explosives.
Some sections of land are private - no trespassing.
If you observe any violations report it to CFMS.
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IN MEMORIUM:
BRUNO.
Our beloved friend and club member, Bruno Benson, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2000, after a brief illness.
He was born on August 15, 1914, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He moved with his family to Ojai in 1927 where he lived for 72 years. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Opal, three children, 14 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren, and countless friends.
For many years he and Opal have been the backbone of VGMS and Bruno initiated the development of the VGMS Museum. At the annual VGMS show in March, countless people came to the museum table and told how Bruno had a major influence on their lives by sparking their interest in the sciences.
In addition to his dedication to VGMS, Bruno and Opal have been very active in Food Share and in Pantry Project-Food for the Needy with their church. It is no small statement to say that Bruno's life has been an inspiration to us all.
The grave side service was only for the family and Opal has requested that those wishing to express their feelings for Bruno refrain from sending flowers, and instead, send a donation to either VGMS Museum Fund, or the First Baptist Church of Ojai, Pantry Project.
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IN MEMORIUM:
MINERVA WYLE.
Word has recently been received that a former member, Minerva Wyle, died January 22, 2000. She was in her 90's. Minerva joined the club in 1956. Although she never took an active part in club administration, she enjoyed the shows and particularly the social activities. Minerva worked at the Navy Base in Port Hueneme until well into her 70's. It is known that she has a surviving sister.
Florence Meisenheimer.
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NEW MEMBERS.
Wow! It seems I just get the new membership directory together and here we have new members to add to it already. So make sure you add them to your directory and offer them a warm welcome at our next meeting.
Gregory & Katherine Briggs,
1280 Santa Clara St. #12,
Ventura, CA. 93001,
(805) 643-2707.
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CFMS SHOWS AND EVENTS.
MAY 19-21; RED BLUFF, CA - Superior Calif. Gem & Mineral Assoc., Inc., Tehama District Fairgrounds, Highway 99E, Hours: Fri. & Sat. 9-5. Sun. 10-4, Paul Carter (530) 872-1983.
MAY 20-2 1: NEWBURY PARK, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Rd., Hours: Sat. 9-5: Sun. 10-5, Don Pomerenke & Don Bullard (805) 492-4276.
MAY 20-21; YUCAIPA, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Scherer Community Center, 12202 1st Street (and Avenue B), Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun 10-5, Henry Cobb (909) 795-3716.
JUNE 3-4; GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre, Hours: Sat. 10-6. Sun. 10-4, Mark Thompson (626) 335-3814.
JUNE 3-4; WEST HILLS, CA - Rockatomics Gem & Mineral, Boeing Recreation Center, 8500 Fallbrook Avenue, Hours: 10-5 both days, Harley Rogers (805) 495-6184.
JULY 8-9; CULVER CITY, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club, Culver City Veterans Memorial Complex, 4117 Overland Avenue, Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Brad Smith (310) 472-6490.
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MINUTES OF VGMS REGULAR MEETING,
April 27, 2000.
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 27, 2000, at the Bijou room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
Guest speaker, Mike Havstad, gave a slide presentation entitled, "Bisbee - The Town That Copper Built."
Red Jioras made a proposal to have the club purchase grit in bulk to be broken down into smaller lots and re-sold to club members at little or no profit. Grit purchased in this manner would cost about 50% less than members purchasing it retail. The grit would be stored at the shop in a locked cabinet accessible only to shop foremen. Jay Baumler moved and Ray Meisenheimer seconded to adopt the proposal with the initial purchase not to exceed $800.00.
Red Jioras then reminded members of the upcoming Conejo club show urging VGMS members to support the Conejo club by exhibiting in their show. The Conejo club has done a lot to support VGMS and VGMS shows.
Greg Davis said that the Calico field trip brought out about 20 club members in 11 vehicles. It was an excellent field trip. Greg went on to announce a possible tri-club field trip to Jade Cove on July 8, 2000. The May field trip will be the CFMS field trip to Stone Canyon on May 13, 2000, led by Steve Ivie. The cost is $25 per person. The Pine Mountain trip has been postponed.
Wayne Ehlers reported that the lapidary class had between five and seven students each week of the class. The last class was held this past Monday.
Ray Meisenheimer gave museum tours to 100 students from Thousand Oaks last week and 64 students from Briggs School today. This past Monday evening Steve and Wayne took a group of cub scouts through the museum. Due to the large number of students recently, the supply of kids' rocks in the back is very low. In addition, Steve Mulqueen and Bruno Benson have made up loaner trays of the three types of rocks. Finally, Ray said he will be leaving soon for Georgia and is not sure when he will return; so someone else will have to take the museum tours for a while.
The presentation for May, a slide show on Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, will be given by Wayne Ehlers. The second part of the activity will be a silent auction.
Jay Baumler thanked all the club members for their help with the 2000 show and stated that he will not be able to serve as Show Chairman next year because he lives too far away.
Red Jioras announced that the next Tri-Club meeting will be held in the Bijou Room, at the Lexington, on Saturday, May 27, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. Due to space constraints the meeting will be for board members only. Please contact Red with suggestions for discussion topics.
Red then reported that he would be going to Bakersfield with Olga Hammer on April 29 to evaluate a trailer that Olga wants to donate to VGMS. He will report back at the board meeting.
After the drawings were held there was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras, Secretary.
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MINUTES OF THE VGMS BOARD MEETING,
May 4, 2000.
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 4, 2000, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Road, Ventura, CA.
Board members joined hands and observed a moment of silence for Bruno Benson who was not expected to live much longer. The group sent love to Bruno and Opal.
Steve Mulqueen read a letter from Red Jioras announcing that the next meeting of the tri-clubs would be held on Saturday, May 27, 2000, at 9:00 a.m., at the Bijou Room of the Lexington. Red asked for suggestions for the agenda and stressed that the meeting must be confined to board members only due to the size of the facility.
On April 29 Red Jioras and Olga Hammer traveled to Kern Canyon, the site of the trailer Olga proposed to donate to VGMS. Unfortunately, the trailer was not suitable for VGMS use and would be difficult to convert. With that information Olga proposed selling her trailer and anything else which could be sold, using the proceeds to help buy another trailer for the club.
Red announced that Opal Benson has requested donations in lieu of flowers be sent either to the VGMS museum fund or to the Baptist Church Pantry program where Bruno and Opal have volunteered for so many years. The funeral will be a private grave side service. Nancy Jioras suggested a possible "celebration of life" for Bruno at a later date and said she would check with Opal before anything was arranged.
Steve Mulqueen reminded members that the Kern County Mineral Club show is this coming weekend. He also said that he and Susan will be hosting the annual breakfast on Sunday, June 11 at their home.
The dates for the 2001 show will be March 3 and 4, 2001. A show chairman is still needed. A suggestion was made to have a 4-person committee to chair the show: Dealer Chair, Exhibitor Chair, Fairgrounds Liaison Chair, and coordinator for all other positions. Richard Bromser volunteered to serve as fairgrounds liaison and Red Jioras offered to help him. Kathryn Davis will still serve as Dealer Chair. Nancy Jioras will co-chair Exhibitors along with someone who will be willing to serve as Exhibitor chair for 2002.
Florence Meisenheimer had donation award tickets and exhibitor entry forms for the CFMS show in Riverside.
Wayne Ehlers reported that the lapidary class was finished. He will be purchasing buffing pads for the Genie.
Richard Bromser gave the Treasurer's report. It was m/s/c to approve payment of checks #691-699. Nancy voted "no" on Bruno's behalf.
Kathryn Davis announced that the May program will be given by Wayne Ehlers. It will be a slide show on Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. The slide show will be followed by a silent auction. Kathryn needs the museum open on May 20 so she can collect material for the silent auction. She will also need someone to take the excess material back to the museum after the meeting. Steve will request one extra table from the Lexington.
Red Jioras announced that he and Nancy will be leaving for a collecting trip to the Blue Forest and the Big Sandy in Wyoming on June 24. Anyone interested in joining the trip should contact Red.
Sharon Cunningham requested approval of membership for the following:
Emma Mayer and her sons Anthony and Matthew,
and Gregory and Katherine Briggs.
It was m/s/c. She also asked for more membership fliers to be printed.
Bonnie Demainiw reported that the club directory is nearly done and reminded everyone that articles for the bulletin are due by May 10.
Ray Meisenheimer reported that he gave two trips through the museum last week with a total of 164 students.
Members were reminded of the following activities: Stone Canyon trip on 5/13, Annual breakfast on June 11, Possible field trip to Old Topanga in May or June, Jade Cove trip on 7/8.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras, Secretary.
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