Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.
The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
July 2000.
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
The 2000 Ventura County Fair begins August 2nd. The Gem & Mineral Department at the Fair is in need of exhibits, in particular, your exhibit. Please plan on preparing a display with rocks, mineral, fossils, etc. Gem and mineral exhibits at the Fair are being managed by Bob Stultz and Ray Meisenheimer. Call one of them if you have any questions or if you wish to be a volunteer in the Gem & Mineral building during the event. Set-up for the Gem & Mineral exhibits can be done starting Friday, July 28th through Sunday, 30th.
The VGMS will be entering a "Club" case at the Fair which will feature bright colored minerals as a general theme. Susan Mulqueen and Inez Shakman will be coordinating this effort. If you have a colorful mineral you wish to loan for the "Club" case please call Susan or Inez. Please be sure to have all the details regarding the mineral ready when you call. Labels for the minerals can then be prepared in a timely manner.
Don't forget the CFMS Annual Show will be held at the Riverside Convention Center on Friday. August 4th through Sunday, August 6th. The CFMS encourages you to enter an exhibit at the show. I will be discussing details of these events at our general meeting on Wednesday, July 26th.
The VGMS exhibit at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula is now featuring "Fossilized Whale Bone of the Central Coast". This display was prepared on July 12th. Please plan on seeing our display at the museum in Santa Paula.
Steve Mulqueen,
President.
![[TOC]](../imagebtn/uarrow.gif)
Table of Contents.
JULY 26TH PROGRAM.
Our program for this month's general meeting will be given by our very own David Mautz. His topic will be, "You've Been on the Field Trip: Now, How to Clean Those Fossils You've Found?" This program will be very informative, so please plan on attending.
Kathryn Davis,
Program Chairman.
Table of Contents.
FIELD TRIP REPORT.
The Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena was contacted for a possible future field trip. Reservations will not be accepted until after mid August, group size cannot be greater than 40 persons and the tours are only available on weekdays. I will continue to pursue the possibility.
There will not be a planned field trip for August. but instead, hopes that everyone's efforts will go towards volunteering at the County Fair.
Our customary date for a field trip in September falls on the Labor Day weekend and is still too warm for the desert, so I was thinking about another field trip to our own beach. More details later.
We've had more suggestions for Fall field trips than there are months. But we'll get in as many as we can. Possible sites are the Monte Cristo Mountains, Gabbs, Nevada, and the Wiley's Well area for extended stay trips.
Greg Davis,
Field Trip Chairman.
Table of Contents.
2000 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
JULY 21, 22, 23; SAN RAFAEL, CA - Marin Mineral Society, Exhibition Hall, Marin Civic Center, Avenue of the Flags (part of Gem Faire), Hours; Fri. 12-7; Sat. 10-7; Sun. 10-5, Maryann Maning (415) 883-8020.
AUGUST 5-6; SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave. & Lincoln Way, Hours; Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Ellen Nott (415) 564-4230.
SEPTEMBER 1-4; FORT BRAGG, CA - Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Society, Town Hall, Main & Laurel, Hours; Fri. - Sun. 10-6; Mon. 10-4, Dutch Sprock (707) 937-4245, P0 Box 68; Albion, CA 95410.
SEPTEMBER 16-17; PASO ROBLES, CA - Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Pioneer Park and Museum, 2010 Riverside Ave., Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Harry Kuffel (805) 467-3457.
SEPTEMBER 16-17; REDWOOD, CA - Sequoia Gem & Mineral Society, Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Hours: 10-5 both days, Mary Kelly (650) 366-3285.
SEPTEMBER 23-24; DOWNEY, CA - The Delvers Woman's Club of Downey, 9813 Paramount Blvd., Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-4, Angie Harwood (562) 692-4540, E-mail clistor@yahoo.com.
SEPTEMBER 23; LOS ALTOS, CA - Peninsula Gem & Geology Society, Los Altos Rancho Shopping Center, Foothill Expressway & Springer Road, Hours: 9:30 to 4:45, Frank Dina (650) 907-3424.
SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1; NAPA, CA - Napa Valley Rock & Gem Club, Napa Valley Exposition, 575 Third St., Hours: 10-5, Gaylord Jerde (707) 552-2324.
SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1; VISTA, CA - Vista Gem & Mineral Society, Brengle Terrace Community Recreation Center, 12000 Vale Terrace Drive, Hours: 10-5 both days, Mary Anne Mital (760) 758-4599, Tony Meredith (760)945-2392.
Table of Contents.
CFMS SHOW & CONVENTION.
GOLD & GEM SHOW-Convention Center-Riverside, CA-August 4, 5, 6, 2000 - Fri. & Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Hosted by Valley Prospectors, Show Chair: Bural LaRue, E-mail: bplarue@eartlhlink.net.
Table of Contents.
VENTURA COUNTY FAIR.
By the time this newsletter reaches you the Fair will just be days away. I need volunteers morning, afternoon and especially in the evening to walk the floors, clean the display cases and work in the "Bullpen". There will be a sign-up sheet at the meeting.
To enter a display, entries are taken in July 28, 29 & 30 from 10 to 5pm. You can put in a case or single items, as many as you wish, but only two in each category.
When the 12 day event is over, August 13, we will need as much help as we can get to tear down, Monday afternoon and Tuesday. You will be removing your displays Monday morning.
If you have any questions, call Ray Meisenheimer 642-3155.
Table of Contents.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION.
June 29th, Ray Meisenheimer gave a tour of the museum to a couple from Thousand Oaks along with their daughter and her four children, who were visiting from Alpine, Utah. The children especially enjoyed the tour and asked many questions. Inez Shakman visited also, to learn more about giving tours of the museum.
July 7th, Ray took rocks and fossils to Emille Ritchen Elementary School in Oxnard for an hour long talk. There were 25 third graders and 2 teachers. Inez went along.
Contributed by: Ray & Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
HORSE CANYON.
Horse Canyon is closed, probably permanently due to vandals who cut open the gates and did a lot of damage with off road vehicles tearing all over the hills.
Table of Contents.
MINUTES OF VENTURA COUNTY TRI-BOARD COUNCIL,
May 27, 2000.
A meeting of the Ventura County Tri-Board Council was called to order by Richard Jioras, at 9:10 a. m., in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston Street, Ventura, California. In attendance were the following members:
Conejo: Don Pomerenke, Richard Cronin, Lew Mayron, Jan Madsen, Stu Chalfant, Hertha Chalfant.
Oxnard: Jack Lewis, Olga Hammer, C J Quitoriano, Ray Quitoriano, Ray Meisenheimer, Florence Meisenheimer.
Ventura: Steve Mulqueen, Wayne Ehlers, Greg Davis, Nancy Jioras, Richard Jioras.
Old Business:
CPR Classes: Richard Jioras reported that the Red Cross will charge $45/person, possibly $35/person if there are 10 or more in the class. St. John's Hospital still has not given a cost for the classes. Jioras asked if the Boards wanted him to continue pursuing the matter. Greg Davis felt it was very important to have the training. Conejo club would be willing to pay for classes. Oxnard replied that they have a number of medically trained members in their club and were not sure if their members would be interested in paying for classes. Jioras urged each club to have at the very least a member on each field trip who is trained in first aid. The three clubs agreed to take the issue back to their boards and Jioras will continue to explore the CPR classes and look into prices for club first aid kits.
Field Trips: Greg Davis reported that the idea of joint field trips does not seem to be working. Trips have been very difficult to coordinate in that there seem to be conflicts with everything tried so far. Davis has had little or no response from other clubs. It was agreed that information on each club's field trips should be published in each club's bulletins. Bulletins should also include schedules for CFMS field trips (collecting trips) and BLM field trips through the Buena Vista Museum even though they are not collecting trips. It appears that the best time to work on joint field trips would be at the beginning of each year when field trip schedules are being made. There was considerable interest in having 3-4 day trips that can include camping and camaraderie. In conclusion, an effort will be made to have one joint field trip for the year 2000, probably in the fall.
New Business:
Mechanics of Tri-Board meetings: Jioras asked if this group was a productive entity to which the response was that it is good organizationally and socially. Jioras then suggested having a revolving chair for the meetings. The three clubs agreeing that this would be a good idea decided that the Board should meeting three times each year with each club hosting two meetings. The prior chair should take care of old business. Conejo volunteered to host the next two meetings providing location, chair person and secretary. The group agreed to call themselves the "Ventura County Tri-Board Council."
Education: Olga Hammer would like to see another workshop such as the one held last year on CFMS judging guidelines.
Since all three clubs are designated by the IRS as 501-c3 it would be beneficial for all three clubs to join in an educational project for the community. One idea was to hold a 1-2 day show for young people only. There would be no dealers, strictly education. Clubs should also pursue displays for libraries. The Conejo club volunteered to lead the effort to examine the feasibility of such a project. Other Boards will provide members for the group.
Ventura County Fair: Ray Meisenheimer suggested that the Ventura County Fair in August would be a good time to try out the idea. Each club could provide demonstrators for the Gem and Mineral Building. Those interested should contact Lois Allmen.
Scholarships: Conejo and Ventura clubs have direct scholarships. Oxnard and Conejo donate to the CFMS scholarship fund. Board members were encouraged to think of ways that the scholarship money could be maximized for the best effect.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras.
Table of Contents.
FOR SALE.
One very large polished slab of Kern County Palm Wood - $100.00.
One highly polished, very large black slab of wood from Hubbard Basin in Montana - $125.00.
One complete round of polished Arizona Wood with beautiful coloring and unusual features. This specimen is 15 inches across - $225.00.
One single Quartz Crystal, weight 12 pounds! You have to see it to believe It! - $50.00.
Two Rose-Made Vibrolaps, 20 inch - $250.00 each.
Call Ray Meisenheimer (805) 642-3155.
Table of Contents.
WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR DESERTS
By Izzie Burns.
Washington, DC -Vice President Al Gore announced today that the Administration and a non-profit conservation organization have secured the money needed to complete a historic acquisition of pristine desert lands in Southern California. The Vice President also called on Congress to support the Administration's Land Legacy Initiative, which includes funding to protect nearby lands from future development. Additional information on www.wildlandconservancy.org.
You may have seen this news release in your local papers. Take note and write your Representatives and Senators to express if you want more government money spent to buy more land. This article said this land was for recreation, but did not mention "rockhounding", "Casual Use Mining", or rock and mineral collecting. This is another item you might mention to your Representative or Senator. We use the land for educational and recreational purposes.
Recently I have had conversations with Frank Wheat, a Sierra Club Member, who proclaims "all Wilderness Study Areas should be made into Wilderness Areas". This could strike down the permission that we have to drive on roads AF2511, AF202, and AF2525 in the N. Cady's. Frank Wheat assured me that these would remain open, but watch for any action on this issue.
Table of Contents.
MINUTES OF VGMS BOARD MEETING,
June 1, 2000.
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, June 1, 2000, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Road, Ventura, CA.
From Steve Mulgueen: The Board discussed having a "celebration of life" for Bruno Benson. Nancy Jioras reported that food for the event could probably be provided for $300+/- for 100 people. It was m/s/c to authorize the expenditure of not more than $500 for the event. The reception was scheduled for June 17. All plans were pending approval of Opal Benson. Red and Nancy Jioras volunteered to coordinate.
It was m/s/c to reserve the Lexington for another six months for the regular monthly meetings.
Members were reminded of the field trip to be held on June 3 and the Rockatomics show Saturday and Sunday, June 3 & 4.
It was agreed that a Museum Fund in memory of Bruno Benson should be started within the same bank account. A brief definition of the fund would be: money to be held for the purchase and/or construction of a new museum, maintenance of the current museum, advertising. Tax receipts should be made up for the those contributing to the museum.
The annual breakfast will be held Sunday, June 11 at Steve and Susan Mulqueen's home. Those wishing to help should arrive at 8:30 a.m., others at 9:00 a.m.
From Wayne Ehlers: Wayne purchased a new polishing pad for the new Genie machine, and some papers towels for the shop.
From Richard Bromser: It was m/s/c to approve payment of checks #700-704. Nancy Jioras reported that the silent auction at the last monthly meeting had earned the club $55.00. Richard then announced that he is being treated for cancer of the lymph nodes. His doctors feel the cancer is curable. On the same note, Sharon Cunningham reported that Gordon is still taking his treatments for cancer and has some good days and some not so good.
From Nancy Jioras: Nancy requested reimbursement for a stamp she had made for the books from Bruno Benson's collection which will now be in the VGMS library. The Board asked her to purchase another stamp to denote who donated each of the books in the library.
From Greg Davis: There are no plans as yet for a field trip in July. A museum trip may be arranged.
From Ray Meisenheimer: The Boy Scouts of America are interested in sponsoring a group of seven or eight 14-20 year olds for study of earth science.
From Florence Meisenheimer: Florence had forms for the CFMS show Treasure Hunt. She also had a limited number of donation award tickets for the CFMS show.
From Red Jioras: Red reported on the Tri-Board Council meeting held on May 27. The Tri-Board discussed purchase of first aid kits and CPR classes for each club. The Red Cross charges $35-45/person for CPR classes. St. John's Hospital charges $25/person. The Tri-Board also discussed having each club provide demonstrators for the Ventura County Fair in August.
Probably in late July Red will call a meeting of the Museum Committee. One of the first projects will be to plan a docent training program to relieve Ray Meisenheimer of the full burden on the museum tours.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras, Secretary.
Table of Contents.
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING,
June 28, 2000.
The general monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30pm, on June 28, 2000, at the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5540 Ralston, Ventura, CA.
President Steven Mulqueen presented an informative talk and film (by Huell Howser) on the Imperial Valley Mud "Volcanoes" Phenomenon. A series of gaseous vents surface at the mud banks of the Salton Sea and produce some unusual sights and sounds. Perhaps a field trip would he possible so we could all witness this.
Steve announced the need for a club show case to be prepared for the upcoming Ventura County Fair in August. Exhibits and volunteers are also needed with volunteers receiving FREE admission. Details will he announced at our next meeting.
Ray Meisenheimer reiterated the need for others to he trained as museum tour guides.
Sharon Cunningham requested members add our new members, Mel & Sharon Hixon, 1254 Ferrara Dr., Ojai, CA, 646-6021, to our newly printed club roster.
Thanks go to Steve and Susan Mulqueen for graciously opening their new home to the club for our annual breakfast. The weather, food. and company were all perfect. We all know how much work was required on their part.
Thanks are also in order for Red & Nancy Jioras for all their time and effort in transporting and packaging the club's bulk grit. It was badly needed and greatly appreciated.
One guest, Keith Allen was present.
Steve Mulqueen won $25.00 in the club badge drawing.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Greg Davis.
Table of Contents.
MINUTES OF THE VGMS BOARD MEETING,
July 6, 2000.
The monthly board meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen, at 7:35pm, on Thursday, July 6, 2000, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurers report. It was M/S/C to approve payment of checks #707-710.
Ray Meisenheimer reminded members that the Ventura County Fair starts August 2nd, but that set up begins on July 11th and volunteers are really needed to help. Gem & Mineral entries are accepted July 28th thru 31st (hobby entries are accepted July 22nd-24th). Volunteers are also needed during the Fair for the Gem & Mineral Building. Contact Ray for sign ups.
Steve mentioned the need for a club case entry in the Fair and suggested a collection of colorful minerals by members. Inez Shakman offered to make labels, the Meisenheimers will supply the case, several members offered minerals but help will still he needed to arrange and set up at the Fair. Steve also mentioned that he acquired a lot of rock & minerals from the yard of Yvonne Wein for club use and that he hopes to see others at the Arroyo Grande show July 14th & 15th.
Sharon Cunningham announced new member, James Ducusin to our club.
Florence Meisenheimer reported from CFMS that the brutal and unscrupulous land grabbing by the Federal Government continues at a reckless pace and more popular acreage has been removed from public access suggested by some as a ploy of Clinton's exit.
Sharon Cunningham also mentioned that the Oak View Elementary School is being closed and that city officials are accepting suggestions on use and occupancy. Sharon suggests we at least toss our hat in for future consideration as a future museum site.
There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.
Respectfully Submitted:
Greg Davis.
Table of Contents.
Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.
Webmaster: James A. Layton,
URL of this Page: http://www.vgms.org/bt/vgms0007.htm.