Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.
The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
November / December 2000.
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
It seems as if the year began just a few months ago. Here it is November and, you guessed it, Christmas is approaching rapidly. With that in mind, I take this opportunity to wish all of you "Happy Holiday Seasons".
During our regular meeting on November 8th, the club elected a new slate of officers for the year 2001. A list of the new officers will be posted in this bulletin.
Our next meeting will be the annual VGMS Christmas party which will be held at Millie's Restaurant on Wednesday, December 13th at 6:30pm. Details of this event will be posted in this bulletin. Please plan on attending. We will be conducting the installation of officers. If you did not sign up for the dinner at our November meeting, please call me so that we will have adequate seating for everyone attending.
The meeting of the Tri-Club Council, originally scheduled for December 2nd, has been postponed. A new date has not been determined.
On Saturday morning, December 9th between 9:30am - 11:30am, the VGMS Museum will be having an "Open House" for all our young members. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Docent training for the museum will be held at 8:30am (1 hour before the Open House). This will be conducted by Ray Meisenheimer and myself. We are asking all our members to attend the docent training. This will give members the experience needed to give tours of our museum.
Don't forget, dues are due! Also, don't forget to prepare plants for the plant sale at our mineral show next year...and Shirley Layton will need more items for the "Country Store". Please keep these in mind.
The mineral shows in Quartzsite and at Tucson, Arizona will be held in January and February 2001. I will be distributing information about these events.
It has been a pleasure serving you as President of this great club. A word of thanks go to all those who made the year 2000 another successful year for the VGMS. As we look forward to the year 2001, think of the many ways we can support Greg Davis, our incoming President. With your help, each new year is full of new opportunities to learn about our hobby. Please continue to play an active role in the success of our club!
Steve Mulqueen,
President.
![[TOC]](../imagebtn/uarrow.gif)
Table of Contents.
VGMS CHRISTMAS DINNER.
The annual VGMS Christmas Dinner will be held at Millie's Restaurant on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:30pm. Millie's is located at 981 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura. The parking lot for Millie's is entered on County Square Drive between Telephone Rd. and Thille Street. Meals will be ordered from the menu and paid by each member. If you did not sign-up for the dinner during the last meeting, please call Steve Mulqueen with your reservation. This will insure that there will be adequate seating.
Table of Contents.
HOSTESS FOR NEXT YEAR.
Susan Mulqueen has been hostess during our monthly meetings since the beginning of the year. Susan will not be able to do this next year and is asking for a volunteer to step forward to fill this position. If you would like to do this, please call Susan or see her at our next meeting. Susan says "Thank You!" to all who donated dessert items for our meetings throughout the year.
Submitted by:
Steve Mulqueen.
Table of Contents.
COUNTRY STORE PRICING.
On October 17th, Shirley Layton coordinated efforts to price the Country Store items donated to the VGMS. These items will be sold at our mineral show in March next year. Those that assisted Shirley included Nancy Jioras, Richard and Shirley Bromser, Chloe Baer, Greg Davis and Steve Mulqueen. Thanks to all those who helped. Please remember to gather items for future donation to our Country Store.
Table of Contents.
OCTOBER FIELD TRIP REPORT.
The VGMS October field trip was to "Gem-0-Rama 2000", the annual mineral show and field trips sponsored by the Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society in Trona, CA. The show was held on the weekend of October 14-15. Several of our members traveled to the south end of Searles Valley to collect blue chalcedony. The best samples of chalcedony were collected by Shirley Layton and Ron Wise. Saturday afternoon, many of us attended the "Lake" field trip to the "blow holes", in which evaporite minerals were flushed from wells for people to gather. On Sunday morning, the trip to the pink halite locality was also attended by our members. If you've never been to Trona for this event, perhaps you should plan on it for next year. Overall, it was a great field trip and a lot of fun.
Table of Contents.
PUBLIC OUTREACH.
On Saturday, October 21, Steve Mulqueen presented a lecture entitled "Statigraphy and Mineralogy of Searles Lake" in Barstow at the Mineral Collector's Workshop hosted by Friends of Mineralogy.
Suhmitted by:
Steve Mulqueen.
Table of Contents.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION.
In the past year Ray Meisenheimer has given programs or museum tours to groups, which included 37 adults and 245 children. and covered approximately 180 miles!
Table of Contents.
RENATA RETIRES.
Renata Bever, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for CFMS plans to retire the first of the year. She has served CFMS for many years, and we will miss her and wish her well in her retirement. She and her husband plan to do some traveling and enjoy a more quiet life together.
In her place will be Pat LaRue, currently CFMS President. We look forward to working with her in this challenging job.
Submitted by:
Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
HUGE FOSSIL WHALE VERTEBRAE TO BE
DISPLAYED AT CFMS 2001 SHOW.
The vertebrae from an ancient whale was discovered northwest of San Miguel, CA. The vertebrae dates from the Middle Miocene Epoch and is 10-12 million years old. The vertebrae was found in a Monterey Shale Formation which is the remains of the ocean floor of an ancient marine environment.
The vertebrae is one of the largest ever discovered. Whales during this time, averaged 15 feet in length. It is estimated that the whale from which this vertebrae came from measured over 72 feet in length. Paleontologists did not believe whales of this epoch lived to reach this great length until discovery of the skeleton from which this vertebrae came.
The vertebrae will be on display during the CFMS 2001 Show in Paso Robles. Come to the show and be amazed by this huge and rare fossil discovery.
Ben & Sherm Griselle,
Santa Lucia Rockhounds,
CFMS Newsletter 11/00.
Table of Contents.
LOBBYING???
The January 1992 CFMS newsletter published an article I wrote concerning lobbying. Excerpts from the article are included in this article.
Most of the CFMS societies have exemption under Internal Revenue Code Section 501c(4). A few have exemption Under Section 501c(3). Those societies exempt under Section 501c(4) are essentially not restricted in attempting to influence legislation affecting their activities. Like Section 501c(3) societies they are forbidden to support or oppose candidates for public office.
The term lobbying (attempting to influence legislation) does not include providing informaton to the public or legislators on legislation if it is not biased for or against proposed legislation. Some efforts to influence legislation will not jeopardize tax exemption if it is carried out to an insubstantial degree.
What does the term insubstantial degree mean? The measurements used by the Internal Revenue Service in the past involve both effort (time) and money spent. A decision by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Seasongood held that if 5% of an organization's activities are lobbying activities, then the organization was engaged to an insubstantial degree.
Current law allows up to 20% lobbying activities upon filing a specified election and strict accounting of the time and money spent. If any society wishes to make the specific election, I will be glad to answer questions and provide assistance.
In a separate article, I will be requesting your help in providing information to a California Senator who is authoring the bill to implement Proposition 17 that was approved by the voters during the last election. I believe that providing information to the Senator is providing information and not attempting to influence legislation.
Mike Kokinos, Tax Advisor,
CFMS Newsletter,
November 2000.
Table of Contents.
ALERT!
DON'T LOSE OUR RIGHT
TO CONDUCT RAFFLES.
Last November, the California voters approved Proposition 17. The proposition amends the California Constitution to Authorize private, nonprofit eligible organizations, as defined by the legislature, to conduct raffles . Ninety percent of the gross receipts from the raffles must go directly to beneficial or charitable purposes in California. Any person who receives compensation must be an employee of the organization.
I contacted Senator Tim Leslie to determine eligible organizations. His office furnished me a copy of Senate Bill 639 authored by Senator Bruce McPherson. To my surprise, the current bill does not include organizations exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501c(4) or California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 23701f (simllar to 501c(4)). Most of our societies are exempt under IRC Section 501c(4).
I wrote to Senator McPherson with a copy to Attorney General Lockyer. As presently worded, the bill proposes to require the Division of Gambling Control, within the Department of Justice to regulate the raffles.
I did not receive a response from Senator McPherson but Attorney General Lockyer furnished my letter to a staff member. He also sent a copy of his letter to me to Senator McPherson with the name of his staff member to contact regarding my concerns with SB 639.
PLEASE WRITE to the Honorable Bruce McPherson, Senator, State Capitol Room 3076, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Advise him that your Society is a member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. That you understand, that Senate Bill 639 does not make organizations exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501c(4) eligible to conduct raffles. Request they be included as income derived from all sources including any raffle must be used for educational or charitable purposes.
If Senator McPherson represents you in your district please contact his office in person or by telephone. Reference the letter I sent him on April 3, 2000.
Mike Kokinos, Tax Advisor,
CFMS Newsletter,
November 2000.
Table of Contents.
WORDS TO LIVE BY.
To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer.
Just about the time you think you can make both ends meet somebody moves the ends.
Man cannot live by bread alone,--he needs peanut butter too.
Every time I think about exercise,--I lie down until the thought goes away.
Contributed by:
Wayne Ehlers.
Table of Contents.
2001 ELECTED OFFICERS.
President: Greg Davis;
First VP: Kathryn Davis (Program Chairman);
Second VP: Ron Wise (Field Trip Chairman);
Third VP: Jim Brace-Thompson (Show Chairman);
Treasurer: Richard Bromser;
Secretary: Nancy Brace-Thompson;
Membership: Emma Mayers;
Federation Director: Florence Meisenheimer;
Bulletin Editor: Shirley Layton;
Parliamentarian: Steve Mulqueen.
Table of Contents.
2000 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
NOVEMBER 17-19; ROSEVILLE, CA - Sacramento Mineral Society, Rosevllle Fairgrounds - All American Building, (Off Old Hwy 65), Hours: 10-5 all days, Paul Wood (916)368-1573.
NOVEMBER 18-19; PASADENA, CA - Mineralogical Society of Southern California, Inc., Pasadena Center, 300 East Green St., Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, (626) 449-9197.
NOVEMBER 18-19; LIVERMORE, CA - Livermore Valley Lithophiles, "The Barn", Pacific Ave. at S. Livermore Ave., Hours: Sat. 10-5: Sun. 10-4, Bill Beiriger (925)443-5769.
NOVEMBER 18-19; OXNARD, CA - Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, Oxnard Community Center, 800 Hobson Way, Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4, Laura Grayson (805)482-3052.
NOVEMBER 25-26; BARSTOW, CA - Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society, Barstow Community Center, 841 S. Barstow Rd., Hours: 10-5 both days, Bob Depue (760) 255-1030.
DECEMBER 4-5; SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Orange Belt Mineralogical Society, Inc., San Bernardino Women's Club, 503 W. 31st St, Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Jim McDaniels (909) 792-0668.
DECEMBER 4-5; ORANGEVALE, CA - American River Gem & Mineral Society, "Winter Wonderland of Gems", Orangevale Grange Hall, 5807 Walnut Ave., Hours: 10-5 both days, Joy Hutchins (916) 992-1762.
DECEMBER 9-10; YUBA CITY, CA - Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Society, Franklin Hall; Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, 442 Franklin Ave., Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4, Jose Guiterrez (530) 742-0785.
Table of Contents.
2001 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
JANUARY 13-14; EXETER. CA - Tule Gem & Mineral Society, 324 Kaweah (Hwy 65), Hours: 10-5 both days, George Thrasher (559)686-5669.
FEBRUARY 16-25; INDIO, CA - San Gorgonio Gem & Mineral Society, Riverside County Falr & National Date Festival, Gem & Mineral Building, 46-350 Arabia St., Hours: 10-10 daily, Don Grisham (909)845-9361, Bert Grisham (909)849-1674.
MARCH 3-4; ARCADIA, CA - Monrovia Rockhounds Inc., The Arboretum of Los Angeles County, 201 N. Baldwin Ave, Hours: 9-4:40 both days, Jo Anna Ritchey (626) 359-1624.
MARCH 10-11; SAN MARINO, CA - Pasadena Lapidary Society, 3130 Huntington Dr., Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Alex Sergienko (323) 258-1394.
MARCH 24-25; TORRANCE, CA - South Bay Lapidary & Mineral Society, Torrance Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd., Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Doris Turney (310)318-2170.
APRIL 7-8; BORON, CA - Mojave Mineralogical Society, Inc., Boron High School Multi Purpose Room, Prospect Street, Hours: Sat. 9-6; Sun. 9-4, David Eyre (760)762-6575, Roy Eyre (760)762-6555.
APRIL 28-29; SANTA CRUZ, CA - Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Corner of Center & Church Street, Hours: 10-5 both days, Eleanor & Hubert Drake (831)688-8086.
Table of Contents.
MINUTES OF VGMS REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING,
October 25, 2000.
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:40 p.m., on Wednesday, October 25, 2000, at the Bijou room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
The program for the evening, "Conejo Volcanoes of the Western Santa Monica Mountains" presented by Helmut Ehrenspeck, was the first item on the agenda.
After the program, Richard Bromser announced the nominations for the 2001 Board members. The nominations were as follows: President, Greg Davis; First Vice President (Program Chair), Kathryn Davis; Second Vice President (Field Trip Chair), Ron Wise; Third Vice President (Show Chair), Jim Brace-Thompson; Treasurer, Richard Bromser; Secretary, Jennifer Fellows; Membership, Emma Mayers; Federation Director, Florence Meisenheimer; Bulletin Editor, Bonnie Demianiw and Shirley Layton; Parliamentarian, Steve Mulqueen.
Richard Bromser then gave the Treasurer's Report for September.
Greg Davis said that evaporite minerals and chalcedony were collected during the Trona field trip on October 14. Members planning on attending the Wiley's Well field trip on November 10, 11, 12 were asked to notify Greg Davis so that he knows how many people to look for.
Nancy Jioras offered to purchase vest fabric for members wanting club vests. That way the vests will have a uniform appearance. Four people asked for material. Members not at the meeting who would like to purchase material may contact Nancy Jioras.
Red Jioras reported that the search for a new museum continues and that he and Bret Breton will be approaching a number of community leaders in the next few months to ask for funding assistance. Thousand Oaks has an earth science museum in the planning stages and they are about 5 years ahead of VGMS. Although it may appear there is a conflict, there is really room and a need for both facilities. The first project for the VGMS museum must be organizing all of Bruno Benson's books and papers which were donated to VGMS by Opal Benson. Red and Nancy will need help organizing and cataloging that material. Red suggested that Wayne and Marie Ehlers be curators of the mineral collections. A fossil curator is still needed. Red stressed that those members who have items on loan to museum should notity him so that their material will not be included in the inventory which will take place in a few months. Red asked that those with thoughts or questions about the museum call him.
The next meeting will be held on November 8, at 7:30 p.m., at the Lexington. The elections will be held at that time. The installation of officers will be conducted at the Christmas dinner meeting on December 13 at Millie's Restaurant in Ventura.
The first show meeting will be held at Mulqueen's house on November 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Red Jioras reported that he and Nancy had been to visit Clay and Liz Brashears last week and they are doing very well. They hope to be able to attend the November meeting.
Set up for the Oxnard show will be Friday, November 17. Red asked for volunteers to help Oxnard with their set-up.
Dave Mautz conducted the drawings. At 9:55 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to refreshments.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras, Secretary.
Table of Contents.
MINUTES OF VGMS BOARD MEETING,
November 2, 2000.
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by Second Vice President Greg Davis at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, November 2, 2000, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Road, Ventura, CA. There was no quorum.
Greg Davis first announced that the next Tri-Board meeting will be held on December 2, at 11:00 a.m., at the Lexington. Second, the lapidary class which ended Monday night had a great overall turnout.
Florence Meisenheimer said she did not have the CFMS bulletin yet, but gave Richard Bromser the certificate of insurance from CFMS.
Richard Bromser reported that he had written checks #727-732. Since there was no quorum, they will be submitted at the next board meeting for approval. Richard then suggested that the club By-Laws be reviewed since they are, in some cases, no longer appropriate. The review committee will consist of Richard Bromser, and Red and Nancy Jioras. Richard then suggested that the secretary send invitations for the Christmas Dinner to Dorr Thayer and Opal Benson letting them know they will be honored at the dinner.
Nancy Jioras will purchase vest material before the end of the year. Florence indicated that she has two vests which might be appropriately offered at the next silent auction.
Dave Mautz will pick up more drawing prizes at the Pasadena show in late November.
Sharon Cunningham reminded members that 2001 dues are due any time now.
Red Jioras suggested that the club purchase a dop pot for the lapidary classes. Ray Meisenheimer said he may have one. Red said it had been suggested that Helmut Ehrenspeck be offered a 1-year honorary membership since a relationship with him and the Dibble Foundation could be a great asset to the club. The board agreed, but will have to wait for a quorum to vote. Red then said that the fairground contracts should be out this week. He, Richard Bromser, and Jim Brace-Thompson will go to the fairgrounds to negotiate. The first show meeting will be held at Steve Mulqueen's house on November 15, at 7:30 pm. Finally, Red suggested that VGMS members might go over to Oxnard on November 17 to help set up for the Oxnard show.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras, Secretary.
Table of Contents.
MINUTES OF VGMS REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING,
November 8, 2000.
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:35 p.m., on Wednesday, November 8, 2000, at the Bijou room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
Richard Bromser gave the Treasurer's Report.
Steve Mulqueen passed out exhibitor forms for the VGMS show in March. The first show meeting will be held at his house on November 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Greg Davis asked those going on the Wiley's Well field trip November 10, 11, 12 to notify him.
The Tri-Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 11:00 a.m., at the Lexington. The Christmas Dinner will be held on Wednesday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Millie's Restaurant, on Victoria, in Ventura. A sign-up list was passed around. Those who did not sign up at the meeting should contact Sharon Cunningham. The bulletin deadline is November 10. The weekend of November 18-19 will offer the annual show for the Mineralogical Societies of California, in Pasadena; and the annual show for Oxnard Gem and Mineral Society. On December 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a. m., the club will host an open house for pebble pups. Prior to that, at 8:30 a.m., Ray Meisenheimer will hold a docent training class at the museum.
Red Jioras announced that Martie Isch, VGMS club member from Bakersfield, suffered a small stroke last Sunday at the Arroyo Grande show. She is resting comfortably in the California Care facility in Bakersfield. Her prognosis is good. Red continued that he had recently spoken with Don Morris of the National Parks Service. Don is still looking for about five volunteers to spend a week on Santa Rosa Island surveying fossil sites. It's possible that Larry Agenbroad may also be there. Finally, Red indicated boxes of petrified wood on the back table and invited members to take as much as they wanted.
Wayne Ehlers showed "Rocks and Minerals" magazine which is different from "Rock and Gem". He said he and Marie will be putting together a display case for the Mugu State Park Nature Center and asked for some help with the display.
Dave Mautz conducted the drawings.
Prior to the election it was announced that Jennifer Fellows had withdrawn her name for Secretary and Nancy Brace-Thompson had offered to take the job. The election results, tallied by Wayne Ehlers and Ray Meisenheimer, are as follows: President, Greg Davis; First Vice President (Program Chair), Kathryn Davis; Second Vice President (Field Trip Chair), Ron Wise; Third Vice President (Show Chair), Jim Brace-Thompson; Treasurer, Richard Bromser; Secretary, Nancy Brace-Thompson; Membership, Emma Mayers; Federation Director, Florence Meisenheimer; Bulletin Editor, Shirley Layton; Parliamentarian, Steve Mulqueen.
The guest speaker was Stu Chalfant from Conejo Gem and Mineral Society speaking on gem corundum.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned to refreshments.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras, Secretary.
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/vgms0011.htm.