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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
June 2001.
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
June marks the beginning of summer and all it's activities. Looks like you'll have to go inland though to find sunshine. Keep safety in mind during those vacations, especially in the hot climates.
Had another successful Tri-Club meeting on May 12th, sponsored by our club. See the minutes printed in this edition and the next meeting will be hosted by the Conejo Club in September.
Steve Mulqueen has been appointed chairperson for the museum committee. I know he's got all our support in trying to guide us on the path that Bruno directed us to.
Support the Ventura County Fair by entering cases and offering to volunteer. It's a great opportunity to publicize our club.
Hope to see everyone at the CFMS show in Paso Robles.
Greg Davis - President.
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WORDS TO LIVE BY.
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
Animals are such agreeable friends--they ask no questions, and they give no criticisms.
The difference between a "fine watchdog" and a "ferocious beast" depends entirely on which side of the fence you're on.
Contributed by Wayne Ehlers.
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PROGRAM PREVIEW:
June 27th Program.
"Thin Section and Fluorescent Mineral Slide Show" by Ed Clark.
Ed Clark, a VGMS member, will give a presentation entitled "Thin Section and Fluorescent Mineral Slide Show". Come and see specimens at a totally different level of magnification. Nature is incredible.
Kathryn Davis,
Program Chairperson.
Table of Contents.
Some people strengthen the society just by being the kind of people they are.
John W. Gardner.
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PROGRAM REVIEW:
May 23rd Program.
"Petroleum Seeps, a Natural phenomenon with Historic Significance" by Steve Mulqueen.
Petroleum seeps have existed in both onshore and offshore environments for millions of years. They consist of a variety of substances including crude oil, asphaltum, semisolid bitumen and natural gas, often occurring with water that may range in quality from fresh water to supersaturated brine. Petroleum follows a complex path of migration from the source rock, being pushed through porous formations toward the surface by a variety of forces.
Geologists have analyzed petroleum seeps in great detail since the mid-1800's. Many oil fields throughout the world have been discovered as a direct result of the natural occurrence of oil at the surface. Paleontologists have recognized seeps as an important source of fossils. The Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries in Los Angeles contains millions of fossils excavated from asphaltum deposits in the shallow alluvium of the Los Angeles Basin. Archaeologists have found artifacts, which were made in part from asphaltum. This and other factors suggests that the petroleum industry had an early beginning several thousand years ago. Biologists are now looking at petroleum seeps as a unique habitat for plants and animals.
Steve first studied and photographed petroleum seeps in 1976 as an undergraduate student. His lecture is the result of over 20 years of observing petroleum seeps in and around the oil fields of California.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
5-19-01 - VGMS Workshop - Museum from 9:00 to Noon.
6-27-01 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm The Lexington, Bijou Room - Ed Clark presents "Thin Sections & Fluorescent Minerals Slide Show".
7-5-01 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
7-6 to 8-01 - CFMS Field Trip to Davis Creek - See February 2001 Rockhound Rambling for details.
7-10-01 - DEADLINE FOR JULY BULLETIN - Articles to the Editor!
7-13 to 15-01 - CFMS Field Trip to Glass Butte - See February 2001 Rockhound Rambling for details.
7-21-01 - VGMS Workshop - Museum from 9:00 to Noon.
7-21 & 22-01 Tri-Club Field Trip - Greenhorn Mountains for Rose Quartz.
7-25-01 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm The Lexington, Bijou Room.
8-1 thru 12-01 - Ventura County Fair.
9-9 thru 16-01 -CFMS Earth Science Studies - Camp Paradise -(Call Florence Meisenheimer (805) 642-3155.)
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CHIPS & BOULDERS.
Wayne and Marie Ehlers were recently honored by the city of Oxnard Senior Services and Special Populations Program during their 24th annual Recognition event. Wayne & Marie have served for 15 Years! Way to go guys, but then we knew you were special!
Ventura County Fair is upon us again! - (Time flies when you are having fun!) Start thinking about your entries. The Fair is August 1st through the 12th. Your entries may be brought in on Friday, Saturday or Sunday - July 27, 28 or 29th to the Gem & Mineral Building at the Fairgrounds. Bob Stultz, a member of the Conejo Gem & Mineral Club is the Gem & Mineral Superintendent and is assisted by our own Ray Meisenheimer. You can get Fair Entry Guides from Ray Meisenheimer or Red Jioras who had some at the June meeting. They are at several places about town as well. Everyone who can should put in a case and if you don't feel you have enough material to fill a case, there are many categories for single items. We all love blue ribbons!
CFMS Safety Meeting Planned - Chuck McKie, CFMS Safety Chairman, plans a CFMS Safety Seminar on September 29, 2001 in Los Gatos, CA. It will be hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society. It will start at 8:00 am and run to 3:00 pm with an hour and a half lunch break. The $5.00 registration fee will include lunch.
Business Opportunity - Erwin & Kathie Maas who did business as E & K Maas Gem Stones are having to retire. They have been dealers at our show in past years. They would like to sell their business to someone who would like to enter the show circuit. If you are interested please call them at 805 928-5228 or e-mail ekmgems@ivwnet.com. You may also call Shirley Layton for further details.
PLEASE NOTE NEW WEB SITE ADDRESS - http://www.vgms.org/. Our site is up and running at our new address which is shorter and more "ours"! If you use the old URL (address) you will get a link to the new site. Give us your comments on it and also material for the site. The Host Site has been doing some upgrades the past week or so and our site been unavailable. Don't give up trying, it isn't you! This should make the service better and more reliable when completed.
June Hostess will be Sharon Cunningham. - Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson have volunteered for July and Nancy Jioras for August. Be thinking about Sept., Oct. and Nov!! Give Sharon Cunningham a call with the month you choose. Thanks to those that have stepped up to the plate, so to speak!
VGMS Workshop will be held on July 21, 9:00 to Noon. They will be held on the 3rd Saturday of the month unless notified otherwise. Shop Supervisors are: Ron Wise (805) 647-4393, Greg Davis (805) 647-9214 & Red Jioras (805) 646-7184.
Bulletin e-mail - It would be helpful when you e-mail information or articles for the bulletin if you could start the subject with "VGMS (space)". This will help Jim to sort them and hopefully not miss any! E-mails work great as we can just roll the information over and don't have to re-type it, so keep them coming!!
Check Your 2001 Show Donation Award Ticket - In the donation award drawing, the ticket for the number 2 ($50.00) prize did not have a name or phone number on. Please check your tickets for number 0670 and notify Inez Shakman at (805) 642-4957 if you have this number. We will hold it and try to find the winner until the 2002 show and then it will be turned back for the 2002 donation award drawings.
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EDUCATIONAL CORNER.
ILLUSTRATION OF THE MONTH,
Edited by Steve Mulqueen.
The Trilobite.
Name: Acidaspis Dufrenoyi.
Period: Silurian.
Type of Illustration: Engraving.
From: "Geologische Formationskunde", by von Emanuel Kayser (professor at the University Marburg, Hessen, Germany), second edition, 1902.
The "Illustration of the Month" will feature a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering or an engraving print found in old books related to geology, paleontology, mining history and desert history. Anyone who wishes to submit an illustration for the bulletin, please see me. - Steve.
DEFINITION OF THE MONTH,
Edited by Steve Mulqueen.
Placer, including placer, placer claim, placer deposit and placer mining.
Placer (Sp): A place where gold is obtained by washing; an alluvial or glacial deposit, as of sand or gravel, containing particles of gold or other valuable mineral. In the United States mining law, mineral deposits, not veins in place, are treated as placers, so far as locating, holding, and patenting are concerned. Various minerals besides metallic ores have been held to fall under this provision, but not coal, oil, or salt. (Webster)
Placer claim: A mining claim located upon gravel or ground whose mineral contents are extracted by the use of water, by sluicing, hydraulicking, etc. (Duryee). The unit claim is 1,320 feet square and contains 10 acres. See Placer.
Ground with defined boundaries which contains mineral in the earth, sand, or gravel; ground that includes valuable deposits not in the rock.
Placer deposit: A mass of gravel, sand, or similar material resulting from the crumbling and erosion of solid rocks and containing particles or nuggets of gold, platinum, tin, or other valuable minerals, that have been derived from rocks or veins.
Placer mining: That form of mining in which the surficial detritus is washed for gold or other valuable minerals. When water under pressure is employed to break down the gravel, the term "hydraulic mining" is generally employed. There are deposits of detrital material containing gold which lie too deep to be profitably extracted by surface mining, and which must be worked by drifting beneath the overlying barren material. To the operations necessary to extract such auriferous material the "drift mining" is applied
The "Definition of the Month" will feature key words which are related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Anyone who wishes to submit a word and definition for the bulletin, please see me. - Steve.
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JULY BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in July. I would also like to extend a belated birthday wish to one of our new pebble pups, Savanah McNeilan, whose birthday was on June 3rd. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! I'm still gathering information, so please let me know if I have missed your birthday. Please call Shirley Layton at 642-2683 and leave a message if I'm not there. Thanks!
July - Happy Birthday!!
Sharon Cunningham - 7th,
Nancy Jioras - 10th,
Vern Markley - 26th,
Nancy Brace-Thompson - 27th,
Katherine Briggs - 27th,
Bill Kirk - 27th,
Stan Schmidt - 28th.
The July birthstone is the Ruby and the flower is the Larkspur.
RUBY:
Due To the way Rubies are formed geologically, a stone free of inclusions is a rarity. Mother nature is rarely perfect, and the inclusions become her signature. A gemologist can use these inclusions to detect a natural Ruby from a synthetic (man-made). Synthetic Rubies have been made since the turn of the last century, and seen often in antique jewelry.
Ruby and sapphire are the two varieties of the mineral corundum. Their exceptional hardness is surpassed only by diamonds. Red corundum is called ruby, and all other colors are called sapphire. The cut-off between ruby and pink sapphire on one end and plum sapphire on the other has long been a subject of controversy. Of course, gem dealers want the gem they're selling to be classified as a ruby because the name alone increases its value.
Lore has it that when Ruby is worn on the left side of the body, the wearer will have success in controversies, disputes or wars (bringing peace to the wearer). In India, those who donated Rubies to honor Krishna were almost assured of being reborn an emperor. It was said that a person should never ignore a Ruby, for it would grow dull if slighted or not worn or seen. Ivan the Terrible of Russia stated that the Ruby was good for the heart, brain and memory and that it purified the blood.
Taken from web site www.diastarjewelry.com (which I can't find - webmaster).
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RICHARD BROMSER NOMINATED
FOR RECOGNITION AWARD.
"The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society wishes to honor valuable club member Richard Bromser for his devotion to the Club. He has been on the Board of Directors for a number of years, keeping excellent financial records, planning the budget, etc. Richard is helpful in all jobs, helping with school tours of the club's Earth Science Museum and doing many jobs on clean-up days or class days. During the Club show, Richard does the hauling of equipment and material from storage, and hauls it all back when the show is over. If there is any job to be done, Richard will do it. Richard has also made many helpful suggestions that have made this a better club. We appreciate all that you have done, Richard." - Submitted by Florence Meisenheimer.
Thank You Florence for sending this in, it couldn't be more appropriate and we are all behind you. THANK YOU Richard for being there and everywhere!
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MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UP-DATE.
We are most happy to announce two new members! This is fun! Please add the following to your Directories and also introduce yourself to them at our next meeting and make them feel welcome. The new members are:
Robert LaPrad, N.G.J.A. (He was our speaker at the April Meeting.),
Ronald Chegwidden.
Welcome Bob & Ron and we look forward to meeting and working with you.
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COMMUNITY / PUBLIC OUTREACH.
Ray Meisenheimer and Steve Mulqueen are working with Mike Nelson of the California Oil Museum and with John Nichols and Anne Graumlich of the Sespe Group - Creative Services on an exhibit entitled "Fearsome Fossils: Predators from the Past". Numerous fossil specimens are being loaned to the museum in Santa Paula from the VGMS Museum. The exhibit will open July 1.
Dave Mautz and Steve Mulqueen will be preparing the "Rock of the Month" display at the California Oil Museum. This exhibit will feature trilobite fossils, all of them from Dave's private collection. The exhibit will begin on July 1. (Special note: The trilobites lived long before dinosaurs lived on the Earth.)
On May 6, Susan Mulqueen presented a program on insects for the 1st grade class at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Ventura. The class was "wowed" by the live walking sticks and the box of rain forest butterflies.
On June 9, Steve Mulqueen presented a slide lecture on "Mineral Collecting on Searles Dry Lake" for the Puente Hills Gem & Mineral Club, Inc. which meets in Hacienda Heights.
Steve Mulqueen.
Editor's Note: Steve & Susan also put in a VGMS club case at the Conejo Show on May 19 & 20th.
"FEARSOME FOSSILS: PREDATORS FROM THE PAST".
June 8, 2001.
Press Release for the California Oil Museum.
Press Contact: Anne Shilton Graumlich,
Sespe Group-Creative Services,
www.sespe.com,
(805) 525-7804.
George C. Page Museum Loans Complete Saber-tooth Tiger Skeleton for new exhibit "Fearsome Fossils: Predators from the Past".
On Sunday, July 1, 2001, dinosaurs and Ice Age mammals will thunder into the Iron Room of the California Oil Museum in downtown Santa Paula, California. Incredible fossils and fossil casts, colorful dinosaur dioramas, and interactive children's displays make this new exhibit exciting for visitors of all ages. The California Oil Museum is located at 1001 E. Main Street in Santa Paula, and is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. The public is invited to the opening reception for the exhibit on Sunday, July 1, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A highlight of "Fearsome Fossils: Predators from the Past" is a complete, reproduction skeleton of a saber-tooth tiger, the terrifying Ice Age beast that roamed the Los Angeles basin from 1.6 million years ago until 11,000 years ago. Reproduced from fossils recovered by paleontologists from the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits, the skeleton shows why the saber-tooth tiger was the ultimate Ice Age predator. The tiger's 7-inch long serrated canine teeth extend from jaws that open to an incredible 120° angle. The jaws of modern lions open to only 65°. Much heavier than modern lions, saber-tooth tigers were able to hunt and kill even the thick-skinned mastodons, mammoths, and enormous bison that roamed the United States during the Pleistocene Era.
Fossil casts of other now-extinct California Ice Age predators are displayed. A short-faced bear skull greets visitors. The toothy skull of an American lion, the menacing skull of a dire wolf, and the massive skull of a six-foot tall ground sloth give visitors more opportunities to wonder at the amazing mammals that once inhabited our state.
The Ice Age was a very short time ago, geologically speaking. Long, long ago, from 230 to 65 million years ago, what is now the United States was part of a world ruled by dinosaurs and other huge reptiles. Visitors to "Fearsome Fossils: Predators from the Past" can study a wonderful collection of dinosaur and pre-historic reptile fossil casts from the Ventura Gem and Mineral Society. Visitors will see fossils of some of their favorite dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Ultrasaurus, Apatosaurus (often called Brontosaurus), Triceratops, and Iguanodon. They will also see fossils of the Mosasaurus and the Plesiosaurus, huge sea reptiles that inhabited the Earth at the same time as the dinosaurs.
Fossil casts of complete skulls, sharp claws, massive jaws, terrifying spikes, and eight-foot long ribs give visitors an idea of the size of the dinosaurs and their relatives. Fossil casts of dinosaur footprints, feet, spine plates, skin, and even a Tyrannosaurus rex brain shed more light on these fascinating creatures.
Visitors to "Fearsome Fossils: Predators from the Past" will be surrounded by colorful dinosaur dioramas created especially for the exhibit by stage designer Jeff G. Rack. Anne Shilton Graumlich, of Sespe Group-Creative Services, is the creator and curator of the exhibit. As part of the exhibit, she has created inter-active displays which challenge fossil lovers of all ages to test their knowledge of fossils and dinosaurs.
If you've ever wondered about the size of a dinosaur's brain, the size of the smallest dinosaur, or why the dinosaurs became extinct, you owe it to yourself to visit the California Oil Museum between July 1 and October 21, 2001 to see "Fearsome Fossils: Predators form the Past".
What: "Fearsome Fossils: Predators from the Past" an exhibit of Ice Age and dinosaur fossils.
Reception: Sunday, July 1, 2001 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: California Oil Museum, 1001 E. Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060.
Exhibit Dates: July 1-October 21, 2001.
Hours: Wednesdays-Sundays, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Museum Phone: (805) 933-0076.
Website: www.oilmuseum.net.
Contributed by Steve Mulqueen.
Editors Note: This is wonderful exposure for VGMS. If you want to see some of your "old" friends, visit the California Oil Museum between July 1st and October 21st.
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GEM SHOW 2002 UPDATE.
We've continued making progress since our meeting April 5th in planning for the 2002 VGMS Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show. I've contacted the fairgrounds, and we are confirmed for next year's show dates: setting up on February 28 and March 1, then hosting the show March 2-3. In addition, volunteers have come forward to take on five committee chairs:
- Kathryn Davis will continue her excellent work as our Dealer/Demo-Dealer Chair;
- Sunny Cross called to volunteer as Food Chair and has many ideas regarding Friday night's dinner;
- Susan Mulqueen has confirmed she'll serve as Plant Sale Chair, assisted by Marie Haake, to run this ever-popular part of our show;
- David Mautz is our Set-up/Exhibitor Case Assembly Chair, a job to which he brings many years of strong experience;
- I'm taking on Publicity Chair, and I wish to thank Inez Shakman for her great work on publicity for our last show and for the many good notes and suggestions she's already passed along to me.
Thank you to each and every one of our new chairs and to everyone who volunteered for our many other positions at our meeting in April! As I've noted before, the position of a committee chair implies a committee to chair, so let's not turn these jobs into a committee-of-one. Anyone interested in helping with dealers, food service, plant sales, and our many other jobs should contact the appropriate chairperson to talk about how you can best assist.
This now leaves just one chair still to fill, and it's an important one: Exhibitor Chair. Susan Mulqueen has notes about the duties of the Exhibitor Chair and is willing to help advise and train a new person. If interested, please call me and we can talk (659-3577). With your help, here's to having all committee chairs filled by summer!
Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson.
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VGMS MINUTES.
Minutes of the Tri Club Meeting - May 12, 2001;
The Tri Club meeting was convened on Saturday, May 12, 2001, at 10:30 a.m., in the Piccadilly Room of the Lexington Retirement facility, by Greg Davis, President of Ventura Gem and Mineral Society.
The following persons were in attendance: Bob Stultz, Don Asher, Lew Mayron, Kay Hara, Miriam Tetreault, Jack and Anne Lewis, Ron Wise, Greg Davis, Richard (Red) and Nancy Jioras.
Greg Davis passed around a prototype brochure which advertised all three clubs in Ventura County. The brochure is mainly for distribution at the Ventura County Fair. Greg asked for comments or corrections. It was agreed that the information should also include contact phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and/or web sites for each club.
Bob Stultz announced that CFMS will be sponsoring a workshop for club web sites to be held in Culver City, on May 27. Those interested should contact Bob for more information.
Red Jioras reported that he has contacted Zee Medical Supply regarding First Aid kits for each club. He suggested that the kits be kept light weight, yet effective. They should have supplies to handle anything from a minor emergency to CPR and broken limbs. Supplies for the kits, not the carrying cases, would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $60 per club. Zee Medical has stated that they will probably donate some of the supplies. There was some discussion regarding hard vs. soft packs. It was agreed that the information should be taken back to each of the club Boards for a decision. Red volunteered to be the liaison with Zee Medical.
On the subject of joint club presentations, Red Jioras announced that he has been working with Walt Wright to develop a petrified wood identification workshop for Ventura County. Ventura College has offered their facilities as co-sponsors of the workshop with no charge for the facility. Bob Stultz offered to speak to Walt in Arlington, TX, at the AFMS show. Bob had been working to have Walt do a program on petrified wood for CFMS; but felt that a full-blown workshop would be preferable if it could be arranged.
Bob Stultz commented that a workshop such as Walt Wright's would need insurance. At least one, or even all three clubs should be listed as sponsors to make the event eligible for CFMS insurance. Bob also voiced his support for the Tri Club group.
Don Asher said he has glad to hear about the Ventura College facilities because costs of facilities in Camarillo are prohibitive.
Lew Mayron felt there might be a problem with the July field trip because of gas prices. One solution might be to encourage participants to car pool. The fossil trip to Bakersfield was well attended and there were some good finds.
Kay Hara has located a CPR teacher who will give the class at no fee. Participants would only have to pay for the literature. The teacher can take six students per session and four people from the Oxnard club have already signed up. This information should be taken back to the three Boards to get a count on how many wish to take the class. Kay will schedule the class and take sign-ups.
Ron Wise has information on field trips to the Himalayan Mine in the San Diego area for pegmatites. The cost is $50 each with a limit of eight people on each field trip. The trips are held every other Saturday; but it may be possible to schedule a trip on a Wednesday if all eight spaces are filled. Those interested should contact Ron.
Greg Davis announced that the next meeting will be held in September and will be hosted by the Conejo club. The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras, VGMS.
Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting - May 23, 2001;
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
The April regular meeting and board meeting minutes, as shown in the Bulletin, were m/s/p.
Guests to the meeting were introduced and welcomed.
The program was "Oil Seeps of Note and Interest" by Steve Mulqueen. He showed how they were made, where they are located and how they affect our environment. Steve also passed around some tar beetles from the McKittrick oil seeps.
After the presentation, Greg Davis went into the business portion of the meeting.
Greg went to the Ventura College awards banquet on May 8, 2001 to present our scholarship award to James Beard.
There was a Tri-club meeting on May 12th. The minutes of the meeting will be in the next bulletin. The next Tri-club meeting will be in September.
The CFMS Camp Paradise will be held on September 9 - 16, 2001. There is still three months to go and they are already half full.
Opal Benson has some pony cases for sale for $40. If anyone is interested, please see Opal.
Sharon Cunningham provided the refreshments for the meeting. She will do the refreshments for the June meeting as well. Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson have volunteered to do the refreshments for the July meeting.
Steve & Susan Mulqueen put together the club case for the Conejo Show.
Emma Mayers, membership secretary, has club patches for sale.
Shirley Layton, bulletin editor, has some extra bulletins. The deadline for the next bulletin is June 10th. Shirley and her husband, Jim, have the new club web site up and running.
Red Joiras had Ventura County Fair catalogs on the back table for anyone interested in putting in a display. He also had blue forest wood on the back table.
Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chairperson, had three more slots still open for the 2002 VGMS show. If anyone was interested, please see Jim. Jim also mentioned that Kay Carter of the Monterey Bay Mineral Society of Salinas had died. She was the Chairperson for the 1998 CFMS show in Monterey.
Steve Mulqueen mentioned that the Oil Museum in Santa Paula will be borrowing fossil specimens from our museum to put on display in their museum. They will be on loan for about three months.
Sharon Cunningham has just returned from a trip to the Galapagos Islands.
That was the end of the business part of the meeting. David Mautz then conducted the drawings.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
The next meeting will be held on June 27, 2001, at 7:30 p.m., at the Lexington.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Brace-Thompson, Secretary.
Minutes of VGMS Board Meeting - June 7, 2001;
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:35 p.m. on Thursday June 7, 2001, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Present: Greg Davis, Richard Bromser, Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson, Dave Mautz, Steve Mulqueen, Ron Wise, Emma Mayers, Kathryn Davis, Wayne Ehlers and Shirley Layton.
President: We need a new 10-inch saw blade. It was M/S/P. Greg will look into buying a new blade.
- Steve Mulqueen will be museum chairperson for the year.
- Greg photographed the building inside and out. The back gate had been broken. The gate needs to be fixed.
- Greg will check into getting the club in the phone book. He will also check that the answering machine at the museum is working.
- Greg will call Edison about our fridge at the museum.
Treasurer's Report: Richard Bromser passed around the May treasurer's report. The report showed the cost for the new web site. It was less than expected. The report was M/S/P.
- The By-laws have been proofread and 100 copies printed and given or sent out to all members.
- 100 copies of the operating regulations will be printed and given or sent out to all members.
Bulletin Editor: Shirley received e-mail from the Maase's, a dealer at our show, going out of business and they are trying to sell their business. She will put it in the next bulletin.
- Printing the bulletin has doubled in price. But last month, the printer made a mistake and gave us the bulletin for free. Emma has offered to copy the bulletin for one month.
- Steve has offered to copy some old geological prints for the bulletin. He also will pick out some old miner words and definitions for the bulletin.
- Shirley read a paragraph about Richard Bromser that Florence Meisenheimer had submitted to the CFMS bulletin.
- The open positions in the bulletin will be taken out until they have been filled. She will add the new Museum Chairperson position.
Show: Jim passed around a list of show committee people. There is still one open position for the show, Exhibitor Chair. Dave Mautz has volunteered to be Set-up Chairperson. Jim will do the publicity for the show.
Membership: Emma had two new members; Ron Chegwidden and Robert LaPrad. They were M/S/P.
- Remember to greet guests and new members at our meetings.
Museum: The Oil museum has picked up the fossils for their exhibit. Ray made a list of all the fossils that were borrowed. Steve and Jim will critique the fossil information before the Oil museum prints up the brochures.
- Steve and Dave will put a small case together for the Oil Museum.
- A museum clean-up day is in order before the fossils are returned. It will be held in August.
- Some ideas are needed on how best to clean up the outside rock piles at the side of the museum. Richard will look into buying milk crates from Chase Dairy in Oxnard.
Wayne and Marie Ehlers just returned from a trip to Nebraska and the Black Hills. Wayne had some specimens for members to see.
The board meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Brace-Thompson, Secretary.
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There are no small steps in great affairs.
Cardinal De Retz.
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Cartoon.
AFMS Newsletter - June/July 2001.
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TRI-CLUB FIELD TRIP,
July 21 & 22, 2001,
Trip leader Miriam Tetreault.
This field trip is to the Greenhorn Mountains near Lake Isabella. We will be hunting, digging for rose quartz. The drive is estimated to be four hours by car. Maps will be provided at the next club meeting June 27.
Ron Wise 647-4393.
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TRI-CLUB FIELD TRIP SCHEDULE - 2001.
This is the Tentative schedule for the remainder of 2001. Any changes that are made will be announced in the bulletin.
July 21-22 - Greenhorn Mts. - Rose quartz, Leader: Miriam Tetreault, Oxnard Club.
August 1-12 - Ventura County Fair.
September 9-16 - Camp Paradise Workshop.
September - Gabbs, NV - Petrified wood, etc., Leader: Arnie Rudman, Conejo Club.
October 13-14 - Trona - Onyx, halite, hanksite, Leaders: Don Asher, Conejo Club; Miriam Tetreault, Oxnard Club.
November 17-18 - Oxnard Club Show.
November 22-25 - Wiley Wells Area - Geodes, etc., Leader: Miriam Tetreault, Oxnard Club.
December - Open.
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COLLECTING NEBRASKA AGATES.
There is a nice article in the July 2001 issue of "Rock and Gem" magazine by Kenneth Rohn on rock collecting in the Oglala National Grasslands near Crawford, Nebraska. This is in the Northwest corner of Nebraska bordering on the Black Hills in South Dakota. Marie and I were just returning from visiting family and friends near Lincoln where I was born and raised. While in Lincoln we visited the University of Nebraska Morrill Hall for their excellent displays of fossils and rocks. I remember those displays even back in 1941 when I graduated from the University with a degree in Agriculture specializing in Agronomy. Enough reminiscing now back to rock collecting. We decided to check out these agate collecting sites ourselves. Since I am more interested in agates than in fossils we spent most of our time in the Grasslands along State Highways 71-2 North of Crawford. No digging is required in the exposed rock beds as you cannot walk anywhere without walking on agates. Leave your rock pick in the car as it isn't needed. All you need is sturdy buckets or rock bags. Since they do get heavy it is a good idea to walk a distance from your car and then gather your prize specimens on your way back to your vehicle. The prize specimens of Fairburn Agate are more difficult to find and I hope some of those we gathered will prove to be Fairburns when we get around to cutting them. We tried to be selective but with all the beautiful stones around the weight alone is what limits the collecting.
We went on to visit Mount Rushmore but did not stay long as we have been there several times before. We wanted to see if we could collect Tepee Canyon Agate but were told that this was futile. All of it on the surface has been collected long ago. It is on Forest Service land and no digging is permitted. A road was cut through the area a couple of years ago and the Tepee Canyon Agates were exposed but even those are gone now.
Rock collecting in the Oglala National Grasslands is fantastic and we hope that rockhounds will collect reasonable amounts, keep the area litter-free, and preserve it for future rockhounds. The Toadstool Park and the Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed are also worth visiting. For more details see the article by Mr. Rohn in the July 200l issue of "Rock and Gem".
Wayne and Marie Ehlers.
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JUST GIVE ME THE COORDINATES!
I'm sure most rockhounds have had this experience more than once. A friend tells you, "Just follow the second gravel road about 5 and a half miles, or so, then turn left, no right, towards the big hill between the 2 little hills, the one with the big light colored ash area on it, and go about another quarter to a third of a mile. Park at the pile of rocks. Walk up the bigger wash to the left until you see the "digs". You can't miss it. I was there three years ago and it was spectacular." So off you go to find that great geode bed with the beautiful agate filled geodes. The road is more like a rocky path, and there are four lesser paths off to the left, and all the hills took big, there are piles of rocks everywhere along the road that is surrounded by washes, and if there ever were any digs, they were surely washed away by El Nino. You spend hours checking out each turnoff and all the washes. You have a full day of driving and hiking and no geodes to show for it.
There is an easy fix to this frustrating scenario - GPS. The Global Positioning System was introduced to the public in 1988. It was developed for the military but is a great tool for the outdoors enthusiast, especially rockhounds. The tool is actually a GPS receiver, which is a small hand held device about the size of a cell phone.
How can GPS work for me?
A GPS receiver's most significant functions are: 1) the ability to determine your current location, and 2) the ability to determine the bearing and distance to your next destination. GPS applications include things like recording the location of collecting sites, where you are going (if you enter long/lat coordinates), where you parked the truck, key points and turns along a previously traveled road, which direction to head from where you are to where you want to go, and much more. A GPS receiver can store large amounts of data, including waypoints, which are checkpoints that you program into the receiver to help plan or retrace your route. Entire routes can be programmed and stored. Most GPS receivers are pre-programmed with a lot of useful reference information that makes navigation both easier and fun.
I bought my GPS receiver, an Eagle Explorer, three years ago, and I love it. I take longitude and latitude coordinates at the parking areas or collecting sites on all the trips that I have led or attended. I also collect GPS coordinates from other rockhounds that use GPS receivers. GPS coordinates are a precise location that helps take the guesswork and uncertainty out of which way to go and locating a collecting site. They supplement, not replace, maps and written directions. A GPS receiver is relatively inexpensive. Basic units start at under $100 but can cost over $500 depending on how many "bells and whistles" you want. GPS receivers are available at K-Mart, Wal-Mart and sporting goods stores.
In short, a GPS receiver is a tool every field trip leader and rockhound should have. However, not everyone needs to have a GPS. But it is a very useful tool to the dedicated rockhound who likes to explore and gets off the beaten track. And I strongly recommend one to all field trip leaders. They are especially useful when going to new areas and collecting sites, especially if you are fortunate enough to get coordinates from a previous collector. Our next step is to develop a database of GPS coordinates for collecting sites. It would be nice if the authors of field trip articles and collecting guides would include GPS coordinates. If you have a GPS, start taking readings for collecting sites, camping sites and special points of interest on all your future field trips.
CFMS Newsletter -June 2001.
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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
ARE YOU TIRED OF THE 2000s?
By Francie Payne,
Editor/General Manager,
Holbrook Tribune-News.
We humans are hard to please. We could hardly wait for the new millennium, whenever it actually started, and now we're getting tired of it. At lease that's the message I got from the following list of 20 signs you've had too much of the 2000s.
- You just tried to enter your password on the microwave.
- You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
- You call your son's beeper to let him know it's time to eat. He e-mails you back from his bedroom, "What's for dinner?"
- Your daughter sells Girl Scout cookies via her web site.
- You chat several times a day with a stranger from South Africa, but you haven't spoken with your next door neighbor yet this year.
- You check the ingredients on a can of chicken noodle soup to see if it contains Echinacea.
- Your grandmother clogs up your e-mail inbox asking you to send her a JPG file of your new-born so she can create a screensaver.
- You pull up in your driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home.
- Every commercial on television has a website address at the bottom of the screen.
- You buy a computer, and a week later, it is out of date and sells for half the price you paid.
- The concept of using real money to make a purchase, instead of credit or debit, is foreign to you.
- Cleaning up the dining room means getting the fast food bags out of the back seat of the car.
- Your reason for not staying in touch with family is that they do not have e-mail addresses.
- You consider second-day air delivery painfully slow.
- Your dining room table is now your flat filing cabinet.
- Your idea of being organized is multi-colored Post-It notes.
- You hear most of your jokes via e-mail instead of in person.
- You get an extra phone line so you can get phone calls.
- You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
- You wake up at 4 a.m. to go to the bathroom and check your e-mail.
If too many of those sound familiar, it may be time to unplug, walk outside, take a deep breath and enjoy life!
Editors Note: Someone gave this to me at the board meeting and I can't remember who, but Thanks, it's too true sometimes! Let me know who it was and we'll give credit next month!
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To be successful is to achieve an objective, but to be a success
is always to have yet another objective in mind after you've achieved the last one.
Source Unknown.
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HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS
(Use at your own risk).
To ward off rattlers, wet the bottom of your pants legs or shoestrings with turpentine. They detest the odor and will go the other way. Pour around the campsite and they will not cross it. - Original source unknown via Moroks 4/00.
Poison Ivy? Combine 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons Epsom salts and 1 quart of warm water. Use moist packs of this solution on the rash. - From Hourglass News via Moroks 4/00.
Common bicarbonate of soda is one of the most reliable aids for outings. It takes the itch out of bites and stings. It soothes the irritation caused by poison ivy, oak or nettles. It relieves sunburn and windburn and is also effective for burns. It sweetens ice chests as well as stomachs. It removes odors (such as onion, garlic and fish). It will loosen bug spatter from windshields. It will help snuff out campsite fires or a fire in your car. - From Drywasher's Gazette via Moroks 4/00.
Clean dirty bug-spattered windshields with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda. This also removes grease and road oil. Use a 35mm empty film canister for the baking soda and keep it in the glove compartment. - Source unknown via Moroks 4/00.
Take a large plastic garbage bag along on your next field trip. You can sit on it while digging, wear it to cut wind and rain, spread it on the ground for your lunch, then carry your trash home in it. - Source unknown via Moroks 4/00.
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PLAC REPORT,
By Jim Strain, Public Lands Advisory
Committee Chairman.
Hearings for the NECO Plan were held April 23 through May 7. Due to the short lead time (the notice was received April 16) we were unable to notify everyone through the CFMS Newsletter.
Public meetings were scheduled at Needles, Yucca Valley, Blythe, Desert Center, North Palm Springs, El Centro, Rancho Bernardo, Riverside and Pasadena. We were able to have CFMS representation at all of the meetings except Blythe and Desert Center.
Reports have not been received from all the attendees as of this date (May 3), so we do not have a complete analysis yet.
In discussing the plan with BLM staff, we brought it to their attention that the proposed Desert Wildlife Management Areas (DWMA's) included all of the Hauser Geode Bed Area where we have a Memorandum of Understanding which assures our digging and collecting rights and responsibilities.
BLM has done some research on the collecting areas they have shown on their records, and found that 25 percent of the collecting areas were lost when the new National Parks and National Preserve were created, and 25 percent were included in the Wilderness Areas where access is very difficult due to elimination of vehicle routes.
Of the 50 percent remaining, some areas are in Areas of Critical Concern, where collecting is restricted or controlled, some have access cut off because the routes of travel crossed through Wilderness Areas, and some are adjacent to the closed areas where the boundaries are not accurately defined nor clearly marked.
BLM staff stated that they do not intend to further restrict our collecting areas. They do acknowledge that they know there are collecting areas they do not have recorded, and ask that we identify additional areas so they can "protect" the areas by not adding further restrictions. We will have a copy of their map at the Directors' Meeting in Paso Robles and ask that you review the map and be prepared to identify collecting areas that are not shown so we can negotiate with BLM in finalizing the NECO Management Plan.
At the meeting in El Centro, a lawyer representing the Quechan Indian Nation expressed concern about our stopping, parking, or camping within 300 feet of the approved routes of travel throughout the Desert due to the potential of our disturbing or damaging Cultural Resources. This is the first time this has been mentioned at a public meeting, insofar as we know. BLM staff felt that the order signed by President Clinton should not impact areas remote from existing Indian Nation lands. If this should conflict with the management plan, we can probably expect future negotiations or even litigation.
We are hearing that additional litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity may be pending. Several desert user groups have filed documentation that the orders issued by the San Francisco Judge were violated by bypassing the normal National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) requirements. If this is upheld, the closure of land in Imperial County and other areas may be reversed.
It sure would be nice if we could revert to the "good old days" when we had access to almost all public lands with very few restrictions.
CFMS Newsletter - June 2001.
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WE CAN FIGHT BACK.
I know that many of you have heard or learned through the news media about all the lands that were recently added to preservation categories. The total for the last eight years alone was 5,749,000 acres. Add to this potential loss of vast areas for "rock-hounding" the fact that the U. S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requires permits in many areas, plan to increase the areas where permits are required, and are considering raising the fee for permits as much as three fold. The BLM's counterparts in some states have followed suit for state owned lands or are currently working on legislative initiatives and agendas along similar lines. Paleontologists, archeologists, and environmentalists, plus a host of other groups are diligently working to limit access to public lands and restrict the removal of mineral, fossil, or artifacts. Even the United Nations with their "World Heritage Sites" is proposing the taking of private and public lands under Agenda 21 and the "Wildlands Project". I could continue for several more pages of graphic details about the increasing restrictions we face, but I think you have gotten the general idea that we are, to coin a phrase, "loosing ground".
The reason for the dilemma that we face, is for the most part our own fault, as we did not make our wishes known. Many times we have no idea that these developments are even taking place or worst, it involves an area of little or no interest and we could care less. While it may not be happening in your back yard or favorite areas for outings, be aware it could very well be just a matter of time. I know that your first inclination is to think that this situation is much too big for you to do anything about. Actually, if you are informed and willing, there is a lot you can do.
Keeping up to date and informed about the proposed changes in land usage and accessibility is not an easy task. Many agencies and governing bodies at local, state, and federal levels do not always keep the public informed about plans that could ultimately restrict access to public lands. When they do let you know, normally through public hearings, the plans are usually complete and the "mind set" is to prevail. Often changes are made without prior notification or public input and it's not surprising that this is done on purpose to prevent public interference.
I find that one of the best ways to keep up to date is by membership in the American Lands Access Association. The officers and members are all "Rock-hounds" and share the same interests as most of us. They are not paid employees but dedicated volunteers who frequently use their own funds to help keep the operation functioning. I am constantly amazed at the degree of professionalism indicated by information they "dig up" and publish in the ALAA Newsletter or send to members via e-mail. These are the experts that can suggest methods for you to use if lands are being threatened in your area.
If an issue involving public lands is of particular importance to our hobby and has not been resolved, the ALAA will often suggest that you let officials in the appropriate agency, your state, or federal legislatures know how you feel. They even publish sample letters that you may copy or use as a guide to write your own.
The ALAA is the only organized effort I know of that is fighting to reserve our rights to have access to public lands we own and support with our tax dollars. As members of the American Lands Access Association, "We Can Fight Back" against those who would deny public lands to you, limit your activities on private lands, and restrict your rights to own minerals, fossils, and artifacts. I belong and I am proud to say that my "Club" belongs. Yes, your club or society may join the ALAA without jeopardizing your non-profit tax exempt status.
By John Wright, President SFMS,
AFMS Newsletter June/July 2001.
Editors Note: I have copies of the ALAA Membership Application if you are interested. Call and leave a message at 805 642-2683.
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Everything was made out of nothing. But the nothingness usually shows through.
Source Unknown.
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2001 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
JULY 7-8; CULVER CITY, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club, Inc., Veteran's Memorial Auditorium. Corner of Overland Ave., & Culver Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Gary Strickland (310) 676-4523. g.strucjkabd@prodigy.net, Web site: www.gembiz.com/ccrmc/fiesta.htm.
JULY 27, 28 & 29; NIPOMO, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Ave., Hours: 10-5 daily. Glenda Reeves (805) 733-2775. hawkymom@aol.com.
AUGUST 18-19; SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, Fort Mason Center, Herbst Pavillion, Laguna Street @ Maina Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ellen Nott ellennott@yahoo.com.
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 1; FORT BRAGG, CA - Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Society, Town Hall; Main & Laurel. Hours: Fri. thru Sun. 10-6, Mon. 10-4. Don & Karen McDonell (707) 964-3116.
SEPTEMBER 29; LOS ALTOS, CA - Penninsula Gem & Mineral Society, Los Altos Rancho Shopping Center, Foothill Expressway & So. Springer Rd. Hours: 9:30-4:45; (No Dealers). Frank Dina (650)967-3424.
SEPTEMBER 29-30, ANTIOCH, CA - Antioch Lapidary Club, Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, Tenth and L Streets, Antioch. Hours: 10-5 both days. David Zabaldano (925) 516-0651 davez@cctrap.com.
SEPTEMBER 29-30, DOWNEY, CA - The Delvers Gem and Mineral, Woman's Club of Downey, 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Manfred Dexling (562) 425-0192.
SEPTEMBER 29-30, MONTEREY, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road. Hours: Sat.10-6, Sun. 10-5. Co-chairs: John Wills (831) 394-9099 jbmarsha@aol.com. Sky Paxton (831) 663-6978 paxtons@jps.net.
OCTOBER 3-7: JOSHUA TREE, CA - Sportsman's Club, Sportsman's Hall, 6225 Sunburst Avenue. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 8-5; Sun. 8-3. Gary Palmer (760) 366-3430.
OCTOBER 13-14; TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 8-5, Sun. 8-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760)372-5356.www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub/.
OCTOBER 13-14; TURLOCK, CA - Faceters Guild of Northern Calif., Inc. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway Street. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Marion Roberts (209) 538-0197.
OCTOBER 20-21; PLACERVILLE, CA - El Dorado County Mineral & Gem, El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive. Hours: 10-5 both days. Jackie Ceratto (530) 677-2975.
OCTOBER 20-21; ANDERSON, CA - Shasta Gem & Mineral Society of Redding, Shasta District Fairgrounds. Hours: 10-5 both days. Alex or Kelly Stoltz (530) 474-4400.
NOVEMBER 3-4; CONCORD, CA - Contra Mineral & Gem Society, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Hours: 10-5 daily. Sam Woolsey (925) 837-3287.
NOVEMBER 3-4; FONTANA, CA - Kaiser Rock & Gem Club, California Steel Ind., 9400 Cherry Ave. Hours 9-5 both days. JoAnn Watson (909) 355-7455. Interstate 10 to Cherry exit then North about one mile on left.
NOVEMBER 3-4; OXNARD, CA - Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, 800 Hobson Way. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun 9-4. "Gems for the Holidays" (Jingle Bell Rocks). Laura Grayson (805) 482-3052. Website: http://www.ogms.net, e-mail: webmaster@ogms.net.
NOVEMBER 24-25; BARSTOW, CA - Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society, Barstow Community Center, 841 S. Barstow Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bob Depue (760) 255-1030.
DECEMBER 1-2; SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Orange Belt Mineralogical Society, Corner of E Street & 31st Street. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Tony Gilham (909) 820-2122.
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AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
2001 SHOW SCHEDULE.
EASTERN FEDERATION,
July 13-15,
Syracuse, NY.
NORTHWEST FEDERATION,
August 20-September 1,
Enumclaw, WA.
MIDWEST FEDERATION,
September 7-9,
Rice Lake, WI.
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
November 2-4,
Pascagoula, MS.
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EDITOR'S NOTE:
Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. Thanks to all who help make the bulletin more interesting by contributing articles and information for events. It is a pleasure for me to put them in! Please don't be bashful about writing something up and sending it in, giving constructive criticism, suggestions for items you would like to have included. etc. I appreciate it all. I would also like to thank my husband Jim for all his help and support (and nagging) in getting the bulletin out.
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VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.
VGMS 2001 March Show - Ron Wise and Greg Davis working the Silent Auction table.
VGMS 2001 March Show - One of our Demonstrators, Diane Jorgensen, working with a young visitor.
VGMS 2001 March Show - Shirley Layton and Shirley Bromser working the Country Store.
VGMS 2001 March Show - Exhibitor Case entered by Kathryn Davis.
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