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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
January 2002.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Here's to a new, more peaceful year and may rockhounding rebound in popularity as well it should. This is such an interesting hobby with new mineral and fossil discoveries constantly being made each year (and what better place to see these finds than Quartzsite). There's still so much to be learned about those colorful specimens we unearth on our field trips and just how they were formed.
We had a very nice Christmas dinner at Carrows, with good attendance and accommodations. I'd like to thank everyone who attended and especially incoming and outgoing board and committee members for their time and devotion to our club.
We're starting the year off with promising field trips planned by Ron Wise and a well planned March show due to Jim Brace-Thompson's organizational skills. This year kicks off a new pebble pup program led by Emma Mayer and she'll have 100 percent of our support to make this very worthwhile project a success. There will also be changes to the way we conduct our regular meetings (regarding the elimination of raffle prizes and use of door prizes instead). We'll use a trial and error approach to this and adjust as needed until it works smoothly.
All are welcome to the board meetings (the next being Jan. 3rd-7:30) and I hope to see a lot of you in Quartzsite.
May your Holidays be safe and your New Year, and field trips be productive.
Greg Davis- President.
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WORDS TO LIVE BY.
Do not condemn the judgment of another because it differs from your own. You may both be wrong.
Finance is the art of passing money from hand to hand until it finally disappears.
Change is inevitable--except from a vending machine.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.
Contributed by Wayne Ehlers.
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2002 DUES ARE DUE !!!!
Dues were due on January 1, 2002. If you haven't taken care of your 2002 dues, please send to Inez Shakman, 4657 Dean Drive, Ventura, CA 93003. See the inside front cover of the bulletin for amounts. Anyone needing a badge please see or contact Inez (805 642-4957). Dues need to be paid by March 31st in order to be listed in the Membership Directory.
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"THE GREAT DESERT RAILROAD RACE",
Program January 23rd Meeting.
A video entitled "The Great Desert Railroad Race" will be presented. This is a 50 minute video produced by Ted Faye. The video is a documentary detailing the fierce competition between two mining tycoons striving to be the first to construct a railroad to the gold and silver mining districts near Beatty, Goldfield and Tonopah, Nevada.
The video documents the history of the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad (T & T) which was built under the supervision of "Borax" Smith and the history of the Las Vegas & Tonopah Railroad (LV & T), supervised by Senator William A. Clark. Construction of these railroads began in 1905. The T & T extended between Ludlow, California and Goldfield, Nevada while the LV & T extended between Las Vegas and Goldfield, Nevada.
Please join us for a great historic adventure!
Kathryn Davis.
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PROGRAM REVIEW,
"RUSSIAN GEM TREASURES",
November 28th Meeting.
The "Russian Gem Treasures" video presented by Wayne Ehlers was most interesting and informative. The beautiful Gems that were used to not only decorate their persons but palaces were magnificent. In some cases they had Gem veneer for pillars and columns, which was fascinating. Wayne brought a belt buckle with a Charoite cab that he had made to demonstrate the actual beauty of this gem. Charoite, Emeralds, alexandrite topaz & tourmaline are some of the specimens featured. Specimens were from the Diamond Fun and other museums at the Kremlin and in St. Petersburg.
In addition to the video, we had "Trona the Tortoise" owned by Matthew and Anthony Beinar make a visit. This is a Desert Tortoise they got on their visit to the Trona show. These along with Shirley Bromser and Chloe Baers wonderful refreshments made for a very enjoyable evening.
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CHRISTMAS PARTY - DECEMBER 12, 2001.
We had a really nice Christmas Party at Carrows. The food was very good and the service superb! Everyone enjoyed the time to relax and visit. The 2002 officers were installed and the outgoing officers (there seemed to be a lot of similarity here!) were honored and thanked. There were 27 members and 7 Pebble Pups in attendance and we missed those that were not able to be there. Richard Bromser was honored with a framed proclamation for his hard work and devotion to the club (most appropriate!). Sharon Cunningham made some pretty (and tasty) little favors for everyone and she is also the one to credit for finding the facilities. Good Job Santa Sharon! It was a very nice way to end the year.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
1-19-02 - Tri-Club Field Trip to Acton - Leader is Lou Mayron (805) 492-2458 - See inside for more details.
1-19-02 - VGMS Workshop - Museum from 9:00 to Noon. (There will also be clean-up and sorting of material.)
1-23-02 - VGMS Regular Meeting - Pebble Pups 6:30 to 7:30, Meeting at 7:30 for all. - "The Great Desert Railroad Race."
1-26-02 - Pebble Pup Field Trip - To Topanga, 9:00 am - Marine fossils.
1-28-02 / 2-1-02 - CFMS Field Trip - Wiley Wells - Look for details in this bulletin.
2-7-02 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
2-9-02 - Pebble Pup Museum Tour - 10:30 am at VGMS Museum.
2-10-02 - DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY - Articles to the Editor!
2-16 / 18-02 - Tri-Club Field Trip - Tecopa/Baker Area -Leader is Ron Wise - (805) 647-4393.
2-16-02 - VGMS Workshop - Museum from 9:00 to Noon.
2-27-02 - VGMS Regular Meeting - Pebble Pups 6:30 to 7:30, meeting at 7:30 for all.
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CONGRATULATIONS.
On Saturday, November 10 Ray and I attended the banquet following the annual CFMS Fall business meeting in Visalia. Officers were installed by Isabella Burns. The new president is our own club member Jo Anna Richey. We congratulate her and wish for her a very good year. It is a great responsibility and Jo Anna has much to do.
Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer
(And joined by All the members of VGMS).
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CFMS FALL BUSINESS MEETING.
The annual Fall Business meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Visalia November 10.
All officers and most committee persons were in attendance. Two new clubs joined the Federation - State of Jefferson Gem & Mineral Club and Eastern Sierra Gem & Mineral Club. (Some people in Northern California would like to withdraw from California and take the name of Jefferson, rather than be called North and South California. Therefore, in fun the name of the new club.)
The future CFMS shows were announced. In 2002 the show will be July 12, 13, and 14 in Placerville at the Eldorado County Fairgrounds, hosted by the El Dorado Gem & Mineral Society. 2003 show will be hosted by Del-Air Rockhounds at Seaside Park in Ventura the third week-end in June. One nearby club is thinking of taking on the challenge of a CFMS show in 2004.
The cost of club liability insurance will remain the same as last year. The cost for each member is $4.50--three dollars for insurance and $1.50 for CFMS and AFMS dues.
Chuck McKie is working on a safety manual. He hopes to have it done by next year. The safety seminar at Los Gatos had to be cancelled due to lack of participation.
CFMS Scholarship Fund and Endowment Fund each received donations from several clubs.
The PLAC reported that on October 19 the BLM issued a new release which they would "temporarily" close all drivable washes in eastern San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial counties. The full PLAC report is in this newsletter.
The new President of AFMS, Steve Weinburg has chosen for one of his themes "Communication is the key to our success". I am sure that will work for all of us.
Florence Meisenheimer, Federation Director.
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ADVERTISING.
The cost of printing our bulletin has doubled this past year. We are looking for ways to help defray some of this cost as we do not want to cut down on the bulletin size or distribution. We would like to offer advertising in the form of $60 a year for a business card size ad. It would run in 11 issues. Please consider placing an ad and approach your business associates about placing one as well. We could negotiate for larger sizes if anyone is interested.
Please contact Shirley Layton 805 642-2683.
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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
CHIPS & BOULDERS.
Thank You - I want to thank you all for your cards and calls with messages of good cheer during my recent trip to the Coronary Care Unit. I could not help but improve with the caring of so many friends. - Florence Meisenheimer.
(Editors Note: We are happy to see you doing so well. Keep up the good work and we missed you and Ray at the Christmas Party.)
ZZYZX - Earth Science Studies at ZZYZX March 24 to 31, 2002 is SOLD OUT, with a considerable number of names on the waiting list. We are sorry that we cannot take every one, as this is a very popular seminar. - Florence Meisenheimer.
SELL DONATION AWARD TICKETS - Call Jim or Nancy Brace-Thompson (805) 659-3577 if you need more. The pre-show sales are MOST important. SELL! SELL! SELL!
VGMS MUSEUM WORK PARTY - On November 3rd, 17th and December 15th, 2001, several VGMS members offered their time to help sort rocks, minerals and fossils at our museum. These specimens are used for lapidary classes, for educational purposes and for silent auctions, etc. Those that helped out on one or more of these days included Greg Davis, Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson, Richard & Shirley Bromser, Dave Mautz, Ray & Florence Meisenheimer, Ron Wise, Kathryn Davis, Wayne Ehlers and Steve & Susan Mulqueen. The sorting of specimens and general clean-up of the back of the museum is approximately 85% complete. Thank you to all those who offered their help. We will be planning another work party in January.
Steve Mulqueen.
A CALL FOR EXHIBITORS - Gem & Mineral Building, Seaside Park, Ventura County Fair, Summer, 2002 - Do you wish to exhibit at the Gem & Mineral Building at this year's Ventura County Fair? Now (January) is the time to plan for that event. Bob Stultz is asking all prospective exhibitors to call him so that he can reserve enough space for your minerals, rocks and fossils. The earlier you call him, the better chance you have of obtaining the space that you will require for your cases and specimens. Each year, a greater portion of the floor space in the Gem & Mineral Building goes to hobbies and other related exhibits. If we don't express our own interests at this early stage of planning, we could loose a great opportunity to show thousands of fair participants the wonders of our physical world. Please call Bob today. Give him your support. Plan on exhibiting at your County Fair. Bob's phone number is (805) 498-4220.
Steve Mulqueen.
CFMS Newsletter - Any one wishing to subscribe to the CFMS Newsletter may do so by sending a check made out to California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. for $5.50 to Pat La Rue, P.O. Box 1657, Rialto, CA 92377-1657. Send a note requesting a subscription. There are 11 issues, very informative and well worth it.
November hosts were Shirley Bromser and Chloe Baer. - They did a great job and from what I gathered Chloe did a lot of the baking. It was really good and many thanks to the two of them! Sharon Cunningham is our Hostess Coordinator again for the coming year. We don't have the new schedule set up as yet, but will let you know when it is. Be sure and volunteer or say yes for a month when Sharon comes your way. Be thinking about what month you want to volunteer for.
Country Store - We are in need of more goods, supply is sort of low so keep collecting!! Have you sorted through those Christmas presents yet? We all need more room, so bring it to the country store. January 19 is workshop - clean up at the museum and would be a perfect day to drop it off there, or give Shirley Layton 642-2683 a call for pick up. We will have a pricing evening, date to be announced at the January meeting. All those with Green Thumbs, don't forget the plant starts! Everyone loves the plants for sale at our show, so let's not disappoint them and get some lovely ones in the works - Many thanks!
Door Prize Drawing to Change with the New Year. With the permit requirements and paperwork involved the board has voted to change the door prize procedure for the coming year. Everyone will be given a free ticket at the door (must be wearing your name tag). All the Pebble Pups will be given a prize. The only drawing will be for the free door prize. Name Tags will be available at the door for the guests.
VGMS Workshops - With the new year comes the new workshop schedule. They will be held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 until noon unless otherwise notified. The first one will be January 19th. There will also be a material sorting and crating session on the same day. The Shop Supervisors are: Ron Wise (805) 647-4393, Greg Davis (805) 647-9214 & Red Jioras (805) 646-7184. Stop and say thanks to these volunteers for the opportunity they give the rest of us. It is there for your use, take advantage of it.
"Fearsome Fossils: Predators from the Past" Exhibit at the California Oil Museum is over and all our critters have been returned to the museum. This is an excerpt from the "California Oil Museum Pipelines" newsletter. "The major exhibit of 'Fearsome Fossils: Predators from the Past' was very successful, drawing more than 5,000 visitors during the summer and fall. Many families and school tour groups came to see the fossils of dinosaurs and Ice-age mammals." - Contributed by Steve Mulqueen. - In addition to this you will find a letter of thank you from the Museum to Ray Meisenheimer and Steve Mulqueen for the loan of the fossils. It was quite a display and good publicity for VGMS.
Mariposa Mineral & Mining Museum is requesting a $1 donation per member to help maintain the museum. We have donated in the past, but feel we will leave it to the members to contribute what they wish this year. Greg will be asking for donations at the January meeting and those received will be forwarded to the Museum. It is a very nice museum and well worth visiting if in the area.
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!! jns@west.net - Thanks!
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COUNTDOWN TO GEM SHOW 2002!
With only some two short months to go, we're on our countdown to the 2002 VGMS Gem, Mineral, Lapidary, and Fossil Show! If you're a committee chair, you should be getting your ducks in a row. If you're not yet on a committee, think about how best you can contribute your time and efforts this year and don't wait to be asked--jump in! For instance, we still need a Hospitality chair. You should also be dusting off your rockhound treasures and planning a display case to enter at this year's Show.
At the January meeting, we'll have Show flyers, and we ask that everyone take a batch and distribute them among friends, at work, and on whatever community bulletin boards you come across. They also look great displayed on a car window! Plus, we'll have raffle tickets to distribute. Please take a batch to sell to family and friends. Finally, we'll begin circulating sign-up sheets for various Show jobs to help ensure that we have the necessary people-power for setting up and running the whole event.
Our next Show planning meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Sunday, January 13, at our place (7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura--close to the intersection of Telegraph and Kimball). Come for the food! Come for the fellowship! And most of all, come to help prepare one fun show! We need everyone's ideas, efforts, and participation!
Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson.
Editors Note: Please find the Exhibitors form attached to this bulletin. Please complete it for your exhibit - or give it to a friend and help them to put in an exhibit! (Webmaster's Note: Since the form is now obsolete it's been removed.)
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH.
On Wednesday, November 21, 2001, Susan Mulqueen led a fossil collecting field trip for the 5th grade special ed class from Poinsettia Elementary School to Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura. Each student was given a sandwich bag and a plastic spoon and were able to collect 10 shell fossils. The fossils are marine shells from the Pliocene epoch which are several million years old. They are found in the hills surrounding the park. All the students were thrilled with their discoveries. This field trip was organized by Susan because students are no longer permitted to keep the fossils they find while at the Outdoor School near Cachuma Lake.
On December 18 & 19, 2002, Steve Mulqueen brought Pam Irvine and Anne Rosinski (geologists for the California Division of Mines & Geology) on a tour of the Ventura and Ojai oil fields. They are both working on the Division's Seismic Hazard Mapping Project which is focusing on landslides and areas with potential to slide during major earthquake events. Their project area includes the Saticoy and Ojai quadrangle map sheets.
Steve Mulqueen.
Friday, January 4th, Ray Meisenheimer gave a tour of the museum to a family of three--a mother and two children. Becky Bernard was so impressed with what the club has to offer, she joined the club while still at the museum.
Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
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It is human nature to think wisely and to act in an absurd fashion.
Anatole France.
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While I am busy with little things, I am not required to do greater things.
St. Francis de Sales.
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FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in February. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! 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!
February -Happy Birthday!!
Sally McNeilan - 3rd,
Jim Brace-Thompson - 3rd,
Jean Wise - 4th,
Clay Brashears - 5th,
Matthew Dean Jioras - 16th.
The February birthstone is the Amethyst and the flower is the Violet.
AMETHYST, the purple variety of quartz.
VARIETY INFORMATION:
Variety of: Quartz , SiO2.
Uses: Gemstones and ornamental stones.
Birthstone for: February.
Color: Various shades of purple.
Index of refraction: 1.544-1.553.
Birefringence: 0.009.
Hardness: 7.
Cleavage: None.
Crystal system: Trigonal.
Pleochroic: No.
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and is a popular gemstone. If it were not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken". This was maybe due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered. Its color is unparalleled, and even other, more expensive purple gemstones are often compared to its color and beauty. Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it can and does have a wide range of purple shades.
Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show the pointed terminations. As a mineral specimen, amethyst is popular for its color and nice crystal shapes that produce a handsome, purple, sparkling cluster.
However, amethyst is not the same everywhere. Different localities can produce a unique amethyst to that particular region or even to that particular mine. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from. The key to this is the specimen's color, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and character of formation.
Often cut gems of amethyst are graded using the terms: Siberian, Uruguayan or Bahain; to represent high medium and low grade respectively, regardless of the actual source. Because of the patchyness of the color distribution in the crystals, Amethyst is often cut as brilliant round cuts to maximize the color. Other cuts can be used when the color is better distributed.
The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers. Today, amethyst is a lovely and affordable gemstone that is fortunately available in a wide variety of cut and uncut stones that we can all possess and admire.
Amethyst is only one of several quartz varieties. Other varieties that form macroscopic (large enough to see) crystals are as follows:
Citrine is a yellow to orange gemstone variety that is rare in nature but is often created by heating Amethyst.
Milky Quartz is the cloudy white variety.
Rock crystal is the clear variety that is also used as a gemstone.
Rose quartz is a pink to reddish pink variety.
Smoky quartz is the brown to gray variety.
Copyright by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.
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MEMBERSHIP.
Cyndy Treutelaar is our newest VGMS member. Cyndy is a hiker who discovered an interest in rocks about a year ago. She teaches 8th grade physical science at Balboa Middle School here in Ventura. Cyndy has taken some lapidary classes through the Conejo Club and expressed an interest in field trips, prospecting, lapidary, mineral collecting, jewelry making and gem and mineral shows. Her phone number is 805 659-0990. She would appreciate information from those of you who are in those areas of special interest.
Another new member is Jason Badgley. Jason works in wastewater treatment in the City of Commerce but resides in Burbank. According to those who have met him he is very talented at mineral and fossil identification as well as finding unique collecting sites. Jason is 27 years old and lists all aspects of the hobby as interesting to him. His phone number is 818 843-6678.
Inez Shakman, Membership.
We also had some new members join us in November. They are the Berman family, Kevin, Melissa, Guadalupe and Donald. We look forward to meeting all of you.
Update your Membership Directories (new ones won't be out until April).
Donald & Guadalupe Berman,
Pebble Pups Kevin & Melissa,
402 W. Ojai Ave., #101,
PMB 513,
Ojai, CA 93023,
(805) 640-0939.
Cyndy Treutelaar,
984 Santa Fe Avenue,
Ventura, CA 93004,
(805) 659-0990.
Jason Badgley,
621 N. Naomi Street,
Burbank, CA 91505-3041,
(818) 843-6678.
New Address & Phone Number:
Gary & Sharon Markley,
1686 Kenewa Street,
Ojai, CA 93023,
(805) 649-4502.
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HOSPITALITY.
The November meeting was shared by 27 members and 3 Pebble Pups (Chloe Baer, Anthony and Matthew Beinar). We did have one guest "Trona" the Desert Tortoise! Trona lives with Anthony & Matthew. We had our last raffle and nametag drawings as next year we will be under a new plan. Each member, with a nametag on and all guests will be given a free ticket at the door and there will be one door prize drawing. All Pebble Pups will be given a prize. David Mautz has done a great job through the year with a most interesting assortment of prizes. Thanks, Dave. We had a lucky winner for the Name Tag Drawing. One of our newer members, Ron Chegwidden, went home $55 richer and a smile on his face! Congratulations Ron. We want to welcome all guests and pebble pups and hope you all will come again. Along with "Trona" there were many interesting specimens on the table, brought in by members to display and share.
With the wonderful pumpkin dessert and oatmeal bars made by Chloe Baer and Shirley Bromser, we had a most enjoyable time with new and old friends.
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"PEBBLE PUP NUGGETS."
Pebble Pup Corner:
Our club is excited to announce the formation of a formal Pebble Pups Program beginning this New Year. Emma Mayer has agreed to spearhead this effort in its inception. Greg Davis has enlisted the support of The Lexington in allowing the group to meet one hour prior to the regularly held meetings each month. Jim Brace-Thompson will be the first featured speaker on the topic of dinosaur fossils followed by a fossil-making craft.
Each meeting will include a guest speaker from the core of our adult membership for 20 minutes followed by a related hands-on activity for 20 additional minutes. The Pups will supplement the club field trips and workshops with some of their own. Emma would like to extend her appreciation to all who have volunteered to assist in making this endeavor a success. Special thanks go to all the parents and grandparents who provide the children with the opportunity for a wonderful hobby that will last a lifetime.
VGMS would like to extend our sincere thanks to Emma for her efforts in getting this program launched. She is doing a great job and we are all behind her 100%.
Pebble Pup Birthdays - January:
Anthony Beinar - 2nd,
Josh Glenn - 23rd,
Nolan Heath - 25th.
We all wish you a Happy Birthday and a Great Day with your pockets filled with fossils, rocks & minerals. If we have missed your birthday, please let Emma know and we will catch it next month.
Pebble Pup Dates to Remember:
1-23-02 - First Meeting - The Lexington - 6:30 pm.
1-26-02 - First Field Trip - To Topanga, departing Ventura at 9am for marine fossils.
2-9-02 - Pup tour of VGMS Museum - 10:30 am - 5019 Crooked Palm Road, Ventura.
Pups- Can you find the "A is for--" Coloring page in this bulletin? Color it and bring to share with the group on the 26th! Have Fun!!
Webmaster's Hint: It's near the end.
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TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS - 2002.
| January: February: March: April: May: June: July: August: September: October: November: December: Leaders: |
19, 23-27, 27-2/1, 16-18, 2-3, 9, 24-31, 6-7, 13-14, 18-19, 25-26, 22-23, 13-14, 8/31-9/2, 8-14, 15-21, 12-14, 2-3, 28-12/1, Jerry Adolph, Lew Mayron, Mitty Scarpato, Miriam Tetrault, Ron Wise, |
Acton, Leader: Lew Mayron. Quartzsite Pow Wow. Wiley Well CFMS district field trip, Leader: Richard Pankey, CFMS field trip chairman-North. Tecopa / Baker area, Leader: Ron Wise. VGMS Show. Faria Beach (Rincon Beach), Leader: Jerry Adlof. ZZYZX CFMS Earth Science Studies. Boron Show. Rainbow Ridge / Sheep Springs, Leader: Mitty Scarpato. Conejo Show. Bishop (garnets) / Monterey Pass, Leader: Lew Mayron. Cady Mountains area, Leader: Miriam Tetreault. Greenhorn Mountains, Leader: Jerry Adolph. County Fair. Monte Cristo Mountains (NV) area, Leader: Ron Wise. Camp Paradise-1. Camp Paradise-2. Kramer Junction area, Leader: Miriam Tetreault. OGMS Show. Wiley's Well area, Leader: Mitty Scarpato. Holidays. 579-7343 or 583-5242 - Conejo. 492-2458 - Conejo. (818) 707-9972 - Conejo. 642-5779 - Oxnard. 647-4393 - Ventura. |
Acton,
January 19, 2002,
Tri Club Field Trip.
January looks to be a busy month with the lure of Quartzsite followed by a five-day hunt at Wiley's Well district after the Pow Wow. More about that trip later.
Trip leaders thought a close one-day trip would be nice, especially for those not going to Quartzite. The Tri-Counties field trip for January will be to Acton, which is about 80 miles from Ventura and South of Highway 14.
We will meet at the McDonalds North of Highway 14. Take the Crown Valley Road exit and turn left. We plan to leave McDonalds at 9:00 a.m. and proceed to site C. Pray for a sunny day!
We will be hunting for banded agate, massive olivine and jasper at site C. If time permits and the weather cooperates, we may explore some of the other sites in this area.
As a courtesy to the trip leader, please r.s.v.p. to trip leader, Lew Mayron, or to Ron Wise at least two days before the trip.
Trip leader: Lew Mayron of the Conejo Club (492-2458),
Or contact Ron Wise (647-4393).
Quartzsite Activities
From January 1, 2002:
QIA Pow Wow January 23 to 27, 2002.
Wiley Well District Field Trip-Take 2,
January 28 to February 1, 2002.
This field trip is sponsored by CFMS and led by Richard Pankey, Chairman, field trips north and coordinated with the activities at Quartzsite. The QIA Pow Wow runs from January 23 to the 27, with the Wiley Well field trips starting Monday January 28 at 8:00a.m.
Note the information in the newsletter November/December 2001 page 12. (Use your browser's BACK button or equivalent to return here.) If you plan to attend please notify Dick Pankey, Field Trip Chairman by 1/8/02. Phone 925-439-7509 or Email: dickpankey@juno.com.
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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
WILEY'S WELL DISTRICT FIELD TRIP,
January 28 - February 1, 2002,
Hosted by CFMS Field Trip Chairman - North.
By now I hope your plans are finalized to join us for 5 great days of collecting trips, happy hours, potluck dinners, campfires and generally all around rockhound fun. The flier that was printed in the November Newsletter has the directions to our campsite and the schedule of our daily trips. There are plenty of good campsites for trailers, motor homes and tenters. For those that don't "camp", there are good motels in Blythe only 25 miles away.
I have finalized the "To be announced" collecting trips for Thursday and Friday. On Thursday Jim Strain will lead us to an area on Indian Pass Road about 50 miles south of our camp. This area is best known for dumortierite, but petrified palm, agate, jasper, hematite, basanite, and kyanite is also found there. This area is under claim for gold and this may be one of the last times we may collect there. Dumortierite is a medium to dark blue rock that is similar to lapis.
On Friday we will revisit another old geode area to the west of our camp called the Hidden Saddle. This area has not been that productive in recent years but according to stories of some old timers it was "the place" to find unusual and spectacular geodes. Also, BLM is threatening to close the road to this site and we want to show them that we still need this road.
Our first potluck dinner will be on Monday evening. We will have potlucks on the other evenings for all who wish to participate. We will have a Soup Potluck one evening so bring one to two cans of soup, vegetables, beans, stew or meat per person. This is a fun dinner and always a surprise.
A highlight of the 2000 trip was the dedication of this great geode collecting area as a Rockhound Educational and Recreational Area by the BLM. This was accomplished through the efforts of Jim Strain and Isabella Burns. The dedication took place on Monday evening after our potluck dinner. One of the agreements in the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the Rockhound Educational and Recreational Area for the geode beds in the Wiley Well District is:
"Periodic cleanups will be coordinated between BLM and CFMS to remove trash from the sites. BLM agrees to designate a site for the deposit of the trash collected for proper disposal as needed. CFMS agrees to notify BLM of cleanups as scheduled."
As part of our collecting again this year we will pick up trash, as well as, rocks and geodes. The purpose of our trash cleanup at Wiley Well is more than just to pick up some trash and get tickets for a raffle. The purpose is to make us think about the impact we have on our collecting areas and to help us develop some new "collecting habits". The BLM is not a cleanup service that carries off our trash and garbage after our collecting and camping trips. When using any public lands practice "Pack it in/Pack it out". Our first objective when on a collecting trip is do not litter. That is, do not leave anything behind, i.e. drink cans and plastic bottles, plastic bags, food waste and garbage. Don't be part of the problem. And our second objective is to leave an area cleaner than we found it. Be part of the solution.
To help me plan and accommodate all that will attend this trip, please call, write or e-mail me with your "reservation". Since our insurance situation was resolved, this trip is open to members and guests. Make your plans to join us, whether for a day, a few days or the whole week, at the Wiley Well District.
Dick Pankey,
4310 Kingsly Dr.,
Pittsburg, CA 94565,
Ph: 925-439-7509,
Email: dickpankey@juno.com.
General Information
- This trip will coordinate well with a trip to Quartzsite. The QIA Pow Wow is 1/23 to 27, Desert Garden is 1/1 to 2/28, Main Event is 1/19 to 2/3 and Tyson Wells is 1/4 to 13 and 1/18 to 27.
- There is a dump station at the Rest Stop at the Wiley Well exit off of I-10, however, there is no potable water. Blythe has a free dump station and good water 2 blocks-south of I-10 at the Lovkin Ave. exit.
- Blythe is a good place to get food, supplies, ice and gasoline. It is approximately 25 miles from Blythe to the campsite.
- There are numerous good motels in Blythe with a wide range of rates.
- The closest town to the campsite is Palo Verde, approximately 16 miles through Coon Hollow and over the Mule Mountains. There is a convenience store (food, etc.), gasoline, a couple of restaurants and a rock shop in Palo Verde. Road OK for trucks but not for cars.
- We will monitor CB channel 14 at camp for arrivals and other information and CB channel 4 when caravanning to collecting sites.
- We are planning for nice weather -- warm sunny days; cool, clear, star filled nights. But remember it can rain this time of year so be prepared and plan ahead.
- Blythe is approximately 650 miles from San Francisco and 137 miles from Los Angeles.
- Opal Hill fire agate mine is about 3 miles from camp. This is a fee dig area for fire agate and micromount crystals including apatite, barite, calcite, fluorite and gypsum. Tools needed are hammers, gads, regular and star chisels, eye protection, stiff bristle brush, etc.
- Carry your lunch and water when going to collecting sites. We will not come back to camp during the day.
- Help with the entertainment at happy hours and campfires: bring along an instrument if you play one; bring along a song, a story or a joke to share.
(Reprint from Nov. / Dec. Newsletter which also has a map.)
CFMS Newsletter, January 2002.
Table of Contents.
PUBLIC LANDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT,
November 10, 2001.
On October 19th the Bureau of Land Management issued a News Release which stated a decision had been made "to temporarily close all driveable washes in eastern San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial counties" effective immediately.
As you can imagine, this caused a major reaction by individuals and groups that use desert lands for educational and recreational purposes. A phone call to the California Desert District Office in Riverside revealed that the release was incorrectly worded. When we called on the 23rd, the BLM contact stated they were aware of the error but did not change it immediately just to see what type of reaction they would get. They got a very strong reaction as all planning up to this time has been pointed toward a balanced management plan which would not impact our use of additional public lands any more than current regulations do.
The corrected version of the News Release on October 23rd states that they are temporarily closing specified routes of travel and "all driveable washes in eastern San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial counties not identified as specific motorized vehicle routes as shown for the proposed Desert Wildlife Management Areas in the Preferred Alternative." BLM proposed several alternative management plans in the Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert Environmental Impact Statement they released in February of this year. The comment period was extended 3 times with the last deadline of November 1st, 2001. PLAC did submit comments on behalf of CFMS. We understand several Clubs and Societies also submitted comments. We (PLAC) sincerely extend our thanks to those clubs and individuals who took time to get involved and offered verbal and written comments.
We were successful in getting Norvie Enns appointed to an Advisory Committee in Winnemucca, Nevada. Norvie will be able to bring us up to date at this meeting.
Unfortunately, we were not able to get Gary Palmer appointed to the Santa Rosa Mountains Monument Council. When the monument was created the stipulations for appointment all but excluded someone representing our interests. We hope to work with those who were appointed in order to assure our interests are not forgotten.
As of the date of writing this report, no word has been received on the California Desert District Advisory Council Appointments. In Paso Robles, we took action to nominate Tony Fender of Whittier Gem & Mineral. Typically, these appointments are late in the year or sometimes early the next year.
Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton has vacated a denial of a potential gold mine in eastern Imperial County. Undoubtedly, there will be litigation by the Quechan Indian Nation and the Sierra Club. This is the area where someone removed the claim markers and left some cut rocks to try to incriminate we rockhounds. Fortunately, the mine management recognizes that rockhounds obey laws and are not criminals.
We (PLAC) certainly appreciate the assistance we have received from various clubs and individuals. If you haven't become involved yet, please do. You can brag to your grandchildren and great grandchildren that you helped keep some of the public lands open for the public.
Jim Strain, Chairman, PLAC.
Florence Meisenheimer, Federation Director.
Table of Contents.
You may save your life
if you wear your seat belt,
By Chuck McKie, CFMS Safety Chair.
Facts and Figures:
Each year 15,000 lives could be saved if everyone wore seat belts. At 30 miles per hour, an unrestrained passenger weighing 150 pounds exerts the force of more than two tons as it crashes against another object. This is enough to kill!
Only 61 percent of Americans always use their seat belts when they're driving in their car. Another 30 percent sometimes use the belts and nine percent never do.
Myths About Seat Belts:
I don't need a seat belt when driving at slow speeds or on short trips.
All driving is dangerous. Fatalities have been recorded as slow as 12 miles per hour on nonbelted occupants. Most crashes occur at speeds less than 40 miles per hour. Of all crashes, 75 percent occur within 25 miles from home.
Seat belts are uncomfortable and too confining.
Seat belts are designed to allow motion around the vehicle. They provide plenty of freedom without compromising safety. They are designed to activate immediately should a car come to a sudden halt. After regular use, seatbelts are very comfortable.
If I wear a seat belt, I might get trapped in a burning car or caught in one underwater.
Less than one out of 200 traffic related incidents involve fire or water submersion. Even so, you're much more likely to be knocked out and rendered unconscious if you're not wearing a belt. Your chances of escape are better while wearing a seat belt.
I might be saved if I'm thrown clear of a car in a collision.
You are 25 times more likely to be killed in a crash when thrown from a vehicle. The force of an impact can throw you 150 feet ... 15 car lengths! Seat belts also prevent you from smashing your head into the windshield, which could cause spinal damage.
When I see a collision happening, I'll brace myself.
Crashes happen in the blink of an eye. It is impossible to prepare for crashes, and the forces generated are enormous.
I don't want to offend my passengers by telling them to buckle up.
Most people willingly put on seat belts if someone only reminds them.
Chuck McKie Safety Chairman 2002 via City of Phoenix Safety Department.
Drive safely!
CFMS Newsletter, January 2002.
Table of Contents.
VGMS MINUTES.
CORRECTION: - In the minutes of the November 1st Board meeting it was reported that Mike Kokinos wrote to the state to "protest the new raffle laws." That is an error.
It should read -- Mike Kokinos wrote to Bill Lockyer, California State Attorney General, suggesting that clubs who make little or no profit from their raffles each year be exempt from making monthly reports. These reports would also be a burden on the registry processing the reports.
Florence Meisenheimer,
Federation Director.
Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, November 28, 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, November 28, 2001 in the Bijou room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
The October regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/p as shown in the Bulletin.
Guests were introduced and welcomed to the meeting.
Club Business:
Dues are Due!
On the back table are maps of BLM closure areas. Requests for another printing of gem & mineral stamps are also on the back table.
Saturday December 15, 2001 will be a workday at the museum.
Steve Mulqueen read the slate of officers for the 2002-2003 year and asked for any nominations from the members. The club then voted on the following slate of officers:
- President: Greg Davis,
- 1st Vice President: Kathryn Davis,
- 2nd Vice President: Ron Wise,
- 3rd Vice President: Jim Brace-Thompson,
- Treasurer: Richard Bromser,
- Recording Secretary: OPEN,
- Membership Secretary: Inez Shakman,
- Federation Director: Florence Meisenheimer,
- Bulletin Editor: Shirley Layton,
- Parliamentarian: Steve Mulqueen.
The members voted unanimously to install the slate of officers. They will be installed at the Holiday dinner on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at Carrows off Seaward Ave.
Ron Wise, Vice President for Field Trips: The Lavic Sighting fieldtrip had 9 people. Went to mine dumps, jasper hill, a crater and ended at the Barstow show on Saturday. On January 19 there is a fieldtrip to Acton. If you are interested in going, please RSVP to Ron or another tri-club fieldtrip chairman. For more information, please contact Ron at 647-4393.
Richard Bromser, Treasurer: Richard gave the treasurer's report. The raffle permit for the show has been received. The sign-up sheet for the Holiday dinner will be passed around. The cost for the dinner is $12.50 plus tip and tax.($14.50)
Emma Mayer will start doing a Pebble Pup meeting an hour before the regular meeting. There are 15 Pebble Pups in the club. Emma has come up with some great ideas including fieldtrips. She is also asking for volunteers to help with talks for the Pebble Pups.
Nancy Brace-Thompson, Co-Show Chairperson: There will be a show-planning meeting on Sunday 12/2 at 2:00 pm at the Brace-Thompson's house. If you need directions, please call 659-3577. We are in need of a Hospitality chair for the up-coming show. The hospitality chair would greet the public, pass out show flyers and sell raffle tickets.
Shirley Layton, Bulletin Editor: Deadline for articles in the next bulletin is December 20th. All articles are welcomed. Our bulletin was sent to CFMS for the bulletin contest. The bulletins are being put into binders and will be stored at the museum.
Ray Meisenheimer had one school sign up for a tour of the museum.
Steve Mulqueen mentioned that the Pasadena show will be on December 8 & 9 and is a very good show to see. He also has information on Tucson & Quartzsite if anyone is interested.
Wayne Ehlers introduced the video, "The Russian Jewels" by Bob Jones.
All Pebble Pubs received a present. Ron C. won the member badge drawing.
The next board meeting will be on December 6, 2001 at 7:30 pm at the museum. Everyone is welcome to attend. The 2nd Saturday of every month is generally for field trips and the 3rd Saturday of every month the club's workshop is open from 9 am to 12 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.
The next meeting will be at the Holiday dinner on December 12, 2001, at 6:30 p.m., at the Carrows off Seaward Ave in Ventura.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Brace-Thompson, Secretary.
Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, December 6, 2001;
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:35 p.m. on Thursday December 6, 2001, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Present: Greg Davis, Richard Bromser, Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson, Steve Mulqueen, Kathryn Davis, Ray & Florence Meisenheimer, Shirley Layton, Inez Shakman, Emma Mayer, David Mautz and Ron Wise.
President:
The 18" large saw blade needs to be replaced. Richard and Greg will look into getting some quotes towards a replacement blade.
Saturday December 15th at 9:00 am there will be a work party at the museum.
Greg will call to ask if Red would present the out-going officers and install the in-coming officers at the Holiday dinner.
We will donate two presents to the Lexington for their holiday gift exchange. Steve will call and find out when the party will be held and Inez will buy the gifts. A motion was made to spend about $50.00 on the gift. M/S/P.
Ray Meisenheimer will go to a meeting with the City of Thousand Oaks and the Conejo club regarding moving our museum into a donated building in Thousand Oaks.
Treasurer's Report: Richard Bromser passed around the treasurer's report. The reports were M/S/P. The club has 74 members at the moment, not including Pebble Pups. Richard will call the dairy for more milk crates. We will make a donation of $20 to Boy Scout Pack 3179. M/S/P. Christmas dinner is now $13.00 per person.
Federation Report: Florence and Ray Meisenheimer went to the Federation meeting. The Federation is writing a letter to protest the new raffle law.
Bulletin: The bulletin deadline is December 20th.
All articles are welcomed.
The bulletins will be bound and put into the museum.
There have been some nice responses towards our web site.
It was discussed to allow advertisements in the bulletin. This would help defray the cost of the printing of bulletin. More discussion is needed.
The exhibitor application will be in the next bulletin.
Show: There will be a show planning meeting at the Brace-Thompson's house on Sunday January 13, 2002 at 2:00 pm. Please call 659-3577 if you need directions to the house. All are welcomed. Jim will have more flyers and raffle tickets available at the up-coming meetings.
Raffle: David Mautz brought the extra raffle prizes to the meeting, since he is not sure if he can be in-charge of the raffle with his new job. Beginning in January everyone will be given a free raffle ticket and numbers will be drawn at the end of the meeting.
Field Trips: There was a Tri-club meeting to discuss up-coming fieldtrips for 2002. Ron gave out a list of the fieldtrips.
Pebble Pups: Emma gave a short overview on how she would like to run the Pebble Pup meeting. She has asked for suggestions and volunteers to help.
The board meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Brace-Thompson, Secretary.
Minutes of the VGMS Holiday Dinner Meeting,
Wednesday, December 12, 2001;
The holiday dinner meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at the Carrows Restaurant off Seaward Boulevard in Ventura. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
We had a wonderful dinner with great service and company. After everyone had their fill of turkey with all the trimmings, Red Jioras acknowledged the out-going officers and the new officers for 2002 were installed. They are:
- President: Greg Davis,
- 1st Vice President: Kathryn Davis,
- 2nd Vice President: Ron Wise,
- 3rd Vice President: Jim Brace-Thompson,
- Treasurer: Richard Bromser,
- Recording Secretary: OPEN,
- Membership Secretary: Inez Shakman,
- Federation Director: Florence Meisenheimer,
- Bulletin Editor: Shirley Layton,
- Parliamentarian: Steve Mulqueen.
Greg passed around a card for Florence Meisenhiemer who was in the hospital.
He also thanked Sharon Cunningham for making the arrangements and the table decorations for the dinner.
Richard Bromser was given a framed decree of recognition for all his hard work for the club.
A good time was had by all.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Nancy Brace-Thompson,
Recording Secretary.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting,
January 3, 2002;
The regular Board meeting was held in the museum meeting room January 3, 2002. President Greg Davis called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm. There was a quorum.
Greg had several items on the agenda. The new door prize system will take affect at the next regular meeting. David Mautz will need some one to replace him when he can not be there.
The 20 inch saw needs a new blade. Greg will hold off buying one until he can compare prices at Quartzsite.
Brett Breton will not be contacting John Moller, owner of the building where our museum is housed. Instead, Richard Bromser will contact Will Burnett regarding any problems this club may have.
The $500.00 scholarship VGMS offers to a Ventura College student was discussed. No action will be taken at this time.
Greg has received a letter from the Mariposa Mineral & Mining Museum, asking for a donation of $1.00 per member.
Florence Meisenheimer reported that the AFMS, CFMS and insurance dues and premium are due. With 82 members at $4.50 per member the amount comes to $369.00.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report and handed out a proposed budget for the coming year.
Jim Brace-Thompson, show chairman discussed the up-coming show. Nancy has the guest exhibitor invitations ready to mail. The price of tables and chairs and dividers have all increased at the Fairgrounds. Jim has advertisements in all of the gem and mineral magazines. He asked for donations from club members for door prizes. Steve Mulqueen was granted up to 60 dollars for case mementos, when he visits Quartzsite.
Shirley Layton reminded members that the deadline for the bulletin is the 10th of the month. She also reported that she will accept business card size advertisements from any one wishing to advertise anything in Rockhound Rambling. The charge is $60.00 a year.
Inez Shakman reported that members are slow in paying dues. She has two new members - Cindy Gold Treutelaar and Jason Badgley. Inez also discussed selling material on the internet.
Steve Mulqueen reported on the museum. The old polisher has been sold. There will be a clean up, rock sorting meeting at the museum January 19, starting at 9 am. Steve also reported that the magazine "California Geology" may go out of business due to financial problems. At the present time they are not printing. Also, on January 15 the Coast geological Society will hold their monthly barbecue and meeting at the American Legion.
There being no other business Greg Davis adjourned the meeting at 9:15 pm.
Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
In each of us there is a little of all of us.
Lichtenberg.
Table of Contents.
THE EISENHOWER SAPPHIRE.
A 2097-carat black star sapphire, found at Anakie, Queensland, Australia was carved into a bust of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The finished carving weighs 1444-carats and measures 2 1/2 inches wide and 2 1/4 inches deep. A star is visible at the base of the neck. The sculptor was Harry Derian and the technical adisor was Lincoln Borgium.
This carving, together with those of Presidents Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson, and the Black Star of Queensland, were presented as a gift to the American people by the Kazanjian Foundation of Pasadena, California. The Eisenhower Sapphire is presently on display in the Smithsonian.
Tumbler 9/97 via Gem Time 9/01,
Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
When in the dark is it better to move or stand still? If still, you won't bump into anything... but you won't find the light either.
Norm Howe.
Table of Contents.
HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS
(Use at your own risk).
HELP! My cup runneth low again!! We would appreciate any hints or tips to make our specimens better. Please send them to the editor to share. Thanks!
HINT - When a leather buff becomes contaminated, wash in warm water, soaping two or three times with Fels Naptha bar, working the surfaces of the leather together in a scrubbing motion to dislodge the contaminant. Rinse well in warm water. Hang on a clothes line with a snap type clothes pin to dry thoroughly. It is then ready to replace on the machine. - Rock Rollers, 10/84 via MOROKS Newsletter 1/02.
Table of Contents.
MARIPOSA MINERAL & GEM SHOW.
Plans are underway for our Mariposa Mineral & Gem Show that is scheduled for the weekend of April 20-21, 2002. Due to the success of our First annual Show, we anticipate that this year's show will be bigger. We have plans to expand to Exhibit Bldg. A in addition to Exhibit Bldg. B. Both buildings are adjacent to our museum at the Mariposa Fairgrounds. Again, the show will be free to the general public.
If you are interested in participating in our show as a vendor or exhibitor, information packets (with registration forms) are available by request.
- Fax (209) 966-3597,
- E-mail: mineralmuseum@sierratel.com,
- Mail: Department of Parks & Recreation, California State Mining & Mineral Museum, P.O. Box 1192, Mariposa, CA 95338.
Table of Contents.
TUCSON / QUARTZSITE SHOWS.
48th Annual Tucson Gem & Mineral Show - February 14-17, 2002 - (520) 322-5773.
For a complete schedule of Tucson Events see Steve Mulqueen for a copy or see website www.visittucson.org or e-mail visitorinfo@mtcvb.com.
Tyson Wells Rock/Gem Show - January 4th to January 13th - (928) 927-6364.
Pow Wow - 36th Annual - January 23rd to Jan 27th - (928) 927-8118.
For Further Information on the dates of the Quartzsite Shows: See website www.quartzsiteimprovementassoc.com or e-mail qia@redrivernet.com.
There will be schedules at the January meeting.
Contributed by Steve Mulqueen.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
2002 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
FEBRUARY 1, 2, 3; REDLANDS, CA - 37th annual Pacific Micromount Conf., Southern California Micro-Mineralogists, San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane. Beverly Moreau (714) 577-8038, bcmoreau@4dnet.com.
FEBRUARY 15-24; INDIO, CA - San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society, Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival; Gem & Mineral Bldg (on the Fairgrounds); 46-350 Arabia Street. Hours: 10am-10pm. Don Grisham (909) 795-7289.
FEBRUARY 16-17; STOCKTON, CA - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club "Earth's Treasures". Scottish Rite Temple; 33 W. Alpine Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Jim Dunlap (209) 478-0747. jimsopals@jps.net.
MARCH 1-10; EL CENTRO, CA - Imperial Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Imperial Valley Expo & Fair. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 pm, Fri.-Sun. 10am to 10pm
MARCH 2-3, ARCADIA, CA - Monrovia Rockhounds, Inc., The Arboretum of Los Angeles County, Ayres Hall; 301 N. Baldwin Avenue. Hours: 9-4:30 both days. Jo Anna Ritchey (636) 359-1524. j.ritchey@verizon.net.
MARCH 2-3; VENTURA, CA - Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Seaside Park (Ventura County Fairgrounds), 10 West Harbor Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. James Brace-Thompson (805) 659-3577.
MARCH 9-10; SPRECKELS, CA - Monterey Bay Gem & Mineral Society 55th Annual Gem & Mineral Show. Veteran's Hall. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5. Peter Sherrill (831) 449-6242. Petkatmat@aol.com.
MARCH 9-10; TURLOCK, CA - Mother Lode Mineral Show, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway. Hours: 10-5 both days. Ted Magee & Bud McMillin. (209) 522-8231 or 527-8000.
MARCH 9-10; VALLEJO, CA - Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society, Solano County Building, Solano County Fairgrounds; Hwy 37 & Interstate 80. Hours:10-5 both days. Ed Hoffmark (707) 642-8754. e-mail vgms@ncal.verio.com.
MARCH 16-17; HAWTHORNE, CA - Northrop Grumman Gem & Mineral Club, 12329 Crenshaw Blvd. (Gate 16). Hours: Sat. 10-6. Sun. 10-5. Jimmy Lapham: Lapham@earthlink.net.
MARCH 16-17; SAN JOSE, CA - Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ruth Bailey (408) 248-6195. http://www.slip.net/~ccox/scvgms, e-mail: scvgms@aol.com.
MARCH 23-24; BORON, CA - Mojave Mineralogical Society, Inc., Boron High School Multipurpose Room, Prospect Street. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4. David Eyre (760) 762-6575.
MARCH 23-24; LA HABRA, CA - North Orange County Gem & Mineral Soc., La Habra Clubhouse; 200 W. Greenwood. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun 10-4. Don & Jane Livezey (714) 524-6280. e-mail JDLive27@aol.com.
MARCH 30-31; ROSEVILLE, CA - Roseville Rock Rollers Gem & Min. Soc. "Nature's Wonders", Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All American Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Elton Dean (916) 969-6733.
APRIL 6-7; HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA - Puente Hills Gem & Mineral Club "Magic in Rocks"; Steinmetz Park, 1545 Stimson Avenue. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bob Hess (562) 696-2270. Rpsthess@earthlink.net.
APRIL 13-14; PARADISE, CA - Paradise Gem Mineral Club 48th Annual Show, Veteran's Memoral Hall @ Elliot & Skyway. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. John Hees (530)533-5756 or Robert Lynk (530) 876-8807.
APRIL 27-28; LANCASTER, CA - Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 155 East Avenue "I". Hours: 9-5 both days. Olan Flick (661) 943-3882.
APRIL 27-28; SANTA CRUZ, CA - Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society "50th Annual Show". Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium @ Corner of Center & Church Streets. Hours:10-5 both days. Sallee & Bob Brumbaugh (831) 336-5662.
Table of Contents.
AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2002.
SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION,
February 8-9; Tyler, TX.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN,
April 19-21; Enid, Oklahoma.
CANADIAN FEDERATION CONVENTION,
May 4-5; 25th Anniversary,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION,
July 12-14; Placerville, CA,
Hosted by: El Dorado Mineral & Gem Society,
El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
COMBINED NWF/AFMS,
July 16-21; Port Townsend, WA.
EASTERN FEDERATION,
To be announced.
MIDWEST FEDERATION,
To be announced.
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
To be announced.
Table of Contents.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. Thanks to everyone for their contributions and we look forward to a lot more from other members!! (That is a broad hint!!) In closing out 2001 and starting 2002 keep up the good work with articles and photos. Happy New Year.
 |
Table of Contents.
EDUCATIONAL CORNER.
Definition of the Month.
Fossilization:
Fossilization - All processes involving the burial of plants or animals in sediment or volcanic ash and the eventual preservation of all, part or a trace of it. In the process of fossilization, preservation of the organic matter is a necessity, and this depends chiefly, though not entirely, upon two requisites: (1) quick burial in a protective medium and (2) some kind of hard parts, such as a shell, skeleton or plant fiber. Animals and plants which live in water have a much better chance of becoming fossils than terrestrial organisms. This is due in part to the higher than average rate of sedimentation in a water environment and the lack of the harsh weathering elements more common in the terrestrial environments. Marine animals are much more common as fossils than those which lived on land. Fossilization may also involve the replacement of organic matter, from plants or animals, with minerals such as calcite, quartz, pyrite, etc.
Source:
1. Glossary of Geology, American Geological Institute, Falls Church, Virginia, 1980;
2. Invertebrate Fossils, McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, 1952.
The "Definition of the Month" will feature key words which are related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Anyone who would like to submit words and definitions for the bulletin, please let me know.
Steve Mulqueen.
Illustration of the Month.
"Arizona Desert Landscape",
An illustration by Norton Allen.
Source: "Lost Desert Bonanzas", page 64, a book written by Eugene L. Conrotto, with illustrations and maps by Norton Allen, published by Desert-Southwest Publishers, printed by Desert Printers, Palm Desert, Calif., 1963.
The "Illustration of the Month" will feature a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering or an engraving print found in old books, maps and manuscripts related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Anyone who wishes to submit an illustration for next month's bulletin, please see me.
Steve Mulqueen.
Table of Contents.
COLORBOOK.
A is for . . .
. . . Agate.
Agate is a variety of the
mineral quartz. Its beautiful
colors and patterns make
agate a favorite of collectors.
Color each band a different
color (red, white, blue, black,
orange.)
. . . Amazonite.
Amazonite is a variety of a
mineral called feldspar. It
is green and is polished for
jewelry.
. . . Azurite.
Azurite is a beautiful blue mineral.
Its name comes from the word
azure which means "blue".
Table of Contents.
VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.
Installation of 2002 Officers at the Christmas Party by Santa (Red Jioras). L-R Greg Davis - President, Kathryn Davis - 1st Vice President, Ron Wise - 2nd Vice President, Jim Brace-Thompson - 3rd Vice President, Richard Bromser - Treasurer, Inez Shakman - Membership Secretary, Shirley Layton - Bulletin Editor, Steve Mulqueen - Parliamentarian. Click on this image for a larger one. Close the new window to come back.
President Greg Davis presenting Richard Bromser with Proclamation of Honor for Outstanding Service to VGMS. Click on this image for a larger one. Close the new window to come back.
Members and guests enjoying the Christmas Dinner and fellowship. Click on this image for a larger one. Close the new window to come back.
Members and guests enjoying the Christmas Dinner and fellowship. Click on this image for a larger one. Close the new window to come back.
Table of Contents.
A Letter of Thanks
from the
California Oil Museum.
Table of Contents.
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