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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
March 2003.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• "2003 DUES ARE DUE";
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• The pearl of great price;
• March Program;
• PROGRAM REVIEW - FEBRUARY;
• LAPIDARY CLASS;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• GEM SHOW 2003: THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL;
• SHOW ASSESSMENT MEETING AND A CALL FOR 2004 SHOW VOLUNTEERS;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• WEB SITES;
• 2003 Meeting Programs;
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH;
• APRIL BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• Tree Hugger;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• Let's Work Some Soapstone - By Pat Warner;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• The Gift;
• "It's wonderful . . .";
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk);
• NEW AFMS RULES CHANGES FOR 2003;
• LIGHTENING STRIKES AT THE SEASIDE GEMBOREE;
• 2003 CFMS CLUB SHOWS;
• AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE - 2003;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• CALIFORNIA FEDERATION SHOW FLYER;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• COLORBOOK;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Ventura Gem & Mineral Society members can be proud. Our show March 1 & 2 was the nicest and most successful show in a number of years. Thank you so very much Jim and Nancy Brace-Thompson as chairmen, and sincere thank yous to all of the members who worked hard and long hours to make the show go so well.

Attendance by the public was better than it has been for years, thanks to Jim Brace-Thompson's great publicity.

Even the weather cooperated this year---no rain.

In our museum we are updating some of the exhibits and plan to make more room for the large specimens. Since the show I have received several requests for tours of the museum.

     Ray Meisenheimer.

Please Note: Among the club archives Sharon Markley has found a collection of club commemorative pins. They were case mementos for VGMS' 25th and 30th show. I will have them at the next meeting March 26. If any one is interested please take one, or more if you have friends who are pin collectors. - Ray Meisenheimer.

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"2003 DUES ARE DUE."
SEE VGMS Info Page FOR AMOUNTS.
SEND TO SHARON & GARY MARKLEY,
1686 Kenewa Street, Ojai, CA 93023.
THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET INTO THE 2003 DIRECTORY.
THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST BULLETIN IF YOU HAVE NOT RENEWED.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

Given the choice of two theories, take the one that is funnier.

It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end.

If the weather didn't change once in a while, many people couldn't start a conversation.

Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"The pearl of great price always begins as a pain in the oyster's stomach!"

John E. Large, The Small Needle of Doctor Large.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

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March Program,
"California's Golden Parks: Mining Museum",
Video with Huell Howser.

As part of his popular California's Golden Parks Series, join host Huell Howser in a video visit to the California State Mining and Mineral Museum at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds to see our state's official collection of more than 13,000 minerals, rocks, gems, historic mining artifacts and fossils. The big news of 1848 was the discovery of gold in California. This event attracted international attention, and soon a mass immigration of fortune seekers and pioneers trekked to California to pan the streams for gold in the Sierra foothills. More than a century later, gold and legends of Old West mining continue to fascinate us. You are invited to discover for yourself California's mineral wealth, colorful history, and some of the finest specimens of gold ever found in the Mother Lode, along with other gems and minerals from around the world. Although the Mining Museum in Mariposa is one of our newest state parks, this museum houses a collection--the official California State Mineral Collection--that was started in 1865 in San Francisco. You'll also see a working scale model of a stamp mill, demonstrating the process of gold extraction. Bring some popcorn, settle back in your chair, and enjoy!
     Nancy Brace-Thompson, Program Chairperson.

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PROGRAM REVIEW - FEBRUARY:
Show-&-Tell from Quartzsite & Tucson,
By Nancy Brace-Thompson.

We had a very good turnout for our show-&-tell on Quartzsite, Tucson and field trips. We started off with a short slide presentation by Jim Brace-Thompson on the recent Tri-Club Field Trip to Coal Point (Isla Vista) on the Santa Barbara coast. The slide presentation then moved right into a sampling of the many wonders Quartzsite has to offer.

Following the slides, the lights came up, and it was time for members to show off their field trip finds and Quartzsite buys. We had the whole gambit of rockhounding items, from trilobites, dinosaur bones and petrified wood to tiger iron sculptures, turquoise beads, opal, various exotic jaspers and other very interesting items purchased at Quartzsite or collected by club members on trips to localities far and wide. Many thanks to all who shared their specimens and their stories!
     Nancy Brace-Thompson, Program Chairperson.

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LAPIDARY CLASS.

If you are interested in learning how to cut, shape, and polish cabochons we will have a class at our workshop starting March 24 for 5 weeks. Several members as well as those who indicated an interest at our show have prompted us to start this class as soon as possible. It will be held from 7 to 9 pm at the workshop located at 5019 Crooked Palm Road in Ventura. The easiest way to get there from Ventura is to go North towards Ojai on Hwy 33 and exit at Shell Rd, go to Ventura Ave turn left and left again in about a half mile on Crooked Palm Road, under the freeway and parallel to it for about half a mile to 5019 which is a brown building on the left at the corner of the old Petrochem Refinery property. If you have your own rock that you would like to cut and polish just bring it along. We have plenty of rocks and slabs at the workshop so there will be something to work on. If you want more information call Greg Davis, 647-9214, Ron Wise, 647-4393, or Wayne Ehlers, 482-6830. This is a "hands-on" class so wear working clothes as you will get into cutting oil and rock dust. Our workshop is not large so the number of students we can accommodate is limited. For this reason we restrict it to members of VGMS. If you are not now a member we will sign you up at the class. We hope to see you there.

Wayne Ehlers.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

3-24-03 - Lapidary Class - VGMS Museum - 7 to 9 pm - Class will be held for 5 weeks.
3-26-03 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm (There isn't a Pebble Pup Meeting) - "California's Golden Parks: Mining Museum" video with Huell Howser.
3-29-03 - Jo Anna Ritchey's "Need Help with Competition and Rules?" Seminar.
3-29, 30-03 - Tri-Club Field Trip - Trona area - Don Asher, Leader.
3-30-03 - Show Assessment Meeting - 2:00 pm - at Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson's (7319 Eisenhower Street). See article in this month's newsletter. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
4-3-03 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
4-3-03 - DEADLINE FOR APRIL Bulletin Articles to the Editor! (Note - This is early as we will be out of town! Thanks!)
4-6 thru 13-03 CFMS Earth Science Studies - Zzyzx.
4-18 thru 22-03 - Desert Symposium - Zzyzx, CA.
4-19-03 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-12 am.
4-23-03 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm (There isn't a separate Pebble Pup Meeting) - "Nature's Images Under the Microscope", Ed Gafford, Artist.
5-1-03 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
5-22 thru 25-03 - Tri-Federation Rockhound Rendezvous - Information was in the Dec 2002 and Jan 2003 bulletins.

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GEM SHOW 2003:
THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL!

From the amounts of donations raised in a great silent auction, country store, plant sale, and raffle to the smiling faces of kids having fun in a variety of children's activities...from the good food and fellowship of our opening dinner to the beautiful displays set up by our members and guests...from satisfied dealers and demonstrators to compliments tendered by the visiting public...by pretty much all measures, we can each pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. From set-up starting 8:30 in the morning on Thursday until the last item was packed away around 8:30 Sunday night, we never lacked for willing hands and smiling faces to help share the load, and for that, I offer all the members of VGMS my thanks and gratitude. Thank you, one and all, for an inspiring effort!
     Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.

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SHOW ASSESSMENT MEETING
AND A CALL FOR 2004 SHOW VOLUNTEERS.

While our 2003 Show is still fresh in our minds, please come to our Show Assessment Meeting at 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 30th at Jim and Nancy Brace-Thompson's home (7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura 93003; phone 659-3577 for directions). We'll talk about what went well and what could be improved with the goal of making our 2004 Show even better. If you won't be able to attend the meeting on the 30th, please see us at the March club meeting with your comments and suggestions or please feel free to call on the phone any time. We look forward to hearing from one and all!

In addition, as of now, we're taking suggestions and volunteers for committee chairs to start the ball rolling on next year. As candidates for the U.S. Presidency will tell you, with only 12 months to go, it's never too early...Here are committees in search of a chair:
     Dealer/Demo Dealer,
     Exhibits,
     Physical Facilities/Transport of Equipment,
     Layout & Set-up,
     Printed Program,
     Publicity,
     Hospitality,
     Raffle,
     Silent Auction,
     Security,
     Food/Refreshments,
     Country Store,
     Plant Sale,
     Kids' Activities,
     Video Presentations.

What did you most enjoy doing at Show 2003? Consider taking charge and making that activity even better in 2004! I have printed job descriptions and lists of duties for each committee chair, so you won't be starting from scratch, plus you'll find plenty of friendly and experienced club members to help along the way. The main consideration: choose something that's fun to you and that you'll enjoy digging into with a can-do attitude and a big smile. It's a lot of hard work, but if you choose the right job, you'll also reap a tremendous amount of satisfaction. I'm waiting by my phone (659-3577) for our first volunteer, who will be awarded with a rockhound gift at our March club meeting, so don't delay - call today!
     Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

CHIPS & BOULDERS.

VGMS Web Site is up and running - If you noticed a couple weeks ago our web site was down, we now have it up and running better than ever. Our web host decided to go out of business without proper notice. Jim had noticed it down and tried to get in touch, but he didn't respond to telephone or e-mail. After checking further up the line Jim found out he was no more! The Board approved the move to a new Web Host and Jim had it back up on the new web host site the next day! Actually it works better now than it has for a year! He has a new "button" on the site for the AFMS/CFMS show with a link to their web sites. He will have a count down for it soon. Check it out! You still access the site the same as you always have - http://www.vgms.org/.
     Webmaster's (Jim's) Hint: The lazy of us can simply type vgms.org into the address line of most up-to-date browsers and press ENTER to get to the site.

International Northwestern Faceters Conference for 2003 - To be held in Boise, Idaho on May 23-25, at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel. For additional information you can e-mail Dee Holland - hollandd@salmoninternet.com or Shirley Leeson - shirleyleeson@email.msn.com. Anyone interested in Registration forms, please call Shirley Layton at 805 642-2683. The registration deadline is 5-20-2003. The forms are also in the CFMS Newsletter, February, 2003.

Teachers can get Free Materials - Teachers interested in obtaining materials for their earth science classrooms should be aware of an organization called Mineral Information Institute. Found on the web at http://www.www.mii.org/ the organization offers a wide variety of materials many of which are sent to teachers at no cost. - from Steve Weinberger, AFMS Past President - AFMS Newsletter 2/03.

Plastic flowerpots Needed for 2004 Show!! - Marie Ehlers needs any plastic flowerpots you are no longer using for her cuttings for the Plant Booth at our next show. Anyone with spares give Marie a call at 805 482-6830 and make arrangements to get them to her.

Milk Crates are available for members at $5.00 each. See Richard Bromser. They are great for storing our treasures!

Hosts and Hostesses are needed for Regular Meetings. - The schedule is pretty well completed, but there are openings for August and October. Give Sharon Cunningham a call at (805) 649-3579 if you can contribute for one of the months. Many thanks to Sharon, herself, for the wonderful chocolate dipped strawberries and other baked goodies everyone enjoyed. Greg & Valli Davis have kindly agreed to take care of us at the March meeting.

VGMS Business Cards Available - You can get them printed with your name and address or whatever you wish on them. They are $2.00 for 50 or $3.75 for 100. See Shirley Layton with the number you want and how you want them printed.

CFMS Newsletter - Any one wishing to subscribe to the CFMS Newsletter send $5.50 to Pat LaRue, P.O. Box 1657, Rialto, CA 92377-1677. It is not prorated if you decide to subscribe for it later on in the year. - Florence Meisenheimer.

VGMS Workshops - They are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 until noon unless otherwise notified. The Shop Supervisors are: Ron Wise (805) 647-4393 & Greg Davis (805) 647-9214. 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.

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!

Advertising - Any One want to put an Ad in Rockhound Rambling?? - Call Shirley Layton 805 642-2683. - Sell some to a friend! The Bulletin goes to several other Gem & Mineral clubs, so it is good spread for little money!!

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WEB SITES.

AFMS website - www.Amfed.org,
CFMS website - www.cfmsinc.org,
CA BLM website - www.ca.blm.gov,
American Lands Access Association - www.amerlands.org.

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2003 Meeting Programs.

Following is an updated outline of programs planned for our 2003 meetings. Everyone has an interesting story to tell! So please call me to volunteer to make a presentation of your own, to pass along a lead of a person you know who may be able to relate an interesting facet of our hobby, or even just to pass along an idea you would like to have as a program. Thus far, here's what we have planned tentatively for our 2003 meetings:

     I'm currently exploring a lead for a program on plate tectonics and volcanoes. I would love to hear from anyone with additional ideas! Please call me during the day at 652-7249 (work) or in the evenings or weekends at 659-3577 (home).
          Thank you.
          Nancy Brace-Thompson 1st Vice President.

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

On February 19, Susan Mulqueen volunteered as a judge for a science fair featuring 5th grade science projects at Cindy William's class at Lincoln Elementary School in Ventura.

February 25th Ray Meisenheimer gave a presentation on minerals and fossils to two sixth grade classes at Ocean View Junior High School in Oxnard. There were approximately 30 students in each class along with their teacher.

On March 2, Steve Mulqueen attended the opening ceremony for a new exhibit at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula. The exhibit titled "St. Francis Dam Disaster - 75th Anniversary" features photos and artifacts of California's second most devastating disaster. Steve prepared a geologic illustration for the exhibit. The exhibit will be at the museum through August, 2003.

On March 9, Susan Mulqueen, Wayne and Marie Ehlers participated in the 2003 Whale Festival held at the Sycamore Canyon Nature Center. Susan prepared an exhibit of insects for the festival, insects common to the Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Wayne and Marie exhibited cabochons and belt buckles and represented the VGMS. Wayne and Marie have been volunteers at the nature center for several years.

On March 7 - 9, Steve Mulqueen gave a tour of the Ryan Mining District in Death Valley to John McCulloch and Greg Pelka. John manages a web site which features articles and photographs on subjects related to borax history. He took several hundred digital photos, some which will be posted on his web site. You may view the web site at the following address: www.ttrr.org.

On March 17, Steve Mulqueen presented a slide lecture on the subject of Petroleum Seeps to members of the Del Air Rockhounds in Reseda. The Del Air club will be hosting the CFMS/ AFMS Mineral Show in Ventura this June.

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APRIL BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in April (this was a busy month!). 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 or an e-mail will also do the trick, jns@west.net. Thanks!

April -Happy Birthday!!
     Everard Ashworth - 1st,
     Bennett Collings - 5th,
     Cody Stephens - 6th,
     Jonathan Edmonson - 8th,
     Richard Bromser - 10th,
     Lorraine Edmonson - 11th,
     Jeff McNeilan - 12th,
     Aaron & Ashley Base - 13th,
     Kevin Berman - 22nd,
     Justin Fowler - 24th,
     Hannah Brace-Thompson - 29th.

The April birthstone is the Diamond and the flower is the Sweet Pea.

THE MINERAL DIAMOND.

• Chemistry: C, Elemental Carbon.
• Class: Native Elements.
• Subclass: Non-metallics.
• Group: Carbon.
• Uses: as a gemstone and abrasive.

Diamond is the ultimate gemstone, having few weaknesses and many strengths. It is well known that Diamond is the hardest substance found in nature, but few people realize that Diamond is four times harder than the next hardest natural mineral, corundum (sapphire and ruby). But even as hard as it is, it is not impervious. Diamond has four directions of cleavage, meaning that if it receives a sharp blow in one of these directions it will cleave, or split. A skilled diamond setter and/or jeweler will prevent any of these directions from being in a position to be struck while mounted in a jewelry piece.

As a gemstone, Diamond's single flaw (perfect cleavage) is far outdistanced by the sum of its positive qualities. It has a broad color range, high refraction, high dispersion or fire, very low reactivity to chemicals, rarity, and of course, extreme hardness and durability.

In terms of it's physical properties, diamond is the ultimate mineral in several ways:

• Hardness: Diamond is a perfect "10", defining the top of the hardness scale.
• Clarity: Diamond is transparent over a larger range of wavelengths (from the ultraviolet into the far infrared) than is any other substance.
• Thermal Conductivity: Diamond conducts heat better than anything - five times better than the second best element, Silver!
• Melting Point: Diamond has the highest melting point (3820 degrees Kelvin)!
• Lattice Density: The atoms of Diamond are packed closer together than are the atoms of any other substance!

Diamond is a polymorph of the element carbon. Graphite is another polymorph. The two share the same chemistry, carbon, but have very different structures and properties. Diamond is hard, Graphite is soft (the "lead" of a pencil). Diamond is an excellent electrical insulator, Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. Diamond is the ultimate abrasive, Graphite is a very good lubricant. Diamond is transparent, Graphite is opaque. Diamond crystallizes in the Isometric system and graphite crystallizes in the hexagonal system. Somewhat of a surprise is that at surface temperatures and pressures, Graphite is the stable form of carbon. In fact, all diamonds at or near the surface of the Earth are currently undergoing a transformation into Graphite. This reaction, fortunately, is extremely slow.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Color is variable and tends toward pale yellows, browns, grays, and also white, blue, black, reddish, greenish and colorless.
• Luster is adamantine to waxy.
• Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent in rough crystals.
• Crystal System is isometric; 4/m bar 3 2/m.
• Crystal Habits include isometric forms such as cubes and octahedrons, twinning is also seen.
• Hardness is 10.
• Specific Gravity is 3.5 (above average).
• Cleavage is perfect in 4 directions forming octahedrons.
• Fracture is conchoidal.
• Streak is white.
• Associated Minerals are limited to those found in kimberlite rock, an ultramafic igneous rock composed mostly of olivine.
• Other Characteristics: refractive index is 2.4 (very high), dispersion is 0.044, fluorescent.
• Notable Occurrences include South Africa and other localities throughout Africa, India, Brazil, Russia, Australia, and Arkansas.
• Best Field Indicator is extreme hardness.

Copyright (c) 1995 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.

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HOSPITALITY.

We had 28 members and one guest, Doug Treutelaar, at our February meeting. Unfortunately there weren't any Pebble Pups, we miss them! We were happy to have Sharlyne and her great smile back with us. Sharon Cunningham treated everyone with some chocolate dipped strawberries and some other very tasty goodies to enjoy while visiting with other members to catch up on their happenings. There were five lucky door prize winners (me being one of them!) and many who shared their finds and experiences while in Quartzsite and Tucson. With the sparkles in their eyes, one can be assured they had a great time there! We really appreciate their sharing. Hope to see you all in March as we learn about the California Mining Museum and hear Show stories! It was a Great Show by the way. It is a lot of hard work, but more importantly a lot of fun and a good feeling of working together. We have a GREAT group! One of the best parts of the show was seeing Liz and Clay Brashears! They love the show and Clay always reminisced when going by the Country store as half his garage was there!!! Liz was a great help at the Country Store as well. Their Granddaughter, Rachel, was a good helper as well. Thanks Stephanie for bringing them by!

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MEMBERSHIP.

MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE DUE - Please send to Sharon & Gary Markley, 1686 Kenewa Street, Ojai, CA 93023. See the inside of the Bulletin Cover or the VGMS Information Page (use your browser's BACK button or equivalent to return here) for amounts. Anyone not renewing by 3-31-03 will not be in the 2003 Directories and also this will be your last bulletin.

2003 Membership Directories will be distributed at the April meeting. We will then mail to anyone who wasn't able to attend.

We are happy to welcome a new member, Deborah Sutherland, 290 Maple Ct. #130, Ventura, CA 93003. Telephone (805) 644-6635. Everyone introduce yourselves and make her welcome.

Attention New Members.
Need a Club Badge?
Blue Engravers is giving us a $.50 reduction per badge
for advertising space in the club bulletin!
Ventura County Shape badge $11.28 (includes. tax & ship).
ACCOUNT: Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.
Name (print clearly. It will be on your name badge):

_____________________________________________

Address:

_____________________________________________

_______________________________Zip:____________

Make check payable to and mail to (takes 5-7 business days):
Blue Engravers,
1375 Caspian Ave.,
Long Beach, CA 90813.
If ordering more than 2 badges call them for exact shipping
costs at (562) 983-5140, FAX (562) 983-5146,
E-mail BLUEGRAVR@aol.com.

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Tree Hugger.

     A rich lady from California, who was a tree hugger and a vociferous anti-hunter, purchased a piece of timberland in Oregon. There was a large tree on one of the highest points in the tract. She wanted to get a good view of her land so she started to climb the big tree. As she neared the top she encountered a spotted owl that attacked her. In her haste to escape, the lady slid down the tree to the ground and got many splinters in her private parts.
     In considerable pain, she hurried to the nearest country doctor. Being a hunter himself, the doctor listened to her story with great patience and then told her to go into the examining room and he would see if he could help her. She sat and waited for three hours before the doctor reappeared. The angry lady demanded, "What took you so long?" He smiled and then told her, "Well, I had to get permits from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management before I could remove old-growth timber from a recreational area and I'm sorry, because they all turned me down."
          Contributed by Clay Brashears.

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"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

March Field Trip,
Trona, CA,
March 29-30, 2003.

The March field trip will be to Trona for queens lace travertine. This material is readily available, there is about a 200 foot climb to the collecting site. The camping site is on a flat area close to the highway. For those who do not have camping gear, you can stay at one of the motels located in Ridgecrest or Trona. We will meet at the camping area on Saturday morning, March 29th and leave for the collecting site at 10:00 a.m.

Things to bring: Rock collecting gear. This will be a dry camp so bring plenty of water and firewood for the campfire. We will have a potluck dinner Saturday evening around 5 p.m. Please bring a dish to share for the potluck. You will want to have clothes for both hot and cold weather.

Directions: Travel north from Trona on the county highway for about 13.5 miles to the club stakes. The stakes will mark your turn off to the campsite. The stakes are orange and blue.

In case of bad weather, call Don at 482-2510 to see if the field trip has been postponed to a later date.

Trona is about 3 hours drive north of Thousand Oaks.

The material we will be collecting is queens lace travertine. We will meet at the camping area on Saturday morning and leave for the collecting site at 10:00 a.m. Drive north on Highway 14 through Lancaster & Mojave. Watch for the turn off to Inyokern & Ridgecrest, that will be Hwy 178 to Trona.

The turn off to the camp site is about 13.5 miles north of Trona. Watch for the orange & blue stakes. You will turn left to the camp area. You can see it from the highway.

In case of bad weather, call Don at 482-2510 to see if the field trip has been postponed to a later date.

Don Asher 805 482-2510,

Ron Wise, Field Trip Chairperson.

COAL OIL POINT FIELD TRIP,
Santa Barbara Area,
February 16, 2003.

The field trip to Coal Oil Point for fossil shells turned out to be a very successful trip because we had twenty-six people show up, twelve people from the Ventura Club, six members from the Conejo club and two from the Oxnard Club. The weather and the tide cooperated and we had a nice day. I believe everyone found some shells to take home. I would like to thank everyone who attended the field trip.

Field Trip Leader, Don Asher.

TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS 2003,
Schedule 3-5-2003.

***Please call to confirm that there is a fieldtrip scheduled in the event of changes.

Ron Wise, Field Trip Chairperson.

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Let's Work Some Soapstone,
By Pat Warner.

     California soapstone is 90 million years old and was formed from layers of sediment which were surrounded and fused by magma. The layers are still present like the layers in wood.
Characteristics:
     Watch for the bedding or grain of your stone - too much hammering or chiseling will break the stone along this grain. Avoid these stress lines when designing your sculptures. Thin fish, hands, fingers, even noses on some sculptures require delicacy in hammering and chiseling.
     Soapstone is temperamental about the directions you rasp it. On one of my pieces, I could file it in only one direction. I also found this true when I sanded it. Often the stone will almost explode, suddenly breaking off in small flakes, leaving small craters. Changing directions often solves this problem.
First Steps:
     Since most of the carvings done in our workshop have been small enough to carry back and forth with ease, very little chiseling has been done. The heavy cutting has been confined to blocking out small carvings. Very little sawing has been done; however, several of our carvers have found it feasible to use a carbide blade in their power saw to block out the basic design.
     Most of the carving can be accomplished with rasps. The larger the rasp and the coarser the teeth, the faster it cuts, but it also leaves deep scratches. These can be removed with finer cuts of either a rasp or file. I find a very fine file very helpful in taking off the larger scratches. Some of the scratches can be scraped away with a curved knife blade.
     Soapstone, because of its sculpture, may develop openings like cracks along the layers. These openings should be filled for a professional finish.
Patching:
     A good patch mixture is drywall spackle (hardware store), acrylic paints to color, and soapstone dust to thicken. Artists' paint colors of burnt sienna, burnt umber, yellow ochre, mars black, thalo blue, hookers green and titanium white will enable you to mix almost any color you will need to match your rock.
     The patch material is a resin product called Akemi. It is manufactured for the repair of stone products and is available with its own compatible pigments. Both should be applied in the consistency of moist putty. Leave a little for refilling in case of shrinkage. Let it dry for 24 hours before sanding, going through 220, 320, and 600 grit. After you have done this and filled all the cracks, you are ready for finishing.
     There is nothing that says you have to have a highly polished surface, except in competition under the Federation rules, which stress the polished surface. If you want to highlight things in white, you can polish the entire surface, then etch the area with a fine riffler.
Polishing Soapstone:
     Soapstone is absolutely gorgeous when polished, and the best way to polish it is under a stream or trickle of water. For abrasives, use wet or dry sandpaper, 220 grit and 500 grit, finishing with 600 grit. Use a pan of water and a sponge to remove the dust from your abrasive. Your carving needs to be checked, so let your piece dry and inspect your work. When all possible deep scratches have been removed, go on to the next grit.
Final Touches:
     Priming your piece with a deep penetrating wood sealer gives you the richest colors. A good sealer is a clear wood sealer and varathane. The trick here is to use a soft brush and coat the piece with a liberal amount of sealer, wait five minutes, and wipe off the excess. Next, spray with a thin varathane, let dry for 24 hours and sand with 600 grit again. Do this process 3 times.
     The final step is giving the carving a clear coat of wax. Almost any wax will do. Apply with a soft cloth or finger, give a compete coat over the entire surface, and let set for 5 minutes. Finish by polishing with a soft cloth. Your carving will be protected because of these final steps.
     Congratulations! You have completed a beautiful and long lasting piece of art. Claim it with your signature, plus the year.

     REFERENCE: Carver's Success Book, published by M&M Soapstone, Angels Camp.
     Original source unknown,
     via The Gemrock, 10/98,
     via ROCKONTEUR 02/03.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, March 6, 2003:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Ray Meisenheimer at 7:30 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2003, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, Ca.
Present: Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Wayne Ehlers, Richard Bromser, Susan and Gary Markley, Dave Mautz, Ron Wise, Nancy and Jim Brace -Thompson, Shirley and Jim Layton and Greg Davis.
Florence Meisenheimer - The AFMS/CFMS Uniform Rules Committee has created two new competitive divisions: Gemtrees and Scrimshaw. Two beautifully hand crafted rock pick pendants have been donated for our upcoming club silent auction.
Wayne Ehlers - A sign up sheet for those interested in a lapidary class was posted at our annual show and as a result a class has been scheduled for Monday, March 24th, lasting for four consecutive Mondays. The Del Air Club has asked to borrow our security vests for their June CFMS show and Wayne sees no problem with that.
Richard Bromser - Checks 992-1012 were m/s/c to be used for club utilities and expenses. Preliminary tallies indicate our annual show made a profit. Due to the lack of a food vendor at the Fairgrounds this year, we may be able to supply meals, using meal tickets for our vendors on Saturday & Sunday of next year's show.
Sharon Markley - We have 47 paid members at this time and Deborah Sutherland was voted in as a member.
Dave Mautz - Donated fossils for our regular meeting door prizes.
Ron Wise - The March field trip will be to Trona and the June CFMS show in Ventura will include a field trip to Horse Canyon on Friday and the Rincon in Ventura for whale bone on Saturday, June 7th.
Nancy Brace-Thompson - Planned upcoming programs for our regular monthly meetings are Huell Howser's show from the California Mineral and Mining Museum in Mariposa, Calif. and "Mr. Comet" possibly in July. Another possibility is ordering slide shows or videos from the CFMS Program Library. The club bulletin will try to show the whole year for planned programs.
Jim Brace-Thompson - Thanks to everyone! Our 2003 show was a huge success due to the efforts of both club members and non-club members who pitched in and offered their time. We'll immediately start taking names of those who are willing to begin plans for the next year's show. A post show meet is scheduled for Sunday, March 30th, Jim & Nancy's house, 2:00.
Shirley Layton - Personalized club business cards are ready to be ordered by club members. Our club web site is currently down due to a failure of support from the web host. Jim Layton suggested and it was agreed upon that we accept another web server contract at $7.95 / mo. and hopefully our site will be operational again soon.
Ray Meisenheimer - The CFMS show in June would like to use the VGMS fossils in their display. There was no opposition to this and so the arrangements will be made. Ray also has application forms for the CFMS show in June for both display case entries and for those who want to volunteer to help during the show. Ray also needs a volunteer to speak on geology for a class May 3rd. Anyone interested can contact Ray directly.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm.
          Respectfully Submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, February 26, 2003:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Ray Meisenheimer at 7:35 pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, Ca. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
     The January 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.
     The meeting was then turned over to Kathryn Davis who introduced club members to speak on exploits and treasures found at Quartzsite, Tucson and other field trips. The "Show & Tell" included 2 tables filled with specimens for everyone to admire and several members spoke of the acquisitions.
     Ray resumed the business portion of the meeting and old business was addressed. Our club business cards have been prepared and can be ordered by members (with or without members' names added) for $32.00 per 1000 or any portion of that. Joanna Ritchie will be presenting a CFMS sponsored work shop on preparing competitive show cases. See details in the bulletin. Sign up forms were passed out for those wishing to volunteer during the CFMS show in June. A vote was taken on purchasing the Del Air's show case after the June show and it was approved by a majority. New business was then addressed and Ray mentioned that George Snyder of Pasadena is selling out his inventory of jade on March 22nd & 23rd. He's asking $3000.00 for the 1500 lbs.
     Sharon Cunningham is asking members to sign up for refreshments.
     Richard Bromser gave the treasurers report.
     Shirley Layton mentioned the 10th of the month for bulletin articles and urges all to consider submitting their recollections of field trips or family outings.
     Ron Wise mentioned the annual trip to Trona will be March 29th & 30th and maps were passed out. 20 people showed up for the Coal Oil Point trip and Susan Mulqueen, Dave Mautz and Jim Brace-Thompson found fossilized crabs at the north end of Tapo Cyn. Rd. in Simi.
     Jim Brace-Thompson stated "it's show time". Raffle tickets were made available, there'll be new dealers, nice exhibitor trophies and with our support at the booths, it should be a terrific show. Now everyone get a good night's sleep, 'cause work starts tomorrow.
     Door prizes were awarded to Ron Wise, Dave Mautz, Susan Mulqueen, Shirley Layton and Sharon Cunningham.
     Ray reiterated again the need for a pebble pup leader and with that adjourned the meeting at 9:00 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.

  Table of Contents.

The Gift.

After the divorce, the mother's teenage daughter became increasingly rebellious. It culminated late one night when the police called to tell her that she had to come to the police station to pick up her daughter, who was arrested for drunken driving.

They didn't speak until the next afternoon. Mom broke the tension by giving her daughter a small gift-wrapped box. Her daughter nonchalantly opened it and found a small piece of rock.

She rolled her eyes and said, "Cute, Mom, what's this for?" "Here's the card," Mom said.

Her daughter took the card out of the envelope and read it. Tears started to trickle down her cheeks. She got up and gave her mom a big hug as the card fell to the floor.

On the card were these words: "This rock is more than 200 million years old. That's how long it will take before I give up on you."

- Rob Gilbert and Karen Wydra,
via The Rockonteur 3/03.

  Table of Contents.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"It's wonderful to be married to an archeologist - the older you get the more interested he is in you."

Attributed to Agatha Christie

* * * * * * * * * * *

  Table of Contents.

HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS
(Use at your own risk).

Jeweler's Hints - This is a great way to keep your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing. Tarnish is caused by sulfur gases in the air. Chalk is a natural absorber of sulfur. So place sticks of chalk (blackboard chalk) in your cases, jewelry boxes, jewelry drawer, or just around your jewelry. - via Moroks 3/03.

Did you know?? - Cleaning Stones and Cabs - A shot of eyeglass cleaner and camera lens cleaning tissue will keep your faceted stones and cabochons looking their best for display. - via Moroks 3/03.

How to Find the Fire in Fire Agate - Fire agate is a quartz-based rock with layers of iron oxide in chalcedony which results in iridescence. It occurs in nodules of milky or grayish translucent chalcedony. Sometimes it is found in botryoidal growths in geodes and in chalcedony roses.

Fire agate appears as a dull, reddish brown layer, but when the surface layers are removed the rainbow colors or iridescence are exposed. The fire is brought out by tumbling, trimming, and grinding off the outer layers to expose the iridescence. Polishing magnifies the fire.

To find the fire, remove the matrix, then tumble polish the stones. Tumbling removes the excess chalcedony. When polished, remove excess stone around the edges, then polish and set. Allow the stone to retain its irregular shape and polish slowly, so you don't go through the fire layers. The graceful natural shapes are superior to those cut to calibrated sizes, as the best fire doesn't always fit a mold. To set it off, mount the fire agate in a custom-made gold or silver setting. Fire agates are most often found in Arizona, California, Idaho, and Mexico, among other locales. - Del Air Bulletin via Moroks 3/03.

  Table of Contents.

NEW AFMS RULES CHANGES FOR 2003,
By Dee Holland, URC Chairman, 2002.

At the AFMS/NFMS show in Port Townsend the Uniform Rules Committee met and passed the following proposals:

SCRIMSHAW - Division H was proposed and passed by the committee.

GEMTREES - Division A, Open was passed but there will be a change made to the scoring of this new proposal at the next meeting in Ventura, June 3, 2003.

JEWELRY - Modification to Division D, this has to do with the variety of work and the scoring for the more difficult techniques.

LAPIDARY - Modification to Division C, this has to do with the class cc-7 with size restrictions.

FOSSILS - Modification to division F, there has been a change in units - setting up one group for classification and one group for locality, time or rock unit.

Proposal to form a committee of judges to arbitrate controversies arising during judging of competitive exhibits at the AFMS show. This was worked out and passed. Correction made to the AFMS Rules book on CF-4. CF-4 was removed from the out of class section.

DIATOMITE was added to the AFMS Lapidary List.

Discussion on putting the AFMS Rules on the AFMS Web Site. This was approved with the restrictions on how it would be put on. When Downloading, SECTION 1 must be down loaded when any other section is printed. And with the provision that all Regional Federations would have an up-to-date hard copy to refer to. Open discussion: It was strongly suggested that any points taken off should have a written explanation. This is for the benefit of the exhibitor.

TUMBLED STONES OUT OF CLASS - In Division C & G, tumbled stones will be out of class with the exceptions of CA-4 and CA-9 Carving Diorama.

AD HOC COMMITTEE: Formed after approval of the URC Committee and AFMS Directors. Proposal for judges classes for regional representatives at Eastern Federation's Wild Acres for a three-year trial period.

Bob Carlson of RMFMS volunteered to make a data base of judges from Regional Federations for an AFMS Judges list. Approved.

More information about all of these proposals will be forthcoming as soon as your regional supply chairman receives this information.

     CFMS Newsletter 3/03.

  Table of Contents.

LIGHTENING STRIKES AT THE
SEASIDE GEMBOREE!!

At next June's Seaside GEM-boree you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see lightning up close and beautiful. When lightning reaches down and fingers the Earth, sometimes it forms fulgurite. Fulgurite is a rare rock find; it only occurs where lightning strikes silica-rich sand or soil. It is believed that the intense heat of the lightning fuses the silica, creating a natural glass. Delicate fused silica tubes branch out as lightning ripples through the soil. Frequently described as having a tree-root appearance and shape, fulgurites usually have a rough exterior with a smooth glassy interior. Color is affected by the impurities in the available silica.

Typically, these rare formations are measured in inches. The Lone Pine Gem & Mineral Society of Lone Pine, California has found an incredible fulgurite specimen that measures over 5 feet in length and is believed to weigh over 70 pounds. They have built a special case so they can display this amazing wonder at the Seaside Gemboree, June 5-8, in Ventura. This is your chance to see lightning frozen in time.

The Del Air rockhounds are searching high and low to bring the new and the wonderful to the AFMS/CFMS Seaside Gemboree. If you or your club has an amazing find that you would like to display, please contact Display Chairperson, Earl Dearborn at GemboreeDisplay@aol.com or call (818) 883-5253.
CFMS Newsletter 2/03.

  Table of Contents.

2003 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.

As part of our publicity campaign for our show, Jim Brace-Thompson had a great idea to share more complete show information with other clubs as an insert into their bulletins. The response we had to that was great. The Editors were happy to publish our information as an exchange for their show information. We are happy to reciprocate with the following show information.

The Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. - Anaheim, CA are having their 44th annual Gem & Mineral Show on May 3rd and 4th, 2003 at the Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801. Our hours are on Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. We have free admission and free parking. We will have 12 Dealers to take care of any shopping needs. - Milton R. Green, Publicity Chairman. We will have some flyers at our March meeting.

MARCH 29-30: ROSEVILLE, CA - Roseville Rock Rollers Gem & Min. Soc., Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Betty Soper-Arnold (916) 969-6773.
MARCH 29-30: SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, Al Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road. Hours: Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 10-4. Wayne Moorhead (858) 586-1637.
APRIL 5-6: HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA - Puente Hills Gem & Mineral Club "Magic in Rocks", Steinmetz County Park, 1545 S. Stimson Ave. (between Gale Ave. and Halliburton Road). Hours: 10-5 both days. Bob Hess (562) 696-2270. Email: rpsthess@earthlink.net.
APRIL 5-6: MARIPOSA, CA - Mariposa Gem & Mineral Club, Mariposa Fairgrounds, Hwy 140 South. Hours: 10-5 both days. Dianne Mueller (209) 742-7625.
APRIL 6-7: ANGELS CAMP, CA - Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society "Exhibits of Natures Wonders", Calaveras County Fairgrounds. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Earl Klein (510) 632-9373. Email: bomar@goldrush.com.
APRIL 12-13: BORON, CA - Mohave Mineralogical Society, Boron High School, 26831 Prospect. Hours: Sat. 9-7, Sun. 9-4. Derek English e-mail: djenglish@ccis.com, David Eyre (760) 762-6575 or 762-6861.
APRIL 26-27: SANTA CRUZ, CA - Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Corner of Center & Church Streets. Hours: 10-5 both days. Hubert & Eleanor Drake (831) 688-8086. Email: hmdrake@pacbell.net.
MAY 3-4: BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County Mineral Society, Kern County Fairgrounds, Ming & P Streets. Hours: 10-5 both days. Will Morton (661) 834-3128.
MAY 3-4: ANAHEIM, CA - Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, 44th Annual Show, Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 West Crescent Ave. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun 10-4. Nancy Norlund (714) 960-6957, Karen Fox (714) 832-3580.
MAY 10-11: RENO, NV - Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Reno Livestock-Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. John Peterson (775) 356-8820.
MAY 17-18: YUCAIPA, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Yucaipa Community Center, First Street & Avenue B. Hours: 10-5 both days. Henry Cobb (909) 795-3716. E-mail: hcobb@gte.net.
MAY 31 - JUNE 1: GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun 10-4. Mark Thompson (626) 335-3814.
JUNE 5-8: VENTURA, CA - Del Air Rockhounds, Inc., Seaside Park (Ventura Fairgrounds), 10 W. Harbor Blvd. Hours: Thurs-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Brad Tanas (818) 368-5624.
JUNE 21-22: LA HABRA, CA - North Orange County Gem & Min. Soc., La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Bill Burns (626) 288-2896.
AUGUST 2-3: SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, S.F. County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park, 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ellen Nott E-mail: ellen_mptt@yahoo.com.

  Table of Contents.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2003.

SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION,
February 22-23; Pasadena, TX.

SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
To Be Announced.

CALIFORNIA FEDERATION
Combined AFMS/CFMS SHOW,
June 5-8; Ventura, CA.
Del Air Rockhounds presents:
"Seaside Gemboree 2003",
Seaside Park (Formerly Ventura Fairgrounds),
10 W. Harbor Blvd.,
Bob Backus (818) 347-2056, E-mail: GemboreeBiz@aol.com,
(818) 883-7851, www.afms-cfmsgemshow.org.

EASTERN FEDERATION,
October 17-19, Poughkeepsie, NY.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FEDERATION,
July 11-13, Casper, WY.

NORTHWEST FEDERATION,
August 1-3, Kennewick, WA.

MIDWEST FEDERATION,
August 15-17; Cottage Grove, MN.

  Table of Contents.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

     Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. We are deep into Show Preparations and it looks good. Any one wanting to write up their thoughts about the show, vacations, rock collecting trips, Great Find or anything of interest, please do so as we are all interested. Contributions from you members keep the Bulletin interesting and I thank you for them.

Trili - The Editor's Pet Trilobite.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

CALIFORNIA FEDERATION SHOW FLYER.

Removed to save space and load time.

  Table of Contents.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Death Valley:
Is a deep dry desert valley located in eastern California. The name "Death Valley" was a term originally used by William Lewis Manly in 1849. His description depicted the valley's dry desolate landscape which brought death to many pioneers who dared to venture through its inhospitable terrain.

A geographic feature located mostly within Inyo County in California with a small portion in Nevada. The valley is a structural basin approximately 140 miles long. It is bounded on the east and west by high mountain ranges which were uplifted along major north-south trending fault systems.

Death Valley is the deepest valley in North America. Its elevations range from 282 feet below sea level near Badwater on the valley floor to 11049 feet above sea level at Telescope Peak in the Panamint Range. Death Valley is within the Basin & Range Geomorphic Province. Death Valley National Park consists of approximately 3 1/2 million acres.

The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.

Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, March 2003.

Illustration of the Month.


"Escape from Death Valley."

An illustration by Lorence Bjorklund, from the book "The Gold Rush of '49", written by Alice Taylor, the book is from The Living History Program, Nelson Doubleday, Inc., Garden City, New York, 1960.

In December, 1849, the Bennett-Arcane party ventured into what was later officially named "Death Valley", seeking a shortcut to the goldfields of California. They became stranded on the floor of Death Valley without adequate supplies of food or water.

William Lewis Manly and John Rogers left the group to seek help and walked over 270 miles from Death Valley to Rancho San Francisco. This was a Spanish rancho located near the present day Six Flags Magic Mountain near Valencia. Manly and Rogers were outfitted with animals and supplies at the rancho and at Mission San Fernando located in the present day San Fernando Valley. A few days later, they began the return trip to Death Valley, reaching the group in January 1850.

Manly had written details of their trip southward so that they could easily retrace their steps back to the Bennett-Arcane contingent. Manly and Rogers are attributed with saving the lives of all those who survived on the floor of Death Valley, waiting for their return. In 1894, Manly wrote a book of his ordeal, "Death Valley in '49".

The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering or an engraving print rediscovered in books, maps and manuscripts related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.

Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, March, 2003.

  Table of Contents.

COLORBOOK.

N is for . . .



. . . Neptunite.
Neptunite forms nice, dark
red to black crystals which
look like dark glass. Minerals
which look like glass are said
to have a glassy or vitreous luster. At San Benito County,
California, neptunite is found in
white natrolite. It can occur
with the very rare, light blue
mineral called benitoite.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM

VGMS 2003 Show - Jim Brace-Thompson, Gary Markley, Nancy Brace-Thompson (hidden), Jean Wise & Mel Hixson sorting and setting up for the Silent Auction.







VGMS 2003 Show - Demonstrator (and member), Floy Myers along with interested parties (members left to right) Don Stehsel, Ed Clark and Kathryn Davis.








VGMS 2003 Show - One of the most fun places, kids game booth, with Emma Mayer tending to a customer with a big decision to make!










VGMS 2003 Show - Susan Mulqueen and the VGMS Plant Sales area, making it "springy".

  Table of Contents.

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