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

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• APRIL PROGRAM;
• PROGRAM REVIEW - MARCH;
• 2003 Meeting Programs;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• The man who has a right;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• WEB SITES;
• ANNOUNCING THE BRUNO BENSON COLLECTION;
• GEM SHOW 2004;
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH;
• MAY BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• The Rules of Chocolate;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• FIRE SAFETY by Chuck McKie;
• "A HOBBY THAT ROCKS";
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• Learn to enjoy the;
• The Death Valley Experience;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• EDISON;
• WORLD'S OLDEST FOSSIL FERN;
• LIKE FOSSILS;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk);
• OUR NEWEST CFMS CLUB;
• More GEMboree Highlights;
• 2003 CFMS CLUB SHOWS;
• AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE - 2003;
• If you can stay calm;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• Seaside Gemboree Flyer;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• COLORBOOK;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

After a very successful show in March there was a meeting at Jim and Nancy Brace-Thompson's home to critique the past show and start plans for the next one. A number of members agreed to head various committees and jobs. Some very good suggestions were made for improvement and cost effect. We thank Jim and Nancy.

Since we do not now have a pebble pup leader, most of the children are no longer attending meetings. We do need some one to take that job. Having young people attend the meetings is important.

Ron Wise reported that most of the good club material was sold at the silent auction during the show. He has requested that members start thinking about donating quality material for next year.

Don't forget - the cut-off date for displaying a case in the CFMS/AFMS show in June is May 1st. If you display, you receive a free pass. I would like to see a very good response from Ventura Club Members.

Ray Meisenheimer, President.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

You cannot evade the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.

Those who flee temptation generally leave a forwarding address.

Middle age is when actions creak louder than words.

     Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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APRIL PROGRAM:
Ed Clark and His Photos of Minerals through Microscope.

Our presenter for our April program will be VGMS member Ed Clark. In 2001, Ed gave a great presentation on photographing thin sections of rocks and minerals from the Smithsonian Institute through a microscope with a polarized light source. In April, Ed will pick up where he left off, titillating us with still more amazing minerals through the microscope and their mosaic of multi-colored hues. Please join us for what should prove to be a real treat for the eyes.

Submitted by Nancy Brace-Thompson, Program Chair.

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PROGRAM REVIEW - MARCH:
Huell Howser's Mining Museum Video.

Our March program was a video presentation on the California State Mining and Mineral Museum from Huell Howser's "California's Golden Parks" series. In his unique style, Huell provided an overview and tour of our state's official collection of more than 13,000 minerals, rocks, gems, historic mining artifacts, and fossils. At the conclusion of the video, Ray Meisenheimer reminded us that our club has made a donation to this museum that entitles club members to tour the museum at a discounted rate. Ray also noted that the 2004 CFMS Show will take place at the Mariposa Fairgrounds, where the California State Mining and Mineral Museum is currently housed. Based on what we saw in Huell's video, this will be a trip well worth taking!

Submitted by Nancy Brace-Thompson, Program Chair.

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2003 Meeting Programs.

Here's an updated outline of programs planned for our monthly meetings through the remainder of 2003.

     Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who have helped fill our slate of programs so early in the year! (I'm now soliciting volunteers for next year.)
          Nancy Brace-Thompson, Program Chairperson.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

4-19-03 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-noon.
4-23-03 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm (There isn't a Pebble Pup Meeting) - "Thin Section Minerals Through the Microscope" by Ed Clark.
5-1-03 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
5-1-03 - DEADLINE for AFMS/CFMS show entry forms. - See Florence Meisenheimer for a form if needed.
5-10-03 - DEADLINE FOR MAY Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
5-17-03 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-noon.
5-22 thru 25-03 - Tri-Federation Rockhound Rendezvous - Information was in the Dec 2002 and Jan 2003 bulletins.
5-28-03 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm (There isn't a separate Pebble Pup Meeting) - "A Bruno Benson Slide Show" by Steve Mulqueen.
6-5-03 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
6-5 thru 8-03 - Seaside Gemboree - AFMS/CFMS Show - Ventura, CA Fairgrounds.
7-20-03 - VGMS Breakfast - 9:00 am - Home of Emma Mayer (this is tentative, but probable!).

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The man who has a right to boast doesn't have to.
          Author Unknown.

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CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Lapidary Class is still in progress, give Wayne Ehlers a call at (805) 482-6830 if you would be interested in attending on Monday evenings from 7 to 9. You didn't have to be at the first one to attend. They are a great success.

Many Thanks to Steve and Susan Mulqueen for organizing a club case for the June AFMS/CFMS show. They may be asking for help!

California Oil Museum exhibits to see - The St. Francis Dam Disaster: 75th Anniversary - to August 17th. Amber: A window into the Past by Ventura Gem & Mineral Society - to May 18. Thanks to Steve Mulqueen and Dave Mautz for this. Be sure to get by to see both of these. Steve has given a program on the St. Francis Dam disaster and it is a most fascinating and sad event of Ventura County history.

Note the Date of our Annual Breakfast - The tentative (almost positive!) date of our annual breakfast is July 20, 2003. Emma Mayer has kindly invited us to her home again for this event. We had a great time last year and hope more can join us this year, so mark your calendars. We are holding it a bit later in the year so the schedules aren't quite so crowded and we can have a great turn-out.

SELLING OUT - starting May 1. See Ray Meisenheimer - (805) 642-3155. Call before you come over as we are not always home.
     Wood - limbs, slabs, polished & unpolished;
     Geodes - polished & unpolished;
     Minerals;
     Fossils;
     Spheres, polished & unpolished;
     Pry Bar;
     Screens for screening out shark teeth;
     Rock bags;
     22 foot Winnebago Motor Home.
And more---priced to sell.

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

Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2003 Meetings:
     April 23, 2003 - Ray & Florence Meisenheimer;
     May 28, 2003 - Sharlyne Holloway & Shirley Layton;
     June 25, 2003 - Jean & Ron Wise;
     July 23, 2003 - Sharon & Gary Markley;
     Aug. 27, 2003 - Greg & Valli Davis;
     Sept. 24, 2003 - Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson;
     Oct. 22, 2003 - Emma Mayer;
     Nov. 12, 2003 - Shirley & Richard Bromser.
Many thanks from Sharon Cunningham for the volunteers. If any questions or changes please give Sharon a call at 805 649-3579.

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.

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 amongst all the spam! 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 Web Site - http://www.Amfed.org/,
CFMS Web Site - http://www.cfmsinc.org/,
California BLM Web Site - http://www.ca.blm.gov/,
American Lands Access Association Web Site - http://www.amerlands.org/.

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ANNOUNCING THE
BRUNO BENSON COLLECTION:
A Growing, Living Legacy of Ancient Life.

Ray Meisenheimer has set a goal for this year of bringing order to the storage room at our club museum and workshop that has been housing stacks upon stacks of flats containing fossils from around the country collected over a lifetime by Bruno Benson. For the past few months, I've been working with Ray in this endeavor. In particular, I've been working to sort, clean, and organize fossils from those flats for what we're calling "The Bruno Benson Collection".

While the very best of Bruno's life collection has gone to various family members, institutions, and elsewhere or currently resides on display shelves in our own club museum, there are still a lot of surprises and treasures contained within those cardboard boxes. I'm going through each and every flat, picking out the very best, cleaning away dust and dirt, and trimming away excess matrix. I'm then cataloguing and labeling each specimen as best I can and curating them in individual specimen boxes with labels bearing the header "The Bruno Benson Collection, Ventura Gem & Mineral Society". Eventually, I plan to build a tall cabinet with trays to store the entire collection and a small brass plaque denoting "The Bruno Benson Collection". The cabinet will reside in our club museum/workshop. Over the course of the year, I'll bring flats to our club meetings so that everyone can see the sorts of fossils we're finding and can watch this collection take shape. As of this writing, I've assembled about 100 specimens, with nearly four dozen flats still to sort through.

While the fossils I'm finding come from across the country (e.g., Florida, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, California, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington), a great many are from our very own region. In addition to maintaining the legacy of a valued departed club member and honoring his lifelong love of fossil collecting, I see this collection as having practical value as a "type" collection of local fossils. In other words, I'm hoping to build and maintain a club collection that today's members and guests can use to learn about local fossil sites, to help identify their own finds, and to maintain as a learning resource for students and others.

Thus, I welcome contributions of local fossils from club members, with as much information as you can provide about the specimens (common and/or scientific name, locality, age, etc.). The best way to keep Bruno's legacy alive is by making this a living, growing collection that we all contribute toward building and maintaining. Given that I still have nearly four dozen of Bruno's own flats to sort through, I'm not in a big rush for contributions. However, as you watch this collection take shape over the course of club meetings this year, I encourage everyone to look through your own collection and consider donating any duplicate specimens you may have that would augment and help continue growing our very own Bruno Benson Collection.

Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

GEM SHOW 2004:
The Fun Has Already Begun!

On March 30th, Nancy and I hosted an assessment/recap meeting for Show 2003 and our first planning meeting for Show 2004. Our thanks to all attendees who braved the heat on Sunday afternoon for a full house, including Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, David Mautz, Gary and Sharon Markley, Richard and Shirley Bromser, and Ron and Jean Wise, along with Shirley Layton via the phone. Already, I'm pleased to announce that nearly every committee chair for Show 2004 has been filled by an eager volunteer (and even by some who were dragged in kicking and screaming). My thanks to those who volunteered at the March membership meeting and to those who volunteered to take on a post at the show-planning meeting. (Special thanks to Emma Mayer, who became our first "official" volunteer at the March membership meeting and thus winner of a specimen of agate with a sparkly chalcedony coating. It pays to volunteer!) Here's the list of everyone who has come forward thus far to volunteer their time, work, and good cheer:

If I made any errors in my notes, please let me know. Meanwhile, two things to point out. First, please observe that we have two key spots labeled open: Exhibitor Chair and Hospitality. Due to a business trip, I won't be able to attend the April meeting. (I'll be "suffering" on the Gulf Coast in Tampa, Florida, where I hope to find a shell shop selling fossil shark teeth by the bagful for the Game Booth between business meetings.) Thus, if you'd like to volunteer for one of these spots, please call or email me (659-3577; jbraceth@juno.com) or let Nancy know at the April membership meeting.

Second, please note that these are "committee" positions, and a committee of two, three, or four can make a job much more easy and enjoyable than a committee of one. A number of positions (Country Store, Game Booth, Food, etc.) already have multiple volunteers up-and-running to lend a helping hand to one another. If you'd like to have your name added to any committee position, just let me know!

Our meeting generated a lot of ideas and suggestions that I hope will result in expanded publicity and in visible improvements in next year's show. My thanks to one and all who attended and contributed their good thoughts, and my thanks in advance to everyone else who will volunteer and lend a helping hand to make Show 2004 ever better, ever more fun!

Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

Wednesday, March 19th, more than 1200 students in grades five through twelve participated in the 49th annual Ventura County Science Fair at Seaside Park. All three Gem & Mineral Clubs in Ventura County took part. Ray Meisenheimer represented Ventura, with a display of fossils and handouts of advertising cards with petrified twigs and polished Apache Tears. He answered questions and helped the young people fill out a questionnaire with six questions. None of the questionnaires were the same.
     Representing Oxnard were Anne Lewis and Donna Knapton, with a table display of fossils and minerals. Representing Conejo were Don Pomerenke and Don Asher each having a case of minerals and/or lapidary work.
     We thank you Ray, Don and Don, and Anne and Donna for spending the entire day there. Your participation was appreciated.

Thursday, March 20, Ray gave a tour of the museum to a home study group. There were five children with two adults. They hope to come again when their youngest children are older.

On March 24th, Susan Mulqueen presented a biology program for Mrs. Garrison's 5th grade class at Poinsettia School in Ventura. Susan's program titled "Squid Dissection" demonstrated the anatomy of the marine cephalopod. After a period of questions and answers regarding squid anatomy, the students were able to cook and taste the squid, a delicacy among many ethnic groups.

Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer and Steve Mulqueen.

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MAY BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in May. 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!

May -Happy Birthday!!
     Donald Berman - 18th,
     Chad Monnier - 18th,
     David Mautz - 20th,
     Robert La Prad - 21st,
     Colin Taylor - 26th.

The May birthstone is the Emerald and the flower is the Lily of the Valley.

EMERALD, the green variety of beryl.

VARIETY INFORMATION:
     VARIETY OF: Beryl, Be₃ Al₂ Si₆ O₁₈.
     USES: Gemstone.
     BIRTHSTONE FOR: May.
     COLOR: various shades of green.
     INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.57 - 1.60.
     BIREFRINGENCE: 0.004 - 0.008.
     HARDNESS: 7.5 - 8.
     CLEAVAGE: one direction, poor.
     CRYSTAL SYSTEM: hexagonal.
     Pleochroic: weak.

Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl. Other gemstone color varieties that belong to beryl include aquamarine, morganite, and heliodor. Other colors of beryl are simply refered to by their color, such as red beryl.

The wonderful green color of emerald is unparalleled in the gem kingdom. Emerald's precious green color is caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Unlike other beryls, emeralds often contain inclusions and other flaws. These flaws are not looked on as negative aspects for emerald like they would be for other gemstones. Indeed, these flaws are considered part of the character of the stone and are used to assure the purchaser of a natural stone.

Copyright 1995 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.

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HOSPITALITY.

There were 25 members, 4 guests and 2 pebble pups at our March meeting to enjoy the film on the "California State Mining & Mineral Museum" with Huell Howser. Our guests were Sharon Hixson, David Catrone, Chad and Bob Monnier. We are happy to report that Chad and David became new members before the night was over! We were most happy to see pebble pups Anthony and Matthew Beinar, we miss them. Greg Davis was very supportive of our diets as he forgot it was their night for refreshments! He was most apologetic and has volunteered again for August (we'll give you a call Greg!!! - just kidding!). Many nice door prizes were won by six different members, (including Greg!) and one of our new members David Catrone. When I got the report from our hostess, Sharlyne Holloway, she also advised that she had just gotten home after a week in the hospital. She is recuperating and doing better, but we need to keep her in our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully she will be at our April meeting, speaking of which, we hope to see you all there for Ed Clark's great program.

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The Rules of Chocolate (from February AFMS
Newsletter 2/03)!
Author unknown.

1. If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.
2. Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices & strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
3. The problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in hot car. The solution: Eat it in the parking lot.
4. Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.
5. A nice box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?
6. If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate, what's wrong with you?
7. If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.
8. If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don't they actually counteract each other?
9. Money talks. Chocolate sings.
10. Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger.
11. Q. Why is there no such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous?
A. Because no one wants to quit.
12. If not for chocolate, there would be no need for control top pantyhose. An entire garment industry would be devastated.
13. Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.

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MEMBERSHIP.

2003 Membership Directories will be available at the April meeting. They will have your name on, so please pick up before you leave. We will then mail to anyone who wasn't able to attend.

We are happy to welcome three new members, David Catrone, Jack Mepham and Chad Monnier. They were just in time to be included in the 2003 directories! We are most happy to have you with us and look forward to getting better acquainted. Everyone introduce yourselves and make them 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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FIRE SAFETY,
by Chuck McKie,
CFMS Safety Chairman.

Careless disposal of smoking materials and cigarettes is the leading cause of fatal residential fires in the U.S. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 250,000 house fires per year are caused by careless disposal of cigarettes or other smoking materials. Nearly 2,000 people tragically and needlessly lose their fives in these fires.

Each year more than 15,000 people are seriously burned when their clothes catch on fire. In more than half of these incidents, flammable liquids or vapors were present on or around the person's clothing.

Most smoking fires start in the bedroom, living room or den when burning embers are dropped on upholstered furniture, bedding or trash. It can happen in many ways - you could drop off to sleep with a lit cigarette in your hand or knock it off an ashtray while sleeping. Check under cushions for smoldering embers. A burning cigarette can smolder between the cushions of upholstered furniture and go unnoticed for as long as five hours!

Before you leave a room where people have been smoking, carefully check between sofa and chair crevices and under cushions. Check for embers, cigarette butts or matches. Make sure they have not been smoldering and remove them at once.

A person's loose sleeve may catch fire on a hot stove. Someone may be working with gasoline or some other flammable liquid, then light a cigarette. They might spray lighter fluid on a smoldering barbecue fire and the resulting flames could set their clothes on fire. When a person's clothing catches on fire, action must be instinctive and immediate. There is no time to think.

The one thing you should never do is run! To minimize a burn injury when your clothes catch fire, STOP! DROP! and ROLL!

The principles of STOP, DROP, and ROLL are simple:
Stop, do not run if your clothes catch on fire.
Drop to the floor in a prone position. Cover your face with your hands to protect it from the flames.
Roll over and over to smother the fire. Keep rolling until the flames have been extinguished.

If you are near someone whose clothing catches on fire, be sure to stop them from running and instruct them to stop, drop and roll. Once the fire is out, treat a burn injury. Cool a burn with water. Then call 9-1-1.

Burns are among the most painful of injuries and are the third leading cause of unintentional death in the United States. The hands, face, lungs and groin are at particular risk because they are delicate structures and easily injured. The healing process is slow and painful, resulting in enormous suffering.

Certain types of clothing are less flammable than others. Heavier clothing and fabrics with a tight knit weave burn more slowly compared with loosely knit material. Fabrics with a loose fit or a fluffy pile will ignite more readily than tight-fitting, dense fabric.

Synthetic fibers such as nylon, once ignited, will melt and burn, causing severe burns. Natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, tend to burn more slowly than synthetic fibers. However, fibers that combine both synthetic and natural fibers may be of greater hazard than either fabric alone.

Curtains and draperies can be sprayed with flame retardants to reduce their rate of burning. However, these chemicals should not be applied to clothing.

CFMS Newsletter - April 2003.

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"A HOBBY THAT ROCKS."

This is an excerpt from an article written by Brenda Rees in the Los Angeles Times Calandar Weekend in November of 2002. One of the features is about our own Emma Mayer and her sons/pebble pups, Anthony and Matthew Beinar. -----Emma Mayer's two young sons recently traded in their Pokemon cards for a new collection that's stashed in egg containers, pushpin containers and assorted boxes scattered around the house. "They just love collecting rocks," says Mayer, who lives in Ventura. "They like being outdoors, getting really dirty and coming home with 'cool stuff.'"

In Southern California, rock hunting can be a family hobby that is cheap, fun and educational. Local beaches, mountains and especially deserts are prime locales for rocks, minerals and the occasional fossil.

Materials are simple: a good shovel and bucket-maybe a pick hammer, map or guidebook. Probably the biggest expense for rock hunting is gasoline for getting to and from remote destinations.

"Southern California is quite a good area for gemstones, especially in San Diego County," says Tony Kampf, curator of mineral sciences at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, "I recommend that the best way to find these places is for people to join a rock club, since there are so many limitations and restrictions on where you can go nowadays."

Overall, says Kampf, there are two types of rock collectors: "those who self-collect and those that find specimens at [rock] shows. Most collectors, however, are a little bit of both."

This was a great article and went on to list local clubs including VGMS. It also talked about our program for the kids, which unfortunately, we don't have at the present time.

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"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

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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Learn to enjoy the little things; there are so many of them.
Author Unknown.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

The Death Valley Experience:
Observing the Tourists in Action.

On a recent trip to Death Valley National Park during March, 2003, I couldn't help but notice some of the interactions and "happenings" among the groups of tourists within the Park. The following is a list of observations worth noting.

Tourist's Conversations - One conversation was overheard from a retired couple at the Death Valley Visitor's Center. Wife: "Isn't this the place where the fish cross the road?" Husband: "I think you're right, Honey!"

(The only fish I know that cross the road are the frozen ones being delivered at the back of the restaurant at Furnace Creek Ranch.)

Yuppie Style Show - For some yuppies visiting Death Valley, their main priority is their own style show in which they are dressed in the latest Patagonia clothes and equipment (or comparable brand of clothing). The attire includes the latest styles of shorts, socks, boots, shirt, daypack, water bottle and scarf, all properly oriented. I had my own "Back to Basics" trendy attire including standard faded jeans, plain white t-shirt (with incidental vent-holes) and low budget tennis shoes.

Motorhome Contest - Who in Death Valley has the biggest and the best motorhome? Entries were rolling through the park continuously. Some motorhome owners think they are real pioneers, venturing into Death Valley in their modern, diesel pusher, air-conditioned "covered wagon" with tow-vehicle. I'm sure some of these RV owners are members of a certain Death Valley historical association. What would William Lewis Manly think of all the RVs in "today's" Death Valley?

A Lush Desert - This year, Death Valley is unusually green, with grass growing everywhere. I wonder who cuts the grass throughout Death Valley's 3 1/2 million acres? Flowers are not yet blooming in abundance in the Valley but they are plentiful in other places throughout the Mojave Desert.

A Kayak in Death Valley? - I saw a tourist with a kayak strapped to the top of his pick up truck as he was driving on a remote dirt road near Hole in the Wall. We assumed that he and his passenger were planning to paddle down Furnace Creek to Lake Manly. The only water in the area was in the 5-gallon jug in the back of my truck. Not enough to "float his boat".

Pupfish - The pupfish at Salt Creek in Death Valley are in great abundance this year...and so are the tourists, watching the pupfish.

Rangers with Funny Hats - Lots of park rangers were observed cruising on the roads and showing their authority around the tourists. Some rangers were actually helpful to the tourists, a new concept among the Park Service personnel.

Tourists Swarming Everywhere - You would think that with Death Valley National Park's 3 1/2 million acres you could actually go somewhere remote and be away from other tourists. No, they are everywhere, speaking all the languages of the world! This time of the year attracts a major influx of tourists that will last until May.

Tourist Writings in the Restrooms - This was observed at Furnace Creek that is around 180 feet below sea level. And I quote, "You are now lower than whale sh__".

Conclusion - Never underestimate the things you can learn by observing the Death Valley tourists in action. They are doing their own thing, showing off their new equipment, trying to survive and finally, they "Escape from Death Valley". So, why does it get so hot in Death Valley? It is nature's way of ridding the area of the major infestation of those pesky tourists.

Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, April 2003.

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VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, April 3, 2003:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Ray Meisenheimer at 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 3, 2003, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, Ca.
Present: Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Richard Bromser, Susan and Gary Markley, Dave Mautz, Shirley Layton, Steve Mulqueen and Greg Davis.
Florence Meisenheimer - A seminar on the quartz family will be held April 12, 2003, hosted by the San Diego Gem and Mineral Society and put on at the GIA Headquarters in Carlsbad, Ca. For more info contact Florence. Subscriptions to Rock & Gem and Lapidary Journal magazines were suggested as a means of publicity. It was m/s/c to purchase these and donate them to our local library with our club name tag securely affixed.
Richard Bromser - Checks 1013-1022 were m/s/c to be used for club utilities and expenses. Show financial summaries were handed out and changes for next year may include meal tickets for our vendors on Saturday & Sunday of next year's show, fewer dealers and Gary Markley will take over as dealer chairperson. There was also a motion to purchase four lattice dividers from Richard at $8.00 each, to be used for the annual show. It was m/s/c to do so.
Sharon Markley - We have 59 paid members at this time and Chad Monnier, Jack Mepham and David Catrone were voted in as new members.
Steve Mulqueen - Bruno's room at the museum sustained water during the last rain and it was suggested we cover that portion of the roof ASAP. The Dam exhibit at the Santa Paula Oil Museum should be viewed by all. It's well worth seeing.
Shirley Layton - Personalized club business cards are ready to be ordered by club members. The new club directories will be printed and available at our next regular meeting. An e-mail was received from Red & Nancy Jioras stating "Hi to all" and they'll see everyone in June during the big show.
Ray Meisenheimer - Portions of a letter from Ali Buck were read which stated her fondness for our club and the memories of it. She writes from Baker City, Oregon. After mulling over several options for a club breakfast date, it was suggested that Emma be asked to decide the day in July that best fits her calendar.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, March 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, March 26, 2003 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, Ca. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
     The February regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/p as shown in the bulletin. Guests, Bob and Chad Monnier, David Cabrone and Sharon Hixon were introduced and welcomed to the meeting.
     Ray asked for but received no old business. New business : Ed Gafford won't be able to do April presentation.
     Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report.
     Sharon Markley stated that 50 members have paid as of this time.
     Ron Wise mentioned the Trona field trip is coming up on March 29th & 30th. There are no plans yet for April, so if anyone has a suggestion please pass it along.
     Shirley Layton reminded us that the 3rd of April will be the latest for bulletin articles to be submitted and March 31st is the cutoff for our new directories, the new improved web site is now available on line and club business cards are available.
     Jim Brace-Thompson reported that our Fairgrounds deposit money was returned, the bad news is that parking for next year will probably be increased to $5.00. A post show meeting (and for pre-2004) is planned for Sunday, March 30th at Jim and Nancy's house.
     The door prize drawing followed with Greg Davis, David Cabrone, Bob Monnier, Jim Brace-Thompson, Sharlyne Holloway and Emma Mayer as the lucky winners.
     Other business included Wayne Ehlers, who reported on the club cab class Monday night. The first meeting had 6 adults and 2 pebble pups producing award winning works of art. All are invited and hopefully other classes will soon be offered.
     Emma Mayer has offered to again host this year's summer breakfast at her house. Bless her. And we will reward her with a warm turnout.
     Ray Meisenheimer attended the Science Fair, held at the County Fairgrounds and Ron Wise provided the gift cards with pieces of petrified wood along with our club information.
     Nancy Brace-Thompson next presented a video on the California Mineral and Mining Museum in Mariposa, Ca., hosted by Huell Howser of California Gold fame.
     There being no further business, Ray adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.

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EDISON.

In the early 20th Century, Thomas Edison was spreading the word about electricity. Once, while vacationing out West, he stopped at the Sioux reservation. Edison was shocked to learn that there was no indoor plumbing, and that he would have to use an outhouse. In fact, he was told, the Sioux had to use the outhouse regardless of the weather. To help the Sioux, Edison installed lights in the outhouse. With this kind act, he became the first person to wire a head for a reservation.

Contributed by Clay Brashears.

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WORLD'S OLDEST FOSSIL FERN.

     A small piece of black rock which bore the tag "unknown fossil plant" at the Queensland Museum for 10 years has been catapulted into the spotlight.
     The 375 million year old specimen has been confirmed as the world's oldest fossil fern - predating all others known by 20 million years. To put that into perspective, that's 150 million years before dinosaurs and 40 million years after the first land plants appeared.
     The fern, of which only an 8 cm stemsection remains, was found in a dried-up creekbed, among limestones, near Charters Towers in north Queensland. Queensland paleontologist Alex Cook, who found the fern in 1989, said it was one of the great discoveries of the past 50 years, although "to look at, it's not much".
     "It's like having the Red Baron's propeller or Julius Caesar's sword," he said. "I was actually looking for fossil sponges and corals when I saw this unusual stone. It had funny looking circular marks, so I knew it was a fossil wood of some sort, and thought it was significant enough to keep and put away until someone could work out what it was." Professor Clifford, a botanist specializing in fossils at the museum, uncovered its true origins after consulting scientific literature.
     Dr. Cook said the fern would have only been about 25 cm across and 15 cm high and had small stems compared to its modern cousins. "We believe the fern was a cushion like plant so it's not a tree fern or anything sort of large you'd find in your garden....it sort of looked like a funny-looking moss with sprouts coming out of it. Now, each of these shoots was about between two and five millimeters across, so it wasn't the hugest fern known to man, but it's still important nonetheless."
     "The fern is associated with the world's first forest plants which were just developing. It was a pretty barren looking landscape and the first insects were about to appear. There were a few pretty crummy looking amphibians, but plenty of fish in the water."
          [From Queensland courier mail, no date given, via Geolap News 3/00, Via The Pegmatite 10/01.]

via The Petrified Log - 3/03.

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LIKE FOSSILS?

Check out the website www.gtlsys.com. It's all about collecting fossils in California. One trip that looks pretty neat is a trip up to Red Bluff just south of Redding. It's a trip to an ammonite fossil site that is open to the public and comes complete with directions to Black Rock Campground. Then it takes you to the fossil site AND tells you how to find the ammonites and giant clams AND what kind of tools to bring AND what the local rules and regulations are!

Breccia 1/03 via Rocky Review 2/03.

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

CLEANING FERN FOSSILS:
     To clean fern fossils, do not use wax, shellac, lacquer or spray plastic. These items cannot be readily removed and destroy forever the surface detail.
     Museums use yellow dextrin. Mix a tiny bit of the dextrin with water to the color of tea and paint on the fern itself, not on the matrix.
          [From Fossil for Fun Society-Dinny's Doins 4/01, Via et al Via The Geode 11/01.]
via The Petrified Log - 3/03.

TO PRESERVE FOSSILS - After proper cleaning, paint the fossil with diluted [half water] Elmer's glue. It dries fast & makes the fossil look sharp and clean. It can also be washed off if necessary with no trouble.
          [From et al - Via Owyhee Gem 10/85.]
via The Petrified Log - 3/03.

TREES TELL A STORY - Trees more than 4,000 years old were discovered in the White Mountains of California during the 1960s. The oldest was a bristlecone pine dating back 4,600 years. By studying the tree rings of older dead trees, scientists have been able to produce a reliable chronological sequence going back more than 6,000 years.
          [Royal Neighbors Magazine-Summer 2002.]
via The Petrified Log - 3/03.

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OUR NEWEST CFMS CLUB.

     Greetings from the Yuma Gem & Mineral Society - new members of the CFMS. We are an active club from November through March. Most of us are "Snowbirds", many of us active in our home clubs. We meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Fortuna Palms Community Center at 10812 E. 14th, Yuma, AZ. We have two rock trips each month.
     While we do not have a club show, for the first week of April we participate in the Yuma County Fair. For five days our club displays rocks, gems and lapidary work to a very interested group of fairgoers. We have a black light display provided by Fred Croxin of Arizona Western College.
     We are very pleased to have become members of the CFMS and look forward to participating in Federation activities.
          Helen Nelson, Secretary,
CFMS Newsletter April 2003.

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More GEMboree Highlights.

Space Rock Day - Sunday, June 7 will be 'Space Rock Day'. Robert Varish, discoverer of two of the Mars Meteorites, and fellow meteorite hunter, Dale Lowdermilk, will speak on finding and identifying meteorites. Meteorites are masses of metal or stone that have fallen to earth from outer space. You will have a chance to see a Mars meteorite, other meteorites and tektites. There will also be a replica of "The Old Woman" meteorite, the second largest meteorite discovered in the United States that was found in the Mojave desert. Miniature Mars Rover vehicles from the Planetary Society's Red Rover Goes To Mars project will be on hand to give kids the opportunity to direct a mini-Mars Rover across an alien landscape.

Field Trips - The Field Trip Committee is developing plans for some interesting trips. A couple of different sites are being considered, based on type and availability of material, accessibility and distance. Additional information will be forthcoming as details are finalized.

Mermaid Contest - Get your entry form in soon to participate in the Mermaid Contest. We're looking for jewelry, lapidary, sculpture - anything that has been worked in rock, mineral, gemstones, or a combination thereof that depicts a mermaid. Deadline is May 1, 2003. Forms can be downloaded from the website, or contact Keri Dearborn at (818) 883-5253 or GemboreeDisplay@aol.com. Mail completed forms to Keri at 20982 Ave. San Luis, Woodland Hills, CA 91364.

(VGMS EDITOR'S NOTE: VGMS members can get form from Ray & Florence Meisenheimer.)

Don't forget to visit us at: www.afms-cfmsgemshow.org

CFMS Newsletter - April 2003.

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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.

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.
APRIL 26-27: LANCASTER, CA - The Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Club, Challenger Memorial Hall, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. Hours: 9-5 both days. Jules Ficke (661) 943-5157.
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 16-18: ANDERSON, CA - Superior Calif. Gem & Mineral Society, Shasta County Fairgrounds. Hours: Fri. & Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4. Steve Puderbaugh (530) 221-6542.
MAY 17-18: NEWBURY PARK, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5. Don Pomerenke (805) 492-4276 or Don Asher (805) 482-2510.
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. AFMS/CFMS Show.
JUNE 7-8: SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Lapidary Society, Al Bahr Shrine Center, 540 Kearny Mesa Road. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. David Kostruba.
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.
AUGUST 8-9: NIPOMA, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Wayne Mills (805) 481-3495. E-mail: Rocks4u@prodigy.net.
SEPTEMBER 20-21: PASO ROBLES, CA - Santa Lucia Rockhounds, 12th Annual "Rockhound Roundup", Pioneer Park & Museum, 2010 Riverside Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. John McCabe (805) 464-0528, E-mail: mccabewest@aol.com.

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AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2003.

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.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

If you can stay calm while all around
You is in chaos...then you probably
Haven't completely
Understood the seriousness
Of the situation.

Via the Petrified Log, 3/03.

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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.

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Seaside Gemboree Flyer.

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EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Magnetic declination:
     The horizontal angle in any given location on the Earth's surface between true north and magnetic north. A compass needle will only point to magnetic north. The observer must compensate for the difference between what the compass reads and the direction of true (geographic) north. In the Ventura area, magnetic north is approximately 15 1/2 degrees east of true north. In Maine, on the northern edge of the state, the magnetic declination is 20 degrees west.
     In some areas, magnetic "anomalies", areas of high magnetic energy, can cause inaccuracies in compass measurements. This can happen where there are rocks and/or soils that contain high concentrations of iron and other magnetic minerals. A compass is useless around high-grade iron ore deposits.
     Magnetic north can slowly migrate with time. Topographic and geologic maps will include information about magnetic declination which was accurate at the time they were printed. The magnetic declinations on maps may be inaccurate after several years of time have elapsed. It is very important to know the up to date magnetic north for your field area and to adjust your compass or to compensate your measurements.

The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, April 2003.

Illustration of the Month.

     An illustration from the book "Manual of Field Geology", written by Robert R. Compton, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1962, page 21.
     The Brunton Compass - Often referred to as the Brunton Pocket Transit, a combination of a compass, clinometer and hand level instrument used in the field by geologists and numerous other scientific and engineering professionals. The compass has a setting for the adjustment of the magnetic declination. When set correctly, the compass feature is accurate to within 1/2 of a degree. The clinometer and hand level are used to accurately measure angles of degrees with respect to the horizontal component. Together, these features will enable the field observer to measure the strike and dip of geologic formations and structures (faults, etc.) and can be used for navigation, mapping and surveying. Brunton compasses are still important exploration tools and are now used with GPS instruments for accurate mapping techniques.

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, April 2003.

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COLORBOOK.

O is for . . .


. . . Orthoclase.
Orthoclase belongs to a group of minerals called feldspars. It is mixed with other minerals to make porcelain which is used to make tea cups. Orthoclase crystals often grow together. This is called a twinned crystal. It is usually white, but can also be yellow, pink or gray.

. . . Olivine.
Olivine is found in igneous rocks. Igneous rocks are rocks that came from inside the earth and were so hot that they were liquid. This special olivine crystal is grass-green and is called by the special name, peridot.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM,
Show Photos by Dave Mautz.

Please Note: In March VGMS Photo Album I got the wrong Don in one of the show pictures, it should be Don Minster in place of Don Stehsel. I apologize Don.

VGMS 2003 Show - Greg Davis pointing out some goodies to Shawne Lardin and Wayne Ehlers at the Silent Auction table.










VGMS 2003 Show - Some beautiful fossils for sale by one of dealers at the show. Did any go home with you?











VGMS 2003 Show - The end!! Ron Wise, Shirley Layton, Jean Wise and Sharon Markley rolling up the table skirting as things are being cleaned up and put away for next year!









Greg Davis at Jerome Arizona Copper Mine District with a "little" piece of Azurite! - Photo contributed by Greg Davis.

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