Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.
The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
March 2005.
Table of Contents.
2005 DUES ARE DUE - Last Chance to Get Into Directory.
You can mail them to Shirley Bromser, P.O. Box 723, Oak View, CA 93022 - They were due 1-1-05 and the cut off for the 2005 Directories is 3-31-05. DON'T FORGET - We will miss you!
![[TOC]](../imagebtn/uarrow.gif)
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Our 43rd annual Show was a tremendous success. This is due in large part to the extra effort given by so many of our members during the Show and throughout the year. This large number of volunteers (even folks outside the club) made it easier on everyone. And a special thanks to our show chairman, Jim Brace-Thompson and his wife, Nancy, for their many hours of effort to coordinate all of the many functions required to put on a great show.
We had many good comments from dealers and attendees. One dealer told me that he made more on Saturday than during the entire weekend last year. That kind of experience will keep them coming back for more. The Country Store, Plant Sale and Silent Auction had great sales, comparable to our best years. A financial statement, detailing the income and costs from the show will be prepared by Richard Bromser sometime next month.
I am honored to be your President. You made our 2005 Gem & Mineral Show one of the best. Thank you again for your great effort.
Ed Clark,
President.
Table of Contents.
WORDS TO LIVE BY.
Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents-it was loaned to you by your children.
Good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgment.
True happiness is found in making others happy.
The way to fight a woman is with your hat. Grab it and run.
Collected by Wayne Ehlers.
Table of Contents.
PROGRAM - MARCH 23, 2005:
My Favorite Desert Collecting Localities.
For our March program, we'll hold a "round-robin," inviting club members to share their favorite desert localities for collecting rocks, minerals, and fossils. Jim Brace-Thompson will set the mood with slides of various desert scenes, transporting us to the Mojave and beyond. We then invite individual club members to stand and talk about their favorite desert localities - from the California Mojave to Nevada and Arizona. We invite one and all to come prepared to share your impressions of one, two or three desert collecting localities and to bring along samples of what you found there. Hopefully, from this round-robin, Ron Wise can glean some good ideas for future club field trips!
Jim Brace-Thompson.
Table of Contents.
REVIEW - February 23, 2005:
Rock Show Preparations and
Quartzite Show-and-Tell.
We had a fun and interesting meeting with the old slides of our first show and the members with their finds at Quartzite. It was also good to hear that the show was going well and many members were volunteering their services in all areas. Many hands make the tasks much simpler and quicker! What a great group we have!
The slides were fun and the spirit they displayed was heart warming. The dress was a bit more refined, ladies in hats and dresses, and everything. But just like current times they were having fun!
Many members braved the rain and mud for the good times and shopping in Quartzite. They shared their finds with us and made everyone want to go next year.
By the time you read this, the show will be over and we will all be recuperating and beginning to think about next year!
Table of Contents.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
3-19-05 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon.
3-23-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. - "My Favorite Desert Collecting Localities" - Club Members.
3-27-05 - HAPPY EASTER!
3-28-05 - Lapidary Class - 6:00 to 8:00 pm - This will be the first of a 5 week session.
3-31-05 - Last Chance to be included in the 2005 Membership Directories. Pay dues by today. Thanks!
4-3-05 - Show Recap & Assessment Meeting - 2:00 pm - At Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson home, 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura. Please come prepared to talk about improvements & changes for our 2006 Show & volunteer to become a show committee chair.
4-3 to 4-10-05 - Zzyzx CFMS Earth Science Studies.
4-7-05 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - (Note Change of Location for April) - At the home of Ray & Florence Meisenheimer, 101 N. Wake Forest, Ventura, CA. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
4-9-05 - Zzyzx 20th Anniversary Open House - See registration form in the January Bulletin. It is due by March 15, 2005.
4-10-05 - DEADLINE FOR APRIL Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
4-16-05 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon.
4-22 to 4-26-05 - Desert Symposium - Also at Zzyzx - Theme: Mining History of the Eastern Mojave Desert. (See Chips & Boulders.
4-27-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington.
5-5-05 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the I.B.E.W. Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura CA. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Table of Contents.
LAPIDARY CLASS.
Are you interested in learning how to cut, shape and polish your rocks that you have collected? VGMS will hold classes at our workshop on Monday evenings starting March 28 from 6 to 8 pm for about 5 weeks. Our workshop is located at 5019 Crooked Palm Road in Ventura. This is just off of Highway 33 going towards Ojai. Going North from Ventura on Hwy 33 take the Shell Road exit over to Ventura Ave., go left about half a mile then left on Crooked Palm Rd. under the freeway and parallel to it for about half a mile and 5019 will be a little brown building on the left at the corner of the old Petrochem complex. Since our workshop is small we offer the class free to members only. If you are not a member we will gladly take your membership application. Bring your own rocks if you like but there will be rocks there to work on. If you want more information please call Ed Clark 989-3951, Ron Wise 647-4393, Greg Davis 647-9214, or Wayne Ehlers 482-6830 (Area code 805). This is a hands-on class so wear working clothes as you will get your hands in rock dust or oil.
See you there, Wayne Ehlers.
Table of Contents.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY.
May the luck 'o the Irish be yours, on
This day and the Whole year through,
And may good fortune always find its
way to your door.
Author unknown, via The Petrified Log - 3/05.
Table of Contents.
What's In A Name?
Gypsum: From the Greek "plaster", it's made into plaster of Paris by burning.
Pyrite: From the Greek "fire", because it strikes fire with steel.
Contributed by Ed Clark.
Table of Contents.
Feeling lost? Rocks can point the way.
LiveScience: Researchers say there may be a kind of compass in the alignment of cracks in certain rocks, thanks to the sun's heating action. See this article on the MSNBC Web Site:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6853431.
Contributed by VGMS Member Mary Polacek.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
SHOW ITEMS.
GEM SHOW 2005:
Two Simple Words - THANK YOU!!
To everyone who, collectively, makes up our Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, I offer two simple words: THANK YOU!!
Thank you - for pitching in beautifully throughout 2004 and on into 2005 volunteering on show committees and putting in the advance legwork with organizing, planning, and getting all our ducks in a row.
Thank you - for showing up early to help with all that goes into layout, set-up, and prep work to make the arrival of dealers and exhibitors go so smoothly.
Thank you - for exhibiting your beautiful works of nature and sharing your collections and lapidary art with our neighbors from far and wide.
Thank you - for sharing your time, efforts, and good cheer throughout the show and ensuring that we put on our best face for our community.
Thank you - for staying late into the evening on Sunday until the last table was cleared and stacked, the last exhibit case loaded into the truck, and all the supplies deposited at the clubhouse.
Thank you - for all you did to ensure yet another successful and inspiring show!
Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.
SHOW RECAP MEETING:
Sunday, April 3.
While the 2005 Show is still fresh in our minds, Nancy and I invite one and all to a Show Recap and Assessment Meeting to discuss this year's show and what we might improve or add to next year's show (just a little over 11 months away!). I'll also gladly accept any nominations and volunteers to take on Show Committee Chairs at that time. We'll host the meeting at our home at 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura, at 2:00 PM, Sunday, April 3. If you won't be able to attend but wish to volunteer for one of the many 2006 Show Chair positions, please call or email: 659-3577, jbraceth@adelphia.net. Hope to see you on the 3rd!
Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.
Donation to the Plant Booth at the VGMS Show.
On Saturday, March 5, Liz Brashears and her daughter Stephanie visited our mineral show. At that time, Stephanie made a cash donation to the Plant Booth in memory of the late Clay Brashears. As many of us remember, Clay made many donations of plants for our mineral show in past years even in times of failing health. Thank you Liz and Stephanie, and a big thanks to Clay for all his help!
Susan Mulqueen.
Thank You to Kim Jensen - Kim Jensen donated some geodes and some nice pieces of charoite, lace amethyst, onyx, obsidian, travertine and jasper to our show. - Contributed by Mary Polacek.
A Special Thank You to Our Members who donated the wonderful variety of plants to the plant booth and quality items to the Country Store. The visitors were amazed that our members had donated all the items. We had some special people at our show, one being Jonathan Winters as a customer, Liz Brashears and her daughter Stephanie were also a welcome sight. Liz and Clay were big supporters of the Country Store and Plant booth. Clay would wander around the Country Store and say it made him home sick because of all the items from his garage! They are very special people and Clay is watching over us all and smiling. It was also great to have Myrle Kirk helping us in the Country Store again; we have missed her. I'm sure she went home tired every night, but was right back bright and early the next day. I'm sure Bill is there with Clay and they are both smiling and at peace.
We had a great show, it was hard work but rewarding and great to see some of our new members working right along. I hope they enjoyed it as well. A special thanks to those helping in the Country Store setting up, manning and packing up - Shirley Bromser, Sharon Cunningham, Sharlyne Holloway, Myrle Kirk and new member Mary Polacek. Susan Mulqueen and Marie Ehlers also helped pack up after they got their own booth sorted out! Many thanks to a Great Group. - Shirley Layton.
Table of Contents.
THE MUSEUM CORNER,
By Debbie Bunn, Chair, Museum Committee.
If your travel plans include a visit to the northern California coastline, there are a couple of museums you might want to stop at. In the little town of Arcata--north of Eureka--be sure to visit the Humboldt State University's Natural History Museum. Some people might remember the fossil dealers, the Maloney's. Their personal collection was donated to Humboldt University and formed the basis for this small museum. Local fossils from Rio Dell, Trinidad, and other localities are featured. They also offer special lectures, fieldtrips, and children's programs. If you want to hunt local fossils, they can help you with some general suggestions. But even better, their displays can help you identify what you have found. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM. A $2 donation is requested. They are located at 1315 G St., phone 707 826-4479, www.humboldt.edu/~natmus/.
Just south of Eureka on Highway 101 is the Chapman rock shop & museum. This is well worth a stop. There are some nice rocks, gems, minerals, fossils, books, etc for sale. And their personal collection is on view in their free museum room. The petrified wood slabs are especially spectacular.
Whenever you are traveling, keep your eyes open for the local museums and specialty shops. Sometimes, even in the smallest of towns, you can find some real gems. Eureka is fortunate to have at least two very nice museums of interest to rockhounds.
CFMS Newsletter 3/05.
Table of Contents.
CHIPS & BOULDERS.
Bulletin e-mail - When sending emails with Bulletin information, please 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!
Many Thanks to Ray & Florence Meisenheimer for the books they donated to VGMS for sale at the February meeting. It kind of looked like a bunch of kids in a candy store around the table and brought in some revenue for the club, which is always needed.
Desert Symposium - The theme is "Mining History of the Eastern Mojave Desert". The location is the Desert Studies Center, Zzyzx, California. The dates are April 22-23, 2005 with a Field Trip on April 24-26, 2005. For additional information contact Steve Mulqueen. Registration closes on 4-5-05. Contact Steve Or Shirley Layton (805) 717-9226 for a registration form.
Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2005 Meetings - We are still in need of volunteers for September and October. If you are able to serve either of those months, give Sharon Cunningham a call at 805 649-3579. Thank you to all who have volunteered, many hands make tasks much more enjoyable!
March: Valli & Greg Davis,
April: Jean & Ron Wise,
May: Susan & Steve Mulqueen,
June: Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson,
July: Shirley & Richard Bromser,
August: Florence & Ray Meisenheimer,
September: Open,
October: Open,
November: Pumpkin Pies - Everyone,
December: Christmas Party.
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.
CFMS & AFMS Newsletters - Anyone interested in their own subscriptions to these, please contact Shirley Layton (805 717-9226). The cost for one year is $5.50 for the CFMS and $4.50 for the AFMS. I do share some information from these with you, but there is much more in each issue that you may be interested in.
Table of Contents.
Web Sites.
AFMS web site - http://www.amfed.org/,
CFMS web site - http://www.cfmsinc.org/,
CA BLM web site - http://www.ca.blm.gov/.
Table of Contents.
Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings,
Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, 2005.
| Date: | Speaker,* | Subject. |
| March 23, 2005: | Jim Brace-Thompson, | Favorite Collecting Localities (Coordinator). |
A New Schedule will be set up for 2005. Think about what you would like and volunteer for that month! It's a good way to get a program of your interest! The quicker we fill up the schedule, the more advance notice everyone will have of the program.
In the absence of a Program Chairman for the year 2005, the President is asking for volunteers to take responsibility for planning a program for at least one of the monthly meetings. Any vacancies remaining after this request will be filled by appointment.
*The designated "Speaker" is responsible for one of the following options during the assigned meeting:
Present a lecture;
Invite a guest speaker, introduce him/her at the meeting;
Present a video related to our hobby.
Please Note: A good source for programs if you have signed up for a month and need material is the CFMS Slide and Video Library AKA "Podium People". For this and slide programs or CFMS Club rosters, please contact Florence Meisenheimer - CFMS website would also be of help.
Table of Contents.
Surfing the Web, Part Two: Minerals
& Earth Resources,
By Jim Brace-Thompson, Chair, Juniors Activities.
In my February column, I noted how today's kids are "wired-to-learn" via computers, the Internet, and the Google search engine. To help youth leaders capitalize on this now-natural proclivity of today's kids, this month's column is Part Two in a four-part series to provide annotated listings of Web sites organized around various aspects of the rock-hounding hobby. Last month, it was fossils. This month: minerals and earth resources. Here are a few helpful sites to check out (Note: In all cases close the new window to return here.):
www.usgs.gov:
This is the official web site of the United States Geological Survey. Go to their "Education" section. They have a nice link to the "Earth Science Information Center" where experts will answer kids' earth science questions via the U.S.G.S. education web site: http://www.usgs.gov/education/.
www.geol.ucsb.edu/L2/Outreach-FR.html:
Geology departments at universities are wonderful resources. Some have community outreach programs and will send professors into the classroom and/or lead group tours of university collections by advance arrangement. One such department is at the University of California, Santa Barbara, which also has a wonderful on-line display of their Bancroft Mineral Collection that provides a photo of each mineral in the collection with information about locality, chemical composition, and so forth.
www.mii.org,
www.womeninmining.org:
The web sites of the Mineral Information Institute and the Women in Mining organization both provide a wealth of information and resources on minerals, uses of minerals in everyday life, and careers in the earth sciences. Both also offer links to other interesting earth science sites.
www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hall/1410/mobile.html:
A terrific, hands-on way to illustrate crystal shapes is by making models by folding colorful construction paper, cardstock, or thin cardboard and pasting or taping them together. Cut-out patterns for making such models may be found on this web site.
www.amfed.org/kids_links.htm#crystals:
After learning about crystal shapes in the previous web site, this link on the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies' site takes you to sites providing recipes and instructions for growing crystals.
www.friendsofmineralogy.org:
Friends of Mineralogy promotes, supports, and protects the collection of minerals and works to further the recognition of the scientific, economic, and aesthetic value of minerals and mineral collecting. Their web site contains past newsletters and links to the Mineralogical Society of America, the American Geological Institute, the web site of Rocks & Minerals magazine and the Mineralogical Record, and others.
www.theimage.com:
This web site allows you to wander through a Mineral Gallery of gorgeous gemstones to learn about the chemical properties of nearly 200 different types of minerals.
As with the sites I shared last month, these sites scratch just the surface of what's out there. You can make this into a fun activity for your juniors by encouraging them to surf the Web themselves for interesting mineral sites and having them share and report on what they find with their fellow members at your next meeting. Let's capitalize on the tools today's kids use for learning while-as always-having fun!
CFMS Newsletter 3/05.
Table of Contents.
Insurance Information,
By Fred Ott, Insurance Chair.
Use of Release of Liability/Waiver Forms.
Whenever a club hosts an activity such as a field trip, it's important that the event leader have each participant sign a "release of liability" or "waiver" form. The primary purpose of such forms is to alert participants as to the possible hazards that may exist and have the participants acknowledge that they understand the risks and their obligations. By signing the form, the participants release the society, directors, officers and individual members from liability for claims arising from such field trip.
A sample of such Informed Consent/Assumption of Risk/Waiver of Liability form can be found on the Federation's web site, www.cfmsinc.org, under Section H of the Federation Insurance portion of the CFMS Menu.
Are your rocks, minerals and gems covered?
Throughout the years, many rockhounds accumulate a variety of rocks, minerals and gems as well as lapidary and rockhounding equipment (gold/metal detectors, dredges, etc.), the value of which can often be quite substantial.
It would be prudent for each member to contact his-or-her insurance agent and discuss exactly what coverage their homeowner's or renter's insurance policy provides. Typically, such policies provide coverage against loss by fire, theft and other "named perils" for these items, but other kinds of losses (such as "breakage" or "damage") are not usually covered. Additionally, all policies place certain "special limits" on several "classes" of personal property (such as: jewelry, money, gold, silver, certain "collections", property used in a business, occupation, profession or trade, etc.). A quick phone call to your agent may prevent an unwelcome surprise should a claim occur.
CFMS Newsletter 3/05.
Table of Contents.
APRIL BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in April. 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 805-717-9226 and leave a message if I'm not there or an email will also do the trick, jns@west.net. Thanks!
April - Happy Birthday!!
Richard Bromser - 10th,
Kevin Berman - 22nd,
Caleb Cogswell - 25th,
Hannah Brace-Thompson - 29th.
The April birthstone is the Diamond and the flower is the Sweet Pea.
DIAMONDS: THE KING OF GEMS,
By Matthew Hutchinson, Age 15.
"A diamond is forever", a stone of lasting fiery brilliance and called the king of gems. The word diamond comes from the Greek word adamis, which means "unconquerable". Diamonds are made from pure crystallized carbon and form isometric crystals (cubic). They may also form octahedrons, cubes twins, plates or rhombic dodecahedrons (12 sided crystals).
Gemstones are judged by four standards. First is luster or how light is reflected. A gemstone with a very strong luster can usually enable an experienced person to tell the difference between a diamond and an imitation. Color is the second way in which gems are judged. We may think of diamonds as colorless, but they come in shades of yellow, pink, brown or black. Most colors are caused by small amounts of nitrogen. A minute amount of boron may result in a blue diamond. Unpolished colorless diamonds may look similar to rock crystal, beryl, casserite, topaz, zircon or others. The third way gemstones are judged is by transparency. Transparent gems like diamonds bend light. They are cut to turn the light back into the observers' eye. Diamonds began to be polished and rose cuts made after 1300 AD. Before this, people believed there was a magic in diamonds that would be destroyed if they were cut or polished. The modern form of brilliant cut began in 1919, with publication of the Ideal Dimensions for a Brilliant Cut Diamond, by Marcel Tolkowsky. The last standard for judging gemstones is hardness. The harder stones resist scratches and chipping. In diamonds, carbon atoms are locked together by chemical bonds in three directions making them the hardest of the gemstones. They may however separate along cleavage lines.
Diamonds are unique among gemstones because they formed from only one element, carbon. At 50 miles or more below the surface of the earth, diamonds are formed at 2012-2372 F°. Great pressure is caused by the eruption of volcanoes. Diamonds are discovered in pipe-like bodies of kimberlite rock or washed down into river or beach gravels. Kimberlite contains about 25 carats of diamonds per 100 tons of ore. The kimberlite must be broken up and washed, then run under a vibrating greased belt. The diamonds stick to the grease on the belt and other parts of the kimberlite are discarded. X-rays will not penetrate diamonds, but do cause them to fluoresce. This is the second way to separate them from the kimberlite rock. It is easy to pick out the fluorescent stones from those that do not fluoresce.
Diamonds have been used for adornment since ancient times. Tiny industrial diamonds are used to give a cutting edge to a rock saw. Diamond tipped drill bits are used when drilling for oil. Some diamonds are famous. The Hope diamond at 44.5 carats is now in our Smithsonian museum. Cullinan I at 530.2 carats called the "Star of Africa" is kept in the Tower of London. The Shaw diamond at 88.7 carats came from India and is kept in the Kremlin in Moscow. Diamonds are symbols of love, wealth, power and immortality.
Bibliography:
- Bramwell, Martyn Rocks & Fossils London Usborne Publishing Ltd 1983;
- Gait, Robert I "Diamond", World Book Online Americas Edition,
http //www worldbookonline com/wbol/wbpPage/na/ar/co/157620, March 16,
2002 (Webmaster's Note: After taking out things that don't belong and putting in
things that have to be, I still can't get anything out of this link. Experiment if you
wish. I backed up to the point where ".com/" was the end of the link and it wanted
me to log on. Good luck if you want to try that. Incidentally, I have returned it to
exactly as it appeared in our source document assuming I can really tell the
difference between a small letter "L" and the number "1" in the last six characters.
I'm calling it a number 1. I also assumed that the date is not part of the link.);
-Schumann Walter Gemstones of the world Stem, Evelyne New York Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1977;
- Woodward, Christine & Harding, Dr Roger Gemstones New York Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1987;
- Zim, Herbert s & Shatter, Paul r Rocks and Minerals. New York Western Publishing Co Inc 1957.
From: The Rock & Hammer 9/02,
(2nd Place 2003 AFMS Jr. Article 12-17).
Table of Contents.
HOSPITALITY.
The February meeting was a fun one with 26 members, three guests and two pebble pups. The guests were Abe Barshai (who became a member and worked like a trooper at the show), Barbara Barnum and Jim Sumstine (aka "Mr. Comet"). The two pebble pups were Melissa and Kevin Berman. We were very happy to have them with us and hope to see all of them again. Sharon Cunningham brought some wonderful cookies, nuts and veggies. There was also a very tasty pumpkin dessert present, but not sure who brought it. Thank you whoever you are! Many door prizes were won and the books Ray and Florence brought were a fun thing as well. We also enjoyed the Quartzite treasures. See you at the March 23rd meeting all rested from our show, which was a Great Success.
Table of Contents.
PUBLIC OUTREACH.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH.
February 8 Ray Meisenheimer gave a tour of the museum for a Webelo pack number 3220, Den 2 from Camarillo. There were six boys and 2 adults. The boys are working on their science badge.
February 15 Ray visited Township Elementary School in Simi Valley. He discussed minerals, rocks and fossils with three classes of 20 students each, along with 2 teachers for each group. He spent 45 minutes with each class. These were second graders and really enjoyed the big fossils, pretty minerals and shiny geodes and spheres. In 3 weeks he will be visiting another school in Simi Valley. Word of his visits is spreading around. The trip today was a 45-mile drive one way.
Ray enjoys talking to the young children; they are so innocent and spontaneous. While he was packing up his specimens a small boy asked him how old he was. When he said 87 the little guy replied, "Really? You're older than my daddy!"
Tuesday, March 8 Ray left the house at 7 am to be in Simi Valley by 8. He visited Madera Elementary School, giving three separate programs to second and third graders. There were 75 students along with 4 adults. He spoke on rocks and minerals and had a good supply to show and discuss. One of the teachers, Michelle Nicolas, had made arrangements for a photographer and reporter from the Ventura County Star to be there to take in the program. There will be a story with pictures in the newspaper in the near future. This trip was a bit more driving than usual--68 miles in all.
Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
============= =============
The Tongue can be a blessing
Or the Tongue can be a curse.
Say, friend, how are you using yours,
For better or for worse?
Contributed by Wayne Ehlers.
============= =============
Table of Contents.
"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."
CFMS Field Trip to Cady Mountains,
April 29 - May 1, 2005,
By Bob Fitzpatrick,
CFMS Field Trip Chair South.
TRIP LOCATION - Northeast side of the Cady Mountains (Afton Canyon area).
WHEN - April 29-May 1, 2005.
SPONSOR - CFMS Field Trip South.
ORGANIZATION - CFMS.
MATERIAL TO COLLECT - Red and yellow agate, jasper (plume & sagenite), opalite, calcite rhombs, chalcedony roses, amygdules, green fluorite, onyx and much more.
LEADER - Bob Fitzpatrick.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE - Early Friday will be for setting up camp. Friday around 1 p.m. I will be leading a field trip. Each day around 8 a.m. we will be going to a different area to collect. There will be a potluck Saturday around 5 p.m.
DIRECTIONS TO CAMP SITE - I-15 Freeway east past Barstow for about 45 miles to Basin Road. Exit off ramp to the right and follow signs to camp site area. The road to the camping site should be okay for 2-wheel drive cars, trailers & motor homes. We will be camping just on the other side of railroad tracks.
VEHICLE - 4-wheel drive from camp to collecting areas. The desert road is sandy and in some areas has large rocks in it.
CAMP & FACILITIES - This will be dry camping, no water, no picnic tables, no toilets, no firewood to be gathered and no fees.
TOOLS - Collecting bags, rock hammer, eye gear, flashlights, spray water bottle, etc., camp chair (to sit in at night around the fire).
SAFETY CONCERNS - Do not lick the rocks, use sun screen, stay away from rattlesnakes, use bug spray, be aware of flash floods, be extra careful and don't get lost.
CLIMATE & WEATHER - It can be hot during the day and cold at night, it could rain.
CLOTHING - Appropriate for this time of the year.
OTHER REMARKS - All club members and their guests are welcome to join us. Come for the day or camp out with us. Bring food, lots of water, a camera and lots of firewood for the campfire at night. If you need a motel or supplies they are available in Baker or Barstow. Don't forget we will have a potluck on Saturday night, so bring a dish to share and your own place setting. Each night after dark we will have a campfire where we can all join together and have a good time roasting marshmallows, telling jokes or just talking about the good OLE times.
I should be arriving at campsite around 11 a.m. on Friday. Saturday and Sunday we will be leaving the camp at around 8 a.m. and drive to the collecting areas. You must observe the AFMS code of ethics and sign a consent and assumption of risk waiver of liability form. Hope to see you there.
For additional information:
Email me at RUROCKY2@aol.com,
or call me at (951) 845-3051,
Bob Fitzpatrick,
CFMS Field Trip Chair - South, 2005.
From the CFMS Website.
Fieldtrips are fun
(As a rule
When the weather cooperates),
February 20, 2005.
Tri-Club fieldtrip to Tajiguas Beach.
We had four members attend the cloudy and windy day fieldtrip to Tajiguas Beach.
We spent more than two hours scanning the beach area looking for rocks. They were hiding in the sand and driftwood deposited on the beach from the last few storms. The past storms have littered the beach with all kinds of junk and debris. I did find six pieces of petrified whalebone and Stewart found a nice concretion specimen. It started to rain so we headed back for the car. By the time we returned to the vehicles the rain had stopped.
The Ventura and Oxnard Clubs had three members attend and Conejo had one:
Steward Bloom,
Ron Wise,
Jean Wise,
Don Asher.
If anyone is interested in a return trip to the Jade Cove area please contact me. The March fieldtrip is in the planning stages.
Don Asher 805-482-2510 or asherd@aldephia.net.
Contributed by Ron and Jean Wise.
TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS 2005:
Schedule Is Under Construction!
| Leaders: | ||||
| Don Asher, | 482-2510, | Conejo, | asherd@aldephia.net. | |
| B Fitzpatrick, | 845-3051, | RUROCKY2@aol.com. | ||
| Rob Miller, | rdmiller@earthlink.net. | |||
| Don Minster, | 485-8226, | Oxnard, | donminster@prodigy.net. | |
| Steve Mulqueen, | Ventura, | Steve.Mulqueen@conservation.ca.gov. | ||
| Ron Wise, | 647-4393, | Ventura, | clintwise@hotmail.com. | |
*** Please call your club fieldtrip leader to confirm that there is a fieldtrip scheduled in the event of changes.
Table of Contents.
============= =============
The greatest oak was once a little nut that held its ground.
Contributed by Steve Mulqueen.
============= =============
Table of Contents.
GEMSTONES FOUND
IN THE UNITED STATES.
Because our nation has not had a tradition of mining and providing gemstones for the world, we often forget we can find in our own country most of the well known gems as well as a variety of lesser known but equally desirable stones. Gemstones found in our own country rival those found anywhere in the world in beauty and desirability.
DIAMONDS - Have been found in many states including Texas, Arkansas, the Great Lakes area, California, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, New York, Idaho and Indiana.
SAPPHIRES - Montana has several places where sapphires are found, in all colors.
RUBIES - Have been found in Jackson, Macon and Clay Counties in North Carolina.
TOURMALINE - Riverside and San Diego Counties in California have produced the largest quantity of gem tourmaline with the greatest value in the western hemisphere. Maine is also a major producer in a full spectrum of colors including a bi-colored red or pink and green.
EMERALDS - North Carolina has emeralds that compare favorably with fine Colombian stones. It is the only state that produces significant quantities.
AQUAMARINE - Is found in Oxford County, Maine; Chaffee County (Mt. Antero), Colorado; Riverside and San Diego Counties, California; and Cheshire, Sullivan, Merrimack and Grafton Counties in New Hampshire. Most of these areas produce aquamarine as a by-product.
MORGANITE - Is found where aquamarines and emeralds are found because this stone is a beryl as are aquamarine and emerald. Morganite is found in much larger sizes and is much more affordable. Colors range from pink to shades of orange.
RED BERYL - Though quantities are small, the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah are the only source of this gemstone in the world.
TOPAZ - In the United States, yellow topaz is rarely seen, but good blue, sherry and colorless stones can be found in many places. In Mason County, Texas one can find gem quality blue and in Utah sherry-brown crystals are found. In San Diego County, California commercial quantities of blue and pale green topaz are found and Colorado produces a pale blue stone.
PERIDOT - Gila County, Arizona is the most productive source. It is also found in Dona Ana County in New Mexico.
AMETHYST - Is found in most states in all quantities and sizes.
GARNET - Gem-quality in a variety of colors has been found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, No. Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
BENITOITE - One of the rarest and most beautiful of gems in the United States can be found in gem quality only in San Benito County, California. It occurs in various shades of blue, purple, white, pink and colorless. Unlike sapphire, benitoite is relatively soft.
JADE - The most important source of jade (Nephrite) in the Western Hemisphere is in Wyoming. However, Alaska also produces good green nephrite. California has jade (Jadeite).
TURQUOISE - America is the largest producer, in the world. It is found in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico.
OPAL - Idaho has produced fine gem-quality white opal. Fine black opal has been found in Virgin Valley, Nevada.
From Rockette 12/03 via the Petrified Log 3/05.
Table of Contents.
The Rockhound Sticker(TM) has a Little Brother,
By Richard Pankey, Publicity/Public Relations
Committee.
There is a new, little Rockhound Sticker that promises to have many uses for all rockhounds. It became available the first of this year and is selling fast. It was introduced at Cloud's Jamboree at Avi and at the Shows in Quartzsite, and at the SCRIBE meeting in Quartzsite.
The new sticker is the same bright, attention getting yellow with the black rock hammer as the 3 and a half-inch version, but is only one inch in diameter. This new sticker is inexpensive and can be used in many ways by rockhounds and by rock clubs. They stick easily and well to clothing, hats, paper and even rocks. They are great for an award for completion of a junior's activity at your show or meetings; a simple "pin" for shirt or hat to identify oneself as a rockhound. Stick one on a slab for case favors, or on a nice polished rock for a grab bag or on the "Wheel-Of-Fortune" table.
However, one of the best and most important uses may be the one that came out of a discussion at the SCRIBE meeting in January at Quartzsite. Peter Martin, the incoming president of SCRIBE made a few brief remarks that included a "call to arms" for all editors to alert their clubs and start a letter writing campaign against a new threat to our use of Public Lands called 'America the Beautiful'. He proposed to all newsletter editors to help get the word out to their members about this threat to our use of public lands and help with example letters and encouragement to start writing letters to our representatives and government officials, now. I had brought several rolls of stickers with me to show at the meeting. Suddenly it occurred to me "what better way to identify that our letters are from a rockhound than to put a sticker on the envelope and letter of all of our correspondences to our representatives and government agencies." The idea was quickly and excitedly accepted by all. The bright color will attract attention, immediately identify that the letter is from a concerned rockhound, add impact to our message, and it will be remembered.
The new, little Rockhound Sticker is a fun, inexpensive way to promote rockhounding and to identify yourself as a rockhound, and your correspondences as being from a rockhound. I have started using them in addition to my return address labels on mail to other rockhound and clubs. I plan to give them out to kids at rock swaps, talks to youth groups, at shows, and anywhere else to attract attention and promote our hobby. That is the purpose of the Rockhound Sticker - to identify and promote.
To get the new, little Rockhound Sticker for yourself or your club contact Frank Mullaney. The new Rockhound Stickers cost $3.00 for a roll of 100 stickers. The price includes postage and handling. Frank will accept checks or credit cards. When ordering make check payable to ROCKY FIVE. To order stickers, contact:
Frank Mullaney,
5705 Begonia Dr.,
San Jose, CA 95124-6535,
Ph.: 408-266-1791,
E-mail: rockyfiv@aol.com.
Promote rockhounding. Proudly display your Rockhound Sticker.
Table of Contents.
EARTH SCIENCES,
By Cal Clason, Chairman, Earth Science Studies.
If you read no other part of this report, PLEASE read and pass on the information contained in the first paragraph!!! In the Publicity Chairman's report it was stated that 2005 would be the last year for the seminar at Zzyzx. This is not the case. I have confirmed dates for 2006; March 19 - 26. Although this announcement is much earlier than I would have preferred the date is confirmed. This mix-up is probably my fault; during a discussion with Steve Blocksage concerning alternate sites I didn't stress enough that we still have access to the Desert Studies Center; but the weather at that time is quite unpredictable and can become very disagreeable. Many of our activities, including meals are outside and this I am concerned about. At any rate, please pass on the information that the site for 2006 will be Zzyzx. Sufficient notice will be given by the Earth Science Chair if at any time there is a change in venue.
As many of you are aware, we are celebrating our 20th year at Zzyzx with an Open House on Saturday, April 10, 2005. Pre-registration is a must, so we can have sufficient steak or chicken on hand; a donation of $12.50 is requested for the meal. That does not preclude a visit to the center if you wish to visit without the meal; there are no restrictions. Along this same line you are welcome to make a visit to the facility anytime we are there. We have not received any confirmation on whether or not Huell Houser will do a segment on our activities, we can only hope that he will.
With the preparation for Zzyzx we have not done too much toward the finalization of Camp Paradise. That will be the next thing to work on. As you are probably aware, Jack Williams has agreed to coordinate that event, and I'm sure he will do all that he can to insure it's a success. At present the plans are to have the applications ready for the May issue of the CFMS Newsletter. The dates will be September 11-16, and September 17-24, 2005. More on that subject as the date draws nearer.
Again, there will be an Earth Science Seminar held at Zzyzx in 2006. Please pass this information along to alleviate any doubts.
CFMS Newsletter 3/05.
Table of Contents.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT CHRYSOCOLLA.
Chrysocolla is a minor ore of copper and is also used as an ornamental stone. The name is derived from Greek word Chrysos for gold and Kolla for glue in reference to a similar looking material that was used in soldering gold. This indicates the ancients smelted the ore to make a copper alloy of gold much as we do today. The popularity of using it as a gem material was not widespread until a long time later. Professional mineralogists thought of chrysocolla as a pretty blue copper ore. They identified it as a somewhat brittle, hydrous silicate of copper or a secondary mineral formed by the action of air and water on primary copper deposits. Malachite, a green carbonate of copper, frequently occurs with chrysocolla, as do small amounts of azurite.
From the Tumbler 1/02 via Gneiss Times 2/05.
Table of Contents.
America the Beautiful.
That beguiling phrase is not the title of a song or a statement of faith, it is a phrase which may become a serious threat to all our rockhounding and collecting activities in the USA in the coming year.
The rump of the last Congress, in the days after the voting and before the holidays, late one night passed an appropriations bill 3,000 pages long. Apart from the necessary budgets for departments, in it were thousands of 'pork barrel' projects by which our Senators and Representative get Federal funds for projects in their districts, and then go home and trumpet what great representatives they are. Most of the bill is never read or discussed in either the Senate or the House. The bill was signed into law by President Bush a few days later, and in that bill, never read in Congress, never discussed, was the America the Beautiful bombshell.
In summary this is what the legislation does. Sometime in the next year or so it cancels the legislation which covers the Golden Age and Golden Access passes, once in a lifetime payments to allow Seniors into National Parks, US Forests and BLM land. In their place will be an 'America the Beautiful' card, whose estimated cost will be $100 per year, every year! Adults would need to buy such a card. This would allow the user access to all USFS and BLM lands for the purposes of recreation, and entry to National Parks which are not 'improved' and have no facilities. Failure to produce such a card on demand could result in a fine of up to $5,000 and 30 days in jail. As the USFS and BLM do not have enough staff for enforcement and collection, they are allowed in the legislation to outsource these activities.
The threat to Gem and Mineral and Rockhounding clubs is clear, but we are not the only ones affected. Consider the impact on a church picnic into a USFS forest, and the need to ensure everyone has their pass. Perhaps the commercial collecting agents will turn their primary focus on rockhounds and the Godly, and leave hunters alone; who will demand a pass from someone with a loaded rifle.
Like so many acronyms invented nowadays 'America the Beautiful' is meant to mislead, 'America the Overtaxed' would be a better fit.
So what can we do about it? All may not be lost. Other interested groups have been protesting and it is having some effect. A spokesman for the Parks Service has been rapidly backtracking stating that the initial fee for seniors will only be $10 and few of the provisions will be implemented, so protest can make a difference. The States which will be hit hardest, because they have the most USFS and BLM land, are those same 'red' states which voted Republican last November, and in these partisan days, something may yet be done. In November the late night deal was stitched together between a Representative from Alaska and one from Ohio who has no public lands in his district. It has created anger among numerous of their colleagues and there is talk of reversing this legislation. Politicians listen to their voters, so the SCRIBE plan is to send as many letters as we can to complain and ask whether they agree with the legislation, and if not, what do they intend to do about it. To help we will draft a sample letter and ask you to ask all club members to send four letters, one to each of your Senators, one to your Representative and one to President Bush, and more to anyone you might think is worth influencing. Where possible add a yellow rockhound sticker to your letter that will help our Representatives recognize our concern.
If you want to read more about this matter check some of these web sites:
http://www.sespewild.org/HR3283analysis.html,
http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/News_FeeDemo_Permanent.htm,
http://www.americantrails.org/NewsAction/feedemo04.html,
http://www.aznofee.org/aznofee/home.php.
The full wording of the act may be found under:
http://www.wildwilderness.org/docs/therat.htm.
Sample letter:
Send to both your Senators, your Representative and to the President.
 |
Your Address Date |
Dear xxxxxx,
In the Appropriations Bill that was passed into law at the end of the last Congress in November, a section was inserted at the last moment as a late night deal between two Representatives. This section has a fundamental effect on access to Public Lands throughout the USA. This section was never introduced nor discussed on the floor of the House or the Senate.
The legislation is HR3283 which cancels Golden Age and Golden Access passes and introduces a new pass; 'America the Beautiful'. It opens the doors for the National Parks, the USFS, and the BLM to introduce fees for many activities not previously charged, in many places where no fees had formerly applied. It mandates draconian punishments for fee evasion. Although Agencies have since commented that they do not intend to instigate all the fees allowed, we are all aware that if it is allowed, in future it is likely to happen. The new law does not stop any of the activities that are at present permitted, including rockhounding, in which I am particularly interested, but it does permit stiff fees for doing so in many places where such activity has always been free of charge.
I strongly object to this legislation and to the corrupt manner in which it became law.
I ask you to act to reverse the legislation in full and to guard against its reintroduction.
I would like your opinion as to whether passing far reaching legislation in the above manner fits your understanding of democracy in the United States at a time when we are lauding the ideas of freedom and democracy throughout the world.
Yours,
Scribe Newsletter, January-March 2005.
Table of Contents.
HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS,
(Use at your own risk).
If you have any chrysocolla and would like to bring out the blue & green, also any copper material, put it in full strength Purex for as long as it takes. This really works and you will get some good colors. Remember, however, the hazard of mixing bleach with any acid. It releases a poisonous gas.
From Rocky Trails 4/87 via Napa Gems 2/05.
Selecting Material for Cabochons - by John Sinkankas. A beginner is often confused by the great variety of cabochon material offered for sale. Selection should be based on quality. Carefully inspect the material of your choice. It must be solid, free of any cracks or holes, and be uniform in texture. Certain kinds of jasper contain soft spots because all the pores did not fill up with the silica-bearing solutions. Check slabs of this kind by wetting the surface and watching to see if water remains on top or is soaked up. The material with soft spots will not polish. Many slabs are displayed at dealers' tables in flat pans of water. Porous spots will soak up the water so it is best to allow the selected slab to dry thoroughly. To check it for uniformity in texture, hold it up to a strong light at an angle.
When the beginner chooses a material for his/her first attempt at gem cutting, agate, such as Montana, Mexican or Brazilian is a good choice. These agates are hard and tough enough to allow for mistakes to be corrected. It is wise to make the first cabochon about one-half inch in size and gradually work on larger cabs as one gains experience.
From The Pegmatite via Del Air Bulletin - 3/05.
Table of Contents.
MEMBERSHIP.
2005 DUES WERE DUE ON 1-1-2005!!!!! You aren't too late yet; you can mail them in or give them to Shirley Bromser at the meeting on the 23rd. Don't Forget! The last date to get in to the 2005 Directory (and we want you all there) is 3-31-05.
2005 directories will be out for the April meeting.
Attention New Members (or anyone needing a badge).
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.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
VGMS MINUTES.
Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, February 23rd, 2005:
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Ed Clark at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, February 23rd, 2005 at the Lexington, Ventura, CA.
The January regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/c as shown in the bulletin.
Ed Clark welcomed everyone, introduced guests, Abe Barshai, Barbara Barnum, James Sumstine (Mr. Comet), and Pebble Pups Melissa & Kevin Berman and began with our salute to the flag.
Ron Wise - There'll be no field trip during the month of March due to our show (and the rain) but just wait until our favorite areas dry out a bit. There promises to be abundant collecting everywhere due to the unusually heavy rains.
Shirley Layton - The 10th of March will be the deadline for articles and photographs to be submitted for the bulletin.
Shirley Bromser - Club dues are due by the end of March and we have 39 paid members as of this time.
Ray Meisenheimer - Ray awarded raffle prizes to a few lucky people and also mentioned that cleanup of the museum is continuing. He'll be giving presentations to schools in Simi and Ventura (Will Rodgers).
Jim Brace-Thompson - Last chance to get the word out about our upcoming show. Things have come together nicely and it promises to be another great show (even the weather promises to cooperate).
Wayne Ehlers - A sign up sheet for a spring cab class will be available at our show and may help to draw new members.
Jim Brace-Thompson next gave a warm hearted glimpse back in time to previous shows put on by our club - a stroll down memory lane, including photos of our first at Sheridan Way School in 1963. Comparisons were made to then and now and enthusiasm was certainly generated for our upcoming show. Next, members were asked to "show & tell" regarding their treasures brought back from Quartzsite and vicinity. Many did and a lot of very nice items were procured this year.
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, March 3rd, at the Fair Grounds. All are welcomed to attend and the next regular meeting will be held March 23rd at the Lexington.
There being no further business, President Ed Clark adjourned the meeting at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.
Minutes of the VGMS Monthly Board Meeting,
Thursday, March 3rd, 2005:
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by Steve Mulqueen at 6:00 pm on Thursday, March 3rd, 2005, at the Ventura County Fair Grounds, Ventura, CA.
Present: Steve Mulqueen, Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson, Shirley Layton, Richard and Shirley Bromser, Ron & Jean Wise, Wayne & Marie Ehlers and Greg Davis. (I apologize if I've left any names out of those who were in attendance, but I was really tired by that time.)
Steve Mulqueen - The Mineralogical Society will meet in Pasadena, March 10th and Steve will present his talk on oil seeps.
Richard Bromser - It was m/s/c to accept the treasurer's report for the month of January.
Shirley Layton - Articles for the bulletin need to be received by the 10th of the month.
Jim Brace-Thompson - It's Show Time!!! Jim and Nancy blanketed downtown Ventura with show flyers this past weekend. Today was the first set-up day and everything is coming together.
Ray Meisenheimer will be presenting at 2 schools in Simi and 4 schools are waiting on the re-opening of our museum.
Shirley Bromser - We have 39 paid members so far and dues are due by the end of March.
Ron Wise - No field trips planned as of yet, although there may be a run to Acton in the near future.
The next meeting will be our monthly general meeting on March 23rd, 2005 at the Lexington in Ventura.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.
Table of Contents.
Raw Materials Used in the Manufacture
of Portland Cement
(See February 2005 Bulletin).
Editor's Note: Correction; this article in last month's bulletin was written by Steve Mulqueen, which is a little more work than just contributing! Sorry Steve.
Table of Contents.
EXHIBITS FOR THE CFMS SHOW,
By Dee Holland, Rules Chair.
It's already April and there isn't too much time left before the BIG SHOW in JUNE! Have you gotten your exhibit ready? I'm concerned that exhibits, both competitive and non-competitive are getting as scarce as endangered species!
We encourage everyone to exhibit either as a competitive or non-competitive exhibitor for the CFMS show in June because this is the biggest part of any show. The public will learn about us through our exhibits. We will all learn through seeing others exhibiting items that we have but have been unable to exhibit ourselves because of lack of experience and knowledge. We are trying to change this by offering to put on exhibit clinics throughout the CFMS. If your club is willing to put on a clinic to help your members learn the art of exhibiting, we'll be there. All you have to do is contact me or First Vice President, Colleen McGann and make arrangements. We will see that someone comes to help you.
First we have to have exhibits, and then we need those exhibitors who want to compete. Competition isn't hard when you have people who are willing to share their expertise to help explain the ropes. Think of the judges as "teachers" who want to see you do your best. Don't wait till after the case has been judged to ask questions. As we mentioned in the January Newsletter, put your case in as a non-competitor and check the box on the entry to have a judge go over the case with you during the show. This will give you an opportunity to check your labels, get advice on showmanship, quality and workmanship. Rules Committee and judges will be available to go over your case with you after the CFMS Business Meeting on Saturday and also Sunday.
There are plenty of cases at many of the County Fairs, but these don't seem to get to the CFMS level. If you would like someone with CFMS/AFMS Rules background to help you upgrade your case for CFMS/AFMS competition let us know. There isn't that much difference, BUT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE between the Fair Rules and the CFMS/AFMS Rules. Sometimes it's a matter of reading the CFMS/AFMS RULES, and knowing which category, class and division to enter. Too many times the exhibitor is encouraged by well meaning friends to enter the Master Category instead of novice or advanced on your first effort.
We have not received any additional inquiries regarding EXHIBITOR'S WORKSHOPS. If any club is interested in hosting a workshop, please contact the CFMS First Vice President, Colleen McGann, immediately. Time is running out for help before the show, but if you're interested in hosting a workshop after the show, we can arrange for someone to be there.
CFMS Newsletter 4/05.
Table of Contents.
SHOW DATES.
Reno Gem & Mineral Society presents "Jackpot of Gems 2005" on May 7 & 8, 2005 at the Reno Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Ave., Reno, NV. Hours: Sat. 10-5. Sun. 10-4. Hourly prizes (Grand Prize - 250 Sacagawea Dollars), Dealers, Demonstrators, Exhibits, Field Trip and Youth activities.
Virgin Valley Gem, Mineral, Fossil and Jewelry Show - An invitation is extended to your club to attend the 1st annual Virgin Valley gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry show over the Labor Day week end to be held at the Opal Negra Mine millsite.
There is no fee to buyers or sellers.
There is plenty of space to set up a booth or to tailgate.
Free camping is available at the nearby CCC campground. Or, if needed, there are full hookups at the Royal Peacock's RV Park at http://www.royalpeacock.com/mining01.htm. Reservations are recommended.
If you have ever wanted to dig at one of the world famous opal fee digs here's another reason to go!
More information is available on the Opal Negra Mine website, including maps, driving directions and links; at this address:
http://thegemdealer.com/gemshow/virginvalleygemshow.htm.
For questions not answered at the web site contact Scott Ryals at gemshow@thegemdealer.com or call 1-800-803-7601.
Hope to see you there!
Scott Ryals,
Opal Negra Mining.
2005 CFMS SHOWS.
MARCH 19-20; ANGELS CAMP, CA - Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society, Calaveras County Fairgrounds. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Earl Klein (510) 632-9373.
MARCH 19-20; ESCONDIDO, CA - Palomar Gem & Mineral Club, Army National Guard Armory, 304 Park Ave., Escondido. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Annie Heffner (760) 735-8067. Email: annieheffner@yahoo.com.
APRIL 2-3; SAN JOSE, CA -Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Frank Mullaney (408) 255-1791. Email: info@svgms.org.
APRIL 2-3; TORRANCE, CA - South Bay Lapidary & Mineral Society "Nature's Treasures", Torrance Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Omer Goeden (818) 383-9279. Email: sageit@aol.com.
APRIL 9-10; HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA - Puente Hills Gem & Mineral Club, Steinmetz Co. Park Recreation Bldg., 1545 S. Stimson Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Paula Hess (562) 696-2270. Email: rphess@adelphia.net.
APRIL 9-10; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, Al Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 Kearney Mesa Rd. Hours: Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 10-4. Wayne Moorhead (858) 586-1637.
APRIL 9-10; PARADISE, CA - Paradise Gem & Mineral Club, Veteran's Memorial Hall, Sky & Elliott. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun 10-4. Anita Carter (530) 876-9466 or (530) 872-1983.
APRIL 23-24; BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County Mineral Society, Kern County Fairgrounds. Hours 10-5 both days. Nichelle Sebresos (661) 809-4705.
APRIL 23-24; LANCASTER, CA - Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Club, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Avenue Valley Fairgrounds. Hours: 9-5 both days. Armin Nimmer (661) 945-5769.
APRIL 23-24; SANTA CRUZ, CA - Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, on corner of Center & Church Streets. Hours: 10-5 both days. Contact: Hubert Drake (831) 688-8086. Email: hmdrake@pacbell.net.
MAY 7-8; ANAHEIM, CA - Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, Brookhurst Community Center. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4:30. W. Mroch; PMB 373, 4141 Ball Road, Cypress, CA 90630. Email: hwmroch@gemandmineral.com.
MAY 7-8; BISHOP, CA - Lone Pine Gem & Mineral Society, Tri County Fairgrounds, Sierra Street & Fair Drive. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 10-4. Jeff Lines (760) 872-6597.
MAY 7-8; RENO, NV - Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Reno Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Jennifer Rhodes (775) 356-8820.
MAY 14-15; NEWBURY PARK, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club "California Gems & Minerals", Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Rd. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5. Bob Stultz (805) 498-4220.
MAY 14-15; YUCAIPA, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Yucaipa Community Center, 349 Oak Glen Road. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. Lee Peterson (909) 794-0731. Email: res09ayd@verizon.net.
MAY 20-22; ANDERSON, CA - Superior CA Gem & Mineral Association, Shasta County Fairgrounds, Five Miles South of Reading. Hours: Fri. & Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4. Steve Puderbaugh (530) 365-4000.
MAY 28-30; WEAVERVILLE, CA - Trinity Gem & Mineral Society, Lowden Park. Hours: Sat. & Sun. 10-5, Mon. 10-4.
JUNE 4-5; GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. Bonnie Bidwell (626) 963-4638. Email: Ybidwell2@aol.com.
JUNE 4-5; LA HABRA, CA - North Orange Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Don Warthon (626) 330-8974. Email: warthen@earthlink.net.
JUNE 10-12; ROSEVILLE, CA - CFMS & Roseville Gem & Mineral Blast, Roseville (Placer County) Fairgrounds, 800 All American City Blvd. (916) 630-1000. Web Site: www.rockrollers.com. Show: www.rockrollers.com/show.html.
AUGUST 5, 6, 7; NIPOMA, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Avenue. Hours: 9-5 Daily. Lucky Virgin (805) 929-4525. Email: lvirgin@impulse.net.
AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2005.
EASTERN FEDERATION,
March 18-20, Sayre, PA.
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION,
June 10-12, Roseville, CA.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN,
June 17-19, Colorado Springs, CO.
NORTHWEST,
August 5-7, Albany, OR.
MIDWEST / AFMS,
August 16-21, St. Louis, MO.
SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION,
December 2-4, Austin, TX.
Table of Contents.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. We all enjoy articles from you members. Why not make a New Year's resolution to write up your thoughts about the show, vacation experiences, rock-collecting trips, Great Finds or anything of interest to share. Contributions from you members keep the Bulletin interesting and I thank you for them.
 |
| Trili - The Editor's Pet Trilobite. |
Table of Contents.
ROSEVILLE SHOW UPDATE.
ROSEVILLE SHOW UPDATE,
By Gloria Tomczyk, 2005 Show Chair.
The Roseville Show is coming!!! The Roseville Show is coming!!! Are you ready? We have made plans, and are expecting you! Hotel reservations made? Show and Banquet forms sent in? Exhibitor/Demonstrator forms submitted?
Many people within the Roseville Rock Rollers Gem and Mineral Society have contributed outstanding ideas and action to make this an exceptional show. Over the past 9 months, talk has transitioned into ideas, ideas have created actions, and these actions are what will make this show a "BLAST." Over the months, we have talked to many, many, CFMS folks, obtaining input, on what makes up a good show, trying to make it the way it has always been - Classy!
We hope to provide a multi-faceted fun event, bringing items of interest, and new activities to this Roseville Federation show. We have just added Metal Detecting, as our newest attraction. Have you ever entertained the thought of using a metal detector? You know, looking for lost treasures in the ground using a hand held electronic contraption that finds money and jewelry. This could be your golden opportunity to give this a go and see what it is all about. The "Sacramento Valley Detecting Buffs" will be on hand providing an opportunity to search for real coins, and answer questions, should you or your family decide to give it a try.
The Awards Banquet is REALLY coming together. I hope you have your tickets; you won't want to miss this one! I won't give up too much info on what we have planned for you, but I will say, IT WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF! Besides a top quality dinner, you will definitely want to bring your camera!
Sometime back I mentioned that GOLD NUGGETS (yes plural, more than one) would be raffled off at the Director's meeting, remember??? Well the only way you can get a chance on winning one of them, is to simply attend the Saturday Director's meeting, at which time you will receive a ticket for the drawing. Nothing to buy, nothing to sell, JUST BE THERE! So do you have your reservations in yet?
Please take a look at our website for more information about the show: www.rockrollers.com.
*********************************
PS: Last month, I had a last call, if you will, for exhibitors. We may still have room for you, if you are interested, please contact Florence Brady. In this month's newsletter, Shirley Leeson, CFMS Historian, provides history on the way it once was. I would like to mention that, Shirley and Dee Holland, contributed a lot of time in this area, working with Florence Brady and others, to help make this 2005 show successful. Hopefully, with this show in 2005, we will be moving in the right direction for all of us to enjoy successful shows in the years to come via continuous improvement.
CFMS Newsletter 4/05.
Table of Contents.
EDUCATIONAL CORNER.
Definition of the Month.
Gold Discovery in California Before Statehood.
On January 24, 1848, James Marshall discovered gold in the tailrace of Sutter's lumber mill along the American River near Coloma. Word spread fast about the discovery and by 1849 the "Gold Rush" was in full swing. This was not the first time gold was discovered in the area we now call California. The following is a list of several gold discoveries that pre-date the Gold Rush.
1775 to 1780 - The first recorded discovery and extraction of gold in California was made by Spanish settlers in the Potholes District, along a river terrace of the Colorado River in the present-day Imperial County. This led to other discoveries of gold in the Cargo Muchacho and Picacho Districts near the Potholes.
1828 - Placer gold was discovered and mined near San Ysidro in the present-day San Diego County.
1835 - Placer deposits in San Francisquito Canyon were discovered near the present-day City of Saugus in Los Angeles County.
1842 - Gold was discovered in Placerita Canyon in the roots of an oak tree. This area is near the present-day City of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County.
The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, March 2005.
Illustration of the Month.
Packing Earth at Carson's (Gold panning).
An engraving print from the article titled "HOW WE GET GOLD IN CALIFORNIA", by William V. Wells, a Miner of the Year '49. Printed in Harper's Magazine, 1860.
The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering, engraving print or any form of art rediscovered in books, maps, manuscripts and many other sources related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. This illustration was chosen for its educational content by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, March 2005.
Table of Contents.
VGMS PHOTO ALBUM:
2005 Show Time Setting Up - All photos by Shirley Layton;
Meet our Dealers Next Month.
1- Myrle Kirk unpacking in Country Store.
2- Jean Wise getting ready for the kids.
3- Dave Mautz setting up one of his wonderful fossil exhibits.
4- Ray Meisenheimer thinking about stirring the pot in readiness for some hungry people!
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.
Webmaster: James A. Layton,
URL of this Page: http://www.vgms.org/bt/vgms0503.htm.