http://ww2.earthday.net/.

Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.

The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
April 2008.

Rockhound Rambling Photo of the Month.
This month's photo is by Mary Polacek.

Description: Unpolished slab, orbicular or birds-eye rhyolite, location unknown.

Rambling Picture of the Month is photographed by a VGMS Member. Subject may be a specimen in their own collection or a rock, mineral, gem or lapidary creation of others, accompanied with documentation of subject origin. Selection is at the discretion of the editor. Submit candidate photos to vgms_editor@roadrunner.com.

Permission is granted to quote any item, if proper credit is given. Exchange Editors: email to vgms_editor@roadrunner.com or mail to 3063 Bayshore Avenue, Ventura, CA 93001-4125.

For the record, any unsigned articles are by the Editor.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• UPCOMING VGMS EVENTS;
• BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• PROGRAM REVIEW;
• PROGRAM SCHEDULE;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• MEETING MINUTES;
• CHIPS AND BOULDERS;
• FUN STUFF - MATCH THE DINOSAUR;
• FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN;
• FEDERATION NEWS;
• HINTS AND TIPS;
• LET'S BE SAFE OUT THERE;
• GEMS FROM THE PAST;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• ARKANSAS DIAMOND FRAUD;
• VARIETIES OF LIGHT;
• LET'S GO TO A SHOW - 2008;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

I am pleased to announce that our club has gained many new members within the past few months. This sudden increase in membership is due in large part to people, like yourself, getting the good word out about our club. Our most recent mineral show also attracted many people into becoming members. Please go out of your way to welcome our new members to the VGMS.

Field trips are an important part of our club. We are always looking for newer and better places to explore. Please consider leading a field trip or providing information about a collecting locality for our club members. I'm sure that all of you have some great ideas on a field trip for our members.

We welcome members to bring in specimens of rocks, minerals and fossils to all our meetings. This gives us a chance to learn from everyone's personal collections and provides an opportunity for some of us to help identify specimens. Remember to bring in that special "rock" at our next meeting.

And don't forget the Conejo club's show coming up next month and the Federation show at the end of June. Let's show them our support by participating in and attending these shows.

Ed Clark, President.

  Table of Contents.

WORDS TO LIVE BY.

It's usually better to work on the construction gang than the wrecking crew.

It's not in riches we find contentment, but in contentment that we find riches.

Life is a journey not a destination.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

Contributed by Wayne Ehlers.

  Table of Contents.

UPCOMING VGMS EVENTS.

Workshop - Saturday, April 19, 9:00 am-Noon, Museum, CALL TO CONFIRM.
Regular Meeting - Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 pm, The Lexington, Ventura.
Board Meeting - Thursday, May 1, 7:30 pm, The Lexington, Ventura.
Bulletin Article Deadline - Sunday, May 4, vgms_editor@roadrunner.com.

If omitted, time, location or address can be found on the VGMS Info Page. (Close the new window to return here.)

  Table of Contents.

BIRTHDAYS.

Sharon Hixson - April 2,
Richard Bromser - April 10,
Matthew Sanford - April 19,
Frank Boulch - April 22,
Roy Boulch - April 22.

Lowell Foster - May 5,
Leilani Polacek - May 14,
Nancy Bogart - May 17,
David Mautz - May 20,
Terri Bryant - May 25,
Carolina Wharmby - May 28.

We wish all of you good health and hope you have a very, very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Senior Citizens Are Valuable.
We are more valuable than any of the younger generations:
     We have silver in our hair.
     We have gold in our teeth.
     We have stones in our kidneys.
     We have lead in our feet and.
     We are loaded with natural gas!

     Diamond is said to be an amplifier. If the wearer is good, it amplifies their goodness. If the wearer is selfish, egotistical or evil, it will amplify those qualities as well.
     To Westerners, diamond engagement rings symbolize eternal love. (Remember those DeBeer commercials proclaiming diamonds are forever?) However, in India, the Vedic experts strongly believe that diamonds should never be given to a woman! They insist that diamond is cold and hard. Wearing the diamond will cause that cold hardness to be absorbed into the woman, making her cold and hard toward her husband and children. They also suggest that since diamond is an amplifier, no woman should wear more than 1 carat total weight of diamonds, and then, only in accent to other stones. The diamond's power (like in the case of other gemstones) is directly proportional to its size. Vedics also say that any diamond showing hints or tinges of red will bring ruin upon the wearer and her/his household.
     When I read this I remembered the stories surrounding Hope diamond, one of the largest diamonds in the world. It was believed to have been stolen from an Indian idol. It became part of the French crown jewels of Louis XIV. He gave it to his mistress, who died soon afterward. Later, it was given to Marie Antoinette (guillotined). In 1830, the Hope Diamond was purchased by Hope, a wealthy Englishman, who quickly fell upon hard times. Next it was owned by Colet who committed suicide. Later owners were Prince Ivan Kanitovitsky (was murdered), Sultan Abdul Hamed (was dethroned), and Simon Montharides (the entire family was killed in an accident). In 1907 an American woman purchased the gem. Soon after, her husband, son and daughter all died. The unlucky gem now resides in the Smithsonian.
     If you want to hear more about large diamonds and bad luck, Mary, Queen of Scots had a large diamond she thought protected her from poisoning (she was beheaded).
     On the positive side, diamond increases personal clarity. It aligns the person with his/her higher purpose. Diamond also offers many healing properties. It is very useful for gem therapy.

Source: http://specialgifts.com/geminfo/gemstoneinfo-diamond.htm.

  Table of Contents.

HOSPITALITY.

At the March 26th meeting there were 10 members present including two of our newest members, Wendy Holder and Jim Wharmby, and Jim's pebble pup daughters, Melanie and Samantha Wharmby. There were four guests - Bob Holder, Robert Sankovich, Angela Ulin and Luther Brown. We also had pebble pup, Rebecca Foster, to help entertain us, until her mom came and retrieved (or rescued) her!

Hostess schedule for upcoming months. If you would like to volunteer for an open month, please contact Sharon Cunningham.
     April - Esther Barshai,
     May - Shawne Lardin,
     June - Wendy Holder,
     July - Open,
     August - Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson,
     September - Open,
     October - Open,
     November/December - Potluck.

Thank you Shirley Layton for providing March's refreshments.

  Table of Contents.

PROGRAM REVIEW.

March Program.
     I hope everyone had fun in March. I hear the field trips at Zzyzx were enjoyable. As for us left behind, we had a very informative meeting. I would like to thank Shirley Layton for taking notes during the meeting while I handled the discussion (and Rebecca who has at long last reached her "terrible two's").
     Anyway, the discussions we shared focused on what our club could do for all its members rather than the officers asking the club members what they could do for the club. Even though we are a club, our social activities have taken a beating over the last few years and we need to find ways of welcoming new members while making sure our current members feel important and welcomed.
     Most of what was discussed was mentioned in the meeting notes, but here is what I took from the meeting. People want to feel welcomed by the club. One of the ways (mentioned by Rob S.) was to have a sharing time after the business and before the program. One member would bring in some samples of current work or recent finds and share with others the how, when and where of his material. This will allow newer members to ask questions and be able to intermingle with long standing members. Part of this change included having refreshments (depending on the time needs of any speaker) before the program, an interlude between the meeting's two parts.
     Our web site has already been changed to allow communication between members regarding impromptu excursions and information sharing. This will be discussed at April's meeting. Also very important to most of the attending members last month was a way to make the magazine and book library we possess available to members. How this can be done was not discussed, but there was concern that the magazines kept at the library will be sold next year (or sooner).
     Last, for now, was a desire for a BBQ or other social gathering some time this summer. This will also be discussed this month. If I forgot anything, I apologize. I'm sure it will come up later. Yes, change is in the air! But the focus is on making our club better able to satisfy the needs of all members and renew the "club" habits we used to possess.
          Thank you for your time, Lowell Foster.

  Table of Contents.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE.

April Program - "Not So Silent Auction".
     April is our first silent auction of the year so bring some material to sell and some cash to buy other people's stuff. It's always interesting to see what appears on our tables during these times.
     There is concern regarding space and how we will go about setting up. It might be best if we run our business portion first, set up the card tables and place the items while the refreshments are served, and then do the silent auction. I will also be bringing some materials for the "Sharing" portion of the program. It is material from Kramer Junction and Basin Road (both of which I visited this month). And you can tell me if one piece is palm fiber...
     I would like to ask for a volunteer to bring in some unusual items next month and say where they are from. Don't worry about talking too much (this isn't the program portion), it's more question and answer. Bring worked items or rough. I just want newer members to have a chance to see what we collect or make and learn about individuals in our group.
          Lowell Foster.

  Table of Contents.

MEMBERSHIP.

Welcome New Members.
We are pleased to welcome the following new member applicants, whom we hope to officially vote into the club at our April meeting.

Tom Lagier,      1215 Anchors Way Drive #184,      Ventura, CA 93001,      (805) 861-4148,      Tom.lagier@sbcglobal.net.      Interests: minerals, field trips, lapidary arts/jewelry making, and silversmithing.      Rob & Deb Sankovich,      1961 Havenwood Drive,      Thousand Oaks, CA 91362,      (805) 494-7734,      rmsorca@adelphia.net.      Interests: minerals, carving/sculpture, education, faceting, fluorescent minerals, fossils, field trips, lapidary arts/jewelry making, meteorites, photography, and silversmithing.

2008 Membership Directory.
At the April general membership meeting, I'll have copies of our updated 2008 Membership Directory and Club Yellow Pages available. Help us save on mailing costs by coming to the April meeting to pick up your copy! But not to worry. If you can't make it to the April meeting, watch for a copy in the mail shortly thereafter.
     Jim Brace-Thompson, Membership Chair.


Club Vest Seeks Good Home.
     We have a club vest, complete with the VGMS club logo patch on the back, seeking a good home. It doesn't have a size label, but from the looks of it, it's a small. If that matches you, and you've been hankering for a handsome piece of apparel, please call me (659-3577) or check it out at the April meeting. Because this was donated to the club, we're letting it go at the low, low price of $5.00 (the cost of the club patch). So don't delay - call today! First come, first served!
     Speaking of club patches, our supply is dwindling. In fact, we're down to just two. If you would like one of these, they go for $5.00. Meanwhile, I'm checking around with badge manufacturers to re-stock a supply. We also have small enamel club pins in two varieties: a black pin in the shape of our club logo ($4.00) and a white pin in the shape of the state of California ($2.00). I'll have these at each of our monthly meetings. Not available on eBay, the only way to get yours is to come to a meeting. See you there!
          Jim Brace-Thompson, Membership Chair.

(Webmaster's Note: If you want a printed copy of the following so you can place an order move the mouse cursor to the left of the word 'Attention', push and hold down the left mouse button, and sweep down over the ad with the mouse cursor. This will highlight the contents of the ad. Release the mouse button and, without clicking anywhere else on the page, select EDIT on the browser menu and select COPY. You may then PASTE into any word processor and print in your normal manner. If you highlight too much you may delete the unneeded part with the word processor before printing. This works with any browser I know.)

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.

MEETING MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting;
Wednesday February 26, 2008:
     The meeting was brought to order at approximately 7:45 pm, by First Vice President Lowell Foster. All of the other officers and several members were out of town and/or at Zzyzx so it was a rather small meeting, but a good one!
     Lowell welcomed all the members and visitors and the pledge of allegiance was said with a small flag furnished by Dave Mautz.
     Everyone moved into a circle for a "round table" discussion. Lowell asked the new members and the visitors what they would like to get out of being a member of the club.

Items discussed were:
     Lowell went over the show profits and thanked everyone for all their efforts. He encouraged everyone to get involved in the show as it is a good way to get to know other members and it's very educational.
     The transition with the museum at the present time, needing a new home and getting materials moved from the current museum, sorted and moved to a storage area.
     The new members and guests were interested in field trips (scheduled and spontaneous/informal ones), educational programs, access to library and the older magazines for collecting areas and educational information. They also expressed an interest in cabbing and jewelry making classes.
     It was felt that more time for interaction with other members and for sharing finds and information would be good at the meetings, perhaps a 10 or 15 minute break between the business meeting and program.
     Lowell mentioned the potlucks, barbeques and pancake breakfasts of the past and everyone was in favor of moving forward with plans for one or the other during the summer months to help with more social time for members new and old to get to know one another better.
     Items they would like to see in a library included books on geology, updated collecting books and there was a high interest in access to the older magazines.
     Rob Sankovich brought up the upcoming field trips, Ant Hill, Orange Butte/Joy Valley, AZ, Jalama Beach and Jade Cove. There was interest in getting an email list for field trips. Bob Holder mentioned the use of the web site for posting last minute field trips or meetings that wouldn't have time to get into the bulletin or announced at the meetings. Shirley Layton felt a members-only portion of the website could be set up to post spur of the minute field trips, etc. She will report at the next meeting.
     It was also mentioned to share the upcoming programs for each of the tri-clubs in the bulletin or web site for anyone interested.

     Refreshments were provided by Shirley Layton.
     The next board meeting will be held April 3, at The Lexington and the next membership meeting will be on April 23, also at The Lexington.
     There being no further business, Lowell adjourned the meeting at 9:00 pm.
          Respectively Submitted,
          Shirley Layton,
          Pro-Tem Recording Secretary.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting;
Thursday, April 3, 2008:
Present: Ed Clark, Lowell Foster, Nancy Brace-Thompson, Ron and Jean Wise, Shirley Layton and Greg Davis.
     The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society Board Meeting for April 3, 2008, was called to order by President Ed Clark at 7:30 pm, at The Lexington, 5440 Ralston in Ventura.
Old business:
Greg Davis: The additional storage facility has been rented and arrangements will be made to move material as soon as possible. Greg will arrange for an additional lock and keys.
Ed: The County Science Fair will be on April 23, 10-2:30. In the past, the tri-clubs were represented in one area. The Ventura County Fair begins July 30.
New business:
Jean Wise: As our newly appointed Federation representative, Jean is requesting information concerning the Federation meeting times and places. Nancy will provide the schedule to Jean. There will be a Federation membership meeting, here in Ventura, during the Federation Show on June 28.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: Exhibit forms for the upcoming Federation show are available on line or from Nancy and all are encouraged to enter and participate. As Treasurer, Nancy states "we're solvent", and a report will be forthcoming.
Jim Brace-Thompson via Nancy Brace-Thompson: Our latest club membership count for 2008 is at 59 members and 5 pebble pups. The new roster will be available later in April. Additional vest badges will be ordered if necessary. Officer bars have been ordered. The CFMS is increasing dues per club member from $7.50 to $8.00 per year. Material is still being requested for the Federation Show in June. Debbie Bunn has been contacted regarding the CFMS receiving our club's State mineral collection.
Shirley Layton: A members-only web site link was suggested at the last club meeting and Jim Layton has offered to establish a "members-only" area for more immediate discussions concerning field trips and such. More information will follow.
Ron Wise: Upcoming field trips include Jalama Beach on April 26 and a trip to Somis on June 14.
Lowell Foster reported that per discussions from members at our last membership meeting, it's suggested that we ask members to interact more as a regular portion of our regular meetings and possibly set up a field trip bulletin board on our web site for more immediate access to field trip information than can be acquired from the monthly report.
     Lowell will try to coordinate a BBQ sometime in July or August. A silent auction is planned for the April membership meeting, if we can arrange for tables to be available. It was also suggested that a log be set up and maintained to monitor items removed from the museum or storage facility.
Ed Clark: Steve Mulqueen has requested the use of the La Brea tar pit fossils from our museum as a display at the Santa Paula Oil Museum. Arrangements will try to be made, as the items are in transition to a new storage facility.
     The next general meeting will be on April 23, 2008, at The Lexington.
     There being no further business, Ed adjourned the meeting at 9:10 pm.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Greg Davis,
          Recording Secretary.

  Table of Contents.

CHIPS AND BOULDERS.

The Bead Society of Los Angeles.
MAY 7 MEETING: FRED WARD on "PHENOMENAL GEMS".
Location: The Beverly Hills Country Club, 3084 Motor Ave. (corner of Manning Ave.), West L.A. (just north of the 10 freeway). Free parking behind the club, just off Manning Ave.
     Fred Ward famed author, lecturer, GIA gemologist, National Geographic photographer, & book publisher. His spectacular illustrated program will be from his new book, "Phenomenal Gems" - gems with spectacular optical phenomena (star, cats' eye, color change, adularescence, etc.). There will be a book signing before the meeting.
Editor's Note: If you are like me and need to look up "adularescence," see VARIETIES OF LIGHT! (Close the new window to return here.)


Bench Jewelers Supplier's Expo. Friday & Saturday April 25-26.
Bench Jewelers Educational Conference, Thursday through Sunday April 24-27.
     Produced By Bench Jewelers FOR Bench Jewelers. We Know and Understand Your Needs and Concerns at the Marriott Hotel Los Angeles Airport, 5855 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045.
     The Supplier's Expo showcases tools & equipment, findings, refiners, casting houses, diamond & stone dealers, laser welders, CAD programs and more. EVERYTHING A BENCH JEWELER NEEDS IS HERE!
     Plus a Gala Reception Friday Evening with a chance to win great prizes from the vendors. This show comes from BWSimon - the folks that bring you BenchTips Magazine, E-BenchTips Online, and BenchTelevision.com! For details see: http://www.benchconference.com/.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

FUN STUFF - MATCH THE DINOSAUR.

Can You Match The Correct Dinosaur With It's Name And Description?

(Webmaster's Note: If you want a printed copy of the following so you can fill it out move the mouse cursor to the left of the first underline, push and hold down the left mouse button, and sweep down over the game with the mouse cursor. This will highlight the contents of the game. Release the mouse button and, without clicking anywhere else on the page, select EDIT on the browser menu and select COPY. You may then PASTE into any word processor and print in your normal manner. If you highlight too much you may delete the unneeded part with the word processor before printing. This works with any browser I know.)

YOUTH NOTES by Kay Jurgens in THE PICK & SHOVEL 5/2000 Via The Glacial Drifter 9/01.

Answers here (Close the new window to return here.) (don't peek).

  Table of Contents.

FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN.

Field Trip Schedule 2008.*

*Please call your field trip leader to confirm that there is a field trip scheduled in the event of changes.

Saturday, April 26 Jalama Beach, CA.
Contact: Robert Sankovich, Conejo Gem & Mineral Club VP field trips, rmsorca@adelphia.net. Please notify me if you plan on attending, e-mail me if you need a map.
     We will be looking for Agate, Jasper, Petrified Whale Bone, Travertine Onyx, and Fossils. They can be found along the shoreline. This is a good field trip for rockhounds of all ages.
     You can come up for the day or camp overnight. Day use $6.00, camping $18.00, with electric hookup $25.00. Campsites are assigned on a first come, first served basis, one site per vehicle. There are 98 campsites, all overlooking the ocean or beachfront. Each site has a picnic table and BBQ. Hot showers, restrooms and water are nearby. 29 sites offer electrical hookups, and dump stations are available. Deb and I will be there for the day, Saturday, the 26th.
Directions: From Ventura head north on 101, past Santa Barbara, just past Gaviota as the 101 goes inland take the State Hwy 1 turn off, marked Lompoc/Vandenberg. Go north approximately 13.5 miles to Jalama Beach County Park turn off. Turn left, west, drive approximately 15 miles to Jalama Beach County Park. Look for a Conejo Valley Gem & Mineral sign on or near sign by entrance or by Robert's campsite. Approximately 122 miles from Thousand Oaks, 2.5-3 hour drive time.
Meeting: Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am-4:00 pm. We will meet in the parking lot. Look for my black Toyota Truck with a CGMC sign in the window. There will be a short briefing of the site. Please remember to sign a release form to participate in the field trip. We will then walk along the beach south of the parking lot, approximately 2.5 miles, to an area that has cement on the side of the hill. The Shale in the area is a good place to look for fossils. Along the beach you can find agate, jasper in shades of brown, honey, gold and clear. Travertine Onyx can be found north of the parking lot approximately 1.5 miles.
Material to collect: Agate, Jasper, Petrified Whale Bone, Travertine Onyx, Fossils.
Tools: Collecting bags, buckets, day pack, digging tools, rock pick, pry bar, eye protection, trowels, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, newspaper for wrapping fossils, layered clothing, towels, change of clothes/shoes in case you get wet. Drinking water, lunch or snacks. Camping gear, if you plan on spending the night.
Park information: Jalama Beach County Park, Star Route, Jalama Road, Lompoc, CA 93436. Recorded Information (805) 736-6316; Park Office (805) 736-3504; http://www.sbparks.org/docs/jalama.html.


Wednesday, May 21-Monday, May 26 Texas Springs, NV;
Tri-Federation Rockhound Rendezvous and Field Trip.
A 2-page flyer with field trip details is available on the CFMS website (cfmsinc.org); click on Field Trips. There will be a limited number of copies of the flyer available at the April meeting.

Following is an excerpt from Dick Pankey's Inter-Regional Field Trips article in the April, 2008, CFMS Newsletter.
     There were two activities mentioned in the flier that I would like to explain in more detail. On Friday & Saturday afternoons, we will conduct our Tailgate Displays. We will have rockhounds from all over the western U.S. that I am sure have collected some unique and interesting material from their hometown area. Bring along some specimens to show and share at the tailgate display. This will also be a good time to conduct the "map exchange". Map exchanges are easy - to get a map you have to give a map. Before you leave home, prepare a good, detailed map of a good, unique to little known collecting area you are familiar with. The map should be a detailed hand or computer drawn map with accurate mileages (GPS coordinates are very desirable), and be sure to note collecting site details and campsites where appropriate. Bring along as may maps as you would like to receive. I plan to bring 100 copies of my map. I am sure there will be a lot of informal exchanges of collecting sites, GPS info, and sharing of great places to go and see.
     Please notify your respective Federation leader early, but no later than May 16, if you plan to attend; email or call if you have questions or need more information. Don't wait - do it now! This will be a great opportunity for rockhounds from all over the west, and all of the Federations of the AFMS, to meet one another, to share stories, and information about collecting in their home areas.

If you are interested in this trip, but will not attend the April meeting and do not have Internet access, please call the editor to arrange having the flyer mailed to you.

  Table of Contents.

FEDERATION NEWS.

AFMS & CFMS Dues Increases.
     The following important announcement was made by CFMS President Bural LaRue in the March 2008 CFMS Newsletter. The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies is planning a call for a dues increase beginning in 2009. AFMS and CFMS have been working with deficit budgets for several years. Federation officers and many chairmen have not requested reimbursement budgeted for the many expenses they incur while performing their duties on behalf of local clubs. This has helped, but as we all know, costs for everything have increased and bills must be paid.
     Thus, AFMS is proposing an increase of 25 cents, bringing the dues the CFMS pays to AFMS to 75 cents per member. Currently, dues for CFMS are $1.50. One dollar stays with CFMS while 50 cents is passed along to AFMS. An additional $6.00 fee pays for the basic liability insurance policy for a total of $7.50 per CFMS-affiliated club member.
     AFMS will vote to raise their dues at the AFMS Directors meeting in September. In order for CFMS to keep up and try to decrease its own budget deficit, the CFMS needs to increase its dues fifty cents per member for a dues amount of $2.00 beginning in 2009. Seventy-five cents would be passed along to AFMS, with $1.25 staying with CFMS. The CFMS by-laws committee will prepare the wording for the by-laws change to be published in future newsletters so the matter can be brought before all the memberships of all CFMS-affiliated clubs. The change will be voted on at the Fall CFMS Business Meeting in Visalia and, if approved, would go into effect January 1, 2009. If this should not be approved, the amount from dues available to CFMS would decrease to 75 cents and, as an organization, CFMS could not continue to survive on what would be an even greater deficit budget and still offer services local clubs have all come to expect (such as Zzyzx, Camp Paradise, annual shows and competitions, the CFMS Newsletter, kids programs, etc., etc.). Thus, the CFMS needs the support of all local clubs! We'll keep you posted as further details unfold after the by-laws committee finishes drafting its report.
          Jim Brace-Thompson, Membership Chair.


A Request for Donations & Help for June CFMS Show - Kids' Booth and Silent Auction Materials (and People) needed.
     As we all well know by now, the 2008 CFMS Show takes place at the Ventura Fairgrounds June 27-29. For this, I'm overseeing publicity and kids activities and also helping to organize a silent auction. I'm seeking help for all this from among members of our club and those of our neighboring clubs in Oxnard and Thousand Oaks. At the moment, I'd like to issue a request for donations of rocky materials. We could use any sorts of showy items for the Silent Auction (large pieces of rough rock with lapidary potential, slabs, large mineral specimens, large petrified wood chunks, fossils, etc.). I've also been working for several months now assembling material for the Kids' Booth, and at the moment, my biggest need is for tumble-polished stones. I could also use small mineral and crystal specimens (the more colorful and/or sparkly, the better!) as well as small fossil specimens to serve as spinning wheel prizes. If you can help, please call me (805-659-3577) or email me (jbraceth@roadrunner.com), and we can make arrangements for me to pick up your donation. Finally, I'll need all the help I can get during the show itself with volunteers to help in running the Silent Auction and Kids' Booth. As we get closer to show time, I'll be issuing sign-up sheets for this. Meanwhile, many thanks in advance!
          Jim Brace-Thompson.

  Table of Contents.

HINTS AND TIPS.

Household Products That Can Be Used As Rock Cleaners
By Betsy Martin.
Safety - Always use plastic containers, rubber or nitrile gloves, eye protection, good ventilation, and great care when handling these products:

• Zud or Barkeeper's Friend cleansers (contains oxalic acid) - Warm or hot solutions will remove iron stains and are helpful with clay deposits. These cleaners can be used with a toothbrush on sturdy surfaces.
• Toilet Cleaner (the hydrochloric acid type) - Dissolves calcite rapidly. After treating anything with an acid, rinse very carefully and soak in ample fresh or distilled water for a while to leach out any acid remaining in crystal seams and fractures. You can then follow up with a final soak in dilute Windex to neutralize remaining traces of acid.
• Lime Away (dilute hydrochloric acid) - Dissolves calcite more slowly. Rinse as you would for other acid treatments (see above).
• Calgon - Dissolve this powdered water softener in water. Use for clay removal.
• Vinegar (acetic acid), soda water, colas (carbonic and phosphoric acids) - Will slowly etch out very delicate fossils in limestone. Rinse as you would for other acids (see above).
• Iron Out (iron stain and clay remover) - Mix with warm water and use with good ventilation. It will lose strength if stored. Rinse with plain water.
• Bleach - Dilute solutions of bleach can remove organic deposits and disinfect minerals collected in areas used by livestock. Rinse with plain water.
• Hydrogen peroxide - Use to remove manganese stains. Rinse with plain water.
• Citric acid - Use to remove manganese stains. Rinse as above for acids.
• Windex (with ammonia) - A good clay deposit remover and final surface cleanup. Works well in ultrasonic cleaners. Rinse with plain water.
• Distilled Water - Use to clean sensitive species and as a final soak after acid treatment.

Removing Thin Coatings:
On moderately hard minerals - use toothpaste (a feldspar abrasive) and a toothbrush.
On hard minerals - use toothbrush with pumice powder and water.
On calcite (including bruised places) - quickly dip in vinegar or Lime Away and rinse thoroughly. Repeat. Soak in plain water afterwards to leach any acid from cracks.


Cleaning Tools:
Toothpicks, seam ripper, bamboo sticks, sewing needles in a pin vise, old dental tools, old toothbrushes, periodontal brushes, canned air, Exacto knife, single edge razor blades, cheap small stiff bristle brushes.
     From The Franklin County Rockhounder, 5/07, via Rollin' Rock 4/08.


New Saw Oil?
     I [Gary] just spoke to the guy who makes and sells the bio-diesel in Quartzsite. His name is Frank Molner. He lives locally in the city of Orange and his phone number is 714-538-6766. The process he uses to make the bio-diesel cutting oil is designed especially for lapidary and will not gum up your saw. He sells in 5 gal jugs and also in 55 gal drums and his wholesale price is $6.00/gallon. Depending on your needs and where you live he might deliver.
     I am thinking of switching over myself. I have not used my saws in about six months. I have recently developed a sensitivity to the petroleum based Pella oil. My arms break out where the oil has contacted me, and I cough for a few days after spending time in the shop. Not good! Let us know how this works out for you.
          Gary Mitchell, LA-ROCKS Digest 2291, April 1.


     The club presents these hints and tips for informational purposes only and does not specifically endorse or profess first-hand use or experience with any or all. As always, be aware of your situation, knowledge level and comfort zone before attempting anything new. When in doubt, stop! Get help before you need it.
     Keep a log in your shop. Document your techniques and inspirations. You will come up with a journal full of useful tips, and maybe even an educational article or two!! Email hints and tips to vgms_editor@roadrunner.com.

Let us hear about your good ideas!

  Table of Contents.

LET'S BE SAFE OUT THERE.

Cold Water with Your Meal - Not So Cool. (Original source unknown.)
The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating. For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff you have just consumed. It will slow down digestion. Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and may lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after your meal.

Vegas on Your Mind?
Excerpt from Don Monroe's "Be Safe-Be Well", AFMS April 2008 Newsletter column, originally published in Panama City's Rockhounds Tale.
     Would you guess one of our club members would end up needing eight stitches from a shard knocked off a boulder with his own sledgehammer? Odds are, it was bound to happen sooner or later. What are the odds of another club member being peppered with three tiny, sharp and dangerous shards immediately ABOVE his eye (some bleeding, needed pressure to stop it), just three weeks later at another sledgehammer party at a different location? Personal safety begins to invade your conscious mind and makes you wonder. "Well, it's possible, not necessarily probable." Then guess the likely odds of the first injured club member having bought some shin protectors, failing to wear them on dig #2, and ending up with ANOTHER large cut from yet another sharp flake - finally, you can decide the odds of this happening again. If anyone gives you more even odds this will happen a third time to "scar leg", JUMP on this bet without delay. I'll be dragging my knuckles on the ground before I'll ever put my eyes or legs at risk on a rock dig again. You can take that to the bank while my wife says, "Well it is about time."
     This safety issue is noteworthy only because we all know someone who has been seriously hurt during a dig. Many times over the years had I not been wearing glasses that were badly scratched at a dig by flying chips and pebbles, the alternative might have been an eye loss. It was only a matter of time. Safety will one day become a paramount issue to our hobby as it grows, leading to more digs and the inevitable injuries; that is a sure bet!
          By Herb Whittington.
     At the November meeting I met Herb Whittington and we discussed his story and I saw the scars. They were real and it was scary. As Paul Harvey would say, "and that is the rest of the story."

What's Your Tetanus Immunization Status?
     While groping for crystals in the Arkansas mud, we were painfully reminded that rockhounding is an activity which is often accompanied by cuts, scrapes and dirt. Were we protected against tetanus? How long had it been since our tetanus booster shots?
     Tetanus is an acute, often fatal, disease that affects the central nervous system, producing both stiffness and muscular rigidity or convulsive muscle spasms. The most frequent symptom is a stiff jaw, caused by spasm of the muscle that closes the mouth, accounting for the disease's familiar name, "lockjaw". Tetanus is fatal to more than half of its victims.
     The tetanus bacterium will always be with us, since it can flourish just about anywhere. It likes dirt and rusty nails. All persons not immunized with toxoid, the tetanus vaccine, are susceptible to infection. However, the vaccine is almost 100% effective in preventing tetanus and the deaths it causes. Some individuals may be protected for life against tetanus, but in most people, immunity declines with time. Adults should receive booster doses every ten years. Play it safe: if you are unsure of your tetanus immunization status, consult your physician.
          By Al & Sylvia Sicree via MWF Newsletter 03/98 published in Rockhound Rambling 07/98.

  Table of Contents.

GEMS FROM THE PAST.

Photos from the Benson Collection. All photos taken by Bruno and Opal Benson, former longtime VGMS members now deceased. Bruno and Opal spent much of their free time exploring the back roads of the western states in search of adventures in the pursuit of rocks, minerals and fossils.

Photos have been digitally scanned from the original 35mm color slides by Ed Clark. Text written by Steve Mulqueen, April 2008. Photos Copyright 2008 Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Above and below - VGMS field trip for silver-lace onyx, Mule Canyon, north of Yermo within the Calico Mountains, Mojave Desert, January 1959. The Calico Mountains are still a great area for collecting specimens of onyx, jasper, agate, petrified wood, fossil insect nodules, colemanite, celestite, gypsum and silver ore.

Field trip cook trailer, Cady Mountains, northwest of Ludlow, in the Mojave Desert, October 1956. Doing dishes after a delicious breakfast in the great outdoors.
The Cady Mountains are well known for colorful varieties of agate. It is still a popular collecting locality for gem and mineral clubs.

  Table of Contents.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Glacial Nomenclature.
Till - A general term for an unstratified sedimentary unit deposited by the action of an advancing glacier, without reworking by glacial meltwater. A natural accumulation of glacial drift formed where a glacier comes in contact with the surrounding surface of the Earth. Often times, till is deposited on the floor of a canyon, walls of a canyon, floor of a valley or the steep slopes of a mountain. Tills consist of a mixture of clay, silt, sand, gravel and boulders. Some boulders may be larger than an average house.
Tillite - A sedimentary rock unit consisting of lithified glacial till. A glacial deposit that has been hardened into a rock by the infiltration of chemical agents, the recrystallization of minerals and/or the process of compaction.
Moraine - A general term for a mound or ridge of unstratified glacial till.
Lateral moraine - A ridge of till deposited on opposing sides of a canyon by the dynamic forces of a slow-moving glacier. Lateral moraines are formed in a parallel fashion to the major axis of the glacier.
Medial moraine - An elongate moraine formed along a line where two valley glaciers intersect. Medial moraines may also form near the sides of a glacier by the merging of two or more lateral moraines.
Terminal moraine or end moraine - A till deposit formed by advancing glacial ice. Think of the glacier as a "bulldozer" pushing up dirt. The terminal moraine is the till that represents the longest lateral extent of the movement in a glacier's history. No direct glacial features are found beyond the terminal moraine.
Recessional moraine - Till deposited at the tongue of the glacier caused by the action of the ice advancing and retreating in a series of movements over a relatively long period of time.
Ground moraine - An accumulation of till that forms when large chunks of ice slough off of a glacier. Ground moraines also form as a glacier melts and deposits some or all of the sediment load it was carrying.

One of the best places in California to observe alpine glacial features is on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Range between Lone Pine and Bridgeport.

Written by Steve Mulqueen for the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, April 2008. The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.

Illustration of the Month.

"View from the Medial Moraine, looking up the Aar Glacier, Switzerland" (printed in 1886). Note: Three human figures within the illustration placed for scale.

A pen & ink illustration by Louis Agassiz, a famous Swiss scientist who studied glacial features throughout Europe as early as 1836. The Aar Glacier is located in the Valley of the Aar in the Swiss Alps.

Illustration Source: From the textbook "GEOLOGY: Chemical, Physical and Stratigraphical", Volume I, written by Joseph Prestwich, professor of Geology, University of Oxford, England, published by Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1886, illustration from page 176, figure 65.

For a related illustration, see "Glacial Tables" in the May 2007 "Illustration of the Month".

Text written by Steve Mulqueen, April 2008. The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering, engraving print or any form of art rediscovered in old books, maps, manuscripts and many other sources related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. This illustration was chosen for its educational content by the author.

  Table of Contents.

ARKANSAS DIAMOND FRAUD.

By Justin Zzyzx and Brandy Naugle for FakeMinerals.com,
Investigative Reporting by Hal Guyot,
http://fakeminerals.com/, March 16th, 2008.
     Arkansas is known for something very unique: the ONLY public access diamond mine in the entire world. For a small fee, anyone can go to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, and search for diamonds in the giant open dirt field.
     While it is certainly no easy task to unearth a diamond here, amazing finds have been reported and tracked through time. The average diamond found at the "Crater" is far less than a carat, most weighing in at under 10 points (that's 1/10th of a carat) (TINY!). Finding a nice big fat stone over a carat is something people work for years and don't find!
     Diamonds at the Crater come in several shades, 70% of them being white, with brown coming in second and yellow is a close third. The state park registers all of the diamonds that people find at the park, if they are willing to register it. Some don't because they want to keep it private, while many want the nifty card that you get when you register your diamond with the park. They even keep track of everyone's finds on their website, www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com.
     Diamonds from Arkansas are also special because of a very important fact. They are worth some SERIOUS dollars! They are so special and unique, plus they tend to be among the hardest diamonds known to man. They have a unique form and often look like sleek drops of glass, rather than crude cubes and rough diamonds of so many African locations. So, an Arkansas diamond is going to be one of the most expensive diamonds you can get, but rightfully so!
     Now that you know all about the important facts about diamonds from the "Crater of Diamonds State Park", learn about how someone almost came up with a perfect scam. Almost.
     You certainly couldn't take any diamond into the park and plant it on the ground. Or at least no one thought you could. A diamond from Africa, Brazil, Russia, et al, would not produce diamonds that look like the ones from Arkansas. But someone found a source that could pass for Arkansas diamonds, a source in India that imports diamonds from the Panna Mines.
     India produces hundreds of thousands more diamonds than the US, therefore, the diamonds from India are much cheaper than their American counterparts. A man named Eric Blake (www.arkansasdiamondjewelry.com) figured out he could make some money by purchasing diamonds from India then take them into the park and "find" them. A brown diamond from India costs around $100 per carat, while a similar diamond from Arkansas costs $1000-$2000 per carat. A profit of more than 1000%.
     In late October of 2007, Eric Blake and his family took a trip to the "Crater" and found an amazing amount of LARGE BROWN DIAMONDS! It was no coincidence that he also placed a rush order for an assortment of Indian diamonds to be delivered no later than October 18th.
     Over the span of 5 days, Eric and his three assistants "found" over 16.5 carats of diamonds at the park, including a whopping 3.92 carat stone! What great luck, eh? Out of all of the recorded finds they had that week, 60% of them were brown! What an interesting thing, because usually only around 20% of the finds are brown in color.
     Eric also owns a website called ArkansasDiamondJewelry.com which sells diamonds and jewelry, reported to come from the "Crater", complete with certificate of authenticity issued by the Arkansas State Park. However, some of the diamonds on the site are proven to be Indian in origin. FakeMinerals.com received paperwork which shows Eric Blake importing diamonds from India in early October.
     If that isn't damning enough, photos taken by the salesperson in India which clearly match up with diamonds for sale on ArkansasDiamondJewelry.com. In addition, Eric sells "Arkansas Diamonds" on eBay (sayde1garcia) and has successfully sold some of his Indian diamonds to mineral dealers here in America as originating from Arkansas.
     Private sources have indicated that they have been onto Mr. Blake for a few months now, but they have lacked the evidence to be sure that he was "salting" the diamond field. One regular digger at the "Crater" met Mr. Blake in 2006 when he first tried out his scam. At that time he only registered a few diamonds. Mr. Blake offered to let the regular digger search his hole when he was done. It wasn't much surprise that the regular didn't find anything else in that hole.
     In 2007, Mr. Blake and his family were digging in an area that is known to be the dumping ground for gravel that was trucked in, in 1924 to pave a road. This gravel is completely free from diamonds as it is not from the diamond field, however they found a remarkable 32 diamonds! Mr. Blake then offered the hole to another family when they were leaving and while the family moved quite a bit of material, no more diamonds were forthcoming.
     Mr. Blake, the diggers at the "Crater of Diamonds State Park" would like you to know that you are persona non grata. With this information MOST, IF NOT ALL of the Diamonds sold by Mr. Blake are not from Arkansas and should be labeled as coming from the Panna Mine in India.
     It is amazing that someone could think they would get away with trying to scam these finds, especially since there are dozens of people who stare, poke and prod at the numbers of the finds on the Crater's web site. 32 diamonds is an impossible number of diamonds to be found by two adults and two children during 5 days at the park. Additionally, as recently as January, 2008, Eric has sent emails trying to "match" certain stones. And while there is nothing wrong with that in itself, in this context, it is more than a little suspicious.
     I leave you with this parting thought... What is the Travel Channel's most promoted collecting location on their "Best Places to find Cash and Treasures" series? Yep, you guessed it! Crater of Diamonds State Park! Could this be the beginning of the inevitable backlash associated with promoting this "get rich quick" mentality to mineral collecting? I guess only time will tell.
     Fake Minerals and Scams are all around us. If you catch wind of something fishy, send to us here at Justin@the-vug.com.
     Thanks again to Hal Guyot (GeoSleuth@gmail.com) for all your hard work on this story! Special Extra Thanks goes out to the HONEST INDIAN DEALER, Malay Hirani of Soni Tools (www.sonitools.com) for being willing to help stop fraud!

UPDATE!: Just Google Eric Blake's name on Google and you will find AP News report after AP News report about his 3.92 carat stone find in October of 2007. Not only did he scam the public, the state park, but he also scammed the media. What a guy!

UPDATE!: As soon as Eric heard about this web site, he removed the photos that match up above and got rid of his "Dealer Lot" section, well, those diamonds matched up perfectly!

  Table of Contents.

VARIETIES OF LIGHT.

By Bill Long 11/03/04 via http://www.drbilllong.com/MoreWords/ShiningII.html.

Pleochroism, Nacreous, Adularescence, A(d)venturescence.
In the last essay I argued, among other things, that the general "rainbow-term" iridiscence has been supplemented in recent days by labradorescence, even though opalescence, which at one time seemed to have imperialistic ambitions, has retreated to mean no more than a "milky" iinterior sheen. In this essay we will see how other terms collapse in meaning or, better said, are associated with only one underlying mineral. Let's begin, however, with the general term pleochroism.

Pleochroism: The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines pleochroic as "showing different colors when viewed in two or in three different directions (dichroic and trichroic are the more specific terms), as certain double-refracting crystals." Pleochroic minerals show their different colors depending on what direction the viewer is observing the crystal. Some minerals only change minimally, but in some the color change can be dramatic. Pleochroism is caused by the absorption of different wavelengths of light traveling through different directions in the crystal. Andalusite goes from yellow-green to red-brown when looked at from different directions, and Kunzite goes from pale to dark pink. Freeing the term from gemology might be desirable. Thus, we could possibly look at the patriarch Joseph's "coat of many colors" as his "pleochroic coat".

Nacreous: This was always a word I thought I should know, but I never seemed to learn what it meant. Something that is nacreous is, according to the OED, "a smooth, shining, iridescent substance forming the inner layer in many shells; mother-of-pearl." Webster's 1913 dictionary, which is now online, defines it as "having a play of lustrous rainbow-like colors." There can be "nacreous (or pearlescent) clouds looking like mother-of-pearl." Oops. Let's not get started with pearlescent though, in fact, its definition is crystal clear, so to speak. Then, the 1913 dictionary goes on to define it as "a milky opalescent (or opaline) luster." Finally, it provides the following synonyms: "bright, iridiscent, opalescent, opaline, pearlescent." Well, you just have to know that nacreous refers primarily to the colorless inner shell which can be dyed nearly any color.

Adularescence: This word doesn't appear in the OED, but adularia does. Adularia is moonstone, a variety of orthoclase, which is one type of feldspar. So, adularescence is the kind of light emitted by a moonstone. A moonstone is either transparent or translucent with a "pearly" or "opalescent" luster--there are those words again. The Larousse Encyclopedia has it that moonstone gives off its distinctive hue because it "consists of alternating parallel planes of potassium-rich (orthoclase) and sodium-rich (albite) feldspars....The thinner component layers are smaller than visible wavelengths and scatter light, creating a nacreous or silvery appearance, with a bluish sheen called adularescence." It is called moonstone because the sheen is reminiscent of lunar light, especially when the stone is cut into convex, round stones, called cabochons. Thus, we might be able to differentiate opalescence from adularescence and nacreous in that the first is a "milky" or "cloudy" or "foggy" substance, the second is a "moon-like" substance and the third is more "pearly", but I don't know if anyone will want to hold me to this kind of specificity in definition.

A(d)venturescence: This is another word that doesn't appear in the OED but is derived from the Italian l'avventura, meaning "by chance". When inner platelets are randomly oriented in a stone to give it a sparkling flash, we say that shows forth a(d)venturescence. It, too, is derived from a particular mineral--aventurine--which is a cryptocrystalline quartz containing inclusions of small crystals that reflect light. Adventurescence is a speckled appearance in the stone, and the most valuable color of aventurine is green. It is often confused with jade.

Conclusion.
     Shimmering, glistening, gleaming, glowing. We have synonymns galore to try to capture the indescribable energy, beauty and brilliance of nature. If only our words could be "asymptotic" words, that is, words that are tangent to the phenomenon at infinity, words that actually "touch" the thing which they describe. But, words can only approximate and must constantly be referred back to the stone or the color pattern they describe. The play of colors shows us once and for all the limitation of the play of our words. But, nevertheless, the words are useful, and helpful, and potent. Attempts to use them can bring a richer appreciation of the stone or phenomenon to us because the word supplies sound. Thus, iridescence not only communicates a rainbow but communicates a flowing and beautiful sound. That, ultimately, might be the value of the words.

  Table of Contents.

LET'S GO TO A SHOW - 2008.

April 26-27; Lancaster, CA - The Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Lancaster High School, 44701 32nd St. West. Hours: 9-5 both days. Jules Ficke (661) 943-5157, Email: av_gem@yahoo.com, www.geocities.com/av_gem.
April 26-27; Santa Cruz, CA - Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium at Corner of Center & Church Streets. Hours: 10-5 both days. Eleanor & Hubert Drake (831-8086), Email: hmdrake@pacbell.net.
May 2, 3 & 4; Bishop, CA - Lone Pine Gem & Mineral Society, Tri County Fairgrounds, Sierra Street & Fair Drive. Hours: Fri. 6 pm-10 pm, Sat. 9:30-4; Sun. 10-4:30. Jeff Lines (760) 937-4498.
May 3-4; Bakersfield, CA - Kern County Mineral Society, Ming Ave and P Street, Kern County Fairgrounds. Hours: 10-5 both days. Ismael Sanchez (661) 301-4609.
May 3-4; Anaheim, CA - Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, 2271 W. Crescent Avenue. Hours: 10-4:30 both days. Betty Nelson (714) 530-1365, Email betty@azteche.com, www.searchersrocks.org.
May 10-11; Reno, NV - Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Reno Livestock Events Center, 1350 N. Wells Ave. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. John Peterson (775) 356-8820, www.renorockclub.com.
May 17-18; Yucaipa, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Yucaipa Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 10-4. Bill Jochimsen (909) 790-1475, Email: bjim2285@aol.com, http://mysite.verizon.net/yucaipagem/.
May 17-18; Newbury Park, CA - Conejo Valley Gem & Mineral Club, Bochard Park, 190 Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 10-4:30. Robert Sankovich (805) 494-7734, Email: rmsorca@adelphia.net, Website: www.cgamc.org.
May 31-June 1; Glendora, CA - Glendora Gem & Mineral Club. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Bonnie Bidwell (626) 963-4638, Email: Ybidwell2@aol.com.
May 31-June 1; Woodland Hills, CA - Rockatomics Gem & Mineral Society, Pierce College, Victory and Mason. Hours: 10-5 both days. Louise Gerik (818) 347-1234, rockatomics.com.
June 7-8; La Habra, CA - North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society, La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Hours: 9-5 both days. Don Warthen (626) 330-8974, Email: warthen@earthlink.net, nocgms.com.
June 27, 28, 29; Ventura, CA - California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Ventura County Fairgrounds. Hours: 10-5 Daily. Bural LaRue (909) 874-5664, Email: bplarue@earthlink.net. See Flyer in AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE - 2008 below.
July 12-13; Culver City, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club, Culver City Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, 4117 Overland Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5. Website: CulverCityRocks.org, Phone: (310) 391-8429, Email: maryellenandrick@aol.com.
October 5; Fallbrook, CA - Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society "Fall Festival of Gems", FGMS Museum, 123 W. Alvarado. Hours: 10-4. Mary Fong-Walker (760) 728-1130, Diane Tjepkes (780) 468-8028.
October 11-12; Grass Valley, CA - Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society "Earth's Treasures", Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Kim Moore (530) 470-0388, Email: Kmoore160@comcast.net.
October 11-12; Trona, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society "66th Annual Gem-O-Rama", Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 7:30-5; Sun. 7:30-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356, Email: glgms@wvisp.com, www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub/tronagemclub.html.
October 18-19; Placerville, CA - El Dorado County Mineral & Gem Society, El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive. Hours: 10-5 both days. Jackie Cerrato (530) 677-2975, Email: info@rockandgemshow.org, http://www.rockandgemshow.org, eldoradomineralandgem.org.
October 18-19; Santa Rosa, CA - Santa Rosa Mineral & Gem Society, Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Tom Dering (707) 564-4537, Email: farmarch@sonic.net, Website: www.gem-n-i.org.
October 18-19; Whittier, CA - Whittier Gem & Mineral Society, Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5 both days. Jay Valle: (626) 934-9764, Email: res19pnb@verizon.net.
October 25-26; Los Altos, CA - Peninsula Gem & Geology Society, Los Altos Youth Center, One San Antonio Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5 pm, Sun. 9-4 pm. Stan Bogosian: (408)569-2489, Email: sbogosian@aol.com.
November 1-2; Concord, CA - Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Rd., Clayton Fair Shopping Center. Hours: 10-5 both days. Sam Woolsey (925) 837-3287, Email: sdwools@earthlink.net, Website: www.ccmgs.org.
November 7, 8, 9; Eureka, CA - Humboldt Gem & Mineral Society, Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, 3750 Harris. Hours: Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Toni Tyson (707) 725-2890, Email: BLUII911@msn.com.
November 8-9; Lancaster, CA - Palmdale Gem & Mineral Society, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 W. Ave. H, Hwy 14. Hours: 9-5 both days. Susan Chaissin-Walblom (661) 943-1861, Email: SLChaisson@yahoo.com, pgms@antelecom.net.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE - 2008.

Canadian Federation Convention.

Midwest Federation (MWF),
June 20-22,
Lincoln, NE.

Northwest Federation (NFMS),
June 20-26,
Ontario, OR.

California Federation (CFMS),
June 27-29 2008,
California Federation of Mineralogical Societies,
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, CA.
Hours: 10-5 Daily.
Adults $5.00, seniors (60+) $4.00, students $3.00,
Kids under 12 free with paid adult.
Fairgrounds parking.

Rocky Mountain Federation (RMFMS),
October 31 - November 2,
Tulsa, OK.

South Central Federation (SCMS) / AFMS,
September 25-28,
Humble, TX.

Southeast Federation (SFMS).

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

C A D F E B

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

2008 VGMS Artistry From Nature Show.
Photos submitted by Steve and Susan Mulqueen.

Silent Auction: Lowell Foster, Ron Wise, Mel Hixson.

Hospitality: Paul Polacek and Valli Davis.

Larry and Donna Knapton at their Rock Box exhibit.

Plants: Susan Mulqueen.

Country Store: Shirley Bromser, Shirley Layton, Mary Polacek.

Kids Booth: Sharon Hixson, "whirlwind" Jean Wise,
Jim Brace-Thompson, Esther Barshai.

WHEW! After the Show that pizza was good!!

Back row from left: Greg Davis, Nancy Brace-Thompson, Miriam Tetrault, Kathryn Davis, Ron & Jean Wise, Richard Anderson, Andy Anderson, Sharon Hixson, Mel Hixson, Jim Brace-Thompson, Dave Mautz, Ed Clark, Richard Bromser.

Front Row from left: Shirley Bromser, Wayne Ehlers, Marie Ehlers, Mary Polacek, Esther Barshai, Abe Barshai, Lowell Foster, Shirley Layton, Susan Mulqueen.

Photo by Steve Mulqueen.

THANKS AGAIN!

  Table of Contents.

Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.