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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
February 2009.

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

Description: Mystery Jasper. If anyone can identify the location of this jasper, please email the editor.

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

If proper credit is given permission is granted to quote any item.

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;
• PROGRAM REVIEW & SCHEDULE;
• HOSPITALITY;
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• MEETING MINUTES;
• VGMS 2009 ANNUAL SHOW UPDATE;
• CHIPS AND BOULDERS;
• FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN;
• HINTS AND TIPS;
• LET'S BE SAFE OUT THERE;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• FEDERATION NEWS;
• LET'S GO TO A SHOW - 2009.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

If you didn't make it to our very first Workshop at our newly established club home at Camp Comfort, you missed a great time! Some good looking rocks got a fine trim and polish, and we managed to get a bit more work done giving a spit-polish to our new club home. If you were unable to attend, mark your calendar and make a special effort to come on Saturday, February 21! We'll host a Workshop from 9:00 AM to noon, along with our official Ground-breaking Open House from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a hot dog lunch starting at noon. VGMS will supply the hot dogs; we ask everyone else to bring potluck side dishes, salads, or desserts to share. With everyone's help, the club house is looking better with each passing day. Come see our work-in-progress!

Of course, the really big event to work towards at the moment is our 47th Annual Show, March 7-8. To get ready for it, we still have much work before us. We encourage as many club members as possible to attend our final show-planning meeting, 2:00 PM, February 21, at the Camp Comfort clubhouse, immediately following the Workshop and Open House. And we encourage everyone who can take some time off work to help at the Fairgrounds on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6. Full details on how we can each help are included in a "Count-Down to Show Time" article in this month's newsletter. In addition to helping at the various stations during the show, we encourage one and all to enter a display. It's fun, and it allows you to share your interests and collections with fellow club members. See you at the Open House and then at the Show!

Jim Brace-Thompson,
President.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.

One thing you can give and still keep ... is your word.

You lie the loudest when you lie to yourself.

If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.

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UPCOMING VGMS EVENTS.

Workshop / Open House - Saturday, February 21, Clubhouse, Camp Comfort. Workshop: 9 am-Noon, Open House: 11 am-2 pm.
2009 Show Planning Meeting - Saturday, February 21, Clubhouse, Camp Comfort, 2 pm. All interested members please attend.
February Regular Meeting - Wednesday, February 25, 7:30 pm, Senior Recreation Center.
March Board Meeting - Thursday, March 5, 6:00 pm, The Fairgrounds.
Show Set-Up - Thursday, March 5, 9 am-6 pm, The Fairgrounds; Friday, March 6, 10 am-10 pm, The Fairgrounds.
2009 VGMS Annual Show - Saturday, March 7, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday, March 8, 10 am-4 pm. Stick around for clean up and put away!!

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

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BIRTHDAYS.

Jim Brace-Thompson - February 3,
Lara Balentine - February 4,
Jean Wise - February 4,
Caleb Juarez - February 25,
Luther Brown - February 28,
Paul Polacek - February 28.

Cyndie Day - March 2,
Miriam Tetreault - March 6,
Howard Balentine - March 16,
Greg Davis - March 18,
Dawn Pearson - March 18,
Callie Stephens - March 19,
Rebecca Foster - March 20,
Heidi Mauer - March 25,
Cyndy Treutelaar - March 27.

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

Amethyst Lore.
     The origin of amethyst name and even explanations for some of its reputed properties have their foundations in the Greek mythology surrounding this semi-precious stone.
     Amethyst gets its name from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not drunken". Traditionally amethyst has been considered as the sobriety stone. In ancient times amethyst was believed to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the wine goblets were often carved from amethyst crystal.
     There are different stories that talk of amethyst origin. The most popular folklore is about the Greek god of wine, grapes, ritual madness and ecstasy, Dionysus, who became insulted by a mortal who had refused to acknowledge him. Enraged, Dionysus vowed to unleash his fury upon all mortals who did not partake in his gifts of wine and drunkenness. He divulged that he would destroy the first worldly being that crossed his way.
     A young maiden, Amethystos, pure and unfamiliar with being intoxicated, was on her way to pay tribute to goddess Artemis, but became Dionysus' unsuspecting victim. Dionysus summoned a pair of fierce, voracious tigers to devour the youth and sat back with his wine to watch. Amethystos cried out to Artemis for aid and when Artemis saw what was about to transpire, she quickly transformed the woman into a glimmering pure white stone (quartz) to protect her from the vicious wrath of Dionysus.
     Moved with pity at the purity shown by the woman's transformation, Dionysus realized the ruthlessness of his actions and began to weep with sorrow. As the tears dripped into his goblet, Dionysus collapsed and the tear-tainted wine ran out onto the stone from the tipped cup. The white stone absorbed the color from the wine creating the stone now called amethyst - reputed to stand for both purity and an aid against drunkenness.
     Another story tells of a drunken Dionysus coercing a maiden called Amethystos. She refused his affections and prayed to the gods to remain chaste. The goddess Artemis granted her prayer, transforming her into a white crystal. Dionysus poured wine over the crystal she had become as an offering, coloring the crystal purple.
     Amethyst continues to hold its association with purity and is often found in Catholic ornaments. It is also known as the stone of Bishops and many of them wear rings set with amethysts. Amethysts are also considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries from Tibet are often fashioned with them.

Compilation by editor of excerpts from Jeremy Foster via http://www.backwoodsbeadery.com/BeadTips/AmethystLore.html, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysus and http://aboutgemstones.blogspot.com/2008/11/lore-about-amethyst.html.

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PROGRAM REVIEW & SCHEDULE.

Request for a little bit of help: I have been the Program person for the past, Wow! three years at my count. During that run, we've had a good number of speakers, both from our club and from without. I hope the variety has been wide enough to accommodate everyone's taste. I've even stretched my imagination for club member participation. I thank you for your patience. Now I am split between a growing daughter and more responsibility at work, and I need a bit of help. If you have anybody or any idea of a person who would be a good speaker for our club, please contact me and I'll do my best to set it up.

Program - February 2009 - Final Pre-Show Meet.
     The program this month is the show planning finalization meeting, so come with a pen and a time you can volunteer at this year's show. There have been so many changes in the past year, keeping track of everything and everybody is a huge task. I thank everyone who has been working diligently on the show. Here is your chance to hear everything that's been set up (and volunteer yourself here and there). There will also be some discussion regarding how the Open House went.
     I plan to have a short presentation ready for the meeting to break up all the business that will be going on. The good news is that there should be lots of time for gossip and tongue wagging after the business has been taken care of.

Program - March 2009 - Mel's Texas Ramblings.
I've been speaking with Mel and he's been busy stripping the country around his house bare of anything that is collectible and most likely some things that are not. I've asked him for an overview of his small section of that big state of Texas. I'll be taking his commentary and photos, and will present it to the club. Mel may even send a box of rocks for us to enjoy.

Lowell Foster.

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HOSPITALITY.

At the January 28, 2009, meeting, we were pleased to have 37 people in attendance, including three guests and a new member. Valli Davis and Nancy Brace-Thompson brought refreshments and we thank you!

Sharon Cunningham has volunteered to bring refreshments to the February meeting.

Please contact Sharon at the February meeting, if you are willing to commit to bringing in refreshments for a future month.

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

Lowell Foster:

Set up two new displays in 4th grade classrooms at Marina West Elementary School:

1. Fossils - including shark teeth from Ant Hill, sand dollars from Pine Mountain, bivalves from Texas, and turitella from Malibu.
2. Native American Artifacts - Obsidian relics from Owens Valley (collected from a private ranch in the early 1970's). These include scrapers, broken points, and chips.

Donated the new book Rocks & Fossils by Busbey, Coenraads, Roots, and Willis to the Marina West Elementary School Library.

Thanks Lowell!

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MEMBERSHIP.

Welcome New Members.

Let's give a warm welcome to our two newest members:
     Yimin Jin,
     12101 Roaring River Ave.,
     Bakersfield, CA 93311.
     (805) 607-0905,
     yimin.jin@seminis.com.
Interests: All but faceting.

     Javan Zeito,
     238 Ellwood Beach Dr. #16,
     Goleta, CA 93117.
     (831) 419-8495,
     javanzeito@gmail.com.
Interests: CMR, FP, FT, M, MH, FM (N) and geology (E).

Everyone is encouraged to extend a hearty welcome to our newest members. Add their names and information to your VGMS directory. I hope to have a new directory for you within a month.

2009 dues are now past due! We want you to continue as members of VGMS.

We are required to send in a membership roster to the CFMS on the first of March, for parent dues and insurance purposes. Shortly after our annual show, the 2009 VGMS membership directory is distributed to members only. To retain your current membership, please send your check for renewal dues to me today at 343 Ridgeway Place, Ventura, CA 93004. You can also hand me your check at the February 25 VGMS meeting. Please alert me to address, phone, email address or interest changes.

We encourage everyone to attend the February 25 meeting as we'll be finalizing details for our annual VGMS show to be held March 7-8 at Seaside Park. Please consider signing up to volunteer in at least one of many various areas including setup, take down, security, hospitality, silent auction, kids' area, food prep and serving, plants, or country store.

I have placed my first order for patches and badges and they should be received in time for distribution at our February meeting so you can wear them proudly at our show. If you would like a personalized badge at a cost of $6, please let me know and I will place another order soon. Patches can be purchased from me for $6 at our meetings.

We're looking forward to a successful show and year with many fun activities. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your membership, your time and effort at the clubhouse and the show, and making VGMS the great club it is.

Valli Davis,
Membership Chair.

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MEETING MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting;
Wednesday, January 28, 2009:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Jim Brace-Thompson at 7:30 pm, on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at the Ventura Senior Recreation Center.
     Jim introduced visitors and then asked for corrections, if any, to the previously printed board and regular meeting minutes. It was m/s/c to accept the minutes. Members were led in the pledge to the flag.
Jim Brace-Thompson: The March show is of the utmost importance now. We now need to paper the county with our flyers. We do need more grab bags made and will try to schedule a time. Dee Holland will be available at our show to critique our cases in preparation for competitions.
Valli Davis: Membership patches and name badges will be ordered. Additional work days will be scheduled for the new clubhouse as time permits.
     Valli next presented Jim Brace-Thompson with an award, approved by the Board and acknowledging him for all the hours and dedication put into the organization of the new museum.
Andy Anderson: Our next show meeting has been scheduled for February 21, at Camp Comfort and following the open house activities. All are encouraged to attend. Richard Bromser will assist during our show by driving the U-Haul truck and will arrive at the Santa Paula storage site at 8:00 Thursday, March 5th.
Jean Wise: The Federation show will be held in San Jose in April. Zzyzx (November 15-22) will probably fill fast so get your application in as soon as possible.
Stewart Bloom suggested the Board consider a monetary donation to the Wright Library especially considering their past help promoting our shows. The matter will be discussed at the next board meeting.
Nancy brace-Thompson: The Treasurer's report was read and noted that our club is solvent.
Ron Wise and Rob Sankovich: Future trips include Gem Hill, February 29; Ant Hill, March 21; Jalama beach in April and Gaviota beach, April 21. Details will follow.
Jim Brace-Thompson: Camp Paradise will be offered again May 17-23 in 2009 and forms are available. Zzyzx will be offered in the fall (November 15) of 2009 and the CFMS show will take place in April. These are the new changes just confirmed by the CFMS.
Mary Polacek: Deadline for the next bulletin will be February 8, 2009, and any and all photos and comments for the bulletin are welcome. There will also be a Country store pricing event on Sunday, February 1 at 12:00 at the Santa Paula storage facility. All are welcomed to help and items may be dropped off at this time.
Michele Quistad next presented the Ways & Means raffle prizes to the lucky names drawn.
Lowell Foster: Next month's program will include show preparations and planning. March will involve Lowell's recap of the second half of VGMS history. A Camarillo school teacher has contacted Lowell requesting a presentation by our club. Arrangements will hopefully be made.
     Lowell next began a show and tell of member's finds and acquisitions from the past year. A lot of colorful material was on display from purchases to field trip collections and the stories of how they came to be found.
     The next Board meeting will be held on February 5, 2009, at The Lexington. The next monthly membership meeting will be held on February 25, 2009, at the Ventura Senior Recreation Center, 420 E. Santa Clara.
     Refreshments were provided by Valli Davis and Nancy Brace-Thompson.
     There being no further business, Jim adjourned the meeting at 9:30.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Greg Davis,
          Recording Secretary.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting;
Thursday, February 5, 2009:
Present: Nancy and Jim Brace-Thompson, Mary Polacek, Dave Mautz, Lowell Foster, Kathryn Davis and Valli and Greg Davis.
     The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society Board Meeting for February 5, 2009, was called to order by President Jim Brace-Thompson at 7:00 pm, at The Lexington, 5440 Ralston in Ventura.
Old business:
Stewart Bloom suggested we make a donation to the Wright Library to assist with the effort to keep it open. It was m/s/c to donate $25.00 towards the cause as they've always been very receptive of our publicity displays.
New business:
Jim Brace-Thompson: Jim proposed we revisit our by-laws and make corrections to the age question regarding "youths" and "pebble pups". More study is needed and Jim will report back. Jim will publish his "Countdown to Show" article soon. Show preparations are under way. Richard and Shirley Bromser have agreed to manage the food. Wendy Holder suggested we publicize at local retirement facilities. Jim will investigate the possibilities. Jim is considering organizing a pebble pup display case for our show which would highlight their collections. A few suggestions were made concerning revisions to the new club flyer and Jim will have more printed prior to the show.
Steve Mulqueen contacted board members regarding a donation offer of glass display cases to our club. With the cases being located in Utah, the offer was graciously declined due to travel time and expense required.
     Our new member Javan Zeito, has agreed to give a presentation to a school in Camarillo. Becky Dranow contacted us regarding a presentation at Santa Rosa Technical school.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: The Treasurer's report was given. It was m/s/c to accept as written and to pay the on-going bills. Donations have been made to our club in the name of Nancy's father, John Brace, and it was m/s/c to set up a lapidary machine fund in his name. This and future monies directed toward this cause will be used to provide additional equipment for our clubhouse. Florence Meisenheimer has stated she has more material to donate for the clubhouse and also has an 18" saw for sale for $900.00.
     Membership meeting times at the Ventura Senior center have been extended to 9:30.
Valli Davis: Dues are due and will be accepted until March 1, when Club Directories will need to be printed. February 21 is scheduled for a Workshop, Open House and Show Meeting. It was m/s/c/ to accept membership applications from Yimin Jin and Javan Zeito. Please make them welcome. Patches and badges have been ordered. Rock & Gem magazine has been contacted and copies will be provided for our show use. More raffle tickets will be ordered.
     The schedule for February 21 will begin at 9:00 with the workshop activities. The open house will run from 11:00 until 2:00 and the show meeting will be held following open house at 2:00. Jim and Nancy agreed to provide hotdogs. Members are encouraged to provide other refreshments & extras. The donated BBQ's will be used.
Lowell Foster: A grab bag stuffing event will take place at Lowell's house on Sunday, February 22, at 1:00. Additional materials can always be used. Lowell gave a presentation to the La Petite preschool.
Jim Brace-Thompson: Speaking for field trip leaders, Jim announced upcoming trips to Gem Hill on February 28 with Rob Sankovich and Mike Miller leading, Ant Hill March 21 with CFMS South leading, Tajiguas Beach March 22 with Ron Wise leading and Jalama Beach April 25 with Rob leading. Details will be in the bulletins.
Mary Polacek: Submissions for the first bulletin of the new year are to be sent in by February 8, 2009. An additional 100 copies of the bulletin will be printed for use at the show.
     Mary proposed sign out sheets for the club library materials and it was m/s/c to accept the forms. Mary also mentioned how the library could use donations of up-to-date publications such as field trip guides and lapidary how-to books.
     Just a note to acknowledge that Home Depot has donated materials, free of charge, towards our club efforts of rebuilding the Camp Comfort site.
     The next general meeting will be on February 25, 2009, at 420 E. Santa Clara in Ventura and the next board meeting will be on March 5, 2009, 6:00 pm, at the fairgrounds following show set up.
     There being no further business, Jim adjourned the meeting at 9:10 pm.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Greg Davis,
          Recording Secretary.

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VGMS 2009 ANNUAL SHOW UPDATE.

Show Meeting Minutes.
     Andy Anderson called the meeting to order at 2:00, Sunday, January 25, 2009, at the VGMS clubhouse, 11969 Creek Road, Ojai. There were 18 members present.
Andy Anderson: Home Arts and McBride buildings will be used again this year. Setup starts Thursday, 9:00 am until 6:00 pm, and again Friday starting at 10:00 am. (Our Board Meeting will be held Thursday evening, at the fairgrounds, at 6:00 pm.) Heidi Mauer has been contacted concerning insurance needs and will report back. Signup sheets for all job areas will be available at all meetings. Dave Mautz offered to provide security on Friday night; Angie Ulin and Luther Brown offered for Saturday night. Richard Bromser has offered to provide the moving truck beginning Thursday morning at the Santa Paula storage facility. Lowell Foster has offered to assist with food preparations. More needs to be decided concerning food. Wendy Holder has offered to look into public service announcements on the radio.
Abe Barshai: Copies of show case display setup were distributed and 10 pony cases, 14 new cases and 4 slant cases are available to be loaned to those needing them.
Susan Mulqueen: Plants can be dropped off beginning Friday morning. Susan will contact Trader Joe's for possibly another basket donation this year. Volunteers during the show will be especially appreciated this year.
Steve Mulqueen: Exhibitor trophies will consist of a shark tooth on glass.
Mary Polacek: Country Store items can be delivered to the Santa Paula storage February 8 at 12:00, or Thursday-Friday during show setup. Items will also be priced at the Mulqueen's home on February 1.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: Nancy and Jim will set up the display at Wright Library and Valli Davis has offered to set up a display at Foster Library. Donna and Larry Knapton will be will available again to promote earth science to teachers and schools. AFMS representatives, Dee Holland and Shirley Leeson, will be on hand to give pointers to members regarding show case displays and how to prepare for competitions.
     There being no further business, Andy adjourned the meeting at 3:30 pm.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Greg Davis,
          Recording Secretary.

Publicizing the Show: Let's All Help Get Out the Word!
National rock and gem magazines have listed us in their calendar sections; newspapers, television, and radio stations have been notified. Displays are set up, with flyers, in two Ventura libraries. Local teachers and college geology professors have been sent letters, as have all the rock clubs within easy driving distance of Ventura. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other kids' groups have been alerted. In these and other ways, we've been spreading the word about our upcoming show, but the most valuable method of publicity is the simplest and easiest: good old-fashioned word-of-mouth! So please tell everyone you know, from family and friends to co-workers and colleagues, as well as complete strangers you don't yet know. We'll have a supply of show flyers and posters at our February membership meeting. Please pick up a batch and pass them around. Many businesses are happy to set a supply of flyers on a counter and/or tape a poster in a store window. Please call me (805-659-3577) to volunteer your help in approaching businesses in your own neighborhood and throughout Ventura. The more visible our posters and flyers, the better our show attendance will be. Please call me to volunteer your help today! In addition, a week or so before the show, I'll be emailing all VGMS members with a show announcement message; please take just a moment to forward that message to a few of your friends with a personal invitation to attend the show. If we all were to email just 5 to 10 friends each, we would end up with personal invitations going to 500 to 1,000 people, and that's word-of-mouth you can bank on!
     Jim Brace-Thompson,
     Show Publicity Chair.

Show Exhibiting Tips from the Experts.
We'll have two special guests at our Show this year: Dee Holland and Shirley Leeson, both of whom are Past-Presidents of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies. Dee has been heavily involved in competitive exhibiting, overseeing the Uniform Rules and helping to run scoring of exhibits during California and American Federation shows. Both he and Shirley have generously offered to come to our show this year to provide informal evaluations and pointers of exhibits. So if you've ever been interested in entering a competitive exhibit at a Federation show but haven't yet made the plunge, this is an excellent opportunity to get some expert advice and guidance. And even if you're not interested in competition, the advice Dee offers will help improve your displays at our own local show. We'd like to get at least a half dozen volunteers to get together Sunday at 1:00 PM to meet Dee and Shirley in the exhibit hall. Dee will offer a brief talk about exhibiting and the rules for competitive exhibiting, and then he'll take any interested parties out to the exhibit floor to give pointers for making your great case even greater. I want to make sure we make this trip worth the time and effort Dee and Shirley are giving to it. Call me (805-659-3577) to participate.
     Jim Brace-Thompson,
     President.

Kids' Display at 2009 Show.
VGMS kids! Here's a chance to earn your Showmanship badge! As I noted in last month's bulletin, we'd like to ask all kids in the club to look through your collections and pick out a few of your shiniest rocks and most unusual fossils and prettiest crystals. For each one, make a label telling what it is and where it came from and include your name at the bottom. Then bring these to our annual show set-up day (Friday, March 6, in the afternoon or evening) or to our membership meeting on February 25, and we'll put together a special VGMS Kids' Case to display your neat collections during the show. Have questions? Need help? Call me! 805-659-3577. See you at the show!
     Jim Brace-Thompson,
     President.

Grab Bag Stuffing Party.
A popular item at our Show Kids' Booth is the grab bag. Each year, we go through literally hundreds of these, and the income is important for our club operations throughout the rest of the year. We have a modest supply left over from last year's show, but we need to stuff about 200 more. So....come to my garage (282 W. Shoshone Street, off of Ventura Avenue) for a grab bag stuffing party! We'll start at 1:00 PM, Sunday, February 22. We have a supply of empty bags and a lot of material to put in them, but we could always use more. So in addition to yourself, please bring small specimens of fossils, minerals, rocks, tumble-polished stones and other goodies for the kids. We'll lay everything out on a table, then have everyone go around, grab bag in hand, to fill each bag until we achieve our goal of 200. It's fun - and kids love the results!
     Lowell Foster.

Count-Down to Show Time!
We're counting the days to our Annual Show, and every hour now counts in getting our ducks in a row! Here's what's left in our time-line:
     Getting the Word Out: Today through March 8.
Tell friends, family, co-workers, and (especially) people you don't even know about the Show. Pick up Show flyers at our February meeting or call me to get some now (805-659-3577), and begin posting them on public bulletin boards, leaving them on counters of local businesses, giving them to acquaintances, and otherwise doing all you can to get folks onto the Fairgrounds. In addition to our quarter-page flyers, we have larger, colorful posters that can be taped to a car window to create movable billboards.
     Set-up: Thursday, March 5 (9 AM - 6 PM).
Please: everyone who is able, take a day or half-day off work on Thursday to assist in set-up. It's important we have as many people possible help share the workload so it doesn't fall on just a few shoulders. Some jobs are physically demanding, but many are not, and we need all the hands we can get. We need help moving supplies from the Santa Paula storage unit, laying out tables and chairs at the Fairgrounds, skirting tables and assembling display cases, arranging the Country Store and plant sale area, etc. We'll circulate a sign-up sheet at the February meeting. Or call Andy Anderson to volunteer. We'll have lunch fixings for everyone helping. Immediately following set-up, we'll be holding our monthly board meeting at the Fairgrounds.
     Move-in: Friday, March 6 (all day & evening, until 10 PM).
We'll officially open the doors to dealers, demonstrators, and exhibitors to begin set-up at noon, although we can also count on some people arriving well before that. So we need folks who can show up in the morning to help welcome and direct our dealers and guest exhibitors to their booths and campsites. This is also the day for us to set up our own displays. If you haven't yet signed up to enter a display, please fill out an exhibitor form and mail it right away or call or email Abe Barshai (818-991-7735, Barshai3@aol.com) and/or fill out an exhibitor form at our February meeting (we'll have extra blank copies of the form on hand there). Since we have a limited number of club cases, it's essential we get an accurate count of exhibitors, and we need this info in advance to include in the Show program. You don't need a huge collection to make an attractive display, so if you've never displayed before, don't be shy! We can help with ideas, and we'll talk about displays at the February meeting. (Some pointers on what to bring for setting up your case: liners or cloth, risers, masking tape, duct tape, your specimens, labels identifying your specimens, a name label so that people will know whose display it is, and a lot of enthusiasm -- it's contagious!)
Lunch fixings will be available in the afternoon. Then we'll have our Show dinner at the end of the day, between 6 PM and 7 PM, and if you would like to assist in preparing and serving, call Nancy Brace-Thompson. The club will provide the main course, bread, salad, and drinks, and we ask that club members donate desserts, so bring an appetite along with something sweet to share.
     Show Time! March 7-8 (10 AM-5 PM Sat.; 10 AM-4 PM Sun.).
We'll circulate sign-up sheets for the different Show jobs at the February meeting, and we're also depending on volunteers to help upon arrival during the Show. See what hours are open at each station and help fill in where needed. Or pick an activity that most interests you, then call the appropriate committee chair today to offer your help.

We need help with:

• Hospitality. Welcome people to the show, give them the Show Program and tell a bit about our club, invite them to purchase raffle tickets, and tell them about our Country Store as well as other aspects of the show; call Valli Davis.
• Kids' Booth. Help Jean Wise organize and run activities for kids; we need donations of rocky prizes, and we especially need help in the booth itself managing the spinning wheel, grab bag sales, sand sifting for prizes, coloring books, fossil making, and other activities. This booth can become especially hectic, so we need at least 2 (and preferably 3) people running it at all times.
• Silent Auction. Greg Davis and Ron Wise both welcome help running our hourly silent auction. We'll need people to announce the auction each hour, hand out prizes, and set out new prizes.
• Country Store. Help with our big flea market and book sale to raise funds for the club. This is a major source of revenue for us, so call Mary Polacek or Shirley Layton to help ensure a successful store this year.
• Plant Sale. Call Susan Mulqueen to help sell plants and cuttings. This is also a popular source of revenue for us.
• Security. Throughout the Show, we ask members to circulate among the crowd in orange security vests to present a visible security presence. To help, contact Andy Anderson. (Our thanks to David, Luther, and Angie for volunteering for overnight security duty. It's the cheapest hotel room in town!)

In addition to your help, we need everyone to bring donations:

• Desserts for the Show dinner from 6 to 7 PM on Friday evening; bring them to the dinner.
• Cookies to provide near the coffee area throughout the Show; bring to the kitchen during the Show.
• Raffle prizes of mineral and fossil specimens, lapidary work, and other "showy" stuff you would see in a store window. We want to entice people to enter our raffle, so please help by donating a truly nice prize. Call Paul Polacek with material to donate.
• Silent auction items, i.e., rough material for lapidary work, large pieces of petrified wood, large mineral specimens, etc. The showier the material, the higher the bids will be. We'll get much of this from our club rock pile and recent donations from Mel Hixson and Bob Stultz, but the club pile is growing smaller each year. Contact Greg Davis or Ron Wise with donations.
• Kids' prizes of small pieces of jewelry, tumbled stones, polished slabs, fossils, mineral specimens, etc., are needed as prizes, along with plastic and paper grocery bags. Contact Jean Wise or Lowell Foster.
• Country store materials, i.e., garage sale sorts of items, as well as magazines and books (especially any related to rockhounding, but also novels, etc.), and grocery bags for people to carry away their purchases. Contact Mary Polacek.
• Plant sales plants, cuttings, and related materials, as well as cardboard flats and boxes and paper and plastic grocery bags for people to pack their purchases in. Contact Susan Mulqueen.

     Dismantling: Sunday, March 8, 4 PM.
It ain't over 'till it's over. So please don't pack up your own goodies and run at Show's end. We'll need a lot of strong arms and backs to help reverse what we did on Thursday in order to pack everything and return it to our new clubhouse at Camp Comfort. To thank everyone, we'll have our annual pizza delivery once all is packed away and the final floor is swept clean.
     Receipts.
If you've incurred expenses for jobs you've done on behalf of the Show, all receipts are due to Nancy Brace-Thompson within 10 days of the Show's conclusion so that she can balance the Show books.
     Thank You Andy!!
Finally, a big thank-you to Andy Anderson and to all Show committee members for a smooth count-down to Show 2009, as well as to each club member, our dealers, demonstrators, and our guest exhibitors. It's shaping up to be a great show, and I'll see you at the Fairgrounds!
          Jim Brace-Thompson,
          Show Publicity Chair.

Plant Sale.
Please continue getting your plants ready for our mineral show. If you have plants to donate for the Plant Sale, please bring them to the Mineral Show on Thursday afternoon, March 5 or Friday morning, March 6. Also, I will need volunteers to help with plant sales, especially on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8.
     Susan Mulqueen.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

CHIPS AND BOULDERS.

Workshop & Open House at New Club Home, February 21.
     Our new club home at Camp Comfort is in good enough shape now that we can once again start offering workshops 9:00 AM to noon on the third Saturday of each month, so pencil those dates into your 2009 calendar!
     The workshop taking place on Saturday, February 21, will be a special one. Not only will we host a workshop from 9:00 AM to noon; we'll also hold our official "ground-breaking" ceremony for our new club home with an Open House from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a hotdog lunch starting at noon. VGMS will supply the hotdogs, and we ask everyone else to bring potluck side dishes (chips and dip, potato salad, carrot strips, etc.), salads, or desserts to share. While alcohol isn't allowed at county park property, we at least hope to have some sparkling cider on hand to christen our new digs. Also, don't leave right at 2:00. Stick around for our final show-planning meeting to see how you can help make our 2009 Gem and Mineral Show the best ever!
     We still have work to do in getting our clubhouse fully functional. For one thing, our library still resides in boxes...piles and piles of boxes stacked one atop another. Mary would like to get our library books accessible so members can begin checking out those that interest them. Thus, here's a call for anyone with bookshelves you may be able to donate -- or lumber that could be used to build shelves. Also, we welcome any donations of books, especially guidebooks to field trip localities, books for identifying minerals and fossils, and "how-to" books on lapidary arts (cabbing, beading, faceting, etc.). We have ample wall space in the library/meeting room, as well as along the hallway leading into that room, so let's fill that space with nice sets of shelves so we can get our books out and available!
          Jim Brace-Thompson,
          President.

Support Our Neighboring Clubs!
After our own show is over in March, don't pack away your exhibit! Keep it out and take it to our neighbors to the east. The Conejo Gem & Mineral Club in Thousand Oaks will be sponsoring their 35th annual show May 16-17 at Borchard Park, 190 Reino Road at Borchard Road, in Newbury Park, just off the 101 after you crest the grade. For further details, check their web site, www.cgamc.org, or contact VGMS member Rob Sankovich, (805) 494-7734, rmsorca@adelphia.net. Even if you're not interested in entering an exhibit, we encourage all club members to attend the show, shop among their dealers, participate in their silent auctions and kids' events, and enjoy the many interesting displays.
     Jim Brace-Thompson,
     President.

Fred Ward On Rubies and Sapphires.
     On Wednesday, March 4th, 2009, the Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society proudly presents seasoned traveler and international gem expert, Fred Ward. Mr. Ward will give an informative and exciting presentation on the Beauty and Lore of Rubies and Sapphires. His presentation will cover the topics of his famous book, "Rubies & Sapphires".
     Mr. Ward will show us photos from the world of corundum crystals, while he tells us all about rubies and sapphires, their history and lore, how they are used and sold, stories of famous stones, and some interesting stories from his personal adventure with these beauties.
     Mr. Ward is a well known gemologist (GIA), specialty gem broker, world-renowned writer, lecturer, photographer, and publisher. As a National Geographic photographer, Fred had access to many of the world's most famous gem stones, gem mines, mining processes, and jewelry markets.
     Fred will bring his books for sale and signing. Come join the OGMS membership for an amazing evening with Rubies & Sapphires by Fred Ward.
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 4th, 7:30 PM.
Location: The Thousand Oaks Room at The Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030.
          Submitted by OGMS Member Brett Johnson.

Save the Wright Library!
For many, many years, the Wright Library on Day Road in Ventura has offered us use of their lobby display case to publicize our annual show. This has given us invaluable publicity, at no charge whatsoever. Well, now the Wright Library needs our help! In all their wisdom, the Ventura County Library Services Commission, under the leadership of Library Director Jackie Griffin, has decided that in light of our current economic crisis, a library needs to be closed, and they've chosen the Wright Library -- the most heavily used library in all the Ventura library system! There's only one chance to keep it open, and that involves raising $280,000. The nonprofit San Buenaventura Friends of the Library has until the beginning of April to raise these funds to keep the Wright Library open. To help show our appreciation for all the support the Wright Library has offered us over the years, I encourage all club members to extend their support by sending checks in whatever amount to: Save Wright Library, P.O. Box 403, Ventura, CA 93002. Make your checks payable to "Save Wright Library." During a time of fiscal crisis and budget cuts, you would hope that government officials would have the wisdom to focus on cutting luxuries, not essentials. In my humble view, a library -- one of the most heavily used in the county -- counts as an essential. Please show your support!
     Jim Brace-Thompson,
     President.

  Table of Contents.

FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN.

January 13-18, Quartzsite, AZ; Wiley's Well Area and Turtle Mountains, CA.
     Quartzsite was a lot of fun, the weather was great; warm but not too hot. Deb and I arrived on Tuesday. We checked out the dealers Tuesday and Wednesday and bought rough material to work. There were many dealers with a big variety of rough material to polished finished pieces. Prices were great, compared to just about anywhere I've seen material for sale. If you have never been to Quartzsite, I'd recommend it. I bought a big piece of laprodite that I will polish with my angle grinder. Mitty & Sal Scarpato, (Ron & Jean Wise, and Greg & Valli Davis VGMS) were there checking out Quartzsite and going on the field trips.
     This year for the Conejo show our exhibitor awards are going to be small carved dinosaurs on small slabs of coprolite "fossilized dino dung." If you want one you should think about exhibiting at our May show. In a few months I'll bring in a finished piece, it will take me some time cutting the slabs. Thanks to Mary Pat for suggesting the dinosaurs and Mitty for suggesting the coprolite.
     Thursday we went to the Turtle Mountains with Ron and Jean. We collected chalcedony pieces, but didn't find any big chalcedony roses. There was lots of float everywhere near chalcedony hill. Friday we went to the Cinnamon beds and Kim's spot in the Wiley's Well area for geodes and nodules. Ron and Jean then left for Arizona. On Saturday, Sal, Mitty, Greg, Valli, Deb and I went to the Colorado River area hills to collect petrified iron wood. We all found some nice pieces. I didn't find Arnie Rudman's hidden piece (a really large piece that he hasn't been able to carry out). Is it still there, Arnie? I'm looking forward to seeing it. Each November there is a CFMS-sponsored Wiley's Well field trip. The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society is thinking of going out in the spring to Joel Hauser's house, to see his museum and possibly buy material that he found and polished. I'll let you know if that will happen.
          Robert Sankovich.

Tri-Club Field Trips 2009.
     The field trips listed below are tentative, they might change. All are Tri-Club field trips (exceptions noted) with either Conejo, Oxnard or Ventura leading.*

Saturday, February 28: Gem Hill, Rosamond, CA.
Tri Club Field Trip - Conejo, Oxnard, Ventura: Our February field trip will be to Gem Hill - agate, jasper, opalite, petrified wood. This is a good field trip for all rockhounds, you will be able to find float material on the surface or you can dig and find better material. You don't need 4 wheel drive.
Directions: From Thousand Oaks, drive to the 14 Freeway north towards Lancaster. Exit at Rosamond Blvd. Turn left (west) go 3.4 miles to Mojave-Tropico Rd. Turn right, (north) go 4.7 miles. Turn left (west) on a dirt road, go .7 miles, Turn left (south) to hills .3 miles. You should see a CGMC sign in the window of my auto. I will probably drive my black Toyota truck, but I might carpool in another auto. Approximately 94 miles from Thousand Oaks, 1.5 hour drive time.
Meeting: Saturday Afternoon, February 28th, 2009, 10 am-3 pm.
Material to collect:
     Petrified Wood. Brownish-gray exterior giving a rather chalky appearance. White, cream, and brown are the most predominate colors. Fairly good display of wood grain on broken surfaces. Digging is required for this material. Good for tumbling and cabbing.
     Jasp-agate. Weathered green outside surface. Yellow and green streamers of jasper running through the agate remind one of moss agate. Found mostly in float. Excellent for tumbling and cabs.
     Green Opal. This material occurs in a vein. Much work has occurred here and the diggings are now beginning to undermine the road. The opal takes a good polish and makes up into attractive cabs and jewelry. Also suitable for tumbling.
     Blue Agate. Very nice quality light blue agate occurring in vein. Hard digging is required to recover the material. This agate is quite hard and solid, and therefore is excellent for polishing.
Tools: Collecting bags, buckets, day pack, digging tools, rock pick, pry bar, chisels, sledges, eye protection, trowels, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, layered clothing, towels, Drinking water, lunch or snacks. Contact: Robert Sankovich 805-494-7734 home, rmsorca@adelphia.net; Mike Miller 805-498-9586 rockfmdr@aol.com.
          Robert Sankovich.

March 20-22: Petrified Wood Identification Workshop, Rocklin, CA.
Is that piece of petrified wood in your collection hardwood or softwood? Is it from an ancient redwood tree? A spruce? Or did you happen to pick up a piece of banded rhyolite? For folks interested in learning more about the petrified wood in their collections and willing to travel a bit, the Fossils For Fun Society is presenting its 9th Annual Petrified Wood Seminar conducted by paleobotanist Walt Wright. (Walt had that terrific display of petrified woods at the statewide CFMS show at the Ventura Fairgrounds last summer.) It takes place March 20-22, 2009, at Sierra College in Rocklin, California. A seminar fee of $75 per person includes beverages and light snacks, lunches on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday. For more information or a brochure on the seminar, email fossilsforfun@hotmail.com or call Debbie Bunn (916-929-6665) or Carole Lockhart (916-638-2314). Space is limited, and Walt Wright's workshops tend to fill quickly. If you would like to attend, please contact Debbie or Carole right away. If slots are still available, then checks (payable to Fossils For Fun) are due by March 1, 2009, to Hugh Brady, Treasurer, Fossils For Fun Society, 8699 Creekwood Way, Fair Oak, CA 95628. If you're passionate about petrified wood, this is something you "wooden" want to miss!
     Jim Brace-Thompson.

Saturday, March 21: Ant Hill-Bakersfield, CA.
This is a Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, Tri-clubs, and CFMS co-op field trip. Come out for a fun day of digging for shark teeth fossils. The weather should be nice, cool. The dig site is a walk of 500 yards over semi-flat ground, then up a hill 100 yards. Most of the time you'll be digging in a small area. This time of the year there is always the chance of rain; bring the necessary clothing. If it is raining, we won't be digging.
When: March 21st, 2009, Saturday, 10 am-3 pm.
Directions: 5 Freeway North, to the 99 Hwy North, off at 178 Hwy East, near Bakersfield. Go 8.3 miles to the Harrell Hwy, turn Left/North. 3.5 miles on the Harrell Hwy from the 178 Hwy. Site is on the Left/South side of Hwy, by the hills. My black Toyota truck will be there, with a CGMC sign in the window We will be about 2.5 miles East of Hart Park. You should see an asphalt bike path going up the hill. Then you know you're at the right spot. Ant Hill is 136 miles from my house in Thousand Oaks, drive time 2 to 2.5 hours.
Tools: Rock pick/hammer, gad pry bar, hand sledge, sifter, large pry bar, shovel, pick, eye protection, newspaper to wrap your fossils in, collecting bags, wide brimmed hat, suntan lotion, lots of water, lunch. There is no shade morning, afternoon, and it can be hot, but it will probably be cool, so dress accordingly, layers. I would recommend a day pack, to put your tools in. It's a bit of a walk and it will be easier carrying your gear.
Material to Collect: Shark teeth fossils, many types, sizes, from the Miocene Epoch 10-15 million years ago. There are other fossils, bone fragments, teeth to be found. The fossils are found in a layer about 3', you will see the exposed holes from previous digs. They are in a semi soft clay that you will dig out the biggest pieces you can, then carefully break apart to find the fossils. I usually use a gad pry bar to dig out bigger pieces of the clay, about golf ball to baseball size or so. If I see any sign of a shark tooth or fossil, I'll wrap it into newspaper and later I will use dental tools or Dremel motor tool to remove the clay to reveal the tooth. I keep some of the teeth still in the matrix, it makes a nice display. The main thing is patience when working with fossils.
Contact: Robert Sankovich 805-494-7734 home, rmsorca@adelphia.net; Mike Miller 805-498-9586 rockfmdr@aol.com.
CFMS: Adam Dean 909-489-4899, theagatehunter@verizon.net; Shep Koss 661-248-0411, freudonetoo@yahoo.com.

Sunday, March 22: Tajiguas Beach, Santa Barbara, CA.
Fieldtrip: Tri-club fieldtrip. Enjoy a winter day at the beach! On March 22, our field trip will be to Tajiguas Beach North of Santa Barbara, about two miles beyond Refugio Beach. We will be hunting for petrified whalebone and concreations with petrified wood or whalebone enclosed in rock. Stop at the first turn out space along the highway and look for the tri-club signs in the parking spot along the highway. Note the distance from California Street in Ventura is 54.1 miles.
Directions: From Ventura proceed north on highway 101 north (west) of Santa Barbara past Refugio Beach. Proceed 2.5 miles past Refugio Beach turn off and make a U-turn south for 0.3 miles. We will meet at parking area leading to the beach. I have a white Ford 150 pick-up with a shell; note I have a rockhound sticker in the back window.
Meeting: On Sunday morning March 22, we will meet at the trail leading to the beach at 10:00 am. Low tide is at 2:33 pm and after a couple hours of running up and down the beach it should be a great spot for a picnic lunch, if the weather cooperates.
Tools: You will need a bucket or pack to carry back your finds. Do not forget hat, sunscreen, water and lunch. Bring a variety of clothing for everything between sunny and hot to windy and cool. Pray for oceanic storms to wash the sand away and expose the rocks and whale bones. If you attend the Ant Hill sharks teeth dig with Rob Sankovich, you will now have some bones to go with your sharks' teeth.
     Ron Wise.

Saturday, April 25: Jalama Beach, Lompoc, CA.
This is a tri club Field Trip - Conejo, Oxnard, Ventura. We will be looking for Agate, Jasper, Petrified Whale Bone, Travertine Onyx, and Fossils. They can be found along the shoreline. 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 to one vehicle. 98 campsites, all overlooking the ocean or beach front. Each site has a picnic table and BBQ, with hot showers, restrooms and water nearby. 29 sites offer electrical hookups, and dump stations are available. I will not be camping.
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. Approximately 122 miles from Thousand Oaks; 2.5-3 hour drive time.
Meeting: Saturday, April 25, 10 AM-4 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.
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.
Contact: Robert Sankovich 805-494-7734, rmsorca@adelphia.net; Mike Miller 805-498-9586, rockfmdr@aol.com; Jalama Beach County Park Star Route, Jalama Road, Lompoc, CA 93436. Recorded Information (805) 736-6316, Park Office (805) 736-3504.
Links: http://www.sbparks.org/docs/jalama.html,
http://www.santabarbara.com/activities/camping/jalama_beach/movies/MOV00362.MPG.
(If you go to either of the 2 links above close the new window to return here.)
     Robert Sankovich.

The Field Trip e-mail list is working, members have current, new information as I finish it. I get field trip information from other clubs at different times during the month, some with too short of notice for me to put in our bulletin. I will send direct monthly information, maps on club field trips, and updates on weather, other last minute factors that can effect field trips. If you want to sign up, no e-mail addresses will be printed, posted anywhere. Send me your e-mail addresses to mine below. I also updated the field trip information on our web site www.cgamc.org. The information is current and I'll keep updating as I add field trips. 2009 has started nice, good weather. There's going to be a field trip for everyone, we'll have close to home, and out of state trips. Easy and harder field trips requiring chisels, sledges. Something for everyone hopefully. I am open to any places members are interested in. I'm always researching sites. Most of the time I make sure I check out the sites, so when it finally becomes a field trip it can take time. I like digging for shark teeth fossils, so there will be field trips there, the March field trip will be a co-op field trip with our club, and the tri clubs, with myself, Mike, and CFMS Shep Koss, Adam Dean, will be leading the trip. This time of year the weather can change so make sure I know you will be going, this applies to all field trips. We will also be going to Jade Cove later in the year, probably August, it will be warmer. Check out the website for updates. We've been getting good turnouts of rockhounds for our field trips, the upcoming field trips offer a diversity of collecting. As the weather cools off, we will be heading out to the desert for collecting. Field trips are fun and you will find some nice specimens and make new friends. I find most people on field trips are friendly and nice willing to share in their knowledge and experiences. See you there. Robert Sankovich VP Field Trips Conejo and Ventura, rmsorca@adelphia.net, 805-494-7734.
     Robert Sankovich.

  Table of Contents.

HINTS AND TIPS.

Drill Bits for Slabs.
     Tom, I have had my best luck with Triple Ripple diamond drill bits. The best price I could find for them is at Indian Jewelry Supply. I can typically drill about eight holes in jasper before needing another bit. Agate is another story. I can normally drill about three or four holes in agate before needing another bit. If the Agate has been cooked it is nearly impossible to drill and may take several bits to drill it.
     I use Cut Lube on the drill bit before drilling and it helps to extend the life of the bit. The Cut Lube adheres well under water. At first I used a Dremel but then switched to a Foredom. I'm not sure exactly why but the Foredom does a much better job drilling. I use the #30 Handpiece with a chuck and therefore have maximum flexibility of bit size use.
     I prefer to use the Proxxon Drill Press instead of the Foredom. The Foredom is fine but very limited in that it only measures approximately two inches from the post to the drill bit. If you have a stone over two inches long it is not possible to stabilize it well on the small four-inch platform and the bit will only reach two inches. For larger stones the Foredom drill press is not functional. The Proxxon has a seven inch base and is much easier to use for larger stones. Also the Proxxon is only $55.00 compared to the Foredom at $139.00.
     One limitation the Proxxon has is that it will only handle a 3/4 inch handpiece. I had a machine shop make a handpiece holder to fit the Proxxon with a one inch opening for the Foredom #30 Handpiece. The Proxxon is well constructed and easy to use. The combination of the Proxxon drill press and machined handpiece holder was still much less than the cost of a Foredom. Now I have the flexibility to drill much larger stones with precision. The machine shop expressed interest in offering the one-inch handpiece holder on Ebay. Once it is offered I will let the group know and provide a link.
     Also, using the Dremel drill without a flexshaft and handpiece is extremely dangerous. I'm not sure what you are using. Also wear good rubber gloves when drilling for additional safety and always drill on a ground fault interrupter circuit for added safety.
     Finally I also found the Lopaki diamond coated drill bits to work well but not have the life of a triple ripple. The Lopaki bits were about half the price of the ripple so the difference between the two, factoring in price may be small. Lopaki also has an extensive offering of different shapes, some quite unusual and useful. Good luck in your drilling.
          By Buzz from Yahoo Lapidary group posting January 14, 2009.

Practical Recommendations for Getting Oil Out Of Slabs.
     Bake it out in a 200 degree oven for an hour or so. That's the only way to get rid of all of it. Kitty litter and soap are a good pretreatment for baking. I use parts degreaser (I got mine at Napa) instead of soap as it does a better job than soap. . . . It [Standard oil's food grade lubricant] seems to be easier to get out of slabs, but you still should bake them if you want it ALL out.
     I generally don't bake slabs as the kitty litter and degreaser get at least 90% of the oil out and I can cab them without noticing any effects from residual oil. Plus, degreaser is a great lubricant for my Titan and a hell of a lot cheaper than additives like Lube Cool (which you can use in a cabber, but not a rock saw!). I always bake my sphere blanks since the tiniest amount of oil really screws up the rough grind.
          By Tim Fisher Ore-ROCK-On! From 01/10/2009 Yahoo Group Rock_Collecting_and_Field_Trips post.

     Simple Green, undiluted, is great for soaking stones to get oil out. It actually does cut the oil a little better than any dishwashing detergent, because it's more concentrated (Since the manufacturer doesn't have to worry about lawsuits over dry hands!). Simple Green's industrial formula, Crystal, works even better and has no added colorants, but requires more care of your skin. As a last resort, soaking in acetone for a few hours and then leaving to bake in a good hot sun for a couple of days should get most stubborn oil to break down, and the acetone to evaporate off.
          By Dave Laufer via 01/10/2009 Yahoo Group Rock_Collecting_and_Field_Trips post.

     Forget the kitty litter. Use a solution of Clean Green detergent, mixed 50/50 with water. Also Mean Green same mix, or Purple Power. I mix 75% water with 25% Purple Power. I have two plastic containers of the mix. When slab comes off saw, I scrape excess oil off slab and place it in first container and let set there for 15-20 minutes. Then wipe slab with paper towel and insert into second container for several minutes. Wash slab in sink using tap water and whatever solution is left on slab. There is little if any oil left on slab, and I don't have to keep sweeping kitty litter off the deck. This was passed on to me by people at the Diamond Pacific office/warehouse.
          By Charles Bradley from 01/11,/2009, Yahoo Group Rock_Collecting_and_Field_Trips post.

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 your good ideas!

  Table of Contents.

LET'S BE SAFE OUT THERE.

Shop Safety by Chuck McKie, CFMS Safety Chair from the CFMS Newsletter, October 2008.
     It has been quite a while since we had any shop safety. The following is from chapter two of the AFMS Safety Manual.
     The following safety rules, if followed, will lessen the risk of possible harm or injury. Protect your eyes when chipping or grinding rocks. WEAR PROTECTIVE GLASSES. Run your grinding wheels no faster than the speed recommended by the manufacturer. Do not let your {Ceramic/stone} wheel become water logged. Keep it running until all water has been thrown out; otherwise, it will cause a heavy spot and make your wheel out of balance. Keep your wheel true. It will wear longer and there will be less chance of its parting while in use.
     Keep all belt pulleys and belts covered. It may save a finger. Use dop sticks whenever possible. It may save a badly cut finger. A word of warning to those individuals who use dry sanding of their cabochons: Silicosis is a serious disease which is caused by the inhalation of fine silica dust. Use a dust mask or suction blower, or change to wet sanding. Silicosis cannot be cured!
     Be careful with your alcohol lamp. It can cause a fire. Keep all containers properly labeled. Putting polishing powders in empty baking powder cans, for instance, without a proper label, can be dangerous. (If you put the polishing powder in an empty baking powder can, your wife could use it with disastrous results.)
     The use of Oxalic Acid, when properly used, greatly facilitates the polishing of agates. Oxalic Acid is caustic to the skin, as well as a frank poison, if accidentally ingested or inhaled. Also, getting some in the eyes from the spray from the polishing wheels, may cause a burn of the cornea, resulting in impaired eyesight. When using this acid, proper precautions must be taken. It is advisable to apply the polish to the wheel with a brush. Wear protective glasses. It may be advisable, under certain circumstances, to wear protective gloves. Immediately wash any contact areas of the skin with soap and water. Medical attention may be advisable.
     Sulfuric Acid and Nitric Acid are sometimes mixed with polishing compounds when faceting sapphire. They are also used in the polishing of sapphire cabochons on lead laps.
     These acids are severe caustics and will cause severe burns if they come in contact with the skin or eyes. In using the techniques above, one must use the utmost precautions. Any contaminated areas must immediately be washed with soap and water. If any gets in the eyes, thoroughly irrigate with water and seek medical attention. The application of a baking-soda pack is often advisable or the sponging with a solution of baking soda in water to the burned area.
     The polishing compounds we use today are, as a rule, relatively non-toxic, except to some individuals. The use of detergents added to the polishing powders could cause dermatitis of the hands. This can be eliminated if the offending substance is eliminated.
     The use of Epoxy Resins is very irritating to the skin, and severe cases of dermatitis have resulted. This can easily be prevented by not getting the hands in actual contact with the resins. Acetone will remove this, if you should get some resin on the skin. The various cutting oils used in the diamond saws are primary irritants to the skin, and will, in many individuals, produce dermatitis. Also, the fire hazard, in the use of certain cutting oils, must be realized and proper precautions taken.
     WARNING TO SILVER-SOLDERING ENTHUSIASTS: Silver brazing alloy, frequently called silver solder, is an extremely valuable industrial material. It is used for joining metals and alloys such as silver, copper, brass, bronze, stainless steel, carbon steel and dissimilar metal combinations where it is necessary to perform the joining of these metals at low temperatures. Fumes generated during brazing can be a serious hazard. Brazing fluxes generate fluoride fumes when heated.
     Cadmium in silver brazing alloys vaporizes when overheated and produces cadmium oxide, a highly toxic substance. If cadmium oxide fumes are inhaled into the respiratory tract, they can cause pulmonary distress, shortness of breath, and in cases of severe exposure, may cause death. Silver brazing filler metals containing cadmium are: BAg-1, BAg-1a and BAg-2 and BAg-3. Since the boiling point of Cadmium is 1412 degrees F., brazing can be carried on safely using BAg-1 and BAg-1a classes of filler metal at temperatures below 1400 degrees F. BAg-2 and BAg-3 have recommended brazing temperatures of 1295-1550 degrees F. and 1270 to 1500 degrees F. respectively. Brazing can be carried out - safely - using temperatures below 1400 degrees F. Since temperatures in the upper portion of these ranges can be reached, it is important to provide adequate local exhaust ventilation or, where this is not possible, individual air-supplied respirators. (This article taken from, Working with Silver Solder, Public Health Service Publication No. 1518, U.S. Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare.)
     Do not overload electrical outlets. If in doubt, have the circuits checked by an electrician. Keep switches and motors in a dry place, where the water from the grinding will not splash on them. Be sure to have all motors and outlets grounded. In case of faulty wiring or short circuit, the ground will absorb the shock -- not you! Standing on a rubber mat will give some protection. Electric shocks can cause death!
     Suspicious wires lying on the floor or ground should be avoided -- at home, or on field trips. They may be harmless, but if they are not, beware! When a person suffers electric shock, it is important to use a stick or other such wooden object to separate him from the source before beginning resuscitation.

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EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Chemistry of Minerals and Gemstones - There are 92 naturally occurring chemical elements. These elements, in the form of atoms or ions, can combine in the Earth to form more than 3,000 minerals compounds. Of these known minerals, only about 70 may exhibit the special qualities to be named gemstones.

Eight elements including oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium make up nearly 99% of the minerals known to exist in the Earth's crust. However, it is the more rare elements such as beryllium, lithium and chromium which are often necessary to form gemstones with vibrant colors.

Beryl is a mineral made up of the uncommon element beryllium, along with the more common elements oxygen, silicon and aluminum. In its pure form, beryl has no color. Trace amounts of other elements give beryl its beautiful colors. For example, the gemstone aquamarine is the blue-green variety of the mineral beryl colored by a trace amount of iron. The color of any solid compound is formed by the diffraction of light on and/or within the substance.

(Refer to the articles on Minerals and Gemstones in the Definition of the Month within the VGMS January 2009 Bulletin.) (Close the new window to return here.)

Sources of Information:
     "A Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms", compiled and edited by Paul W. Thrush and Staff, Bureau of Mines, U. S. Department of Interior, published by the U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. 1968.
     Museum exhibit on "Gemstones", Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Los Angeles, CA, 2005.

Written by Steve Mulqueen for the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, February 2009. The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.

Illustration of the Month.

Rock paintings, Kern River at Erskine Creek.

Source: "Rock Drawings of the Coso Range", by Campbell Grant, et al, published by the Maturango Museum, Publication No. 4, Ridgecrest, CA, 1987, Page 109 - Kern River - Walker Pass Design Elements, Shoshonean Tubatulabal Tribe.

Text written by Steve Mulqueen, February 2009, The "Illustration of the Month" features any form of graphic art rediscovered in old books, maps, manuscripts and many other sources related to geology, mining and desert history. This illustration was chosen for its educational content by the author.

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FEDERATION NEWS.

Earth Science Studies -- Camp Paradise.
The California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS) sponsors week-long Earth Science Studies seminars covering a variety of lapidary arts, such as silversmithing, rock carving, cabbing, wire-wrapping, and so forth. These also generally include collecting field trips. The first, Camp Paradise, takes place in northern California May 17-23. The second, Zzyzx, takes place in the desert of southern California November 15-22. At our monthly meetings, we've had application forms for both seminars, and we'll continue putting them on the take-one table. One correction to note: the Zzyzx application form lists a fee of $300, but it went up this year to $350 to cover increased fees charged by the camp administrators. If you send in an application form for Zzyzx, it should be accompanied by a check in the amount of $350. They'll begin accepting Zzyzx applications starting March 2. This is a very popular seminar, so if you're interested, sign up soon. The $350 covers costs of the seminars plus rustic camp housing and meals for a full week, so it's a bargain, and well worth it according to VGMS members who have participated in the past. Again, look on our take-one table at the February meeting for an application form with further details.

CFMS Show and Convention.
In other Federation news, the annual statewide CFMS Show and Convention takes place April 17-19 in San Jose. Packets with full info about this show will be available on our take-one table at our monthly meetings in February and March. If you're interested in displaying at the show, the deadline for exhibitor applications is March 25. The statewide show offers an opportunity for competitive exhibiting, with trophies for the winning exhibits in a wide variety of categories, from fossils to minerals to educational cases to all the forms of lapidary arts. If interested in entering a competitive display, contact Marion Roberts (mvroberts@bigvalley.net). If interested in entering a noncompetitive display, contact Dean Welder (Wdeanwelder@yahoo.com) or check with our club president, Jim Brace-Thompson, who has entered a number of competitive displays at CFMS shows over the years. It's a long way to San Jose, but these statewide shows are always a lot of fun and generally feature 3 or 4 times more dealers than you'll typically see at a local club show.

Inter-regional Rockhound Rendezvous.
Finally, in association with the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, CFMS will be helping to sponsor and run an "Inter-regional Rockhound Rendezvous" to the Davis Creek/Lassen Creek area of the Modoc National Forest in northeastern California to collect obsidian. It's abundant, easy to find and collect, and of great quality, with a wide variety of colors, sheens and shapes. If you like obsidian, if you like rock collecting, if you like meeting other interesting rockhounds, join rockhounds from all over the western United States for this field trip, May 20 to 25. A 2-page Field Trip flier is available on the CFMS web site (www.cfmsinc.org.) This flier has all the details about the trip, directions to the Rendezvous campsite and other useful information. For further info, contact Dick Pankey at (925) 439-7509, dickpankey@juno.com.

Jean Wise, Federation Director.

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LET'S GO TO A SHOW - 2009.

February 13-22; Indio, CA - San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society, Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, Gem and Mineral Building - BLDG #1, 46-350 Arabia Street. Hours: 10 AM -10 PM. Bert Grisham: (915) 849-1674, bert67@verizon.net.
February 27-28; Northridge, CA - Del Air Rockhounds Club, United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd. (at Superior Street). Hours: Fri. 3-9:30, Sat. 10-5. Julie Marin (818) 886-7190; http://delairrockhounds.blogspot.com.
February 27-March 8; Imperial, CA - Imperial Valley Gem and Mineral Society, Gem and Mineral Bldg on Fairgrounds. Hours: Fri., Sat. & Sun. Noon-10; Mon. thru Thur. 4 PM-10 PM. Jim Strain (760) 356-2361.
March 6, 7 & 8; Hayward, CA - Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley, Centennial Hall, 22292 Foothill Blvd. Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Larry Ham (510) 887-9007, showchair@mgscv.org, http://www.mgscv.org.
March 7-8; Ventura, CA - Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, 47th Annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary & Fossil Show, Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. http://www.vgms.org.
March 7-8; Arcadia, CA - Monrovia Rock Hounds, Inc., LA Co. Arboretum & Botanical Garden, 301 North Baldwin Ave. (1 block South of I-210, Foothill Freeway). Hours: 9-4:30 both days. E-mail: joannaritchey@gmail.com, Website: www.moroks.com.
March 13-15; Stoddard Wells, CA - Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club, 33rd Annual Tailgate, Held off Stoddard Wells Road in Apple Valley. Hours: 10-5 Daily. Tailgate Map (Google): N34.670650 W117.108983, (760) 243-2330.
March 14-15; San Marino, CA - Pasadena Lapidary Society, San Marino Masonic Center, 3130 Hunting Drive, San Marino. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun 10-5. Drew Wilson (626) 298-1534, todrew@sbcglobal.net.
March 14-15; Turlock, CA - Mother Lode Mineral Society, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun 10-5. Bud & Terry McMillin (209) 524-3494, terry.mcmillin@yahoo.com, www.motherlodemineralsociety.com.
March 14-15; Spreckels, CA - Salinas Valley Rock & Gem Club, Veteran's Memorial Hall, 5th & Liano Streets. Hours: 10-5 daily. Teri Beck (831) 679-2896, taitani@cencentric.net, salinasrockandgem.com.
March 21-22; Escondido, CA - Palomar Gem & Mineral Club, Army National Guard Armory, 304 Park Ave. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Van Lynch (760) 749-4164, michelleandvan@hotmail.com, www.palomargem.org.
March 21-22; Vallejo, CA - Vallejo Gem and Mineral Society, Vallejo Elks Lodge, 2850 Redwood Parkway (Intersection of Parkway and Admiral Callahan Road). Hours: 10-5 both days. Phyllis Malicki (707) 745-3255.
March 28-29; Torrance, CA - South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society, Torrance Recreational Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Roger Mills (310) 377-6226, roger_mills@acm.org, http://www.palosverdes.com/sblap/.
March 28-29; Angels Camp, CA - Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society, Calaveras Frog Town USA Fairgrounds, Highway 49 in Angels Camp. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Tak Iwata (209) 928-5579, Calaverasgemandmineral.org.
March 28-29; Roseville, CA - Roseville Rock Rollers, Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Blvd., Roseville. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Gloria Marie (530) 367-2262, Gloria.Marie@Conservation.ca.gov, www.rockrollers.com.
April 3-5; Bakersfield, CA - San Joaquin Valley Lapidary Society, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South P Street, Corner South P & Belle Terrace. Hours: 9-5 Daily. Lew Helfrich (661) 323-2663 / cell (661) 378-4450, lewsrocks@bak.rr.com.
April 3-5; Vista, CA - San Diego Co. Council of G&M Societies, The Tractor Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. & Museum Way. Hours: Fri. Noon-5; Sat. & Sun. 9-5. Contact: Ray Pearce (760) 7570, Email: raysrocks@cox.net.
April 4-5; Maraposa, CA - Maraposa Gem & Mineral Club, Maraposa County Fairgrounds, Highway 49 (S. of Historic Mariposa). Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-4. Diane Vereschagin, mineralmuseum@sti.net, thematrixmariposagemmineralclub.info/events.html.
April 11-12; Paradise, CA - Paradise Gem & Mineral Club, Paradise Elks Lodge, 6309 Clark Road. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Carol Eggleston (530) 343-0894, Cell (530) 321-6941, cjeggy@chico.com, www.goldnuggetwebs.com/PGMC.
April 17-19; San Jose, CA - 54th Annual CFMS Show, Nature's Showcase, Hosted by The Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 334 Tully Road. Hours: 10-5 Daily. Detailed Show Page: http://cfmsinc.org/shows/cfmsshow09.htm, Frank Mullaney (408) 265-1422, info@scvgms.org, www.scvgms.org.

Source: http://cfmsinc.org/.

AFMS REGIONAL SHOWS 2009.

California Federation (CFMS),
April 17, 18 & 19, 2009, San Jose, CA,
54th Annual CFMS Show, Nature's Showcase.
Hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society,
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds,
334 Tully Road.
Hours: 10-5 Daily.
Show Flyer: http://www.cfmsinc.org/shows/cfmsshow09.htm,
Email: info@scvgms.org,
Website: www.scvgms.org.


Canadian Federation Convention.


Midwest Federation (MWF),
May 16-17, 2009, Berea, OH.
Midwest Federation of Mineralogical & Geological Societies,
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds,
Bagley Road, Berea, OH.
Website: www.amfed.org/mwf/,
NFMS/AFMS Show Website: www.amfed.org/mwf/show2009.htm.


Northwest Federation (NFMS) / AFMS,
July 30-Aug 2.
Combined Show hosted by Billings Gem & Mineral Club,
Holiday Inn Grand Montana,
5500 Midland Rd.,
Billings, MT.
Hours: 10-5 Daily.
Contact Person: Doug True (406) 670-0506,
Email: dtruefossils@yahoo.com,
Website: www.amfed.org/nfms,
NFMS/AFMS Show Website: www.amfed.org/nfms/nfmsshow.htm.


Rocky Mountain Federation (RMFMS).


South Central Federation (SCMS).


Eastern Federation (EFMLS),
October 16-18.
Beals Communittee Center, Bristol, CT.
Website: www.amfed.org/efmls.



Southeast Federation (SFMS).


Source: http://cfmsinc.org/.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

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