ART HOLLOWAY:
August 13, 1912
to
July 31, 1998.
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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
August 1998.
Table of Contents.
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
The Annual Picnic has been postponed from Sunday, August 23rd. There will be discussion at the August 26th meeting about setting another date.
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Table of Contents.
"AROUND THE WORLD IN 110 DAYS"
TO BE EXPERIENCED
AT AUGUST 26TH MEETING.
At the August 26 meeting Marie and I will show a sampling of the 700 slides we took on our nearly 4 months trip to Antarctica and Australia. We flew from Miami to South Africa, were passengers on a Russian icebreaker for 35 days in Antarctica. Visits were made by helicopter to emperor penguin rookeries, several French, Australian, and Chinese research stations, and many other interesting and unusual places. Shortly after our arrival in Perth we rented a car and drove over 7500 miles in western, northern, central, and eastern Australia. We turned the car in at Sydney and rode as passengers on a freighter back to L.A. with a stop in Auckland, New Zealand. Be sure to come to this meeting and hear about and see pictures of the fabulous places we visited. We will also have a few rock samples to show.
Wayne and Marie Ehlers.
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WORDS TO LIVE BY.
That money talks I won't deny, I heard it once---it said "good-bye".
It's hard to say which is worse--a child who doesn't practice his music lessons, or one who does.
The cure for boredom is curiosity, but curiosity has no cure.
The people who are hardest to convince they are ready for retirement are children at bedtime.
Contributed by Wayne Ehlers.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS.
8-23-98 - VGMS Annual Picnic - POSTPONED,
8-26-98 - VGMS Regular Meeting - American Legion Hall - 7:30 p.m. - "Around the World in 110 Days" with Wayne and Marie Ehlers,
9-3-98 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 p.m. VGMS Museum - All are welcome and encouraged to attend,
9-11-98 - DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER BULLETIN - Articles to the Editor!,
9-12-98 - Field Trip - Pine Mountain (This is pending the road being open.),
9-19-98 - Workshop Open at VGMS Museum, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon - (You can also take Country Store items to the Museum during these hours.),
10-10-98 - Field Trip - Mohave Desert - Trona Show,
11-14-98 - Field Trip - Fossils in Camarillo,
12-9-98 - VGMS Annual Christmas Party.
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************* *************
A FISH STORY - It was a dark and dreary pre-dawn morning. The ice fisherman inched his way onto the ice. He pulled out his ice auger and started to drill. From out of the dark came a deep voice: "There are no fish there." So the fisherman moved on to another spot. Again came the voice: "There are no fish there." A third time, the fisherman found a likely spot and started to drill. Again came the voice: "There are no fish there." Looking around in the gloom, the fisherman saw no one, but he called out, "Who are you?" Back came the voice: "I'm the rink manager."
From AFMS Newsletter 2/98.
************* *************
Table of Contents.
IN MEMORY:
ART HOLLOWAY.
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Art was born in Calgary, Alberta, lived on Vancouver Island, Canada, moved to New Brunswick, and on April 18, 1923, came to the United States, living in Los Angeles.
He and Frances Tapley were married on July 28, 1934. In the early years of marriage, he drove a bakery truck for a living, worked as a carpenter, and in 1942, went to work at Douglas Aircraft Company, where he became a wind tunnel model builder. Two children were born, Fred in 1939 and Barbara in 1941. After retirement in 1971, Art and Fran moved to Ojai, where Art designed and built "with his own hands" a home. After Fran's death in 1991, Art met Sharlyne Amet and they were married on June 17, 1995, and lived in Ventura.
Between Art's two children, Fred (and Jan) Holloway, Barbara (and Jerry) Vaccarello, and Sharlyne's daughter, Barbara Pritchard, there are twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Art's hobbies included: designing and building anything and everything, planning and making trips (camping in the early years, motor home traveling, then to the comfort of hotels), being active in the Ventura Gem and Mineral Club, finding, cutting and polishing beautiful rocks and stones and making them into works of art, writing, and last but not least, being with old friends and making new friends.
"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN".
This was a phrase coined by Art while an active member of the Ventura Gem and Mineral Club. Art truly loved to travel and was constantly planning and going on trips. When not planning a trip, he would always have a special "project" going on, so many of which were truly unique and innovative. All this was done with his distinctive positive attitude and famous smile.
Art has now taken his greatest trip of all, and without doubt, in his usual manner and with his beautiful smile, is greeting old friends and making new ones.
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Shared time and fond memories
will be with us forever,
so until we meet again,
goodbye for now.
Table of Contents.
FELLOWSHIP AND FOSSILS
AT JULY 22ND MEETING.
It seems a program never did materialize for this meeting, but you know that is not all bad!! Summer is busy and casual and we had some extra time to exercise that all important item called fellowship! It seems like one never has enough time to get around to seeing everyone that you hadn't seen since the last meeting, so this allowed it. We had some great displays of fossils by Dave Mautz (what a collection!) along with the usual terrific door prizes. Bonnie did her yummy thing with the refreshments, which we all enjoyed!
We had a good discussion on a club case to enter in the fair. Plans were made to display Ventura County fossils, which seems very appropriate and we have many members with some excellent specimens. (See the list of Fair winners later on in the bulletin.)
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"ROCKHOUND BULLETIN BOARD."
INTERNET ROCKHOUNDING - By Jon North. - Our hobby has many sides to it. None of it would by possible if it weren't for minerals. That's right, minerals are the building blocks for just about everything that there is. A single mineral can be vital to our existence as much as a combination of minerals. Minerals can be grouped in what we call a class. Examples of classes include the elements class, sulfites class, oxides class, carbonates class and more. You can see all the different kinds of mineral classes by going to a web site by Amethyst Galleries. They have a very comprehensive section dedicated to just mineral classes. Their address is http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/by_class.htm. While you are there, don't forget to check their section that lists hundreds of minerals by name, alphabetically. You can click on most of the minerals and learn just about everything there is to know about that mineral. It gives you all the usual information like color, luster, streak, hardness, etc., but also covers information like associated minerals and notable occurrences. They even have color pictures of each mineral specimen. Another good place to find information about minerals is through the Mineralogy Club of Antwerp, Belgium. They have information that is of interest to mineral collectors and links to other web sites. One section that they have recently added into their site is "The Virtual Quarry" that is like a classified section. There are minerals offered and wanted, gems, equipment, literature, and more at http://www.xs4all.nl/~mineral/index.shtml.
Rock Writings 6-98,
Via Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club Bulletin 7/98.
ROCKS AND TUMBLED STONES NEEDED. - When you are out there collecting, gather up some extra smaller stuff for the Grab bags and when you are tumbling, add some for the grab bags! Good material is still needed. Lots of eager kids out there and we don't want to disappoint them! Ray and Marie are still at it, so let's help them out.
GOT LEFT OVERS, CLEANED HOUSE OR GARAGE LATELY? - Bring any discards in good condition to theMuseum, meeting or board meeting for the Country Store. If you need someone to pick them up call Shirley Layton at 642-2683 and leave a message. THE COUNTRY STORE NEEDS A LOT OF GOOD ITEMS.
LAPIDARY WORKSHOP. - The lapidary shop at the museum will be opened the third Saturday of each month and will have an instructor present to help you with your project.
These organized workshops are part of your dues and are free to members. The shop can also be accessed at other times of the month by contacting one of the instructors listed below and making an appointment to use the equipment. When the shop is used on an appointment basis, there will be a $1.00 an hour charge to help defray the replacement cost of items such as saw blades, polishing wheels, etc.
Shop Committee:
- John McCabe - 805 654-1968,
- Jay Baumler - 805 644-3962,
- Greg Davis - 805 647-9214,
- Red Jioras - 805 646-7184,
- Wayne Ehlers - 805 482-6830,
- Ray Meisenheimer - 805 642-3155,
- Bruno Benson - 805 646-5976.
WORK PARTY GOING TO BE NEEDED. - We will be talking about getting a work party together soon for some much needed clean-up at the Museum. Wayne and Marie Ehlers have done some in the workshop area, but there is much more needed in and out and a good cleaning in the Museum itself. Be thinking about a good time for you to volunteer. Actually it is a lot of fun!!!
PLEASE READ THE PUBLIC LANDS REPORT FURTHER ON IN THE BULLETIN AND COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CONGRESSMAN - OUR HOBBY DEPENDS ON IT.
Table of Contents.
FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN!!!
See "Mark Your Calendars" for the 1998 Field Trip Schedule. Any changes will be announced at the meetings and/or in the Bulletin.
CERRO GORDO MINE DUMP EXPERIENCE.
Les and Pat Isom enjoyed a trip to Cerro Gordo June 13th along with several other Gem & Mineral Clubs. It was a fun worthwhile trip. There were several buildings from the 1870's. A great museum with a vast display of Mine Era Artifacts.
The Ridgecrest Historical Society dressed in period costume and staged skits and gun fights. There were great meals available in an 1870's hotel and it felt like we stepped back in time.
There were several huge dump sites and areas for rock hunting. We brought back lots of rocks, but the great finds were Azurite and Smithsonite.
Contributed by Pat Isom.
CFMS RHYOLITE FIELD TRIP - FALLON, NV - September 5, 6 & 7, 1998.
A Map and additional details were attached at the end of the June bulletin. If you have misplaced it and need more details, call Shirley Layton (805) 642-2683 or the CFMS Field Trip North Chair, Chuck McKie at (707) 425-9030.
OCTOBER FIELD TRIP TO BE TRONA, CA SHOW.
See attached flyer and show information. Make your plans now!!!
Table of Contents.
VGMS MINUTES.
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING - JULY 2, 1998;
The meeting was called to order at 7:50 p.m. at the VGMS Museum by President McCabe. There were 6 members present.
Ventura County Fair: Shirley Layton related: (1) VGMS needs someone to volunteer to prepare the Club Case for display during the Ventura County Fair. (2) The Club needs to determine what materials should be made available at the Fair, such as VGMS Membership information and applications. (3) The Fair recognized the volunteer service of Eleanor Rising (40 years), Florence Meisenheimer (10 years) and Kathryn Davis (5 years).
Ray Meisenheimer has been selected to receive the CFMS Education Through Sharing Award.
Annual Picnic: President McCabe asked for suggestions on where this year's VGMS Picnic might be held. After discussion it was agreed that the Camino Real Park worked well last year. He will suggest at the General Meeting of July 22nd that the annual picnic be held at the Camino Real Park again this year. A volunteer will be needed to go to the Park early and hold a space.
Field Trips: President McCabe stated that the field trips are a very important part of the Club's activities for its current members and for potential members. We need to keep the field trips a priority.
The August field trip to Jalama Beach has been rescheduled for August 1, 1998. The tides will be more favorable and the trip will not conflict with the Fair. Those interested may meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Jalama Beach Cafe or meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Ventura K-Mart parking lot and drive up together.
There being no further business President McCabe adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carlon Strobel,
Recording Secretary.
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING - July 22, 1998;
The General Meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by President McCabe.
From President McCabe:
Jalama Beach Field Trip: The field trip has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 1st. We will meet at the Jalama Burger in Jalama Beach at 10:00 am. Low tide will be at 11:00 a.m.
Pygmy Mammoth Sites: Bulletin from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History indicates that a four day camping trip to Santa Rosa Island (Channel Islands), August 7-10, 1998, is being planned. Contact the Santa Barbara Museum.
Bulletin: Congratulations to Shirley Layton! The VGMS Bulletin won third place in CFMS. AFMS level is next.
Education Through Sharing: Congratulations to Ray Meisenheimer! He was selected for the CFMS Education Through Sharing Award.
Annual Picnic: August 23rd, Camino Real Park. We will be having a "White Elephant Sale".
Treasurer's Report: Richard Bromser gave the treasurers report and the check book balance.
Field Trip: Greg Davis reported that the field trip to the St. Francis Dam site was successful. Steve Mulgueen gave an informative talk on the history of the site.
Bulletin Deadline: Shirley Layton stated that the deadline for the August bulletin will be August 14th.
Ventura County Fair: Ray Meisenheimer reported that the Fair needs volunteers and urged members to sign up to help. There will be free parking passes for the volunteers. President McCabe suggested the theme "Fossils of Ventura County" for the club case. President McCabe requested that members meet at the VGMS Museum, Sunday, July 26th, at 1:00 p.m. and bring fossils which may be included in the club case.
Programs: First Vice President Kathryn Davis stated that Wayne Ehlers will give a slide presentation on Australian Minerals for the August meeting.
Shows: Steve Mulqueen has received information on the Tucson, AZ, show which will be held in February, 1999 and the Quartzite Show which begins in January, 1999.
VGMS Show: Red Jioras indicated that in a couple of months we will start looking at last year's show, see where improvements can be made and begin preparing for our 1999 VGMS Show. Country Store items are being gathered and more are needed such as plants and misc. items.
David Mautz conducted the drawings.
Next board meeting: The next board meeting will be held at the Museum, Thursday, August 6, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. President McCabe invited everyone to attend.
There being no further business, President McCabe adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carlon Strobel,
Recording Secretary.
MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING - August 6, 1998;
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. at the VGMS Museum by President McCabe. There were 7 members present.
In Memory of Art Holloway: A donation of $50 will be made in memory of Art Holloway to the Mariposa Mining and Mineral Museum. A copy of the Ventura County Star News article will be sent along with the donation. A card will be sent to Art's Family acknowledging the donation.
Club Case: The Club Case is being refurbished. Nancy Jioras has made a new liner. Wayne Ehlers and Red Jioras have plans to replace the bases on the individual state stone and flag with a base made from each state's representative wood. Cabs of each state's stone will be made and added to the display.
VGMS members have contributed several stones used in our Club Case. It was proposed that a new plaque be placed on the case designating the Club Case as "The Art Holloway Memorial Case". President McCabe will bring this up at the next General Meeting.
Some of the state stones need to be replaced. It was suggested that the Club might purchase or trade for the needed stones.
Steve Mulqueen suggested that the Club begin collecting smaller samples of each state's stone, wood and flag to recreate the case on a smaller scale.
Ventura County Fair: Florence Meisenheimer related that Gene Rutledge has been ill and Bob Stultz has been appointed to finish out this year. Florence reported on the list of the awards for entries in the various categories at the Fair.
Public Lands Advisory Committee Report: Florence Meisenheimer stated that the Forest Service is thinking about closing many of the "unneeded" roads due to lack of funding. Clubs are urged to select a representative to contact the National Forests to let them know which routes / roads should be left open.
The Bureau of Land Management and several other agencies are considering a proposal to close an additional one million acres of public land wilderness areas designated by the California Desert Protection Act. This action could eliminate access, collecting or normal use of the areas. Members are urged to write their representatives and express their concerns about the proposed additional public laud restrictions.
Florence commented that the Club has a new contact person for our insurance. It's the same insurance and the price is the same.
Richard Bromser reported that he will be putting the grab bag material into long term storage at Petrochem.
Access to the VGMS Museum was discussed and it was agreed that Wayne Ehlers should be issued a key.
Annual Picnic: Red Jioras will go to the American Legion Hall to pick up tables needed for our picnic.
Treasurer's Report: Richard Bromser distributed copies of the Treasurer's Report for the months of June and July, 1998 and requested approval of payment of bills, check nos. 480-490. It was m/s/c to pay the bills submitted.
There being no further business President McCabe adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carlon Strobel,
Recording Secretary.
Table of Contents.
HOSPITALITY.
For being a busy summer, we had a good turn out and lots of fellowship and fun was had. David Mautz awarded many good prizes, unfortunately Ray Ritchey wasn't present for the Name Tag drawing. This means it will be worth $10 in August (that will buy a cup of coffee!). We had one guest, Bob Spjut's grandson. Sorry I can't remember his name, but we were glad to have him and he is gonna look for a Gem & Mineral Club in his area! He took home some prizes.
Table of Contents.
SUNSHINE.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharlyne Holloway and her and Art's family. We hope to see Sharlyne at the meetings real soon so we can give her some hugs!
We need to give Bill and Marian Vient some calls and cards and let them know we are thinking of them.
Last month I said Jackie Davidson was moving to Arizona, well it is New Mexico and it won't be for a couple of years yet. She plans to retire there, but unfortunately has to work a couple more years yet. Hope to see her at some of our meetings.
(Editors Note: Our Sunshine Person is not shining too bright right now either. She has been under the weather a bit, but not letting it keep her down. Our prayers are with you as well Eleanor and thank you for all you do.)
Let's keep the Sunshine person informed so we can share your happiness and give support where needed.
Eleanor Rising,
Sunshine Chairperson.
Table of Contents.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in September and we hope you have a Great Day!
September - Happy Birthday!! - Wow! What a group we have, we'll have to have a special tribute to them all!
- Ray Meisenheimer - 1st,
- Carlon Strobel - 7th,
- Dennis Clegg - 10th,
- Liz Brashears - 13th,
- Les Goldberg - 18th,
- Pat McMahan - 20th,
- Clint Berkheiser - 23rd,
- Georgetta Brickey - 26th,
- Myrle Kirk - 27th,
- Susan Mulqueen - 27th,
- Maureen Breton - 28th,
- Jennifer Baumler - 30th.
The September birthstone is the Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli and the flower is the Aster.
SAPPHIRE;
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is one of the two varieties of corundum; ruby is the other variety. Only transparent corundum of medium light to dark tones of red to purple-red is properly called ruby. Red stones that are light to very light in tone are pink sapphires. All gemstone quality corundum except ruby is classified as sapphire. Corundum can be found ranging in hue and tone in all colors of the color wheel plus colorless, brown and black. Since sapphire covers such a broad spectrum of color, a color prefix has been adopted for all colors except blue. When the word sapphire is used alone it has been accepted universally that blue sapphire is the subject.
Sapphire has adamantine luster when polished because of its hardness which is nine on the Mohs hardness scale.
Colorless sapphire has been used for a diamond simulant for many years. It is unfortunate, but many unsuspecting people have purchased colorless sapphire and have been led to believe they were getting diamonds. I purchased a colorless sapphire from a reputable dealer; the stone was brilliant cut, eight millimeters at the girdle (which is slightly larger than a one carat diamond) for eight dollars in 1975.
All fancy sapphires are beautiful stones. Intense light reddish-orange sapphires, often called padparadscha (pad-par-ADH-shah) are considered by many connoisseurs to be among the most beautiful gemstones. Another beautiful sapphire contains the phenomenon asterism, and is referred to as star sapphire. These stones are translucent because they have enough silk needle-like inclusions to produce a star.
Sapphires are commercially mined in many countries, the most productive are Burma, Sri-Lanka (previously called Ceylon), Thailand, Cambodia, India, Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Ontario, Canada and Montana, USA.
By Jim Sharp,
from Mid-Georgia Gem Clips 9/95.
(Honorable Mention in 1996 AFMS Adult
Advanced Article Contest.)
Table of Contents.
VGMS 1998 COUNTY FAIR WINNERS.
Club Showcase - 4th;
Jay Baumler - 1st Cabochon Case;
Greg Davis - 1st Jewelry Case;
Kathryn Davis - 1st Herikmer Quartz, 2nd Rhodochrosite Case, 4th Prehnite, 5th Snail Fossil, 5th Chrysanthemum Stone, HM Heulandite;
Marie Ehlers - 3rd Beach Scene on Howlite, 4th Painting on Howlite;
Wayne Ehlers - 1st Petrified Wood, 3rd Jasp Agate Bola, 3rd Bola Case;
Lou & Marie Haake - 1st Mini Animals, 1st Mini plants, 1st Fern Bark, 1st Plant collection (fern leaves), 1st Single fossil fish, 1st Natural Petrified Wood Collection, 1st Keokuk Geode Case, 1st Fossil Case & "Directors Award for the Gem & Mineral Building", 2nd Mexican Opal Pendant, 2nd Oil Geode, 2nd Animal Fossil Collection, 3rd Necklace, 3rd Unpolished Geode With Crystals, 5th Indian Bead Necklace;
Nancy Jioras - 3rd Hand Crafted Work Case;
Dave Mautz - 1st Carpoids & "Best Natural Specimen", 1st Fossil Case & "Best Natural Case Specimen";
Steve Mulqueen - 2nd Jade Case;
Susan Mulqueen - 3rd Insect Case;
Jim Porter - 2nd Polished Petrified Wood, 3rd Petrified Wood, 3rd Case;
Inez Shakman - 1st Rhodochrosite, 1st Benitoite, 2nd Kunzite, 2nd Autunite, 3rd Benitoite Cluster, 4th Aburite;
Carlon Stroebel - 3rd Painting on Howlite.
Lou & Marie Haake's Fossil Case received the Fair Director's award for the Gem & Mineral building, a beautiful trophy.
Dave Mautz received two lovely plaques from the judges, one for his single fossil entry of Carpoids (we call them pollywogs), they are very rare. He also received a plaque for his case of Trilobites Best Natural Specimens as well as a blue ribbon for both.
The Ventura Club Case drew a lot of attention. Everyone was interested in the local fossils.
Gathered and contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
(Editors Note: Congratulations to Lou, Marie and Dave. Good job well done! Also congratulations to all the others who put their entries in - for their wins and their efforts of entering! Also many thanks to Ray and Florence for all their efforts with the Gem and Mineral Building and all the VGMS volunteers who helped them.)
Table of Contents.
**Important, Please Read.**
PUBLIC LANDS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
-
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT.
**Important, Please Read.**
We (PLAC Members) keep hoping that our semi-annual report will be nothing but good news, unfortunately, this report is probably the worst news since the California Desert "Protection" Act was passed.
First, the US Forest Service has determined that they only have enough funding to maintain 40% of the existing roads in the National Forests. They are currently inventorying them to see which roads are "unneeded" so they can decide which roads to close.
Since most of the roads we use for access in the National Forests are no longer used for logging or mining due to restrictions, they may be considered to be of no use. We must coordinate with each National Forest Office to be sure that the roads we need are kept on the list to remain open.
PLAC needs your help. Since we do not have members adjacent to all the National Forests we ask that all CFMS clubs select a representative to contact the National Forests of importance to their club and let them know which routes and roads should not be closed.
We further ask that when you do select a member that will represent your club, please inform PLAC so we can coordinate our efforts. If there are clubs nearby that do not attend CFMS meetings, please let them know what is happening. Even if they are not CFMS members we all have the same needs. ACCESS!
Second, The Bureau of Land Management and several Federal, State, County and other agencies and groups have been working on the NECO Management Plan for more than 3 years. PLAC has been involved representing CFMS. Also, the California Desert District Advisory Council (Izzy Burns is a member of the Council) has been involved in the decision making process. At each meeting held during the past 3+ years, the same rhetoric that no changes in access or use of the desert were being planned was voiced by various governmental representatives.
Now that the final stages are occurring, we find that our fears were true, i.e. The Chuckawalla area has some wilderness areas designated by the California Desert "Protection" Act and some areas of critical environmental concern designated under the California Desert Management Plan. Those areas total less than 30% of the land area.
The new proposed plan would increase the area to more than one million acres and would include all the Geode Beds near the Wiley Wells Area, The Palo Verde Mountains, The Chocolate Mountains, The Mule Mountains, The Little Mule Mountains, The Black Hills, Vinagre Wash Area, etc.
There is another ACEC planned near Needles of more than one million acres.
These ACEC's supposedly are to protect all the endangered animals and plants in the areas. Planning includes statements such as "No Vehicular Travel in Washes unless designated Open", No "Surface Disturbance" in areas of critical concern. Any one of these planned actions could eliminate access, collecting, or any normal use of the area.
The threat is so serious that several County governments formed the QUADSTATE County Government Coalition to provide information to the Department of Interior for inclusion in the Planning. So far, The Secretary of the Interior has ignored all the correspondence. The latest effort has the signatures of 9 Congressmen from California, Utah, Arizona & Nevada. If this doesn't get some action, litigation will be considered.
Attached is a list of the Congressmen and Women. Please let them know you support their actions and let them know of your concerns.
This is a major threat to our use of Public Lands for Educational and Recreational purposes. Since the impact is so widespread, most people who live in, or recreate in, the desert areas will be severely impacted.
OUR BACK IS TO THE WALL, IT IS TIME TO SPEAK UP AND BE HEARD. If we do not get involved, our rights to use the remaining Public Lands will be restricted even more than they are now. - Jim Strain, Chairman, PLAC
The Congressmen and Women who support the QUADSTATE County Government Coalition proposals are:
- Mary Bono, California, 44th;
- Jim Gibbins, Nevada, 2nd;
- Duncan Hunter, California, 52nd;
- Buck McKeon, California, 52nd;
- Bill Thomas, California, 22nd;
- John Ensign, Nevada, 1st;
- James Hansen, Utah, 1st;
- Jerry Lewis, California, 40th;
- Robert Stump, Arizona, 3rd.
The address for all Congressmen is:
The Honorable_________________,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC 20515.
There are ten Counties involved so far. The principle ones are San Bernardino, Kern & Imperial in California. Mohave in Arizona. Lincoln in Nevada and Washington in Utah. Clark County in Nevada and both Inyo and Los Angeles Counties have recently made commitments to get involved. Riverside County apparently needs encouragement from residents who live in the County.
While most of the County government concerns are based on economics, they generally support access which is our primary concern. You will find that the County Governments really appreciate local support and they will listen to our issues.
All the members of Congress throughout the Western United States should be contacted to let them know our concerns. If this continues to grow in strength as it has in recent months, we can expect positive results.
The ball is in our court now. Lets make the most of this opportunity.
All the members of your Public Lands Advisory Committee sincerely appreciate your help in accomplishing the overall goal of CFMS---to keep public lands available to the public.
Table of Contents.
WORLD'S OLDEST SPEARS.
Radiocarbon dating has confirmed that three wooden spears in a coal mine in Schoningen near Hanover, Germany, are the oldest complete hunting weapons ever found. Some 380,000 years old, the 6 to 7.5 foot javelins were found in soil whose acids have been neutralized by a high concentration of chalk near the coal pit. They suggest that early man was able to hunt, and was not a scavenger. The development of such weapons may have been crucial to the settling of Stone Age northern Europe, whose cold climate and short daylight hours limited hunting.
Harmut Thieme of the Institute for Denkmalpflege in Hanover discovered them while excavating in advance of a rotary shovel digger used in the mine. The only comparable find dating to the same period is a yew lance tip from Clacton-on-Sea, England, discovered in 1911. The Schoningen discovery is important because it proves that the Clacton lance tip was not just a chance find and that spears were probably being made in large quantities.
From Arlette Kouwenhoven,
Via Ye Old Timers Mineral Club,
Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
DINOSAUR TRACKS NOW OPEN TO PUBLIC.
A 16,000 acre portion of Pino Canyon that boasts the longest set of known Dinosaur tracks in the world is now open to the public. The area is known as Picket Wire Canyonlands and is part of the Comanche National grasslands in the southeastern corner of Colorado. About 1,400 dinosaur footprints belonging to several types of dinosaurs are easily identified. Paleontologists believe the tracks are on the shore of what once was a huge lake, at a place that may have been a major crossing for the giants that roamed the plains.
From Pick & Pack,
G.I. Nugget,
and the Glacial Drifter 4/98.
Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
THE SHOP PAGE.
When polishing, do not use a saucer, dish, or pan and messy brush to apply the polishing agent. Such methods invite contamination. Instead, procure a plastic bottle with a long tip (Hair dressers dispose of many of them every day.) Put the polishing agent into the bottle and add water and also a small stone or some buckshot. The purpose of the stone or buckshot is to agitate and stir up the polishing powder when you shake the bottle. Shake well and squirt the solution on the felt, leather or canvas. No more contamination. There is no waste of polishing agent and the agent may be applied exactly where you want it. - Original source unknown. Via the Agatizer 2/98, via The Nugget 5/98.
One reason for polishing a stone all over - front, back and edges - is that the polish acts as a sealer. It seals and keeps the water in opal; it prevents natural corrosion in rhodonite, which corrodes to a black ore called wad; it helps stop the absorption of harmful substances such as perspiration and perfume into the stone. - From The Pseudomorph 12/97 via Rockhounder 1/98, via The Nugget 5/98.
When sawing geodes, look for the largest dome on the specimen. This dome was in an upright position while the specimen was formed. Saw through the largest dome and it is likely you will get the best picture. - Original source unknown. Via Breccia 11/97, via The Nugget 5/98.
To keep the crystal centers of geodes free from grit, which is next to impossible to remove after flat lapping, place paper towels in the deep bottom of the cavity. Then use a bar of soap (little motel bars are perfect) and rub the soap bar onto the crystals then smooth them down with a damp finger. Small holes and cracks can also be filled with the soap. The geodes brush out when finished. - Original source unknown. Via Breccia 2/98, via The Nugget 5/98.
After lapping flat stones such as thunder-eggs with 600 grit, wash them and dry under a heat lamp or 100 watt bulb for about 15 minutes. When stones are warm, polish them on a flat wheel with tin oxide. By preheating, the polish is almost instant. Otherwise the felt wheel has to heat the stone before polishing begins. - Original source unknown. Via Breccia 3/98, via The Nugget 5/98.
To add weight to slabs when flat lapping, use a canned ham can filled with sand. The bottom flange keeps the slab confined and prevents chipping. - From Mineral Memos 10/97 via Petrified Log 1/98, via The Nugget 5/98.
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CFMS CONVENTION MEETING.
The regular convention meeting and show was held at the Monterey Fairgrounds in Monterey. There was a quorum.
Four CFMS societies are delinquent and two societies disbanded for lack of members--San Diego Gem & Mineral Society and San Fernando Valley Gem & Mineral Society. San Fernando Society turned over their financial assets of $6,790.51 to CFMS Endowment Fund. There are now 11,674 CFMS members.
One new club was accepted - Gold Coast Treasure Hunters from Ventura.
Treasurers report: CFMS is financially secure at this time. It has not been necessary to use any interest from the Endowment Fund for operating expenses.
The Earth Science committee reported a very successful week at ZZYZX with 86 attendees and staff, and are looking forward to Camp Paradise.
CFMS Endowment Fund was $131,771.54 with more than $6,999.00 added at the meeting.
Charles Leach, AFMS Endowment Fund committee, was selling tickets on a very beautiful opal pendant donated by Jerry Harr, the drawing to be at Houghton, Michigan, during the AFMS show.
Shirley Leeson is still looking for any old manuals, books or pamphlets related to the gem and mineral hobby for a historical library.
SHOWS - 1998: Ruth Baily stated that the cold, damp weather was something that only an otter could love. She stated the show was very successful with good attendance.
1999 - At the Fairgrounds in Turlock June 18, 19 and 20 hosted by Mother Load Society.
2000 - At the Convention Center in Riverside the first week end in August.
2001 - The Clark County Gem Collectors in Las Vegas plan to bid for this show at the Fall Business Meeting.
Parking and Camping;
Jim Strain reported on the fact that there are no guidelines for parking and camping in different areas. Some shopping centers are not very happy to have groups to meet and regroup in their parking lots. Some restrictions on camping or parking along desert roads state you have to be at least 50 feet back from the center of the road. Other areas you have to be 300 feet. There are no guidelines on just where you can park or camp.
Please read carefully the BLM report regarding closing more than one million acres more of our prime rockhounding areas including Wiley Wells. BLM representatives suggested that if they close this vast gem and rock collecting area they MIGHT set aside a few acres as a Rock Hound Park. We all know that with more than eleven thousand members in CFMS that park would be dug to sterility within a few months. CFMS delegates voted to support that rather than be shut out of the entire area.
Florence Meisenheimer,
VGMS Federation Director.
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1998 AFMS/CFMS SHOWS AND EVENTS.
AUGUST 28-30 OAK GLEN, CA - Valley Prospectors Gold & Treasure, Los Rio's Apple Ranch. Hours: 9am - 3pm both days. Sandy Higgins (909) 947-3326.
SEPTEMBER 4-7 FORT BRAG, CA - Mendocino Coast Gem & Min Soc., Tradewinds Convention Center. Hours: Fri, Sat & Sun 10-6, Mon 10-4. Dutch Sprock (707) 937-4359.
SEPTEMBER 19-20 PASO ROBLES, CA - Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Pioneer Museum & Park, 2010 Riverside Ave. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Harry Kuffel (805) 467-3457.
SEPTEMBER 19-20 ANAHEIM, CA - Faceter's Guild of So. California, Brookhurst Community Ctr., 2271 W. Crescent Ave. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Bob Cardon (502) 925-5165.
SEPTEMBER 19-20 REDWOOD CITY, CA - Sequoia Gem & Mineral Society Community Activities Bldg., 1400 Roosevelt Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Mary Kelly (650) 366-3285.
SEPTEMBER 26 LOS ALTOS, CA - Peninsula Gem & Geol. Soc., Los Altos Rancho Shopping Center, Foothill Expressway & So. Springer Rd. Hours: 9:30-4:45. Frank Dina (650) 967-3424.
SEPTEMBER 26-27 DOWNEY, CA - Delvers Gem & Mineral Society, Downey Women's Club, 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-4. Frank Monahan.
SEPTEMBER 26-27 VISTA, CA - Vista Gem & Mineral Society, Brengle Terrace Community Center, 1200 Vale Terrace. Hours: 10-5 both days. Jerry & Lois Harr (760) 724-0395.
SEPTEMBER 26-27 MONTEREY, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Rd. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Sky Paxton (408) 663-6978.
SEPTEMBER 26-27 STOCKTON, CA - Faceters' Guild of Northern Calif., 33 West Alpine Ave. Hours: Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4. Milt Houson (916) 782-6739.
SEPT 30 - OCT 4 JOSHUA TREE, CA - The Sportsmans Club, 6225 Sunburst. JAMBOREE/TAILGATER. Hours: 8am-5pm daily. Info: (760) 366-2915.
OCTOBER 3-4 NAPA, CA - Napa Valley Rock & Gem Club, Napa Valley Exposition, 575 Third St. Hours: 10-5 both days. Frank Zwetsloot (707) 255-1286.
OCTOBER 10-11 TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Min Soc., 13337 Main St. Hours: Sat 8-5, Sun 8-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356.
OCTOBER 17-18 REDDING, CA - Shasta Gem & Mineral Society, Shasta Dist. Fairgrounds. Hours: 10-5 both days. Alex Stoltz (530) 243-8242.
OCTOBER 17-18 WHITTIER, CA - Whittier Gem & Min Society, Whittier Masonic Temple, 7604 Greenleaf Ave. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Marcia Arday (626) 339-3593.
OCTOBER 24-25 EL CAJON, CA - El Cajon Valley Gem & Min Soc., El Cajon Valley Masonic Temple, 695 Ballantyne St. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. William Barto (619) 462-1918.
NOVEMBER 6-8 SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Lapidary Society, Al Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road. Hours: Fri & Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Richard Large (619) 693-0464.
NOVEMBER 7-8 FONTANA, CA - Kaiser Rock & Gem Club, Calif. Steel Ind., 9400 Cherry Ave. Hours: 9-5 both days.
NOVEMBER 12 BOULDER CITY, NEVADA - Boulder Gem Club Library, Community Room, 813 Arizona Street. Hours: 9-5:30. Samuel Borges (702) 293-5853.
NOVEMBER 21-22 ROSEVILLE, CA - Sacramento Mineral Society, Placer County Fairgrounds. Hours: 10-5 both days. Les Clark (916) 421-4752.
NOVEMBER 21-22 OXNARD, CA - Oxnard Gem & Min. Society, Oxnard Performing ARTS Center, 600 Hobson Way. Hours: 10-5 Both days. Miriam Tetreault (805) 642-5779.
DECEMBER 5-6 SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Orange Belt Mineralogical Soc. San Bernardino Woman's Club, 503 W 31st St. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Debbie Call (909) 887-1264.
REMAINING AFMS SHOWS - 1998.
There are seven AFMS shows during the year. If you are traveling in or near the areas, you may want to visit one or more of the shows.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN - October 23-25, TULSA, OK - Tulsa County Fairgrounds, 23rd St. between Yale & So. Louisville. Show Chairman: Richard Jaeger (918) 481-0249.
EASTERN - November 5-8, STAMFORD, CT - Tor School. Show Chairman: Reivan Zeleznik (203) 322-3297.
SOUTHEASTERN - November 14-15, Charleston, SC. Host: Low Country Gem & Mineral.
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EDITORS NOTE:
Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. Thank you to all who help make the bulletin more interesting by contributing articles and information for events. We all appreciate it!!!!
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