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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
January 1999.
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Thank you again for supporting me as your president for 1999. As we plan for the New Year, it is important to look back on all of our accomplishments as a club.
Our greatest priority at this time is our annual Gem & Mineral Show, "Artistry from Nature" scheduled for March 6 & 7, 1999. This event is only several weeks away, Red Jioras, our show chairman is coordinating efforts for this event. We need volunteers for many tasks and activities before, during, and after the show. Shirley Layton is in charge of "Country Store" items for the event and needs help from you with that effort. Donations of "Country Store" items and plants (for the plant sale) are also in demand.
There are many ways in which you as a member benefit from our club. Being active in club events is the number one priority. We learn as a group from activities such as monthly meetings, lectures, field trips and mineral shows (to name a few). Most of all, we share ideas with members and learn even more about our hobby. Please play an active role in sharing your personal talents with other members. You can do this by: bringing rocks, minerals and fossils to our regular meetings; conducting a lecture on the subject of your favorite field trip/vacation or perhaps by leading a club field trip to an interesting area.
Make 1999 the year that you made the most friends and learned the most about our hobby. I look forward to a successful year as your president.
Steve Mulqueen.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.
First of all I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. 1999 looks like it will be a very good one for VGMS, and I'm looking forward to our up coming show in March.
As you all know I am going to be trying to fill the very BIG shoes left behind by Shirley Layton. Shirley did such a wonderful job on the bulletin over the past four years she was editor, even winning a few awards. I can only hope to do as well as she did. But I'm looking forward to the challenge. So if anyone has any suggestions for the bulletin, or if you have anything to contribute, by all means do.
Enclosed in this month's bulletin is a calendar for February with some information filled in, feel free to rip this out and hang it up so it's more useful to you. It's on the last page so it won't mess up your bulletin. This will be a new addition to the monthly bulletin.
Your "Rookie" Editor,
Bonnie Demianiw.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS.
01-23-99: Country Store Pricing Party 9:00am at the Museum;
01-23-99: VGMS Workshop Open 9:00am till 12:00pm;
01-27-99: VGMS Regular Meeting - American Legion Hall - 7:30pm;
02-02-99: VGMS Board Meeting at the Museum 7:30pm - All welcome to attend;
02-10-99: DEADLINE for February Bulletin;
02-20-99: VGMS Workshop Open 9:00am till 12:00pm.
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DUES WERE DUE JANUARY 1, 1999!
See inside cover for the amounts. Send to Sharon Cunningham, 42 Sycamore Road, Oak View, CA, 93022.
I fell asleep the other night and while I had my snooze, I dreamed our members stepped right up and promptly paid their dues. But when I found it was a dream, I nearly had a fit. It's up to you to make it true, so won't you please remit!
Original source unknown,
via The Rock Bag 10/98,
The Nugget 01/99.
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FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN!
Where would you like to see the club go for a field trip this year? Suggestion forms will be available at the January 27th meeting.
Here is my initial itinerary:
- January and February:
- Are pretty much scheduled for most with Quartzite, Tucson and our own club show preparation.
- Then March:
- Will be reserved for the VGMS show.
- April:
- Is our first opportunity with tentative plans for Lavic Siding - a four hour trip, but doable in one day and a very productive site for colorful jasper.
- May:
- Gaviota / Conejo Show.
- June:
- Annual Pancake Breakfast.
- July:
- Jalama.
- August:
- Ventura County Fair / Annual Picnic.
- September:
- Agate Valley.
- October:
- Trona / Searles.
- November:
- Calico / Oxnard Show.
- December:
- Annual Christmas Party.
HAPPY HUNTING IN THE NEW YEAR!
Greg Davis,
Field Trip Chairman.
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VGMS MUSEUM WORK PARTY.
On December 12th, a work party assembled at the VGMS Museum and completed numerous tasks inside and outside of the building. Extensive work was done on the grounds in the front of the museum, including trimming the large tree, raking leaves and sweeping up. Two large trash bins were filled with tree branches and leaves. Inside, efforts were underway to move a glass display case into its proper position and to carefully place fossils in it. Also, the usual vacuuming of carpets, sweeping of floors and other cleanup details were achieved.
Credit for a job well done go to the following list of people: Wayne & Marie Ehlers, Greg Davis, Ron Weiss, Sharon Cunningham, Bruno Benson, Kathryn Davis, Red & Nancy Jioras, Dave Mautz and Steve & Susan Mulqueen.
Contributed by: Steve Mulqueen.
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ORGANIZING YOUR COLLECTION.
While trying to organize the recent mineral collections given to our club I encountered several ideas that all of us, especially myself, should apply to our own collections of rocks and minerals. When in the field always carry a small notebook and record field notes of each specimen. This should include the name if known, the location, date, name of the collector, and a catalog number. When you return home transfer these notes to an index card or your computer. Put a small spot of typewriter correction fluid or white paint (in an unimportant area) on your specimen. Then write your catalogue number on this spot with a permanent marking pen. Usually it is best to organize this file alphabetically, but other groupings may be used as best fits your interests or needs. Fossil specimens can also be recorded. Later on you may want to add other information to these file cards or computer records. This may be such information as color, hardness, crystal form, other locations where it is found, chemical composition, mineral group, how it is formed, tests for solubility, fusion, association with other minerals, specific gravity, cleavage, fracture, etc....
References and guidebooks are essential in filling in the details you may want for describing your collection. Over time most of us have acquired our own small library but you may want to use your local city or county library. Just keep in mind that the more you learn about your collection, the more you will enjoy it. Many times it is better to narrow your interests down to one or more specialties as there are so many aspects to our hobby that it is discouraging to try to learn about all of it.
Contributed by: Wayne Ehlers.
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PROGRAM FOR JANUARY 27TH.
Did you ever wonder what you could do with the small pieces of obsidian we find setting around? Did you ever wonder how these spear tips and arrowheads were made? Our speaker will be Gary Baugh, speaking on and demonstrating the making of obsidian tips, one part of primitive archery technology.
Kathryn Davis - Programs.
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FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in February, we hope you have a Great Day!
- Clay Brashears - 5th,
- Andy Lipthay - 8th,
- Patricia Isom - 14th,
- Crystal Davis - 17th,
- Gordon Cunningham - 20th,
- Judi Ulmer - 21st.
The February birthstone is the Amethyst and the flower is the Violet.
AMETHYST:
Amethyst, a variety of quartz found in the form of six sided crystals. The color is believed to be due to the presence of manganese.
In 1502 Leonardo wrote "Amethyst has the power to control evil thoughts, to quicken intelligence, and to render a man shrewd in business affairs".
In early times men wore amethyst pendants, or drank from amethyst cups, believing that the amethyst would protect them from becoming drunk when drinking too many goblets of wine.
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HEALTH-O-METER.
| O: | Breathe on this circle. If it turns green, you have the flu. If it turns blue, you have a cold. If it turns red, you have tired blood. If it turns pink, you have a hangover. If it remains white, you are healthy enough to be a show committee volunteer! |
From Ore Bits 6/98, via Rock Rollers 9/98,
via The Nugget 1/99.
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MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
January 7, 1999.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm at the VGMS Museum. There were 15 members present.
From President Mulqueen:
Schedules are available for the Quartzite/Tucson Show.
From Red Jioras:
Thanks to all the workers on clean up day at the museum and grounds on Sat. Dec. 12th. Petrochem was motivated to clean out the parking lot. Candy will be sent to Will as thanks for their work.
Lane Bryant of Ventura donated lots of track lighting for the museum. Look for donation from paint company to paint the museum.
From Dave Mautz:
Unocal Oil sent a press release on the fossils display at the Unocal Museum in Santa Paula.
Membership Report:
Sharon Cunningham reported that only 24 memberships have been paid and dues were due January 1, 1999!
From Ray Meisenheimer:
Ray presented a program to two groups, Conejo Recreation District and Head Start. Ray has been helping at the Gull Wing Museum. They need a black light if anyone has one to donate.
Programs:
Kathryn Davis has arranged for Gary Baugh to present a program on making arrowheads and spears. He will provide a demonstration at the January General Meeting.
Bulletin Deadline:
Bonnie Demianiw noted that the deadline for the January bulletin will be January 15th. Articles for the bulletin may be sent e-mail, regular mail or in person.
Field Trips:
Greg Davis will submit a letter to Bonnie for the bulletin on upcoming field trips. Steve Mulqueen suggested passing out a form to members asking for their request and/or suggestion on field trips.
VGMS Show Meeting:
A show meeting is scheduled for January 16th at Red and Nancy Jioras' home, at 10:00am.
VGMS Museum Case:
Wayne Ehlers reported that our museum case has 460 specimens which are now numbered and labeled. Wayne has been given about twenty crates for the rocks from the museum. Wayne requested that the Club make a donation for the crates.
MOTION: It was m/s/c that the Club make a donation of $20 for the crates. The motion passed.
From Shirley Layton:
Shirley volunteered to continue picking up the Club's mail.
She has an answering machine to donate to the Club if we can use it. President Mulqueen accepted the donation with thanks and will check to make sure the VGMS telephone number is listed in the telephone book.
Federation Report:
Florence Meisenheimer reported that our Federation dues have been paid.
Treasurer's Report:
Richard Bromser distributed copies of the Treasurer's Report for the month of December, 1998 and requested approval for payment of bills, check nos. 514 - 531.
MOTION: It was m/s/c to pay the bills submitted.
Rock & Gem Magazine:
Red Jioras reported that members may subscribe to Rock & Gem Magazine at a discounted amount if we submit a list of at least five new subscribers. He will have the subscription form at the January General Meeting.
There being no further business President Mulqueen adjourned the meeting at 8:10pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Carlon Strobel,
Recording Secretary.
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IN SYMPATHY.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Marge Sacher on the death of her son.
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FOR SALE.
Unique Show Case:
This is a full sized case which collapses. It was made so it could go through airport travel. Rather than glass it uses Plexiglass. Liners and some risers are included. However, the most unique feature is that the case is made of aluminum.
$50 or best offer.
Call Kathryn Davis 647-3096.
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FIELD TRIP NORTH
by Chuck McKie.
Over Memorial Day weekend there will be a CFMS sponsored field trip tp Monte Cristo Mountains in Nevada. The mountains are located about half way between Hawthorne and Tonopha, Nevada on Highway 95. There will be a map and more information in February CFMS Newsletter.
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DIAMOND JUBILEE OF GEMS.
CFMS 60th annual show and convention, to be held in Stanislaus County Fairgrounds June 18, 19, 20. There will be dealers, more than 200 exhibits, demonstrators, and a huge silent auction.
There will also be a workshop in conjuction with the show--an Editors Workshop; tentatively set for Sunday morning, June 20, right after the Editors Breakfast.
Motels are not numerous, and the charge is about $40 or $45 per day. Hotels run about $75 to $100 each day.
All activities will be at the Fairgrounds--show, meetings, convention and banquet. The banquet will be a home cooked affair by members of the club, who often entertain with gourmet meals.
I have the forms for camping, displaying, etc. if anyone is interested.
Florence Meisenheimer.
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CFMS & AFMS NEWSLETTERS.
If anyone wishes to subscribe to the CFMS Newsletter, send $5.50 made payable to CFMS to Renata Bever, P.O. Box 489, Patton, CA 92369-0489. Be sure to include your zip code plus 4.
If you wish the AFMS Newsletter send $3.50 to Dan McClennan, P.O. Box 26523, Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0523.
Florence Meisenheimer.
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IN MEMORIAM:
LOU HAAKE.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Marie Haake and her family.
Lou and Marie Haake were long time members of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society and the Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society. They were very active in showing and sharing their wonderful specimens and experiences with others.
Due to health reasons they weren't able to get to all the meetings they would have liked to attend, but always entered wonderful cases in the Ventura Fair and The Ventura and Oxnard shows. Marie and Lou headed the Plant Booth at the VGMS show for many years and were right there helping when it and the Country Store were combined. They were big winners at the fair and any time they entered competition.
Lou was very active in the community and was known as "Lou Superman Haake, Ironman" for all his activities. Lou was one who "Made A Difference".
He will be missed by all of his family and friends from VGMS and Oxnard Gem & Mineral. We know he is smiling down on all his fellow Rock Hounders and is waiting for us to join him.
Contributed by Shirley Layton.
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IN MEMORIAM:
DOROTHY SCHIERNBECK.
Former member Dorothy Schiernbeck died December 6, 1998. She was 93 years old and suffered from Alzheimer's disease in recent years.
Dorothy joined VGMS in 1957 and continued her membership for thirty years, even after she moved to Texas.
Dorothy held numerous board and committee chairmanships. She enjoyed her rock collection and had amassed a vast collection of old bottles, most of which she collected herself, digging in old mining dumps.
We extend sincere sympathy to her family.
Florence Meisenheimer.
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1999 AFMS/CFMS SHOWS
AND EVENTS.
FEBRUARY 12-21 INDIO, CA - San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Soc., Riverside Co. Fair & National Date Festival. Hours: 10am - 10pm each day. Bert Grisham (909)849-1674.
FEBRUARY 27-28 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA - Del Air Rockhounds, Sierra Pelona Rock Club, VIP Gem & Mineral, Woodland Hills Rockchippers. San Fernando Valley Fair, Valley Plaza Recreation Center, 12240 Archwood St. Hours: 10-5 both days. Gary Stanford (805)259-9440.
FEBRUARY 20-23 STOCKTON, CA - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club, Scottish Rite Temple, 33 W. Alpine Ave. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Jim Dunlap (209)478-0747.
MARCH 5-7 PHOENIX, AZ - Maricopa Lapidary Society, Mt. Preserve Reception & Conference Center, 1431 E. Dunlap. Hours: Fri & Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5 Elmer Miller (602)977-2719.
MARCH 5-7 HAYWARD, CA - Min. & Gem Soc. of Castro Valley, Centennial Hall 22292 Foothill Blvd. Hours: Fri & Sat 10-5, Sun 10-5. Judy Karis (510)581-7123.
MARCH 6-7 VENTURA, CA - Ventura Gem & Mineral Soc, Seaside Park (Ventura Co. Fairgrounds). Hours Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Richard Jioras (805) 646-7184.
MARCH 6-7 MONROVIA, CA - Monrovia Rockhounds, Masonic Temple, 204 W. Foothill Blvd. Hours: Sat 10-6. Sun 10-5. Kris McFarland (626)337-8596.
MARCH 13-14 TURLOCK, CA - Mother Lode Mineral Society, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 600 N. Broadway. Hours: 10-5 both days. Marion Sampson (209)848-2709.
MARCH 13-14 SAN MARINO, CA - Pasadena Lapidary Society, San Marino Masonic Temple, 3130 Huntington Dr. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Gail Poulson (213)258-8705.
MARCH 20-21 SAN JOSE, CA - Santa Clara Valley Gem & Min, Santa Clara Co. Fairgrounds, 334 Tully Rd. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Chuck Blblenz (408) 734-2473.
MARCH 20-21 VALLEJO, CA - Vallejo Gem & Mineral Soc., Solano County Building, Solano County Fairgrounds. Hours: 10-5 both days. Dolores Mack (707)644-3035.
MARCH 27-28 TORRANCE, CA - South Bay Lapidary & Min Soc, Torrance Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Roger Mills (310)377-6226.
MARCH 27-28 BORON, CA - Mojave Mineralogical Soc, Boron High School, Multi-Purpose Room. Hours: Sat 9-6, Sun 9-4. Tailgating, camping, field trips. P.O. Box 511, Boron, CA 93596-0511.
MARCH 27-28 ROSEVILLE, CA - Roseville Rock Rollers, Placer County Fairgrounds, Hours: 10-6, Sun 10-5. Terry Rutherford (916)987-1244.
MARCH 27-28 LA HABRA, CA - North Orange County Gem & Mineral, La Habra Club House, 200 W. Greenwood. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Loretta Ogden (909)598-2456.
AFMS SHOWS 1999.
MIDWEST FEDERATION-APRIL 10-11, COLUMBUS, OH,
Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Borad St. Contact: Don Hall, 56 S. Columbia Ave., Columbus, OH 43209 (614)252-0781, ext 192. E-Mail: Hall-dd@csg.capital.eedu.
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION-JUNE 18-20, TURLOCK, CA,
Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. Contact: Al Troglin & Dennis Stuart at: E-Mail www.bell21.com/motherlode/ Mother Lode Mineral Society, hosts.
NORTHWEST FEDERATION-JUNE 18-20, HILLSBORO, OR,
Washington County Fairgrounds. Contact: Russell Snook, 73 South 26th Ave., Cornelius, OR. 97113. Tulatin Valley Gem Club, hosts.
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION-JULY 9-11, NASHVILLE, TN,
Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Contact: William Buckner, 115 Carney Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040. Middle Tennessee Gem & Min, hosts.
EASTERN FEDERATION- AUGUST 7-8, NEW CARROLTON, MD,
Ramada Hotel Ballroom. Contact: Russ Shew (301)493-8936.
SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION- AUGUST 21-22, BOSSIER CITY, LA,
Bossier City Civic Center. Contact: Gene Powell, 903 Lazywood, Shreveport, LA 71108. Ar-La-Tex Gem & Mineral Soc., hosts.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN FEDERATION-NOVEMBER 19-21, TUCSON, AZ,
Pima Fairgrounds. Contact: Gary Howell Old Pueblo Lapidary Club, hosts.
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EDITORS NOTE:
Just for the record, any unsigned articles are by the Editor. Thank you to every one who helps by contributing articles and information for events.
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LAPIDARY WORKSHOP.
The lapidary workshop 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.
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COUNTRY STORE.
As we are heading into the home stretch for our annual show in March, Shirley is still looking for Country Store items. She will never rest until you have gone through every cupboard, closet, and garage in your home and have donated all those things that you might use someday. Let's face it, you'll never use it, so donate it!
Come on, she'll even come to your house and pick it up. What a deal!
We are also excepting plant cuttings, and plantlings for our plant sale. So give Shirley Layton a call: (805)642-2683.
Just one quick note, we are having a "Country Store Pricing Shindig" at the museum on Saturday January 23rd! Be there or be square!
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SUNSHINE.
Marian Vient is still having trouble with her knee and is back in the hospital. Please drop Bill and Marian a card or phone them and let them know we are thinking of them.
A speedy recovery to you Marian . We miss you and Bill at our meetings.
Eleanor Rising,
Sunshine Chairperson.
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COAST GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
At the February 16th meeting the speaker will be: Andrea Donnellan, Ph.D. of the Satellite Geodesy and Geodynamics Systems Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Speaking on "GPS Observation of Fault Afterslip and Upper Crustal Deformation Following the Northridge Earthquake".
Place: American Legion Hall, 83 S. Palm St., Ventura.
Reservations: Phone Sinclair Well Products and Services, Attn. Lance Lawhon at (805)653-7975.
E-Mail: Jim Steele at jim.steele@tetratech.com. (Please RSVP by e-mail if possible.)
$12 - With Reservation,
$17 - Without Reservation,
$7 - For Students and K-12 Teachers,
Social Hour - 6:00pm,
Dinner - 7:00pm,
Speaker - 8:00pm.
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JUST ONE MORE NOTE.
Well I think this went pretty well for my first try. I hope you all enjoyed it, and if I left anything out please let me know.
I hope you all have a great month, and I'll see you at the next meeting on January 27th, 7:30pm SHARP!
Bonnie Demianiw.
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Webmaster: James A. Layton,
URL of this Page: http://www.vgms.org/bt/vgms9901.htm.