"Treasures of The Sierra Nevada" is the theme of this year's California Federation of Mineralogical Societies Show and Convention. This statewide Rock and Gem Show will be held in Placerville, CA, July 12, 13 & 14, and will be hosted by the El Dorado County Mineral & Gem Society. All activities will be held at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, California (exit Highway 50 at Forni Road/Placerville Drive).

You will find over 50 dealers and hundreds of exhibits featuring gems, minerals, jewelry, beads, fossils, lapidary material, equipment, and geodes (the rock with a surprise within). You can enjoy gold panning, watch artisans give demonstrations, and attend some lectures at your leisure. There will be special activities for children throughout the show. Great food and beverages will be available.

In conjunction with the CFMS Show and Convention, the Placerville Arts Association will hold a competitive art exhibit at the Fairgrounds, with the same theme as the show.

Take in the splendid Gold Rush countryside while you visit. Just a few minutes' drive from the show, you'll find historical sites including mines, recreational areas, and beautiful scenery along back roads leading to orchards and vineyards. You will be at the gateway of the Sierra Nevada and its treasures - past and present.

Show Hours: Friday & Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-4.
Admission: adults $4 ($10 3-day pass);
  seniors $3;
  ages 18 & under $3;
  12 & under free.
Free parking on the grounds.
Camping is available.

For more information: (530) 676-2472,
e-mail: gemshow@hotmail.com
Show web site: http://www.CFMSgemshow2002.org

The Nominating Committee needs candidates for Federation Officers for the year 2003. Member Societies may send the name and qualifications of any candidates they wish to propose for any Federation Office, to any member of the Nominating Committee. Please be sure to confirm with the nominee his or her willingness to accept the nomination if selected.]

Candidates for Federation Office shall be selected by the Nominating Committee.

Members of the Nominating Committee:
Toni Ewers, Chairman 12 Hillcrest Lane Boulder City, NV 89005-1607	Gail Matthews P.O. Box 4652 Mountain View, CA 94040-0652
Bob King [Alternate] 1826 Ninth Street Manhattan Beach, CA 90266	Loretta Ogden 20904 Trigger Lane Diamond Bar, CA 91765-3469
Beverly Moreau 3113 Topaz Lane, Apt A Fullerton, CA 92831-2374	Brad Smith 11939 Sunset Blvd. #D Los Angeles. CA 90049

We have extended the deadline for nominations to June 10, 2002

Over the years I have seen a need for some kind of easily recognizable way for rockhounds to identify themselves to other rockhounds and to the general public, especially on field trips or on some backcountry road. It would also be very useful in campgrounds and other gatherings. In the summer of 2000 I discussed my idea with friends for some sort of sticker that a rockhound could put on his vehicle, much like the scuba diver's red and white sticker. It would say to the world "there's a rockhound in this vehicle".

I designed a prototype sticker and presented the idea to the CFMS Public Relations Committee in June of 2001. The concept was enthusiastically accepted, and for the past several months we have developed and are refining the artwork on several alternative designs. The Public Relations Committee and the Executive Board of CFMS sees the need and supports the concept of a rockhound sticker/symbol, but would like to know what other Federations and societies of the AFMS think about the idea.

A Rockhound Sticker would be an easy way to identify yourself to others as a rockhound. It provides an easy way to recognize other rockhounds. The sticker not only promotes and publicizes rockhounding, it is a service to rockhounds to facilitate meeting one another. The sticker is a universal identifier for club members as well as unaffiliated rockhounds. It lets everyone know you are interested in collecting rocks, minerals, or fossils and you are willing to discuss collecting, to share rockhounding experiences and to help other rockhounds. It's an invitation to others to ask questions and seek your help. It tells others that you are a rockhound friend. While working on this project I discovered that a "Universal Rockhound Emblem" had been promoted in the past. In the early 1970's a Universal Rockhound Emblem pin and sticker was developed and distributed widely in Australia. It was also offered in the United States but for some reason did not gain acceptance. I have seen a few pins but have never seen a sticker on a vehicle.

The rationale and need for such a symbol to help identify rockhounds to others still exists. I am ready and anxious to help make it a reality. I would like to hear what other federations and societies think about this idea. It is our plan and hope to finalize artwork this spring and present the concept at the AFMS meeting in July.

Please contact me at dickpankey@juno.com or at 4310 Kingsly Dr., Pittsburg, CA 94565.

All correspondence to the AFMS Central Office or Secretary should go to:

Lewis Elrod
AFMS Central Office Administrator
2706 Las Cassas Pike
Murfreesboro, TN 37130-1540

Ann Cook
AFMS Secretary
684 Quilliams Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44121

These changes have occurred due to the resignation of Dan McLennon. .Please update your records to reflect these changes.

The CFMS sponsored Earth Science Studies at Camp Paradise are scheduled for September 8 to 14 and September 15 to 21, 2002.

The seminars will be for two week long periods, limited to about 60 persons each session. The fee will be the same - $220.00 per person for a week's attendance, or $440.00 per person if you wish to take in the full two weeks. Workshops and instructors will be the same each week.

Be sure to fill out the correct dated application that you wish to attend. If you wish to attend both sessions please fill out both applications. At the bottom of the page PLEASE MARK if you are using your RV. It is impossible to make room assignments if we do not know your needs.

Workshops include wire wrap, faceting, casting, stone carving, cabbing, silversmithing, bead stringing, glass beads/glass fusing and perhaps others.

When we receive your application you will receive directions on what to bring and a map to the area. (Camp Paradise is not at Paradise, California).

Camp Paradise is a rustic church owned camp in the mountains 40 miles north east of Marysville, California. The rooms are adequate and there is plenty of space available for RVs, camped among the tall pines.

Meals are provided from a modern kitchen, and the dining/meeting room is very nice.

Along with workshops, there will be field trips for collecting and for sightseeing, with food and beverage provided. Interesting speakers programs and entertainment will fill the evenings.

Attending workshops are not compulsory-you select the ones you wish to attend and if you wish to take an afternoon or day off just relaxing, that is all right too.

Because this is a church camp it is requested that there be absolutely no alcohol. For health reasons bring an extra sheet or pad to put between your bedding and the mattress.

For more information or questions contact:

Cal Clason (661) 589-4169 or
Ray Meisenheimer (805) 642-3155.

As CFMS Historian, I'd like to have bios of all the LIVING Past Presidents. Please let me know your profession, when you were introduced to the hobby. What your particular interests are or have been. And what offices/chairmanships you have held.

For those Past Presidents who have passed on, help me find the obits for them. I've searched many CFMS Newsletters, but have had trouble with the early ones. Perhaps your club historians can help. Think of this as a treasure hunt. Involve your club members.

And for those living past presidents, if you don't write it…..I wlll.
How's that for a threat!

All of Shirley's hard work on Past Presidents has been placed on the CFMS web site. To find our what photos and bios Shirley needs can be found by viewing the Past Presidents page.

1. On the Welcome page, click on Team.
2. On the Team page, click on Past Presidents
3. Review the Past Presidents information.
4. Send Shirley any additional information (bios and photos) you may have.

By Jim Brace-Thompson, Junior Activities Chair

As I've stated frequently, only by encouraging and cultivating youth participation can we ensure the future of our hobby. My last three columns have been about starting and/or revitalizing a pebble pup or youth group within your club. In line with this, it seems like a good time to issue a reminder about the Future Rockhounds of America (FRA) program of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies.

Under the direction of AFMS President Bill Cox in 1984, the AFMS added a Junior Clubs committee. Bill coined the name "Future Rockhounds of America" and designed a certificate for clubs that enrolled. FRA gives pebble pups the distinction of belonging to something worthwhile. The only requirement for obtaining membership is to be organized and sponsored by a regional Federation club. There are no dues to pay to the AFMS for being a member. To sign up your club's kids, all you need is a group of interested kids, a motivated sponsor, a name, and an application to FRA. Membership covers any kids up to the age of 18. The number of kids isn't important-you can have as few as two and as many as you can handle!

Your youth group will receive an FRA certificate and each child will receive an enameled FRA pin. In addition, your youth leader will receive periodic updates from the FRA sponsors within the AFMS (Bob and Kathy Miller of South Bend, Indiana). This periodic update is one of the best benefits of membership because it includes the names and contact information for leaders of each FRA youth group from around the country. This list is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to exchange ideas on programs and activities for involving kids. To enroll your club's kids, just fill in this information:

To help Bob and Kathy Miller in announcing information regarding your club, please attach a brief description of participation at general meetings, club shows, field trips, and other activities your club undertakes with its junior members. Please forward the completed questionnaire and attachment to: Jim Brace-Thompson, CFMS Junior Activities Chair, 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura, California 93003; phone (805) 659-3577; email jbraceth@juno.com. I'll then forward it to Bob and Kathy. Upon receipt, they'll process your certificate into the Future Rockhounds of America. Here's to getting networked with some of the most actively involved youth leaders across America and-above all-here's to having fun.

Summer is coming and a lot of you rockhounds are planning your field trips. Those who are planning to go to the high elevations, which were covered with snow all winter so that you could not easily do your rock hunting, are the ones I want to address at this time.

Some people may have breathing difficulties at altitudes of 6,000 feet. When you start going above that height even more will have trouble.

What trouble might you encounter? Nausea, light-headedness, fatigue, feeling like you can't get enough air (oxygen).

What causes these symptoms? Air - that stuff that is all around us - contains a specific percentage of oxygen per cubic foot. Everybody says that as you go higher in our atmosphere, that there is less oxygen. But the oxygen percent- age always remains the same. It is just that the pressure (the weight) of the air above us decreases as we climb higher toward the sky. Because -naturally - there is less air to press down on us as we go up until we are into space where there is no air, air pressure is zero. (That is why the astronauts have to wear space suits). Since there is less pressure to squeeze the air, it spreads out and becomes a much larger volume with the same percentage of oxygen. Therefore when you breathe in, you do get less oxygen. The solution is to breath more deeply and faster. When I was stationed in Panama, I was in a Commando Squadron and consequently was in very good condition (not to mention younger.) I went to Bolivia TDY in an airforce plane piloted by a full colonel. When we got ready to deplane, I started to pick up the Colonel's bag. He immediately said, "No! I'll carry your bag!" That was because the airfield at La Paz, Bolivia was at 16,000 feet altitude. He knew about the high altitude hazards. He told me if I had difficulty in breathing to call "him" and"he"would bring me an oxygen bottle. I would wake up with a headache, take some deep breaths, then was OK and got along without the bottle.

Walking around La Paz ( only 15,000 feet high), I went very slowly, stopping often to look in the shops going into a restaurant, having a cup of coffee, and resting.

Later on I went to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. When my plane landed back at La Paz, I ran a mile to the hangar to get a truck to carry my toolbox and equipment because the plane was to leave shortly. I got my stuff AND altitude sick- ness. My head was pounding, I was sick to my stomach- REALLY sick and could not eat for 3 or 4 days.

The people there have adapted to the high altitude over generations. They all have tremendous chests You should see the women. Many of you will not be in as good condition as I was, and you probably will not be going as high, but you may go 7 or 8,000 feet or more. If you do, take it easy. You can get used to the altitude but it takes time, a couple of days to weeks. If you start feeling faint, light headed, like you can't catch your breath, sit down, relax and BREATHE DEEP! Especially if you know your breathing is impaired, take it easy. I have a friend who rode the Snow Train to Reno with me last year. He had been using an oxygen bottle for quite a while. Even though the train only goes about 6,000 feet up, he got sick without any extra exertion. So know yourself and your condition. Take it easy. Remember to breathe deep. That sounds natural, it is, but you have to give mother nature a hand sometimes.

All the above is about a slight case of altitude sickness.

BUT IT CAN BE DANGEROUS!

Severe altitude sickness is a lot worse. High-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral edema are caused when bodily fluids begin to leak into the lungs and brain, respectively. Left untreated, either one of these conditions can be fatal. Most of our field trips aren't that dramatic.

If you experience shortness of breath, don't fight it. It is just your body's adaptive process to make you breathe harder and faster to accumulate more oxygen so there is less chance of becoming sick. To repeat, the solution is avoid high levels of exertion, breathe deep, walk, don't run and do so at a moderate pace. Drink plenty of fluids -we always say drink a lot of water. And be careful of your alcoholic intake. Its effects increase with altitude. If you've tried everything and you still are feeling ill, then the best thing to do is to get to a lower altitude immediately.

Each year the California Federation selects one individual to be honored by placing with that individual, the privilege of selecting the university of his or her choice for the selection of two students to receive the American Federation Scholarship for that year. The individual, California Federation's Honorary Awardee, assists in the selection of the students then studying for his or her Masters or Doctors Degree, and in need of financial assistance of this scholarship.

HOW IS THE HONOREE SELECTED?

Through the names of individuals submitted to the Committee for the California Federation's American Scholarship Program by our member Societies. Your Society could have that privilege and honor!

HOW DOES A SOCIETY SUBMIT THE NAME OF AN INDIVIDUAL?

First, the person whose name is to be submitted never should be advised that his/her name is being presented for consideration by our Federation.

Second, the individual should be one well versed in the Earth Sciences, education wise, and should have, over the years, extended services to individuals, societies, etc., in matters relating to our hobby and its various facets... contributed to the furtherance of our hobby and the Earth Sciences in general, an individual who has shared his or her knowledge of the Earth Sciences with the layman and the rockhound. The person need not be a member of a CFMS Society.

WHAT DOES A SOCIETY PRESENT?

Documentation of the individual's background- the more, the better. This is tough sometimes, as some of our very worthy individuals are very closemouthed about their efforts, their endeavors, their partaking of their vast store of knowledge to you and me. There are many individuals who could and would be considered for this Awardee Honor, but we need the submission of that documentation. There are ways and means of obtaining the necessary information; newspaper clippings, Family or friends who can be depended on to be discreet. Libraries are good sources of information- "Men of the West", 'Who's Who", and a number of other like publications. I repeat- there are a good number of people within our Federation boundaries worthy of this honor.

TO WHOM DOES THIS MATERIAL AND INFORMATION GO?

To the undersigned, as this years Chairman and Committee. The California Federation's 2nd Vice President ,the President and the immediate Past President. They will meet and review all documentation submitted, discuss the names submitted and make the decision of the individual to be so honored that year. The material submitted by our Societies is never discarded... so if your nominee is not chosen one year, there is always a chance he or she will be considered another year.

Lois Allmen
407 Magnolia Ave.
Oxnard,CA 93030 5309
CFMS Jury of Awards AFMS
Scholarship Foundation

November 1, 2001 is the latest date that nominations may be received but please don't wait until the last minute to send in your names. There are many people who are deserving of this award and the Committee would like to have several names to consider when making their selection

Myrtle Hulstrom Williams 1911-2002

Ruby Meyer 1919-2002