The annual Fall Business meeting and
election of officers for 2004 will be held at the
Quality Inn at 4278 West Ashland Ave., Fresno,
CA. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003.
The Cracker Barrel social will be held
Friday night Nov. 7, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the
main Banquet room. Coffee will be served.
Directors, please bring cookies or fruit.
A through M to the Cracker Barrell and N through
Z for the Saturday Directors meeting.
The Business meeting will be held
Saturday Nov. 6 at 9:00 a.m. Directors, be sure
to bring your copy of the Agenda you received in
the mail.
Room reservations must be made
directly with the Quality Inns on 4278 West
Ashland Ave., Fresno.-Phone 1-559-275-2727.
Be sure to tell them you are with CFMS in order
to receive special rates. Make reservations by
October 24, 2003. Rooms will be $59.00, plus
tax, per night for 2 persons, with additional
charge for 3 or more.
Take the Asland Avenue offramp from Hwy 99 in Fresno. The Quality Inn is located immediately to the west of the freeway overpass.
Deadline for committee reports is October 25. As in the past, I will accept them by e-mail or snail mail. If unable to meet this deadline, please bring at least 100 copies to the meeting for distribution. Thanks
Please indicate choice of entree on reservation.
Make check payable to CFMS.
2:00 - 4.00 p. m. Executive Committee
9:00-10:00 p.m. (aprox.)
Scholarship Committee
(following the Cracker Barrel)
Call or write Lois Allmen for
reservations at:
407 Magnolia Ave.
Oxnard, CA 93030-5309
(805) 483-6871
e-mail allmenl@vcss.k12.ca.us
Correction To 'Jury Of Awards' Item InAugust CFMS Newsletter
By Dee Holland, AFMS Scholarship Foundation
President, November 1, 2003
First, there are seven Federations that make
up the American Federation of Mineralogical
Societies But only six of the federations
participate in the AFMS Scholarship Foundation
program.
They are: California, Northwest, Rocky Mt., South
Central, Midwest and Eastern.
The Southwest Federation came in to the AFMS
in 1993. At that time it was suggested they
donate their Scholarship Fund money to the
AFMS Scholarship Program, a fair and equitable
way of involving them.They chose not to do this
and keep their own Scholarship Fund separate.
Since then they have not had the priveledge of
participating.
The AFMS Scholarship, at this time gives two
scholarships per federation per year for two
years. Each one is worth $2,000. for a total of
$4,000. per student. This is only the six
federations mentioned above.
In the last few years the AFMS Foundation has
finally reached the million dollar mark in
scholarship awards. Pretty good for a bunch of
°rockhounds"!
So the person who is selected as AWARDEE
will select a school with a post graduate
program in Earth Science. That person will then
choose two students to receive scholarships for
two years.
Jury of Awards Committee
By Marion Roberts, Chairperson
The Jury of Awards Committee needs
your selection for honoree, with a summary of
why you selected this person, by the end of
October so selection can be made at the fall
meeting in Fresno.
Send your selection to Marion Roberts,
Jack Williams, JoAnna Ritchey or Executive
Sec/Treas. Pat LaRue. All addresses are in the
CFMS Newsletter.
Nominations Needed
By Beverly Moreau, Chair
Earlier this year, we requested nominations
for any and all positions on the CFMg; Execu-
tive Committee. None were received.
At our Committee meeting in Ventura, we
agreed upon a slate for presentation to the
membership later this year. That slate was
complete except for one position that of
Secretary.
Thus, I am making an urgent appeal at this
time for a nomination for the position of CFMS
Secretary.
The person should have the following
qualifications:
- Proficient in proper use of English,
including grammar, punctuation and
phraseology.
- Computer capability
- Prior involvement as an officer or
committee person in Club or civic
activities.
- Prior service on CFMS committees
(desirable, but not a necessity)..
The position of Secretary would be for a
period of two years. Following that, the
person would be free to progress through the
chairs.
So, we are seeking someone with leadership
qualities who has demonstrated performance
capabilities and dedication to the work at
hand.
The nomination should come from an officer
in your club. (CFMS Past Presidents can
nominate directly.) The letter of nomination
should come to the Nominating Committee
Chair and specify the qualifications, past
experience, and club affiliation of the nominee.
The nominee should have been approached
prior to submitting the letter, and should have
agreed to serve if elected.
Thanks for your help!
Beverly Moreau, Chair
2003 Nominating Committee
3113 Topaz Lane, #A
Fullerton, CA 92831-2374
bcmoreau@sbcglobal.net (note: new e-mail address)
AFMS All
American Awards
By Dot Beachler, CFMS Chair
The national results for the 2002 All
American Awards program were announced at
the CFMSIAFMS banquet on Saturday, June 7.
2003. Again, only 14 clubs from five federations
had entered. This year, the South Central
Federation led with five entries. The results:
LARGE CLUBS:
- Austin Gem & Mineral Club, South Central ** Gold
( highest scoring Large club)
- Arlington Gem & Mineral Club, South Central ** Gold
- Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society, Rocky Mountain ** Gold
- Midwest Mineralogical & Lapidary Society, Midwest ** Gold
- Wisconsin Geological Society, Midwest ** Silver
- Roseville Rock Rollers, California ** Silver
SMALL CLUBS:
- Northwest Wisconsin Gem & Mineral Soc., Midwest ** Gold
- Central Illinois Gem & Mineral Club, Midwest ** Silver
- Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Society, California ** Silver
- Fossils For Fun Society, California ** Silver
- Waco Gem & Mineral Club, South Central ** Bronze
- Pine County G.M.S. of Deep East Texas, South Central ** Bronze
- Tri-City Gem & Mineral Society, South Central ** Honorable Mention
- American Fossil Federation, Eastern ** Honorable Mention
Congratulations to all! Dot Beachler
AFMS Competition Trophy Winners - 2003
Ventura, California
By Pat LaRue
- Davis Bench, Glendora Gems, (CFMS)
Trophy 1 - Open
- Roy Foerster, Conejo GMS (CFMS)
Trophy 3 - Minerals
- Grant Gibson, Austin GMS (SCFMS)
Trophy 8 - Thumbnail Minerals
- Bob Stultz, Conejo GMS (CFMS)
Trophy 9 - Minerals
- Ron Covert, Fresno GMS (CFMS)
Trophy 16 - Carving
- Don Pomerenke, Conejo GMS (CFMS)
Trophy 17 - Cabochons
- Marion Roberts, Mother Lode MS (CFMS)
Trophy 18 - Cabochons
- Nathan Simpkins. Glendora Gems, (CFMS)
Trophy 21 - Jr. Lapidary
- Jennifer Rhodes, Reno GMS (CFMS)
Trophy 25 - Jewelry
- Adam Latourelle, Glendona Gems (CFMS)
Trophy 27 - Jr. Educational
- Amber Mutalipassi, Glendora Gems (CFMS)
Trophy 28 - Jr. Educational
- Wayne Mills, Orcutt GMS (CFMS)
Trophy 28 - Educational
- Joy Robertson, Glendora Gems (CFMS)
Trophy 30 - Jr. Educational
- Jim Godfrey, Tualitin Valley GC (NWF)
Trophy 30 - Educational
- Jim Brace-Thompson, Ventura GMS (CFMS)
Trophy 35 - Fossils
There were 33 competitive exhibits which
qualified for judging at the AFMS level. Although
the majority of the exhibits had earned the right
to compete at this level at a prior regional show,
14 of the entries qualified for the first time this
year. It was my pleasure to present a total of 15
trophies to the top scoring displays in their
respective categories.
Another honor given in conjuction with the AFMS
competition is the Lillian Turner Award which is
presented to the best junior display in
competition. This years winner was Joy
Robertson of Glendora Gems (CFMS). In
addition to a $100 savings bond, Joy was
presented with a mineral specimen donated by
the late Charles Leach.
Junior Activities Report
Engaging Kids at Our Shows: The Del Air Rockhounds Show Us How
Part Two: Educational Outreach, the "Educational Tour," and More!
By Jim Brace-Thompson, Junior Activities Chair
Last month, I thanked Maxine and Keri Dearborn,
Patti Tostenson, and other members of the Del Air
Rockhounds for the fantastic job they did with their
"Dino Hall" to engage kids during the 2003
AFMlS1CFMS Show. This month, we move from Dino
Hall into the main exhibit hall. Instead of trying to run
a large number of individual activities, the Del Air
Rockhounds decided to focus on educational
displays that could engage many kids while requiring
minimal supervision. But rather than static exhibits,
many of the educational displays in the main exhibit
hall had a hands-on, interactive component.
When you entered the hall, you were greeted by the
California state fossil, mineral, gemstone, and rock.
That display had a number, and as you looked
around, you noticed numbers on selected display
cases and tables throughout the hall. One numbered
table was filled with huge chunks of sandstone,
obsidian, granite, petrified wood, and other rocky
wonders. Each of these big specimens was flanked
by a "What Is It?" card taped to the table. Kids were
encouraged to touch and feel specimens (especially
the coprolite!) before flipping the card for the answer.
In addition to the Touch-and-Feel Table, another
number marked a hands-on display of the Moh's
scale. Kids could read about the scale, pick a rock,
and try it on the spot. Nearby tables constructed by
the L.A. Natural History Museum offered a chance to
match mineral specimens with associated products,
e.g., fluorite/toothpaste, gypsum/wallboard, etc. Bells
and buzzers sounded on a correct match. They also
a "Careers in the Geosciences" handout downloaded
from the American Geological Institute web site
(www.earthscienceworld.org/careers/brochure).
The stations I've described were just 4 of 14 on an
"Educational Tour" spanning all aspects of rocks,
minerals, fossils, and lapidary arts. Three additional
stations constructed by club members and kids
illustrated igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
rocks and processes of their formation. These were
some 6-feet tall. The igneous station was a replica of
a volcano. Questions were posted on its side, and
kids could open small doors to view answers in the
form of specimens of obsidian, granite, basalt, etc.
Additional stations on such topics as lapidary arts,
fossils, and the formation of petrified wood were in
numbered cases assembled by Keri Dearborn and
Michael Lawshe and interspersed among the
noncompetitive exhibits throughout the hall.
A big part of pursuing the educational theme involved
outreach to local youth groups and, in particular,
scouting groups. All the stations numbered on color-
coded cards were matched to Webelo, Boy Scout,
and Giri Scout merit badge requirements. Enough
stations were set up to enable Scouts to go through
all requirements for the entire badge. A "Webelo
Scout Geology Badge Worksheet" offered a 3-page
step-by-step guide covering mineral identification and
the Moh's scale, everyday uses of rocks and
minerals, the three rock types, fossils, and career
opportunities in geology. A Boy Scout "Geology Merit
Badge Requirement" handout consisted of an 11-
page packet. The opening page outlined all 13
requirements to earn the badge, followed by each
requirement in turn, with space for filling in answers.
To help scouts start a rock collection, each scout
went home with a bag of assorted rocks. Scout
leaders also got packets with step-by-step project
ideas, field trips, jewelry projects, etc.
Two other sheets were available at the entrance to
the exhibit hall and tied to the numbered exhibits.
"California Geology Scavenger Hunt" was a sheet
with 14 questions to complete: Name the California
state mineral, rock, gemstone, and fossil. Name 4
California fossils. What are 3 minerals you use in
everyday life and how are they used? 'What kinds of
rocks glow in the dark? "A Day at the Rock and Gem
Show" crossword puzzle highlighted some special
displays, for instance, a cast made in sand from a
lightning strike and the "Old Woman" meteorite.
In addition to the Dino Hall I described last month and
the Educational Tour, as you moved into other
fairground buildings you encountered still more
activities crafted with kids in mind. A kids-only table
was set up at the silent auction area. Diamond
Pacific had several machines staffed by adults to
assist kids in crafting and polishing a cab of their own
to take home. A mock-up of a Mars Rover tied into a
meteor theme of the show, allowing kids to sit at
computer terminals and control the movements of a
tiny rover tumbling over a mock-up of the Martian
surface. Everywhere you turned, there was
something fun to do, something interesting to learn.
If you don't have a lot of manpower to handle a large
number of individual kids' activities, the Del Air
Rockhounds have proven there are still ways to
capture the attention of a maximum number of kids,
build in interactivity, and-as always-have fun!
Special Exhibit Honors Pat Antonio,
Fossil Collector Extraordinaire
By Jim Brace-Thompson
Pat Antonio has been a long-time member of various CFMS-affiliated clubs, including
the Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society and Fossils for Fun. Within the gables of her
Victorian-era home in Pacific Grove is perhaps the largest, most impressive private fossil
collection on the Central Coast. Always generous and hospitable, Pat has provided
tours to scouting groups, organizations such as the Monterey Bay Paleontological
Society, and curious on-lookers who have spied ammonites in her windows. Once while
on a collecting trip in the Kettleman Hills, I met a total stranger who shared a common
bond - he and his wife had been vacationing on the Monterey Peninsula, and upon
stopping at Pat's front yard to gaze upon fossils on the stoop, they were invited in and
given a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable tour. Pat's collection includes specimens
both purchased and self-collected, and she has personally toured classic localities
throughout the world and has many exciting adventures to share of the American West,
Morocco, Australia, Mongolia, and elsewhere.
Many of the best of Pat's fossils and her interesting adventures are about to be on
temporary display for all to enjoy! From September 26, 2003, until March 7, 2004, the
Pack Grove Museum of Natural History is sponsoring a five-month special exhibit: "Pat
Antonio - Celebration of a Fossil Collector." An entire hall of the museum will contain a
series of cases introducing viewer's to Pat's trilobites, ammonites, Green River
Formation fish, leaves and petrified wood, mammoth and mastodon remains, crinoids,
mosasaurs, fossil birds (including remarkable specimens of Confuciusomis from China),
dinosaur remains, and more.
More than an exhibit, a whole series of fossil-related special events are planned, such as
a talk by a biographer of Roy Chapman Andrews, fieldtrips to nearby fossil sites
including Capitola and Seacliff State Beach, and a lecture by dinosaur paleontologist
Paul Sereno of the University of Chicago. In a future issue of the CFMS Newsletter, I
hope to provide the entire calendar of events. To get more information in the meantime,
contact the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History: phone (831) 648-5716, web site
www.pgmuseum.org.
World Class Gem Exhibit In Orange County
By Kent Kuran
CFMS Members,
I am an intern here at Bowers Museum of Cultural Arts in Santa Ana. it is my responsibility to make sure people
know about and come to see our exhibit GEMS! The Art and Nature of Precious Stones. This magnificent
exhibit features over three hundred gems, all from the famous Michael Scott (Whire Rose) Collection, the finest
private collection outside of the British Royal Family. The exhibit, extended indefinately due to popularity, has the
world's largest faceted gemstone, the world's largest tanzanite (242 carats), the two largest known examples
of benitoite, and a 400-carat golden sapphire. Along with these magnificent specimens, the exhibit displays
nearly every major gem group in a wide range of colors and shapes.
Our gem exhibit would undoubtedly be of great interest to the numerous entities under the federation. Although
it is a general gem exhibit, its scope and depth offers something for everyone and it could pique the interest of
even the most specialized gemologist.
e-mail PublicRelations@bowers.org
Kent Kuran,
2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana CA 92706
Dutch Oven Diner At The Rendezvous
(contined from Aug...)
By Richard Pankey, CFMS
I came back to camp early on Friday afternoon to
await the arrival of Bill Roach from the BLM office
in Elko, NV. Bill is the manager of the BLM
Dispach Center, but gives dutch oven cooking
demonstrations and cooks for special
occasions. He heard about the Tri-Federation
Rockhound Rendezvous that was being held in
BLM's Elko District and offered to cook dinner for
us one night. About 3:30 a Dodge pick-up truck
pulling a small utility trailer turned into our camp.
I had never met Bill, but immediately knew it was
he when I saw the licennse plate °lMDCOOK".
Bill had brought a helper with him, his 13-year-
old son, Mitchell. I welcomed them into camp
and told them how much we all were looking
forward to the unique dinner he had planned for
us. At 6:00 p.m. we had over 135 people
assembled for dinner. On the menu was:
Tri-Tip Beef cooked on the grill
Pork Country Ribs cooked on the grill
Dutch Oven Chicken
Dutch Oven Potatoes
Dutch Oven Pork & Beans
Salad & Rolls
After exchanging greetings they set to work
unloading a mountain of food, supplies and
cooking gear. Bill set up his kitchen at our
campfire ring in the middle of camp. The utility
trailer was set up like an old chuck wagon. Built
onto the back was a large covered charcoal
broiling grill. The rest was for storage of many
dutch ovens, tools and supplies. All the food
was carried in the back of the pickup truck.
Bill is a tall fellow and looks even taller in his
cowboy hat topped with a puffy white chef s hat.
In his jeans, white T-shirt and boots, he was the
true image of a cowboy chef. He prepared
dinner with methodical chaos. First off, he
dumped several large bags of charcoal in our
fire ring, topped it with lighter fluid and lit a
match. The dutch ovens were lined up ready to
be filled. The meat, potatoes, beans, bacon,
onions, sauces and spices were laid out in the
bed of his pickup ready for use. When the
charcoal was white hot and ready, Bill started to
cook. Big slabs of Tri-tip beef and pork country
ribs were started on the grill. Around the fire ring
the dutch ovens were set on top of shovels full of
charcoal, then filled with chicken or potatoes or
beans, and last the proper spices and
garnishes were added. The lids were put on
and hot charcoal shoveled on top. Some dutch
ovens were stacked two or three high and
allowed to slow cook. Bill carefully tended his
charges, adding hot charcoal where needed,
stirring occasionally, and turning the big slabs of
meat on the grill.
It was fascinating to watch all the activity and
smell the enticing aromas coming from Bill's
"Kitchen". As all the preparation and cooking
was going on,campers would wander up, watch
for awhile and ask questions. Bill would explain
the whats and whys of his methods. Bill shared
with us his philosophy and secret of dutch oven
cooking. "Buy what's on sale; Cook til it's done;
Serve it til it's gone."
While dinner cooked we had our tailgate
displays and map exchange and enjoyed Happy
Hour. Right on schedule at 6:15 Betty rang our
dinner bell. The group lined up in two long lines
on each side of our serving tables. Bill and
Mitchell set out large bowls of salad and rolls,
big platters of Tri-tip beef and country ribs, and
the dutch ovens of chicken, beans and potatoes.
Following a brief prayer of thanks for the
wonderful meal set out before us, the
procession began to fill their plates and head off
to their tables. Bill and Mitchell kept replenishing
the dishes as they were emptied and the food
was Served til it was gone". There was enough
for seconds and nobody went away hungry. After
dinner Mitchell toured the camp with a large
garbage bag, picking up the trash.
A favorite activity of rockhounds is eating. We
had two potluck dinners - a welcome potluck on
Thursday evening amd the All Rendezvous on
Saturday evening. It is amazing that in the midst
of the desert and sagebrush, when the dinner
bell rings, the table is filled with freshly prepared
food and delicious desserts. However, the
gustatorial highlight of this trip was the dutch
oven dinner on Friday evening. A Big Thank You
to Bill and Mitchell for the delicious meal and
unique dining experience!
Safety
Hiking and Camping Safety
By CHUCK McKie, CFMS Safety Chairman, 2003
via American Red Cross,
the North Bay Field
Trips and the COOP.
September might be a favorite time to go
camping and maybe rockhounding. The follow-
ing are some tips for your good health and
survival if you should plan to go out by yourself
instead of with a guided trip. Even if you go with
a group, these are good tips:
Hiking and camping provide exercise and
interest for people of any age. Just getting out
and walking around is a wonderful way to see
nature. Since unexpected things happen,
however, the best way to guarantee a good time
for all is to plan ahead carefully and follow
common sense safety precautions. If you have
any medical conditions, discuss your plans with
your health care provider and get approval
before departing.
Review the equipment, supplies, and skills
you'll need. Consider what emergencies could
arise and how you would deal with those
situations. What if you get lost or were
confronted unexpectedly by an animal? What if
someone became ill or injured? What kind of
weather might you encounter? Add to your
checklist the supplies you would need to deal
with these situations. Make sure you have the
skills you need for your camping or hiking
adventure. You may need to know how to read a
compass, erect a temporary shelter, or give first
aid. Practice your skills in advance.
If your trip will be strenuous, get into good
physical condition before setting out. If you plan
to climb of travel to high altitudes, make plans
for proper acclimatization to' the altitude. It's
safest to hike or camp with at least one
companion. If you'll be entering a remote area,
your group should have a minimum of four
people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay
with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be
going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take
along someone who knows the area, or at least,
speak with those who do before you set out.
Some areas will require you to have
reservations or certain permits. If an area is
closed, do not go there.
Find out in advance about any regulations--
there may be rules about campfires or
guidelines about wildlife.
Pack emergeny signaling devices, and know
ahead of time the location of the nearest
telephone or ranger station in case of
emergency. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a
responsible person. Include such details as the
make, year and license plate of your vehicle, the
equipment you're bringing, the weather you've
anticipated, and when you plan to return.
Contact your local Red Cross chapter http://www/redcross.org/where/where.html for a
Community First Aid and Safety course or When
Help is Delayed course.
What to bring: A Hiking Checklist. What you take
will depend on where you are going and how
long you plan to be away, but any backpack
should include the following: Candle, clothing
(always bring something warm, extra sox and
rain gear), compass, First Aid kit, food (bring
extra) flashlight, foil (to use as a cup or signaling
device), hat, insect repellant, map, nylon
filament, pocket knife, pocket mirror (signaling
device), prescription glasses (extra pair),
prescription medications for ongoing medical
conditions, radio with batteries, space blanket or
a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter),
sunglasses, sunscreen, trash bag (makes an
adequate poncho) water, waterproof matches or
matches in a waterproof tin, water purification
tablets, whistle (to scare off animals or to use
as a signaling device).
Always allow for bad weather and for the
possibility that you might be forced to spend a
night ourdoors. It's a good idea to assemble a
separate 'survival pack' for each hiker to have
at all times. In a small waterproof container.
place a pocket knife, compass, whistle, space
blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets,
matches and candle. With these items, the
chances of being able to survive in the wild are
greatly improved.
The 2003 Seaside Gemboree
Del Air Rockhounds Club, Inc
PO. Box 7618
Van Nuys, CA 91409
With a swish of the Mermaid's tail, the 2003 Seaside Gemboree has come and gone. The Del Air
Rockhounds would like to thank all of the clubs and individuals who participated and visited the
combined AFMS/CFMS show. Everyone's enthusiasm helped to make the event a success. We
would also like to extend a "SPECIAL THANK YOU" to CFMS representatives Bob and Jeane
Stultz, Cal Clason, and Ray Meisenheimer for their energy and commitment to the show.
We were very pleased to have 51 competitive exhibit cases, 143 noncompetitive guest exhibit
cases, and 14 special large exhibits, for a total of 208. There were demonstrations on everything
from flintknapping to silverwork, rock carving, faceting, sculpting and fossil cleaning to driving
Mars Rovers. Volunteers helped children and adults dig for dinosaur bone and taught them to
grind and polish cabs thanks to equipment provided by Diamond Pacific Tool Corp. We had
many Boy and Girl Scouts attending and many earned their Geology Badge through our Youth
Education Committee.
The Mermaid Contest brought 13 varied entries which were voted on by approximately 600
visitors. We congratulate Jennifer Rhodes of Reno, Nevada for winning the $75 gift certificate
with her mermaid pendant made of a "lampwork bead and wire wrap." Second and Third place
went to Eugene Haider's inlay fine-silver bola and Paul Patterson's gold mermaid with black
pearl, respectively. All of the entries were individual works of art. The Display Committee
thanks all of the entrants for their creativity and skill.
Our Silent Auction had a special drawing for a large piece of Australian Fire Opal for its
participants and the lucky winner was Jack Rhodes of Reno, Nevada, yes the husband of the
above Jennifer Rhodes of Mermaid fame and of the Reno Gem and Mineral Society. There were
hundreds of pounds of rock and thousands of plants for sale at our Mermaid Grotto and we want
to Thank you all for taking many of them home with you.
We hope everyone had an enjoyable time at the show and encourage you all to support the
etTorts of the club working on the 2004 show.
The Del Air Rockhound Club
Van Nuys, CA
(818) 347-2056
http://www.afms-cfmsgemshow.org
