CFMS Newsletter

Betty and I just returned from a 10 day trip to Chicago to attend her 50th high school class reunion and to see relatives and our 2 grandsons. They are real future rockhounds; what a treat. We were invited to be "Show-N-Tell" at the 4 year old's pre-school class. What kind of rock talk do you give to pre-schoolers? So, we brought a box of rocks and told them we were rockhounds that went on field trips and liked to collect rocks. We told them that we collected rocks from the mountains, the desert and seashore, and in quarries and mine dumps, and showed them the rocks that we collected. They seemed enthralled, interested, asked questions, and were excited with the rocks. I know that we really enjoyed ourselves. It was a very rewarding experience.

Most of our clubs are 501 (c) (3) non-profit educational corporations. And as such we claim to advocate and support education about rocks, gems and minerals and our hobby. But what do we do to support education? In some clubs there are a dedicated few that regularly give talks to school science classes. In many clubs there are a few more that give occasional talks at schools and to other groups. But most members in most clubs only talk about rocks with other club members. Let's change that and I will show you how. Talking about rocks is what we all like to do. It seems that Betty and I are always talking about rocks, our field trips, the shows we attend and making things with rocks. And I bet you do, too. Maybe not a formal, structured presentation. Many of us give educational talks to school classes, scouts and other groups. Rock talks should not be limited to kids and schools. Most adults are interested in rocks, gems and minerals. Women seem to like gems, especially in jewelry.

In my way of thinking there are two kinds/styles of presentations: 1.) A school talk, generally more science/technical oriented, given to elementary or high school earth science classes. And, 2.) General audience presentations. In most cases you don't have to be a trained geologist to give a meaningful, interesting, educational talk. School talks generally require a fair knowledge and understanding of rocks, minerals and geology. Most of us who have been rockhounds for any length of time probably have the required basic knowledge to present a meaningful presentation, at least to elementary school classes.

A rock talk to a general audience - scouts, other youth groups, senior citizens group, a luncheon group, a related hobby group, etc. - is easy. You probably are doing it already when you tell your non-rockhound friends about your rock collection or a recent field trip. And any one who likes rocks and rock hounding can give an interesting talk to general audiences. All you need is a box of rocks, (gathered from your yard or specimen display) and you are ready to go. Your presentation does not have to be scientific. Just tell your audience about the rocks and where and/or why you collected them.

Your first presentation may be a bit scary, but once you get going and your audience asks some questions it will be like talking to your family and friends. And the next talk will be even easier.

There are many benefits to giving rock talks other than being educational and meeting our club's educational objectives. They are a great way to promote your club, and your show (and other club activities), and they are a way to share what we love and to introduce others to our rock hobby. On a personal note - they are fun and can be very rewarding when you reach and make an impact on a child or spark an interest in rocks that matches your own.

Now I don't expect that everyone that reads this will start giving school talks or go on the lecture circuit, but I do hope that I have sparked an interest in you to think about and maybe try a talk or two. Try it you'll like it!

From the Editor

By CJ Quitoriano

Well, it's getting close to my last newsletter. I hope to see everyone at the meeting in Visalia!

I don't have much to say this month, just get those articles in!

And if I don't acknowledge that I received the email, then I most likely didn't get it, so please call me or email me and we'll see where it went!

(661) 209-9092 is my cell number and I can be reached at that number 99% of the time!

---

Junior Activities Report:
Kids' Activities & the 2008 Federation Show

By Jim Brace-Thompson

I'll be overseeing Kids' Activities at the CFMS Show taking place next June in my own backyard, so to speak, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Thus, I'll be devoting some of my columns between now and then to the Show and what we might do to appeal to families and their kids, and I welcome help from one and all. Please call (805-659-3577) or email (jbraceth@roadrunner.com) with your thoughts or to volunteer your services. For instance…

• We'll need ideas. What's worked well at your local shows? What kids' displays and activities seemed to go over the best at past CFMS shows? What new activities might be worth trying out? I'd like to include a lot of hands-on activities for kids, but at the same time we'll need to be sensitive to staffing demands and the number of people we might have to help oversee these activities. Thus, I'd like to aim for a variety of fun but easy activities that kids can do themselves with minimal supervision.
  
  
• We'll need things. "Things" such as the traditional yet still popular grab bags and tumble-polished stones and small rock, mineral, and fossil specimens to serve as prizes and to go into those grab bags. "Things" include small polished gemstones, crystals, and fossil shark teeth that might go into a sand-sifting activity. "Things" also include supplies for such projects as creating simple wire-wrap jewelry, creating a bead bracelet or necklace, or casting a fossil in plaster. I have a lot of these things in my own garage, but not enough to supply the demand during the course of a 3-day show, so I ask help in providing such supplies. Once we've decided on the specific activities we'll offer at the show, I'll likely provide a specific list of supplies in one of my future columns. Meanwhile, you can be sure that tumble-polished stones will be high on that list, so I encourage everyone to rev up their tumblers starting today!
  
  
• But most of all, we'll need people. This includes people who can provide those ideas and things-people who can help with planning before the show-people who can put together special displays (for instance, perhaps a mineral identification display, one showing the three rock types, or one showing common products and the minerals from which they were produced, etc.). And we'll need people who can help during the show in running the kids' area.

I look forward to offering a range of hands-on activities and informative educational displays aimed specifically at kids when we all converge on the Ventura County Fairgrounds next June. It may seem early at present, but it's never too early to start planning the various ways we might excite kids and their families about our hobby by showing them how interesting it is while-as always-having fun! (P.S. Got that rock tumbler revving yet??!)

---

Tri-Federation Rockhound Rendezvous - Reprise

By Richard Pankey, Inter - Regional Field Trips

The Northwest, Rocky Mountain and California Federations will host a Rockhound Rendezvous to Texas Springs, NV over Memorial Day Weekend, 2008 and all AFMS members are invited to attend. We had such a great time in 2003 we decided to do it again. The date is set - May 21 to 26, 2008. The place is picked - the Texas Springs area for spectacular pink agate limb casts, as well as other agate and petrified wood. Arrangements are being made; details are being finalized and the flier will be issued next month. Watch for the fliers and information in the AFMS Newsletter and on the web site, as well as the host federation's Newsletters and web sites.

Late spring is a beautiful time of year to be in northern Nevada's high desert. The days are warm and the evenings are cool. Great weather for rock hounding and for our rendezvous. We will collect at 4 to 6 different sites: pink limb casts, small limb casts and bogwood, snakeskin agate, jasp/agate limb casts, geodes, and more. Our Rendezvous will include daily collecting trips, potluck dinners, daily Happy Hours, evening campfires, map exchange and tailgate displays.

This area has been popular with rockhounds for many years, and prized material can still be found for those who are willing to dig for it. And many were successful! In 2003 we had over 200 rockhounds from 14 western states representing 55 clubs of the three federations.

Come join us for a great Tri-Federation Rendezvous of collecting, fun and fellowship. Mark your calendar, schedule your vacation, and plan to join us next May 21st to 26th.

All American Report

By Dot Beachler

Last month Section 1 in the All American Project form was covered. Now to start on Section 2.

Section 2 covers Service to Members and Guests.

Under meetings (general, board, junior or special group) list the number of meetings, average attendance and guests.
Under programs list type and speakers.
Of course, a list of officers, directors and chairmen should be included.
Special groups should show cabbing, metal working, faceting, beading or other interest.
Next, indicate special events as summer picnic, holiday dinner, installations or other.
Does your club have a show? How many members attended and helped number of dealers and demonstrators?
Field trips should indicate how many, where, attendance, how long.
Does your club have a library, how many books, any workshops and classes?
How about a permanent or traveling display. What type and where?

Section 3 covers Publications and Publicity

Foremost in publications is the club newsletter or bulletin. Remember to include the editor's name.
Next, comes meeting notices, where posted and published.
Finally, show notices and fliers should indicate where posted and published.
Don't forget the radio and TV coverage, too.

All of this information can be supported by newspaper articles about your club or members, show announcements, meeting notices.

Section 3 is the midpoint for completing the All American form. Next month look for Sections 4 and 5.

Federation Show - Club Case Exhibits

By Dick and Betty Pankey

We have set an objective of at least 40 club/society cases at our Federation Show in Ventura next June. I believe this is a realistic and achievable objective. There are approximately 120 clubs and societies that comprise CFMS and we expect and hope that at least one third of our clubs will participate. We would like to see all of the clubs of CFMS represented at the Show, but that is too much to hope for and would probably never happen.

This is the Federation Show, hosted and put on by the Federation, and your club and your members are the Federation. This is your show and every club should want to participate and be represented in the show. Your club case is a great way to highlight what is special about your club, to promote your club and to show off to the rest of the Federation. Yes, a chance to brag a little bit, just like we get to do with the All American Club books. Your case will say "look at us, this is who we are and what we do."

Your club case may be an inspiration and give new ideas to other clubs. Use your case to show off your activities, field trips, classes, community participation, or rocks, minerals and fossils from your area. And the rest of us may get some new ideas and learn more about other clubs around the Federation.

At past Federation Show there have always been a few cub case displayed. This year we a looking for a "big participation." At many of the shows that we attend, we see club cases from other area clubs. These clubs are ready to go for the Federation Show. How about your club? What will be your case for the Show? Use the Non- Competitive Entry Form that is in the Show Packet and write "Club Case" on the top of the form for your entry.

Winter Holiday Safety

By Chuck McKie CFMS 2007 Safety Chairman
via the American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/lifeline/

The holiday season is fast approaching. Let's have a safe time this year. Here are a few ideas to help guide you.

Beware of holiday lighting.

• Take care when burning candles. Be sure they are kept away from decorations or other combustible materials.
• Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children.
• Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits. Lit candles should not be used as tree decorations.
• Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties.
• If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently.
• After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.

Keep Christmas trees fresh.

• Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand.
• Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily.
• If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
• If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.

Designate a driver.

• When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver.
• If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving.
• Buckle up. During the holiday months, people travel more than ever.
• Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision.
• Ensure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts.

Enroll in a first aid and CPR course.

• Although these tips can help prevent an emergency, it is also important to be prepared should an emergency situation arise.
• To enroll in a first aid or CPR course, contact your local Red Cross.

And you need to think about your pets also.

Get your furry friends a special gift.

• Your Red Cross Pet First Aid book is an important reference guide for anyone with a cat or dog.
• Contact your local Red Cross to purchase your copy, or ask for Pet First Aid at your local bookstore.

Pet First Aid

• Your pet is part of your family. And just like any other member of the family, pets can become ill or injured.
• Would you know how to care for your pet in an emergency?

Here are a few tips:

• Always approach a sick or injured animal slowly and cautiously.
• Watch the body expressions and sounds your pet makes to warn you.
• Even your own pet can be aggressive when in pain or frightened.
• Do not make quick, jerky, or loud movements.
• They might further scare your pet.
• When necessary, use towels or blankets to subdue cats or small dogs.
• Keep the phone number and address of your veterinarian in a convenient location.
• Have the phone number and address of an after-hours veterinary clinic on hand and keep directions to that clinic in the same place.
• Whenever possible, call ahead to let them know you'll be coming.
• Pay attention to what is normal for your pet so you can detect signals when something is wrong.
• The American Red Cross Pet First Aid book can help you learn more about caring for your pet in an emergency.
• To purchase the Pet First Aid book, contact your local Red Cross, or purchase it online.

Related Links:

• American Kennel Club
• American Red Cross Community Services: Animal Assisted Therapy Brings Love and Companionship
• American Humane Society
• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
• The Ark Trust, Inc.
• Humane Society of the United States
• Johns Hopkins University, Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing
• Morris Animal Foundation
• Pets Welcome
• San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SFSPCA)
• Return to Pet First Aid

A few weeks ago I was on a field trip where the first aid kits were few. We need to have First Aid Kits with us on all our field trips. All field trip leaders should have a kit with them and we should all up-date the items in our kits. The Red Cross suggests the following:

Anatomy of a First Aid Kit

• A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. To be prepared for emergencies, keep a first aid kit in your home and in your car.
• Carry a first aid kit with you or know where you can find one.
• Find out the location of first aid kits where you work. First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes.
• You can purchase one from the RedCross.org store or your local American Red Cross chapter.
• Your local drug store may sell them.
• You may also make your own.
Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating.
• Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need. Include any personal items such as
• Check the kit regularly. Make sure the flashlight batteries work.
• Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 5 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

---

Rules Committee Report

By Dee Holland
CFMS Rules Committee Chair, 2008
P.O. Box 23, Tendoy, ID 83468
beauholland@salmoninternet.com

Recently Shirley & I received a copy of the El Dorado County Gem & Mineral Society's newsletter, edited by Merryan O'Neill. In the newsletter was an article by Clay Williams on exhibiting. As CFMS Rules Committee Chair, 2008 I'm not only interested in working with judges but also in working with exhibitors and making their experience educational and eventually helping them get to the ultimate achievement, winning a Master's trophy at the AFMS level.

Clay's article exemplifies what we are trying to do to upgrade displays, competitive and non-competitive. In recent years, in the California Federation on the non-competitive application form we have added a BOX with a notation asking the exhibitor to check the box if they wish to have someone from the rules committee or a judge that specializes in their particular area of interest to evaluate and suggest ways to bring the exhibit into competition readiness.

Clay's article is going to be reprinted in the AFMS Newsletter because we believe everyone should have a copy of this to help them begin their journey through exhibiting and culminating in competitive exhibiting. For new members of local clubs, this is a guideline to taking your first steps toward putting in a case at your local show.

We urge all regional federations to have an Exhibitors and Judges workshop/seminar at the earliest opportunity. Let's make, as our goal, exhibiting and especially competitive exhibiting, bring it back from the brink of extinction

Sincere thanks to Clay Williams for a thoughtful and meaningful article.

Editors: Please copy.

---

Displaying Your Treasures

By Clay Williams,
El Dorado County Mineral & Gem Society

Whether a case contains mineral specimen(s) or the product of any other related activity, the challenge is to display them to best effect. The author, who is struggling with the mastery of this art and has been for a number of years through successes and occasional failures, was asked by several club VIP's to share some of his insights.

A good place to start is the color scheme. The colors of all supporting elements of the exhibit should be relatively muted and, for the best effect, should both match each other and what is being displayed. The author took labels in colors that were appealing and also blended with his specimens, along with a junk piece of mineral that matched those specimens, to a fabric store where he placed each next to liner fabric candidates. The store clerk must have wondered what was going on. When the winning fabric was finally determined, the only other limitation was, could enough be purchased to cover all liner foam board and any possible fabric covered risers?

The word, muted, cannot be emphasized enough when talking about the case, the liners, the mounts and/or risers and the labels! All should be less eye catching than the object or objects of display. Various earth tone colors are an excellent way to execute this difference. Avoid bright colors, especially red, at all cost! That the last, when on cars, draws inordinate scrutiny from police should be a hint why. The bright purple liner that I saw at a recent show should probably go in favor of something much less attention getting -- after all, the intent is to get people to focus on what is being displayed, not on the background.

Labeling is important and indicates the exhibitor has taken the trouble to correctly identify your treasure. In most cases, such as with minerals and fossils, it should definitely include locality and name information. This should be more specific than, say, "Emerald, South America." A better effort would state that emerald is a variety of beryl and, at the very least, give the country and province, region or district of origin. It also might be nice to know where a lapped piece of tiger's eye, topaz in a jewelry setting or turquoise in a belt buckle came from. Competitive entries have certain requirements, which vary for different types of displays. Check the AFMS rules and CFMS Supplementary Rules Information. It would also be a good idea to ask for someone's advice if you are contemplating such a move.

Even though not really muted, black, depending on the shade of your liner, usually is fairly readable. Readability is an important issue and is one reason why the author tested a sample label at the fabric store. Readability also limits your choice of fonts. Making that font bold and of a reasonable size helps, as it must be assumed that not everyone can see or read well.

The author's labels are composed on a PC and then printed onto transparencies using an ink-jet. Each transparency page is then cut into individual labels, which may be further trimmed to fit in the spaces between specimens. Gloves are used whenever handling the finished product, as it fingerprints easily. This not-often-seen procedure gets lots of attention from those more interested in the process than the item or items being displayed.

Layout within the case is, of course, a personal thing. However, too much clutter looks very unprofessional and should be avoided; it diminishes the overall impression. Also to be avoided is the placement of lower quality material among stars; the former detracts from the latter. This is easier said than done, especially if one is new to collecting and, therefore, has a limited choice of what to include.

Labels should be of consistent type and not look like they were just thrown in. The liner or liners should cover the entire area visible through the glass, and not be stained or dirty. Avoid giving the appearance that your effort was lacking.

It is a good idea to try putting your case together pre-show. Such a dry run will get the kinks out, if any. It is the time to make final changes and is great practice, especially if the exhibit is at all complex. Also this can uncover any omissions while something can still be done.

Good luck!

Ed. Note: Clay Williams has credentials behind his advice. He has entered his displays and won in competition at California Federation of Mineralogical Societies shows. He won the 1st Place Advanced Minerals Trophy for his copper minerals case and was also awarded the coveted Hamel Minerals Trophy at the 2005 CFMS Show in Roseville, CA. In June, he received the 1st Place Masters Minerals Trophy for his copper mineral case at the 2007 CFMS Show in Lancaster, CA.

---

Earth Science Program - Camp Paradise

By Vivien Roberts
E.S.S. Committee Member

It was mentioned that someone should write an article about Camp Paradise and Marion Roberts, so I said I would, even though I'm Marion's wife. So I would like to thank and commend Marion for everyone, for going beyond the call of duty and volunteering himself to the camp for a week and asking for volunteers to work a week and make the camp look so much cleaner and nicer. We want to thank all the ones that volunteered to come up and work, which was, I thought, really great and also beyond the call of duty. They are: Cal Clason, Bakersfield, CA., Anna & John Christianson, Oakdale, CA., Tom Burchard, Ogden, UT., Virgina & Norvie Enns, Reno NV., Dick Friesen, Livermore, CA., Judi & Gary Gooch, Oakhurst, CA., Margaret Kolaczyk, Volcano, CA., Rob Hartley, Gardena, CA., Charmaine & Ken Pesnell, Oregon, and Francee & Francis Pedneau, Lone Pine, CA.

We scraped paint and painted the cafeteria building, benches and pounded nails down on the deck. They also moved beds from the cabins. We couldn't have done it all without you all. Thanks to Bob Hartley for bringing his paint sprayer and spray painting. Everyone was really great, and we worked and had fun being together as a group. During that week Marion fixed a pancake breakfast and sausage gravy and biscuits a couple days for everyone (Anna made the biscuits for him). He also barbecued tri tip steaks that Margaret Kolaczyk so graciously brought herself that also was a big hit. So we all I think had a great time, I know I did. So I want to thank all the ones that came to help. One night we had Lasagna that Francis Pedneau made (he's a good cook too) and Anna made spaghetti, Charmaine made a salad.

The first week here we had 62 people sign up for classes and 42 people for the second week. We needed more people for the second week to break even on the expenses. Everyone had wonderful comments on the food that they enjoyed cooked by our cooks Loree Synder, Jan Sveiven (Loree's mom) and Autumn Sullender all from Chico, CA. We had so much food and it was very good and don't see how anyone could go hungry. It was that fantastic and I think everyone I know would agree.

Marion had a show of hands that 33 people were first timers for the two weeks. So that is great, and we hope everyone goes back home and tells everyone they know what fun they had and what great teachers we have here and how much they have learned.

Everyone is so excited about the classes that they want to get in everything in one week, and it's hard to accomplish that, (but they try) especially that we had 12 classes plus 1, that I volunteered to teach Bracelet beading 2 days a week and also another class Bob Hartley volunteered to do metal or rock Intarsia. Both Thursday nights, Marion and Tom Burchard barbecued steaks for everyone. Last, but not least we want to thank everyone who volunteered to serve or wash trays and utensils. Thanks to Anna who took applications for Camp Paradise and making sure everyone had a place to sleep, weather it was a room, cabin or R.V. spot. This is not a week or two job, it's at least a 6 mo. job. So you see this not a one man job, but everyone pulling together and making this the most wonderful program where everyone can come to learn the arts of lapidary, have 3 great meals a day and the most fun with everyone involved. Everyone knows we have the best of the best teachers. Please, if you agree go to your club and let them know about this program and maybe they would like to come next year and have the same experience we are all having. We hope so. Remember, in October, the applications are being taken for Zzyzx, which will be Mar. 23-30, 2008. So plan your vacations and come join us, you will not regret it.

(President's Note: On behalf of CFMS and all who attended and will be attending Camp Paradise, I would like to recognize and thank Marion Roberts for organizing and conducting this unique "work party" for the benefit of the ESS program. Outstanding dedication and commitment! And a Big Thank You to the rest of the volunteer crew for their efforts, commitment and dedication. This is why the ESS programs at Camp Paradise and Zzyzx are so enjoyed and are so successful. Betty and I had the opportunity to stop at Camp Paradise in early September for our first visit. We were returning from field trips in northern California. What a great experience. We were there only one day but were impressed with the enthusiasm and energy. )

---

Fall Business Meeting Plans

By Pat LaRue

The annual Fall business meeting and election of officers will be held November 9-11, 2007 at the Holiday Inn Plaza Park, off Hwy 198 on W. Airport Drive, Visalia, CA.

Room reservations at the Holiday Inn may be made by phone at (559) 651-5000. To receive the special rate of $79 per night, you must tell them you are with CFMS. Cutoff date for the rate is 10/26/07. Add 10% room tax.

The caterer no longer allows us to pick and choose from a list of veggies, starches and desserts. To allow a choice between chicken and red meat, the following menu selections are offered. Please note that there is a difference in the price. All meals include rolls and butter as well as freshly brewed regular & decaf coffee and iced tea. Let me know if a vegetarian entree is required or you have special dietary needs so I can check with the caterer about availability.

MENU

Breast of Chicken Sonoma
Baby spinach salad with candied walnuts and raspberry balsamic dressing
Breast of chicken stuffed with fire grilled tomatoes, asparagus spears and blue cheese
Topped with a blush sherry cream sauce
Wild and brown rice pilaf and zucchini grantee
Fresh strawberries with a wine glaze

Herb & Garlic Encrusted Prime Rib
Field of greens salad and assorted dressings
slow roasted prime rib of beef served with creamy horseradish and au-jus
Yukon gold baked potato and fresh broccoli with cheddar sauce
Xangos cheese cake with carmel drizzle/p

The Breast of Chicken Sonoma is $25. The Herb & Garlic Encrusted Prime Rib is $35. Make banquet reservations by October 31. Mail your check payable to CFMS and your entree selection to:

Pat LaRue
PO Box 1657
Rialto, CA 92377-1657

---

Golden Bear Gem & Mineral Show
June 27-29, 2008
Ventura, CA

By Pat LaRue

Plan to join us next June at the beach! Plans are underway for the CFMS hosted Convention and Show in Ventura. When no club stepped forward to host the 2008 show, the decision was made to do it as a Federation. This will be the third time that CFMS has produced a no-host show. The first one was in Anaheim in 1981 and the second was in San Jose in 1991.

Bural LaRue volunteered to take on the responsibility of serving as chairman. Dick & Betty Pankey are wearing two hats as the Exhibit and Demonstrator Chairmen. His goal is 100 exhibits and 40 competitive entries. Don George will serve as the Dealer Chairman, assisted by Cheri. Don was the dealer chairman of the highly successful 1996 show in Riverside and he's in touch with a wide range of dealers. Dealer-demonstrators will be the responsibility of C J Quitoriano. Jim Brace-Thompson will handle publicity for this event. Bill and Isabella Burns are already on the lookout for program speakers. Frank Mullaney promises to come up with a memento for the display cases. What am I doing? Since I already handle the CFMS money, it seems logical to serve as treasurer and receive the pre-registrations. Yes, just as Cheri is Don's secretary, I will serve in the same capacity for Bural. These persons all have many years of show experience and can be counted on to carry out their particular responsibility.

There will be lots of jobs to do particularly as the show draws near. We will need volunteers to assist with setup, staff the ticket window, do daytime security duty, and staff special projects. If someone asks you to help out, please say yes.

The planning for the show will be conducted long distance using e-mail as the primary means of communication. Cell phones are also great for this purpose since most of us have oodles of minutes to either use or lose. The show committee met at the Lancaster show last month and will meet again at the November meeting in Visalia. Committee members who have a form to include in the show promotion packet should have it to me no later than 10/20 so it can be duplicated.

---

Program Library Update

By Bill Gissler, Librarian

A 2008 copy of the Slide and Video Program Library Catalog will be distributed at the November business meeting of the Federation. Significant changes to the Catalog include the addition of sections on DVD and CD-ROM programs. Federation Directors - please pass the Catalog onto your 2008 Club Program Chair; they would appreciate it for planning programs in 2008.

The following new programs have recently been added to the library:

F-154. "Lake Superior Agates..... A New Look" is the first place winner in the 2006 AFMS Program Competition. The program is divided into four parts - color and patterns, native copper, plumes and needles, and iris. Viewed through microscope magnification, the agates clearly reveal many unique features.

DVD-26. "Mineral Collecting in and Around Quartzsite and Parker Arizona" identifies 8 locations where you will be able to collect minerals. A directional map and tips for each location is included. Here is a unique field trip planning guide for your next trip to Quartzsite.

DVD-27. "Mineral Collecting within 2 hours from Los Angeles" is a program which identifies 8 locations with directional maps and a description of the minerals to be found. The field guide program is intended to give you a feel for an area before you step foot there.

---

From E.S.S. Chair

By Marion roberts

I am writing this article in part out of desperation, part informational, part educational and, part to put pressure on the editors and federation directors. Camp Paradise has just concluded with good but not great results. We only had 100 participants but, 100 great participants. Out of the 100 there were 33 first timers, which is a fantastic ratio. Everyone went home with new knowledge and some fine accomplishments. On the 2nd week at the show and tell evening I counted over 500 finished items.

I'm also here to thank all of the people who came a week early to work at the camp where some 45 gallons of paint was applied along with the cleanup and old paint scraping and removal.

Now, this part of this article I want read by the federation directors at the meeting and I want it printed in your newsletter.

The Earth Science Studies Program is a committee that is dedicated to the promotion and the education of the Earth Sciences, and directed strongly toward the lapidary arts and various disciplines pertaining to it, such as the collecting of material and making of jewelry with lapidary results. This committee has been and is responsible for 3 weeks of classes a year, 1 week in March at a desert studies center near Baker, Ca. on Zzyzx road, and 2-1week programs at camp paradise which is just out of Clipper Mill, Ca. north of Marysville Ca. in September.

These programs are available at a cost of $300 per person per week, which includes instruction, room and board. Instruction includes classes in Lapidary (cabochon making), silver fabrication, wire art, soft stone carving, hard stone carving, field trips, copper enameling, and evening programs at both camps, also where space is available, primarily at Camp Paradise we teach faceting, silver and gold casting, glass bead making along with other disciplines as the cycles change.

One of the toughest thing for us to overcome, and I hope this will be a step in that direction, is the rumors and lack of information getting to the general membership. Now is where the pressure comes in. I have been a federation director over 10 years so I know what it is to pass on information from the newsletter and it is a privilege to do so. The rest of the people want to know as much as you do or possibly more, and you and you are their link.

To the Editor: Print this information so they can get the stories straight from the chairman's fingers instead through rumor mill. When you print this in your newsletter, send me a copy and let's see how many I get.

Send to Marion Roberts
1505 Plumas Ave.
Modesto, Ca. 95358

Remember Zzyzx will fill fast. Send applications early. See you there.

---

California Fedeation of Mineralogical Societies
Annual Thanksgiving Rockhounding Field Trip
to Wiley's Well Area

By Lew Helfrich
CFMS Field Trip Chair - South, 2007

This trip is open to all rockhounds that agree to abide by the AFMS Code of Ethics, the directions of the field trip leader, and practice safe rockhounding. A Consent and Assumption of Risk Waiver of Liability form must be signed upon arriving at the campsite.

TRIP LOCATION - The Wiley Well District is 10 miles southwest of Blythe, CA and is one of the most popular collecting areas on the Colorado Desert.

WHEN - Thanksgiving Weekend, November 21-25, 2007.

SPONSORS: C.F.M.S Field Trip Chairman South,
Lew Helfrich; San Joaquin Valley Lapidary Society, Bakersfield CA
C.F.M.S Field Trip South Leutenant
Bob Fitzpatrick; Orange Belt Mineralogical Society Inc., San Bernardino, CA
Members of the Southern California C.F.M.S. Field Trip Co-Op

MATERIAL TO COLLECT: Colored agate & jasper nodules, crystal filled geodes, botryoidal psilomelane, fire agate, chalcedony nodules & roses, zeolite, crystal filled amygdules, calcite rhombs, marine fossils, petrified wood and much more.

LEADERS: Lew Helfrich and Bob Fitzpatrick.
Please notify us by 11/15/07, if you plan on attending. Feel free to email or call us if you have any questions or need more information:
Lew: Ph: 661-323-2663 E-mail: lewsrocks@bak.rr,com
Bob: Ph: 951) 845-3051 Email: RURocky2@aol.com

PROPOSED SCHEUDLE: Please, I need some knowledgeable Rockhound people of this area to step forward and give me a hand at leading folks to the collecting areas, call me if you are planning on helping out. All trips will leave at 8:00 a.m. SHARP from the campgrounds. We will assemble at 7:45 for details and instructions for each day's trip.

Each day we will break up into smaller groups where each group will be going to different collecting areas; this way everyone will be able to collect at all collecting sites. Be sure to carry your lunch and water when we go to the collecting sites, we will not come back to camp during the day. Some of the collecting will be to the geode beds for geodes, pebble terrace for marine fossils & agates, chalcedony hill for roses, Palo Verde rock shop, Arizona side of river for Petrified wood, etc. Thanksgiving Day we will have a potluck dinner early in the afternoon. See General Information for more details.

DIRECTIONS TO CAMPSITE: Exit Interstate 10 at Wiley Well Rd., approximately 10 miles west of Blythe and 31 miles east of Desert Center. Follow Wiley Well Rd. south for 12.5 miles to campsite (on the west side of the road) at the Riverside/Imperial County line. Watch for the Club and C.F.M.S signs to the camping area.

VEHICLES: Roads to campgrounds and camping sites are typical desert roads and should be okay for most cars, trailers and motor homes, 4-wheel drive vehicles and pick-ups are recommended for the trips to the collecting sites.

CAMPGROUNDS & FACILITIES: This is a dry camping area, no water, no services, no hookups, no toilets. There is a dump station at the rest stop at the Wiley Well exit off I-10; however, there is no potable water. Blythe has a free dump station and good water 2-blocks south of I-10 at the Lovkin Ave. exit. Blythe is also good place to get food, supplies, ice and gasoline. It is approximately 25 miles from Blythe to the campsite. There are numerous good motels in Blythe with a wide range of rates. The closest town to the campsite is Palo Verde, approximately 16 miles through Coon Hollow and over the Mule Mtns. There is a convenience store (food, etc.), gasoline, a couple of restaurants and rock shop in Palo Verde, the road is okay for 4-wheel drive vehicles but not 2-wheel drive vehicle.

TOOLS: Collecting bags and boxes, digging tools, rock hammer, eye gear, spray water bottle, etc.

SAFETY CONCERNS: Do not lick the rocks, use sun screen, when needed, stay away from rattlesnakes, use bug spray, be aware of flash floods, be extra careful, team up with a buddy and don't get lost.

CLIMATE & WEATHER: We are planning on nice weather—sunny days; cool, clear, star filled nights. But remember it can rain this time of year so be prepared and plan ahead.

CLOTHING - Appropriate for this time of year.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Come and join us for the day or camp out with us. Bring food, lots of water, cell-phone, walkie-talkies, GPS, first aide kit, camera, flashlight, camp chair and lots of firewood for the camp-fires at night. Don't forget, we are having a potluck on Thanksgiving Day, so bring 2 dishes to share and your own place setting. We also need a few people to bring turkeys, please. We were a little short on turkey the last few years so if you are planning on bringing turkey or need to know what to bring, please call Emma Rose at 951-288-6182. She has volunteered to be our Thanksgiving Dinner coordinator for this great outing, thanks Emma. Each night after dark we will have a campfire where we can all join together and have a good time roasting marshmallows, telling jokes or just talking about the good ole times. I should be arriving at the campsite approx 11:00 a.m. on Wed., the 21st; Al & Emma (OBMA Club) will arrive on Mon. the 19th for all you early birds and will be staying until the 26th.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE FOR A GREAT FIELDTRIP AND LOTS OF FUN

Lewis M. Helfrich
President San Joaquin Valley Lapidary Society
(661)323-2663

---

The 2008 CFMS Bulletin Contest

By Name, Terry Yoschak, Bulletin Aids Chair

For Bulletin Editors who are interested in entering this year's Bulletin Contest, please read the following information carefully.

Only bulletins published from January 2007 to December 2007 will be considered for this contest.

The contest is open to all Editors in the CFMS. There are several different bulletin categories in which to enter. In determining the size of your bulletin, please note that cover pages do not count as pages! Also, please remember that you must send in FOUR bulletin copies, two each of two separate issues, in order for your entry to be complete.

Editors should also submit appropriate articles (which have been published in 2007 bulletins) from individual club members. There are several categories: Adult articles, Junior articles, Adult Advanced articles, Poems, etc.

The rules and entry forms will be published in the CFMS newsletter and will be on the CFMS website (cfmsinc.org) under "Forms." Since our normal deadline of December 9 falls on a Sunday this year, the postmark deadline for all entries has been extended. Deadline for all entries is December 10, 2007. (No exceptions.)

Entries should be sent to the 2008 Bulletin Aids Chair, Doug Arnold - his address is on the entry forms. Meanwhile, if you have any questions about entering or about filling out the forms, feel free to contact me.

Terry Yoschak (2007 Bulletin Aids Chair),
916-624-2956

The winners of the contest will be announced at the 2008 CFMS Federation Show, June 27-29, in Ventura, CA.

---