The server for the CFMS web site failed on Monday, February 2. It was repaired the very next day. However, the “repaired” site came up a mess! In some instances, data had totally disappeared; in other instances, data showed up from 2007. That was because the host provider did not have proper backup. (Let this be a warning and wake-up call to all clubs that host web sites!)
Because I had the site on my computer and backed up on an external hard drive, I was able to reinstall the site. It has taken over 12 hours a day for 3 days to reinstall, and there are still changes to be made.
Also, it’s two months into the new year, and I noticed on review of the site that the Internet Committee has not received info on/from new committees as follows: (1) Slide & Video and (2) Demonstrators Directory. Clubs depend on these to provide programs for their members.
I ask everyone’s help in ensuring that the newly repaired web site has correct information. Please go to the site (www.cfmsinc.org), and look over any information relevant to your office or committee and/or to your local society. When you find material that needs to be changed, please e-mail the changes to my attention: donogden@aol.com.
- Don & Jim
By Phyllis George
The AFMS Webmaster Contest exists to help webmasters enhance club web sites in an effort to increase interest of the general public in the gem and mineral hobby, to gain new members, and to serve as a source of current club info for members. Through this contest, judges assigned to the 7 regional federations (Mike Baldwin, Stephen Douglas, Dan Imel, Wes Lingerfeldt, Al Pennington, Win Robertson, Don Shurtz) are serving as mentors for clubs by giving webmasters encouragement and friendly constructive criticism on what they are doing right and where they might improve.
The Webmaster Contest also has its own logo! Ron Gibbs, editor / webmaster for the Charlotte Gem & Mineral Club, NC, is also a graphic artist extraordinaire. Ron donated time and expertise to design and develop our logo. Thank you to AFMS webmaster Marty Hart for steering me to Ron and his skill.
I’ve received e-mails telling me judging info and guidelines published for the contest have already helped some of the webmasters who want to improve their sites. Dan Alfrey, webmaster of Lake George Gem & Mineral Club, CO, wrote: “We've had a lot of fun with our site. This contest truly has motivated our club to update our site and make sure everything is fully functional! We sincerely appreciate the guidelines and scoring references in order to help make the site more informative and complete!”
Bob Loeffler, webmaster of North Jeffco Gem & Mineral Club, CO, wrote: “I think this contest is a great idea because it might help push clubs to create a web site (if they haven't already done so) or keep existing web sites updated with fun and relevant info to help educate the public.”
All entries submitted to this brand new contest from regional federations are now in the hands of their assigned judges. Two judges are assigned to each region, but none of the judges is from the regions they are judging. Each contestant’s combined scores from the two judges will be averaged to determine his or her final placement in their region.
Please note that no trophies will be awarded at the regional level. The original plan was to award a trophy to the 1st place winner in each regional federation. I’ve learned the regional federations have not had an opportunity to vote on whether they support the Webmaster Contest, so no regional 1st place plaques can be awarded this year. However, we will be awarding certificates for each of the Top Ten places and for Honorable Mention. I apologize to everyone who is disappointed about this, but the contest will be running for at least 2 more years, so maybe the policy can be changed.
So there will not be a plaque awarded to the 1st place regional federation winners, but I think they will receive something far better than a plaque. The 1st place winners will each have their entries forwarded to Bob Keller, the man who is judging at the AFMS level.
Bob is the first rockhound webmaster to have a presence on the World Wide Web. Bob put the first rock shop up on the Internet in March 1995, calling it
Bob’s Rock Shop. It began as a home page with eight or so images of rocks from his own collection. Still called Bob’s Rock Shop and still at www.rockhounds.com, it is now far more than that.
Bob will give the regional 1st place winners the benefit of his wisdom, his extensive web experience, and his knowledge of what works and what doesn’t. He will analyze each of the sites forwarded to him, and he will give useful feedback on what is being done well and how each site can be improved. Thank you, Bob, for agreeing to participate in our contest, for giving our 1st place regional winners the benefit of your hard-won wisdom as the world’s premier rockhound webmaster, and for helping us achieve our goal of having rock and gem club web sites that are as good as they can be.
All contestants at the AFMS level will receive a certificate signifying their rank, and the 1st place winner will also receive an AFMS plaque.
The results of the regional Webmaster Contests will be announced at the annual meetings of the regional federations during their Bulletin Editors’ Breakfast. The results of the AFMS Webmaster Contest will be announced at the NFMS/AFMS joint Show & Convention in Billings, Montana on August 1 during the Bulletin Editors’ Breakfast.
- Phyllis
By Jim Brace-Thompson
Exhibiting is fun! It lets us share what we’ve found, bought, or made. When displaying at a gem show, we not only get to “show off” our own collections and handiwork but also to learn from others, getting advice, sharing tips, and forging bonds of friendship through mutual interests.
You should encourage the kids in your club—either individually or as a group—to gather together the best of their rock, mineral, or fossil collections or their lapidary artwork and enter them into our upcoming statewide show in San Jose, as well as in your own local club shows. In addition to the adventure that participating in the CFMS Show will provide kids, if they enter competitive displays, they may win prizes! And whether entering within competitive or noncompetitive categories, they’ll be able to receive a “Showmanship Badge” from the AFMS Future Rockhounds of America Badge Program. (Call me for details on that: 805-659-3577.)
The deadline for submitting applications for CFMS Show exhibits is March 25, so there’s still time, but only if you hurry! Go to the CFMS web site and click on “CFMS Show – San Jose 2009” to access and download the entry forms. Then get together with your club’s kids, fill in the forms, and send them off (addresses are listed right on the forms). I can guarantee the kids will find that it’s rewarding—and fun!
- Jim
By John Martin, AFMS Conservation & Legislation Committee
Omnibus Lands Bill Moving Forward
The 1,200-page Omnibus Federal Land Management Act of 2009 (S22), encompassing over 150 bills in one mammoth package, passed the U.S. Senate on January 15. As of this writing, it is before the U.S. House of Representatives, scheduled for a vote the week of February 9-13. By the time this article appears, it may well be too late, but one way to contact your local representative on this and future issues to let your views be known is via: www.house.gov/house/MemStateSearch.shtml#wi.
Northern California Lands
The Sacramento Bee (1/27/09) reported the following regarding a proposal that includes public lands managed by BLM's Ukiah Field Office: Environmentalists Push for Massive North-State Conservation Area. "[A] Woodland-based environmental nonprofit organization working to establish a National Conservation Area - the third in California - encompassing nearly half a million acres in six counties." www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1575533.html
Apply to Serve on RRAC
Finally, here is a chance to make a difference by getting involved in public lands access issues: apply for a position on the Recreation Resource Advisory Committee. The following is a BLM-California news release from 2/4/09. Opportunity to Work in Partnership with Public Land Agencies Still Available. "The deadline for submitting applications for the Pacific Southwest California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) has been extended to March 6, 2009. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are seeking applications for the following three positions on the 11 member RRAC: winter motorized recreation such as snowmobiling; hunting and fishing; and motorized outfitting and guiding or local environmental groups. The term for these positions will begin July 2009 when the current two year term appointments expire. The RRAC provides recommendations on recreation fees for federal lands within the state of California. This includes implementing or eliminating fees for BLM and Forest Service recreation sites and services, expanding or limiting the recreation fee program, and fee level changes…If interested in submitting a nomination for Recreation RAC membership, obtain a nomination packet by going online at www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/rrac or contact Frances Enkoji at the Forest Service (707) 562-8846, e-mail R5rrac@fs.fed.us; or Mike Ayers, 916-978-4644, Michael_Ayers@ca.blm.gov."
-John
By Susan Chaisson-Walblom
Show flyers are a valuable form of publicity! Plus, as publicity items go, they’re cheap and easy to make. Just be sure your flyers are eye-catching and informative, with the show’s location, dates, hours, and a list your special attractions (displays, demonstrations, kids activities, field trips, speakers, etc.).
Other great places for your show flyers include local libraries, community centers, senior centers, park offices, Girl Scout and Boy Scout meetings (as well as the Scout office and store where they sell their badges, uniforms, and such), private schools, pre-schools and public schools, if they allow it.
Finally, a lot of restaurants and stores will allow you to place larger flyers in their windows a week or two before the event. Just ask, and you will find new avenues for advertising.
Please let me know if you have any advertising ideas, you would like to share.
- Susan
By Kathlyn Duncan
Hello, my name is Kathlyn Duncan. I will be handling the CFMS Library for your program requests. I am excited about reviewing all of the programs and adding new ones this year!
I would like to start by challenging all clubs and individuals to consider donating a great DVD to the CFMS Library. When you are out and about exploring new areas of interest and come across an educational DVD on rocks, minerals, fossils, or lapidary arts, it would be fantastic to add to our collection in your name. If funds are a problem, please consider making a PowerPoint presentation or a VHS of one of your rockhounding vacations. Our DVD selection is currently limited, and most clubs are updating to DVD/computer equipment.
I picked up a great DVD that I would like to Donate to the CFMS Library. The DVD is called“Chasing the Rainbow: Adventures of the Desert Prospectors.” It’s based on the last great gold rush in America, using rare old film footage, beautiful color film, and interviews with those who knew the prospectors. This documentary would be a great addition to a gold presentation or a program on the Nevada and California desert. Use DVD-36 to order.
Another great VHS is “Introduction to Intarsia” This VHS will help you understand the basic process of using stones/glass in intarsia and how to cut and fit to intricate designs. Please use V-46 to order. (If you’re unfamiliar with intarsia, see Shirley Leeson’s article in this issue of the newsletter.)
Please send your request 30 days in advance of your program to insure delivery on time. If I do not reply to your email within a day or so, please telephone, (530) 327-7927. Sometimes my email security setting will not allow certain emails to come through. If I’m not in, you may leave a message. I check messages throughout the day. If I leave town, my messages are forwarded to my cell phone. I will try to respond within 24 hours to your request.
Please forward any comments or suggestions to:
CFMS Library,
3586 Andover, Magalia, CA 95954,
or phone (530) 327-7927
- Kathlyn
By Dee Holland
This month I will attend two shows in Southern California. The purpose will be to evaluate club exhibits and to help those club members who wish to upgrade their exhibits to conform to AFMS Rules. I will speak on Sunday afternoon before taking those interested members out on the floor to evaluate their individual cases.
Many of you have said, “I don’t understand the AFMS Rules Book.” “The Rules Book is too hard.” “Can’t we cut the rules down and make them easier?” All of these questions are valid, but how do we do it? Do you know why the Rules Book is so large and continues to grow?
Here’s one answer….It grows because we add more categories to be judged. As you may know, we’ve just added a beading section. This was years in the making. Everyone wanted to have it done, but no one would take the time and sit down to do it. Phyllis George of the Houston Gem & Mineral Society of South Central Federation asked her beaders to come up with workable judging criteria. From there, I asked Cheri George of our own CFMS to take what had been written and add to it. From there, I took her final draft and made it into “Rules-speak.” It was reviewed by all and forwarded to the AFMS Uniform Rules Committee. But because of the cancellation of the AFMS meeting in Houston, it wasn’t able to be put in the Rules Book for 2009. Because I felt we should at least have judging done in 2009, a special request was forwarded to the CFMS Executive Committee and the Directors to allow the beading section to be used by the CFMS in 2009. We wanted to see if there was interest and how the judging went. In that way, at the AFMS Uniform Rules Meeting in Billings, MT, we can finally approve the beading section.
Getting back to why there is a misconception of the Rules Book, I will attempt to answer this at the meeting. When you break down the book and only look at that section in which you are interested, it doesn’t look so daunting.
We will be at the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society show (Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, CA) Sunday, March 8, 1:00 PM for a pre-meeting before we go out on the floor to evaluate exhibit cases.
Our second meeting will be at the South Bay Lapidary & Mineral Society show (Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance CA) Sunday, March 29, 1:00 PM for a pre-meeting before we go out on the floor to evaluate exhibit cases.
I would like all clubs to have a copy of the current 2009 AFMS Rules Book. Download sections you wish to review from the AFMS web site, www.amfed.org. Or purchase a copy from Pat LaRue.
Don’t forget: the CFMS will host the CFMS/AFMS show in 2010. We want a good showing in COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS. Let’s make this a priority and show the other regional federations we still know how to compete!
- Dee
By Frank Mullaney, 2009 Show Chair
In last month’s newsletter, I passed along a form for anyone wishing to sign up for camping at the 2009 CFMS Show. Unfortunately, that form contained incorrect info. Specifically, the camping fee is $25 per night, not $20. We will post a corrected camping application to the web sites of the CFMS (www.cfmsinc.org) and the Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society (www.scvgms.org). I apologize for the error.
Both web sites hold additional applications, forms, and information about the upcoming 2009 CFMS Show that takes place April 17-19 in San Jose. If, as a Federation Director, you did not pick up a show packet in Visalia to share with members of your local club, I urge you to download and share the forms and info from the web sites. April is just around the corner and the show is coming sooner than you think, so now is the time to start getting your ducks lined up in a row.
Among the forms you should share with members of your local societies are the exhibitor applications. Exhibiting is fun! So join the fun by entering either a competitive or noncompetitive display. To join that fun, though, you need to get applications in by Mar. 25. Dean Welder (Wdeanwelder@yahoo.com) is overseeing non-competitive exhibits, and Marion Roberts (mvroberts@bigvalley.net) is overseeing competitive exhibits. If you wish to enter competition but are uncertain about the correct class or group you should enter or need clarification of the rules, contact Dee Holland (beauholland@centurytel.net).
Also, calling all CFMS elected officers and past-presidents! As at our last show in Ventura, we will have an “Officer’s Row” in the exhibit hall. So all officers and any past-presidents who will be coming to the show, please send in a non-competitive exhibitor application form or contact:
Frank Mullaney (rockyfiv@aol.com)
or Dean Welder (Wdeanwelder@yahoo.com)
and let us know what you’ll enter for Officer’s Row.
See you next month in San Jose!
- Frank
By Pat LaRue
As advertised in the Calendar section of the newsletter since our January issue,
it’s now time to prepare your Officer and Committee Reports for the upcoming
2009 CFMS Show and Convention. These reports are important
n order to keep all Directors and local clubs informed of the activities
of your committee, any special announcements or deadlines, etc.
please get them to me:
Pat LaRue,
P.O. Box 1657, Rialto, CA 92377-1657
bplarue@earthlink.net
not later than March 31.
If unable to meet this deadline, please bring 100 copies of your report for distribution at the registration table for the Director’s Meeting. Registration will start at 8:00 AM, and the meeting will start at 9:00 AM, Saturday, April 18.
- Pat
