CO-OP Field Trip, Prineville OR. For Petrified Wood

Vol. 65, No.8 - August 2014
The Mother Lode Mineral Society of California
Modesto, CA
We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
Established 1936
CO-OP Field Trip, Prineville OR.
For Petrified Wood
Left: Field trip participant
collected a nice slice of
petrified wood.
Middle: Nice specimen with yellows,
purples and brown. Check out the
bucket as well.
Right: Digging out a petrified
stump is hard work.
July 29-Board Meeting
7:00 PM at Ridgeways Restaurant,
2401 E. Orangeburg Ave.,
Modesto (209) 576-1587
August 3 – General Meeting 2:30
Junior Meeting 12:45
August 23-24: Gold and Outdoor
Festival at the Mother Lode
Fairgrounds in Sonora.
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
2
MOTHER LODE MINERAL SOCIETY
P. O. Box 1263, Modesto, CA 95353 * www.motherlodemineralsociety.com
Member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies and The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies
MISSION STATEMENT: To expose and educate the general public to the joys of the earth sciences and lapidary arts, by providing quality instructions on state
of the art equipment. Regularly scheduled field trips are coordinated for the purposes of education and material collecting, informative and instructive monthly
general membership meetings, production of an annual Mother Lode Mineral Society show, promoting the mission of the society.
Yearly dues are $15.00
Per Person / Juniors are Free / Visitors are welcome.
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY- Executive Board
PRESIDENT
Bob Rush
209-772-9118
rocksbob@sbcglobal.net
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
FIELD TRIP CHAIRMAN
PROPERTY MANAGER
Mike Gibson
Doris Buus
Jerry Pettes
Kevin Kirschman
John Piazza
209-549-7672
209-521-2758
209-383-5244
209-769-1502
209-985-9118
mgibson_76@hotmail.com
ndbuus@aol.com
pondmn@aol.com
kkirschman@prodigy.net
jnlpiazza@charter.net
HOUSE DIRECTOR
SCHOLARSHIP SEC.
MEMBERSHIP SEC.
FEDERATION DIR.
EDITOR
POSTAL DIRECTOR
Pat Rush
Chris Whittier
Ernie Feddersen
Terry McMillin
Becky Ray
Helga Feddersen
209-772-9118
209-524-1973
209-723-6968
209-524-3494
209-485-1112
209-723-6968
rocksbob@sbcglobal.net
chrisw@phenixinc.com
mehelga@pacbell.net
terry.mcmillin@yahoo.com
bray3709@gmail.com
mehelga@aol.com
SHOW DIRECTORS
WEBMASTER
HISTORIAN
Bud & Terry
McMillin
Sherri Potts
Candy Wiegand
209-524-3494
209-484-4416 cell
209-272-2881
209-416-0061
Bud.mcmillinb7yj@statefarm.com
terry.mcmillin@yahoo.com
potts_s@sbcglobal.net
SUNSHINE
Sherri Potts
209-272-2881
potts_s@sbcglobal.net
COMMUNITY SERVICE
JR ROCKHOUNDS
Terry McMillin
Angela Mendoza
209-524-3494
209-312-3812
terry.mcmillin@yahoo.com
misseyangela@aol.com
APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS
candywieg@yahoo.com
VOTING BOARD MEMBERS: LAST three PRESIDENTS: Mike Whittier, Bud McMillin and Joe Smink.
Regular meetings are held on the 1st Sunday of the month, 2:30 p.m. at the Empire Community Center.
Changes in meeting dates or places will be noted in the Ghost Sheet or website.
www.motherlodemineralsociety.com
From North of Modesto: Go south on Hwy. 99 to Modesto; take the Maze Blvd/Hwy 132 exit; turn left (east) to 9th St., turn right (south) on
9th to “D” St.; turn left and follow it to Hwy 132 (Yosemite Blvd.; go 5 miles to Empire, cross R.R. track, cross 2 signal lights; go 2 blocks
farther to I St.; turn left at Assembly of God church; go 2 blocks to the Center.
From Oakdale: Take Albers/Geer Rd. to Hwy. 132; turn right, to I St.; etc...
From Turlock: Take Geer/Albers Rd. to Hwy. 132; turn left to I St.; etc... From Ceres: Take Mitchell Rd. to Hwy. 132; turn right, etc...
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Kevin has been doing a fantastic job of arranging and participating in field trips this year.
Currently he is in Nevada at Crystal Peak looking for Quartz crystals (I think). From reports of members
who met him in Oregon at the Prineville POW WOW, he has led them to many wonderful places for fun
and digging. However, these trips have been a rather long distance away quite a few members were able
to enjoy in the fun.
Camp Paradise is coming up in a few weeks and the Board has decided to sponsor a scholarship
for one week at the event. The first week at Camp Paradise has already been booked up so the
scholarship is for the second week, August 31 through September 5. The scholarship is only for those
who have never been to the classes and must be used by the recipient. It cannot be sold, bartered or
given to another person. I have copies of the application so contact me for one. The drawing will be held
at the August 3 general meeting. A position has been reserved in the event that if the class fills we still
have an opening for the scholarship winner.
I am looking forward to going to the event for the first time, though not as a student but to teach
lapidary. Depending on the student's experience I will be teaching beginning lapidary and some
advanced techniques such as making doublets and triplets, small marble sized spheres and polishing
geode halves and slabs. I will be bringing my two Genies, an 8" belt sander and one of my carpet covered
polishing wheels. I have just finished building the last two machines for the class. I will also be doing
some programs on the Agate/Jasper Index, stone tools, and rock gripping and such. I am expecting to
have a lot of fun teaching- one of my favorite activities - and on meeting new people, some old friends
and other rock enthusiasts.
Even though the summer is full swing, please be careful on your rock hounding adventures so
you come back fully armed with many rocks (pun intended).
Have a safe summer and go on many field trips! I want to hear your stories about your travels!
The Current List of Goals for 2014
1. Establish some guidelines to make the General Meetings more fun for all of us.
2. Get more involved with the field trip planning, execution, participation, etc.
3. Get the Long Range Planning Committee back into active work on what the society
more successful in the future.
4. Get the Policies and Procedures document developed, approved and implemented.
Bob
needs to be
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
4
August 2014
Sun.
Mon.
Leo
7/22-8/23
Virgo
8/24-9/23
3
Gen Mtg 2:30
Jr. Mtg 12:45
10
Tues.
Family Fun
and
Peach Month
Wed.
July 29
Thur.
Executive
Board Mtg
7PM
Mineral of the
Month
Peridot
5
6
7
8
14
15
4
U.S. Coast
Guard Day
1
11
12
13
18
19
National
Creamsicle
Day
24
25
26
National Dog
Day
Jewelry and Metal Craft
Spring 2014 Classes
May 5 – August 14, 2014 $99 + $11 fee
(14 sessions) - No classes on May 26 & July 3, ‘14
A - Thursday 1:15pm to 4:45pm
B - Thursday 6:30 to 10:00pm
C - Monday 1:15pm to 4:45pm
D - Monday 6:30pm to 10:00pm
National
Radio
Day
20
27
Panama
Canal Opens
1914
21
1959
Hawaii
becomes the
50th State
28
2
Nipomo
Show
1-3
Wiggle Your
Toes Day
17
31
Sat.
Birthstone
Peridot
Flower of the
Month
Larkspur
Middle Childs’
Day
National
Thrift
Shop Day
Fri.
22
29
1964
Mary Poppins
is released
9
Walnut
Grove
9-10
16
Tehachapi
16-17
23
Gold &
Outdoor
Festival
23-24
30
Toasted
Marshmallow
Day
Lapidary Classes
Spring 2014 Classes
May 7 – August 6, 2014 $99 + $11 fee
(14 sessions)
A - Wednesday 1:30pm to 5:00pm
B - Wednesday 6:30pm to 10:00pm
CLUB VESTS & NAME BADGES: If you would like to purchase a club
vest, name badge, vests are $15 for youth sizes, $25 for Adults and
Name badges are $5. Contact Doris Buus.
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
5
Rock, Mineral and Gem Shows
August 1 - 3: NIPOMO, CA
Orcutt Mineral Society, Santa Maria
Nipomo High School
525 North Thompson Avenue
Hours: Fri/Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
Contact: Wes Lingerfelt, (805) 929-3788, Cell (805)
710-1983
Email: info@omsinc.org
Website: www.omsinc.org
August 9-10: Walnut Grove, CA
Show and Sale; Pacific Crystal Guild
Civic Park Community Center 1371 Civic Dr.
Hours: Sat. 10-6 and Sun. 10-4
Adults $8 and kids under are free.
Contact: Jerry Tomlinson (415) 383-7837
e-mail: jerry@crystalfaire.com
Website: www.crystalfaire.com
August 16-17: TEHACHAPI, CA
Tehachapi Valley Gem & Mineral Society
St. Malachi’s Catholic Church,
407 West E Street
Hours: Sat 10 - 6; Sun 10 - 5
Website: www.tvgms.org
August 23-24: Sonora, CA
Gold and Outdoor Festival
Mother Lode Fairgrounds
220 Southgate Dr., Sonora
Hours: Sat. 10-6 and Sun. 10-4
Contact: 209-863-8066
Website: www.deltagolddiggers.com
Sunshine
Please keep Minnie Elam in your thoughts and prayers as she has been in and out of the hospital
recently. She especially needs her health and strength so she can hold her brand new Greatgreat-grandbaby. Get well soon Minnie.
CONGRATULATIONS to Heather Elam on the birth of her child!
Joe Smink will be moving to an assisted living facility soon. He more than likely will not be able to
do much with the club; however, he would love to continue to get correspondence. His new mailing
is address to 1414 Lorainne Ave., Modesto, CA 95350.
Congratulations to Andrew Mendoza for being honored by the City of Ceres for volunteering at
youth camps and at the concerts in the park. MLMS is proud of you!
Congratulations to Robert Eltringham. His Blood Eagle Mead won second place and his Old
Babylon Mead won first place at the Stanislaus County Fair competition. Way to go, Robert!
Please keep Phyllis Kyle in your thoughts and prayers. She fell and broke her ankle and had to
undergo surgery. She is in good spirits and thankful she did it to her left foot so she can still drive!
We are wishing you a speedy recovery.
For the rest of our membership, stay safe, cool hydrated and healthy as it is getting hot and humid
in the Valley.
Best wishes to all!
Sherri Potts
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
6
CO-OP MEMBER & OTHER FIELD TRIPS FOR 2014
•
Contact your club’s field trip leader for further information and revisions. CO-OP website also has
information: www.ourfieldtrips.org (Password is needed.)
•
These trips are open to all rockhounds who agree to abide by the AFMS Code of Ethics, the directions of the
field trip leader and practice safe rockhounding.
•
Call the field trip leader beforehand to sign up and for further information.
•
Remember to wear your name badge and sign in with the field trip leader.
•
A Consent and Assumption of Risk Waiver of Liability form must be signed upon arrival at meeting site,
August 29-30 (Fossils for Fun Society) DICALITE QUARRY, Burney, Ca. Fossil Concretions, Diatoms, Petrified Wood,
Vivianite spheres Dan Brown (530) 335-3131.
October 17-19 (CFMS-CGMS) Jade Cove for jade. Contact Robert Sankovich 805-494-7734 email
rmsorca@roadrunner.com or Adam Dean 909-489-4899 email theagatehunter@verison.net.
From the CO-OP Secretary-Misty Watson
Here is your chance to make the Rockhound voice louder and help preserve your collecting sites. The
Rockhound voice is being heard in Southern California and now our voice needs to be heard up north.
BLM Extends Nomination Deadline for Northern Calif. Advisory Council
(BLM News Release) The BLM has extended the nomination deadline for membership on the Northern
California Advisory Council, a citizen group that advises the agency on management of public lands. There are
15 vacancies for terms of one, two and three years. http://ow.ly/xlX8Q
Please pass this along to Clubs, Societies, and other Rockhounds whom may be interested in raising the level
of the Rockhound voice. Go to the BLM website above for more information.
Thank you for your time and effort.
American Lands Access Association and CFMS PLAC
Federation Report
Camp Paradise is filling quickly
It is almost time for Camp Paradise. If you have not already sent in your application, you need to do so very soon. As
of the date of my report, there were approximately 15 spaces available for the second week of Camp Paradise only.
The first week is completely full. Applications are available on the CFMS website http://www.cfmsinc.org. MLMS
President Bob Rush will be one of the instructors during the second week. Happy Camping to everyone!
Terry McMillin, MLMS Federation Director
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
7
HOW TO CUT OBSIDIAN
Gold Sheen: To get the most out of mahogany gold sheen obsidian,
examine the stone to identify the banding and saw with the bands, as if
they were a stack of plates that you want to unstack. Watch for
“Fire Spots” in gold sheen. It is not plentiful but opal-like colors do
sometimes occur in mahogany gold sheen.
Cc: mexico-obsidienne.com
Iridescent: There are two types of iridescent obsidian. In cutting both correctly, the orientation
of the color is most important. One type is banded and the color lies
in the bands. The other type is unbanded and the surface has to be chipped
to find the color. Additionally, the banded type will have several colors or
shades, while the unbanded will have only one. Cut the banded type
parallel to the bands to get the effect. To get rainbow effect, cut the stone
at an approximately 15-degree angle across the bands.
Cc: www.pinterest.com
Midnight Lace: Lace pattern obsidian should be cut across the
pattern that you desire to show.
Cc: midnight-lace-obsidian.com
Rainbow: Cut parallel to the flow layers. These can be seen
by examining fractured surfaces using an overhead lamp bulb.
They are not always straight; it may be necessary to turn the
stone slightly in the saw. Examine each slab set with either
water or oil to see if the correct angle has been obtained.
This article is continued on page 9.
Cc: indi-minerals.com
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
8
Field Trip News
Oregon is a Rockhound’s dream come true. Time is always short, however. So far, I've collected thunder eggs
(twice) at Lucky Strike Mine. Thunder eggs at the newly re-opened Friend's Ranch, under the operation of Lauren
Friend and his wife since Daryl Friend passed away. Petrified/agatized wood at Little Bear Creek, agatized limb
casts at Congleton Hollow and Dendrite Butte area (the "Paulina" commonly named areas). I also collected
Ochoco tube agate, near Prineville, obsidian at Glass Buttes, and sunstones at the Dust Devil Mine, near Plush.
As of this writing, we still have two days here at Lakeview to do sunstone collecting. I would love to do Hart Mtn
for a beautiful, and exceedingly rare, porcelain jasper and green moss agate. Maybe I'll wait until I'm in better
shape and it's cooler as the hunting is in the 7,000 to 9,000 foot elevations, way above the valley floor, and no
roads to speak of. It is in the Antelope Preserve and very beautiful country, high dessert, sagebrush, large shallow
lakes...
We head to Peterson Mtn, Hallelujah Jct, on the CA/NV borderline, for quartz xls in a couple days, and I am
expecting a few folks to join me, there. I will be in the Bordertown RV Park and leaving the 26th. Reno and
vicinity is pretty much booked solid due to their famous Hot August Nights even that has something to do with
fancy cars, fast women, and fast living, either one, or all of those, I'm not too sure.
I will bring samples of what I have collected to the meeting in hopes of drumming up interest in even more of
you folks to come join me next summer, luck holding, up here in Oregon. We did not get all of the rocks, this
time, so have to come back for seconds.
Kevin
Snack List
Christine Bacon*
Kevin Kirshman
Leslie Newman & Family
Doris Buus & Family*
Nancy Lewis
Jerry Pettes & Family
Sharon Golightly
Ed Newburg
Becky Ray*
Bob Rush & Family
Chris Whittier & Family
*Kitchen helpers
August Birthdays
5- Fredene Bradley
16-Victoria Trott
28-Hopkins Fitzpatrick
7- James Pemberton
17-Art Barabas, Ph. D.
29-JakeBiewer
9- Richard Watkins
19-James Bonetti
30-Liam Greenlee*
10-Kevin Kirshman
23-Linda Griffin
31-Caleb Snarr*
15-Nancy Lewis
26-Sue Norris
31-Christal Ingram
15-Wayne Greenwood
27-Lynette Gales
31-Brian Rush*
*Jr. Members
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
9
Continued from page 9.
Grinding and polishing obsidian: Approach your grinding wheel with the material at a slight
horizontal angle. If brought straight in, it may be a “shattering” experience as obsidian fractures
conchoidally, and this is a sure way to do it. Though obsidian is comparatively soft, it is still very
important to sand away all scratches before going to polish. Some people advise that wet sanding
should be done, since obsidian is heat sensitive and very brittle. For the final polish, felt with
cerium oxide is the choice. Keep the polishing wheel wet. A dry polish will result in blisters and
scratches. After the obsidian is sawed, be sure to bevel the edge on your fine grinding wheel to
keep it from flaking and chipping. Should you be faceting some particularly gemmy obsidian, try
cerium on Lucite-but keep it wet.
Safety: Wear goggles at all times. A small chip of obsidian can be close to transparent and if it
got into your eye, it could be very hard to seen even with a powerful magnifying glass. The sharp
edges of the chip may cut and damage the surface of your eye before you can get it removed.
From The Rockhounder, Whittier Gem and Mineral Society, July 2014, via Chips & Splinters, June 2014, via Emerald Gems
and via Quarry Quips, May 2004.
Here are some terrific pictures that
Norm and Doris Buus are sharing
from a recent vacation in Colorado.
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
10
MLMS Member Information
MLMS Meeting/Activity Schedule
Executive Board Meeting: July 29 at 7:00 PM at
Ridgeway’s Restaurant in Modesto.
General Meeting: August 3 at 2:30 PM
Adult Program: Wire Wrapping
Junior Meeting: August 3 at 12:45 PM
Junior Program: Wire Wrapping
MLMS Webpage
Check out our website for information about CO-OP
field trips and other activities.
www.motherlodemineralsociety.com.
Check out the links section for information about the
CFMS, AMFS, and many other links to websites that
offer information about Geology, Lapidary and
making jewelry.
Information on Jewelry and Lapidary classes, please
check out www.mjc4life.com
Vice President’s Ramblings…
August: This month is all about fun...
vacations, relaxing, rockhounding, and working
MLMS will be participating in the Delta Gold
Diggers Gold and Outdoor Festival. We will have a
raffle and Wheel of Fortune. Proceeds from the
raffle will go toward a MLMS college scholarship
fund.
What: Gold and Outdoor Festival
Where: Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora 220
Southgate Dr., Sonora, CA
When: August 23 & 24
Time: Sat 10 - 6; Sun 10 - 4
Admission: Adults $5; 10 and under free with
paid adult.
We will have a Wheel of Fortune and a RAFFLE.
Prizes include a gold nugget pendant, Amethyst
cathedral, and? Tickets will be available at the
August 3 MLMS meeting.
Please contact Angela Mendoza to sign up to
work a shift in the MLMS booth at the Gold &
Outdoor Festival. Much help will be needed both days.
RV parking and camping reservations are available
through the Delta Gold Diggers at
www.deltagolddiggers.com
The Nominating Committee needs
members to volunteer for the
following offices for 2015.
on your rock & mineral related treasures and
projects. Consider looking into the field trips
listed in the Ghost Sheet and give Kevin a call
for details to go collecting. Have you ever
wondered what all the fuss is about over at
the MJC classes? Talk to Jean Hayes and
arrange to drop in on a class and check it out you may want to sign up after you see all the
Jerry Pettes representing the nominating
committee asks volunteers to serve on the
board.
There will be openings for President,
Vice President, Treasurer, and Postal
Director.
great things you can do there. Finally yet
importantly, come have some fun at the
August meeting and learn how to wire wrap
your treasures.
Enjoy your summer! Mike
Duties are stated in the bylaws. For more
information, contact Jerry Pettes.
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
11
General Meeting Minutes
MOTHER LODE MINERAL SOCIETY GENERAL MEETIN
July 6, 2014 at 2:30 PM, EMPIRE, CA.
GUESTS/MEMBERS PRESENT: David and Sue Norris live at Merced. They have done some lapidary. They were at the
last Gem and Mineral show and are hooked on rocks.
SECRETARY Doris Buus: Mail from Dessert Diggings and CFMS the two papers were kept by members of the board and
not returned. Cards were passed out for questions and answers about rocks for Rock Trivia. They were shared later in the
meeting. Motion was made to approve minutes as printed in the Ghost Sheet-Motion by Pat Rush and seconded by Terry
McMillin, then voted and passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT Jerry Pettes: Reports were made on the five accounts. The club gave seven scholarships. Jerry
representing the nominating committee asks volunteers to serve on the board. There will be openings for President, Vice
President, Treasurer, and Postal Director. Duties are stated in the bylaws. For more information, contact Jerry Pettes. Motion
was made to accept by Candy Wiegand and second by John Piazza, then it was voted on and passed.
VICE PRESIDENT Mike Gibson: Not here. He will inform us of a program when he is back from Mexico.
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Ernie Feddersen: There are 222 active members, 36 lifetime members, 1 honorary member,
26 juniors and 159 regular members.
SUNSHINE Sherri Potts: Not present. Becky Ray reported for her. Mini Elm has been in and out of the hospital. The good
news is that Heather Elam had a baby and Mini is a great grandmother.
FEDERATION DIRECTOR Terry McMillin: The American Federation meeting is going on in Oklahoma. The CFMS
newsletter is available. There are 18 spots left for camp Paradise August 31- September 5. The fee is $390.00 and that covers
room and board for the week. Bob Rush will be teaching lapidary there this year. MLMS will be offering a scholarship this
year for the week just stated. Four names will be drawn, if the first person cannot go, the second person will receive the
ticket, and on down the line. The ticket is nontransferable, not refundable for cash, and is for 2014. For more information,
call Bob Rush. The drawing will be at the August meeting.
SHOW CHAIRPERSONS Bud and Terry McMillin: Please contact Bud and Terry if you were a show chairperson in 2014
and you will not be able to be a chairperson in 2015.
HISTORIAN Candy Wiegand: Nothing new.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND JR’S PROGRAM Terry McMillin and Angela Mendoza: Angela is not here, but Terry said
she gave a program to 36 children at Kendall’s school. Terry gave two programs to 80-90 people and has three more
programs to go. August 23-24 the Delta Gold Diggers are having a show and outdoor event at the Mother Lode Fair Grounds
in Sonora. We have been asked to have a booth. Angela Mendoza will be in charge, but she needs help Sat. and Sunday.
Jerry Pettes has donated a Gold nugget for raffle and Bob Rush will solder a bail to make it into a pendent. Tickets will be
sold. Contact Angela Mendoza. The proceeds will be used for scholarship fund.
FIELD TRIP CHAIRPERSON Kevin Kirshman: Not here, he is on vacation in Oregon. The people who were with him at
Prineville gathered blue agate, thunder eggs and petrified wood. He will continue on another trip July 19 to Peterson
Mountain, Hallelujah Junction near Hwy. 395. Give him an Email if you would like to meet with him.
EDITOR AND WEBMASTER Becky Ray: Please get articles in by the July 12.
SCHOLARSHIP SECRETARY Chris Whittier: Seven scholarship checks were given out to very deserving students at MJC
and Stanislaus State College. Three of them will be at the September meeting and two will be joining the club. The
application is on line.
PROPERTY MANAGER John Piazza: The equipment at MJC is being serviced. John will be having a rock and lapidary
sale July 12-13 from 8-5 at 5234 Pradera Dr., Salida.
HOUSE DIRECTOR Pat Rush: If your name is one of the top two on the bring cookies list for the month, you will need to
help in the kitchen. We are looking for two volunteers for permanent kitchen help.
POSTAL DIRECTOR Helga Feddersen: not present.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Jean Hayes had a junior’s lapidary class with 11 students. They did beautiful work and some
will be back for the jewelry class.
NEW BUSINESS: Rocky Bingo was played intermittently with Rock Trivia for the meeting today. Prizes were beautiful
rock items.
MEETING ADJOURNED: Motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:10 PM was provided by Terry McMillin, seconded by
everyone, then voted on and passed. Doris Buus, Secretary, respectfully submit the minutes of The Mother Lode mineral
Society.
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
12
MLMS BOARD MEETING
MOTHER LODE MINERAL SOCIETY BOARD MEETING
July 1, 2014 7:00 PM, 2014 Held at Ridgeway’s Restaurant 2401 E. Orangeburg Ave. Modesto, CA.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Doris Buus, John Piazza, Bud and Terry McMillin, Jerry Pettes, Sherri Potts, Becky Ray, Bob and Pat Rush,
Mike and Chris Whittier, and Candy Wiegand.
GUESTS/MEMBERS PRESENT: Diane Pettes.
SECRETARY Doris Buus: Mail from Dessert Diggings and CFMS. There are two corrections of the last minutes. Bud and Terry
McMillin did not supply the meat, it was purchased by club funds, and it was done only because the paid show attendance was 5000 or
over. The complete attendance was 9415 people. Motion was made to approve as printed in the Ghost Sheet with these corrections by
Pat Rush and second by Candy Wiegand.
TREASURER’S REPORT Jerry Pettes: Reports were made on the five accounts and a hard copy provided for the records. The books
will go to bookkeeping for audit and taxes July 1. The lease on Paul’s Hall will be due August 31 and Jerry will meet with the owners to
secure another 18-month lease. A motion for approval was made by Bud McMillin and second by Pat Rush.
VICE PRESIDENT Mike Gibson: Not present. At this Sunday’s meeting, we will have Rocky Bingo and Rock Trivia.
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Ernie Feddersen: Not present. He sends Email info that there are 222 members and has one application at
home. Another application was passed at the table and will be given to Ernie.
SUNSHINE Sherri Potts: Bob Rush did a big FDGB-Fall Down and Go Boom-and has fractured ribs. He cannot lift anything and has a
miserable time sleeping.
FEDERATION DIRECTOR Terry McMillin: Nothing at this time.
SHOW CHAIRPERSONS Bud and Terry McMillin: It has been brought to our attention that the club will soon have a 50th
anniversary. We are working on some ideas for that 50th show 2017.
HISTORIAN Candy Wiegand: Nothing new.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND JR’S PROGRAM Terry McMillin: Terry had one program of 80 people at a library and there are two
more scheduled.
FIELD TRIP CHAIRPERSON Kevin Kirshman: Not present. Kevin sent an E-Mail stating he is in Oregon and would appreciate notice
if anyone is going there to join him so he can secure a camping space. There will be field trip for Sunstone July 7, in Plush, Oregon, and
another site for Quartz. Ernie collected 63 pounds of thunder eggs at Richardson’s Ranch in Madras, Oregon. During the last field trip,
Sherri Potts says petrified wood, moss agate and thunder eggs were found during the various field trips at the Prineville, Oregon show.
EDITOR AND WEBMASTER Becky Ray and Sherri Potts: Please get articles in by the 12th.
SCHOLARSHIP SECRETARY Chris Whittier: Seven scholarship checks were sent out. So far, three of the recipients will be at the
September meeting and will tell about their education and career path. One student will join the club. There is one more applicant for a
scholarship. Chris has given a press release to the Modesto Bee stating that we have given seven scholarships. The board decided to
grant a $750 and a $500 scholarship for 2015 as a beginning standard.
PROPERTY MANAGER John Piazza: John has ordered an 8” saw blade and belts will be ordered. He has a request for number stamps
and/or engraver so he can stamp and/or engrave on the equipment. John says he will be having a rock sale July 12-13, 8 to 5 at his place.
HOUSE DIRECTOR Pat Rush: September meeting is a Pot Luck- please remind the members to come help in the kitchen. Bob Rush
will be asking for volunteers at each meeting to help in the kitchen to set out the food and to clean up after. We need help folding
perimeter tables, sweeping the floor and taking out trash.
POSTAL DIRECTOR Helga Feddersen: Not present. Becky Ray said she substituted for Helga and sent out the newsletters.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Jean Hayes class for juniors is full.
NEW BUSINESS: Mike Gibson has updated the functional use of equipment and will soon print and laminate for posting in the
classroom. We have been offered a booth at the Delta Gold Diggers show at the Mother Lode Fair Grounds in Sonora on August 23-24.
We need someone in charge of a raffle and the wheel of fortune at that show. Jerry Pettis has offered a gold nugget for the raffle and Bob
Rush offered to solder on a ring for a leather cord. Please E-Mail Bob Rush your ideas for priorities for the goals of a long range planning
committee. They would include a contingency plan for Paul’s Hall and for a classroom. Also for various ways we can educate people
about rocks and geology in the future. The Policy and procedure committee will meet in September to make a printed version of all our
policies and procedures for use at meetings. Motion was made by Jerry Pettis to announce at the meeting that there will be a drawing at
the August 3 meeting for a scholarship to Camp Paradise August 31 –September 5. There will be four names drawn, if the first person
cannot go, the second will receive the ticket and on down the line. The $390.00 scholarship will be nontransferable and for this 2014.
For information, call Bob Rush. Bud McMillin says there is a Barranca diamond polisher in the classroom and wonders if it could be
checked out to members of the club. He says that George has one and uses it frequently on large boulders in his yard. George may be
able to give a demonstration.
MEETING ADJOURNED: at 8:45 PM., Candy Wiegand motioned to adjourn the meeting and everyone else provided the second. Then
it was voted on and passed. Doris Buus, Secretary, respectfully submit the minutes of The Mother Lode Mineral Society of California.
MLMS Ghost Sheet
August 2014
For Sale
13
For Sale!
Paragon SC 3 Digital Kiln
Lapidary Equipment
Used once-$ 450 or Best Offer.
John Piazza has an 18-inch saw, casting
Used once.
equipment, a lap station with a 10-inch saw
This kiln is used for ceramics, casting, jewelry
that could be made into an 8-inch saw and a lot
and fused glass.
rough rock and slabs for sale. Contact him and
If interested, please call George and Carol
make a deal!
Rasmussen at 209-723-2569 and leave a call
209-985-9118
back message.
email jnlpiazza@charter.net
Mother Lode Mineral Society of California
PO Box 1263
Modesto, CA 95353-1263
RETURN SERVICE
Time sensitive material - - please expedite
Theme: Have fun this summer!
Executive Board Meeting: July 29 at 7PM at Ridgeway’s Restaurant
General Meeting: August 3 at 2:30 PM
Junior Meeting: August 3 at 12:45 PM
Orientation: No new member orientation
Gold and Outdoor Festival: August 23-24 at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds.