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President’s ArticleThe month of February has been quite eventful. Marty, Steve and I attended the SFMS convention and show in Jackson, Mississippi. The meeting was interesting and I agreed to take charge of the SFMS Insurance Committee. We must have insurance coverage and there did not seem to be anyone else to take the job. After the meeting we attended the show where we found some of our dealers. Steve had his eyes open for additional dealers if we need them this year. It was a good show with many great displays. One of the most eye catching was a display of “Invisibilite”. Never heard of it before but was most interesting. We may have such a display this December and you will just have to wait to see what it is. Marty and Steve will probably not tell you and you will surely want to see it. On the way home it was really windy. After arriving home we found that a tornado had hit Mississippi. Glad we left when we did. Last Monday Smitty invited me to go to the Strawberry with him and Joe Powell. Quite an experience. It is a good walk up that hill but it was worth it. We all found some good stuff but the best was what Will located in the roadway. Some really beautiful pieces. Will look forward to going back someday. All of us did discover some new muscles (and aches and pains as well) as a result of the hike up the mountain. The new machines have arrived and will be delivered to the Senior Citizens Center tomorrow (March 2nd). It will be good to have the shop better equipped. We are going to check into obtaining insurance coverage on the equipment we have in the center. We feel that it would be best to obtain this coverage to protect us against possible loss. With the jonquils blooming in our yard it is beginning to look like we will soon be able to plan on “getting out” more. I am looking forward to completing my shop so that I will be able to have a working area for the first time for my cab grinder and other equipment. This will be wonderful. Now that I am retired I am really looking forward to being able to enjoy the hobby, rather than just working for the hobby, as I have been doing for so many years. Who knows, I may find that I have not forgotten how to cut a cab or how to carve a wax model. See you at the meeting in March. Lewis F. Elrod, President | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | Donated By | Won By |
| Agate broach | Paula to the Max | Anne Buckner |
| Crystal cluster | Paula to the Max | Mary Noblin |
| 6 slabs | Bill Buckner | Max Grimes |
| Ruth Gothard | ||
| Tony Pegnottga | ||
| Jack Noblin | ||
| (2 anonymous) | ||
| Marcasite | Cameron Byler | Margie White |
| Petrified wood | Tony Pegnottga | Jim Branagan |
| Quartz | Mary Clyde Sparks | Woody Woodiel |
| HornsHead | Woody Woodiel | anonymous |
| Plant fossil | Mary Ann Noblin | Tammy Thomas |
| Paint stone | Mary Ann Noblin | Sherry Prayter |
The program for March will be an old fashion Rock Swap. Everyone is invited to bring rocks, fossils, minerals, or other hobby related items to sell or trade. We would ask you to limit the amount of items you bring to about 1/3 to 1/2 of one of the tables in the meeting room. You may have only a few items you would like to sell or trade. This is the time to bring those few items and see what treasures you can find to replace them. This event is for fun and not for serious selling.
The January 2001 Board Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. and a quorum was determined to be present. Bill Buckner dropped in to request a Thank-You letter be written to Ron Dawson for donation of several nice specimens to be sold through Silent Auction for the Donelson Senior Citizens Center classes. The Board approved four new membership applications. Lewis received notification of renewal of the Club's nonprofit status, and payment was authorized. Lewis announced a program for the Lapidary Journal renewal/new subscriptions, in which the Club receives a rebate for each subscription. Motlow sent us a letter of thanks for their attendance of the November meeting.
The Board voted to purchase two display cases from Lewis to be used during the Shows. Donelson Sr. Citizens Center was discussed, bringing up needs for more equipment and new equipment, more space, and identification of all equipment belonging to this Club. Max moved that we authorize purchase of two new Genies for the Center. Anna Elrod seconded. The motion carried unanimously. The fee schedules for classes and security were also discussed. Lewis and Joe will negotiate with the Center. Two new committees were formed, the Donelson Senior Citizens Committee and Public Education Committee. The need for a Hospitality person(s) was agreed upon. It was noted that the Club's library inventory is being revamped currently. Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m after setting a Show Committee meeting for February 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Paula Vance - Secretary
Lewis pounded a gavel at 7:40 to open the meeting, and announced the formation of Hospitality position. He then asked Ruth Gothard and Ann Buckner to co-fill the position. Tina King was then asked to volunteer to chair the Public Education Committee. Joe Powell was volunteered to become chairperson of the Donelson Senior Citizens Center. Lewis then announced that HE will make goodies for the next meeting's refreshments. (Yum, yum!) Jack and Mary Ann Noblin were presented as our newest members, and Maureen Garvey was introduced as a visitor, brought by Max and Paula. Deborah Paschall was then asked to brief the crowd on a new park being built in Murfreesboro, much of it as a Wilderness reserve. Grand opening is hoped for either March 31 or April 7. Sounds like a really cool site. Club participation will be invited, as "Geology Rocks" will be one of the park's features.
The letter of appreciation from Motlow College was presented, thanking the Club for the Owen Brothers' scholarship grant to Amanda Robertson. It was announced that the Silent Auction brought in over $2000 during the Show, and that amount is to be used for purchasing two new Genies for Donelson. French Gothard added that there is a great need for more teachers to volunteer for the classes there. Lewis showed us a pamphlet he has for the Tucson show. A new website was found, re dinosaurs. Two trips are being planned to hunt dinosaur fossils, costing participants about $1300 each to attend. Lewis then announced the deal on Lapidary Journal subscriptions, with the Clubs "kickback" explained.
Secretary Paula then called off the names of our newly approved members: Berry J. Duncan of Greenbriar, Tennessee, Bill Swiggart of Nashville, Anthony Roysdon from Smithville, and Bill & Susie Holladay, from Holladay, Tennessee. Welcome to the club, folks!
Paula then took the floor to thank the entire Club for such a terrific wedding, and took exception to the "rumors" regarding her chili. She then presented the originator of those rumors - Steve Henegar - with a piping hot bowl of her special chili. I think it met with his approval, and all rumors are now laid to rest. Bill Buckner announced the donation of a collection of slabs/material by Ron Dawson. Mark Greenbaum produced two boxes of boxes, to be taken by anyone who needed them. The dates for the 2001 Gem and Mineral Show were set as December 8 and 9, 2001.
The Stamp Fund riot then began, and ended with many very satisfied customers. Bob King, Program Chair, then opened the program with Club members Show & Tell. Lewis showed off an incredible Ram's Horn selenite/gypsum specimen which he claims was hand carried from the moment of purchase, through the airport and inflight until reaching home safely. Can't blame him though, it's gorgeous. George Jones presented several specimens of spheres, with Polly Jones showing off some beautiful wire-wrapping and faceted pieces. French Gothard had some crazy lace, citrine and mystery stone beauties. Mary Clyde showed us some of her thumbnail favorites. Joe Powell gave us a talk about the Seniors programs. Woody Woodeil presented some beautiful rough samples from all over. Marty Hart let us see some of the "show haul" he bought. Bob and Tina King told us about septarian nodules and "ballast" Brazilian agate they had. Paula showed off some of her recent accomplishments learned at Donelson classes, and asked advice for how to put a high polish on fire agates. Lewis then gave us some trivia on heat-treating agate.
Chris Hart was Man on the Rockpile this month, showing us a collection of geodes with many color variations, and advised on how to determine if geodes are hollow or not. He then named Bob King for the Rockpile of February. The meeting was adjourned to general bedlam at 9:15, with extended socializing following.
Respectfully, Paula Vance - Secretary
President Lewis Elrod called the meeting to order, presenting the revised application form for membership, which was approved unanimously for use. We also have visitor's registration forms now, which are a tremendous help.
Membership applications were received and approved for the following folks:
Wanda & Steve Estes - Burns, Tennessee.
Ricky Waters - Big Sandy, Tennessee.
Ann Preston & Kay Young - Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
WELCOME TO YOU ALL!
Lewis announced that he is now a regional dealer for Diamond Pacific Corporation, so any equipment/supplies we might need can be purchased through Lewis at a better price than from the catalog itself! Thanks, Lewis.
The Club's nonprofit status was discussed, and approval given to establish this through the proper bureaucratic channels. We received an application form from Murfreesboro Community Service Award group for anyone we think has done great deeds for the community, but had to pass on submitting any names.
Tina King presented a request for support of her massive classroom geology project, and the Board allocated $500 for purchase of needed materials. Lewis will ask the general membership to also bring as many items as possible (noted in the minutes of the general meeting).
Meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m. to prepare for the General Meeting.
Respectfully submitted - Paula Vance, Secretary
The General Meeting of the Mid-Tennessee Gem & Mineral Society was opened at 7:35 by President Lewis Elrod. He first announced that the purchase of two new Genie grinding/polishing machines has been made, to go into the Donelson Senior Citizens Center Lapidary classroom. We will have a good supply of Visitor Registration forms available for subsequent meetings - all were used up for the February meeting!
Visitors were then introduced. They were: Tammy Thomas and Gabe Hurgeton of Nashville, Shuaib Sajid of Murfreesboro, Sherry Prayter of Murfreesboro, and Anthony Pegnottga of Nashville. We hope they were all made to feel very welcome.
Tina King, chair of the Education Committee, has submitted a request for support of her 4th grade geology class project, and the Club has allocated $500 towards supplies needed. However, individual members are urged to participate as well, by bringing any of the following items to the March Meeting: minerals, especially crystals, tumbled stones, sugar (a total of approximately 50 pounds!), plaster of paris, fossils, kite string, large paper clips, Vaseline, modeling clay, 10-oz. clear plastic cups, large and small ziplock bags. Any of the items are greatly appreciated and will help cut the total cost of this marvelous undertaking. PLEASE remember, she needs items at the MARCH meeting. Thanks so much.
New Members were announced to the general meeting: Please welcome Wanda and Steve Estes of Burns, Tennessee, Ricky Waters of Big Sandy, Tennessee, Ann Preston and Kay Young of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Mary Clyde Sparks told us of some magazine articles out recently on finding fossils in this area, and announced that the first 2001 Show Committee meeting had gone very well, with many ideas presented for thought. Marty Hart begged everyone to take one or more Tennessee maps that he had brought (he didn't want to have to repack any of the 250 maps lugged in!). French asked if there were any field trips planned, and Max mentioned that Steve Henegar was thinking of an outing to Mt. Ida, Arkansas over Memorial Day weekend. Sounds great to me!
Program Chairman Bob King announced that the March meeting program would consist of a swap/sell/trade show and tell free-for-all. April program has been set for a Clement Museum presentation on more of their collection (besides fluorite).
Paula Vance filled in for Steve Henegar for the Stamp Fund drawings - 12 items were up for grabs. Coincidentally enough, the first number she drew was that of Max Grimes. Even more of a coincidence, Mary Clyde didn't win ANYTHING this time (hey, did you give us a break by not buying a ticket this time, MC?). Some very nice specimens were donated this month. Thank you all for participating.
As Lewis had to leave early to rescue Anna from work, the meeting was then turned over to Bob King, who introduced Tom Kurras and part of his fluorescent collection. (BY THE WAY, Bob "forgot" that he was supposed to be Man on the Rockpile this month, so has to talk about TWO things next month, okay Bob?)
Tom gave us a wonderful presentation on the fluorescence of otherwise "ULR"s, or Ugly Little Rocks, into rainbows of glowing colors. I can't write any more on the program, as I can't write in the dark, and forgot my fluorescent pen. At any rate, tons of "Ooh"s and "Ah"s were heard throughout the presentation. Thank you, Tom, for a very enlightening program.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 for refreshments and socializing.
Respectfully submitted, Paula Vance - Secretary
The February Lodestar brought the sad news that the SFMS Past Secretary Rita Weinstein passed away in January. She lost her battle with cancer on January 15, 2001. In addition to being SFMS Secretary for several years, she was active in her local club the Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Society. Rita will be missed by all who knew her.
Don’t forget about the William Holland and Wildacres Workshops. For a modest fee of $240 per person you can enjoy a week at a mountaintop retreat learning about a favorite aspect of your hobby. The fee includes room, board, and class fees. Some of the classes will have additional material or supply fees. All equipment is furnished. These extra costs are minimal. The workshops are in April, August, and September at Wildacres in North Carolina; June and October for William Holland in north Georgia. Classes range from basic mineral identification to faceting, wirecraft to pottery, bead making to silversmithing. There should be something for everyone. If you go, please write an article for your newsletter.
Steve
Tina King is the prime mover in a geological dig for the fourth grade classes at West Elementary in Mt. Juliet. This year’s dig will be on May 4. It is an all day class which involves experiencing the lessons they have learned in several areas of geology. The children go home at the end of the day with a variety of minerals, fossils, and tumbled stones. They even have their own rock swap at the end of the day. MTG&MS is helping sponsor this event. We have given $500 to help offset expenses, several members are planning to assist with the day, and Club members may contribute items on the wish list below.
Minerals for the students...the students love shiny, crystal looking things about the size of a small fist. The students go into a man-made cave to look for minerals.
To grow crystals:
10 oz. clear plastic cups
large paper clips
kite string
craft sticks
sugar
To make fossil molds:
Plaster of Paris
Vaseline
modeling clay
seashells
Other supplies:
Large "freezer" ziplock bags
small sandwich size "freezer" ziplock bags
paper towels
baby wipes
toothpicks
small paper plates
There were several new awards this year, designed to remember and honor both the recipient, and as a memorial for deceased club members. All these awards were voted on by a panel of club members during the 2000 Earth Treasures Show.
Best of Show - KW Rocks and Minerals
Best Appearance - Caveny Creations
Best Creative Display - Low Country Geologic
Best Raw Materials - C & N Rock and Gifts
Friendliest Dealer - Ed Harker, Geologist
11th Annual Wilbur White Memorial Award - Harry Justice
1st Annual C. D. Adams Memorial Award - French Gothard
1st Annual Harry & Dorothy Kleyensteuber Memorial Couple's Award for
Consistent Wit & Helpfulness - Lewis and Anna Elrod
1st Annual Memorial Award to Spouses of Deceased Members Who Can No Longer Be
Active But Continue to Support the MTGMS With Their Memberships - Mary
Fishburn
1st Annual Bob Miller and Jeanette Grimes Award for Unique Artistic Ability - Will
Smith (this award was announced during the presentations at the show by Max
Grimes)
2nd Annual Jack Fishburn, Coy Deaton, Walter Itin Memorial Award for Years of
Positive Contributions to MTGMS, Annual Vernon Meerdink Memorial Award - Joe
Powell
Friend to Show - Marty Hart
Service Above and Beyond the Call of Duty - Steve Henegar
And finally an award so unique, it is being specially flown in....1st Annual Award to the Couple Who Has No More Sense Than to Get Married at a Gem Show - Max and Paula Grimes otherwise known as Paula to the Max
Show Director - Mary Clyde "I demand a recount, there's a pregnant chad" Sparks
March 16-18 Deming Rock & Gem Society Deming Court House Park, Deming, NM
March 16-18 Catawba Valley Gem & Mineral Club Hickory Metro Convention
Center, Hickory, NC
April 6-8 The Gem & Mineral Society of Louisiana Alario Center, Westwego, LA
April 7-8 Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society Calaveras County Fairgrounds,
Calaveras, CA
April 19-22 Texas Big Bend Gem & Mineral Society Alpine Civic Center,
Alpine, TX
April 20-22 Charlotte Gem & Mineral Club Metrolina Expo Fairgrounds,
Charlotte, NC
April 28-29 Memphis Archaeological & Geological Society Midsouth
Fairgrounds, Pipkin Building, Memphis, TN
May 5-6 Cincinnati Mineral Society & Cincinnati Dry Dredgers Cincinnati
Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH
June 11-17 AFMS/South Central Federation Annual Convention Arlington Gem
& Mineral Club, Arlington, TX
November 2-4 Southeast Federation Annual Convention Pascagoula, MS
December 8-9 Mid-Tennessee Gem & Mineral Society Tennessee State
Fairgrounds, Nashville, TN
For Sale: 8” Pink Onyx Sphere - $100. George Jones, (615) 333-3781.
For Sale: Graves Mark IV faceting machine. Includes laps, transfer jig, etc. $750. Lewis Elrod, (615) 893-8270.
Swap and Shop is for Club members and friends of the Club to advertise goods and services for sale or swap. Want ads are also accepted.
Last Revised on
May 30, 2011 |
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