The Bitterroot Conglomerate
Newsletter of the Bitterroot Gem & Mineral Society
Vol. XXV issue 11
Minutes of the Bitterroot Gem and Mineral Society Oct. 10, 2006
The BGMS began the meeting at 7:30PM with 29 members present and one guest. With Teresa Olson as the new member. Don Contraman lead the group through the pledge of allegiance.
The program for the evening was presented in two parts by William and Mylea Ponder, and Bonnie Klein. Mylea began the presentation by explaining the process that goes into the making of petrified wood, which is called permineralization or replacement. William continued by going a little more in depth on the cell replacement. He also discussed what causes colors in petrified wood, the locations of the most popular petrified forests in the world, and a report on a government facility in Washington state, that has developed a technique for making synthetic petrified wood, taking only days to create as compared to Mother Nature’s millions of years. One of the most hopeful uses of this discovery would be a method that would help filter out environmental pollutants. During this presentation different pieces of petrified wood were passed around the group for everybody to enjoy. The second part of the program continued with Bonnie Klein sharing her collection of favorite items. These included specimens of fluorite, calcite, chalcopyrite, and botryoidal memitite. She then went on to inform the group that pyrite geodes could be found at Crystal Park. She also recommended being on the lookout for road construction and erosion sites as good locations for mineral collection. At the end of her very informative talk, Bonnie brought out a large box of different kinds of petrified wood for anyone who was interested in adding it to their own collection. Thank you Bonnie.
The program was followed by refreshments supplied by Charles Taylor and Mildred Soll. The refreshments for the November 14 meeting will be brought by Teresa Olson and Margaret Sharp.
The business meeting began at 8:30 PM with Betty Hodge giving the treasurer’s report.
Old business: Harvey Sharp, the chairman for the Hamilton Rock Show (April 28-29 2007), reports that he needs volunteers to help organize for this big event. Mildred Soll, Steve Vieth, and Diane Ayers have promised their support but more would be appreciated and is needed, please call Harvey Sharp to volunteer your time, 363-1590. We only have six months to get this together and Harvey reports that it will be tight. We are looking for a generator for this event now. Margaret Sharp states that once we get the electricity and venders lined up, we must then work fast and furious to get the word out to the public by asking the members to distribute flyers everywhere they go. According to Diane Ayers, if we send a letter to the governor we can get free TV, newspaper and radio advertisements, which will be very important because the more publicity this event receives, the more successful it will be.
Apple Days seemed to be a success with the garnet table and spinning wheel bringing in $133.00 to the club. The kids seemed to swarm to the booth, and took great joy in digging for garnets. All and all it was a fun time to be had.
Ralph Luther reported the nomination committee is seeking volunteers for the position of Council representatives and North West Federation representatives.
Steve Vieth announced the following programs. The potluck and auction is on the 24th of October. The Forest Service lady is going to be presenting in the first meeting of November.
The Door Prize, which was a Crazy Lace Agate from Mexico and was won by Robie Flynn.
The 50/50 raffle was won by Bonnie Klein, who donated her half back to the club. Thank you Bonnie.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55P.M.
Respectfully submitted by,
William Ponder
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Notes from the Editor
Officers of the Bitterroot Gem and Mineral Society for 2007 will be sworn in at the Christmas potluck on Dec. 9th. We will be voting them in office at the first of our November meetings. In addition to voting in our President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer we need a Director to the NW Federation and may have one additional delegate plus we are eligible to have 4 delegates to the MT Council. Nominations for these offices will be taken at the first November meeting. The new President will be appointing our various Committee Chairperson positions so we hope you will volunteer to accept one of these positions for the benefit of our Club.
DUES ARE DUE BEFORE THE 1ST OF JANUARY 2007
They are still $5.00 per individual or $10.00 per family. Please pay the Treasurer, Betty Hodge.
An outing took place on Oct. 14th west of Lolo. 21 members participated in this outing. Most people found some crystals with a couple of black’s being found. The weather co-operated beautifully and all seemed to have a good time. It is time once again to emphasize that no one should wander off from the group without letting someone know where you will be.
A meeting was held at the Sharp’s for those interested in participating in the planning and running the coming Rock, Gem and Mineral Show next April. Margaret, Harvey, Mildred Soll, Steve Vieth, Larry Jones, Tim & Janet Huntley, Wayne Farley and Ellis Houseman are those that will be heading up committees, working on advertising, rounding up showcases and planning various necessary activities. If you have an interest in being part of this please contact Harvey Sharp or any of these people.
For Sale. An ore car from a mine in Nevada, In good shape. $500.00. Contact Posey Nickens at 961-4116
Check out our new website at -- www.BitterrootGMS.org
The creation of this website is a wonderful gift from Michael Wilder. Once the site is completely organized we are hoping that those with a computer will be using the site to access their G & M Newsletter each month. We also hope to attract a few new members that happen to find out about us because of seeing our website. The Newsletter will be posted each month and the Clubs officers of the Clubwill be posted. We will not post the address of any member.
How to measure an ounce of grit without an ounce scale.
Tumbling instructions tell you how much grit or polish to use per pound of rock or per tumbler barrel, and this is almost always given in ounces. This is fine, but most people do not have an ounce scale around the house, so measuring out one or more ounces presents a small problem. The following is an easy way to arrive at ounces and is based on standard measuring spoons. Start out with a rounded spoonful and level it off with the blade of a straight kitchen knife.
Course Grit: 1 ounce = 4 level teaspoons
Medium Grit: 1 ounce = 4 level teaspoons
Fine Grit: 1 ounce = 4 level teaspoons
Polish powder: 1 ounce = 8 level teaspoons
Club Goal: To stimulate interest in all aspects of our hobby including lapidary, fossils, faceting, geology, metal-smithing, collecting, displaying, education and recreation.
BITTERROOT GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY is a member of the Montana State Council, Northwest Federation and American Federation. We support State and Federation projects and goals. We are guided by the AFMS code of ethics:
I will respect private property. No rockhounding without permission.
I will use no firearms or blasting material in rockhounding areas.
I will take all garbage home, or dispose of it in proper receptacles.
I will leave gates as found.
I will cause no willful damage to materials or take more than I can use.
I will build fires in designated or safe places only.
I will not contaminate wells, creeks or other water supplies.
I will appreciate and protect our heritage or natural resources and wildlife. I will always use good outdoor manners.
SAVE USED POSTAGE STAMPS FOR CANCER RESEARCH!
GIVE A HOOT - DON"T POLLUTE! KEEP MONTANA GREEN
