The Bitterroot Conglomerate
Newsletter of the Bitterroot Gem & Mineral Society
Vol. XXVI issue 8
Presidents Column
I told Ralph Luther after our last club meeting I didn't think I had much to say - (you know for me that's a rare occasion) anyway, I got to thinking about it and more is happening than one might think.
Behind the scene, our Vice President Steve Vieth and current co chairperson with Chris Ponder are working like mad setting up the foundations for next years Gem and Mineral Show. Jo Farley always does
a big job phoning everyone. Thanks Jo. And the quiet man who writes our newsletter Ralph Luther who is always looking for things to write about. Kudos Ralph. How can I continue this letter without mentioning
Wayne Farley our resident geologist who so graciously identifies everyone's rocks. I would like you to know I think he does a great job of Presidency for Montana Council. Also his wife Sharlene quietly working in our kitchen. To all the rest of the officers and committee members a heart felt thanks. If I keep writing about each one I will have spent all our publication money on paper.
I have to close with just a short comment on the Butte show. In my opinion it was a class act. Next year you simply have to put in on your calendar. From the show itself to the rock hounding trips they
presented, it was the best.
Well, that covers it. I've run out of words. Hope to see you at the club BBQ August 18 at 12pm at Jo and Don Farley's.
See you at the meeting, Larry Jones
Editors Notes
I agree with Larry, the Butte G & M and NW Federation Show was a class act. They had room so that the 26 dealers were not all jammed together and lots of space for show cases plus space for demonstrators. One of the problems I saw was that they stuck the black light display clear off in a cubby hole that was hard to find with inadequate directions and signs. The other problem was the lecture room that was used for the featured speakers was very hot and usually crowded.
If you didn’t attend you missed some very good speakers. They were: Placer Gold, Rob McCullough; Sapphire Deposits of the Missouri River, Gene Hodge; Minerals of the Elk Horn Mine, Chris Tucker; Japan Law Twins from PC Mine, Pete Knudsen; Montana Sapphire, Dr. Dick Berg; Corundum from Alder Gulch, Cheryl Bennett; Burmese Painite The Mineral and the Story, Dr. Will Heierman; History of Gem Mountain, Chris Cooney; Pegmatites of the Boulder Batholith, Chris Van Laer and Crystal Park, Charles Borland.
The NW Federation Show next year will be in Ontario, OR. It is going to be a very unique Show so try to attend if at all possible. Many people fail to read their Federation newsletter and gain knowledge from the articles within. Belonging to the Federation cost our Club $3.50 for each one of us each year so I would encourage each of you to at least glance through their newsletter when it arrives.
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Minutes of the Bitterroot Gem and Mineral Society July 24, 2007
A show meeting, chaired by Steve Vieth, was held at 6:30 pm prior to the regular meeting for those on the 2008 BGMS show committee. Steve said that we still need chair people for several slots, particularly advertising and signs. Margaret Sharp is the treasurer for the show, and Harvey Sharp will again handle setup and the Garnet Table. Wayne Farley will again chair the Black Light Display, and Jo Farley will chair Display Case Setup. Several dates were discussed for the 2008 show, which Steve said would depend on other Montana rock club show dates. Not all other show dates were known at that time. Since then, Steve has worked with Wayne Farley on show dates, and Steve has picked Sat. & Sun., May 24-25, 2008 for our next show. Setup will be on Fri., May 23.
The regular meeting of the Bitterroot Gem & Mineral Society (BGMS) began at 7:30 pm with a pledge to the flag of the USA. There were 28 members in attendance and two visitors. Following the pledge, Wayne Farley presented a one hour long program on Cave Formations and Minerals. The program covered 1. Cave Definitions, 2. Cave Types, 3. Cave Geomorphology, 4. Cave Formations (Speliothemes), 5. Cave Use, 6. Cave Fauna, 7. Cave Minerals, and 8. Cave Fossils. Several cave Speliothemes were shown.
A discussion was brought up by Don Tibbs on the $500.00/year scholarship fund, and Don said that it should be included in a club budget, which has not yet been presented. Margaret Sharp said that if we could not find a local qualifying candidate, we could give the money to the Montana Tech. general scholarship fund, like we have done in the past.
The buddy system was discussed, whereby older members will be paired with new members to assist them in the rockhounding hobby. Robie Flynn will coordinate that program.
Chris Ponder, 2008 show co-chair, said that they still need a chair person for sign advertising.
A reminder was given for the annual August BGMS Potluck, which replaces the regular BGMS August meeting. The Potluck will be at Jo and Don Farley’s place at 129 Martin Drive, Corvallis, on Sat., Aug. 18, at 12:00 noon. Bring chairs, food and items for auction. For directions call Jo at 961-0080. (Or look in Editors Notes)
Jo Farley and Gladys Simonds have agreed to bring refreshments for the next regular BGMS meeting on the second Tues. in Sept.
It was announced that Don Farley and Margaret Sharp audited Mildred Soll’s books on the 2007 BGMS Show, and everything was OK. The final net from the show was $2427.51. The club will keep $2000.00 from the 2007 show funds in a special fund for the 2008 show, and the remainder will go into the club general funds. The club unanimously accepted the show treasurer’s final report. Margaret Sharp is the treasurer for the 2008 show, and will also catalog (track) all advertising sold for the 2008 show. Ads will again be sold for $25.00 for business card size, and $75.00 for a half page.
It was announced that Ralph Luther has been working on a tentative BGMS budget for 2008 and has submitted it to our Treasurer, Betty Hodge. Betty was not at this meeting for comment. Don Tibbs said that we need to include money for closing the Blue Grouse Claim, when the decision is made to close it. Ralph said that we could extend our claim for two more years, then, the Forest Service would review it for further extensions or closure.
It was announced that our BGMS vice president, Steve Vieth, was not present as he had recently had a minor heart attack when in California, and was now at the Vets Hospital in Great Falls for a checkup. Steve must now carry nitro-tablets for an emergency. Steve said he is OK and will continue as 2008 show chairman.
Mildred Soll announced that she received a letter from Montana Tech. that during the NFMS annual show at Butte Aug. 3-5, there will be an open house at the Tech. Mineral Museum on Fri., Aug. 3, at 7-10 pm, with free treats (great food), and a silent auction. This overlaps with the 6:00- 8:00 NFMS business meeting at the Copper King Hotel at 4655 Harrison Ave., so that could be a problem for BGMS reps attending the NFMS meeting. Wayne Farley and Larry Jones will represent the BGMS at the NFMS meeting. Wayne Farley will have a Fluorescent Case at the NFMS show.
Bill Morelle won the 50/50 drawing, and Harvey Sharp the Door Prize.
The meeting ended at 9:20 pm.
Wayne Farley, Secretary
End of Minutes
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For Sale. An ore car from the Betty O’Neil Mine near Battle Mountain, Nevada. In good shape. $500.00. Contact Posey at 961-4116
Lortone Rock Tumbler, 8” barrel, in good shape, used very little, $20. Jerry 363-1391
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Article VII. Code of Ethics
The code of ethics for the conduct of field trips presented by the American
Federation of Mineralogical Societies, as indicated below, shall be adopted by the BGMS;
with the addition proviso, that in the interest of safety, no person shall carry a
firearm on any field trip without the expressed consent of the field trip leader
AFMS Code of Ethics
* I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without the
owner’s permission.
* I will keep informed on all laws, regulations of rules governing collecting on public lands and observe them.
* I will to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
* I will use no firearms or blasting materials in collecting areas.
* I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind - fences, signs, buildings.
* I will leave all gates as found.
* I will build fires in designated or safe places only and will be certain they are completely extinguished before
leaving the area.
* I will discard no burning material - matches, cigarettes, etc.
* I will fill all excavations holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
* I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supply.
* I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.
* I will practice conservation and undertake to utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and will
recycle my surplus for the pleasure and benefit of others.
* I will support the rockhound project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and will leave all collecting areas
devoid of litter, regardless of how found.
* I will cooperate with field trip leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
* I will report to my Club or Federation officers, Bureau of Land Management or other authorities, any deposit
of petrified wood or other materials on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future
generations for public education and scientific purposes.
* I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.
* I will observe the Golden Rule, will use Good Outdoor Manners and will at all times conduct myself in a manner
which will add to the stature and Public Image of rockhounds everywhere.
SAVE POSTAGE STAMPS FOR CANCER REASERCH!!!
GIVE A HOOT – DON’T POLLUTE! KEEP MONTANA GREEN
BGMS 2007 FIELD TRIPS & SPECIAL EVENTS |
|
|
|
Apl 28-29
Sat-Sun |
BGMS Show, Hamilton Senior Center, 400 S. 4th St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5 |
Margaret Sharp, (406) 363-1590; e-mail: sharp_margaret@msn.com. |
Apl 28-29
Sat-Sun |
234 mi to Billings, MT Gem & Mineral Show, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5 |
Tom Stacheff |
May 5
Sat |
Field Trip with Hellgate Club to Deer Creek, 5 miles E. of Missoula - Selenite Roses (fluorescent tan with shortwave UV light), Meet at East Gate Shopping Center in Missoula at 10:00 AM |
Mick Mees
Hellgate Club
406-258-5294 |
May 12-13
Sat-Sun |
Bozeman 48th Annual Show; Bozeman Gem & Mineral Club; Gallatin Co. Fair Grounds, Black St. and Tamarack St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4, MT Council Spring Meeting |
Dan Carter, (406) 763-5034, or Doug Ellis, (406) 266-4452; e-mail: opalcrusher@hotmail.com. |
May 12 |
Open for a field trip |
|
May 19-20
Sat-Sun |
Field Trip to BGMS Blue Grouse Claim, 110 mi to 10 miles S. of Salmon, Idaho. Blue or white common opal, fire opal (if you are lucky), and chalcedony-agate (fluorescent green opal & agate with shortwave UV light. |
Ralph Luther
406-961-3663
lazya@luther.myrf.net |
May 26 |
Open for a field trip |
|
June 2 |
Open for a field trip |
|
June 9-10
Sat & Sun |
Challis, Idaho to collect agate and jasper at Lime Creek and Spar Canyon. Fluorescent-green agate at Spar Canyon. |
Wayne Farley
408-375-1341
wfarley@far.myrf.net |
June 16 |
Open for a field trip. |
|
June 23 |
Open for a field trip |
|
June 30 - July 1 Sat & Sun |
Montana Council State Fossil/Mineral Hunt
Sat. - Field Trip to Snowbird Mine, 70 mi to Lolo Pass. Collect Parasite (Ce), Quarts Crystals, Scapolite, Rutile, Annabergite, Fluorite. Meet at Lolo Hot Springs at 9:00 am, Collect 12 to 4 PM.
Sun. - Collect Fossils east of Missula |
Bob Riggs
Hellgate Club
406-543-3667 |
July 7 |
Open for a field trip. |
|
July 14 |
Open for a field trip. |
|
July 21-22
Sat-Sun |
Kalispell MT State Gem & Mineral Show
MT Council Summer Meeting |
Dana Anderson |
July 23
Mon |
Will try to get Kalispell Club to lead a field trip in their area associated with State Show. |
Wayne Farley
406-375-1341
wfarley@far.myrf.net |
July 28 |
Open for a field trip. |
|
Aug 3-5
Fri-Sun |
NWFM Show, Butte 67 Annual show, "Richest Hill on Earth"; Butte Mineral & Gem Club; Civic Center, 1340 Harrison Ave. (I-90, Harrison Ave. exit, turn north); Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5 |
Pete Knudsen,
(406) 723-8524 |
Aug. 6-11 |
NFMS Field Trips from Dicky Bridge Capground
Includes: Calvert Hill, Crystal Park, Black Pine Mine, Lemhi Pass, Hi 274 Pass E. of Anaconda. |
Tim Hoff
406-782-6077 |
Aug. 18 |
Open for a field trip. |
|
Aug. 25 |
Open for a field trip. |
|
Sept. 1 |
Open for a field trip. |
|
Sept. 8-9
Sat-Sun |
Missoula Gem & Mineral Show
MT Council Fall Meeting |
Bob Riggs
Hellgate Club
406-543-3667 |
Sept. 15
Sat |
80 miles, 2 hours, to Henderson Creek Rd, South of Hall, North of Philipsburg, Collect Dendritic Jasper and Agate
Meet at Skalkaho-Y at 8:00 am |
Wayne G. Farley
406-375-1341
wfarley@far.myrf.net |
Sept. 22 |
Open for a field trip. |
|
Oct. |
All month Open for field trips. |
|
Dec. 15
Sat. |
Christmas Party: Potluck & Auction
Corvallis Community Church, 2nd and Church Streets
CE Build. behind church. 1:00 to 4:00 pm |
Jo Farley
406-961-0080 |
Anyone that would like to plan and lead a field trip on any of the open dates please call Wayne Farley to set it up and have it announced to the group and also put on the web-site for all to see.
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A fool and his money are soon elected.
Will Rogers
America is becoming so educated that ignorance will be a novelty. I will belong to the select few.
Will Rogers
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
