2014-11 MWF News (536) - AFMS Home Pageamfed.org/mwf/Newsletters/2014/2014-11 MWF News (536).pdfMWF News November 2014, Issue No. 536 Page 1 MWF News NOVEMBER 2014 - ISSUE NO. 536

MWF News November 2014, Issue No. 536 Page 1

MWF News NOVEMBER 2014 - ISSUE NO. 536

WEB SITE - www.amfed.org/mwf

Member of the American Federation of

Mineralogical Societies

President James Marburger P.O. Box 64 Hickman, NE 68372 402.792.2348 [email protected]

1st Vice President David Rich 1166 Broadview Tallmadge, OH 44278 330.630.9625 [email protected]

2nd Vice President Tom Whitlatch 1147 Staub Court NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (319) 551-3870 [email protected]

Secretary Donna Moore 25235 North State Route 97 Cuba, IL 61427 309.789.6501 [email protected]

Treasurer Sandy Fuller 8445 Grange Blvd. Cottage Grove, MN 55016 651.459.0343 [email protected]

by Jim Marburger

I would like to thank all who have served on Committees and the Board of Directors of the Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Society (MWF) in the past year. These are the many who serve with love and dedication of our Hobby and have sharing hearts. Many of these people are continuing to dedicate time and effort in their positions for the upcoming year. If you have any inkling that YOU would like to join this group, I will make every effort to find the perfect position for you. We have a few open committee chair positions that need to be filled, and people are needed to help with different committees. Just let it be known that you are available, and willing, to serve your federation.

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CCCONTENTSONTENTSONTENTS

Coming Next Month................................................8

Council of Delegates Meeting Minutes .......4,5,6,7,8

Dues & Event Forms ......................................3,9,10

Field Trip Pictures .................................................11

Geology Notes ......................................................2,3

Insurance Certificates ..............................................3

President’s Message ................................................1

Upcoming Events ....................................................2

Warning! ................................................................12

To each committee Chair, I would like to ask for a short article on your specific facet of the hobby, for inclusion in our newsletter. This will update everyone on what we can do for the clubs that make up the MWF. Many clubs are struggling to get younger people involved, or even to join in the fun. We must provide guidance and a fast response to the “I want it now” generation. With the fast pace of electronics and the internet, collectors are now moving away from “clubs,” but they are missing out on a vast knowledge base. With some creative ideas and high value information, we can win them back and show them that interaction with local and regional clubs will provide more satisfaction than the one-way internet.

Now, for our member clubs, I would like to have ideas from you regarding how the MWF can help you and your club to prosper. We all are members of local clubs, and we have a great wealth of knowledge of what works and what does not. Let’s share this for the good of all. Many of the clubs’ members are looking for something, so help the MWF to provide what you and your clubs need.

Thank you for your help from the past, and to the year coming up.

Page 2 November 2014, Issue No. 536 MWF News

NOVEMBER

1-2 STURTEVANT, WI. Racine Geological Society’s Gem & Mineral

Show; Fountain Banquet Hall, 8505 Durand Ave.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; Contact: John L o w m a n , 2 6 2 . 5 5 4 . 5 3 7 0 , l o w m a n . j o h n @ s b c g l o b a l . n e t , rgs.wi.tripod.com.

1-2 MIDLAND, MI. Mid-Michigan Rock Club’s Annual Show; Midland Convention Center, 1500 W. Wackerly St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; Contact: Dale Foster, 989.837.1829, d a l e 9 8 9 @ s b c g l o b a l . n e t , www.midlandrockclub.com.

10 BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI. Michigan Mineralogical Society’s Annual Auction; Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave.; Mon. 7 p.m.; Contact: M i l d r e d H u r t , 2 4 8 . 3 9 8 . 6 6 9 3 , [email protected].

21-23 AFFTON, MO. St. Louis Mineral and Gem Society’s Annual Show; White Rodgers Affton Community Center, 9801 Mackenzie Rd.; Fri. 4-8, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; Contact: Melissa P e r u c c a , m e l i s s 5 3 0 1 @ a o l . c o m , stlrockclub.com.

22-23 MADISON, WI. Madison Gem & Mineral Club’s Gem, Mineral, & Jewelry Show; Exhibition Hall at Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way; Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 10-5; Contact: Nevin Franke, 608.251.2601, b u r n i e s r o c k s h o p @ g m a i l . c o m , www.madisonrockclub.org.

UUUPCOMINGPCOMINGPCOMING E E EVENTSVENTSVENTS 2014 G2014 G2014 GEOLOGYEOLOGYEOLOGY N N NOTESOTESOTES

Get your dues and events forms submitted to Treasurer Sandy Fuller by the January 15, 2015 due date! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have your event “advertised” for free, right here in the MWF News. By submitting your forms on time, your event is less likely to be missed and, therefore, not published here in the “Upcoming Events.” So, get those forms in, and on time!

Dr. Bill Cordua, Chair, MWF Geology Committee

Here are some hot geology news notes from 2014 that may be of interest to Midwest Federation members.

Carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere now exceeds 400 ppm, as measured at the Mauna Loa observatory, the highest level since pre-glacial times. Global effects such as rising sea level and thawing in the Arctic continue. Thawing permafrost in remote areas of Siberia caused the formation of large craters, either from methane blasts or collapse due to pressurized melt water flowing at depth.

NASA’s “Operation Ice Bridge” has been using sophisticated air-borne radar to survey the land surface underneath the Greenland ice cap. This provides critical information on ice volume and paths of melt water discharge into the surrounding ocean. The survey has also discovered a complex buried landscape, with two large subglacial lakes and a buried 730 kilometer long canyon rivaling the Grand Canyon.

Some good news! Surveys done on lakes and forests in the U.S. northeast have shown significant lessening damage due to acid rain in the 4 decades since the passage of the U.S. Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

The production of petroleum and natural gas in the U.S. continues to accelerate, primarily due to hydrofracturing techniques in areas such as Pennsylvania and North Dakota. However, some of the original hydrofracturing fields show signs of slowing production, leading some in the industry to predict peaking of this resource in the U.S. in about ten years. Hydrofracturing, however, will doubtless expand in other countries. China, for example, has the highest known reserves of rocks amenable to produce oil and gas by hydrofracturing. Sand mining in Cambrian sandstones in the upper Midwest, especially Wisconsin and Minnesota, continue to produce the high quality quartz sand used in the hydrofracturing process.

Plans continue for opening major new mining operations in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. The operation in Wisconsin, by Gogebic Mining, could eventually produce over 8 million tons of iron

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ore from the Proterozoic Ironwood Formation. This would come from large open pits, as much as 1,000 feet deep. The proposed PolyMet Mine near Babbitt Minnesota would produce copper, nickel and platinum-group elements (PGEs) from the 1.1 billion year old Duluth gabbro complex. Plans for extracting copper-nickel ore from a similar deposit in Yellow Dog Plain, Michigan (the Eagle Mining project) are also proceeding to production. All these projects continue to be hotly contested by environmental groups. Recently several papers in the journal, Economic Geology, describe insights into the formation of such deposits by studying platinum group element concentrations in gabbro bodies in Minnesota.

Sophisticated experimental techniques that allow modeling of mineral behavior at high temperature and pressures have given new insights in the geology of the deep earth, including the core and mantle. These insights have expanded knowledge of the origin and behavior of the Earth’s magnetic field, how water is bound up in the minerals of the mantle, and the origin of “hot spots” that power volcanism in places like Hawaii and Yellowstone.

The earth’s largest known volcano – and the 2nd largest known in the Solar System - has been found on the floor of the Pacific Ocean between Japan and Hawaii. It’s called the Tamu Massif, a huge pile of basalt erupted about 145 million years ago. It covers

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100,000 square miles of sea floor. To see a larger volcano, you’d have to go to Mars’ Olympus Mons.

Japan has successfully extracted natural gas (methane) from deep sea floor gas hydrates. These are icy substances that trap methane in their pores. They are widespread on the sea floor and in Arctic regions. The gas was extracted from deposits in rocks 1,000 feet below the sea floor and under 5,000 feet of sea water. This has shown extraction of the resources to be technically - but so far not economically – feasible.

Those interested in the joys and perils of collecting vertebrate fossils are encouraged to watch the new documentary film, “Dinosaur 13,” which details the finding, extraction and ensuing Kafka-esque legal tangles of the tyrannosaur fossil lovingly named Sue.

An article in AGI’s Earth detailed the potential use of increasingly cheaper 3-D “printers” in geology. Once an object is scanned, a plastic replica can be created. Applications include creating replicas of crystal lattices, rare fossils, and rock structures. This allows their easy duplication and examination by students and researchers with no risk to fragile original objects. 3-D constructions of landscapes and buried rock formations would be possible, allowing tests of the possibility of fossil fuel traps, ground water flow, river channel migration, and other issues. Imagine printing out your own 3-D replica of the Hope Diamond for your mineral collection!

by Marge Jensen

EVERY CLUB should assume that anytime its event is to be held in a public forum, it will need a Certificate of Insurance (“Certificate”) – especially if that forum is owned by any state government body. If it turns out no Certificate is needed – great. But making the assumption a Certificate is needed will save clubs from making last minute panic requests. At least two weeks notice is required for a standard Certificate. However, if additional coverage is needed for a special exhibit, a 30-day notice is required.

It has been my experience that a Certificate is almost always needed. Save yourself some stress and request a Certificate for your event, and request it early!


MWF CMWF CMWF COUNCILOUNCILOUNCIL OFOFOF D D DELEGATESELEGATESELEGATES M M MEETINGEETINGEETING M M MINUTESINUTESINUTES

by Donna Moore, Secretary

October 18, 2014 Des Moines, Iowa

President Tony Kapta called the meeting to order. J.C. Moore gave the invocation. First Vice President Jim Marburger led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Tony introduced honorable guests including Richard Jaeger, AFMS President. He then had the MWF past presidents stand and introduce themselves, telling which club(s) they belong to. These included Pam Hecht, Northwest Wisconsin Gem & Mineral Society; Dean Stone, West Central Illinois Rock & Mineral Club, Copper Country Rock & Mineral Club; J.C. Moore, West Central Illinois Rock & Mineral Club, LOESS, Minnesota Mineral Club, and Edwards River Earth Science Club; Cindy Root, Tulip City Gem & Mineral Club, Inc.; Sandy Fuller, Minnesota Mineral Club and Anoka County Gem & Mineral Club; Kathy Miller, Michiana Gem & Mineral Society; Bob Miller, Michiana Gem & Mineral Society and former AFMS President; and Dennis Westman, Minnesota Mineral Club.

Tony then read the list of our members and friends who had passed away this last year. They included: Akron Mineral Society – Ben Kastein, Sue Paserba, Lew & Gwen Rader; Akron Mineral Society and Summit Lapidary Club - Grace Babak, Elmer Schafrik, Pricilla Fry, Timothy Antes, Bob Flick; Blackhawk Gem & Mineral Society - Valerie K. Heiberger; Cedar Valley Rocks and Mineral Society - Karen Danielson; Central Illinois Rock and Mineral Club - Karen Winterroth; Central Michigan Lapidary & Mineral Society - Neil Snepp, Sandy Hukill; Cincinnati Mineral Society - Gayle Pirman, Carl Shadix; Copper Country Rock & Mineral Club and owner of Mageia Minerals in Chassell, MI - John Wells; Coulee Rock Club - Jeffrey Scott Wing, Kim Wright; Flint Rock and Gem Club - Bill Stiglish; Flint Rock and Gem Club - Bill Stiglish; Glacial Drifters Geologic Society - Judith Ponzio; Independence Gem & Mineral - Helen Boyer; Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Club - Jan Ruonavaara; Lincoln Gem and Mineral Club - John Harrison, Stella Marie Thiessen, Phyllis N. Parks, Florence Lueninghoener, Mary Pittard; Livingston Gem & Mineral Society - Bill Horton; LOESS - Frances Blake, Deborah Zyznieunski, John Beall (former MWF Silent Auction Chairman); Michiana Gem & Mineral Society -

Pauline Kelshimer, Phyllis Luckert; Midwest Mineralogical & Lapidary Society - Joyce Hanschu, Stan Franczk, Linda Balog, Elispeth Gibbs; Mineralogical Society of Cleveland - William T. Lawrence; Minnesota Mineral Club, Indianhead Rock and Mineral Club, and Northwest Wisconsin Gem & Mineral Society - Dan & Evie Beal; Richland Lithnic and Lapidary Club - Larry Jarvis; Sioux Empire Gem & Mineral Society - Bob Johnson; Summit Lapidary - Carl Smith (member since 1982), Dennis Knight; Three Rivers Gem & Mineral Society - Donelle Flood (a founding member); Tri-county Rocks & Minerals - Marlene Wilson; Tulip City Gem & Mineral Club - Allan Borr, Kay Van Opynen, Bob Curtis; West Central Illinois Rock and Mineral Club and LOESS - Ken Parks; West Central Illinois Rock and Mineral Club (MWF Historian) - Gordana Rezab.

Cindy Root, Parliamentarian, reviewed the rules of order for the meeting.

Donna Moore stated that the minutes of the Council of Delegates Meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 6, 2013, had been printed in the MWF Newsletter, e-mailed to the Executive Committee Members, and printed with the pre-convention reports. Printed copies were also on the table with other reports for anyone who needed a copy. J.C. Moore moved to accept the minutes as printed. Pam Hecht seconded the motion, which carried.

Treasurer’s Report - Sandy Fuller had printed copies of the current operating account to date, as well as the previously approved 2014-15 budget. The fiscal year ends October 31. Anyone with any bills for the MWF, please get them to Sandy by October 31. If expenses exceed the budgeted amount, it may take a few days longer to get approval for the expense before a reimbursement check is issued. David Root moved to approve the Treasurer’s report. Tom Whitlatch seconded the motion, which carried.

David Rich summarized the State Directors meeting, which was held that morning. He said there were a lot of state directors present including: Tom Whitlatch from Iowa; George and Deb Coursey from Illinois; John Donker from Michigan; Dennis Westman from Minnesota; Barbara Sky, an assistant from Missouri; Charles “Wooly” Wooldridge from Nebraska; Aletha and Harlan Hoogeterp from South



and North Dakota; and Allison Conrad from Wisconsin. The discussion included field trips, being one of the main things that get people involved in clubs. The newsletter editors get information out to the club members. So, be sure to treat those editors well, David said. He also encouraged each state director to send a letter to three clubs in their state(s) about the youth poster contest for 2015.

Jim Marburger asked for reports from the permanent committees.

Archaeology - Skeeter Kish sent a written report. He reported about Clovis and Beyond Conferences held in 1941, 1999, and 2013. He also cautioned those collecting archaeological items to be careful because there are a lot of modern made items being sold as authentic artifacts. He suggested when buying, take the piece on your own to study the piece, handle it and look at it under magnification. Listen to the story of the piece. Buyer beware.

Boundaries - Bob Miller had nothing to report, but an item of business reported at the meeting may have an issue with a club not in our area that is possibly interested in joining the MWF.

Bulletin Editors Aids - Celia Tiffany reported that only six editors entered bulletins and articles for the 2013 Contest. She would be handing out certificates and plaques at the Editors’ Meeting on Sunday morning.

Cancelled Stamps - No report. Donna Moore offered to take any cancelled stamps brought to the meetings.

Club Rockhound of the Year - Lee Herrera reported that a couple of people had submitted nominations. The criteria he would like to have is on the website. It helps him get the certificates out in a timely manner if people use the criteria he has listed. His goal is to get 10% of the clubs participating.

Conventions and Shows - J.C. Moore encouraged clubs to consider hosting a convention or MWF meeting at their shows. He said for spring and fall meetings all that is really needed is a meeting place. It is good to get around the federation and

(Continued from page 4) see new shows. We meet old friends and make new ones.

Credentials - Tony Kapta had a printed report that gave the results of the officer election. The five officers were elected, with Robert Morse and Charles “Wooly” Wooldridge being elected to the nominating committee. He noted that we need permission to destroy the ballots from 2013 and 2014 elections. Charles Wooldridge moved to allow the ballots to be destroyed. Barbara Sky seconded the motion, which carried. Also, the by-laws change passed, lumping Micromounts, Thumbnails and any other such groups as sub‐committees under Mineralogy.

Director of Supplies - Dennis Westman had a printed report of what is available. He had supplies for sale, including extra directories. He encouraged clubs to get extra copies of the directories for their program chairman and other officers. He reported the goal is to get most of the materials on CD or available on the website to save printing costs, mailing costs, and avoid having to store extra copies.

Directory - Sandy Fuller reported that forms for events and directory information will be in the November issue of the MWF News. Forms must be made out in black ink in a legible manner because they are scanned and sent to those officers and chairmen who need the information. Last year she had to regarding-type a few forms that were filled out in pencil so the information could be scanned. It is very important that the forms are returned and dues are paid before January 15. She asked that clubs not send show flyers, but fill out the form in the newsletter about shows and activities. Also, any clubs that have juniors and pay their dues on time are eligible for an electronic subscription to Mini Miners Monthly paid for by the federation.

Education - No report.

Endowment - Barbara Sironen had a written report listing donations that had been made to the MWF Endowment Fund by clubs and individuals from October 2013 through September 2014. She also stated she preferred to serve as paleontology


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chairman, but would cover Endowment until someone else was found to do so.

Endowment Treasurer - Alan Hukill had a report of the funds in the Endowment Fund.

Environment and Legislation - Dean Stone had a written report which included an ALAA application for individuals or clubs. He explained that this is our 501(c)(4) which can be involved in lobbying on behalf of our hobby interests. He reported on mining activities in Northern Wisconsin, the possible dewatering of the White Pine Mine in Michigan now that copper prices are up and there is a new owner, and the Eagle Mine in Marquette which is under full production. Wooly Wooldridge reported there is a new mine in Nebraska. Pam Hecht reported that the Wolverine Mine in Copper Country had collapsed. A picture of the hole is on UTube. The Dodgeville Mine in the City of Houghton, Michigan is to be capped. The Centennial Mine had been capped and covered.

Geology - Dr. Bill Cordua has been writing articles for the MWF Newsletter. He submitted a report.

MWF Geology Committee Report

I was appointed chair of the MWF Geology Committee last Spring. Since then I have corresponded with the other committee members and asked their input on things they do individually and things we might do as a committee to forward its goals. It appears that members are individually quite active giving talks, writing articles for the MWF newsletter and teaching classes. Here are a few examples: Brian Poelker who teaches science education at Eastern Illinois University, does “Family Science Night” at a local Nature Center and also has his science methods students lead elementary students through hands on modules he created. This year’s modules were on fossils. Joe Devera of the Illinois Geological Survey has recently completed the Walsh 7.5’ Geologic Quadrangle map which should be out shortly. I have recently given programs on geology at 2 local state parks, and am often at area rock shows giving talks and staffing a rock and mineral I.D. service. One thing I have suggested is that committee members keep us informed of publications, maps,

(Continued from page 5) and web resources from their respective state surveys, as these often have information of interest to local clubs and collectors. As several committee members are also state survey staff members, this task should not be difficult. I am also preparing a summary of what I consider major advances and finds in geology in 2014 that I think would be of interest to MWF members. I hope to have this in the November MWF newsletter.

Respectfully submitted, William S. Cordua

Historian and Archives - Cindy Root has not received the old files yet, so had nothing to report.

Insurance - Marge Jensen, in her written report and in added comments at the meeting, urged clubs to get their dues and insurance paid before January 15, 2015! She is more than willing to help any club that needs assistance with insurance. Also, advance notice of at least a month is needed for clubs that need specific coverage on an item. The individual club will be billed for the additional premium.

Junior Activities - No report.

Lapidary - David Root had a written report asking members to update him on what types of lapidary each club is participating in and include information on how the individual efforts have succeeded.

Long Range Planning - J.C. Moore had nothing to report.

Membership - James Marburger had a written report telling of two clubs in Nebraska interested in joining the MWF. One is actually in the Rocky Mountain Federation area, but the two federations are working on boundaries.

Merit Awards - Elizabeth Burton had two books for the contest this year. Awards would be given at the banquet.

Mineralogy - No report.

Newsletter - Sharon Marburger, editor, asked for people to send her pictures of the meetings, field




trip, and show in Des Moines. She asked for people to turn in information in a timely manner, especially show notices. She reminded the group that she is the editor, not the author of the newsletter, and she needs articles.

Paleontology - Barbara Sironen had a written report telling of her experience this summer participating in the excavation of a triceratops, then helping with prepping it. She also would like to identify MWF members who would be interested in serving on the Paleontology Committee. She wants to gather information about members’ particular interest in paleontology.

Program Competition - Cindy Root reported there was one program entered this year. She would announce the results at the banquet along with the AFMS Chairman Marge Collins, who would announce the AFMS results. Marge stressed that we need a professional job to be done in digitizing old slide programs. She also asked for volunteers to narrate some of the programs being digitized.

Program Requests - Pat Powers sent a written report asking for at least a 10-day leeway when ordering programs by e-mail or postal mail. She also asked that programs be returned in a timely manner, suggested 3 days after showing. Programs should be returned in a box or mailing envelope to prevent damage.

Program Review - No report.

Public Image - Regina Kapta reported she is working on a poster to get people interested in rockhounding and that would lead the general public to the website. She also had copies of guidelines for clubs using the internet, websites, and Facebook.

Publications - No report.

Safety and Field Trips - David Rich’s written report suggested thinking safety in your shop area. He said this is a good time to check your equipment, too. All liquids should be correctly labeled. Remember “Safety is an attitude. Get it or get hurt.”

(Continued from page 6) Scholarship - Marge Collins’ written report told of the need for $5,000 before November 1, 2014 to maintain the required ratio of donations to grants, or a penalty (taxes) will be assessed. Her report listed donations that had been made since the 2013 convention. She has gone back to list the names of those who memorials had been made to honor. She asked if anyone sees someone not listed in the 2015 directory, please let her know. She also made up certificates for clubs who have given increments of $1,000 to the AFMS Scholarship Fund. Two clubs have given at least $5,000. Eleven clubs have given at least $1,000. J.C. Moore added that just because clubs have given in the past does not mean they should stop supporting the fund; keep on sending those donations.

Silent Auction - Ed Dvorak reported he had received some very nice specimens for the auction to be held before the banquet. He said all donations are appreciated. He regretted that he must step down from the chairmanship. (Jim Marburger has since found someone to take over this job.)

Uniform Rules - Barbara Sky’s written report told of the AFMS Uniform Rules changes. She added there was one competitive exhibit at this show using various lapidary techniques, taking 23 years to complete. She urged everyone to be sure to see the exhibit.

Website - Cindy Root’s written report told that the website has been updated. If anyone finds errors, please contact her. She is also willing to add additional information for clubs to their pages, such as show flyers, etc. She would also like to have Facebook links to add to club’s pages. No entries again this year for the website contest. The contest for 2015 will have a deadline of April 1. She urged members to encourage their club webmaster to enter the contest.

Report of Special Committee

75th Anniversary - J.C. Moore reported that Dean Stone had urged him to form a committee to update the anniversary booklet done for the 50th Anniversary. He noted that pictures can easily be added now, and would appreciate if people would




share photos from past conventions. They could be scanned and returned. The past presidents have been asked to write up memories of their time in office. He hoped that, going forward, each president will do a write‐up at the end of their term in office.

Convention Reports

2013 - Wooly Wooldridge reported that Lincoln went well. It was well-attended and he urged other clubs to consider hosting an MWF Convention. It really isn’t that hard.

2014 - Des Moines is going well. There was an excellent turnout of Executive Committee members for the meetings.

2015 - Plans look to be going well for the 2015 MWF Convention to be hosted by the Chicagoland group on May 23-24, 2015. Everything will be at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. They presently have a very nice show including both a building with retail sales and displays, and a separate building with wholesale only sales. Packets for the convention will be mailed right after the first of the year. J.C. noted that he looked forward to seeing everyone next year. He will be talking to the Chicagoland group about doing updates in the MWF News.

Old Business

MWF Youth Poster Contest - David Rich gave a big thank you to the LOESS club of Springfield, Illinois for hosting the contest. Nine entries were made and all received prizes.

Uniform Rules - Tony Kapta reported that Uniform Rules training had to be rescheduled for the St. Louis show on August 14-16, 2015. He will have another article soon in the AFMS Newsletter.

New Business

New Youth Post Contest - David Rich announced the theme this year would be “The Official Rock, Mineral, Fossil, or Gem of Your State.” This is open to students first through eighth grades. May 1, 2015 will be the deadline. The Summit Lapidary Club will

(Continued from page 7) sponsor it this year. There will be information on the website and in the newsletter.

Mini Miners Monthly - If a club with junior members pays its dues on time and it has a valid e-mail address to which it can be delivered, the MWF will pay for an electronic subscription of the Mini Miners Monthly for clubs. Funding for this had been approved at the Executive Committee meeting.

Announcements

Tom Whitlatch, Iowa State Director, welcomed everyone and expressed thanks for the full meeting room. He thanked everyone for coming to Des Moines. He noted since he is now second vice‐president, he will be stepping down as Iowa State Director.

J.C. Moore urged people to buy the last few MWF T-shirts that he had available. He noted no more of this design would be printed, but there might be something similar offered in the future, if there is a need.

It was announced that E. Bear would be auctioned off at the banquet to raise funds for the MWF Endowment Fund. Julie Whitlatch started E. Bear’s journey through the MWF in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2011. Pam Hecht, former Endowment Chairman, borrowed Tom Whitlatch’s hat and told those at the meeting that they needed to empty their pockets of loose change for the Endowment Fund before leaving.

The next meetings of the MWF Executive Committee and the MWF Council of Delegates will be held on May 23, 2015 in Wheaton, Illinois. The fall meeting of the Executive Committee will be September 19, 2015 in Howell, Michigan, hosted by the Livingston Gem and Mineral Society.

Tom Whitlatch moved that the meeting be adjourned. Dee Sharf seconded the motion.

Tony Kapta declared the meeting adjourned.





EEEONSONSONS E E EXPOSEDXPOSEDXPOSED!!! MWF S!!! MWF S!!! MWF SHOWHOWHOW ANDANDAND C C CONVENTIONONVENTIONONVENTION F F FIELDIELDIELD T T TRIPSRIPSRIPS

photo courtesy of Lynn Maxedon

photo courtesy of Lynn Maxedon

photo courtesy of Reinee Hildebrandt

photo courtesy of Lynn Maxedon Hard hats, reflective clothing, steel

toed footwear, gloves, safety glasses, and release of liability forms

were required.

photo courtesy of Sharon Marburger The only Laker found (at least I didn’t hear of any

others). Yes, I am happy and proud of it. So what if it is only as big as the tip of my pinky finger!

It is perfect and beautiful!

photos courtesy of Lynn Maxedon

This beautiful picture, looking up into the dome of the Iowa State Capitol, is spectacular on this editor’s computer monitor. I wish I could share it with all of you!


Sharon Marburger, Editor Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies [email protected] 402.792.2348 P.O. Box 64 Hickman, NE 68372

Non Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID Fiatt, IL

Permit No. 1

WWWARNINGARNINGARNING!!!

Shirley Leeson, ALAA President

If you or your club had thoughts of a field trip, or if this was on your personal “bucket list,” here is a warning about LOLO NATIONAL FOREST, close to Lolo Hot Springs, on the border of western Montana.

The collecting site is CLOSED and will remain in effect until rescinded.

I bring this important information to you because the area is being patrolled by the Forest Service Patrol Unit and the local Sheriff’s Department. There are penalties and fines.

This area has been a favorite collecting site for quartz crystals going back many years before the Forest Service had jurisdiction. This is one of those “land transfer” deals.

Unfortunately, rockhounds have not lived up to the AFMS Code of Ethics and the place looks like a WWII war zone. Let me be frank here, many of those were commercial entrepreneurs who were “out for a buck,” but we’re all painted with the same dirty brush.

In speaking recently with the Forest Service Office that oversees the area, we were informed that the closing was because of concern for the public safety, not animals, but humans. It seems the soil is granitic in nature with only a little topsoil, with the removal of the overburden the topsoil is either washed away or blown away, leaving the granitic material. This is susceptible to cave-ins or undercutting.

We have begun preliminary work with the Forest Service office out of Missoula and will keep you informed as to any progress in the re-opening of this area. In the meantime, stay out or face the consequences…

Documents

2014-11 MWF News (536) - AFMS Home Pageamfed.org/mwf/Newsletters/2014/2014-11 MWF News (536).pdfMWF News November 2014, Issue No. 536 Page 1 MWF News NOVEMBER 2014 - ISSUE NO. 536