MWF News - amfed.orgamfed.org/mwf/Newsletters/2019/MWF News 2019-11.pdf · MWF News November 2019, Issue No. 586 Page 3 President’s message, cont.: Nominate a Rockhound, Join an

MWF News November 2019, Issue No. 586 Page 1

President’s Message

AACA Yearbook Shows a Club’s Mission ....................... 9 In Memoriam Two Past MWF Presidents ........................ 9

Bits and Pieces of News .................................................... 2 New MWF Officers Elected ............................................. 2

Deadline Calendar ............................................................. 2 Please Consider a Donation ............................................ 16

Dues and Events Forms .................................................. 7-8 President’s Message ......................................................... 1

Dues and Events Information ............................................ 6 Upcoming Events ........................................................... 15

Executive Committee Meets .............................................. 1 You CAN Fight City Hall, or the Legislature ................ 10

I Need a Hero! ................................................................. 14

What’s Inside?

MWF News Midwest Federation

of Mineralogical and Geological Societies

November 2019 - Issue No. 586

Web Site - www.amfed.org/mwf

Member of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies

Executive Committee Meets in Michigan

Kevin Ponzio, MWF President Greetings, everyone! Wow! It’s November already. A new season is upon us. A new season is upon me as well. This is the last time I will write to you as president. Some may be sad, hopefully not too many cheering. LOL. But we all have something to cheer about! John Donker will be our new president!

John will be a wonderful president. He has been active in the hobby for years and understands the needs, concerns and fun we all enjoy. I look forward to the participation and warm help you will share with him, as you with did me. Please reach out to John and help him in every way to further the awesome hobby we know. Our growth is only limited by imagination.

I would like to thank everyone for the

overwhelming support and warmth during my time as (Continued on page 3)

Donna Moore, MWF Secretary [Editor’s Note: The MWF Executive Committee, consisting of officers, committee chairs, and state directors, held its fall meeting September 14th in Holland, Michigan.]

President Kevin Ponzio called the meeting to order. J.C. Moore gave the invocation. John Donker, 1st Vice President, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Kevin turned the meeting over to 2nd Vice President Susan Stanforth for the State Director’s meeting. Susan introduced Dawn Cramar, Indiana State Director, who had a written report.

Stephen Shimatzki, assistant for Ohio, read a

message from Ohio State Director Tom Kottyan. The Mansfield club was growing and their show did well. They had lost MWF Past President Betty Crawford recently. Their next show will be their 60th Anniversary Show. Steve reported that the Toledo Club had just had their 48th show, with an increase in attendance. The

(Continued on page 4)

http://www.amfed.org/mwf

Page 2 November 2019, Issue No. 586 MWF News

MWF OFFICERS

President: Kevin Ponzio Post Office Box 44

Plymouth, WI 53073 920-980-6413

[email protected]

1st VP: John Donker 2nd VP: Susan Stanforth 29 Edgewood Avenue 850 Palau Parkway Jenison, MI 49428 Rockford, IL 61108 616-457-0556 815-229-4009 [email protected] [email protected] Secretary: Donna Moore Treasurer: Sandy Fuller 25235 N. State Route 97 8445 Grange Boulevard Cuba, IL 61427 Cottage Grove, MN 55016 309-789-6501 651-459-0343 [email protected] [email protected]

New MWF Officers Elected

Scholarship Honoree: Nominations for the honoree, who selects the college to which two MWF Scholarships will be presented, are due Nov. 15, 2019. For information, see the MWF website under “About Us,” then “Scholarships.”

Rockhound of the Year: Clubs should submit

their honorees’ profiles by Nov. 15, 2019. For more information, contact Stephen Shimatzki ([email protected]).

AFMS Video/Slide Program Contest: Entries

in the contest, which offers cash prizes, are due Nov. 15, 2019. For information, contact Cindy Root ([email protected]).

All American Club Awards: Entries are due to the MWF program on Feb. 1, 2020. For information, contact Mary Ann Rich ([email protected]).

Donna Moore, MWF Secretary

The ballots have been cast and counted in the MWF officer election for 2019-20.

The following officers ran unopposed, and their terms will begin on November 1, 2019. They will serve until October 31, 2020. President John Donker (Michigan) 1st Vice President Susan Stanforth (Illinois) 2nd Vice President Catherine Clevenz (Ohio) Secretary Donna Moore (Illinois) Treasurer Sandy Fuller (Minnesota)

The two people elected to serve three-year terms on the nominating committee are: David Rich (Ohio) Cindy Root (Michigan)

Each club and each member of the MWF Executive Committee has one vote in this election. The Executive Committee members eligible to vote include the MWF Officers, Permanent Committee Chairmen, Past Presidents, and State Directors. Only 74 ballots were counted, although 168 ballots were mailed out.

Deadline Calendar

Bits and Pieces of News

Donna Moore, MWF Secretary Here are bits of news from the Executive Committee:

President Kevin Ponzio was able to find a new Insurance Chairman for the MWF. Her name is Sue Goedert. Her e-mail is [email protected], and her phone number is 616-337-1162.

If you need a certificate of insurance for your

show or other activities, please go to the MWF Website, About Us, Forms, MWF Request for Insurance. This form can be filled out, printed, and then e-mailed to the insurance company. There are Federation Frequently Asked Questions that might answer any questions you have.

Steve Shimatzki is the new Ohio State Director. Tom Kottyan will be one of Steve’s assistants.

The spring meeting of the MWF Executive Committee will be at the Indian Mounds Rock & Mineral Club Show in Wyoming, Michigan on April 11, 2020.

The MWF Convention for 2020 will be hosted

by the Livingston Gem and Lapidary Club in Howell, Michigan September 18-20, 2020. The Toledo Gem & Rockhound Club is hosting the 2021 Convention September 10-12, 2021 at their 50th Anniversary Show.

mailto:[email protected]






President’s message, cont.: Nominate a Rockhound, Join an Interesting Committee

president. You have helped to build a stronger federation that can ultimately benefit each and every one of you. My participation isn’t over, though. I will continue to serve as the Mineralogy chair and in other positions. Thanks to everyone who joins John, me, and the entire executive committee in the pursuit of making our hobby the very best in the world! I’m reminded that there are stellar individuals in every club too. What better way to honor them than by sending in a Rockhound of the Year nomination? These folks help to make your club the marvelous experience that you have come to enjoy. It’s easier than carrying a 100-pound bucket of galena over a half mile back to your car! Yes, I know that copper, iron and even a bucket of agate is heavy too. Just think of it, all you have to do is pick up a pen! Your back thanks you. All you have to do is write or type 75 to 100 words, describing a worthy individual in your club, about all the great things they do for the club. It can be any individual or couple, even someone who has passed that you would like to honor. What a fantastic way to show your appreciation for these individuals! Cost of gratitude = $0.00. Gratitude received = feels like a million. But, if you have a million dollars to give, that would be nice too! Earlier this year, the American Fluorite Museum, located in Rosiclare, Illinois, experienced a devastating fire. The fire destroyed both specimens and historical documents. I know that many of our members have had a chance to visit this museum – maybe multiple visits. With smartphones and cameras, there may be a chance that one or more of our members have taken photos of the museum contents. The specimens are difficult to replace, but the paper documents can be impossible to replace. If you have pictures from your visit, please contact Wesley Atkinson (618- 841-1062) or Roy Jackson (618-285-3367). You can also contribute to the repairs by going to: gofundme.com/help-repair-the-fluorspar-museum.

Photo from the GoFundMe page.

I have developed a Special Executive Field Trip Committee to seek out one of a kind rock hunting experiences for all the individuals who are MWF executive committee members. Field trips can be one of the most rewarding experiences of the hobby. All individuals who take part in running the MWF will be invited to go on a special field trip to collect at once-in-a-lifetime locations. I’ll be working with committee members to secure these fantastic experiences. Holy cow! You mean there is more to participating in the MWF chair positions than just helping people? That’s the goal. I am encouraging members to take on a role as a chairperson for the MWF.

I am seeking individuals to help me secure visits to these places. If you have ideas or access to unusual or remarkable collecting sites, contact me and or join this Special Executive Field Trip Committee. Ideally, we would like to have two trips planned per year. This will allow greatest coverage of schedules. The collecting experience can include locations outside the Midwest region.

The SEFTC will submit its first field trip plan at the spring Executive Committee meeting in Grand Rapids,

Michigan. Don’t delay, sign up for a committee soon. I also encourage individual clubs to activate some form of this idea to boost participation on the club level. Think how much your club would grow and develop if everyone wants to be on a committee! Please, no fighting over committee positions. Have a great time with this. Final note: I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve you as president. I am both humbled and grateful for having served. It may seem like a broken (cave drawing, reel to reel, cassette, record, cd, mp3, flash drive, download, is that all of them?), but you have the ability to be part of this remarkable experience too. Join a committee today and change the world.

(Continued from page 1)


Executive Committee Minutes, cont.: State Directors Reports and In Memoriam

show had done well. The club was looking at getting new officers to replace some who had stepped down due to age or other reasons. The club is doing well, but having some growing pains. They have had to move their club headquarters, but the show venue remains the same.

Dawn Cramar had a nice written report; she added the Indiana clubs were doing well. All but two had responded to her inquiries. The club shows had done well except for the two that had to deal with tornado warnings nearby. Ft. Wayne’s attendance was running about 1,500 at their show.

John Donker reported for Michigan that there are many fall shows. The summer tailgates were down in attendance due to venue changes. The spring shows were well attended. Two of the clubs – one on the east side of the state, the other on the west – were in competition for the biggest show with 50-60 dealers. Detroit and Kalamazoo were growing a lot. Detroit is in an expensive venue so they had to charge $8 admission, which can hurt, but they still had about 5,500 in attendance. Kalamazoo has expanded greatly.

He noted that the state is losing a club. The

Wonderland Club is disbanding due to an aging group. Keith Peregrine reported that both Copper Country and Ishpeming had recently had good shows with good attendance.

Susan Stanforth, assistant for Illinois, reported shows are going well. Donna and J.C. Moore added that shows in the center of the state have done quite well this year. Also, the clubs in Decatur were struggling. The new club had sponsored the show this year, but had no funds to advertise, so the attendance was not good.

There was a short discussion about attendance numbers at shows as well as how to estimate attendance at shows where admission was free.

Allison Conrad had answered questions Susan had asked her about the Wisconsin clubs, which served as her report. Dennis Westman was unable to attend because he was ill, but had sent a written report. Tom Kottyan sent a report about the clubs in Ohio. Jim Marburger had a written report for Nebraska. Aletha

(Continued from page 1) and Harlan Hoogeterp sent a report on North and South Dakota.

Kevin thanked the Tulip City Club for hosting us at their 50th Anniversary show. Sue Goedert, the show chairman, and D. H. Falstad, club president, were both present at the meeting. John Donker reminded us he is an honorary member of the club.

Kevin recognized MWF Past Presidents in attendance – David Rich and J.C. Moore. (David Root arrived a bit later.)

Kevin read the memorial names we had – Betty Crawford and Paul Good were both past MWF Presidents. George Burns from Toledo Gem & Mineral as well as Mary Wing from Wonderland, Sandy Whelan, Copper Country. Terry Jon Baty, Cedar Valley.

The minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held at the convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in March had been printed and were available. Marge Collins moved to accept the minutes; J.C. Moore seconded the motion, which carried.

Treasurer Sandy Fuller had sent a written report. Donna Moore reminded members that Sandy needed any bills by the end of October. The reimbursement form is on the website.

Kevin asked if anyone would work on auditing the books for this year. Dawn Cramar offered to do so. Kevin said he would notify Sandy to get the information to Dawn.

J.C. Moore moved to accept the treasurer’s report. David Rich seconded the motion, which carried. John Donker reminded everyone to send in 2020 dues on time and base them on the 2019 membership numbers. Committee Reports

John Donker called for reports from the permanent committees.

Archaeology – Skeeter Kish had a written

report.



Executive Committee Minutes, cont.: Committee Reports, Boundaries-Environment

Boundaries – Bob Miller had not reported any issues. J.C. Moore explained issues the boundary committee might be concerned with.

Bulletin Editor’s Aids – A new chairman is needed. Sharon Marburger asked to step down some time ago.

Club Rockhound of the Year – Steve Shimatzki had agreed to do the job one more year. He wanted to be replaced. He explained clubs needed to send a nomination of 75-125 words explaining how the person they are nominating has served the club. He will send a certificate, the MWF Newsletter will print the nomination, and the information is forwarded to the AFMS.

There were some questions about the Club

Rockhound of the Year, because some attendees knew nothing about the nomination. The point was brought up that the MWF Newsletter is not being shared among club members, so people are not aware of such things.


Flags of all states in the Midwest Federation. Photo from amfed.org/mwf/states.

Conventions and shows – J.C. Moore shared that this year’s convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa was a good one. It was well attended and there was a good crowd at the show. Their attendance is over 5,500 people. 2020 – We will be going to Howell, Michigan to the Livingston Gem & Mineral Society show. J.C. Moore reminded clubs that we had flags from all the MWF States that could be displayed at conventions if

the club had a place to hang them. 2021 – Toledo Gem & Rockhound Club will be hosting September 10-12.

Credentials – Keith Peregrine, assistant, announced we had a quorum.

Director of Supplies – Andrea Morehead was not present, but extra directories were available if anyone needed to purchase them. Kevin stressed how handy they are. Clubs were encouraged to buy extra copies for their officers.

Education – No report.

Endowment – A new chairman is needed. Steve Shimatzki offered to take the Endowment Secretary’s job. The endowment treasurer, Alan Hukill, had a report.

Environment and Legislation – Cathy Clevenz had a written report. She added that the Bureau of Land Management headquarters is being moved from Washington, D.C. to Colorado. The present head of the BLM wants each state to handle its own lands

instead of the federal government overseeing them all. Work is under way for a petition to send to congressmen to give our perspective. It was noted that we should be working with Shirley Leeson and the American Lands Access Association.



Annual Dues and Events Forms Are Here! And here’s the Information You Need

Sandy Fuller, MWF Treasurer

The 2020 Midwest Federation forms for renewing club memberships are now available on our website (www.amfed.org/mwf) and in this issue of the Midwest Federation News. Look for them! Meanwhile, please alert club officers to collect information for the forms.

One important piece of information needed is the total number of individual adult and youth members during the year completed in 2019. These figures are used for dues and insurance calculations. The rationale is that your total membership, by the end of the year, is usually about the same, so you always pay the current-year dues based on your past experience. The treasurer needs this information before January 15th so that our insurance can be activated on time.

Please provide a roster of current officers, including preferred mailing addresses, phone numbers and email address. If handwritten, please ensure that letters and numbers are legible. If an individual does not want this information published on the website, follow the directions on the form to indicate this. However, please provide all contact information so we can actually reach you and not some unattended phone or email. This year you may include a list of additional officers who would like to receive the MWF News via email. You must provide the name, position and email for these individuals.

We will send the MWF News to each email address that you provide. This is a great way to make sure that all of your officers are “in the know.”

Clubs who renew on time will receive an email subscription to the juniors’ publication Mini Miners Monthly, distributed only via email. If you wish to have the Mini Miners Monthly subscription sent to someone other than your editor (1st choice) or president (2nd choice), please provide a name, position and valid email address for that individual, and indicate that they are to receive the Mini Miners materials.

Use the EVENTS form to submit details of shows and events during the coming year. You may include a flyer, printed on white paper, as additional information. If this information is submitted with the dues, we will make sure it gets to the website, newsletter and directory coordinators. If it is submitted later, or separately, it is more likely to get overlooked.

Finally, and probably most important to many, the 2020 membership rates are the same as before. Our MWF Endowment Fund supports our special projects, helping to keep dues consistent from one year to the next. Dues are $2.00 per adult and $.50 per youth.

Insurance will stay the same for 2020. Our current rate is $4.50 per individual to be covered by the policy. Clubs that submit their dues on time (postmarked no later than January 15, 2020) may take a $.25-per-member discount. Include all members when computing your insurance premium.

Remember: Federation insurance policy will cover groups of clubs jointly sponsoring shows or events only if all of the sponsoring clubs are current federation members and all of the sponsoring clubs purchase federation insurance. Requests for insurance for these jointly sponsored events must include a list of all sponsoring clubs.

Questions about your MWF forms or dues? Call Sandy at 651-459-0343 or email Sandy Fuller at [email protected]. Direct insurance questions to Sue Goedert at 616-337-1162 or [email protected].


Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies Annual Dues, Insurance and Club Contact Information (Use INK! Please print, type or complete form on-line. Submit original.)

CLUB NAME STATE

2020 Club Dues (Use membership figures from year completed in 2019)

Number of Adult Club Members _____________ X $2.00 = $ .

Number of Youth Club Members _____________X $0.50 = $ .

Do you want MWF Membership Cards? ___ Yes ____ No

2020 Club Insurance (Optional, but if chosen, must pay for all members)

Total number of club members X $4.50 ($4.25 for qualifying clubs*) = $ . (*Renewals postmarked by January 15, 2019 receive a discounted insurance rate of $4.25 per member)

Total Dues and Insurance Remitted: (Make check payable to Midwest Federation) $ ___ .

Club Contact Information for Mailings, Directory & Website Please provide mail and email addresses that are checked regularly. Place an asterisk (*) in front of each email, phone and address that should not be listed on the MWF website. Circle “P” for people who should receive paper copies of the MWF News, “E” for those who should receive electronic copies.

P E President Email Phone ______

Address City State Zip

P E Secretary Email Phone


P E Treasurer Email Phone


P E Liaison ____ Email Phone


CLUB BULLETIN NAME

P E Editor __ Email Phone


CLUB MEETING PLACE

DAY & TIME

Club Website/Facebook Club Email

Please send the MWF Directory and Official Federation Mail to:

Choose one only > ___ President ___ Secretary ___Treasurer ___Liaison

Please use separate sheet to list additional officers (name, position, email) who would like to receive federation newsletter and/or juniors materials via email.

FORM, DUES, INSURANCE, & EVENTS FORM are DUE by JANUARY 15, 2020 Mail to: MWF, c/o Sandy Fuller, 8445 Grange Blvd., Cottage Grove, MN 55016


Calendar Of Events Listing Information

For Publication In MWF Directory, Website & Newsletter (Use INK! Please print, type or complete form on-line. Submit original.)

CLUB NAME STATE

Show Chair Email - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Event Type: __Annual Show, __Rock Swap, __Other

Dates: Days/Times:

Facility/Location Name:

Street: City: State:

EVENT CONTACT INFORMATION (This will be published!)

Contact Person’s Name: Phone:

Street: City: State: Zip: Club Email: Website: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ADDITIONAL EVENT:

Event Type: __Annual Show, __Rock Swap, __Other

Dates: Days/Times:

Facility/Location Name:

Street: City: State:

EVENT CONTACT INFORMATION (This will be published!)

Contact Person’s Name: Phone:

Street: City: State: Zip: Club Email: Website: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

* * Please include event listings for January, February, March and April 2021. * *

Mail completed form with your dues. Questions? Call 651-459-0343

DEADLINE FOR DIRECTORY INFORMATION IS JANUARY 15, 2020

REMEMBER, this information, including contact information, will be published in the MWF Directory, posted on the MWF website, and listed in the MWF News.


In Memoriam Two MWF Past Presidents, Paul Good and Betty Crawford

Paul Good, President 1977-78 Donna Moore, MWF Secretary Paul Good of Kyle, Texas, passed away in September 2018. He was MWF President in 1977-78. He and his wife Margaret were active in the MWF until they moved to Texas. Paul was the newsletter editor for the South Central Federation for 17 years, and was active on the club level as well as the federation level down there. Margaret was a poet and published a book of her poems. She says she and Paul were active in the rockhounding hobby and enjoyed it until Paul’s health caused them to have to step back from attending meetings and activities. Margaret’s address is 150 Nel Court, Kyle, Texas 78640-8859, and her e-mail address is [email protected]. I had the pleasure of meeting Paul long after they had moved from the MWF, but always tried to make contact when he and I were at the same AFMS Conventions. It was always enjoyable to visit with him.

Betty Crawford, President 1978-79 Donna Moore, MWF Secretary Anne Cook, MWF President 1994-95

Betty Crawford passed away July 4, 2019. She was the MWF president in 1978-79. She later served as AFMS president, and so was a member of the AFMS Past President Advisory Council. She was a founding member of the Richland Lithic and Lapidary

Society of Mansfield, Ohio. She was a skilled lapidary, and her intarsias were well known and admired by all. She continued to attend mineral and lapidary shows as long as possible, and she will be missed.

From her obituary in the Mansfield, Ohio News Journal: “Betty was a self-taught artist, knowledgeable lapidary expert and superb silversmith recognized throughout the United States and internationally. She was a world traveler. Betty established the Richland Lithic and Lapidary Society. She served as president of both Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies and the American Federation of Mineralogical Society. In 1989, she was elected to the National Rockhound and Lapidary Hall of Fame. Betty participated in a “dinosaur dig” in Utah. She was a published writer and editor, accomplished speaker and excellent photographer.”

Photo of Betty Crawford from the obituary in the Mansfield, Ohio News Journal, found on legacy.com.

AACA Yearbook Shows a Club’s Mission

Regina Kapta, AFMS Chair of All American Club Awards

In an age where many other interests compete for prospective members’ attention, it takes several different approaches to get people’s interest, keep their interest, and promote active participation. Clubs need active members, and the challenge of finding them is one of the biggest problems that clubs can face.

What is the purpose of your club – what is the

mission? This mission is usually stated in clubs’ charters or bylaws, and is seen on club websites and membership materials, but how well is that mission fulfilled? As clubs grow and change, does the mission still fit? Most clubs have a blended goal of promoting the hobby via education, community outreach, attracting new members, and providing a space where the geology interest can be fostered.

How well your club accomplishes its mission

can be reflected in your All American Club Award yearbook, as it provides an opportunity to look at the big picture – how do the monthly programs, annual shows, junior activities, community involvement and member events satisfy that mission through the year?




Each yearbook entered is evaluated based on proven facets that grow a club. Junior meetings, workshops, shows, publicity, and community involvement – all contribute to a club’s growth and ultimate survival. The AACA yearbook criteria promote different aspects that are vital to a club’s survival. The award winners in each yearly contest can serve as models to inspire, and a resource for some great ideas for your club.

One thing I would like to point out is that club entries are not evaluated against each other, but for the aspects

that make a strong active club serving its mission. Each entry begins with 100 points, and judges look to match club activities to those criteria.

Take a look at what your club has accomplished this past year, and give credit where credit is due! The more members contribute to the yearbook, the more it can serve as an historical document for the club, and an excellent tool to encourage prospective members. The yearbook can be in the form of a paper scrapbook or digital PDF. The AFMS website has applications and examples of previous award winners. The contest will cover the year 2019 from January through December. The AACA contest is a two-tier competition – the first tier is entry in the regional federations’ contests, and the top three entries from each federation are submitted to the American Federation level for judging. The deadline for entry in the Midwest Federation event is February 1, 2020. Forms for the 2020 contest are on the AFMS website; for more information, contact Mary Ann Rich, chair of the MWF Merit Awards Committee, at [email protected].


You CAN fight City Hall! And Even the State Legislature!

Roxanna Chamberlin Tulsa Rock & Mineral Society’s T-Town Rockhound, November 2018

[Editor’s note from the T-Town Rockhound:] What follows is a synopsis of how the actions of rockhounds CAN affect legislation--as related by Roxanna Chamberlin to Russell Ferrell, author of “The Bone War of McCurtain County.” She told him about the successful efforts of TRMS and dedicated members to stop Oklahoma House Bill 2014 in 1988, the year she was club president.

Mr. Ferrell – In response to your email request about my role in stopping House Bill 2014, here is a synopsis of my and the Tulsa Rock & Mineral Society’s successful efforts in keeping this bill from becoming law.

One Sunday evening, I received a telephone call from John Alf, who lived in Bartlesville. He had heard that there was a bill in the Oklahoma legislature that proposed cessation of many of the rights of rockhounds.

I was told it was a reaction by Oklahoma

University and the legislator that represented their district, responding to the possibility that Cephis Hall

and his associate might sell their dinosaur outside of the State. There was a rumor that they had a possible Japanese buyer. Whether that was true, I cannot say.

Skeleton of Acrocanthosaurus atokensis, the state dinosaur of Oklahoma, at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Cephis Hall and Sid Love found a 75% complete Acrocanthosaurus skeleton, and their battle to keep it became the subject of “The Bone War of McCurtain County.” The skeleton Hall and Love dug up is now in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

As the then current president of the Tulsa Rock & Mineral Society (TRMS), I was able to contact several other presidents of rock clubs in Oklahoma that


AACA yearbook Reflects a Club’s Mission, continued


You CAN fight the State Legislature, continued

evening and alert them about the proposed legislation; however, time grew late and I didn’t reach all of them.

The following Monday morning, I went to

work with the idea of writing a letter to all TRMS members, telling them about the bill and encouraging them to contact their legislators. But I felt I needed additional information. Just then, Dick Howard, our company’s vice president/lobbyist, popped into my office to say hello, and I told him of the previous night’s phone call and what I wanted to do, and asked his advice about learning more about the bill. He told me that the secretary in his Oklahoma City office had a computer program that tracked each and every bill as it passed through the Senate, the House and their respective committees.

I called her and was told that the bill had sailed

through the Senate, was now in the House Education Committee and it appeared likely that it would go to the House floor for vote the next week. I was aghast! So little time to squash the bill!

That evening, I was scheduled to chair the

TRMS Board meeting. I knew the members would want to help me stop this bill. During my lunch hour, I composed a letter to TRMS members, telling them of the impending legislation, the urgent time frame and, as I recall, the telephone numbers of all the district representatives in Tulsa and its suburbs. I also typed address labels for the members, plus those club presidents I had not been able to reach the night before. After work, I copied approximately 200 letters and returned downtown to the Board meeting.

After conducting the Board business, the

meeting adjourned and people began to leave. I asked them to remain and told them of the bill. They were as adamantly against it as I was. Then I showed them samples of the letter I had prepared to send the members and they were all in agreement that they should be sent out pronto.

I told them we could not use any of the Club’s

funds as it might be construed that this was a political action and jeopardize the Club’s non-profit status. However, as private citizens, we could inform our fellow rockhounds. Terry Bridgewater, our previous year’s president, was the first to slap a $10 bill on the


table, immediately followed by another $10 from Gloria Meadors, the club’s treasurer, and lesser amounts were thrown in by other Board members.

Terry and I went across the street to the Post Office lobby and began plugging money into the stamp vending machines. In the meantime, the others were folding, inserting and sealing the envelopes. The stamps and address labels were applied and we all left the library shortly thereafter.

Terry and I went back across the street and

inserted a couple hundred envelopes into the curbside postal box. Some people received their letters the following day, others on Wednesday. Letters and phone calls from irate rock collectors began to flow into legislators’ Oklahoma City offices. I wrote and sent the same letter to all members of the committee reviewing the bill.

It read as follows: “It was with amazement that I read the provisions of H.B. 2014 and the stringent rules and regulations which have been proposed as law. While I am in agreement with the spirit to preserve Oklahoma’s vertebrate fossils, the provisions (and lack of provisions) contained within the proposed law are such that it would prohibit serious collectors and amateurs to pursue their hobbies.

“There are many such people within Oklahoma who seek out fossils of all types. Possibly, many such fossils would never be found were it not for these ardent amateurs. There are a number of these people of like interests who join clubs in order to educate one another, trade specimens to enhance personal collections, exhibit their collections in shows, schools, libraries, and other public places, and utilize their collections in teaching and encouraging youngsters in the earth sciences. Some of these same people often donate all or part of their collections to local museums. I happen to be President of just such a club of approximately 200 concerned members in Tulsa, and we are linked with other clubs throughout the State, the Rocky Mountain region and to a national federation.

“These same people are often the only ones who realize a small local area that has been rich in fossil finds is soon to be bulldozed and built upon.



You CAN fight the State Legislature, continued

They are also others with experienced eyes who spot something unusual in a road cut, stop, and recover the small treasure from the earth before it is ground to pieces.

“H. B. 2014 has no acknowledgement or provisions for the many existing personal collections. Passing of

this bill will accomplish the following:

“• Personal collections would go “underground” or be sent to other states for safekeeping prior to the effective date of the bill. Oklahoma will lose. • Collectors will no longer hunt for such fossils. Fewer will be found . . . many will be lost to urban sprawl. Oklahoma will lose. • Collectors will no longer be able to buy or trade among themselves. Dealers will no longer be able to legally offer such specimens in Oklahoma’s shops or at gem and mineral shows through the State. Private holdings for sale will be shipped to other states for disposal. Oklahoma will lose—both economically and resource-wise. • Collectors will no longer be able to share their specimens with the public for fear of fines or imprisonment. In our educational program, no longer will a member be able to hand such a fossil to a youngster, let them hold this link to our ancient past, and watch a light grow into a passion for knowledge of our geologic times. Oklahoma will lose—and so will our students.


“The proposed law would make it illegal for fossil collectors to keep the finds produced by their efforts—even if such a find should be in their own backyards! And, it appears unlikely that a loose confederation of members with similar interests would be granted permits by the proposed Advisory Board because the members aren’t associated with some specific museum.

“Please let this bill die in the committee. Help us to continue pursuing our interests, both for our personal

benefit and that of our communities.” Through the effort of many people who contacted their representatives by phone and mail, the bill died in

committee within days. That’s why you never heard of H. B. 2014 ever again! My lobbyist friend laughingly told me that the legislators couldn’t believe the maelstrom unleashed as their offices were flooded with telephone calls and letters. One of our members later told me she called her representative and told him she would NEVER vote for him again if this bill didn’t get squashed!

I have no idea how many people from our club called and wrote, nor how many did so from other areas of the State. I am proud that I could spearhead this protest, but it was a combined effort of many, many people who took the time to follow through and let their legislators know that this bill was wrong in so many ways. Many of those people, including everyone I can recall on my Board, are now dead, but their efforts have kept future generations poking and digging through the soil or splitting rock to uncover treasures from our geologic history. So now, Mr. Ferrell, you know the rest of the story about the sudden demise of House Bill 2014.

Having become interested in rocks and fossils as a young boy, Cephis Hall, with Sid Love, made the amazing find that may have set off the Oklahoma legislature. Photo by David Zizzo, published in The Oklahoman Oct. 15, 1989, from Oklahoman.com.


Executive Committee Minutes, cont.: Committee Reports, Geology to Technology

Geology – Dr. Bill Cordua is still writing and sharing geology articles. Editors are welcome to copy his articles from his archives on the internet. Kevin pointed out that Dr. Bill is active on Facebook with Geology Wednesday and Mineral Friday. Friend him on Facebook to see his posts.

Historian – Cindy Root had a written report that MWF documents are stored on the cloud. If anyone would like access, contact Cindy for information. She stressed if anyone uses old articles, etc., to remember to give credit to the authors.

Insurance – Kevin announced that Chris Ivancic had asked to step down. Sue Goedert volunteered to be the new chairperson.

Junior Activities – Assistant Chuck Collins reported that it is important to have activities for children to allow the hobby to grow.

Lapidary – David Root had a written report that he is maintaining a database of possible helpers for lapidary skills.

Long Range Planning – No problems were reported. The AFMS straightened out the dispute between the California Federation and the Rocky Mountain Federation. J.C. Moore is presently the AFMS 5th Vice President.

Membership - Jim Marburger reported no new inquiries for clubs to join the federation.

Merit Awards – Mary Ann Ferguson-Rich reported there were no applications for the All America Awards Contest. She plans an article in the newsletter with information for the 2020 contest. Detailed information is on the AFMS website. The deadline for 2020 is January 15.

Mineralogy – Kevin Ponzio reported the American Fluorite Museum in Rosiclare, Illinois, had suffered a fire and a major theft. He planned an article for the newsletter. If anyone has photos of items in the museum before the fire, please send them to Kevin.

Paleontology – Debbie Hamilton had a written report showing a better understanding of fossils using present-day science.

(Continued from page 5) Program Competition – David Root reported

that his wife, Cindy, would like to step down from this position. Kevin urged clubs to document field trips, then enter that into competition.

Program Review – No report.

Safety and Field Trips – David Rich had a written report highlighting OSHA’s recommendations for types of protective gloves. He pointed out that nitrile gloves are good for things that turn your hands red or black. He also noted that it is very important to wear safety glasses. Glasses with UV protection are very inexpensive and should be used when working with fluorescent minerals. UV protection is in plexiglass. Long-wave light will come through the glass, but short wave is protected in glass. Lexan tends to scratch, so not very practical for case front.

Jackson Safety 3004882 ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses; photo from Staples.com. Did you know that polycarbonate lenses will protect against 99% of UV rays, even when they’re clear?

Scholarship – Marge Collins had a written report on donations. She urged everyone to keep the fund growing, making donations not only for those who have passed away, but for living memorials to recognize members for their contributions.

Silent Auction – Susan Stanforth reported that there was an impressive auction in Cedar Rapids. Steve Shimatzki donated a beryl from Brazil for the 2020 auction.

Technology Resources – This committee needs a chairman and an operating procedure.



Executive Committee Minutes, cont.: Committee Reports to Adjournment

Uniform Rules – J.C. Moore explained the committee oversees competitive exhibits. The process of doing a competitive exhibit is not as hard as he originally thought. Anyone interested can contact him for information.

Website – David Root encouraged everyone to get information to Cindy for the website.

Website Competition – No report. Dawn Cramar noted that her name and e-mail were spelled wrong on the website. The President of the Livingston Gem and Mineral Club, Cinda Dawson’s correct phone number is 810-432-0464. New Business

Chuck Collins noted that people are what count in our organization. We need to keep track of numbers of people who participate and make sure the proper ones are given recognition. We need to keep it easy to do and be able to enjoy the activities.

Dawn Cramar asked about club Facebook pages having commercial activity. She was assured that the clubs govern their own pages. Cathy Clevenz said that in Toledo, vendors can pay $60 for a blurb in their newsletter. They were assured that each club needs to set its own criteria.

Report from the AFMS – J.C. Moore, 5th Vice President, reported that boundary issues between the California and Rocky Mountain Federations had been settled, the consensus being that if a federation wants to sponsor a field trip into another federation’s boundaries, first ask permission from the federation in whose jurisdiction they are hunting.

Federation Field Trips – Kevin noted that it is difficult getting people to participate as federation officers and chairpersons. Maybe we could look at a reward for participation, such as a field trip not open to others for a limited number of people. It might be an incentive to get more people involved in leadership. The Toledo club has a $300 budget item for their delegates to conventions.

It was noted that there will be a lot of things to see in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area with the spring


meeting being hosted by the Indian Mounds club in April. In the fall, with Livingston hosting the convention, the Cranbrook Museum is nearby and an interesting place to visit. There are two colleges in Grand Rapids with geology departments and museums to visit.

For instance, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which has, according to the Grand Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau, “a focus on science, history, and culture.” Photo from culturepass.experiencegr.com.

Silent Auction Chairperson Susan Stanforth auctioned off E-Bear. President Kevin Ponzio was the high bidder who took E-Bear home with him. Watch the MWF Facebook page for the adventures of E-Bear. J.C. Moore moved to adjourn the meeting. Dawn Cramar seconded the motion, which carried. Kevin Ponzio declared the meeting adjourned.

I Need a Hero!

Susan Stanforth, 2nd Vice President

Time is running out and I need a HERO to step up and nominate a Scholarship Honoree. Come on, clubs. You know that one special rockhound who has contributed so much to your hobby. It doesn’t have to be a college professor. You can nominate a couple who have both promoted our hobby to the nth degree.

I have gone back 15 years and not one honoree was selected by a Minnesota, Arkansas, or North & South Dakota club. Hmm? Let’s show some enthusiasm and send in your nomination ASAP to Susan Stanforth, [email protected], who is on the Board of Selectors. I will help you through the entire process.



December Issue Submission Deadline Is Nov. 6th!

Upcoming Events

Date and Time Organization Place Contact October 26 St. Croix Rockhounds Valley Creek Mall, 1750 Weir Drive, David Rusterholz, Sat, 9-1 St. Paul, MN 715-760-0479 October 26-27 “Gemboree” sponsored by Akron Mineral Society and Summit Lapidary Club. Gujo Kotch, Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5 Emidio & Sons Expo Center, 48 E. Bath Road, Cuyahoga Falls, OH. [email protected] October 26-27 Blackhawk Gem & Mineral Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 Craig or Kellie Moore, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4 Club W. Locust Street, Davenport, IA [email protected] October 26-27 Evansville Lapidary Society C.K. Newsome Community Center, Sara Rappee, Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4 100 E. Walnut Street, Evansville, IN [email protected] November 1-3 Micromineral Society of the Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval, Janet Clifford, Fri 3-10, Sat 9-5, Cleveland Museum of Natural University Circle, Cleveland, OH [email protected] Sun 9:30-3 History November 2 Auction of the Midwest Min- Democratic Club, 23400 Wick Road, Dwayne Ferguson, Sat 6-? eralogical & Lapidary Society Taylor, MI [email protected] November 2-3 Mid-Michigan Rock Club Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour, Debra Young, Sat & Sun, 10-5 Midland, MI [email protected] November 2-3 Racine Geological Society Fountain Banquet Hall, 8505 Durand Ave. John Lowman, Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4 (Highway 11), Sturtevant, WI [email protected] November 9 Gem City Rock Club Quincy Mall, 32nd and Broadway, Brad Fanning, Saturday, 10-5 Quincy, IL [email protected] November 9-10 North West Illinois Rock Club Highland Community College, 2998 Brian Green, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL [email protected] November 11 Auction of the Michigan Min- Cranbrook Institute, 39221 Woodward, Brad Zylman, Mon 7 - ? eralogical Society Bloomfield Hills, MI [email protected] November 22-24 St. Louis Mineral & Gem White-Rodgers Community Center, Melissa Perucca, Fri 3-7, Sat 10-7, Society 9801 Mackenzie Road, St. Louis, MO [email protected] Sun 10-5 November 23-24 Anoka County Gem & Mineral Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Martha Miss, Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4 Club Drive North, Crystal, MN [email protected] November 23-24 Madison Gem & Mineral Club Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Nevin Franke, Sat 9:30-5, Sun 10-5 Energy Center Way, Madison, WI [email protected]




Valerie J. Meyers, Editor Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies [email protected] Post Office Box 13456 Overland Park, KS 66282-3456

Non Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID Fiatt, IL

Permit No. 1

Please Consider a Donation to the Scholarship Foundation

The good cause? Grants to college students in the earth sciences. The better cause? Memorializing the contributions of an invaluable member of your club, whether living or in memoriam. Donations and memorials, payable to AFMS Scholarship, should be mailed to the MWF Scholarship Committee c/o Marge Collins, 3017 Niles-Buchanan Road, Buchanan, Michigan 49107.

AFMS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION DONATION Contributions to AFMS Scholarship are tax-exempt. You can use the form below or include a note with appropriate information. You receive acknowledgment and when applicable, and upon request, a note is sent to next of kin. Donor(s) name: _____________________________________________________ Donation: $ _______________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ (street) (apt. #) (city) (state) (ZIP code) Memorial or Honoring (if applicable): ______________________________________________________________ Next of Kin: ____________________________________________________________, ______________________ (if applicable) (name) (relationship) Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________ (street) (apt. #) (city) (state) (ZIP code)

Documents

MWF News - amfed.orgamfed.org/mwf/Newsletters/2019/MWF News 2019-11.pdf · MWF News November 2019, Issue No. 586 Page 3 President’s message, cont.: Nominate a Rockhound, Join an