MGMCMGMCMatrix--January,
2010
Mariposa Gem &
Mineral Club’s Newsletter
Happy New Year—Twenty-Ten is in full swing for our Club and
promises to
be a rewarding adventure
for all who partake in our endeavor of Lapidary
studies and Earth Science education.
We bid a fond farewell to Inez Terra as she passes the
leadership role
of President on to Mary Foster.
Thank
you, Inez, for two full and commendable terms of office.
We also extend our appreciation to
Inez for
taking on the role of sponsoring Mariposa’s Junior Rockhounds
program—the
children are
our future—and those first phase “Pebble Pups” can hope to glean
much from the seasoned experience
Inez has to offer. The success of the
program speaks for itself
as illustrated in this AFMS article:
HISTORY
OF FUTURE
ROCKHOUNDS OF
supporting youth groups for many years. Most clubs have
always had young members but often didn't know
what sorts of activities to
provide for them. Consequently many youth fell through the cracks.
We’re sure
no
one would argue the fact that we need to ensure the future of our hobby
by
encouraging our youth. Knowing
this, under the direction of AFMS President Bill
Cox in 1984, a committee was added to the AFMS called
"Junior Clubs."
Bill coined the name "Future Rockhounds of
to junior clubs becoming members of FRA. It gives
pebble pups and juniors the distinction of belonging to
something worthwhile. The
only requirement for kids to obtain FRA membership is to be a member of
a
regional federation club with an AFMS affiliation. There are no dues to
pay to
AFMS. Starting in Fall 2004, Juniors Activities
Chair Jim Brace-Thompson
developed a free badge program of guided activities to provide youth
leaders
with 53 individual activities in 9 areas: Rocks & Minerals, Earth
Resources, Fossils, Lapidary Arts, Collecting, Showmanship,
Communication,
Field Trips, and Leadership. In 2008, 6 new areas were added with 32
more
activities on Earth Processes, Earth in Space, Gold Panning &
Prospecting,
Gemstone Lore & Legend, Stone Age Tools & Art, and
Rocking on the
Computer. Kids can now earn badges in each of 15 overall areas. Those
earning a
minimum of 6
of the 15 badges earn a “Rockhound” badge as a mark of
accomplishment and distinction. Details of the program
may be found on the
“Kids Corner” section of the AFMS web site: www.amfed.org/fra/fra_badge.htm.
Minutes of General Meeting, December 5, 2009: President,
Inez Terra, called the meeting to order at
6:10 P.M., 29 members and guests
were present at the December Christmas Dinner/meeting at the
Midpines
MINUTES were read by Marian and corrected by Inez and Carolyn
Downey. Mary Foster moved to
accept as
corrected and Joy McClure seconded.
Voted on and passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Carolyn
Downey distributed copies and read the report for November.
Randy Bolt moved to accept the report and
Ernie Laszlo seconded. Voted on and
passed. A copy of
the report is
available for review at the shop.
CFMS: No CFMS report. Inez has
volunteered to sponsor the Jr. Rockhounds program, starting with
the first phase
"Pebble Pups". Kids enrolled in the program get a booklet with a list
of activities to do.
The kids receive patches as they complete the items
listed. Joy made a motion that Inez
sponsor
the kids program and allow $20.00 to be used for needed materials. This motion was seconded,
voted on and
passed.
MEMBERSHIP: Yvonne Beattie will
collect club dues after the Christmas dinner meeting.
SHOP: No Shop report.
PROGRAM: No program tonight.
OLD BUSINESS--None.
SILENT AUCTION--Several items were displayed.
NEW BUSINESS
Inez was presented with the Rock Hound of the Year award.
Inez called for members to submit their names for the Fall
Earth
Science Workshop drawing.
Members must be in good standing and have not been
sponsored by the club within the last 4 years.
< style="font-family: verdana;">Joe Fuentos was selected. Pat Binon is the alternate.
President – Mary Foster
Vice President – Not present (Dusty Luker)
Treasurer – Carolyn Downey
Secretary – Felix Romero
Field Trip Coordinator – Ernie Laszlo
CFMS Rep – Inez Terra
Board member – Judi Gooch
Inez adjourned the meeting at 6:50 P.M. and thanked everyone
for a
wonderful potluck dinner
and thanked Larry Miller and his wife for bringing
items for the Trunk
Minutes of Board Meeting,
January 01, 2010: President,
Mary Foster called the meeting to order
at 12:40 P.M.
Board members present: Mary
Foster, Yvonne Beattie, Felix
Romero.
Membership : Yvonne
Beattie passed out an updated
membership roster.
Items discussed:
Meeting adjourned at 12:55 P.M.
Announcements:
January
16-17 2010,
Tule
Gem & Mineral Society
420
N Kaweah (Hwy 65),
Hours:
Sat. 10 - 5, Sun. 10-4
Pepper
Okada (559) 733-5842
Don
Vieira (55(0 733-7739
Webpage:
tulegem.org
February
12-21, 2010,
San
Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society
Riverside
County Fair & National Date Festival
Gem
amp;&
Hours:
10 am - 10 pm
Bert
Grisham: (915) 849-1674
Email:
bert67@verizon.net
February
26-27 2010,
Del
Air Rockhounds Club
United
Hours:
Fri. 3 p.m. -9:30 p.m. - Sat. 10-5
Julie
Marin (818) 886-7190
Website:
http://delairrockhounds.blogspot.com