BRECCIA Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society All American Club Volume 63 Number 2

San Jose, CA February, 2016

I am looking for two people to fill open positions on the board. Joan Schramm is unable to continue her board position and has reI would like to encourage each of you to signed. The club also needs a CFMS repretake advantage of some of our upcoming sentative. Please let me know if there are any activities. The club will be serving pizza beactivities you are interested in that we are fore the next regular meeting at 6:30 PM. not already doing. I will take it to the board There are several other events throughout the year, which are listed in here in the Brec- and see what we can do to make it happen. cia. Come and meet our scholarship recipi- If there is any place that you think would make a good day or weekend trip, let someents at the next meeting. one on the board know. We have a few ideas, but input from the membership is alThe festival is coming up very soon. There are many cases available for you to display ways good. This is your club. It will be more fun if we do what you like to do! your fine collections. Talk to Frank Mullaney about having a sign put on your car winOne last thing. Be on the lookout for a waydows. There is still much to do. Please conward slab of Guadalupe Mine poppy jasper. tact June Harris and let her know what you Many of you have seen this particular slab can do to help. We need everyone to step when you have come over for Cutaways. I up. Without you, we can't do it. The festival was moving the crate that it was housed in is our main fundraiser for the year. Without and to my surprise and dismay, it has grown the funds brought in by the festival, we legs and run away from home. If you should would not be able to do such things as the happen to see it, PLEASE help it find its way Founders Day Picnic, Installation Dinner, back home again. I would greatly appreciawarding annual Scholarships, Cabana Club rental for club events, the Breccia, and ate it. many of the other things we do to promote Randy Harris, President our hobby. Hello Fellow Rockhounds,

Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

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Breccia February, 2016

Upcoming Festival meetings

What’s in this issue?

All Chairman, please attend March 2nd at 7:00 PM March 16th at 7:00PM at Mountain Mike’s Pizza 301 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell All you can eat pizza, salad, and soft drinks for $5.00 We are looking for people to help coordinate the following areas: Ticket sales Storage unit logistics, Overnight security–Saturday Night This is your society, your help is needed to keep it running smoothly. What can you do to help?

Page 1

Upcoming Festival meetings PLAY Day

Page 2 Page 2

Meet our new members Bragging Rights Sunshine Study group reports

Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3

2015 SCVGMS calendar Field Trip Schedule February meeting program Show and Tel l Save Cancelled Stamps

Page 4 Page 4 Page 4 Page 4 Page 4

Support the Festival, Support the Club

Page 5

SCVGMS Festival committee Update upcoming festival

Page 6 Page 6

Competition forms for single items and display cases

Page 7

Rules for single item and display case competition

Page 8

Display case entry form

Page 9

Safety Matters-Tough Guy

Page 10-11

Update on the Modoc Obsidian Collecting Area Page 11-12

PLAY DAY February 27th 9am-3pm At the Belwood Cabana Clubhouse Lots of different things to help make and do for the upcoming festival. Lunch provided Sign up with June Harris [email protected] or call (831) 438-5150 Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

President’s message

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AFMS Code of Ethics

Page 12

Upcoming Federation shows Dealer Advertising

Page 13 Page 13

SCVGMS general meeting minutes

Page 14-15

SCVGMS Board meeting minutes

Page 15

Treasurer’s report

Page 15

Club informational sheet

Page 16

Breccia February, 2016

Check Out What Our Study Groups Are Doing Smithies 2016 Schedule by Pat Speece What do Smithies do? We fabricate jewelry using sterling, copper, and brass. We set cabs into bezels, add embellishments and necessities and get to play with lots of tools. This is an informal workshop where we have the necessary tools and equipment. You are also welcome to bring your own. Beginners are always welcome. Basically, we are meeting on Saturdays from noon until 3:00pm. We are no longer meeting on Fridays. February 13, 20, 27 March 5, 12, 19, 26 April 2, 9, 23, 30. [Our show is April 16]

Sunshine If you know of a society member who has been or is ill, had a death in the family, or has had a great event in their life, contact Margo Mosher with the news. Margo’s phone number is (408) 578-2841, or email her at [email protected].

Cutaways by Randy Harris The Cutaway’s study group generally meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9AM to noon with a few exceptions. Please call to confirm and for directions, (831) 438-5150. Everyone is welcome. Come and cut and shape a rock. $5.00 shop fee. Learn how to cut a cabochon or to cut and polish a rock. Upcoming meeting dates are February 13, April 9th, May 14th. (no March meeting)

May 7, 14, 21, 28 June 4, 11, 18, 25

“Bragging Rights”

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

February’s theme and rules

August 6, 13, 20, 27 September 3, 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November 5, 12, 19, 26 December no workshops On the days we have rock sales, we will not meet. If you are on my Smithie email list, I will notify you of any other cancellations.

Meet our new members: Paul Kinyon– Paul is interested in cutting & polishing, collecting, silversmithing, fossils, geology, minerals and field trips. Josephine Borucki-Josephine is interested in collecting, fossils, minerals, and field trips. Friso Schipper– Friso is interested in cutting & polishing, collecting, silversmithing, fossils and field trips.

Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

For the month of February, the contest theme is the luster “druzy”. So your entry must be a rock, fossil, or mineral with a druzy luster. The “Bragging Rights” contest is for members and guests who would like to anonymously display a rock or mineral from the monthly themed category. Everyone in attendance at the monthly meeting will be given a ticket to vote for their favorite rock or mineral. The winner is announced each month in the Breccia. The winner picks out his or her prize at the next general meeting and has their opportunity to “BRAG” about their winning specimen.

The winner for the month of January was 3

Breccia February 2016

2015—2016 SCVGMS Calendar February 13th Cutaways meeting from 9AM to noon at Randy Harris’ home. February 13th Smithies workshop from noon— 3 PM at Pat Speece’s home. February 20th Smithies workshop from noon—3 PM at Pat Speece’s home.

Field Trip Schedule For more information about field trips, please contact Dean Welder at [email protected] If you have any ideas or contacts for local field trips, contact Dean. Also, if you would like to lead a field trip, please contact Dean. His email address is above.

February 23rd General meeting at 7:45 PM.

February Meeting Program

February 25th Board meeting at 7:30 PM at the home of Frank Mullaney

Polka Dot Agate Mine Adventure

February 27– PLAY DAY at the Cabana Clubhouse from 9AM—3 PM. Lunch will be served. February 27th Smithies workshop from noon— 3 PM at Pat Speece’s home.

Show and Tell Members’ Display

March 2nd—Festival planning meeting at Mt. Mike’s Pizza at 7 PM. See note page 2 March 5th Smithies workshop from noon—3 PM at Pat Speece’s home. March 12th Smithies workshop from noon—3 PM at Pat Speece’s home. March 16th Festival planning meeting at Mt. Mike’s Pizza at 7 PM. See note page 2 March 19th Smithies workshop from noon—3 PM at Pat Speece’s home. March 22nd General meeting at 7:45 PM. March 24th Board meeting at 7:30 PM at the home of Frank Mullaney, hosted by Jim Fox . March 26th Smithies workshop from noon—3 PM at Pat Speece’s home.

by June Harris

Not much for member displays at the January meeting. Guest, Carmine Scelzi, brought a rock to be identified. Where were everyone else’s rocks? For the February meeting, members with the last name that starts with D, E, or F are asked to display. But if you have something that you would like to bring in and your last name doesn’t start with D, E, or F, please bring it and share it with us. Also, if you have any Polka dot agate, please bring it. Our meeting program is an adventure through the Polka Dot mine.

April 2nd Smithies workshop from noon—3 PM at Pat Speece’s home. April 9th Cutaways meeting from 9AM to noon at Randy Harris’ home. April 9th Smithies workshop from noon—3 PM at Pat Speece’s home. April 23rd Smithies workshop from noon—3 PM at Pat Speece’s home. April 26th General meeting at 7:45 PM. April 28th Board meeting at 7:30 PM at the home of Rick Kennedy. Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

Save cancelled postage stamps. Give them to June Harris We donate them to another CFMS club to support their charitable contributions. Please leave a quarter inch border around each stamp or stamp grouping. 4

Breccia January 2016

2016 SCVGMS Annual Festival Update

Car Signs Get them placed on your car. Call Frank Mullaney, 408-691-2656 to make an appoint-

Poster and business card distribution. Contact Bob Phelps, 408926-2091, if you can help.

Next Festival meetings Date: March 2nd & 16th Place: Mt Mike’s Pizza, 301 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell $5. for dinner Time: 7:00 PM. Everyone is welcome!!

2016 Festival Chairpersons needed for:

All Hands on Deck!! Workers needed for the following dates: April 15 Festival Set-up April 16 & 17 Annual Festival

Photographer, Trailer Loading coordinator All of these jobs could be shared by two people or couples. They are easy to do and require little to no time besides the time actually at the festival.

Mark your 2016 calendars to plan to help for a minimum of 8 hours.

Display case entry form for noncompetitive cases is available on page 9 of this newsletter. Competitive entry form for single item and display case is available on page 7 of this newsletter. Rules for Single item competition is on page 8 of this newsletter.

Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

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Breccia February 2016

SCVGMS Festival committee

Flags on the Midway: Evan Enriquez Trailer Unloading: Dean Welder Tear Down Committee Chair: OPEN Display cases: Stephen and Alan May Kids Area: June Harris Scholarship booth: Michael Paone Hospitality: Sonia Dyer Signage Removal: John Bahr Skirting and shims: Paul Kinyon Flags on the Midway: Evan Enriquez Trailer Loading: OPEN

Chairman: June Harris Radio Advertising: Marc Mullaney Metro Advertising: June Harris Facebook: Carissa Harris Poster & Business Card distribution: Bob Phelps Publications: Purchased Club Mailings: June Harris Announcement Scripts: Sonia Dyer Building Layout : Randy Harris Festival Buyer: Evan Enriquez & Carissa Harris Competition: Chuck Boblenz Dealers: Randy Harris Dealer Lunch Courier: Joan Schramm Demonstrators: Bill Simpson Door Prizes: Bonnie LeMat and Howard Young Event Brochure Designer: Chuck Boblenz Exhibits: Stephen and Alan May Flags on the Midway: Evan Enriquez Hospitality: Sonia Dyer Kids Area: June Harris Memento Designer: Frank Mullaney Nametags: David Marshall Photographer: OPEN Scholarship Booth: Michael Paone Sign design and construction: Frank Mullaney Special Attractions: Richard Wade: Frank Mullaney Donna Kelley: Frank Mullaney Walt Wright: Randy Harris Mineral and Rock ID: June Harris Fluorescent Mineral Exhibits: Rick Kennedy Ticket Sales: Michele Smith Touch Table: Jim and Missy Fox Trailer Logistics: Cal Hanson Treasurer: Frank Mullaney Volunteer Coordinator: Margo Mosher Set up committee Chair: Frank Mullaney Kids Area: June Harris Scholarship booth: Michael Paone Table Leveling: Fred Fisher & Joe Lattuada Table Skirting: David Marshall Fluorescent mineral tent: Rick Kennedy Display Cases: Chuck Boblenz Signage Placement: John Bahr Hospitality, Door Prizes, Tickets: Sonia Dyer, Bonnie LeMat Howard Young Demonstrators: Bill Simpson Layout: Randy Harris Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

Update on upcoming festival By June Harris Everything seems to be going well. We need all of the committee chairs to be at the next couple of festival meetings. There is a lot of coordinating that needs to happen and it is much easier face to face. That way everyone is on the same page. The next two meetings will be on March 2nd and 16th at the Mountain Mike’s Pizza on Hamilton Ave., in Campbell at 7 PM. Please check out page 5 of this newsletter for ways you can help with the festival. Anything you can help with will take some pressure off the chairs of that area. We need all hands on deck from Setup through Tear Down. Please clear your calendars for April 15th-17th and be generous with the time you volunteer. Next big thing will be PLAY DAY on February 27th at the Belwood Cabana Clubhouse from 9AM—3 PM. This is your opportunity to contribute to your society. We will be working on various project for the upcoming festival. You can get to know someone new or get to know someone better. We need everyone’s help. Lunch will be provided. Please sign up with me at the next meeting or by emailing me at [email protected] or you can call me at (831) 438-5150. Come out and support your society. You can make a difference. 6

Breccia February 2016

SCVGMS Festival Single Item Competition Entry Form Annual Festival Date: April 16 & 17, 2016 Entry drop off on April 15th, noon-7PM, and entry pick up on April 17th at 5PM Please get your application in to the Chairman, Chuck Boblenz, as soon as possible, and you will need to have an application for each piece you are displaying. If you have question, give Chuck a call at (408) 734-2473 and he will be glad to help. Items to be judged must be given to the Chairman on setup day. No items will be accepted for competition on setup day without a completed application that was turned in by the deadline below. Application for Single Item Entry in SCVGMS Festival, April 16 & 17, 2016 One entry per form, please. Name of competitor: _________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________ Email: ________________________________________ Category you wish to enter:

_____Mineraleers

______Cutaways

______Silversmiths

_____Fossileers

______Facet Cutting

______Carvers

_____Stringers

Type of item:_____________________________________________________________ Please return application by March 22, 2016 to Chuck Boblenz, 655 Santa Coleta Court, Sunnyvale, 94085

SCVGMS Festival Display Case Competition Entry Form Annual Festival Date: April 16 & 17, 2016 Case setup on April 15th noon—7 PM, and case tear-down on April 17th at 5PM Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________ I will furnish my own display case ___Yes, ___ No Case Depth___________ Case Width____________ I will need to borrow a display case ____Yes, ___No Exhibit description: _____________________________________________________________________________ Competitive Case information (cases to be judged by AFMS Uniform Rules) Subdivision:____________________ Class: ________________________________ Entry Level: ___ Master,

____Advanced,

____Novice,

_____Junior,

____Society

Please return the completed form to: Competition chairman, to Chuck Boblenz, 655 Santa Coleta Court, Sunnyvale, 94085 by March 22

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Breccia February 2016

Single item competition at the SCVGMS annual festival We will be sponsoring single item competition again at our festival in April. We hope that more of our members will be able to participate this year. This gives us all a way to show our work and learn how our items compare to others. The following are general rules for each category: All competitors shall be SCVGMS members. Each competitor shall be limited to one entry for each award offered. Each entry shall have been made within the last two (2) years. All workmanship must be done by the competitor. Each entry must be labeled with the name of the material and, where applicable, the technique(s) used. All items submitted need to have two labels, one with the competitor’s name and one without the competitor’s name, both with the material information. All items will be judged by the Uniform Rules of the American Federation and each item will start with 100 points. We are listing below the points which will apply to each group’s entries. The points which are listed are the amount which the judges may deduct for problems with a particular part of your display. Categories Mineraleers: These are the points for Thumbnail Minerals as listed in the Rules: Labeling, 15; Showmanship, 15; Quality, 70. Cutaways: These points are the most used in the Lapidary section: Labeling, 5; Showmanship, 15; Quality, 25; Variety, 10; Workmanship, 45. Silversmiths: The points apply to the majority of the Jewelry category: Labeling, 15; Showmanship, 15; Quality, 10; Variety, 15; Workmanship, 35; Design, 10. Fossileers: The points are the most commonly used in the Fossil section: Labeling, 30; Showmanship, 10; Quality, 30; Rarity, 5; Variety, 20; Reference list, 5. Facet Cutting: These points apply to Faceted Stones: Labeling, 5; Showmanship, 10; Quality, 10; Workmanship, 65; Variety, 10. Carvers: Labeling, 5; Showmanship, 10; Quality, 10; Workmanship, 65; Design, 10. Stringers: Labeling, 10; Showmanship, 10; Quality, 10; Workmanship, 55; Design, 15. The Showmanship category covers the way your piece is set up for display. All of the items will be placed in a case with similar items and you may bring a stand or similar display piece in order to show your piece to its best advantage.

SCVGMS Competition Display Case Rules Display cases will be judged using the latest AFMS Uniform Rules. You can review the categories and division in addition to the rules by visit the below website. http://www.amfed.org/rules/rules.htm Any further questions should be posed to Chuck Boblenz, (408) 734-2473.

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Breccia February, 2016

SCVGMS Member and Guest Display Case Entry Form Annual Festival Date: April 16 & 17, 2016 Case setup on April 15th after noon, and case tear-down on April 17th at 5PM Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ I will furnish my own display case ___Yes, ___ No Case Depth___________ Case Width_____________ I will need to borrow a display case ____Yes, ___No Exhibit description: ______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please return the completed form to: Show Chairman: Stephen May 1092 Candlewood Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94089 by March 22, 2016

SCVGMS Display Case Dimensions All dimensions are inside dimensions

End of Case

21 7/8 inches

22 1/2 inches

46 5/8 inches

20 1/2 inches 20 1/2 inches

Please note—these are inside dimensions of our club display cases. You must cut your liner material (whether it be plywood, cardboard, hardboard, or whatever) a little smaller to allow for the liner cloth which folds over the edges. The front of the case slopes inward at the bottom.

Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

Back of Case

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Bottom of case

Breccia February, 2016

Safety Matters– Tough Guy

specific instruction thought necessary for the area of collecting. By Ellery Borow, Safety chair, 4. Of several sets of safety guidelines can be apVia AFMS newsletter, Nov, 2015 plied to a situation, the strictest set of rules should be utilized. Member safety must be Quite a few folks know I write safety articles for the AFMS News and several other newsletters. So, paramount. 5. Field trip leaders of the club should be aware it was no surprise when a fellow came up to me of club member’s weaknesses - who is likely to at a local gem and mineral show and posed a dehydrate faster than the others, who has a question and a concern about field trip safety. His question pertained to a trip to a working mine heart condition, who might have frailties needing to be monitored more than the rest, who and how to approach a matter of safety that might have balance issues, and so on. True, folks was, to his way of thinking, different from that of have to ultimately be responsibility for themthe mine owner’s point of view. selves but things such as dehydration can sneak up on person, even a responsible person. Trip The fellow had seen a situation at the mine that leaders need to be ever watchful, it’s part of the he thought could have been more of a safety job description. hazard than had the miner owner’s representative. It is possible that the owner’s representative 6. Safety precaution lectures by mine represenmay not have noted the potential of the hazard, tatives, as I have personally witnessed on numeror may perhaps not have noted the hazard itself. ous occasions, consist of an arm / hand wave indicating stay away from (an arm wave for) The owner’s representative certainly did not “there” or you can collect over (an arm wave know the physical abilities of the club members for) “here”. And, oh, it is also necessary to wear attending when judging a potential hazard. So, in effect, the instance was one where the fellow, your hard hats, safety shoes, gloves and goggles at all times. While those guidelines are good for a club officer, thought a situation was more hazmost folks, there are those few who tend to want ardous to his club’s members than did the mine to stretch the limits of “there” or “here”. My own owner’s representative. preference is to have a more distinct or physical barrier between “there” and “here”. Barriers can It is rather unusual, given operating equipment, include wooden stakes and flagging, fences, a mine workings, owners stocks, and the biggy -line of boulders, or painted lines on the ground. company insurances, that a club officer wished It’s harder for wanders to ignore a distinct or to impose greater safety limits than those rephysical limiter. quired by the mining company. This is not an is7. It’s one thing if the owner’s representative sue faced by many field trip leaders, so, how does one approach an issue involving the hazard gives a field trip leader the safety specifics and then that person, in turn, passes the parameters potential of any one particular situation? Even on to the club members. It is quite another when though instances such as this are seldom faced the representative gives the specifics to everyby field trip leaders, I’m a firm believer in having a plan for every situation. So here are some con- one present at the same time. These are very different approaches in one important respect. siderations: If the mine representative passes the specifics to 1. Safety is, above all, paramount. just the trip leader, the leader is then able to 2. The field trip is usually at the request of the pass even more restrictive guidelines on to the club, not the mine owners. members. If the members are given the specifics 3. Mine and quarry workers are specially trained directly by the mine representative and then the to stringent safety guidelines. Such workers club field trip leader wants to impose even more are ever watchful and constantly monitor safety restrictive guidelines, it is possible that members issues in their work areas. Club members on the other hand, are generally not trained to evaluate may want to know why the additional every potential safety issue in a working mine. continues on page10 Members are usually only given the site/mine Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

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Breccia February, 2016

continues from page 9- Safety Matters

restrictions were imposed by the trip leader. More stringent restrictions may be difficult to explain to members—unless a clear case is made as to why. Such a why talk may not be understood by members, or even by the mine representative. There has to be good level of confidence in the field trip leader’s judgment if additional restrictions need to be applied, and accepted by members. With human nature being what it is, there will always be members who want to stretch the mine representative’s hand wave of “there” and “here”. 8. What happens if a field trip leader sees the need to impose greater restriction? Might the company see it as a calling into question their judgment? Might the company see such a judgment as a need to perhaps rethink their allowing field trips to their facility? Such instances certainly call for communication– communication indicating that the field trip leader knows the additional needs or abilities of the members, communication indicating that the field trip leader understands the collecting interests of the members, communication indicating the need to keep any wandering folks to tighter designated areas, and so on. Good negotiation skills, good communication skills, good safety backgrounds and judgements, good people skills are important in such instances. 9. One helpful guide in deciding limits is the clubs own field trip guide. Your club does have a field trip guide doesn’t it? An actual printed guide can help make a case for “No” meaning “No”. Case closed, end of story. A generalized written field trip safety guide can be helpful. It is also helpful to have some specialized guidelines that may be applied if necessary - especially in instances when implementing additional site restrictions based on the judgment of the field trip leader(s) 10. Speaking of judgment, let’s say a member sees a collecting treasure just a foot or two on the other side of the line where collecting is not permitted. The member, by rights, should not just walk across that limit line by those two feet and pick up the treasure. That said, it might be possible to seek permission from the owner’s repreSanta Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

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sentative to reach over those two (or three, or four or so) feet over the line. One should always be aware of the potential problems with any over-theline collecting. The key is to try and avoid jeopardizing future trips -- or collecting on any slippery slopes. There are numerous possibilities and pitfalls with any added restrictions. First and foremost is putting club member safety first --even if the field trip leader has to be the tough guy. All the official positions in a club have club constitutional or by - law or other governing club document authority, therefore field trip leaders should be no less so authorized to do their job --after all, safety rules. Be safe, you deserve no less. Please mind your field trip leaders.

Update on the Modoc Obsidian Collecting Area From Shirley Leeson, via AFMS newsletter, November 2015 Ms. Leeson, Earlier this summer I approved a new policy and plan to manage the collection of obsidian from the four approved areas in the Warner Mountains. The old policy had been in place since 1992. Primarily due to the increased demand and use of the approved areas by commercial obsidian collectors there was a need to review the old policy and make needed changes. This review was conducted under the requirements of the NEPA and included public involvement. We did the best we could with public involvement but it was not possible to get the word out to everyone who has used or had an interest in obsidian collection. Over the years there have been hundreds of users from a diverse audience. We sent out information about the NEPA review to many of the clubs we were aware that used the areas, published notices in the local paper, and put information on the Forest’s webpage. Actually the change from 500 pounds to 100 pounds per personal use certificate occurred several years ago and my recent decision just affirmed

Breccia January 2016

AFMS Code of Ethics

continues on page 11 continues from page 10— Update on Modoc…

I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without the owner’s permission.

that change. That change was made by my predecessor on the advice of the Forest’s minerals specialist. There was a concern with some unsafe collection practices, such as tunneling, and it was thought that a reduced collection limit would allow for better management of the collection areas.

I will keep informed on all laws, regulations of rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them. I will to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.

Yours has not been the only question about the collection limit associated with personal use. I appreciate the fact that many collectors come from a considerable distance and because of that need to collect enough material to last for at least a few years. I have told others that I want to see if the 100 pound collection limit is effective in meeting management objectives before I consider any changes.

I will use no firearms or blasting material 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.

The limit is part of the collection plan which is subject to a review every year and can be changed by me. I appreciate your question and interest in obsidian collection. I would like to hear additional feedback as that will help inform any modifications to the collection plan.

I will fill all excavation 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 also want to let you know that while there is the 100 pound limit per personal use certificate, there is no limit on the number of certificates that can be issued to an individual. And there is no limit per group, so each member of a party can be issued a certificate. It is also possible to get certificates issued by mail which would allow more than one certificate to be issued to an individual. As I stated before the reduction in collection amount per certificate was made to allow for better management of the resource. If I find this is not effective and there are better ways to achieve our goals I am willing to make changes to the collection plan.

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 educational and scientific purposes.

Thank you again for your inquiry. I value hearing from people like you.

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.

Timothy Davis, District Ranger, Forest Service Modoc National Forest, Devil’s Garden/Warner Mountain Ranger Districts 530-233-8812; 225 W 8th St; Alturas, CA 96101

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Breccia February, 2016

Upcoming Regional Federation Shows in 2016 California Federation in Placerville, CA on Sept 16-18, 2016 Eastern Federation in Rochester, NY on October 21-23 Midwest Federation in South Bend, IN on August 19 – 21 Northwest Federation & AFMS in Albany, OR on July 27-August 1 Rocky Mountain Federation in Wichita, KS on April 22 –24 South Central Federation in Lubbock Texas on May 7 & 8 Southeast Federation none scheduled, yet.

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Breccia February, 2016

Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society General meeting minutes January 26, 2016 The January meeting of the Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society was called to order at 7:45 pm at the Cabana Club. The minutes from the November meeting were approved as printed in the Breccia. Announcements: The January board meeting will be held immediately after the general meeting. There will be Pizza Party social before the February general meeting. Our Scholarship recipients for 2016 will be invited to attend the February meeting and social. Membership directories are available with the secretary. Membership requirements were announced. New Members: Josephine Borucki , Bob and Kelly Kout received their new badges and member packets. Bragging Rights: The theme was for January were things that begin with the letter "C". The February theme will be the luster "Druzy". Field Trips: No report Member Displays: Guest, Carmine Scelzi, brought a rock to be identified. Historian: No Report Correspondence: Fliers for the Vallejo and the Roseville shows. A dealer check. Sunshine: Two longtime members were attending the meeting. We were happy to see Herb Vogel. Lon Mullaney was visiting from Texas. Study Groups: Cutaways usually meet on the second Saturday of the month from 9AM to noon at Randy Harris' home. Their next meeting will be February 13th. Call to confirm meeting. $5.00 shop fee. Smithies meet on Saturday at Pat Speece's home from noon to 3pm. 2016 Gem and Mineral Festival: Next meeting will be February 3rd at Mountain Mike's Pizza on Hamilton Ave, Campbell. June passed around sign-up sheets for the following: borrowing a display case, PLAY Day, Festival set up, Festival Saturday sign ups, Festival Sunday signsups, Festival Tear down, and demonstration volunteers. Bob Phelps let people know he has plenty of business cards and posters for people to put up and pass out. Also, June described the various jobs at the festival that people might want to volunteer to do, and she answered questions about the festival and the upcoming PLAY day. Website update: New password for member's only section: RK Owen and the club secretary will have password available for members. DRC report: None Hospitality: 26 members and 3 guest were in attendance. Founder’s Day Picnic: The picnic will be Sunday June 26th, 11-3. Michael Paone and David Marshall are co chairing the event. We need someone to run Bingo and the drawing. PLAC: Need a chairman, no report Federation Report: Frank Mullaney reported that if people were planning to go to the CFMS show this September in Placerville, they should make their hotel reservations soon. ALAA- Frank Mullaney reported that the American Lands Access association is conducting a membership drive. He encouraged members to support ALAA by purchasing a year long membership. Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

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Breccia February, 2016

Program: Chuck Boblenz presented a program about how to build an exhibit of your own specimens for the annual festival display cases. Great program. Lots of good information. Meeting was adjourned at 9:01PM Respectfully submitted, June Harris SCVGMS Secretary Pro-tem

SCVGMS Board Meeting January 26, 2016 The meeting was called to order at 9:15 PM at the Belwood Cabana Clubhouse. Roll Call: All board members were present except Karen Welder, Rick Kennedy, Joan Schramm, Phil Tomac, Michael Paone and Dean Welder. Reading of the minutes from the December 10th Board Meeting: M/S/P to suspend reading of the December board meeting minutes until the February meeting (F. Mullaney, S. May) ) New Members: M/S/P to accept Friso Schipper for membership (F. Mullaney, J. Fox) Correspondence: We received a Dodge and Cox statement. Treasurer’s Report: No report presented. M/S/P to pay the bills as presented. (F. Mullaney, M. Fox) Committee Reports: 2016 Festival: June discussed several needs for the upcoming festival: M/S/P to purchase new water weights for the festival flags [$50.00],to pay the down payment, to set the date for the 2017 festival [$4200.00], to set a budget for Facebook Advertising at $200.00 (F. Mullaney, M Fox) M/S/P to approve a $500.00 stipend for Donna Kelley ( F. Mullaney, J. Fox) Field Trips: No Report Old Business: Annual Audit of Treasurer's books: Frank is still working on the books and will arrange an audit soon. He will also work on getting the bank signature cards updated Programs: February program will be presented by Jim and Missy Fox on the Polka Dot Agate Mine in Oregon. March is our Silent Auction. April will be Rick Kennedy talking about the toxicity of minerals, May will be Dean and Karen Welder talking about Virgin Valley and Opal, June will be Gary Parsons with a powerpoint presentation on New Idria. Meeting date reservations have been confirmed for 2016. CFMS dues and Insurance have been paid. 2016 Scholarships update: Rick has heard back from UCSC and hopes to hear from SJSU soon. New Business: ALAA membership: M/S/P to renew ALAA Membership ( C. Boblena, S. May) Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM Respectfully submitted, June Harris, SCVGMS Secretary Pro-Tem

No Treasurer’s Report this month. Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

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Breccia February, 2016

SCVGMS ELECTED OFFICERS President: Randy Harris (831) 438-5150 Vice President: Karen Welder (408) 353-2675 Secretary: Rick Kennedy (408) 529-9690 Treasurer: Frank Mullaney (408) 691-2656 Editor: June Harris (831) 438-5150 Federation Director: OPEN Alternate Fed. Director: Stephen May (669) 248-3993 Directors: Chuck Boblenz (408) 734-2473 Jim Fox (408) 356-7711 Missy Fox (408) 356-7711 Phil Tomac (408) 210-8656 OPEN Historian: Michael Paone (408) 340-3258 Parliamentarian: Dean Welder (408) 353-2675 SCVGMS COMMITTEE HEADS Bragging Rights Chair: Carissa Harris Donation Receiving Committee Chair: Pat Speece, Missy and Jim Fox Festival Chairman 2016: June Harris Festival Chairman 2017: OPEN Field Trip Committee Coordinator: Dean Welder Founder’s Day Picnic Food: Michael Paone and Davis Marshall Founder’s Day Raffle: OPEN Founder’s Day Bingo: OPEN Hospitality: Pat and Louis Schuesler Installation Dinner: Rick Kennedy Junior Chairman: OPEN Librarian: OPEN Member Displays: Rick Kennedy PLAC (Public Lands Advisory Committee): OPEN Program: OPEN Refreshments: Michele Smith Silent Auction: Michele Smith Social: June Harris Sunshine: Margo Mosher Trailer Custodian: OPEN Trophies: Frank Mullaney Webmaster: RK Owen

Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society P.O. Box 54, San Jose, CA 95103-0054 Website: www.scvgms.org Email: [email protected] Phone Number (408) 265-1422 Like US on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ santaclaravalleygemandmineralsociety An Invitation This society is pleased to invite guests to attend general meetings, study groups, and field trips. General meetings are normally held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:45 PM at 100 Belwood Gateway (the Cabana Club), Los Gatos, CA 95032. Belwood Gateway is just south of Blossom Hill Road between Leigh Avenue and Harwood Road. Our next general meeting will be on February 23, Los Gatos, CA 95032 at 7:45 PM. Our February Board meeting will be on February 25th at Frank Mullaney’s home at 7:30 PM. Our Society’s Purpose: The inculcation of a love of rocks and minerals by the furtherance of members' interests in the earth sciences and by education in all facets of related educational activities with the promotion of good fellowship, proper ethics, and conduct. Our Membership Requirements: Attendance at two general meetings within twelve months. This society is a member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS) and is affiliated with the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS). Dues are $20.00 per year. Our Newsletter, the Breccia, is published ten times annually. The deadline for most articles is the Sunday after the regular meeting. The Breccia Editor is June Harris who may be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at (831) 438-5150. The Breccia is proofread by Randy Harris. Exchange bulletins may be sent to June Harris at the following address: 107 Dell Way, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. Permission to copy is freely granted to American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) affiliated clubs when proper credit is given.

Study Group Leaders For information on a study group, please call the leader(s) listed below Cutaways

Randy Harris

Juniors

Needs a new leader. Check the mirror, is it you?

Smithies

Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society San Jose, CA

(831) 438-5150

Pat Speece

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(408) 266-4327

Breccia February 2016