T HE R OCK L ICKER M ARCH 2011

P AGE 1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE– Suzanne Young "Never tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon." Author Unknown After last months' meeting, I was ready to pack the truck and head for Southern California to hunt for fossilized shark teeth. Thank you, Tim, for another informative presentation. I think we all would love to have a shark tooth or two in our collections. Our long winter and recent unsettled weather is a sure sign that Spring is near and our field trip season begins. To add to the agenda, there will be a huge outdoor Club Rock sale to look forward to later in the spring. Now that I have stirred up your interest, join us at the March meeting where we will present, discuss and see specimens of some possible 2011 field trips. If you know of a new rock collecting area, please share it with the club. It just might be a wonderful, new trip. So dust off your shovels, picks and buckets cause rock hunting season is almost here!

Suzanne

Coming Events Our next meeting will be held on March 8th starting at 06:30pm at the Lion‘s Club clubhouse in College Place. See you there. March Refreshments Members who‘s last name begins with the letters A thru M please bring cake or cheese and crackers

IN

Important Announcement

THIS

I SSUE

President‘s Message

Important We want to thank those who have opted to re- Announcements

ceive their monthly newsletter electronically. Each person who signs up will save the club about $12.00 per year in reduced printing and mailing costs. If you haven‘t already done so it is not to late to sign-up. Just drop a note requesting to receive the Rock Licker via e-mail to me at [email protected]

Ask not what the club can do for you, but what you can do for the club

1 1

February Program Highlights

3

Feature Article

4

February Board Meeting Highlights

5

February meeting minutes

6

Club Leadership

7

T HE R OCK L ICKER

P AGE 2

New Members We have had a lot of new people join our club in the past few months. I challenge each of the older members to seek out some of the new people to find out a little about them and their interests and make them feel welcome in our club.

KIDS CORNER Wow!! At the February meeting, we had 15 juniors join in the activities. They all went home with a bag of shells and their shark teeth from the program. At the March meeting, we will have another fun activity. See you all then. Kim French Juniors Activity Director

March Silent Auction Be prepared to see a large variety of beautiful specimens from the Anderson Estate at our next meeting. The items can be viewed before the meeting and during the refreshment break. Please make sure that you settle up with Sandy immediately after the bidding closes. Some of the items to bid on include:

You Might Be Interested: There is an interesting Web site that contains a lot of information about geology and related subjects. Material posted is compiled by Andrew Alden, a geologist who has been writing material for publication since 1981. Check it out at [email protected]

Biggs jasper, desert rose, picture jasper, Willow Creek jasper, Mochalite, blue sodalite, and an assortment of opals in jars.

The current postings include an article about reading different kinds of geological maps. It also often has pictures of minerals and rock samples. The material changes each month.

Good luck with your bidding.

Jim Brain—Rock Licker editor

March Show and Tell One of the purposes of the Marcus Whitman Gem and Mineral Society is to provide a forum for members to share their rockhounding experiences. The Show and Tell portion of the club meeting provides that opportunity. Members are encouraged to participate and share information about a particular rock or mineral. This month the theme is Petrified Wood-or casts of character(istic)s (Not sure what Keith has up his sleeve with this.) Bring your best specimens of petrified wood and share a little about it with the club.

This space is blank waiting for someone to submit a short article for the Rock Licker.

February Program in Review A good turnout of members and guests gathered to hear Tim Tiffin discuss his early introduction to Rockhounding while growing up in the San Joaquin Valley in Southern California. Specifically Tim focused his talk on the Sharktooth Hill area outside of Bakersfield, California. The audience got to see and handle some of the specimens that Tim and his family gathered several years ago when more of the area was open to the general public. Fifteen million years ago, during the time period geologists call the Miocene Era, most of the area was a bay that became cut off from the ocean when the Sierra Nevada range was formed by the earth‘s crust shifting. Today the fossilized material is found in layers a few feet under the surface soil. (See pictures below.) The area is known not only for it‘s shark teeth but also for the fossilized bones of many marine species.

There are several good articles available on the internet that discuss the Sharktooth Hill area in much more detail. In addition the Buena Vista Museum in Bakersfield has an extensive exhibit of material collected from the area. (Check out the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History web site for more information about Sharktooth Hill at http://www.sharktoothhill.org/

Your Help Is Still Needed To run our club we have the elected officers and a supporting cast of member volunteers who serve in individual positions or on support committees. If you can spare a couple hours a month please let Suzanne know your interest. The following critical vacancies exist: Program Committee Chairperson Refreshments/ clean up committee members We are also looking for people to assist with the other position listed under the supporting cast and working groups on page 7 of this edition of the Rock Licker.

P AGE 4

T HE R OCK L ICKER

Greetings from your new Club Librarian! Leslie Hammer Do you know how long I‘ve wanted to work in a library? FOREVER! It was my dream job as a little girl and has stuck with me even if the reasoning has changed -just books to books and a quiet setting…might have something to do with being a mom. My intentions as your librarian are to let you know what is available in our club library and to solicit ideas on what should be added (I‘ll expand on that at the next meeting). To whet your ‗apatite‘ until then, here are my first book reviews. Fossils In Color by J.F. Kirkaldy, London © 1972, Third Edition This is a great reference book for the description of fossils, their scientific value, the chief groups, and identification of such objects. The color plates are of good, close-up quality although the descriptions of each are brief…and mostly in Latin. Chocked full of great information about fossils found in Western Europe, it is best read aloud while wearing a smoking jacket, a bright red ascot, and using the Queen‘s English. That way, when you next find yourself in Europe discussing fossils, your accent and attire will be ‗spot on‘. Seriously, it is a bit dull, but it could be great for any research you might need to do. Rocks and their Stories by Fenton and Fenton © 1951 OK, even though this book was published just as my mother was turning six years old, I LOVE IT!! The pictures are black and white, but so far, it is a great book for amateur rock hounds. Yes, it is geared toward our Junior members but if anyone is interested in learning about rocks and minerals in layman terms, this book is for you. Your best bet? Have your color reference guide handy while reading through their descriptions. The Book of Agates by Lelande Quick ©1963 ―There is a fascination in this gem hunting and cutting hobby that no writer has ever succeeded in transcribing to the printed page.‖ Well said, Mr. Quick. This book provides descriptions of where you might locate agate and other quartz materials in every state of the Union. Again, we find black and white photos but the clarity (and absence of color) provides an intimate view of the structure in each specimen. Consider the date of publication before travelling to the sites Mr. Quick has listed – like that dirt road to Beverly, WA he mentions…I think they‘ve paved that now. The Marshall Collection: Stack‘s Auction Gallery © 2008 This is an auction catalog from New York full of gems and minerals with absolute stunning photography. Over 500 photos (with descriptions) grace these pages of one man’s collection that, if not careful, could take your breath away. Each section is amazing. Acanthite to Wulfenite minerals, gemstones, decorative arts (wait till you see the giraffes), meteorites, and fossils. This book is pure eye candy. See me at the meeting if you are interested in checking out any of these books. What luck I‘ve found in this club of rock enthusiasts – filled with great opportunities, fun, and wonderful people (the true gems of the club). See you on the 8th! Leslie

P AGE 5

T HE R OCK L ICKER

Highlights of the February 1, 2011 Board Meeting Present: Suzanne Young, Jack Edwards, Rudi Domazlicky, Sandy Kinsfather, Norma Long, and Olan Long. Guests: Bill Stonecipher, Warren Rood and Keith Bacus. A corrections to minutes of the January General meeting: Only one grab bag will be awarded by a drawing to one existing member who arrives on time. Sally's mittens for storing cabs, etc. are for sale, not a giveaway. Treasurer's report: The 2010 financial statement and a yearly budget for 2011 have been submitted to the board for approval. Jack led a discussion of the revised By-Laws. Among the items discussed were:  Adding 4 at large trustees to the board.  Lifetime membership age requirement change from age 75 to 65 years but still must have had at least 10 years of active club membership.  Added a section on inappropriate behavior.  Make the immediate past president an ex-officio member of the board. A motion carried to recommend the revised By-Laws with noted changes to be brought before the general membership for approval. Fall Rock Show: Warren reported that he has been securing dealer contracts. The fairground rental has increased by $5.00 over 2010 price. He would like a small leadership team that he can eventually pass the torch to. We need a new raffle item(s). The profit from the amethyst cathedrals has dwindled form $458.00 in 2007 to $120.00 in 2010. We also need a hook for the show to draw the public. Lapidary shop: Warren reported that the WWCC steering committee has approved his proposal for Qwest classes in lapidary and the use of a classroom on campus. He will be meeting with Nancy Kress and Jim Peterson soon and feels the program is a 90% go. Warren will attend a reception on May 28th to promote the class to prospective Qwest students. Still in question is the schedule for club members to use the facilities and security aspects for protecting club tools and machinery. The board adopted a motion to accept the 2011 yearly budget and the meeting adjourned.

Cookie of the Month—Metamorphic Rocks Ingredient List Steps 1/2 C shortening or margarine 1 C brown sugar 1. Cream the shortening and the sugar. 1/4 t. vanilla 2. Add beaten egg and vanilla 1/2 C chopped nuts 3. Add the dry ingredients and mix. 1/2 C well drained crushed pineapple 4. Stir in the fruit and nuts. 1 egg, beaten 5. Drop by teaspoon on to cookie sheet. 1 C whole wheat flour 6. Bake for 7 minutes at 375 degrees. 1 C flour Note: Chocolate chips, coconut, wheat germ 1 t. soda can also be added. 1 t. salt The Dec/Jan 2010 Rock It, Mt. Hood Rock Club via the Calgary Lapidary Journal

P AGE 6

T HE R OCK L ICKER

Minutes of the February 8, 2011 General Meeting—Rudi Domazlicky— Guests: Marion, Rachel, Angela & Emily Pielaet, Corrina Whitehurst, Jim Hanson, Linda Andrews, Brian Richards, Jim Nozell, Charlotte Menze and Ron & Debbie Monnier. Show & Tell: Fossils. Keith showed leaf and seed samples from Succor Creek, Linda had more from the same site, Jack brought specimens from the cretaceous period, Dianna brought ammonites purchased in Utah, Mark showed finds from the middle John Day area, Carson brought fossils given by his uncle and grandfather, Paul brought concretions and Ms. Huntley brought clam shells, a shark tooth and a limb cast. Not quite fossils were clam shell sand casts Jim brought. Janel displayed marine fossils from northern Illinois, ferns and charred wood from southern Illinois coal tailings and sequoia pine needles from Clarkia, Id. Program: Shark teeth and other fossils gathered by Tim Tiffin while growing up in Bakersfield, Ca. An inland sea during the Miocene era, it is considered the most fossil rich area in the world. Business: The January minutes were approved as printed in the January Rock Licker. The secretary's report included an upcoming gold and mining gear auction in Reno, NV and an NFMS show in Chehalis July 29th through the 31st. They are looking for demonstrators in rock related areas to draw interest to our hobby. Treasure's report including balances in checking and savings accounts. Sandy reported that we made $114.75 from the January silent auction and Ralph donated $18.44 from his sales at our tailgate party. Announcements: 

Leslie Hammer has agreed to be our new librarian.



Jim asked again for e-mail addresses to help save on printing costs of the 'Rock Licker' and NFMS newsletter.



Frank has been cataloging and repairing our lapidary equipment.



The By-Laws committee will be presenting the members with a final draft soon.



Carson won the club member drawing in January and February honors went to David Walk.



The new suggestion box has been generating ideas including a request for easier access to our website.



Thanks to Dave Williams for the aragonite samples from Spain in January that we all added to our collections.



Marilyn McCann brought in an article on a recent find of a nine pound gold nugget found in California. Suzanne reminded us that there is still gold in them thar hills.

After a refreshment break, Bill and the kids conducted this month's drawing and the meeting ended just after 8 pm.

Don’t Forget To Save Your Cancelled Postage Stamps Give them to Norma Long, our Federation Delegate, and she will forward them to the federation who in turn sells them to stamp wholesalers. Proceeds are donated to organizations that support cancer research.

T HE R OCK L ICKER

P AGE 7

T HE C LUB L EADERSHIP Board of Directors: President: Suzanne Young Vice-President: Jack Edwards Secretary: Rudi Domazlicky Treasurer: Sandy Kinsfather Federation Director: Norma Long Federation Delegate: Olan Long Junior Activity Director: Kim French Immediate Past President: Tim Tiffin

509-527-3708 509-529-3673 509-529-7675 509-529-1455 509-525-4640 509-525-4640 509-525-7387 509-525-3766

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Supporting Cast: Classes: Vacant Youth Drawing: Bill Stonecipher Historian: Larry Bennett Lapidary: Vacant Librarian: Leslie Hammer Photographers: David Walk, Russell Kinsfather Programs: Vacant Refreshments: Crystal Walk; Rudy Domazlicky Show and Tell: Keith Bacus Publicity: Linda and Bill Stonecipher Stamps: Norma Long Sunshine: Marilyn McCann (509) 525-1776 Web Master: David Walk

Life Member Bill Smelcer

Working Groups: Field Trips: Vacant Junior Club: Kim French Membership: Vern Young Show: Warren Rood-chairperson

Affiliations: American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) http://www.amfed/org Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies (NFMS) http://www.amfed.org.nfms

M ARCUS W HITMAN G EM AND M INERAL S OCIETY PO B OX 338 W ALLA W ALLA , WA 99362

Remember to save your stamps

The Rock Licker Volume 52

Issue 3

To: (Place mailing label here)

THE ROCK LICKER is the official monthly publication of the Marcus Whitman Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. (NFMS Club # 719), PO Box 338, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

Bulletin Editor Jim Brain 509-522-2261 E-Mail: [email protected]

The objective of the Society is to encourage the study of earth science through suitable programs, field trips, exhibits and other educational activities. People of all ages are welcome to join us. There are junior club activities for youth under the age of 17.

WE ARE ON THE WEB https://sites.google.com/site/mwgemandmineral/

Regular club meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month (except July and December) at the Lions Club Field House on the corner of SE 8th St and SE Larch Ave. in College Place, WA. Both the Juniors club activities and general club meeting start at 6:30 pm.

THE MARCUS WHITMAN GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY IS AFFILIATED WITH:

THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCITIES AND THE NORTHWEAT FEDERATION MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES

Note: July is reserved for a club picnic and December is reserved for the Christmas party and potluck.