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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE– Suzanne Young "Whatever we possess becomes of double value when we have the opportunity of sharing it with others." Jean-Nicolas Bouilly (1763-1842) Writer, Politician I recently had to opportunity to share several rock and mineral specimens with my foot surgeons 8 year old daughter. She and her schoolmates were studying earth sciences. What a great feeling I got, in my minds eye, seeing these young people, maybe exposed to the diverse world of rocks for the first time, seeing and touching petrified wood, Brazilian agate slab or a thunder egg. We can be a nurturing and positive influence on our young people thru rocks. In these times of great turmoil and stress, our youngsters need good role models and values. Consider sharing your time, expertise and knowledge with our clubs' growing younger members. Help the Juniors leader with a project or prepare a special presentation on your interest, like rock identification or life of a volcano or organize a rock hunt at the July meeting. Our club can only reap many benefits from all of us being leaders for our Juniors. They will continue their interest in rocks, stay a member of our club and spread the word of fun and learning to their friends and others. I challenge you to do something to keep our young people returning with their families and continue their love of rocks and nature.

Suzanne Important Announcements Don’t forget the ―Field Trip‖ to go through the club’s rock inventory being stored at Bill and Linda Stonecipher’s. Review the revised by-laws as they will be voted on at the April club meeting. Mark your calendars for the field trip to Saddle Mountain on May 1. (Details on page 2)

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

Coming Events Our next meeting will be held on April 12th starting at 06:30pm at the Lion’s Club clubhouse in College Place. See you there. April Refreshments Members who’s last name begins with the letters N thru Z please bring Cobbler or a bowl of Nuts

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President’s Message

1

Important Announcements

1

March Program Highlights

3

Feature Articles

4-6

March Board Meeting Highlights

7

March meeting minutes

8

Club Leadership

9

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New Members

KIDS CORNER

Please join us in welcoming the following new members who have joined our club since the first of the year. Gary Fletcher—College Place Mike and Bridgette Brandhaugen —Pendleton and Juniors Jess and Evan Brandhaugen Don Wagner—Walla Walla Ron and Debbie Monnier—Milton-Freewater Dean and Lisa Davis—Walla Walla Jim Nozel and Junior Brian Richards—Pendleton

Thank you to Beth Huntley, for running the Bingo game at the March meeting. At the April meeting, the Juniors will be having an Easter hunt activity. Looking forward to seeing you all then. Kim French Juniors Activity Director

April Program Steve Fisher, president of the Oregon Trail Gem & Mineral Society in Pendleton, Oregon will be our featured speaker for the April 12 meeting. He will show his collection of agates, agatized petrified wood, Owyhee picture jasper and limb casts. Some of the limb casts contain a unique banded agate. Come enjoy a close look at his collection as he shares stories of finding these treasures. The source of one of his agates remains a secret even to himself.

For Sale—Cutting Oil When you come to Stonecipher's for the April rock sale, plan on picking up a two gallon jug of rock cutting oil for $18 per gallon --$36 per jug. Food grade and ecologically safe.

April Show and Tell Show and tell in an opportunity for members to share some information about some of their special treasures with the rest of the club. This month we feature ―Birthstones‖, they come in several different versions. Everyone has a birthday so there is no excuse. Gather a little information about your birthstone and share with others.

Field Trip to Saddle Mountain is May 1st Our Saddle Mountain field trip will be May 1st. We will meet at the clubhouse at 7:00 AM and caravan from there. Things to remember: water, lunch, gloves, safety glasses, and digging tools. We will be digging for petrified wood. Some is fairly easy digging and if you wish there can be some found with a lot more digging. It is about a 2 ½ hour drive with the last of it on a fairly rough dirt and rock road. There may be some wildflowers and there is always a nice view overlooking Mattawa and the Columbia River, so bring your camera and have a great time. Keith Bacus-Trip Leader

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Rock Inventory Downsizing Sale Over the years our club acquired by purchase or donation several collections from the dating from 1940’s through 2010. Many have not been looked at for decades. You will find boxes and buckets of rocks from all over the Western US. Material includes petrified wood from many locations, obsidian with snowflakes or sheens, colorful jaspers, thunder eggs, geodes, agate, quartz and other crystals, opal, common opal, sunstones, talc, fossils and more. Like individual rockhounds, the club’s inventory has gotten so large that it has become unmanageable. To reduce the size of the inventory, the club is sponsoring the first ever Rock Hounds field trip to the collection storage area at Linda and Bill Stonecipher’s place where Club members will have first access to the purchase material before portions of it are put up for sale to the public. The activities will run from 12 noon to 5 pm on Sunday, April 10, 2011. The general price will be: The first five (5) pounds free and anything more will be sold for fifty cents (50 cents) per pound. A few unique specimens will be especially priced. Bring your own lunch, rock buckets and bags No digging is necessary. There aren’t many rules. You may dump the containers on the ground to look through them, but please Return what you don’t buy to its original container. Also only take what you can use and use what you take. Leave some for the next person. A porta-potty will be on site (a luxury not available on most field trips). Directions to Stonecipher’s: From highway 12 turn north on Lower Waitsburg road and immediately turn right onto Middle Waitsburg road. Proceed north on Middle Waitsburg road past the Walla Walla Gun Club for about 13 miles to Stonecipher Road. Turn right and go 100 yards to the mailbox, sign and driveway. Cross bridge and park in the grass courtyard. Walk through gate and down to pole building. If you have questions call Linda or Bill Stonecipher at 509-337-6454. Like all field trips, participants are asked to complete the field trip attendance sheet available at the shed.

The March Program in Review The following is the tentative field trip schedule developed at the March club meeting. Watch the Rock Licker for trip details. 1. Club Rock Sale at the Stonecipher’s on April 10th from 12-5 pm. (See the above article for more details.) 2. Keith Bacus will lead a trip to Saddle Mt on May 1st. 3. The federation Field Trip to Hampton Butte, OR and surrounding areas May 27-30. Check the upcoming NFMS newsletters for details. 4. Janel Lacey will lead a trip to Ukiah, OR on June 25th and 26th in search of leaf fossils similar to the ones found in the John Day fossil beds. There are also apache tears near Ukiah. There is limited parking and kids can only dig safely in specific areas. For those staying over to the 25th there will also be able to visit a gold mining operation. 5. Olan Long will lead a trip to McDermitt on September 23-26 to collect green and butterscotch jasper, petrified wood, wonderstone and chicken tracks. Side trips may be available for interested members. Be prepared to pack everything with you each day as McDermitt is 12 miles from the dig site. 6. Bill Stonecipher will lead a trip to the Weaver gravel pit for green common opal. This is ―hard rock mining‖ , Details not yet worked out. 7. Suzanne is working with the Wenatchee rock club to join them in a hunt for agate and thunder eggs in the Red Top Mt. area. This would be an overnighter.

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Field Trip Safety After a long winter field trips are again on most of our minds but are you prepared for the adventures into the hinterlands in search of those unique treasures. When I say prepared I mean both physically and logistically. I think all of us have experienced the ―aches and pains‖ that occur the first time you work in the yard or garden to get it ready for spring plantings. The same can happen after the first field trip if you are not conditioned for the kinds of activities involved in rock hounding. If you haven’t had much exercise throughout the winter, you might want to start walking a little to get the legs in shape for climbing around the hills. Also do a few squats and knee bends and stretch your calf and thigh muscles periodically to regain flexibility. In addition to your physical condition have you checked your travel kit to make sure it include the ―Ten Essentials‖ for safe travel into the outdoors. 1. Navigation Map (with protective case) Compass GPS (optional)

6. Fire

2. Sun protection Sunscreen and lip balm Sunglasses

7. Repair kit and tools Knife or multi-tool

3. Insulation Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, and hat

8. Nutrition Extra day's supply of food

4. Illumination Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare) Extra batteries

9. Hydration Water bottles or hydration system Water filter or other treatment system

5. First-aid supplies First-aid kit

10. Emergency shelter Tent, tarp, or reflective blanket

Matches or lighter Waterproof container Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

Note: Cell Phones are useful but may not work everywhere so don’t always depend on them. After you have taken care of yourself, make sure your digging tools and safety equipment are in good condition. If you have accomplished all of the above you are a long way toward insuring a positive rockhounding experience. Finally, remember that prior to departing on any trip make sure that you tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back home.

Polka Dot Mine Trip Invitation For years several club members have asked Dale Huett if he would ever open one of his mines to local rockhounds. For insurance and other reasons he has been reluctant to do it until he had an area that was safe enough for people to work in. It has finally happened. He is opening the Polka Dot mine north of Madras, OR for one day on April 30th to members of the Lakeside Club in Kennewick and has invited our club to come along. This will be a fee dig that will cost $3.00/lb. It normally sells for $12.00 so is a bargain. For those not familiar with Dale Huett, he is the owner of West Coast Mining, headquartered in College Place. Dale has presented programs for our club several times and is an annual participant at our fall Gem and Mineral Show. His Polka Dot mine produces a very unique variety of agate not found in many other places.

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By-Laws Update About Finished By now you should have received a draft copy of the revised by-laws of the Marcus Whitman Gem and Mineral Society and we hope you have taken time to look them over. As a matter of background there are three documents that guide the operation of our club.  Articles of Incorporation—Establishes the right for the MWGMS to exist as an organization in the State of Washington. Articles of Incorporation are a legal document on file with the Secretary of State’s office. If they are changed, they must be refilled with the state. 

The By-Laws—These are the rules (laws) under which the MWGMS decides it wants to operate. They are specific to the MWGMS and are developed or changed by a vote of the membership.

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Operating Procedures—These are the ways the MWGMS implements the rules from the by-laws. The operating procedures are developed by the Board of Directors but may require a vote of the membership to change in some instances.

Proposed Changes: Re-aligned the various ―Articles‖ in the By-Laws to a more traditional order and added a couple of new ones now required by state guidelines. Removed most procedural things from the By-Laws and will include them in the Operating Procedures document. Removed some text that was verbatim from the Articles of Incorporation. Made the text gender neutral. Content changes—Article II--Membership 1. Defined junior members as those between 5 and 18 years of age inclusive. (Previously was 17 and under.) 2. Changed the date annual dues are due to September 1 with final payment due by December 31. (Previously was October 1) Changed to recognize that some individuals join at the September show. 3. Established the authority and criteria to grant complimentary memberships. 4. Clarified who is eligible to vote. (Previously said any member could vote.) Now only adult members can vote. Complimentary and Junior members will not have a vote. 5. Removed the requirement to issue Certificates of Membership. (Members can still request a certificate of membership if they wish.) 6. Added a Section dealing with inappropriate behavior and how the club will deal with it. Content Changes –Article III—Meeting of Members 1. Changed the date of the annual meeting from November to October. (So as not to conflict with the club rock auction and give more time for annual elections.) 2. Removed the requirement of a quorum to validate votes and changed it to a simple majority of those present. Content Changes—Article IV—Board of Trustees 1. Added provision to reimburse trustees for reasonable expenses incurred while executing their role. (Added to allow for reimbursement of travel expenses to attend federation meetings.) 2. Changed the role of the Immediate past President to be one of an ex-officio voting member of the Board of Trustees. (By definition, ex-officio member means by virtue of their position they are automatically a member.) 3. Needed to clarify whether the Junior Activity Director is an elected officer position or an appointed position confirmed by a vote of the general membership. (Technical question.) The current wording is appointed and confirmed. 4. Added provision authorizing the expansion of the board of trustees by up to 5 additional atlarge positions to be chosen by a vote of the general membership. (Continued on page 6.)

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By-Laws revisions—Continued from previous page 5. Removed the wording specifying specific terms for the elected officer positions and changed it to read the board will establish terms for each trustee position. (This will permit the proposed change to have two year terms that is currently being discussed by the board.) 6. Added wording to allow the board to establish staggered terms of the elected positions. (This will allow the proposed change being discussed.) 7. Established the maximum number of consecutive terms an individual can serve as a trustee in the same position at 2. 8. For purposes of voting, established a quorum for the board of trustees as being 60% of the members must be present. (Previous version did not define a quorum for the board.) Changes to:—Article V—Officers 1. Removed most of the duties of the various elected officer positions and left mostly authorities of the various officer positions. 2. Separated out the Junior Activities Director from elected officers. Changes to :--Article VI—Committees 1. Removed a listing of specific committees and added text authorizing the board to establish committees to assist in the operation of the club and appoint committee members. 2. Established expected lengths of assignment for membership on committees depending on the nature of the committee’s work. The board has approved these revisions and recognizes that there may be other changes needed down the road but feel they address the critical updates needed at this time.

Chain Maille Class a Success Five people attended the first Byzantine bracelet class the afternoon of Sunday, the 20th at Suzanne Young's Studio. Everyone was pleasantly surprised at how easy the intricate-looking pattern is achieved and all completed their project by the end of the class. Be watching for more hands on classes in the near future. If you have an expertise you would like to share with the Club, please contact Suzanne (527-3708) for more details. Let her know what also kinds of classes you might be interested in.

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.

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Highlights of the March 1, 2011 Board Meeting Present: Suzanne Young, Norma Long, Rudi Domazlicky, Jack Edwards, Olan Long and Sandy Guests: Warren Rood, Bill Stonecipher, Frank Vasconcelles and Vern Young Rock show: 

Warren reported that 5 dealers have responded favorably to our contact. He thinks we will spend $500.00 to $600.00 less than was spent on last year's show.

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Suzanne says there are 3 clocks from the Anderson acquisition which could be used as raffle items once they are repaired. Jack has donated a large fossil with 3 ammonites.

Lap Shop: 

Warren gave the board a brief tour and rundown of the possible layout for equipment and tables.

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Renting the space may be an option at the rate of $35.00 for 4 hours or less.

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It is also possible that there could be a class with no restrictions under the college’s Club Ed program. The first class would start April 7th and run for 10 weeks.

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The use of the classroom by club members isn't firm. Warren thinks we might use it all day Sunday, part of Saturday and Monday night. Monday might be a 5-8 week abridged class which would require a $30.00 fee with half the proceeds going to the club and half to Warren.

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Frank and Olan have compiled a materials list to get the classroom ready: A motion passed to allow $850.00 for an order to be deducted from the lap shop balance. Additional necessities include safety glasses, ear plugs and rags.

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Summer use would depend on fall enrollment. At that time Warren and the college would consider offering beginning and intermediate classes.

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Equipment liability: our current insurance can include use at the college.

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Norma suggest we have a contract in place with the college outlining responsibilities and use on both sides. Warren will talk to Jim Peterson of the college.

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Club members would sign a liability waiver the same as they do for field trips.

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Nancy Kress of the college said that we can’t charge a lab fee but we could be reimbursed for equipment as parts wear out. It was decided that we will charge a $1.00 an hour shop fee to club members.

Suggestion Box: 

David Walk would like an easy to use domain name for our website. The internet fee costs $10.00 per year. The Board gave him the go ahead to get a new domain name.

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.

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Minutes of the March 8, 2011 General Meeting—Rudi Domazlicky— Guests: Eddie, Victor and Ian Bowers; Maryann, Rachel and Emily Pielat; Ron and Debbie Monnier; and Brian Richard and Jim Nozell. The February minutes were approved as printed. The secretary's report related three upcoming rock shows from other clubs. The treasurer related our bank account balances. Show & Tell:  Keith led off showing petrified wood from Saddle Mt. as well as limb casts from Jackpot, NV.  Linda and Bill showed Wyoming blue agatized limbs and wood from Roosevelt, John Day, McDermitt and Saddle Mt.  Jack brought Stinking Water oak and specimens from Saddle Mt., Sunnyside, and a Blue Forest limb cast.  Janel shared Blue Forest and Jackpot finds  Steve showed Succor Creek finds.  Ron Monnier showed a limb cast from the Prineville area.  Brian had fossils from Cooperstown, NY  Ralph showed how molds, similar to limb casts, are made. Announcements:  Librarian Leslie Hammer showed the books that she summarized in the last Rock Licker and invited members to check out the books in the library. She asked for book donations and would like titles for possible acquisitions.  Sunshine: Our prayers and good wishes go out to Su Meredith whose father recently passed away.  There is another silent auction this month and Suzanne reminded everyone to pay for what they buy before leaving.  Lapidary Shop Update: Renting or buying a facility has proved too costly. Warren has been looking for entities we might partner with. The city building usage has fallen through so he inquired at WWCC. The college’s Quest program coordinator, Nancy Kress, is looking for a class that is rock related. Warren made a formal proposal to teach a lapidary class for the Qwest program. There is a 20x40 lab room on campus where tables and equipment could be set up for the class which could also serve as the club’s shop when not being used for classes. Warren would like to offer a 5-week class of similar content to the Qwest class to club members without experience using rock saws and grinders. It would cost $30.00. Ms. Kress also mentioned that jewelry making is popular in the community and we may be able to expand the program to include it.  Frank and Olan have been working to repair and organize our tools and equipment. Bill mentioned that the Andersons' would be tickled to know how we are using their tools for community and club use.  Membership drawing: Steve Mallard was the winner.  Suzanne reported that the by-laws will be done soon and we will vote to adopt them.  There are still dishes left at the Christmas dinner. Please claim them.  Thank you Olan for the donated roll of raffle tickets.  Watch the Rock Licker for more info on the rock sale field trip to the Stonecipher's.  Suzanne and Rudi are offering a class March 20th at 2-4 pm in Byzantine chain mail bracelet making. A sign-up sheet was passed around. March Program: Field Trip Planning . Members discussed field trip options and agreed on a tentative listing of club field trips. (See the related article on page 3 of this edition of the Rock Licker.

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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 4

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.