Marcus Whitman Gem and Mineral Society Newsletter

The Rock Licker President’s Message-Keith Bacus

Fall Already! Leaves are falling and it is finally getting cold. I am franticly gathering the garden and draining the sprinklers. It doesn’t seem possible that it is almost time for winter. This last half year has been hectic for me and I missed out on most of the field trips, but if I remember back farther I did get to go to Saddle mountain with a few of my friends and before that, Tucson in February with friends as well. So in that sense it was a good rock year. We now begin the season of dreaming of next year’s trips and the off season of making something with our many rocks. I am already dreaming of going on the Federation trip to Montana at the end of July. I must make it somehow. The one thing I missed the most this year was a camping trip with you. Recently I went to the museum at the Umatilla Indian reservation to see a mobile museum of ancient technologies. The intricacies of the tools they used were amazing. From points, to stone/ bone tools, as well as all the other materials exhibited a lot of intelligence. From

this and another acquaintance that I have sought out online, I have been learning more about the types of materials that can be knapped. It leads to questions of what are opal, opalized wood, chert, flint, jasper, chalcedony and agate. Some like chert, chalcedony and jasper are inclusive and broad, while others such as opal, wood, and agate are exclusive and narrow classifications. As a club we need to search out a broad range of information on rocks and minerals. Keep looking for program ideas and for people who can share their knowledge with us. Cultivate that friendship with people inside or outside of the club. Even if it doesn’t work out for a presentation, you may be able to glean some of their knowledge for yourself, and maybe someday you can pass it on to others. This will keep the club a gem of a place to learn about all things rock and mineral. Ready or not, now we go boldly into winter. Keith Bacus-President

Important Announcements 

Don’t forget elections are for the 2014 officers will occur at the November meeting. If you are interested in being a candidate for one of the vacant positions let Keith Bacus know before the meeting.  Your 2014 membership dues must be paid by December 31. (See additional information on Page 3 of this newsletter.)  The November meeting will feature the club’s annual rock auction. This is an opportunity to get some good deals on raw material.

November 2013 Volume 54, Issue 11

The next rock club meeting will be on November 12th at the Lions Club clubhouse in College Place. ——————This Month’s Refreshments The Club will provide items for the refreshment break this month.

Inside this issue: Important Announcements

1

Club Leadership

2

Club News

3-4

Camp Cooking

5

Other News

6

Meeting Minutes

7

Page 2

The Rock Licker

Board of Directors: President: Keith Bacus

509-529-1248

[email protected]

Vice-President: Jack Edwards

509-529-3673

[email protected]

Secretary: Lisa Davis

509-527-3428

[email protected]

Treasurer: Sandy Kinsfather

509-529-1455

[email protected]

Federation Director: Norma Long

509-525-4640

[email protected]

Federation Delegate: Olan Long

509-525-4640

[email protected]

Junior Activity Director: Beth Huntley

509-525-0200

[email protected]

At Large Member #1-Vern Young

509-200-6939

[email protected]

At Large Member #2-Rick Magnaghi

509-522-2772

[email protected]

At Large Member #3-Lisa Stearns

509-337-6823

[email protected]

At Large Member #4-Lauren Page

509-529-3245

[email protected]

Immediate Past President: Suzanne Young

509-301-5304

[email protected]

Committee Chairpersons: Education/classes: Warren Rood (509) 522-2330 Field Trips: Janel Lacey (541) 427-5394 Lapidary Shop: Vern Young Membership: Vern Young Programs: Ralph Trethewey Refreshments: Rudy Domazlicky and Lauren Page Gem and Mineral Show: Jack Edwards and Lisa Stearns, co-chairpersons for 2013

Other Supporting Positions Historian: Larry Bennett

Life Member

Librarian: Leslie Hammer Newsletter Editor: Jim Brain (509) 522-2261 Photographers: David Walk and Russell Kinsfather Publicity: Linda and Bill Stonecipher Show and Tell: Lauren Page Stamps: Norma Long Sunshine: Marilyn McCann (509) 525-1776

Bill Stonecipher Linda Stonecipher Jack Edwards Charlene Edwards Jerry Nielsen Janice Nielsen Richard McCann Marilyn McCann

Web Master: David Walk Youth Activities Support Raffle: Bill Stonecipher

Affiliations: American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) http://www.amfed/org Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies (NFMS) http://www.amfed.org.nfms American Lands Access Association (ALAA) http://www.amlands.org

Volume 54, Issue 11

Page 3

Lapidary Shop News

New Members Please welcome the following family who has recently joined our club. Ken and Angela Tombarge and their three children of College Place.

Kids Corner Beth Huntley Thank you to all who brought rocks to hand out to the kids for our rock or treat program. This is a great way to help the kids with their rock collections. And they all really enjoy going rock or treating . This month we are not having a separate meeting for the juniors so they can participate in the auction with everyone else.

Membership Dues are Due December 31 If you have not already renewed your club membership for 2014, please complete the enclosed renewal form and give to Sandy Kinsfather at the next meeting or mail it to the address on the form. (Note, if you joined after 9/1/2013 the dues you paid covered 2014.) It makes it easier on everyone if the renewals are done by December 31. If renewals are not received by that date you will be dropped from the club membership roster. Annual dues account for about 20% of the revenue needed to cover club activities. The show and rock auction incomes account for other 80%.

Don’t forget the club has its own lapidary shop available for club members to use. The hours of operation continue to be 79 pm every Thursday except as noted in the schedule below. The cost is $2.00 per hour paid at the door or you can buy a prepaid ticket entitling you to 10 hours of shop time for $20.00 (The fee is used to maintain the equipment and purchase supplies for the shop.) The shop is located in the west end of the Automotive Building at Walla Walla Community College. Hope to see you there. Vern Young, shop coordinator.

Shop Foreman Schedule Nov 7 Vern Young Nov 14 Rick Magnaghi Nov 21 Charlene Flanigan Nov 28 Closed Thanksgiving Dec 5 Kathleen Weston Dec 12 Jack Edwards Dec 19 Carol Knoble Dec 26 Closed Christmas

Save Your Canceled Postage Stamps Don’t forget the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies continues to collect stamps and sells them to a stamp broker. Proceeds from the stamp sale are donated to organizations that support cancer research. Members are encouraged to save canceled postage stamps and give them to Norma Long, our Federation Director, who will forward them to the Federation.

Polished Chalcedony

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

Amethyst Crystal

Page 4

The Rock Licker A Rockhound's Ramblings

Fiber Optic Gems: What are They? Fiber optics was developed as a result of someone studying a piece of the mineral Ulexite. Also known as TV rock, it is a hard, brittle, fibrous stone which, when writing is placed underneath, will allow the image to appear on the surface of the stone. This led to the theory that if this type of fibrous material could be manufactured, it could be used in many different ways where image transmission was needed. Fiber optic cables were at first very slender and flexible, used in surgeries and in household decorations. The manufacturing technology improved and soon manufacturers were spinning out miles of cable for a new application - data transmission lines. These lines can be up to two inches across. The cable consists of thousands of pairs of optic fibers. Each pair carries data for phone, computer, fax, etc. Since the sides of the cable are reflective, there is no need for insulation or shielding around each fiber, as in old phone lines. This translates to more pairs in a smaller space. For us in the hobby, this created one of the newest gem treasures. (via The Tumbler, 5/13, via Brecccia 3/01, via the Rockhound) Mistaken identities...Shattered illusions, so very appropriate! (Note: Full appreciation of the following story requires one to be both cat lover and rockhound.) As she hands him the object, she is thinking it is one of the most beautiful rocks she has EVER found. She says to him, "see, here is something I found when I was for or five years old and I have kept it all of my life." He replies, "Oh, a melted marble." After they went rocking at Bettas Road, he says to her, "Look what I found when I cleaned out my pockets! Have you ever seen a prettier piece of Ellensburg Blue? True, it's small, but look how it glows. I think I can make a ring set or something out of it." As he places the little Blue in their tiny, but growing, EB. display, she thinks enviously that he ALWAYS finds the best rocks. She keeps thinking that until the day she rearranges their display and picks up the little Blue - and a piece of it falls off. A closer look and a pinch reveals the true identity of the "rock". It is a piece of silica crystal cat litter. Author anonymous by request

Helpful Hints– from Suzanne Young How Do you Measure an ounce of Grit? Use a standard measuring teaspoon. Fill it with grit of any size (course, medium, or fine), scrape with a flat surface, such as a knife blade or ruler, so that the spoon is filled flat from rim to rim, and Voila! You have 1/4 ounce of grit in the spoon, In general ,it takes eight (8) teaspoons full for an ounce (Via The Tumbler, 8/10) Dopping Wax Has your stone come loose after being dopped. If you suspect your wax, you are probably right. Dopping wax contains various volatile compounds that will eventually evaporate after heating it several times. If your stone keeps coming lose it is time to change your wax. Clean your dop pot and start over. It will make a difference. (via The Tumble, 7/10) Tee up your Stones by Doyle McClain Plastic golf tees can also be used as dop sticks. They fit the fingers nicely and will not soak up the water. (via The Tumbler, 11/10)

Volume 54, Issue 11

Page 5

Camp Cooking with Bathilda Rockshot You know that I love pumpkin and this recipe probably isn't appropriate for dry camping, but I definitely will try it at home and hope you will too. Enjoy!

Crustless Crockpot Pumpkin Pie Ingredients: 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz.) 1 can of evaporated milk (12 oz.) 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup Bisquick (or other similar mix) 2 eggs 2 tbsp. butter, melted 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 2 tsp. vanilla extract Directions: 1. Spray the inside of your 4 quart Crockpot with cooking spray. 2. Put all of your ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until fully blended. 3. Pour the batter into the prepared Crockpot. Cover and cook on high for about 3 hours, or on low for about 5 hours. Check your "pie" after 2 hours on high or 3 hours on low, then check every 30 minutes. You can tell it's ready when the edges are browned and the center no longer "jiggles" when you shake it slightly. 4. Let it cool to room temperature, then scoop out and serve with whipped cream.

Editorial You will notice that I have agreed to throw my hat in the ring to be president of our club for the next two years. This has been done with one proviso, that someone step forward to help me with putting the monthly newsletter together. I have been newsletter editor for 6 years and have become efficient with the mechanical parts of getting the Rock Licker out. I would continue to take care of the formatting, printing and mailing. What I need is someone who would scan the internet, magazines and other sources for material to include in the newsletter and to “bug” members to submit material on trips and activities they have been involved with. Last month I included an editorial urging members to get involved with club activities. Here is an opportunity to get involved. Jim Brain—The Rock Licker editor

FYI Recently a geologist friend put me in touch with Nick Zentner, a geology professor at Central Washington University who has a series of YouTube videos posted on the internet. The series is called “2 Minute Geology” though several of the clips are longer than two minutes. They cover a variety of geological related subjects common to the Eastern Washington area. If you have internet access, check them out at: http://www.youtube.com/user/hugefloods/videos

I have been in contact with Nick regarding a possible program featuring a presentation on Ellensburg Blue sometime in the spring. Jim Brain

Page 6

The Rock Licker

November Birthstones There are two birthstones associated with November. Though similar in appearance, they are two different minerals.

Topaz Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rainbow of colors. Prized for several thousand years in antiquity, all yellow gems in antiquity were called topaz. Often confused with citrine quartz (yellow) and smoky quartz (brown), quartz and topaz are separate and unrelated mineral species. The most prized color of topaz is called Imperial topaz after the Russian Czars of the 1800s and features a magnificent orange body color with pinkish undertones. Topaz also comes in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the many popular blue tones.

November Rock Auction Come one, come all to our November meeting. We will be having our annual auction of material that the club has acquired over the years. Items available include a several large pieces of petrified wood, thundereggs and a variety of agate material as well as slabs suitable for making cabochons and other items. The auction is one of the clubs major fund raising activities so come with your check book and be prepared to join in on the bidding action. Besides, there is a lot of fine material to be had. If you can spare a few minutes, come early and help get stuff set up.

Citrine Citrine, the other birthstone for November is known as the "healing quartz". This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrine can be found in a variety of shades ranging from pastel yellow to dark brownish orange. It is one of the most affordable of gemstones and plentiful in nature. Citrine is found most frequently in Brazil, Bolivia, and Spain.

Congratulations The big raffle winners at the recent Gem and Mineral Show were club members Gary Wright who won the amethyst cathedral and Alice Wilson, winner of the Rock Quilt. Congratulations to both and thanks to all for your support of the raffle. Another congratulations to Berney Elementary School for being the school with the most students attending the show and to Nova Garner, the lucky Berney student who’s name was drawn to receive the special fish fossil award for students participating. The school contest brought 260 kids to the show

Reminder Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 3. Don’t forget to set you clocks back one hour on when you go to bed Saturday night.

Volume 54, Issue 11

Page 7

Highlights of the October 2013 board meeting. Treasurer’s Report:  Sandy Kinsfather distributed show financial report and comparisons from last year’s show. The show was financially successful again this year.  The club made a profit of $940.00 from the associated tailgating activity.  Shop receipts from September came to $34.00 Show Update:  Jim Brain has photos from the show and would like to share them at a future meeting.  Berney Elementary won the school attendance contest at the show and will be awarded the display case with rock specimens.  The board must address a concern expressed by home schooled families on a way to recognize home schooled children before the next show.  Jim will look into contacting the Farmers Market to see if they can schedule their kid’s activity day in conjunction with our show again next year. Insurance Report: Linda Stonecipher talked to various insurance agencies in town and what we have is probably the best we can get.  We could drop the insurance on the two oldest trailers to save about $50.00 a month. (This will be a board discussion before we renew for 2014.)  We should look into “hold harmless waivers” on all field trips and in the lap shop. Ideally these would be written by an attorney. Board will follow-up  The Board will look into a possible issue of us being a nonprofit charging “admission” for our show entry, a “donation” may be more appropriate.

Minutes of the 10/8/13 General Mmeeting President Keith Bacus opened the meeting at 6:35 The theme of show and tell this month was petrified wood. There were some beautiful pieces displayed . In addition some members shared their finds from the club’s most recent field trip to Greenwater. Sunshine: Andrew Lacey will be having surgery on October 22nd. Bill Smelcer who was a past president and active member of the club for several years recently passed away. Jim Hansen (most recently living in Spokane) who was a member of the club for several years also passed away. Show report: Jack thanked all who participated in the show. Bob Hinkle was in Oregon with the Quest program and wound up talking to someone who commented on our show. It seems that we are making a good name for ourselves. Our vendors made the comment that we had the best advertising of regional shows. Berney Elementary will be presented with the case of specimens since they had the highest attendance of the 240 students who participated. Jack shared the figures from the show; our net profit was over $5,000 this year. Nominating Committee: The following individuals have been nominated for the respective positions up for election this year:

Jim Brain – President Kathleen Weston – Secretary Vern Young -At Large #1 Rick Magnaghi -At Large #2 Federation Director-Olan Long Federation Delegate- Norma Long If anyone else is interested in running for office, please speak to a member of the nominating committee. We will hold elections at the November meeting and new officers will be installed in December. Field Trips: The last trip of the year will be held on Saturday, October 12th. Meet at the Ukiah Forest Service Office at 9:00 a.m. to form carpool groups to go out and gather leaf fossils, Apache tears and petrified wood. Janel Lacey will lead the trip, contact her for more details. Discussion: Is there a way to recognize people who are not club members who lead our trips? The board will look into how we may compensate leaders for their time and guidance. One idea was a gas gift card or something along that line as a token of our appreciation. Thanks to Ralph Tretheway for his presentation on leaverites. Your slide show was enjoyable.

The Rock Licker Editor Jim Brain 509-522-2261 E-Mail: [email protected]

We are on the WEB https://sites.google.com/site/mwgemandmineral/

The Marcus Whitman Gem and Mineral Society is affiliated with the: American Federation of Mineralogical Societies Northwest Federation Mineralogical Societies American Lands Access Association

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. 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 aged 18 and under. 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. Note: July is reserved for a club picnic and December is reserved for the Christmas party and potluck.

Marcus Whitman Gem and Mineral Society PO Box 338 Walla Walla, WA 99362 Return Service Requested Remember to save your stamps

The Rock Licker Volume 54 Issue 11

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