Index

DEE'S DOINS - Dee Holland

IN MEMORY

1998 HONORARY AWARD WINNERS - Louellen Montgomery

SAFETY - It's Just Dust, Isn't It?
Part II, Control and Ventilation for Dusts and Particulates - Peter R. Girardot, PhD

EACH CLUB - EACH YEAR - ONE ROCKHOUND - Bonnie Glissman

FOSSIL COLLECTING VIEWS - (NOTE COPYRIGHT!!!)

LAGNIAPPE (A little something extra)

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

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DEE'S DOINS

Dee Holland
President, AFMS

We are packing and getting ready to leav for the AFMS - MFMS show and convention in Houghton, Michigan. There will be several issues to be discussed and voted on at this meeting. The fossil concerns committee and the webb site committee will make reports. As President I accepted some mineral record keeping books that will be passed on to the seven Regional Federations to be sold and the income to go th the individual Regional Federation. There will be more information on these
books from your Regional Federation.

Steve Whelan and the other people helping him seem to have everything very well in hand.

All for now - Dee

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IN MEMORY

Katherene (Katy) Trapnell
May 7, 1998

Former Editor of the AFMS Newsletter for President Russ Trapnell; Member, Bulletin Editor's Hall of Fame.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Russ, her husband of 68 years, and the family.

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1998 HONORARY AWARD WINNERS
Louellen Montgomery, President
AFMS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION, INC

The member federations have named their 1998 Honorary Award winners for the AFMS scholarship Foundation. These Honorees have been chosen for their contributions to our hobby and to the Earth Science field. Each one will assist in the selection of two graduate students who are pursuing their advanced degrees in a branch of the Earth Sciences. The Foundation
will then provide grants for each student in the amount of $2,000.00 per year for the school years 1998-99 and 1999-2000.

A total of 175 individuals have been named for this Award from the AFMS Scholarship Foundation since 1965. A total of 363 students have received scholarship grants from the Foundation.

The 1998 Honorary Award winners are:

California Federation:

Arthur and Rosamond Riggle, Barstow, California - Mr. and Mrs. Riggle need no introduction to the members of the California Federation and to many members of the AFMS. Their travels as representatives for the Diamond Pacific dealership took them to many gem and mineral shows across the country, where they showed displays of their lapidary skills, minerals, and/or jewelry. Arthur's spheres and Rosamond's trivets are among the outstanding displays they shared with an admiring and fascinated public. They have also shared their expertise with many individuals, hosting weekly 'Work Nights' in their home for more than 20 years. Arthur has also shared his lapidary techniques with the writing of a book, "How to Use Diamond Abrasives".

Eastern Federation:

Dr. Darrel W. Schmitz, Professor of Geology, Mississippi State University, Starksville - Dr. Schmitz received his BS degree in Geology at Mississippi State University; his MS in Engineering Science-Geology at the University of Mississippi, and his Ph.D. in Geology at Texas A & M University. He has been a member of the staff at Mississippi State University since 1990, teaching several graduate level courses in Geology and Hydrogeology. His research interests range from the physical and chemical aspects of hydrogeology to related environmental areas of hazardous and nonhazardous waste disposal. He is active in many state, regional and national organizations as well as the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

Midwest Federation:

Florence B. Hill, Honorary Member of Midwest Federation, Mason, Michigan - Florence B. Hill is well known to many members of the Midwest Federation. She taught in the Michigan public schools for 33 years; has served as the State Director to the Midwest Federation for Michigan for 9 years and continues as an Assistant State Director. Her other activities include being an Earth Science representative on the Board of Associates of the Michigan State University museum; She serves as a project leader for 4-H Rocks and Minerals projects; and participates in seminars on geology and the hobby. She was elected an Honorary Member of the Midwest Federation in 1987.

Northwest Federation:

Nathan "Nate" Murphy, Director of Vertebrate Paleontology, Phillips County Museum, Malta, Montana. - Mr. Murphy first studied paleontology and conducted research with Clifford and Nelda Wright, principal researchers of specimens discovered in the La Brea Tar Pits, for the Los Angeles County Museum. Over a period of 11 years he was a member of many field expeditions and excavations with the Wrights who, incidentally, were his grandparents. He has studied with the Paleontology Departments of the Canadian Geological Survey and the American Museum of Natural History. As the Director of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Phillips County Museum, he is responsible for the collection, analysis, research and identification of specimens and cataloging of repository collections. His skill and knowledge of modern preparatory techniques make his preparation and restoration work sought after by many museums.

Rocky Mountain Federation:

Louellen Montgomery, AFMS Scholarship Foundation President, Topeka, Kansas - Louellen Montgomery has been involved in federation activities for more than 25 years; served as president of the Rocky Mountain Federation in 1975; served as AFTMS Uniform Rules Committee Chairman in 1981. In 1983, she was elected President of the AFMS Scholarship Foundation and continues in that position to date. While a student at the University of Kansas, courses in geology and mineralogy increased her interest in these earth sciences. Other activities include serving as her local society bulletin editor for over 20 years, plus membership in several other mineral societies. The recipient of 2 AFMS trophies for mineral exhibits, she also serves as a judge for both mineral and educational exhibits at many shows.

South Central Federation:

Dr. Douglas Smith, Professor of Geology, University of Texas at Austin - Dr. Smith, a native of St. Joseph, Missouri, received his BS in Geology at the California Institute of Technology; his MA in Geology at Harvard University; and his Ph.D. in Geology at the California Institute of Technology. His interest in mineralogy and geology began as a youth attending local mineral club meetings. He is a member of several professional societies, has written or co-authored over one hundred published articles and abstracts. Dr. Smith teaches classes for both undergraduate and graduate students; has been the recipient of numerous research grants and continues his research on many subjects, including isotope geology, ore deposits, and plate tectonics, to name just a few.

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SAFETY

It's Just Dust, Isn't It?
Part II, Control and Ventilation for Dusts and Particulates
Peter R. Girardot, PhD
Chair, Safety Committee, SCFMS

The toxicity of fine dusts was covered in Part I of this series, which pointed out that most fine dusts not only can, but will cause lung disease. Grinding or cutting of gem and lapidary materials produces fine dusts of this kind. The conclusion is that we should control these dusts.

Club Shops

There are two methods of control for a small to medium sized club shop: 1) collecting dusts at each individual source 2) collecting dusts for each room ("fugitive capture") In collecting at the source, each machine or each operation would have a dust collector at the point of operation. This is expensive. At 1996 prices, complete dust control for a 5000 square foot building with no partitions or rooms could cost $10,000 to $12,000.

Alternatively, "fugitive capture" control would require separate rooms for different operations. Each room would have a filter device completely collecting all the dusts and mists and returning the air to the room. Filter devices hang from the ceiling and can collect everything in a 1000 square foot area down to 0.1 micrometer in size. Initial cost (1996) would be $1.75 - $2.25 per square foot of floor area. Maintenance requires new filters at $100 per filter once a year when used 20 hours per week.

Home Shops

In a home shop, there are two ways which work to ventilate workplaces, and normal home heating and air conditioning is not one of them.

The first is dilution ventilation. As implied by the name, it mixes contaminated air with large volumes of clean air to reduce the concentration of contaminants. Then the diluted mixture is exhausted from the workplace. Anyone who pays home heating and air conditioning bills can imagine the costs this would entail. In addition, this works for vapors or gases but does not
remove dusts, mists or highly toxic gases.

The second is local exhaust ventilation, which is collection at the source. This does remove dusts, mists and highly toxic gases and also removes smaller amounts of air. It requires a hood, ductwork to carry the air, an air cleaner to filter or purify the air before it is released outside and a fan to pull air through (Fig. 1). For this to work correctly, 1) the hood must be close to the
source, 2) the air flow must be high enough to carry dusts and mists away, 3) contaminated air must move away from your face, not past it, 4) exhaust air must not be able to re-enter the workplace or the home, 5) there must be enough make-up air to keep the system operating properly. (This last is often a problem in home shops).

Types of hoods

Some saws or grinders have built-in dust collectors. (Fig. 2). These need only to be connected to ductwork and a cyclone before venting. Rockhounds should not work with dust-producing machines unless they are connected to dust collectors.

Movable exhaust systems, called "elephant trunks" (Fig. 3) have flexible ducts and can be equipped with pulley systems or flexible arms to move to any position.

Slot hoods (Fig. 4) draw gases across a work surface, away from the worker. They are rather expensive, but can be used for any kind of bench work.

A good reference for planning ventilation is "Ventilation, a Practical Guide", CSA, 5 Beekman St., New York, NY 10038, which includes calculations. Air flow devices can be used to measure air velocity, and you can always look to see if dusts and mists are moving. Incense smoke, soap bubbles or cheap perfume also help here. Beware too of fans that are so noisy that you would rather not turn them on. Check periodically to see that the system is working properly. By moving the dusts, mists and fumes away from you and safely collecting them before exhaust, health problems from grinding or cutting can be eliminated or minimized.

Part III will cover hazards from particular types of dusts.

(Figures reproduced by permission from "Artists Health and Safety", by Monona Rossol, Allworth
Press, New York, 1990)

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EACH CLUB - EACH YEAR - ONE ROCKHOUND
By Bonnie Glissman
Chair, ECEYOR

Below are rockhounds honored by their clubs this year as outstanding members. No particular order is used in the list.

HAS YOUR CLUB MADE THIS YEAR'S NOMINATION?

Jim & Parky Forrester, Bellevue Rock Club, Bellevue, WA, NFMS - It gives us great pleasure to nominate this couple. As cheerful as they are helpful; as helpful as they are generous; as cooperative as they are devoted-to each other and to the Bellevue Rock Club. They have faithfully served this club since in incorporation in 1964. In so many ways they are the Bellevue Rock Club.

Paul Schoeter, West Seattle Rock Club, Seattle, WA, NFMS - Paul has been a WSRC member since 1966 and has served as President, Director at Large, Show Chairman, on the nominating committee and many show sub-committees. Paul has boundlessly generosity in donating his time, energy and material to and for the club. He tumbles nearly all the rock for our grab bags each year and spends countless hours going through piles of rock looking for and prepping material for our silent auction. He loans out his tumbler to anyone interested and gives the member an education in how everything works. Paul is a master cabber and a fountain of knowledge regarding anything to do with lapidary. Paul the embodiment of what a good rock club member should be. He loves this hobby and it shows.

William and Genevieve Buresh, Central Dakota Gem and Mineral Society, Bismarck, ND, RMFMS William and Genevieve have been involved with our rock club for many years and were instrumental in the growth and prosperity of our club. They served together as a team as editors and publishers of our great newsletter "Diggins from Dakota". They were editors for over twenty years. They were also involved in organizing field trips and other activities that are essential in maintaining order in an organization such as a rock club. These two fine people really do deserve such an honor for all their time and dedication to our rock club.

Bob and Maxine Dearborn, Del Air Rockhound Club, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Ca, CFMS - We would be hard put to name any officer or chair position these two hard workers have not filled since they joined the club in l976, and some spots they filled several times over. Their home has been the site of Board meetings, work parties. Christmas parties and other club get-togethers. Our club has benefited greatly from their constant cheerful and willing leadership.

Don and June Cavalli, The Golden Spike Gem and Mineral Society of Ogden, Utah, NFMS - Don and June have been active members of the Golden Spike Gem and Mineral Society of Ogden, Utah for many years. Don served as President during l990 and l99l. June was Secretary of the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies for three years, they edited and printed the NFMS Bulletin for two years and have held the job of AFMS Scholarship Fund Chairs for the Northwest for approximately l5 years. Don is well known for his jewelry made from old Union Pacific dishes and June is a faceter. The team visits schools and scout groups with a display of rocks explaining the Rockhound hobby

Howell Whiting, Chaparral 'Rockhounds, Roswell, NM, RMFMS "Howie" has been a rockhound for many, many years. When in the Military he was interested in gems and later started faceting. He is a gemoligist as well as an all-around rockhound. He has served many clubs and has held many positions in the RMFMS, among them one term as President. He is very free to share his knowledge with anyone who is interested and is a great believer in educating the public about our hobby. He is very definitely a strong mainstay of the Chaparral Rockhounds as well as of the other clubs in our area.

Frank and Louise Brower, The Brukner Gem and Mineral Society, Troy, Ohio, MWF - Frank and Louise Brower are charter members of the Brukner club and have always been active participants. They have served as club officers in all capacities and have always given unstintingly of their time and resources. Most recently Louise was Editor of the club bulletin for about 15 years. Her bulletin work lead to a MWF trophy in 1991. Most recently Frank has been dealer chairman at the club annual show for the last IO years.

Dr. Gene & Sally LaBerge Oshkosh Earth Science Club Oshkosh, WI, MWF - They have served in various club offices and chairmanships and as MWF Chairs in Geology & Paleontology. Gene wrote a book on Geology of the Lake Superior Area, which was adopted as a text by some schools. Sally spent every Monday for two years cataloging the local city museum's minerals, without pay. They have given of themselves completely to educate, enrich lives and be helpful beyond explanation.

Leonard Milne and Helen Milne, The Lake Havasu Club, Lake Havasu City, AZ, RMFMS - The Milnes have belonged to the Lake Havasu Gem & Mineral club for over 25 years and have contributed greatly to the accomplishment and quality of the club. Helen has served as membership chairman for five years, has been secretary, Field trip, Program, and Show chairman, as well as a Director on the board. She is also an exceptional artist with the needle, and has made a beautiful quilt depicting 20 minerals. For this Helen has been awarded the "Craftsman of the month" plaque by the Rock & Gem magazine. Her husband Leonard Milne has been collecting and studying minerals for over sixty years. For 15 years he taught Gem Materials, Lapidary, Silversmithing, Faceting, and Geology at the Community College. Leonard's knowledge and experience in the mineralogy and Lapidary arts are a great asset to the club. He has served as President twice, Field trip chairman, and historian.

Bob and Nancy Hicks, Shawnee Gem and Mineral Society, Shawnee, OK, RMFMS - They hold membership in several clubs, have updated the slide and video library for the RMFMS along with working on the RMFMS Directory. They hold offices in their local club, have craft nights at their home, give talks to students at schools, help others with their shows, AND have a smile for everyone.

Jim Nutter, Wichita Gem and Mineral Society, Wichita, KS, RMFMS - Jim has been an active member of WGMS since 1981. He has served on many committees and as finance chairman. He has been set-up chairman for the annual show for many years. He has received honors as Rockhound of the Year and Distinguished Service Award from his own club. He freely shares his rockhound knowledge with school students and civic groups.

Carter and Betty Coe, Pinellas Geological Society, Inc. Clearwater Florida, SFMS - Carter and Betty Coe have served Pinellas Geological Society on many levels. Carter has served at President, Show Chairman, and in all activities of club service including Representative to both the SFMS and AFMS. Betty has worked as Education Chairperson, instructor at Wildacres, URC Chairperson. The both have worked in their community especially presenting programs at schools, libraries and education centers. They have been the unsung helping hands behind the scenes of many committees and projects. We are truly fortunate to have them as our members.

Bill Stevens, Orange Belt Mineral Society, CFMS - Bill joined to learn more about the hobby and has excelled in sphere making. He has made over 500 spheres and has donated many for club fund raising. His expertise in carpentry, electrical and plumbing has been a godsend to this club. He and his wife, Imogene, built some 60 miniature orange crates for use in our cases - a very special effect. Every club needs a Bill Stevens.

Gene & Virginia Cowart, Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Club, CFMS - Gene is publicity chairman and works the silent auction table at the spring show - doing both jobs for several years. Both have served or are serving as club director. Virginia has served as president, V.P. and is now Refreshment chair. She always greets visitors and makes them feel welcome. You can depend on these two members to always help.

Anna Burton & Kathy Garner, Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club, - Mother and daughter team. Anna has been in charge of the club booth at the A.V. Fair for more than l2 years. Kathy is the Driver, Loader, Unloader of the clubs 2000 items needed at the booth during the ll days of the fair. The object of the booth is to entertain & educate young people about gems & minerals. Money earned is for scholarships for local students.

Ray Meisenheimer, Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, CFMS - Ray is honored for his work with the club and community. Ray has held most all offices of the club. He donates many hours visiting schools for lectures, programs and hands-on fossil information. He participates in Science Night at several schools and tours bus loads of people of all ages. Ray volunteers each week helping to distribute food to the needy. He is involved in CFMS Earth Science Studies, North and South with his wife Florence.

Frank & Carolyn Buittner, Ken-Ro-k Gem & Mineral Society, Loves Park, IL, MWF - We are honored to nominate the Buittners for Rockhound of the Year. They live a great distance from any city. In spite of this distance on rural roads, they manage to attend more meetings than most members. And they are willing to spend more time participating in, managing of, and downright hard work of putting on our annual show. Frank does great hands-on demonstrations that are interesting and very informational. Both Carolyn and Frank always have time to inspire our young "Pebble Puppies" and interested adults in the Lapidary field. It is only with people of this caliber that we can hope to continue interest in the Lapidary Arts. Thanks again to Carolyn & Frank.

Judy and John Washburn, The Lincoln Orbit Earth Science Society, Springfield, IL, MWF - Both eagerly share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the hobby with club members, schools, museums, other clubs and community groups. Their contributions are too numerous to list, but we'll try. John has served as past president and chairs the annual show; Judy has served as club editor for many years and coordinates the member exhibits; both have been active members of the board for many years; both plan monthly field trips and programs; both help plan the annual GEODE Show held in Macomb; and John has served as Archeology Chair for the MWF for several years.

Phil Evanoff, The Micromineral Society of the Cleveland Natural History Museum, Cleveland, Ohio, MWF - Phil has been a field collector of minerals since he was a teenager in Philadelphia. He has collected extensively through out the United States. He is a frequent speaker at the Canadian, Baltimore and Cleveland micromineral symposia. He was elected to the micromounter's Hall of Fame. He is a talented photographer and wood worker. He is most noted for his sharing of mineral specimens and help he gives to other collectors. His specimens are the cleanest and finest samples you can find. A truly enthusiastic mineral collector.

Ethel Morrill, Black Hawk Gem & Mineral Club, Rock Island IL, MWF - Ethel has spent many years assisting our club put on shows and swaps along with being club secretary. She has assisted the bulletin editor, the raffle chairman the dealer chairman, worked in the kitchen and helped man the club promotional booth.

Tom White, Racine Geological Society, Racine, WI, MWF - Torn has been a member of RGS for ten years. He is currently serving his third year as President and was previously Treasurer for two years. Tom has served several years as Show Chairman and has led many field trips. He was instrumental in starting the Scholarship Program and the Junior branch of the Racine Geological Society. In addition to Tom's huge collection of agates, geodes and fossils, his collection or crystals is very impressive.

Ewing Evans, Austin Gem and Mineral Society, Austin, TX - SCFMS - Ewing is a leader, organizer, representative, award winning facetor, carpenter, plumber, electrician and much more - a superb president and outstanding member

Bill and Lois Pattillo, Gulf Coast Gem and Mineral Society, Corpus Christi, TX - They have represented their club many times and at many different Shows. The Food Table is a project of the club. Bill and Lois exhibit it at different shows, thus promoting the local Club.

Sylvia Rainer, East Texas Gem & Mineral Society, Tyler, TX, SCFMS - Sylvia is a faithful member, has served as an officer and takes leading roles in all club activities. She has helped our club grow.

Paul Bohmfalk, Pine Country Gem & Mineral Society, SCFMS - Still in his teens, Paul was a Science teacher in the 1930s in West Texas, hunting rocks and fossils in his spare time while creating his own lapidary equipment. He is an expert with the old "jam peg" facetor. At 83 he still maintains a passion for rocks that shows as he gives talks at local schools and to others. He has been member of the Jasper Pine Country Club from its start. Paul was the club's vice president in 1997 and continues to serve as Publicity Chairman. He is a real asset to his club and we are proud to have him as a member.

John W. Johnson, Arlington Gem and Mineral Club, Arlington, TX, SCFMS - John has been an active member over 25 years. He has been club President. As building maintenance supervisor, he always kept the building in outstanding condition. He is always available for every project. He still rarely misses any activity or meeting.

Amy and Lester Bailey, Clear Lake Gem and Mineral Society, Houston, TX, SCFMS - Amy and Lester have been show committee chairs since 1981. They have served as Secretary, Historian, Refreshments chair, and on the Nominating Committee. They have presented lectures to schools, made displays for the library, and demonstrate lap techniques to anyone interested.

Warner Abel, DeRidder Gem and Mineral Society, Leesville, LA, SCFMS - Warner has always been an outstanding member. He continually brings information on earth sciences to our members. He is never too busy to help.

Dr. Judith M. Brueske-Plimmer, Texas Big Bend Gem and Mineral Society, Alpine, TX, SCFMS - She had little or no interest in rocks around 15 years ago but soon became interested as she attended with her husband, Phil. Soon after joining she became our club and show Publicity Chair. For several years she has served as club Secretary. She has a book store which now also stocks an extensive variety of rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, and jewelry. She has talked rocks to the Girl Scouts. She continuously researches various minerals, prints up descriptive labels for them and writes articles on them. She is active in club activities and also writes poetry.

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FOSSIL COLLECTING VIEWS

In a recent issue of Science News - (Science News, Vol 153, 2/14/1998) there are some letters written to address the concerns on the prohibition of field collection of fossils by amateur fossil collectors. Lloyd Fowler, CFMS Director passed them on because of the interest of AFMS members in this area.

The letters below are reprinted with permission from Science News, the weekly news magazine of Science.� 1998 by Science Service. Further reproduction is prohibited without written permission of the publisher.

Paleontologists who condemn making profits from selling fossils are hypocrites ('Psst... Wanna Buy a T. rex?" SN: 12/13/97, p. 382) They themselves profit from digging up fossils -after all, they don't work for nothing. The free market eventually makes all desired goods and services available for the least Cost (assuming no collusion among sellers). The problem is not that good fossils are rare, it is that not enough of them are being found!

Concerns over excavation details are unfounded. If customers demand certain procedures with photos and logbooks, they'll get them-and the price will be reasonable, once the industry matures. Scientists will be relieved of those administrative tasks they typically despise. Instead, businessmen will do them; they are administrative experts. This will leave scientists free to do
the things at which they are experts'. It's called efficiency. People who prefer fieldwork will work for a company. Those who prefer theoretical work will stay at the university. This is the same choice facing most of us.

Welcome to the real world! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Wayne Batteiger, Rolla, Mo.

While I have the highest regard for professional paleontologists and collectors for museum and university collections, and I strongly agree with the need to preserve the integrity of fossil finds, I think the role of the serious amateur collector is vastly underrated. Many, if not most, professionals got their start as private collectors. Indeed, had it not been for serious amateurs,
many fine displays in museums would not exist. More-over, it seems to me that letting fossils weather out of the ground and risk being destroyed by erosion, wild animals, and so on is worse than collecting them.

While it is wrong on the part of some collectors to destroy sites or lose scientific evidence, it is much worse when professionals, under the guise of professionalism, allow these valuable artifacts to languish in dusty corners of forgotten storage rooms through neglect, lack of interest, insufficient funds, or whatever. At least the amateur strives to protect and preserve his or her investment. Often, the best finds end up in a museum or other public display anyway.

The dealings surrounding Sue, the Tyrannosaurus rex, and the imprisonment of Larson, who in my Opinion did a thoroughly professional job in his private business, show that the pendulum has swung too far in protecting collecting sites for professionals.

Please give the serious amateurs and private professionals the credit they deserve. They most often are not the destroyers of history-they are the protectors of it. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Gene Meieran, Phoenix, Ariz.

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LAGNIAPPE

(For you non-Cajuns, that's - A little something extra)

SOUTH POLE FOSSILS are found wihin 400 km of the pole. The leaves are from a decidious souther beech (Nothofagus). More than 50 kg were found on Beardsmore Glacier - in the mountains. The fossils indicate a warmer climate about 3 million years ago - from 5C in the summer to -20C in the winter. - Dusty Rocks via The Rock Rattler

THE WORLD'S OLDEST AND LARGEST METEORITE has been discovered in China near the northeast city of Shenyang. The meteorite, locally called Huashitai Hill, is estimated to be 4.5 to 4.6 billion years old and fell to earth 1.9 billion years ago. The meteorite mound is 600 feet long, 250 feet wide and about 300 feet deep. It weighs about 2 million tons and is covered with granite. The meteorite is older than any natural earth rock. The site is planned to be a state protected nature reserve. - Rocky Trails via Hellgate Breezes

LIGHTENING SAFETY says to squat with your feet together for maximum safety in the open. Don't lie on the ground or get near any tall objects like trees, etc. - original source unknown

TREAT DOPSTICKS with a coat of shellac so they won't swell and, maybe, lose the stone. - Rockhound Rumblings

AM I GETTING ON?

� I'm the life of the party - till 8:30 PM.
� I use hammers and pliers to open child proof containers.
� I'm ready to go home before I get there.
� I can travel an hour without a bathroom.
� I'm awake some time before my legs will move.
� I smile a lot in case you are telling a joke I can't hear.
� Have I told you my favorite story - today, that is.
� I'm sorry your grandchildren aren't as bright as mine.
� I am NOT grouchy. I just don't like noise, crowds, rock and roll, other drivers, and bad jokes.
� I can find anything I've seen today - some day.
� I never forget what I'm ………
� Why do they let those grade school kids teach school and drive and vote and run for congress?
� Cowards don't grow ol

HEADLINES

via Hale Sweeny

� MAN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING FACES BATTERY CHARGE
� NEW STUDY OF OBESITY LOOKS FOR LARGER TEST GROUP
� ASTRONAUT TAKES BLAME FOR GAS IN SPACECRAFT
� KIDS MAKE NUTRITIOUS SNACKS
� CHEF THROWS HIS HEART INTO HELPING FEED NEEDY
� ARSON SUSPECT IS HELD IN MASSACHUSETTS FIRE
� BRITISH UNION FINDS DWARFS IN SHORT SUPPLY

Canyons can be gorge-ous.
Artists know where to draw the line.

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PUBLICATION INFORMATION

A.F.M.S. Newsletter is published monthly by the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies.
A.F.M.S. Central Office
Dan McLennan, P. O. Box 26523
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0523
(405) 682-2151

ADDRESS CORRECTIONS AND CHANGES
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION - Individual Subscriptions are available from the Central Office at $3.50 per year. Each club is entitled to 3 free copies. Normally these go to the President, The Newsletter Editor, and one other member. Please be sure to send the names and addresses of these three individuals to the AFMS Office and to update them with each change. AFMS loses 50 cents for every returned Newsletter
DISTRIBUTION QUESTIONS
Address maintenance and mail labeling are the responsibility of the AFMS Central Office.

The publisher does the actual mailing.

A.F.M.S.Newsletter Editor
Mel Albright, Rt. 3 Box 8500
Bartlesville, OK 74003
(918) 336-8036
or mela@galstar.com

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