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Contents:
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES
Volume 54, Number 3 SHOP SAFETY 101 Recently I had a request from a new Safety Chair for safety suggestions for the club shop. I referred the Chair to the AFMS safety pages because there are so many places to be concerned that it would take a whole manual to cover our shops. I will mention briefly some areas where we should be careful. Electrical safety - ground fault interrupters are essential - along with the usual care about quality - no wet floors, no frayed wires, grounded system. Eye Safety - eye shielding for both flying stuff and for toxic chemicals. Rotary Equipment - Protective shields, covered when possible, rotating so that thrown objects go away from the user. Real happening - I was working on some silver with a small rubberized grinding wheel on a rotary tool. The shaft holding the wheel broke. The wheel with the attached shaft flew toward me, hit my face shield, rolled up it, and then hit the wall back of the workbench. It left a hole the same as if I had hit the wall with a hammer. If I hadn't had the face shield on, I'd probably have lost an eye. Hammers and Picks - Whenever we hit rocks with these tools, chips result. The physics of the break is such that some chips will fly towards the hammerer. Rock saws - high flash point oil is required. Saws so bind and can catch fire when they do so always watch them. Small ones can bind and turn the slab sideways with fingers pinched. Lungs - many of the materials we use in our shops are classified by OSHA as dangerous to our lungs. We should always use them in a well-ventilated area - preferably outside. Get the MSDS (Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet) from the seller of each material used in the lab. Especially avoid dry working on rocks with the resulting dust. Fire - There are many possible sources of fire in a shop. We should have fire extinguishers for all classes of fires - A, B, C, D. Read the extinguisher to know where it works. Chemicals - In our shops, there are chemicals which can harm us in many ways - eyes, lungs, skin, and more. Protective equipment is required EVERY use. Face shield, ventilation, rubber gloves, or whatever. Safety stuff. There are INDUSTRIAL safety glasses (not the same as the safety glasses you have on). There are face shields. There is ventilation equipment. There are safety shields. And more. Any lab should have enough for every person working to be protected. My goal is to refer you to the many safety articles - both AFMS and RMFMS - that are posted on the AFMS website. www.amfed.org Go there, browse around, make notes, and think about what areas may be missing. Then get busy and make sure you have everything covered so that you can work safely in your shop LET THE CENTRAL OFFICE KNOW Now that the new year is well underway and most of you have elected and installed new officers it's time to take care of another little nagging chore. This one only takes about 5 minutes, but ensures that you and your club members receive all the latest news from the AFMS each month. All you have to do is write to me. Let me know the name, address and title of the three (3) people in your club who are to receive the AFMS Newsletter. Write to me at the address shown on page 2 or 3 of this newsletter or, if it's easier for you, e-mail me. Be certain to let me know the name of your club and if you can, the names of the people who should no longer be kept on the mailing list. A BUZZ FROM THE PREZ Let us not forget....... The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies was formed in 1947 for the purpose to promote interest and education in Earth Science, especially geology, mineralogy, paleontology, lapidary, and other related subjects. We have been successful in accomplishing this goal through the years by inspiring programs, demonstrative shows, instructional workshops, successful field trips, informative newsletters, etc. The AFMS members are proud of their accomplishments. We heard at our annual meeting in Moab that we had given nearly a million dollars in scholarships to graduate students in earth science. Another area of pride, our Commemorative Stamp Committee success in being instrumental in US Heritage Stamps being issued for minerals and fossils. A group of AFMS supporters sought the donations to have the "American Gold", a 22,982 carat faceted golden topaz, presented to the Smithsonian Institution. On our Silver Anniversary a request was made for cabochons of American gem material and after over 1300 cabs were displayed at the Silver Anniversary Show, they were presented to the Smithsonian. Many Regional Federations, Clubs, and individual members have given collections to Museums. Last year Juanitaite, a new mineral, was named for its founder, Juanita Curtis. Many fossils and minerals have been found by members who were inspired and encouraged by their organizations. A code of ethics for work in the field has been developed and are frequently printed in bulletins, sent to public entities, and quoted at meetings and on field trips. There is much concern about new government rulings which are closing public lands. We have a Conservation & Legislation Committee headed by George Loud who has worked diligently to provide information and defense of our field work. I have been ask by individuals if I felt that we should give up our non profit educational status to become more involved in these issues. My answer is "NO! Too much has gone into building a successful and far reaching program for the education of our members and the public about earth science." American Land Access Association, a different organization was formed a few years ago to address these issues. They need members and will accept donations. Let us not forget! We belong to a great educational recreational organization, the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies. A HISTORY LESSON, PLEASE Today was the day I had reserved to research the Newspaper AFMS Newsletters..... I think I have a headache! The Newspaper format began with the November 1991 issue. Since there were no VOLUME NUMBERS on previous newsletters, there were none on those issued beginning with Nov. 1991. So I think I'm missing January, July and August. But maybe the Newsletter wasn't printed in those months.... YOU TELL ME! The 1993 Newsletter didn't have a January issue, or did it? And then maybe there wasn't a July issue either....I just don't know, YOU TELL ME! With the 1994 issues there was a VOLUME NUMBER, it was VOLUME 94, issues were #1, February. Guess there wasn't a January issue. So I think I'm safe in saying I have all the 1994 issues. Volume 95, Issues 1 through 10 looked good. EXCEPT I'M MISSING VOLUME 95, issue 2, February 1995. How are we doing so far??? Volume 96, Issues 1 through 12 looked good. EXCEPT I'M MISSING Volume 96, issue 7, July, 1996. Volume 97, Issues 1 through 9. EXCEPT I'M MISSING, VOLUME 97, issue 6, June, 1997. And there were no issues in July, August and December. Please check your newsletters and see if I'm ok, so far..... Volume 98, issues 1 through 8 I am missing issue 1, January, and issue 3, March, and issue 4, April. So if YOU HAVE January, March and April, would you donate them to me, please. And then we get to 1998. This is a whole new ball game. We are now at VOLUME 52, Issue 1, NOVEMBER 1998. I have January 1999 - it doesn't have an issue number..... and then I have issue 4, March through 9, October 1999. Are you still with me??? Volume 53, Issue 1 is November 1999, with issue 2, Dec/Jan 1999. I have issues 3-8, Feb through September. I am currently missing the Issue 9, October. The latest issue is Volume 54, Number 1, December 2000. If you've read this far, you'll understand my confusion. I think I need copies of the following: maybe.... July, August 1992; June 1993; 1994 is complete; February 1995; July 1996; June 1997 and maybe December 1997 if there was one. December 1998 (if there was one) February 1999; and October 2000. When you figure it out, let me know. I finally figured out the high volume numbers were for the years, and then the volumes came back to a more reasonable number, volume 52 and volume 53. Any more guesses need to be done by a higher power. Your AFMS Historian,
DOLLARS & SENSE Now that we are several weeks into the new year, I want to remind all clubs concerning a few matters of importance. If your club installs new officers in January, it is often easy to overlook routine matters, especially if you have a new treasurer. First, be sure you have responded to your regional federation's "call for dues". Along with your check, be sure to send all copies of the information sheet to the proper channels. Also please be sure to notify the AFMS Central Office so that your officers can receive copies of the AFMS Newsletter each month. If your club has liability or accident insurance through any of the federations, make sure that you have paid the proper premiums. The liability policy can often be the difference between entry and denial at many quarries. The federation liability policy is usually much less expensive than a similar individual policy would be, and many show venues require such a policy when renting their facilities. If your club is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and you must file 990 and Schedule A forms or form 990-T, remember that they are due by the 15th day of the 5th month following the end of your fiscal year. This means that if your year runs January 1 - December 31, the forms are due May 15. A club must file if its gross receipts are $25,000 or more during the year. There are some averaging rules if this is the first or second year in which your club exceeded the $25,000 limit. Check with a professional if this will be new for your club this year, or if you must file a 990-T. Filing the 990 form does not mean that your club will pay tax; it is an information sheet for the I.R.S. OLIVE M. COLHOUR Olive M. Colhour, known to rockhounds everywhere, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2000, the day after Thanksgiving, at the age of 102. With her passing, the rockhounding and lapidary world has lost one of its most gifted artists. She had lived for several years with her son and his wife north of Seattle. Recently, she had been in a rest home and had enjoyed generally good health. Olive was born April 2, 1898, in New Zealand, and lived for some time in Vancouver, B.C. She had two grown sons by a previous marriage when she met and married Ralph Colhour in 1937. They lived in Keyport, Washington, where Ralph was a machinist and builder. During World War 11, Olive worked in the machine shop at the torpedo station. Olive began her beautiful, artistic lapidary work when she was 56 years old. With no knowledge, training nor equipment, she began to find the beauty in rocks. Ralph, a machinist, built tools and equipment for her to work with and she joined a rock club in 1948 in hopes of learning from others. Just a few years later she won the Best of Show award at the 1955 show in Yakima, Washington. Within four years of her initiation into the lapidary field, she had won every American Federation of Mineralogical Societies award in all nine categories. In the next couple of decades we were all to learn of her works through many articles in Lapidary Journal and shows throughout the United States and Canada. Olive's first book, "My Search for Beauty", was published in 1993. Here, along with photos and descriptions of her beautiful works, you will learn about field trips, outdoor stories about people met along the way and some philosophies of an artist. A second book was published in 1997 and the first printing completed just in time for her 100th birthday! It contains stories and poems by both Olive and Ralph and many of the Lapidary Journal articles. From these works, we learn that Olive was sincere, humorous, dedicated, humble and had been given a talent that she said was "a gift from God." AFMS ROCKHOUND OF THE YEAR Some of the following AFMS Club Rockhound of the Year nominees were misplaced, but because we don't want anyone to be left out, we are honoring these Rockhounds of the Year for 1998,1999 and also for the year 2000. South Central Federation: The DeRidder Gem and Mineral Society of Leesville, LA would like to nominate Donese Jones as our 1998 Rockhound of the Year. The whole club believes Donese has an amazing gem and mineral collection. She is always willing to share it with our club. She sets up very interesting displays at our shows. Submitted by Betty Goswehr The DeRidder Gem and Mineral Society, Leesville, LA would like to nominated Gary Moore as our Rockhound of the year for 1999. He has served as field trip organizer and planner. He has extensive knowledge of gem and minerals and shares freely his time and knowledge with members and schools. Submitted by all the DeRidder Club Members In memory of a great lady and past member, The DeRidder Gem and Mineral Society nominate, Lois O'Neal Cook as their 2000 AFMS Club Rockhound of the Year. Lois was a very special Lady and a faithful member of our club. She made every meeting and went on many field trips. She worked at our shows as a host at the door. She always had a smile for everyone and brought lots of joy, love and friendship to our club. She always enjoyed buying items from vendors and dealers at the show. She never complained and always had good things to say about everyone. We will all miss her. She was a beautiful lady who did her best in helping others. Submitted by Warren Abel, President The Oak Cliff Gem and Mineral Society would like to nominate Wayne and Sherry Mauney as their 2000 AFMS Club Rockhound of the Year. They have been great ambassadors for the club. Wayne is currently our President and Sherry is our Secretary. They volunteer often for any help that may be needed and always can be depended on no matter where we need them. Wayne always has stories about rocks and any other aspect of our hobby and always can tell you something about just anything you might want to know. They have also volunteered a place of our clubhouse where we can go for lessons or just polishing, faceting and gabbing. We are fortunate to have members like Wayne and Sherry Mauney. Submitted by Ann Burleson, Newsletter Editor The Austin Gem and Mineral Society of Austin, Texas selected Tom Carlisle as their 1999 AFMS Club Rockhound of the Year. He has done outstanding work for the club and was honored at the club Christmas Part on December 16, 1999. Submitted by George E Browne The Arlington Gem and Mineral Club of Arlington, Texas submitted the name of Roy V. Stults as their 2000 AFMS Club Rockhound of the Year. Roy has coordinated classes for the Arlington Gem and Mineral Club for approximately ten years. For the past few years there have been approximately 300+ sessions per year with a number of instructors. The Arlington Club commends Roy for his dedicated work. Submitted by Ruth Cress. The Gulf Coast Gem and Mineral Society of Corpus Christi, Texas nominates William "Bill" Bray as their 2000 AFMS Club Rockhound of the Year. Bill has been a very active member since joining the Gulf Coast Gem and Mineral Society. He has held several offices, including secretary, president and has been show chairman for 3 consecutive years, producing some very excellent shows. He has been instrumental in setting up our lapidary room and keeping it running. He is always there when work is to be done, and enjoys going on our field trips. He is a huge asset to our club. Submitted by Donna J. Roethler The Pine Country Gem and Mineral Society of Jasper, Texas nominate Bill Alcorn as their 2000 AFMS Club Rockhound of the Year. Bill is a charter member of the club and was one of those instrumental in establishing the society in Jasper. He has served two terms as President, as Program Chairperson, Secretary-Treasurer and has been our award winning Bulletin Editor since our club was organized. He served three years as Vice President of District 2 in the South Central Federation. Bill is very generous with his donations to our monthly club auctions, and at our silent auction, and spinning wheel at our annual shows. He faithfully attends all our meetings and fills in with programs or as a demonstrator. He organizes and leads field trips and is true Rockhound and Backbone of the Pine Country Gem and Mineral Society. Submitted by Jonetta and John Nash The Austin Gem and Mineral Society of Austin Texas nominate James Mercier as their 2000 AFMS Rockhound of the Year. James Mercier is a rock club president's dream. A talented, tireless, workaholic that does not have a word "No" in his vocabulary. His work ethic and enthusiasm is contagious and his leadership is outstanding. It is impossible to list all of his contributions, but we can say he has made our club better. Submitted by George E. Browne Eastern Federation: Jim Lynn has donated most of his life to the Gaston Schiele Museum where he always had time for anyone wanting to ask about minerals. He has been the Museum's resource for acquiring and identifying minerals. Everyone in Gastonia and the surrounding areas have always brought Jim their minerals to identify and he has always found time to talk with each and everyone of them. Jim helped us form the Gaston Gem & Mineral Club and was responsible for getting the Museum to permit our club to use their facility for our monthly meetings and our Christmas party. Jim has given a program at least once a year for our club, spent numerous hours teaching children about minerals and given many many guided tours through the museum to promote the wonderful knowledge of minerals to our public. submitted by the Gaston Gem & Mineral Club
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