Flatirons Facets

Published by The Flatirons Mineral Club

Volume 44, No. 3                                                                               May 2002

 

Flatirons Facets is published monthly by The Flatirons Mineral Club, PO Box 3331, Boulder, CO 80307. The deadline for submission of articles to Flatirons Facets is the 20th of each month. Permission is granted for reprint if credit is given to the publication and author unless

specifically restricted.

 

Melinda Thompson will be on vacation during the end of May/beginning of June so there will be no June newsletter. Contact relevant board members or attend the May and June general meetings for club news. Deadline for the next newsletter will be June 20, 2002.

 

Flatirons Facets

P. O. Box 3331

Boulder CO 80307-3331

 

The Flatirons Mineral Club is a non-profit organization, established March 9, 1957, and dedicated to developing and maintaining interest in all aspects of earth science and associated hobbies. The club meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:15 PM. We meet at The Senior Center, Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, CO. Guests and visitors are welcome. Membership dues are $15.00 per year (beginning October of each calendar year). People interested in membership can contact the club either by writing to the above address or by attending one of the meetings.

 

The July general meeting will be at the East Boulder Recreation Center.

 

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Calendar

 

Saturday, May 4 CMS Annual May Auction,  Lakewood Links , Lakewood, CO

Monday, May 6 FMC Board Meet Ing, Dennis Gertenbach's home

Thursday, May 9 FMC Meeting, 7:15 PM, Senior Center, Arapahoe Ave., Boulder

Sat. & Sun. May 11,12 Gem & Mineral Show, Grand Junction G&M Club, Two Rivers Convention Center, Grand Junction. Information: Russ Adams, 970.256.0371

Sun., May 26 Field Trip, Wigwam Creek Area

 

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Coming Events

Pete Modreski, USGS

 

Below, I'd like to tell you about several upcoming lectures, field trips, and other earth science-related activities that are free and open to the public. Please tell anyone who might be interested about these activities. I've included several events at which there is an opportunity to buy minerals, rocks and other geologic specimens.

 

Saturday, May 4, 1-4 p.m.

Annual Silent Auction, Colorado Mineral Society, Lakewood Link Recreation Center, 1295 S. Reed St. (5 blocks east of Wadsworth, 2 blocks south of Mississippi). The auction features reasonably priced minerals, fossils, faceted stones, lapidary equipment, books and jewelry. Visitors may view and bid on fluorescent minerals in a special ultraviolet-powered, fluorescent room. There is a verbal auction at 2:30 p.m. of museum-quality specimens donated by dealers. There are abundant parking, door prizes every half-hour, refreshments, and easy access (no stairs). As always, the club will have a few auction tables reserved for children. Non-CMS members may participate in this auction. All sellers are requested to preregister by phoning Leslie Osgood (303-986-4488). For more information, call Bruce Geller, 303-237-2947.

 

Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

"Dinosaur Discovery Day" at Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison, Colorado. This will be the first of seven public tour days at Dinosaur Ridge this spring, summer and fall. Please note that there is NOT an exit to Alameda Parkway from C-470; use the exits at Morrison Road or I-70.  Park at the Dinosaur Ridge Visitors Center, 16831 W. Alameda Parkway (north side, near Rooney Road; east of the Dakota Hogback). Volunteer guides are stationed along the roadside, which will be closed to traffic, to show and explain the dinosaur tracks, bones and other geologic features. A walking tour is free, or you may ride a bus ($2) to the top of the ridge and walk back. For more information call 303-697-3466 or see http://www.dinoridge.org. The Dinosaur Ridge Visitors Center is open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (noon-4 Sundays); free admission; exhibits, gift shop, self-guided walking tours. Future  Dinosaur Discovery Days will be June 15, July 6, Aug 3, Sep. 7, Oct. 5, and Nov. 2.

 

Saturday & Sunday, May 25-26

Open House, Morrison Natural History Museum. The Morrison Natural History Museum is located on State Highway 8, about 1/3 mile south of Morrison (the road from the last traffic light at the west end of Morrison, running south toward The Fort restaurant and US-285). The museum features exhibits of dinosaur and other fossils, local ecology and live reptiles and amphibians. Regular hours of the museum are noon-4 p.m., Wed. through Sun.; usual admission is $2. Information: 303-697-1873, http://town.morrison.co.us/mnhm.

 

Wednesday, May 29, 7:00 p.m.

Lecture & slide show sponsored by Friends of Dinosaur Ridge & Morrison Natural History Museum: "Digital Geologic Maps - Cutting-Edge Technology to Show Geology" by Tim Connors, Geologist, US National Park Service. Red Rocks Elementary School, Morrison (turn right [north] at the last traffic light at the west end of Morrison). Information: 303-697-3466.

 

Sunday, June 19, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Annual Silent Auction, Colorado Chapter of the Friends of Mineralogy. Glendale Community Center. 999 S. Clermont (in Denver, near Mississippi and Colorado Blvd.) This auction features reasonably priced minerals, faceted stones, books, mining paraphernalia and mineral hobby items. There will be a verbal auction at 8:00 p.m. of museum-quality specimens donated by dealers. Information: Bruce Geller, 303-237-2947.

 

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President's Corner

Evan D. Elliott

 

The April meeting with Jeff "The Knapper" as our program was a good one. Thank you Jeff. I heard that the pursuit was continued successfully at Charlotte's on the following Wednesday, complete with brownies. Remember, folks, that Charlotte Morrison is very generous in making her home workshop available to those of us who care to give her a call and let her know you would like to use the equipment that is at her home in south Boulder.

 

Any number of our club members are willing to meet and instruct other members in any of the jewelry and/or lapidary arts. Myself included. Just give a call to inquire further.

 

The most important thing in all shop work is safety. And of course on field trips safety comes first again. This months newsletter is centered on safety. Even if your 're like me and have moments when you think you may "know it all," for yourself and the rest of us, give it a good once over. I for one can always use some reminders about safety. Thank you to all of you who make our newsletter something to look forward to each month. Good hunting.

 

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May Program

 

Place: Senior Center, 9th and Arapahoe,Boulder, CO

Time: Thursday, May 9, 2002, 7:15 PM

Program: Hugh Tanner, one of our own, will present a slide show on Sharks teeth and other fossils from Florida. Hugh took a little trip, had a great time, and is itchin' to share with us. See you there! Note: Many of the programs we bring to the club each month are the result of suggestions and club members wanting to share their joy. If anyone has a request for a particular topic, a suggestion for a specific speaker, or would like to share from personal experience, feel free to speak with me (Paul Boni) at the meeting or call me.

 

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Colorado's New State Mineral

 

With Colorado's mining legacy, it is hard to believe that our state did not have a state mineral until this month. Governor Bill Owens signed a bill on April 17 that makes rhodochrosite the official state mineral of Colorado. Most major mineral museums around the world have rhodochrosite from Colorado, and it is an appropriate mineral to represent our state.

 

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Field Trips

Mary Golden

 

Speaking of Rhodochrosite, the next field trip will be to the Sweet Home Mine on June 18. Unfortunately, only a small number of people will be admitted and, due to demand, groups such as the Club are allowed entry only once every year or two. Because of the number of people likely to want to attend, I have asked that we be permitted two trips, but have not had a response to this request yet. A lottery will be held at the May meeting for available places. Further details will be provided at the May and June meetings, as well as in the June newsletter. Please contact Mary Golden for further information. Suggestions for future field trips and

volunteer trip guides are welcome. See page 10 for May field

 

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Notes From the Board Meeting, April 8, 2002

Emily Epstein

 

Alex Cook raised the question of scholarship funding. Interest rates have been so low that putting grab bag and other earmarked proceeds into the endowment fund can leave a shortfall. Discussion ensued. Paul Ralston suggested setting a threshold: if accumulated interest available for scholarships is less than $500 by September 1, grab bag funds will go into the disbursable account to make up the difference. The board approved this procedure.

 

There was lengthy discussion of a possible children's program. Some members felt that separate activities are not necessary. Dennis Gertenbach said he would consult with parents on this.

 

Melinda Thompson presented membeship applications for new members and the board approved them unanimously.

 

Alex Cook reported that the silent auction in March made a modest profit.

 

The Senior Center has not been allowing us to enter the room before 7 p.m., so the official start of club meetings will move to 7:15.

 

Gerry Naugle reported on the exhibit proposal he submitted last month. Insurance rates seem prohibitive. The issue was tabled until the May meeting, and he will look further into possible venues for a display. The board thanked Gerry for doing this.

 

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It's A BIG Stone!

Jon Spunaugle, AFMS Scholarship Foundation (April AFMS newsletter)

 

Weighing almost 6,000 carats, the "Dare Devil" really is a big faceted stone. When you hold it in the light and turn it ever so slightly, it flashes a brilliant variety of colors - salmon, lilac, yellow, red... Cut by the Dare Devil Faceters, members of the Intermountain Faceters Guild, the stone has been donated to the Scholarship Foundation and we are offering you a chance to own it. It's a salmon colored cubic zirconia and it really is an impressive item. It's been valued at several thousand dollars.

 

By purchasing a ticket, or several tickets, you might just be the lucky person to take the Dare Devil home with you. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. They may be obtained at one of the upcoming Regional Federation shows (Rocky Mountain, Eastern, California or Northwest/AFMS) or by sending your check, payable to AFMS Scholarship Foundation to: Jon Spunaugle, 1000 SE 144th Ct., Vancouver, WA 98868-70333.

 

Please include a stamped, self addressed envelope with your ticket order along with your name, address and phone number, so that the receipts may be returned to you. The drawing to determine the lucky winner will be held at the NFMS/AFMS Convention in Port Townsend this July. You need not be present to win. The AFMS Scholarship Foundation needs our support now more than ever and this is one way in which you can show that support...and perhaps own a fantastic faceted gem.

 

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New in the Library

Dennis Gertenbach

 

Three new books have been donated to our library.  Fire Into Ice, by Charles Fipke and The Great Diamond Hunt by Vernon Frolick tells the story of the mining exploration geologist that found northern Canada's vast diamond fields. Throughout his life he searched the world for minerals from jungles to savannahs to the Arctic tundra -- the Indiana Jones of mineral exploration.

 

Also in the library are two books to help in mineral identification. Mineralogy: Concepts, Descriptions, Determinations by L.G. Berry and Brian Mason and Mineral Recognition by Iris Vanders and Paul F. Kerr will help you identify that mystery mineral you collected this spring. These books and other selections will be available at the next club meeting. If you are looking for a book of special interest, contact Dennis Gertenbach to find out what we have.

 

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International Relations

Jack Nelson, nelsonja@eros.com

 

Trading with other rock, mineral, gem and fossil collectors and micromounters in other parts of the world can be a wonderful experience. You can meet and learn about new friends and their interests while enhancing your collections. You can also have the satisfaction of sharing some of your good specimens with others.

 

Through a friend, I learned in 1999 of a micromineral collector in Australia who has turned out to be a good friend and frequent exchanger of terrific micromineral specimens. For example, he sent me a specimen of ulrichite, a beautiful, tiny acicular green mineral (calcium copper uranium hydrate phosphate). It was found in only one known locality in the world, which is now depleted of that mineral (Lake Boga Granite Quarry in Victoria, Australia). We exchange news, information and specimens.

 

E-mail has made the whole international community neighbors. I happily count a dozen friends in other countries with whom I have exchanged specimens and with whom I also frequently talk. I met all of my foreign and many US friends through membership in a number of Internet interest groups focused on minerals,  micromounting and fossils. They have nearly 2,000 members. There are many such groups to choose from). What a wonderful way to promote good relationships, despite some of the difficult political barriers that exist in the world.

 

Below are some useful websites you can explore. Next month I will give you a further list of good Internet sites or discussion groups.

 

Canadian Directory of Rock & Mineral Associations

Mont St Hilaire

New Zealand Mineral Group

Canadian Rockhound Internet Magazine

Mineralogy Club of Antwerp, Belgium (a great resource!)

AltaVista Translations (will translate many web sites into English)

 

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Denver Gem & Mineral Show Mini Report April 2, 2002

Judy Knoshaug, Secretary pro tem

 

Publicity about the Denver Gem & Mineral Show is very important in getting the general public to attend the show. Of course, most people who come to the show enjoy it so much that they continue to come year after year. The Show Committee works on new ideas for publicity every year and welcomes your suggestions. If you have a novel approach to publicity or need flyers or posters to advertise the show, please contact Regina Aumente at 303-978-9926.

 

There are two events for publicizing the show for which your help is needed. Discovery Day at Dinosaur Ridge is on August 3rd. A few people are needed to talk to visitors and hand out flyers and free rocks. We will also have a booth at the Taste of Colorado over the Labor Day weekend. Again volunteers are needed to talk to visitors and hand out flyers and free rocks. The time slots are two shifts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. per day from Friday through Monday. The booth will be in a covered tent providing shade. Both of these are quite fun events, especially the talking to adults and kids. So if you can help, call Regina. WE REALLY REALLY NEED YOU AND YOU AND YOU!

 

Don't forget to pass out flyers and interest your friends and relatives in the show. Your enthusiasm about the show is contagious!!

 

We still need someone interested in learning to make the show ribbons. For more information, call: Bill Basbagill at 303-986-5812.

 

Please keep signing up volunteers to help out at the show. Don't forget some of the club forms are due back by June 30th. The show will be here before you know it!

 

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Legislative Report, etc.

Dick Rodenburg

 

Earlier this year, I reported that a team of federal Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service and Washington state biologists sent fur samples from a captive Canadian lynx and a bobcat pelt to a lab for DNA testing, claiming the samples came from creatures living in the wilds of the Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot National Forests in Washington (not normally lynx habitat). Had the lab been fooled, the biologists could possibly have made a case to curtail access to these forests.Apparently believing that no good deed should go unrewarded, managers at the Interior Department praised the Fish and Wildlife team members for their work and gave them a cash award.

 

Interior Department Inspector General Earl Devaney complained to Secretary Gale Norton that the award was "an incredible display of bad judgment." Rep. Scott McInnis, Chairman of the House Forest Subcommittee, held hearings on the  allegations in late February. Albuquerque Journal North, undated, and Denver Post, March 7, 2002.

 

Washington. A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) March 15 Federal Register notice raised eyebrows by announcing a decision that, in theory, allows new mining on 900,000 acres south of the White River near Meeker, Colorado. Doris Chelius, a BLM land-law examiner, said the action is simply a bookkeeping maneuver to make it  easier to swap and otherwise manage small parcels. She said there are no minerals worth mining in the area and oil and gas exploration is presently allowed; no change in activity is expected. The 900,000 acres includes Big Ridge in Rio Blanco County and the Grand Hogback and Roam Plateau in Garfield County. Both of these areas are proposed as wilderness in a bill drafted by Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver. Rocky Mountain News, March 16, 2002.

 

DeGette is also expanding the amount of new federal wilderness she has proposed from 1.35 to 1.6 million acres by adding 11 areas to the unsuccessful legislation she first offered in 2000. The new areas are in response to calls from the Colorado wilderness Network to designate elevation ecosystems below 9000 feet for wilderness protection. Colorado now has about 3 million acres of wilderness. Colorado Counties, Inc., representing county commissioners across the state, supports preserving only about 200,000 additional acres. Denver Post, March 22, 2002.

 

HR 4078, the Abandoned Hardrock Mines Reclamation Act proposed by US Rep. Mark Udall, D-Boulder, would encourage citizens groups and state and tribal governments to clean up abandoned mine sites that are polluting streams and groundwater. The legislation would greatly reduce the liability such groups now incur if they do any work to clean up an abandoned site. Denver Post, April 13, 2002.

 

ALAA warns readers about the dangers of HR 2974, the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. That act, if passed, would prohibit amateurs (read rockhounds) from collecting on public lands unless accompanied by someone associated with a museum or university. ALAA says the bill (1) perpetuates the lie that all vertebrate fossils are rare; (2) imposes harsh penalties for violations; (3) contains a false-labeling provision so broadly worded as to make crimes out of mistakes; and (4) prohibits sales of legally collected fossils. Marion Zenker, ALAA Legislative Coordinator, advised on April 18 that Representatives from all across the country are being targeted with an intense letter-writing campaign urging them to sign on to HR 2974. Read it for yourself at http://thomas.loc.gov. Pull up the House bills, scroll down and enter 2974. Every club needs to respond to their legislators on this one, ALAA says

 

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Are You Sure It's Jade?

From Rock Chips,Vol. 33, No. 9, October2000, published bythe Deming Gem &Mineral society, Inc.

 

1) If a chip is knocked off the end of the rock, the freshly broken surface should not sparkle in the sun. If it does, it isn't jade.

2) If you can scratch it with a knifepoint, it  isn't jade.

3) It should be much heavier than common rock of similar size.

4) Tap specimen lightly with a hammer. If a moon-shaped fracture appears, it is agate or jasper, but not jade.

5) If it is jade, it will have a smooth, waxy, almost greasy look.

6) The only positive test for jade is x-ray analysis and specific gravity tests.

 

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Code of Ethics

The AFMS

 

I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without permission from the owner.

I will keep informed of and will observe all laws, regulations and rules governing collecting on public lands.

I will, to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.

I will use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas.

I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind such as fences, signs or buildings.

I will leave all gates as found.

I will build fires only in designated and safe places and will be certain that they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.

I will discard no burning material (matches, cigarettes, etc.).

I will fill all excavations I have made that may be dangerous to livestock.

I will not contaminate wells, creeks or other water supplies.

I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.

I will practice conservation, utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and recycle my surplus for the  pleasure and benefit of others.

I will support the rockhound project, Help Eliminate Litter, Please (HELP), and will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of how found.

I will cooperate with field-trip leaders and those in authority in all collecting areas.

I will report to my club or federation officers, Bureau of Land Management or other authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other materials on public lands that should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations and for public educational and scientific purposes.

I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.

I will observe the Golden Rule, exercise good outdoor manners and at all times conduct myself in a manner that will add to the stature and public image of  rockhounds everywhere.

 

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It's Field Trip Time again. Time to remember courtesy and safety in our hobby.

The Ten Rockamandments

AFMS Newsletter 5/98

 

1. Thou shalt not touch thy neighbor's minerals unless they are placed in your hand.

2. Thou shalt not test the strength of crystals by pushing, biting or squeezing them.

3. Thou shalt not drop thy neighbor's fossil, for many do not bounce properly.

4. Thou shalt not drop thy neighbor's specimen in thine own pocket.

5. Thou shalt not test thy neighbor's agates for hardness by rubbing them together.

6. Thou shalt not argue the name of that mineral too violently; sometimes thou could be wrong.

7. Thou shalt not climb above thy neighbors when on a field trip lest thou must spend the remainder of the day digging them out.

8. Thou shalt protect thine own eyes, hands and feet so thou can enjoy many, many more field trips.

9. Thou shalt not encroach upon thy neighbor's diggings lest a hammer be dropped on thy toe.

10. Thou shalt not complain about or denounce thy club officers under penalty of being elected one thyself.

 

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A First-Aid Kit for Field Trips

Chris Rylands, from the internet

 

Small accidents in remote collecting areas can be quite serious. A rockhound should

carry a small, lightweight first-aid kit. Some of the more important supplies include:

 

Water purification tablets

Pocket thermal space blanket

Snakebite kit

Safety pin, sharp knife, tweezers

Flashlight, candle, lighter, waterproof matches

Toilet paper, moist towelettes, antiseptic wipes

Gauze pads, tape, waterproof cloth-type bandages

Electrician's tape for splints & tourniquets

Plastic eyecup, eye patch, eye ointment

Hydrocortisone cream for itchy reactions to bugs or plants

Bubble-packed tablets of Pepsid, Pepto, Immodium, aspirin, etc.

Pocket first-aid card (CPR, heat stroke, fractures, etc.); free from some fire stations and hospitals

Plastic rain poncho

High-protein bars

Metal mirror for daytime signaling

Sunblock and insect repellent

Chemical toe/finger warmers (can also be used as a warm compress)

 

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Help & How To Say It!

Omer & Valdene Goeden, From CFMS newsletter, November 1986 via Amador Nugget, January, 2001, Everybody Needs a Whistle

 

One of the simplest and most effective signals is the use of a mirror. Search pilots have seen a mirror flash over 20 miles away. Ground to air signals can be constructed from contrasting color fabric panels, stomped snow or gouged out dirt. The important aspect in signaling of any kind is to make the signal appear to contrast or look out of the ordinary to searchers. Once an aircraft or ground team sees you, the hand or body signals can be utilized to convey specific messages.

 

Search And Rescue Symbols

These signals should be done as large as possible, 2-3 feet wide and 6-12 feet long, using colors that contrast to the background if possible. Some of these signals are for use by survivors and ground teams to communicate with the aircraft.

 

1. Lay out symbols by using strips of fabric, pieces of weed, stones, etc.

2. Provide as much color contrast as possible between the material used, and background.

3. Symbols should be at least 10 feet high or larger.

4. Use additional signals such as flares, radio, etc. to attract attention.

5. When ground is covered with snow, signals may be made by dragging, shoveling, or tramping the snow. The depressed area appears darker from the air.

6. The pilot should acknowledge the message by rocking wings side to side.

 

Symbols are:

Requires assistance: Vs

Requires Medical Assistance: X

No or Negative: N

Yes or =Affirmative: Y S

Proceeding in This =Direction... Make an arrow

 

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Bulletin Board

 

Refreshments

Thank you to Gerri Nagle and the Beiersdorfers for treats at the April meeting. Dennis Gertenbach and Anita Landess are signed up for May. Please call them if you can contribute.

 

Lapidary Journal subscriptions, new and renew, will add to the club treasury if you pay Alex Cook. Your check will be your receipt.

 

The next Board Meeting will be at Dennis Gertenbach's home.

 

Membership lists will be mailed or e-mailed on request. Contact Melinda.

 

Rock Sale, May 8-12, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 4246 Thompson Court (south of I70/east of York St.) John Haney, 303-296-8268. Rough, lapidary equipment, crystals, metaphysical items, spheres, rock bowls & boxes, designer cabochons, citrine, amethyst & rose quartz candle holders. Free rocks for kids.

 

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FACETS Arrives Early via E-Mail

 

Club members are now receiving their monthly newsletters electronically by e-mail. No longer are you at the mercy of the post office to get your newsletter to you. With an electronic newsletter, you will find out about upcoming programs and field trips much earlier than those relying on the mail. Also, this saves club money for postage and printing that can be used for educational programs. If you are not already receiving your newsletter in a PDF format, e-mail Dennis Gertenbach  and begin next month.

 

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Crafts

Charlotte Morrison

 

Wednesday evenings are Craft Evenings at the home of Charlotte Morrison from 7:00 to ca. 9 p.m. (No craft evening is held during the week of the club's regular program.) Our last  meeting was a hands-on, flint-knapping session with Jeff Ferguson. Nine members attended. Please call Charlotte information or to share your ideas.

 

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May Field Trip

 

David Ratoike, FMC member and partner (with Terry Hicks) in Storm Mountain Minerals and Mining, will lead a field trip on Sunday, May 26, to the Wigwam Creek area near the Tarryall mountain wilderness. Collectors have found smoky quartz, amazonite, fluorite and topaz there.

 

Further information will be provided at the May meeting; contact field-trip coordinator Mary Golden.

 

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Have you checked out a book from the Flatirons Mineral Club library that you have not returned? If so, plan to return it at the May meeting. If you are not sure if you have a book checked out, contact Dennis Gertenbach.

 
 
 
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Updated 1/14/04