A NEWSLETTER FOR ROCKHOUNDS SINCE

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1 The Polished Slab Southern Nevada Gem & Mineral Society MAY 2016 Upcoming Events Jun 2: Board Mtg Jun 6: General Mtg See calendar on page 5 for shop hours, classes, trips, meetings, and other SNGMS events See page 10 for details on scheduled classes and instructor contact Inside This Issue General Meeting Minutes Upcoming Events and Calendar SNGMS Meeting dates & Directions to Shop RFMS Meeting Report 7 SNGMS Spring Jamboree Show Volunteers Needed A NEWSLETTER FOR ROCKHOUNDS SINCE 1940 To all SNGMS Members: President's Message From Wayne Muth Volume 76 Issue 5 Summer is slowly approaching and I am looking forward to the fun that is ahead of us all. We all had a great time with Mary Beth and her Rock Stars on our trip to St. George Utah. She is very dedicated and always takes care of every detail on these very informational trips. We have the Boulder City Jamboree in early May and a possible trip to Arizona in May too. A trip is planned for Lund in Early June, as well as a Rock Swap and Pot Luck at the Shop. We updated the details at our May 2nd meeting. This should be a great event, and I want to continue them in the future. The Shop is fully operating and you can always read the polished Slab for the time it is open. If you have not been to the shop our Rock Swap, planned for May 14th, would be a good time to come down and bring your items you would like to swap. Take a look at the fine machinery that we have. Continued support of our shop will allow us to keep up improvements and have the proper equipment for all participants. Sheri Johnson has been asking and asking for volunteers for the Boulder City Jamboree. My point is, volunteering helps everyone for all events. Many people always volunteer, but we could use many more. Many of us will be spending five whole days on this event, with each day being 10 hours each. Helping out for a few hours would truly be appreciated. On one last note, a couple of volunteer positions still need to be filled, Richard Rawe needs shop supervisors to help with vacations. We also need to have a permanent person for the Raffles. Let us know at the next meeting in June. Keep Rocking. Kids Club and Education Activities 8 Classes 10 Shop Information 11 Birthday, New Members and Sunshine 12 Upcoming Shows 13 The Gem and Mineral Show is held inside Parks and Recreational building, 900 Arizona St., next to City Hall and Bicentennial Park in Boulder City. Saturday May 7th, 9 am - 6 pm and Sunday May 8th, 9 am - 4 pm. See you there!

2 PAGE 2 the polished slab MAY 2016 SNGMS Board of Director s Meeting minutes for April 28th, 2016 Pledge of Allegiance Secretary: Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved Treasurers Report: Biils to be presented and approved. Scott Edwards made a motion that all bills presented be paid, John Stackhouse seconded. Motion passed Shop Report: The silversmith instructor requested a new tumbler for the classes, also four 280 wheels. Frank Timbers made motion that these items be purchased, Johnny Miller seconded, motion passed. Tony Duran made a motion to purchase a jewelry buffer, Scott Edwards seconded, motion passed. The shop will hold a Rock Swap and barbeque on May 14, 2016 to start at 10:00-2:00, lunch will be at 11:30. Unfinished Business: By Law Committee There will be a meeting of the committee on May 17, 2016 at 10:00 at the shop. New Business: Discussion on reward for shop supervisors was tabled for later. Quotes for alarm system was presented. Protection One seems to be the best one. Scott Edwards made a motion that the shop be closed Saturday and Sunday, 7th and 8th for the Gem Show, Tony Duran seconded, motion passed. Mary Beth Paladino stated there will not be a Rock Stars meeting this month. PeggySue Moore made a motion to adjourn, Steve Wilson seconded, motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:13. Board meeting summary general meeting summary SNGMS General meeting minutes for May 2, 2016 On May 2, 2016, the regular meeting of the Southern Nevada Gem and Mineral Society was called to order at 6:00 PM by the president. The secretary was present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was recited. Treasurers Report: Report was positive. Need to have an audit committee formed after the Spring Jamboree. Secretary: The minutes of the April 4, 2016 were read and approved. Committee Reports: Sunshine: Beth Jones was not available Shop: A discussion on purchasing a flat lap as the cost was high, it was decided that it would pay for itself. Ananaka Rau made a motion to purchase flat lap, Jim Swatalia seconded, motion passed. The shop will have a Rock Swap and barbeque on May 14, 2016 from 10:00 to 2:00.

3 MAY 2016 the polished slab PAGE 3 Shop will be closed May 7th and 8th for Spring Jamboree. Federation & Show: Sheri made announcement about the Spring Jamboree, still need volunteers for various jobs.. Field Trip: Delmar trip to be replaced by trip to Oatman May 22, 2016 Rock Stars: No meeting for May. Program: Leslie M Woodbury, Museum Development Officer for the Boulder City/Hoover Dam gave a very interesting talk on the dam and the Boulder City Hotel. Shop Contest: For June ocean, water Classes: All classes were announced. New Business: Peggy Sue Moore said a lot of the items purchased for members were sold out so she presented a new list. Tony Duran made a motion to purchase said items, Lorrilee Stackhouse seconded, motion passed. By-Law Committee: There will be a meeting of By-Law committee May 17th at 10:00 at shop 50/50 Raffle: New members, Orville and Lisa Wiemers have volunteered to manage the raffle. Tony Duran made a motion to adjourn, Ananaka Rau seconded, motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m. Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineral Societies (RMFMS) Meeting Report, Wichita, KS, April 23, 2016 Sheri Johnson, RMFMS Chair I travelled to Wichita, KS to attend the RMFMS annual show and meeting. The show was wonderful with 20+ vendors and activities for all ages. More importantly, I attended the RMFMS annual meeting to discuss the business of our federation. In general, the meeting included reports from each of the elected officers and committee chairs. In case you did not know, we have three RMFMS committee chairs at SNGMS Peggy Sue Moore (Ribbons), Cindy Allison (Public Lands Access Committee, Nevada) and Me (ACROY). Sometime after the Spring Jamboree, I will scan in the reports so they are available to anyone who is interested. We talked at length about the regulations as they apply to a 501C designated organization. It was decided to contribute the earnings from fiscal years 2013 & 2014 to the AFMS Scholarship Fund. The hot topic for the meeting is Public Lands Access Last year the Forest Service authored the rules and regulations, which were extremely prohibitive regarding the amount of rock that can be legally collected on public lands. In Nevada, the Forest Service does not control much land. However, the BLM is considering adopting the same rules which would be devastating for Rockhounding. The rule is that we can only collect 25 pounds per year on public lands (if I am understand the regulations correctly) and Continued on Page 7

4 PAGE 4 the polished slab MAY 2016 Come Early! Be sure to come early on General Meeting nights, because between 5 and 6 PM many of our talented members exhibit their works for your admiration and possible purchase. Cabochons, beadwork, silversmithed and wire wrapped jewelry, rock slabs, unfinished stones, and more are usually available. It is a good time to chat with other members and catch up on their latest creations. Discounts Available with your SNGMS Membership All the establishments featured on page 4 offer discounts to SNGMS members. Be sure to show your membership card when making a purchase, and say that the Southern Nevada Gem & Mineral Society sent you! Gold Rush Prospecting and Adventure Tours 1311 Nevada Hwy. Ste. C Boulder City NV

5 MAY 2016 the polished slab PAGE 5 Upcoming events May 7-8 SNGMS Spring Jamboree Gem & Mineral Show. See page 8 for additional information. May 14 Rock Swap and Barbeque at the SNGMS Shop, starts at 10 AM, ends at 2 PM. The club is furnishing hot dogs & hamburgers. Bring some rocks to trade and a dish for the pot luck. May 22 Field Trip to Oatman AZ to collect fire agate. Jun Lund, NV Annual Camping Field Trip. See page 6 for more information. May 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 8 Boulder City 9 Wire Wrapping 10 Silver 11 Shop Shop Shop Metalsmithing Jamboree 5-8 Smithing Shop 10-6 Show Rock Swap & BarBQue 15 Faceting 8-12 Shop Beading By Law Mtg 10 Silver Smithing Shop Shop Shop Metalsmithing 8-10 Shop Faceting 8-23 Wire 24 Silver 25 Shop Shop Shop Metalsmithing 12 Shop 12-5 Wrapping 5-8 Smithing Shop 10-6 Oatman Field Trip June 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 29 Faceting 8-12 Shop Wire Wrapping Silver Smithing Shop Shop 12-9 Board Mtg 6 3 Shop 12-9 Lund Trip 4 Metalsmithing 8-10 Shop 10-6 Lund Trip 5 Lund Trip 6 General Mtg 6 7 Shop 12-4 Silver Smithing Shop Shop Shop Metalsmithing 8-10 Shop Faceting 8-13 Wire 14 Silver 15 Shop Shop Shop Metalsmithing 12 Shop 12-5 Wrapping 5-8 Smithing Shop 10-6

6 PAGE 6 the polished slab MAY 2016 SNGMS 2016 Meetings Jun 06 General Jan 04 General Jul 07 Board 28 Board 11 General Feb 01 General 28 Board Mar 03 Board Aug 01 General 07 General Sep 08 Board 31 Board 12 General Apr 04 General 29 Board 28 Board Oct 03 General May 02 General Nov 03 Board Jun 02 Board 07 General Board Meetings at Shop, 3111 S. Valley View Blvd. Bldg. E. Suite 125, General Meetings at Eagles Lodge, 1601 E Washington SNGMS General Meeting 1st Monday of every month (2nd Monday if holiday falls on the first Monday) No meeting in December. Non-members welcome! Eagles Lodge 1601 E Washington Ave. Show & Sell General Meeting 5-6 PM 6-8 PM 3111 So. Valley View Blvd, Building E Shop Suite 125 W. Sirius Ave. W. Desert Inn Rd. So. Valley View Blvd. Finding the Shop Location Proceeding west on Desert Inn Road, take the first right past So. Valley View Blvd. into the industrial park area. Drive past the building on your right, then jog right, then left and you will be in front of Building E. N. Las Vegas Blvd. N. Bruce St. Finding the General Meeting Location Eagles Lodge # E Washington Avenue, Las Vegas, NV (702) X E. Washington Ave. This year our multi day field trip, guided by Bill Kogan, will be held on June 3 rd, 4 th & 5 th. We may camp at the Kogan Ranch, in Lund, NV, or you may get a motel room at the Lane s Motel in Lund. To get your reservation at Lane s Ranch Motel, NV 318, Lund, NV 89317, call As usual, we will pot luck dinner on Saturday Night at the Kogan Ranch. We will also be collecting $5.00 per person for attending this event. This money will go to Bill Kogan for setting up the trips and pre-scouting. We will be collecting agate, jasper, and rhyolite. Bill will set up the trips and work out when we might have a chance to do any night hunting with fluorescence. When you decide to attend, please me your names, how many in your group, and what dish you want to bring to the pot-luck. Peggy Sue Moore moorepeggysue@gmail.com

7 MAY 2016 the polished slab PAGE 7 Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineral Societies (RMFMS) Meeting Report, Wichita, KS, April 23, 2016, con t. fossils can only be collected for research purposes by permit only (and you must be part of a research facility). The BLM is also considering new rules for the collection of invertebrate fossils in the coming months; we will publish more as information is available. One last order of business for the meeting, next year s convention will be in Albuquerque, NM, the weekend of March 18 th & 19 th, 2017, so mark your calendars for next year! In the evening, I attended the RMFMS Awards Banquet. It was a buffet dinner with approximately 50+ people in attendance. Compliments of SNGMS, I gave out slabs of southern Nevada stone (bullseye rhyolite, Lake Mead purple agate, Pabco onyx and Mercury onyx) to everyone; and the most asked question of the night when are we going to have a show in Las Vegas? My answer we will see. Each attendee received a Fencepost limestone souvenir and its story (picture and history included in this month s Slab on Page 9). Each memento includes a 4 Beth Simmons, RMFMS Pres - Elect, wearing Peggy Sue s wire wrapped necklace limestone fencepost and various rocks and fossils from Kansas. It s an incredibly charming party favor provided by the host club the Wichita Gem & Mineral Society. I was born in Kansas and still have family in the area. My uncle has one in his yard that has been there for as long as I can remember. The piece reminds me of the state where I was born. Photo courtesy of Sheri Johnson And many thanks to Peggy Sue Moore, the RMFMS was able to raise $225 for the AFMS scholarship fund by auctioning a beautiful wire-wrapped necklace that she made for the convention. Peggy Sue also made a necklace for Beth Simmons, President-Elect for the RMFMS, that Beth absolutely loves! On a side note, the 2016 AFMS Convention is being held in late July of 2016 in Albany, Oregon, July 29 th through 31 st, So what does that mean to you? Hopefully, it means you will purchase your raffle tickets (yes, you need to be in it to win it!) before July for the AFMS Endowment Fund drawing! Why the raffle? The money collected is for the AFMS Endowment Fund. The interest from the monies generated is used for AFMS special projects, such as, junior badges, judges training, digitizing of slide programs, to name a few. Before the clock runs out why not purchase tickets? You can also donate an item or two! You do not need to be present to win. Details are available in the AFMS newsletter or you can ask me for the information. Finally, I wish to thank the SNGMS Board for allowing me to represent SNGMS at the RMFMS annual meeting. Happy Hunting! Published monthly by: Southern Nevada Gem & Mineral Society 3111 S. Valley View Blvd, E-125 Las Vegas, NV 89102

8 PAGE 8 the polished slab MAY 2016 SNGMS Spring Jamboree Gem & Mineral Show Volunteers Needed! I m so EXCITED and I just can t hide it! (Ok, so singing in an is not so easy to do..) It s almost that time (YEAH)! This is going to be fun! And here is the last call out to volunteers. If you have already signed up THANK YOU! If not, give me a call, there are still plenty of opportunities available the more the merrier! Note BC = 900 Arizona Street, Boulder City, Thursday, May 5 th, 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm 1:30 pm, Workshop - Load up the truck 6:00 pm, BC - Unload the truck Friday, May 6 th, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (ish) BC Set-up tables, display cabinets and wheels New! Friday May 6 th, 5:00 pm 6:30 (ish) BC, Spring Jamboree grounds Spray paint footprints on grass leading to the gym Saturday, May 7 th, Show hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday, May 8 th, Show hours 9:00 am to 4:00 pm BC - Volunteers needed for two to three hour shifts during show hours Sand Sifters Geode saw (outside, mostly sitting) Team to sit, relax and cut Geodes. This is an outside job with shade. Wandering Dinosaur (outside, walking) Person to trade tumbled stones for coupons (inside, sitting) Sunday, May 8 th, 4:00 pm until 6:30 pm (ish) BC Tear down and load truck Monday, May 9 th, 9:00 am Workshop - Unload the U-Haul truck To volunteer, please text or call Sheri at or via at SherisRocks89121@gmail.com Kids club / education activities The Kids Club meets on the second Sunday of most months at the SNGMS Shop from 3-5. As always, for more information, or to volunteer to lead an activity, or to help with an educational event contact Mary Beth Paladino at There will be no Kid s club in May due to the conflict with the Boulder City Jamboree Show.

9 MAY 2016 the polished slab PAGE 9 The History of the Kansas Fencepost Limestone The middle range of the uplands in the Smoky Hills region of Kansas is capped by interbedded thin chalks and chalky shales of the Greenhorn limestone. At the very top of the Greenhorn Formation is another one-foot thick layer of rock called Fencepost limestone. When settlers first came to Smoky Hills region of Kansas, native lumber was hard to come by in the nearly treeless plains. Because of this, the Fencepost limestone was extensively quarried for masonry stone and rock fence posts. Photo courtesy of Sheri Johnson The Fencepost limestone was favored for quarrying because of its uniformity in thickness. The soil was removed from the ledge and a line of holes was drilled into it and about a foot back from the edge. Wedges were fitted between the feathers, (rounded, tapered metal strips) into the holes and were gradually and uniformly tightened by tapping each with a sledgehammer, listening for the ping. By carefully tapping the wedges, a slab of limestone could be split off and sawed into the proper length for a fence post. The chalky rock was relatively soft when first quarried and could be drilled and sawed by hand, but after being set in place, the rock fence post cured. It became much harder. Full size fence posts were about 6 ft. long and weighed 300 to 500 pounds. Photo courtesy of Caity Stackhouse We have a new Show & Sell Vendor, Jamie Brown. She s 13, and has been creating cabochons for two years. Her favorite stone to cab is Tiger s Eye and she has already won three of the SNGMS Cab contests, competing against our adult members. Way to go Janie! Sheri Johnson, promoting our Spring Jamboree Gem & Mineral Show on local TV Published monthly by: Southern Nevada Gem & Mineral Society 3111 S. Valley View Blvd, E-125 Las Vegas, NV 89102

10 PAGE 10 the polished slab MAY 2016 Class Information Wire wrapping, led by Sue Moore meets on most Mondays (except for the General Meeting night). Hours for the class are 5-8 PM. The May classes are May 9 - Nautilus Pendant and Swagged Pearl Pendant (you may choose to do either one, or both.) Scott Edwards will lead the May 23 - Scorpions and 30 classes. The class on the 30th will be a time to take your projects in and get help finishing them. Beading class is the third Monday of the month, May16. For more information call Pat Skeary Silver Smithing meets every Tuesday at 5 PM, with Bill Lemmon leading the class. This class is suitable for beginners, and also for intermediate to advanced students.. Faceting classes are continuing on Sunday morning from 8 - Noon and are open to new students at this time. Please contact Sue Moore in advance to see if a machine is available. If you use club machines they are $5 an hour, no class fee. Scott Edwards is teaching Metalsmithing and Miscellaneous Lapidary Arts every Saturday from 8-10 (except Feb. 27). Another knapping session will be organized. Watch for the announcement. The contact is Michael Kisner, (702) Wire wrapping, beading, metal smithing, flint knapping, and silver smithing have a very modest donation of $5.00 per session, that goes to the club. Faceting is $5.00 an hour, the cost of faceting machine use, or a flat $5.00 if you use your own machine. Other class donations may vary, depending on what is included in the class. All donations go to SNGMS, all instructors volunteer their time and expertise to help extend the knowledge of our members. Of course you like Rocks! See You At The Show! Photo courtesy of Caity Stackhouse

11 MAY 2016 the polished slab PAGE 11 SHOP Information SNGMS Workshop Schedule Sunday Monday 12 noon 5 PM Closed Tuesday Closed ** Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ** open Tuesday following General meeting 12 noon - 9 PM 12 noon 9 PM 12 noon - 9 PM 10 am 6 PM Shop Fee All equipment is now metered and charge will be: $0.50 per 1/10 hour actual use. Photos courtesy of Caity Stackhouse The Shop will be closed May 8-9 for Spring Jamboree Rock Show. Congratulations to Mary who won the April contest with a creative two cab butterfly. The May Cabochon contest, judged at the June meeting will be a ocean or water themed cab. Remember you must have paid for one hour use of the shop equipment during the month to be eligible to enter. The winners receive free shop time. Shop Donations Needed - Donations of shop towels, and paper towels are always needed and appreciated. Bring your donations to the shop or to the meeting. Come in and enjoy the fellowship of the shop - share your rocks, share you knowledge - get to know your fellow members a little better! Please, under no circumstances, park in front of Unit 124 or Unit 126 (the units next to the Shop). The owners of the units come in at odd hours and need access to their parking spaces. There is ample parking across from the Shop that is not in front of any unit.

12 PAGE 12 the polished slab MAY 2016 If you have a June birthday please bring something for the refreshment table at the June meeting. Frank Auerswald, Sr., Andy Belknap, Analyn Braza-Stull, Bonnie Brown, Roberto Calvera, Scott Coe, John Cox, Claudia Crouse, Brent Foley, Terry Golliher, Sharon Hale, Virginia Hales, Bill Hildebrandt, Margaret Johnson, Sheri Johnson, Barry King, Michael Kirk, Moonee Lee, William (Bill) Lemmon, Mark Leppert, Margaret Mahler, Mary Jane Marlow, Linda Martin, Livyana Muniz, Morgana Muniz, Cheryl Murphy, Wayne Muth, Naomi Nozoe, Mary Beth Paladino, Joe Panek, Stella Pappas, Jacob Rand, Richard Rawe, Robert Riemer, Carrie Rivera, Gail Seidner, Edwin Sotteau, Jayda Summer, Jim Switalla, Wayne Walker, Gail Wisniewski, Karen Young, Vincent Zebrowski A hearty welcome to members who joined or rejoined SNGMS. We look forward to getting to know you better Andy Belknap, Cindy Cohen, Hopkin Fitzpatrick, Lianna Fitzpatrick, Michael Joe, Olivia Joe, Moonee Lee, Terry Smith, Angus Young, Audrey Young, Bruce Young from Beth Jones Please if you hear of any SNGMS member in need of a bit of sunshine due to accident, illness, death in the family or other need, call Beth Jones at or her at Punkyjones@hotmail.com (please put SNGMS Sunshine in the Subject) No news this month stay healthy and happy!

13 MAY 2016 the polished slab PAGE Board of Directors President: Wayne Muth Vice-President: Tony Duran Secretary: Pat Skeary Treasurer: Frank Timbers Parliamentarian: Scott Edwards Three Year: Board John Stackhouse Two Year Board: Steve Wilson One Year Board: John Miller Past President/One Year Board: Peggy Sue Moore Upcoming Shows May Kingman, AZ, Mohave County Gemstoners' Annual Rock & Gem Show, Kingman Academy of Learning's High School, 3420 N Burbank St, Kingman, AZ May Anaheim, CA, Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Avenue, Sat 10-5; Sun 10-4:30 May 13-15: Yucaipa, CA, Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Yucaipa Music & Arts Festival, Adams St. & Yucaipa Blvd, Fri 6-9; Sat 11-10, Sun Committee Chairmen Bulletin.Lorrilee Stackhouse ByLaws.Scott Edwards Communications..Toni Blackwell sngmsnews@gmail.com Education.Mary Beth Paladino Federation..Sheri Johnson Alt. Federation...Peggy Sue Moore Field Trip..open Financial Manager...George Messenger Shop Foreman..Richard Rawe Historian Jack Toogood Hospitality Corinne Silvia Inventory..Frank Timbers Librarian Caity Stackhouse mynameiscaity@gmail.com Membership..John Stackhouse New Member Liason...Tony Duran Program.Cindy Allison Publicity.Scott Edwards Raffle open Raffle...John Brown Refreshments...Rita Bergeron Rock Stars.Mary Beth Paladino Rock Hounds Show Chairperson..Sheri Johnson Sunshine...Beth Jones Webmaster...Jack Toogood May Show Low, AZ, show at Elks Lodge in Show Low, AZ. June Flagstaff, AZ, show at Silver Saddle Trading Post, 9001 US 89 These are only a sampling of shows that are fairly close to the Las Vegas area. There are rock clubs throughout the United States and the computer is your friend in finding information about clubs and shows. Just search for the area you are interested in and rock club and you should find plenty to keep you busy, wherever you are going. Some links that you may find helpful are: California Federation - Rocky Mountain Federation - and the Rock & Gem website - Contact any Board member to volunteer for a position, or a Committee Chairman to offer to help on their committee.

14 Southern Nevada Gem & Mineral Society 3111 S. Valley View Blvd, E-125 Las Vegas, NV Return Service Requested Happy Mother s Day! The Southern Nevada Gem and Mineral Society is a non-profit corporation, organized to educate ourselves and the community in the science and arts related to rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, and nature in general. Fostering an understanding and appreciation of the physical world, we can use it and protect it for future generations. Club Mascot: Rock Wren Club Gemstone: Turquoise Polished Slab Advertising Rates Club Logo: Rocks-R-Us Ad Size Six Months Yearly Membership is open to anyone with an interest in: Rocks, Gems, Geology, Fossils, Lapidary Arts or Silversmithing Business Card $18 $30 Annual Dues: Individual - $25; Family - $35 Meetings are held the first Monday of the month at the Eagles Lodge #1213, 1601 E Washington No meeting is held in December. Instead we have our annual awards dinner. Quarter Page $48 $90 Half Page $90 $170 Full Page $150 $275