NEXT MEETING: April 19th

PROGRAM:  Sarah Rockstad from Elle’s Place

REFRESHMENTS. A THROUGH J, Please bring goodies.

CLUB CALENDAR

April 19^th                      Regular club meeting at North School 7:30

May 3^rd                        Board Meeting at Okemos Library 7:00

May 17^th                      Regular club meeting at North School 7:30

June 7^th                        Board meeting at Okemos Library 7:00

June 21^st                       50^th Annual Banquet at Okemos Masonic Temple

                                    Social Hour 5:30-Dinner 6:30

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April Program

At the April meeting Sarah Rockstad from Ele”s Place will give a short talk and explain how they use polished stones. We have agreed to furnish them with a large number of stones. They need polished stones about the size of marbles (1/2  to ¾ inch) and of many different colors. Get those tumblers going and plan on bring some stones to the April meeting.

 

Sarah Rockstad is a social worker with a master's degree, and  the Program Director for Ele's Place. She was a volunteer facilitator when Ele's Place was first started over 15 years ago, and has have been employed there for 11 years. 

Ele's Place serves children from the ages of 3 - 18, and their parents or guardians, in our support group programs.  The polished rocks are used in our closing ritual, when a child closes with their group and stops attending the weekly groups.  The child gets three rocks in a small velvet bag, and a glass "stone".  The rocks represent hope, love, and memories.  This gives children something tangible to remember the experiences they've shared and friendships that have been made as they've shared their grief with others.  We serve over 300 children each year in our bereavement program, so we have an ongoing need for these rocks.

 

Sarah will give a brief overview of their services at your meeting. 

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The April newsletter is being sent by both snail mail and by e-mail.

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June Banquet-Tickets for the June Banquet will be available At the April and May  Meetings, also from Ernie Augenbaugh after April !9^th. Adults will be $10 and children under 12 will be $4.   As this will be the club’s 50^th we hope to have a great turn out, so plan ahead ask former members, family members etc.  Note from Connie Snepp, Hospitality Table Chair.  The Club Supplies the punch, crackers and tableware for the hospitality table, We invite You to complete the fare with your favorite before dinner snacks, spreads, dips, etc. As this is our 50^th anniversary help us make it special.

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Places to go and things to do

April 14 – 15                  Mid west Faceters Guild, Marshall Mi. Activities Center, 15325 W. Michigan

                                    Ave., Marshall Mi.  Sat. 9 – 6,  Sun. 11 – 4,

April 20 – 22                 30^th Annual Gem, Jewelry, Fossil, Rock, and Mineral Show

                                    “Cool Stuff From The Ground”

                                    Macomb County Gem & Mineral Society

                                    Roseville Recreation Department

                                    18185 Sycamore, Roseville,MI (E side of Gratiot just N of I 696

                                    9am – 7 pm., 10 am – 7pm., 11am –5 pm

May 4 – 6                     Kalamazoo Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show, Kalamazoo County Fair Grounds

                                 2900 Lake Street , Kalamazoo, Mi.  Fri. 4 –8,  Sat. 10 – 6,  Sun. 10 – 5.                 

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PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES ACT REINTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE

                                                                                                                  by Jon Spunaugle

American Lands Access Association Executive Vice President For Legislation

On January 18, 2007 a fossil Collecting Bill HR 554 “Paleontological Resources Preservation Act” was introduced into the U. S House of Representatives by Congressional Representatives McGovern of Massa­chusetts and Renzi of Arizona. It was sent to the Committees on Natural  Resources and Agriculture for a period of time to be determined by the Committee Chair people do, the Bill can be brought to the floor of the U.S. Speaker of the House. (This means that regardless of what the Corn-House for a vote at any time with or without amendment or Committee recommendation).Preliminary examination of the actual Bill language suggests that is very similar to the Bills introduced and passed by the U.S. Senate in past years. Casual collecting would be allowed as seen appropriate by the government land managers. Provisions for civil and criminal penalties remain in the Bill as does a rewards section for information on possible violators and other property confiscation including all paleontology re­sources.

The bill has also been introduced in the U.S. Senate, as bill S-320.

You can read the full text of HR 554 or S-320 at <thomas.loc.gov/> and then entering the bill number If you chose to write your Representatives and Senators, please also send a copy to Speaker Pelosi.

The current Bills under consideration have some good points and some bad points. For someone like myself, who helped write the first version of the “rockhound” fossil collecting bill, and worked to defeat the so called “Baucus Bill’ in 1992-3, I can clearly see some improvements. Several of the ob­jections the amateur fossil collecting public voiced to the original 1992-3 Bill have been remedied in this latest        S-320/ HR 554 version. However, several of the remaining “rockhound” objections remain.

Further, there would be no commercial collection of fossils allowed. This would preclude anyone, amateur or otherwise, from selling, trading, or bartering any fossil collected on federal land. Not only does this effect amateurs, but completely eliminates the valuable and considerable contribu­tions to paleontology that commercial fossil entities have provided in the past in discovering, extraction, and preparation of fossils. The dinosaur “Sue” a Tyrannosaurus Rex, is a perfect example.

So, I worry for fossil collectors if this Bill, S-320/HR 554 becomes law. The best way to pre­vent its passage in its present form is for each and every one of us to communicate your feelings to your Congressional Representatives. Because it seems likely that these bills will be passed in short order you need to write that letter immediately. Copies of the Bills are found on the internet at http://thomas.loc.gov using the Bill numbers.

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CATCHING UP ON PAST MEETING MINUTES

Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society

Membership Meeting January 18, 2007

a. Call to Order

January membership meeting was called to order by President Elaine Beane at 7:45 pm at the North Elementary

School.

2. b.   Welcome and Introduction of Guests/Visitors.  No Guests or Visitors – even with the notice in the Lansing State Journal of our meeting tonight!                  

c.  Minutes of Last Meeting.  The December membership meeting minutes were published in the January newsletter.                

d.  Treasurer’s Report.  Alan Hukill – Only expense for the month of January to date was payment in the amount of $510.50 for club fees and insurance to the Midwest Federation.              

e.  Announcements. 

*Roger Laylin – Regarding SHOW – club is looking for a replacement dealer for retiring dealer. 

*Reminder that membership dues for 2007 are due.   

*Reminder that February 3, from 11am-3pm, is the Okemos Science is Fun Day, location is  Chippewa Middle School on Kinawa Dr. (east off of Okemos Road, between Jolly and Mt. Hope)  Need some displays (since Dan Sine is out of town) and some volunteers!  So far, Mary Gowans and Karen Kanine will be there. 

*Flyers available for the MGAGS seminar in June.   

The Program following the meeting will be a DVD on Rhodocrosite – Sweet Home Mine, Alma District, Colorado.         

f.  Adjournment.  Alan Hukill moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Mary Gowans.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Sue Casler, Recording Secretary

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Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society

Board Meeting February 1, 2007

President:   Elaine Beane called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm at the Okemos Public Library. 

Vice President:  Kris Wood – Handed out final copy of 2007 programs.  Program for February membership meeting will be Petoskey Stone Polishing (by Richard Miller and Kara Miller).  Folks are welcome to bring Petoskey stone specimens to show or to polish.  

Board Members Present:  Elaine Beane, Kris Wood, Alan Hukill, Mary Ann Smith, Milt Gere,

George Heaton, Roger Laylin, Ernie Aughenbaugh, Gordon Lewis and Arie Koelewyn.   

[Board members absent:  Elaine Angstman, Sue Casler, Dan Sine, Kara Miller]      

Recording Secretary:  Sue Casler [Absent to AZ] - Thank you to Kristin Wood for substituting in my absence.         

Corresponding Secretary:  Mary Ann Smith – Sympathy card sent to Gordon and Marie Lewis on the passing of Gordon’s Mother. 

Will be an article in the Lansing State Journal to announce club officers for 2007.    

Treasurer’s Report:  Alan Hukill – Reviewed receipts/disbursements for the month of January 2006; also discussed 

club insurance coverage and liability.   

Directors:  George Heaton (NR); Milt Gere (NR); Arie Koelewyn (NR)       

Roster Secretary:  Ernie Aughenbaugh – Few more folks have paid their 2007 Dues.          

Liaison Officer:  Alan Hukill – Handouts, magazines & flyers.  Discussed who is available for Okemos Science Day.  

Community Outreach:  Elaine Beane – appears that we are all set for Okemos Science Day.

Web Master/Site:  Arie Koelewyn  – Updated site with 2007 officers. 

Show:  Roger Laylin – Working on new dealer contract.  Discussed what new dealer to add to show.    

Old Business:  We still need to review the bylaws.  Discussed improving the website with photos, links, etc.              

New Business:  Letter received from Mr. Bill Gardiner, will acknowledge in newsletter and follow up with

letter to Mr. Gardiner regarding his donation of material to the club. 

Discussed club accounting/inventory and tracking methods – need to review to ensure paper trail if audited.

Discussed status of 501(c3) – should we switch to 501(c7)?  [Assests – Individuals report yearly of what club property they may have; example, two films missing(?)] 

Alan Hukill moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Arie Koelewyn.  Meeting adjourned. 

Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society

Membership Meeting

 February 15, 2007

a.  Call to Order.  The January membership meeting was called to order by President Elaine Beane.    at the North Elementary School, Lansing.       

b.  Welcome and Introduction of Guests/Visitors.  No Guests or Visitors.                 

c.  Minutes of Last Meeting.  January membership meeting minutes were not published.                  

d.  Treasurer’s Report.               

e.  Announcements. 

*Very brief business meeting as President Beane was ill and leaving. 

*Program for tonight is Petoskey Stone Polishing with Richard Miller and Kara Miller. 

*Also Kara Miller to do a Petoskey Stone Polishing demonstration for a church group. 

*Lee Laylin announced that she has T-Shirts for sale.       

f.  Adjournment.  And so it was.  

Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society

Board Meeting

 March 1, 2007

President:   Elaine Beane called the meeting to order at 7:09 pm at the Okemos Public Library. 

Vice President:  Kris Wood (Absent) Program for March meeting will be the Silent Auction; and confirm with Kris,

program for April meeting speaker from Ele’s Place.    

Board Members Present:  Elaine Beane, Sue Casler, Alan Hukill, Milt Gere, George Heaton, Roger Laylin, 

Ernie Aughenbaugh, and Gordon Lewis.  [Board members absent:  Elaine Angstman, Kris Wood, Dan Sine,

Kara Miller, Mary Anne Smith and Arie Koewelyn]       

Recording Secretary:  Sue Casler – Feb. minutes recorded by Kris Wood in my absence – thank you to Kris.           

Summary of minutes – general business. 

Corresponding Secretary:  Mary Ann Smith (Absent)     

Treasurer’s Report:  Alan Hukill – Reviewed receipts/disbursements for the month of February 2007.    

Directors:  George Heaton – Board Mtg. in June will be the 7^th of June; Milt Gere – email from organizer thanking club

members that participated in the Okemos Science Day; Arie Koelewyn (Absent)      

Roster Secretary:  Ernie Aughenbaugh – In the absence of membership chair Elaine Angstman; Ernie presented membership

application for Dr. Donna LaCourt.  Motion was made by Alan Hukill, supported by Milt Gere to accept new member

application of Dr. Donna LaCourt.  Vote taken and motion passed.            

Liaison Officer:  Alan Hukill – Mentioned to club members to send letters on the Federal Fossil Collecting bills.  

Web Master/Site:  Arie Koelewyn (Absent).  Elaine Beane reported that Bob Mosher put together a CD’s of pictures from the October show, Flint Ridge, and UP rock sites and sent to Arie to put on the website.   

Show:  Roger Laylin – The dealer contracts were revised/updated and sent out to dealers (have received two back so far). 

Old Business:  Letter to Mr. Gardiner; it was also discussed that we should have a standard letter to use for when donations

are made to the club.  Also, there needs to be a more detailed accounting for income, with respect to donations such as cash,

or in materials (materials have zero value to club) 

New Business:  The Tulip City Club has several field trips scheduled for 2007.  Club to check and see if we can join in on their field trips, if folks are interested in doing so.     

Alan Hukill moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Gordon Lewis.  Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm. 

Respectfully submitted,Sue Casler, Recording Secretary        

Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society

Membership Meeting

 March 16, 2007

a.  Call to Order.  The March membership meeting was called to order by President Elaine Beane at 7:50 pm at the North Elementary School.     

b.  Welcome and Introduction of Guests/Visitors.  Many guests/visitors present this evening:  Roni Sionakides; Darin Naramor; John and Gloria Hanthorne; Michael and Anna Lee; Ron and Agnes Thill.                    

c.  Minutes of Last Meeting.  February meeting very brief – no formal minutes.                  

d.  Treasurer’s Report.                

e.  Announcements. 

            *Neil Snepp – Time to VOTE for the menu for the Club Banquet in June.  Chicken won

            overwhelmingly; we will have chicken with green beans, tossed salad and fruit pies.  And

            Anniversary Cake in honor of the club’s 50^th year!!

            *Roger Laylin – We are invited to join the Tulip City Club on a trip to Mt. Ida, Arkansas in

            search of quartz crystals – end of March.  If anyone is interested let Roger know. 

            *It was reported that the Gypsum Mine in Grand Rapids may be open again soon for

            collecting. 

            *Mention was made of the Paleo Bill regarding the collecting of fossils on federal lands. 

            Write legislators. 

            *George Heaton announced that his brother, Roger Heaton’s wife passed away this day. 

            *It was made known that Len Espinoza will be retiring from the DNR at the end of March.

            *For the April Membership Meeting we will have a person from Ele’s Place to talk to us

            about their program and how they use tumbled stones.  Everyone who would like to donate

            tumbled stones (~marble size) should bring them to the April meeting. 

            *Roger Laylin – announced that jewelry findings for sale on the back table – donation from

            Bill Gardiner. 

            *Drill core specimens available at front table (free) from Aquila Resources, gold zinc deposit,

            Menominee County, Michigan. 

The Program following the meeting is the Annual Silent Auction – bid often and bid high!   

      

f.  Adjournment.  Lee Laylin moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Mary Gowans.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Sue Casler, Recording Secretary

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Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society

Board Meeting

 April 4, 2007

President:   Elaine Beane called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm at the Okemos Public Library. 

Vice President:  Kris Wood - Program for April will be Sarah Rocksted from Ele’s Place to speak to club

about how they use tumbled/polished stones in their program.  Anyone who would like to contribute some

polished stones, one-half to three quarters inch size – should bring them to the April meeting.      

Board Members Present:  Elaine Beane, Kris Wood, Sue Casler, Alan Hukill, Milt Gere, George Heaton,

Roger Laylin, Ernie Aughenbaugh, Gordon Lewis, Mary Anne Smith, Lee Laylin and Arie Koewelyn.

 Also present were Neil Snepp and Bob Mosher.  [Board members absent:  Elaine Angstman, Dan Sine,

 and Kara Miller]    

Recording Secretary:  Sue Casler – summarized minutes from March 1, 2007 Board Meeting.               

Corresponding Secretary:  Mary Anne Smith  - sent a get well card to club member, Chris Juroszek.

Treasurer’s Report:  Alan Hukill – Reviewed receipts/disbursements for the month of March 2007.    

Directors:  George Heaton (NR); Milt Gere (NR); Arie Koelewyn (NR)       

Publications:  Lee Laylin – Directory for 2007 will be finished shortly.   

Web Master/Site:  Arie Koelewyn  - reported that it was time to renew Website Rental at $20/month and 

recommended we renew for two years.   Alan Hukill made a motion to authorize Arie to renew

website rental at $20/month for two years; supported by Gordon Lewis.  Vote taken and motion passed.      

Show:  Roger Laylin – reported that the balance of the findings (which were available for sale at the March meeting) were turned over to Grit to take to the Holland school; Alice and Grit Turner bought material to use for table covers (which Lee Laylin will customize with her sewing talents) at the show; and we are in need of cardboard flats (for kids table material).   

The club is still seeking a jewelry/gemstone setting/repair dealer for the club show in October.   The question was asked, should we hold a spot open until we find one or fill it with a different type of dealer?  Alan Hukill made a motion that we hold a spot open until we can find a jewelry/gemstone dealer; supported by Milt Gere.  Vote taken and motion passed. 

Neil Snepp would like club to have our own display cases so we can display special exhibits from universities, museums, etc. Neil offered to find a pattern and organize construction.  Alan Hukill made a motion to authorize Neil Snepp to purchase material and build up to six display cases for the club; supported by Milt Gere.  Vote taken and motion passed.

 

Old Business:  Club Banquet in June.  Banquet ticket cost will be $10 adult and $4.00 for children under 12 yrs.; Neil Snepp commented that after this year he would like to see the Banquet moved back to May.  Lee Laylin offered to chair the Banquet and will get tickets printed to sell.  Alan Hukill will send out invitations to other clubs.  Lee will also make the cake for the 50^th anniversary of the club!  President Elaine Beane is working on getting a speaker for the banquet. 

With respect to the April membership meeting and the speaker from Ele’s Place and their use/need of tumbled stones.  The possibility was discussed of the club contributing/providing these on an ongoing basis.  It was estimated that about 800-1,000 per year would be needed and that this could be a special rock related service project for the club.                 

New Business:  None.       

Alan Hukill moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Gordon Lewis.  Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm. 

Respectfully submitted,

 Sue Casler, Recording Secretary