www.cochisecountyrock.org
“Finding and Grinding Rocks in Cochise County, Arizona since 1962”
December 2006
This issue edited by Don Hammer
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We have two 20 lb turkeys and Carol Pontious volunteered to cook both but Don thought that was a bit much. We’re still looking for a volunteer to cook the other turkey- call Don Hammer at 384-3105 - if you can do the other turkey. Potluck for everyone else; those with last names beginning with A – H bring a vegetable dish, I – P bring a salad and Q – Z bring a dessert. Any guests do the same and let Jeannine know if you’ll bring guests. Decorating, setup and cleanup committees have formed and if you’d like to help with any of these call Jeannine Paterson at 826-1649. Come on out and join your fellow members in kicking off the holiday season. If you plan to come but did not sign the sheet at the last meeting please call Jeannine and let her know you’ll be coming. We need to know how many will be attending to plan the food.
November Field Trip Report
Some of us went over on Friday and camped or found a motel but most met the 7-8 members of Huachuca Club at Gas City in Benson on Saturday morning and headed west to Gila Bend arriving at the Rowley mine about noon. Our leaders Bob Fenner and Dick Jaeger explained what we were looking for and the best places to search and Jaeger explained the requirements for going down into the mine. Some headed right down into the mine where the best specimens of wulfenite were located and others scrambled for rocks in the dump piles scattered all over the site. It was warm – 85 or so – but the breeze helped. In a short time most of the 23 Sunsites club members had good specimens of wulfenite, barite crystals, chrysocola and turquoise – and probably some other minerals that we couldn’t identify. There was some disagreement whether we were getting turquoise or highly silicated chrysocola but regardless the material is very hard with good color and will polish nicely. This was a very rich site and we obtained many specimens of the various minerals. And to top it off, Dick Jaeger brought out some wulfenite in trays they had assembled for gem shows and let each of us select one so even those that did not go down in the mine got a nice blade type wulfenite crystal. It was a long drive but gasoline was $2.04 at Flying J so the expense wasn’t that great and I think everyone got some excellent specimens. Our thanks to the Fenners and Dick Jaeger for an excellent and rewarding field trip.
Minutes of the November 13, 2006 General Meeting of the Sunsites Gem and Mineral Club
Meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm by President, Don Hammer. 30 members and guests were present. Welcomed as new members and guest were Jim & Ellie Fisher, Garnett Rogers, George & Karen Grassell, Jack & Debbie Breese and Andrea Steele.
Secretary’s Report was accepted as published.
Treasurer Edgett reported a checkbook balance of $4902.57 and was accepted as read. Pres. Don noted an Audit Committee would present a report shortly.
Bob Fenner spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming field trip to the Rowley Mine near Gila Bend and nearby Painted Rocks State Park. Members to meet at the Gas City Parking Lot Sat. Nov 18th at 8:30 am sharp! Please bring usual rock collecting equipment plus a head lamp if available.
A new slate of Officers for 2007 was presented by the Nominating Committee:
President - Paul McKnight
V. Pres. - Jack Weller
Secretary - Carol Pontius
Treasurer - Walt Sigel
Dir. At Large - Jack Light
As no other nominations or volunteers were forthcoming, a motion to accept the Slate was made by Bob Hobson and seconded by Beth McKnight. The motion passed.
Jeannine asked for someone to volunteer as Hospitality Chairman.
The Christmas Party will be Dec. 18th at 6:00 pm. Dinner will be Potluck. The Club will supply two 20 lb. turkeys, but we need volunteers to cook the turkeys. Side dishes will be as follows: Last names starting A – H Vegetable dish
J – P Salad
Q – Z Dessert.
Sign-up sheets for Set Up & Decorating, Clean Up, and Turkey Cooks were passed; if anyone wishes to volunteer, please call Jeannine Paterson at 826-1649…let’s all have fun!
Barbara Fenner generously supplied some very nice mineral specimens from her personal collection to be raffled to collect the fee for use of the Sr. Center. (Barbara’s raffle raised $24 – ed.) This will be a fun on-going monthly raffle if members are willing to donate minerals or rock-related items…check the closet, garage, jewelry box , etc.
President Don noted members interested in Lapidary should contact Irving Pontius and Silversmithing contact Don Hammer. These classes will start after the first of Jan. 2007.
Don also noted any outstanding dues for 2006 are seriously in arrears. 2007 dues are payable as of January 1, 2007.
Don thanked Else Edgett for supplying refreshments.
Speakers Alice Konieczki and Kurt Schonauer from the USGS AZ Water Science Ctr. were introduced.
Meeting adjourned 7:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannine Paterson
Secretary
Later Alice Konieczki and Kurt Schonauer of the U.S. Geological Survey presented an overview of past and present groundwater levels and a study they are conducting. The topics covered include inventory of agriculture, gravity monitoring, airborne geophysical survey, and ground-water level monitoring. A fact sheet describing the study can be accessed at http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3055/. (ed)
Interested in lapidary? It appears we may have a Thursday afternoon and a Saturday afternoon session – call Irvin Pontious – 824-0110.
Silversmithing – a class is forming – call Don Hammer - 384-3105.
December
3 Board Meeting
18 Christmas Party
Upcoming Regional Events
January 19-21,2007, Globe, AZ. 50th Annual Gila County Gem & Mineral Show. Gila County Fairgrounds. Contact Gill Morrow 928.812.0561, Clyde Caviness 928.425.7200.
President Don Hammer 520 384-3105
Vice-President Paul McKnight 520 824-4054
Secretary Jeannine Paterson 520 826-1649
Treasurer Larry Edgett
Delegate at Large Sue Bishop 520-586-2312
Dues are due. $10 for individual and $20 for family. Please mail your check to Sunsites Gem & Mineral Club, PO Box 87, Pearce, AZ 85625.