March, 2006 Volume 37, No.7, Page 1

General MeetingThursday, March 16,2006

7:30p.m.Azalea Adult Center

1600 72nd Street North

St. Petersburg

PROGRAM:

Intarsia VideoBy: Phil Magistro

THE TAMPASHOW AT THE FAIR GROUNDS MARCH 17, 18, & 19The admission price is $5 per person. Our club has been authorizedto sell ticketsin ad-vance of their show for only $3. Anyone wishing to go to the show can purchase advance tickets atour next two meetings, and at our show in march.Sue Hazelden

If your last name starts with N-Z, it is your turn to bring goodies to this meeting.

-- _.....I

~

Page 2 March, 2006

Don Schlough, 3 yr. Director 576-1852Email: godguy4@yahoo.com

82164 D StreetPinellas Park, FL 33781

David Cordes, Vice President 443-4706email: whisgyp@knology.com

1227-S Hillcrest Ave.Clearwater, FL 33756

Sue Hazelden, Treasurer 321-5732Email: sujagems@aol.com

4823 14th Ave.N.

St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Kock-A-Gram

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Julia Larson, Recording Sec. 522-1254Email: juliamlarson@earthlink.net

5297 Huntington St. NESt. Petersburg, FL 33703

Gilbert Wegad, 2 yr. Director1018 35th Street North

St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Walt Upman, Corr. Sec. 323-39353698 18th AvenueNorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33713

Bill Schmidt, 1 yr. Director 822-82793939 Porpoise Drive SESt. Petersburg, FL 33711

TerryBogard, 3yr. Director 523-804615666-49th Street N. #1153Clearwater, FL 33762

Lou Codol, Past President 544-39736854 Criswell Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33709

Debra Bremer, Editor 298-0061ROCK-A-GRAM

SGAMS Clubhouse Address: 4619 69th Street North, St.. Petersburg, FL 33709, Phone: (727) 541-1291, www.sgams.com

Clubhouse Activities: Listed on mailer coversheet and announced at membership meetings.SGAMS Board of Director's Meetings: 7:30 p.m., 1st Tuesday of each month; September - May.All members are invited to attend SGAMS Board of Director's Meetings at our clubhouse.We solicit your attendance, and constructive suggestions for improving our club.

MESS~FROM THE PRESIDENT

Wellour show and sale is over for anotheryear. Everyonewho participatedhad a good time. WellI guessthat dependsonhowmanypoundsof rocksyou eitherhauledinto the MinregCenteror howmanypoundsyouhauledout.The clubbooth sold over $3700worth of rocks,jewelry, andused equipment.This is considerablymore than last year, whenwesoldout.

Accolades to Sue Black who finished here third show as chairperson. Bill Schmidt will be chairman next year.Specialthanksto GeneLaBranchefor lendingtheuse of his truckand trailerto haulourstuff fromthe clubhousetoMinreg.He savedus a goodchunckof change andwe aregrateful.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered time and made the effort to make this a great show.

Don Schough, President

Slate of officers for 2006-07:President: Dave CordesVicePresident: BillSchmidtTreasurer: SueHazelden

RecordingSec.: JuliaLarsonCOlTespondingSec.: WaltUpman3-YearDirector: EvieParsons

2-yearDirector: TerryBogardI-year Director: GilWegandPastPresident: DonSchlough

From the Treasurer:Thereseemstobe somemisunderstandingregardingthecUlTentdues. At themembershipmeetinglastApril, itwasapprovedbyvoicevote to increasethe dues to $15 for a singlemembershipand$20 fora family.Anumberof membersrecentlyhavewrittenchecks,etc. for the old amount. I have sincerealizedwhy. On the back of the December,January,and FebruaryRock-A-Gram,it wasnot changedto reflectnew fees. Ifyouhavemade thismistake,please COlTectit.

At the lastmeeting2 memberspaiddues,I forgotsomething,would youplease seeme at the next meetingor call me, 321-5732. Thanks,Sue Hazelden

March. 2006 Page 3. Rock-A-Gram

FEDERATION NEWS~ A.F.M.S.Newslerter,Vol.59,#3 February,2006

www.AMFED.org

2006 Regional Federation Shows

CalifomialAFMSJune 9-11

Angel's Camp, CA

Rocky MountainJune 9-11

Stillwater, OK

Eastern FederationNovember 17-19

West Palm Beach, FL

South CentralAugust 18-20

Bossier City, LA

MidwestMay 19-21

Southgate, MI

SoutheastAugust 15-20Nashville, TN

NorthwestJuly 14-16Kelso, WA

-Another Field 1iip

Vulcan MineMarch18

This is a joint trip with the Tampa Fossil Club.Be at the main gate to the mine by 8:45 a.m. Wewill caravan in together. Call (813) 892-5864 FredHendershot if you are interested in particpating inthis field trip. Fred is with the Tampa Bay Min-eral and Science Club. You can call Fred if youget lost or need additional directions. Bring largebuckets for surface collecting. A rock hammer,small shovel, knife or screwdriver come in handyfor digging at embedded specimens. Bring yourown snacks and beverages, and don't forget sunprotection, work gloves, old clothes and sturdyshoes. We will stay until about 2:00 p.m.,weather permitting.

New Members

Jeremy, Karen &Emily Haefeker813-585-8137

4817 Holiday Dr.Tampa, FL 33615email:

sharksrrailkk@Yahoo.com

Barry Tosdevine727-726-93625 Harbor Point Place

Safety Harbor, FL 34695II

i

I

James Bechan Stephen Kohler Homer Rankhorn727-384-6048 727-399-0456 727-812-40026394-4thAvenue South 10675 A Bay Pines Blvd. 15666 49th S1.No. #1119S1.Petersburg, FL 33707 S1. Petersburg, FL 33708 Clearwater, FL 33762

Carol Brady Andy Peters Brenda & Robert Harrelson727-522-4370 727-547-9596 727-527-92356900 21st Street North 5246 81st Street North 6125 Ceder S1. N.E.

S1. Petersburg, FL 33702 S1. Petersburg, FL 33709 S1. Petersburg, FL 33703

Robert & Wilma Creech Bonny Traynor Charles & Janet Hassell

Granddaughter Summer 727-347-1444 813-684-1150727-526-2954 2290 60th WayNorth 403 B Faraday Tr.5308 48th Avenue North S1. Petersburg, FL 33710 Sun City Center, FL 33573S1.Petersburg,FL 33709

Emily Rogers Coeyman Donna L. Sanders

Kelly Darcangelo 727-347-7366 813-746-9038James Dillman 6936 40th Avenue North 20500 Cot Road #435727-424-4662 S1.Petersburg, FL 33709 Lutz, FL 335587225 LynwoodAvenue NorthS1. Petersburg, FL 33710 Henry Kirschner Sharon Weirs

3663 58th Avenue No. Larry SirotaLot 724 4240 78th Lane NorthS1.Petersburg, FL 33714 S1.Petersburg,FL 33709

Page 4 March, 2006

Suncoast Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.Minutes of General Meeting

January 19,2006

The meeting was called to order by Don Schlough at 7:30 p.m.

There were no questions on the treasurer's report, which was presented by Sue Hazelden. Sue also announcedthat Irv Thornton had fallen and is unable to get out to the meetings; she asked that those who know him givehim a call once in a while to see how he is doing. She also announced that our club will be selling tickets to theTampa show (which is the weekend following ours) at a reduced rate of$3.00. Our club will retain half of thisamount.

Sue Black brought us up to date on the show. She has sign-up sheets for the committees. Lou Codol has sign-up sheet for the club booth. We will have the truck loaded and ready to start setting up at noon the day beforethe show. The dealers will be in at 2.

The Pinellas Geological Society's show will be this weekend in the Largo Cultural Center.

Don Schlough discussed the clubhouse situation, which remains up in the air at this time.

The club website contains many links to other sites of interest. Sue Hazelden questioned the value of the site,which had only 139 hits in the past year.

Brian Evensen presented the program. He reported on his trip to a conference in South Carolina last fall inwhich he presented his evidence that pushes the date of human habitation in North America from 12,500 yearsto some 40,000 years ago. His report was very well received by those in attendance, including representativesfrom the Smithsonian, National Geographic, and several major archaeological university programs. They willcontinue to scrutinize his findings.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by:Julia Larson

Recording Secretary

March, 2006 ram Pal!e 5

Suncoast Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.Minutes of General Meeting

February 16, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The treasurer's report was read and accepted.

Sue Black reported on the various aspects of the March show. Most things are on schedule;however, we still need people to sign up for the various committees, and people to donate foodfor the hospitality room. She reminded us that volunteers do not pay admission.

Don Schlough said, we would meet at the clubhouse on 2/25 at 10 a.m. to organize the things tobe taken by truck.

Lou Codol asked for volunteers for the club booth, as he is unable to stay for more than a couplehours each day.

Sue Hazelden reminded everyone that tickets to the Tampa show will be available for $3, andour club will retain half of this amount. Tickets at the door will be $5. She also said, that mostdealers usually offer merchandise to club members at discount.

Dave Cordes asked for a building update. Don said, there was nothing to report. He asked theboard members to meet briefly after the meeting.

The annual auction started at 7:50 p.m. and ran until the meeting closed.

Submitted by: Julia Larson, Recording Secretary

Suncoast Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.Minutes of Board Meeting

February 16, 2006

The board met briefly following the general meeting. President Schlough discussed whether weshould authorize payment of$1 ,000 to Dick Jager to amend the plans for bringing the clubhouseinto compliance. He stated Mr. Killion would save us some money by copying the original inhis office for a reduced price.

A motion was made, seconded and accepted, to authorize this payment.

Submitted by: Julia Larson, Recording Secretary

Page 6 Kock-A-Gram March, 2006

Suncoast Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.Minutesof BoardMeeting

March 6, 2006

Called to order at 7:30p.m. Presentwere: Don Schlough,Sue Hazelden,GilWegand,WaltUpman, Dave Cordes,Lou Codol, andJulia Larson. SueBlackwas also present.

Minutesof theFebruary16th generalmeeting,and thebriefboard meetingfollowingwerereadand accepted.

SueHazeldengavethe treasurer's report,whichwas also accepted. Suereceived sevennew members, and two familymemberships at the show. Shesaid, that somemembers didnot understandthat dues were increasedthis year,andhad sent in paymentfor theold amount. Themisunderstandingapparentlyoccurredbecause theold dueshad contin-ued tobe listed in the newsletter.Thishas beencorrected,but Suehas haddifficultygettingthe affected memberstopay the additionalmoney. Shereminds us that dues are to be paid in Septemberof eachyear. If theyare not paid ontime,themembershiplistrequiresadditionalCOlTections.

Showinformation: Gary Koons, anindividualwho attendedthe show,camein witha largebox of excellentspecimens,whichhe donatedto the club. Theyare ondisplayin the clubhouse.

GrandPrize winner at the showwas Joan Hopkins, who received an opalpendant. Otherwinnerswere: X Loan H,a wirewrapped topazpendant;Nancy Phillips, a dendriticpendant; and Nancy Hildebrand, a tarantellapendant.

Dave Cordesknowsa formermemberwhohas a quantityof equipmentforsale. Davewill view the inventorythisweek and letmembersknowwhat's availableat theMarchmeeting.

SueBlack said, shehad several dealerssuggestthat a two-dayshow mightbe better than a three-dayshow. Therewasdiscussion about this. Sinceno change can be made for2007, it was agreedto compare the costs of a three-dayshowto what couldbe expected at a two-dayshow before furtherdiscussion. Bill Schmidtagreedto take on this task. Suealso askedif we might want to change the show to anotherweekend. Thiswas discussed,but no actionwas taken.

SueHazelden said,members were not doingenoughto get the word out aboutthe shows. Flyersneed to be posted inplaces suchas trailerparks, laundromats,etc.

Theboard thanked SueBlack forherwork in makingthe past three showsso successful. Shehas reallyput in a lot oftime andefforts,whicharetrulyappreciatedby theboard as well as the membership.

Clubhouse: Don statedtherewasnothingto report at this time. Wecontinueto wait for the amendedplans.

Don statedthe amendedslate of officersfor2006-07are as follows:President: Dave Cordes 3-YearDirector:VicePresident: BillSchmidt 2-yearDirector:Treasur~: Su~Hazelden I-yearDirector:Recording~ec.: JuliaLarson PastPresident:CorrespondingSec.: WaltUpman NewsletterEditor:

EvieParsons

TerryBogardGilWegandDon Schlough(untilhe leavesthearea)DebraBremer

The slate will be presented to the membership at the March meeting; voting will be at the April meeting.

GilWegandmentionedan offerfromtheownerof anAustralianopalmineto cutrocksforhim. The individualwill stopby the clubhousein the next fewweeksto show a sampleofthe materialhe wants slabbed. Theboardwill considertheproposalat the nextboardmeeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Submitted by: Julia Larson, Recording Secretary

ROCK-A-GRAM

WE THANK OUR ADVERTISERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEALL OUR MEMBERSmp TO VISIT AND PATRONIZE THEIR BUSINESSES.

THE LAPIDARY GUILD(Rock Shop)

238 N. KENTUCKY AVE.LAKELAND. FL 33801 863-413-0151

Gifts. - Gemstones - Minerai Specimens - Fossils - Equipment - Supplies

TOM ABEL ~ _

Owner ~Hours: Tue. - Sat. 10a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

SallyfidamsPhone (727) 363-4332 Fax(727)363~132

415 Corey Avenue' St. Pete Beach, FL33706buttonsbanglesandbeads.com

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS$25.00/year for full space$12.50/year for half space

722 Pasadena Avenue SouthSt. Petersburg, Florida 33707

727-345-28001-888-WORLDSO

Custom Gold

& Silver JewelryCrystals & Gems

http/www.oworlds.com

Tues-Sat. 11-6 p.m.

New Age Tapes/CD'sMusical Instruments

Metaphysical Books

Huntington Street Stained GlassA Vicki Payne Certified Stained Glass Teaching Center. Julia LarsonSt.PetersburgFL 727-522-1254

hUfitingtonstreetstainedglass.comjuliamlarson@earthlink.net

ROCK-A-GRAMThis is the official newsletter of the SUNCOAST GEMAND MINERAL SOCIETY, INC.

P.O. Box 13254, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-3254

This Society is a member of the SOUTHEAST FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES, INC.,and its parent society, the AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES, INC.

The general purpose ofthis society is to promote popular interest in education and research in the earthsciences and lapidary arts, and to cooperate with other similar organizations.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month, September through April at 7:30 p.m., at theAzalea Adult Center; 1600 72nd Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida. December and May meetings arespecial meetings and a time and place will be announced in this bulletin. The public is cordially invitedto attend the general membership meetings.

Dues: $15.00 single or $20.00 couple/family; due annually each September

All exchange bulletins should be sent to the Rock-A-Gram editor.

Feel free to copy any material ITomthis bulletin, but please list all byline credits.

ROCK-A -GRAM (Official Bulletin)

Suncoast Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.Debra Bremer, Editor1349 Lakeview Road

Clearwater, FL 33756

V Clubhouse Activities ~

Board Meeting:(September - May)First Tuesday: 7:30 p.m.

Cabbing Classes:TBA

Clubhouse Maintenance:TBA

Faceting, Silversmithing,

Wire Wrapping Classes:

~y appointment A