Dec 03 - American Federation of Mineralogical Societies

EFMLS NEWSNVolume 42, Number 2December, 20031Information for members of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical & Lapidary SocietiesWILDACRES IN THE SUMMER!Our first session of the EFMLSWildacres Workshop is scheduledfor June 26 to July 2, 2004. Aftermany years of asking, the WildacresFoundation has finally given us “summerdates”. I’m excited.With these dates we hope to seemore of our juniors and teachers whohave not been able to attend in recentyears because of school conflicts. Wewould love to see a “full house” of 80to 110 participants. There is a tentativelisting of classes we plan to offeron page 6 of this issue.Our guest speaker will be the everpopular Bob Jones of Cave Creek, Arizona.Bob is the Senior Editor of Rock& Gem Magazine. He has been ourguest speaker many times and we lookforward to having him with us again.He is a lot of fun and his slide programsand lectures give a special “lift”to our week. He’ll be accompanied byhis lovely wife Carol; an accomplishedand well known silversmith.FROM ESTHER DUNN, WILDACRES FUNCTIONING COMMITTEE CHAIRperhaps make new ones, or learn anew skill you can take home with youto share with your club members.Joining us for the week will berepresentatives from all sevenAFMS regional federations as wehost the 2nd “AFMS Judges Seminar”in conjunction with our own CertifiedJudging class. Our own B. JayBowman will teach the class.Just try the Wildacres experienceand you’ll love it. I guarantee itwon’t be your last visit to this magicalplace. No applications will be acceptedbefore January 1, 2004. Thissession should fill up rather quickly,so get your application in as soon asyou can make arrangements for thatspecial week off.ALSO IN THIS ISSUEThoughtfullness ..................... 2All American Program .......... 3Each One Teach One ............ 3Mineral Theft ........................ 3Safety First ........................... 4Junior Activities ................... 5Editor’s Corner ...................... 5Wildacres Classes ................. 6Club Rockhound of Year ...... 6Lapcraft Buying Program .... 7Financial Stuff....................... 7EOTO Application ................. 8All American Application ..... 9Wildacres Application .........11EFMLS Club Shows ............. 12VISIT US ON THE WEB ATThe fees will be $280 per personwhich is very reasonable for aweek’s vacation that includes roomand board. Some of the instructorsmay charge extra for materials usedin class but these fees are nominal.This is a chance to experiencethe beautiful mountains of NorthCarolina and recharge your emotionalbatteries in a beautiful setting.There are no radios, TV’s, boomboxes, or other distractions, so youcan just relax and enjoy the fellowshipof hobby-oriented friends andAn application for Wildacres isincluded on page 11 of this issue.Feel free to duplicate it as neededfor yourself or your club members.We are looking forward to seeingyou in June![Ed Note: The dates for the fallsession of Wildacres have not yetbeen received from the WA Foundation.Once we receive these wewill confirm our guest speaker andnotify you of them.]HAPPYHOLIDAYS

EFMLS O2001 -2002EFMLS OFFICERSLarry VandergriftPRESIDENTMatt Charsky1st VICE PRESIDENTCarl Miller2nd VICE PRESIDENTMadelyn ToddSECRETARY(516) 676-1806Loud BudellTREASURERMillie HeymASSISTANT TREASURER.Carolyn WeinbergerEDITORPO Box 302Glyndon, MD 21071-0302(410) 833-7926Deadline is the first of each monthprior to publication date (i.e. Feb. 1for March issue). No issue is normallypublished in July or August.Non-commercial reprint permissiongranted unless otherwise reserved.THANKFULNESS, MERRIMENT, AND YOUBy the time you read this article,each of you will be in-between festivities.You would have already celebrateda Happy Thanksgiving and nowyou’re beginning to plan your attack forthe upcoming year-end crunch of Holidayactivities. As hobbyists, we havemuch to be thankful for and I thinkwe’ve earned a little time for merrimentand good cheer for all the manyhours of volunteer work that we dofor EFMLS and our local clubs.Our hobby truly has many peopleto thank. For one thing, we should bevery appreciative for even the abilityto collect the material for our hobby- whether it be gemstones, minerals,rough material, micros, or fossils. Sothank the land owner, the quarryowner, and anyone else who permits usto collect our treasures on their property.Maybe a nice thank you notewould keep these sites accessible formany years to come. We should alsothank all those people who got us interestedin our hobbies and continueto do so - teachers, instructors, otherhobbyists, etc. It’s nice to share whatyou know with people who have thesame interests that you do. Sharinginformation keeps the hobby going andit also gives you a good feeling inside.At this time, most clubs in thenorth have finished their field tripsfor 2003 and are now planning allkinds of gatherings and celebrations.Please try to be part of your club’scamaraderie. Lots of clubs are alsoholding officer elections and so somenew crews of officers may need tobe introduced to EFMLS. Please sendCarolyn Weinberger any changes inofficers as soon as you can, so wecan keep our roster up-to-date.Before you start putting yourtreasures away for the winter, I havea suggestion for each of you. Isn’t itabout time that you showed off yourhobby to a large, diversified audience?I’ve got just the ticket with the upcomingAFMS/EFMLS Convention inBY MATT CHARSKY, EFMLS PRESIDENTSyracuse, NY during July 9 - 11, 2004.So start putting together a showcase(either competitive or non-competitive)to show off your hobby. If youdon’t think you have enough material,then find a friend to share a showcase.If that won’t work, how aboutthis idea for a great wintertime exercisefor each club - put together anindividual club showcase for the convention.Your club may know its areaof the country very well and have reallytalented members, but the AmericanFederation representatives don’thave a clue about individual EFMLSclubs. Here’s a way for up to 150 showcasesto appear in Syracuse and drivethe host club wild.Allow me to say a few wordsabout the recent EFMLS Conventionin Poughkeepsie, NY. The host club,Mid-Hudson Valley Gem and MineralSociety, was very gracious to us andput on an EFMLS Convention thatthey can be proud of. Many thanksto Jack Rowland and his fellow membersfor all their hard work. On theflip slide, I was quite disappointedin the number of attendees at theCracker Barrel, Awards Dinner, andEditor’s Breakfast. This is supposedto be EFMLS’s showcase, where weare receptive to individual club concerns,we recognize exceptionalachievements, and we reward writersof all kinds of hobby-related articles.Why weren’t YOU there? Ifyou have an idea of how I can boostparticipation at any of these functions,please let me know. I WANTA GOOD SHOWING IN SYRACUSE!In closing, I hope each of you willbe able to take some time out yourhectic schedules this month to appreciatewhat your hobby means toyou, what your club does for you, andwhat the EFMLS represents for you.Can you as a club or EFMLS memberdo something better in 2004 thanSEE “PRESIDENT” ON PAGE 32EFMLS NEWS – DECEMBER, 2003COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

ALL-AMERICAN CLUB AWARDPRESIDENTFROM HAZEL REMALEYThe All-American Club RecognitionProgram is a wonderful idea foryou to take note of the things yourclub has done during 2003. By compilingan entry for the award, clubsget to take stock and note thingswhich might need improving andthings that need to be continuedbecause they’ve worked successfully.Why not take advantage of this nottoo difficult way of evaluating yourown club....and enter the AFMS “contest”at the same time.The entry is really a scrapbookshowing the activities of your club.The book is divided into various sections,each showing one facet of yourclub and its activities. You have onemonth remaining in the year to ask yourmembers for information that you willuse in your scrapbook . Look at yourmembers and their activities both inour hobby and in their everyday lives.The entry form is printed on page 9of this issue and the deadline for gettingyour entry to me will be March 1 ,2004 . I am looking for some greatclub scrapbooks.CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2EACH ONE TEACH ONEFROM FRAN SICKOver the years I have been associatedwith many organizations -some business and some leisure interest.But never have I been a partof anything like the rock and mineralhobby. Everywhere I go and everynew group or person I meet is so generousin sharing information, teachingwhat they have learned and answeringmy questions. In this hobbypeople who are willing to help, toteach and to share are so commonplacewe have almost come to expectit and we take them for granted.What, you may wonder, does thishave to do with the Each One TeachOne Award. The answer, of course,is that this is precisely what theEOTO Award is all about. Teachingclasses, conducting seminars, givinglectures, writing articles, doing demonstrations,leading field trips or inany way helping to increase theknowledge of one person or one hundredpeople are activities whichqualify a person for nomination forthe Each One Teach One Award.The deadline for receipt of nominationsfor the 2004 award is March15, 2004. Forms must be postmarkedor e-mailed to me no later than thisdate. You will find a nomination formin this issue of the newsletter with myaddress and e-mail listed. As noted onthe form, you may attach an extrasheet to list the activities of yournominee. Please use the extra sheetallowed. The top award winners alwayshave this extra sheet included sinceall the things they do simply will notfit on one sheet of paper.In the November EFMLS Newsletterthe 2003 award winners werelisted. I have repeatedly said in previousarticles that anyone who did notwin the top award may be nominatedagain. In the five years I have beenassociated with the Each One TeachOne Award only two people who didnot win the top award on their firstnomination were nominated again andboth of them subsequently won thetop award. There were five nominationsreceived for 2003 and theywere all very good nominations. However,only one could win the topaward. This means there were fourpeople nominated in 2003, and severalmore in the years prior to 2003,who may be nominated again. So adda little more information about yournominee, contact me for help or tipsif you wish, but please resubmit nominationsfor those folks who have notyet won the top award.With the combined AFMS andEFMLS Conventions being held in Syracuse,New York, in 2004 it sure wouldbe nice to see a record number of EachOne Teach One nominations this year.So please put this article on the ‘fridgeor wherever you keep your list ofthings to do and get your nominationssent by March 15, 2004.what you did in 2003? Remember,volunteerism, is what makes the systemwork either on the EFMLS orclub level. In-person participation atEFMLS and club functions convinceseveryone of your dedication to yourhobby and to your organization.Be safe in your travels and justsay no to that second piece of cake.See you in 2004.MattMINERAL THEFTGene Rydall, past president of the Gem & Mineral Society of Syracuse hadhis home burgled over this past weekend and lost most of his inventory of minerals.He trades under the name "Gem Hunter Minerals".As you attend shows be on the lookout for any individual attempting tosell minerals with the "Gem Hunter Minerals" label or someone who is not adealer at the show you're attending trying to sell.If you should encounter such a situation, please notify the local policeimmediately.COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESSEFMLS NEWS – DECEMBER, 20033

SAFETY FIRSTLAPIDARY SAFETY1. Wear Protective Glasses whenchipping or grinding rocks. Goggles andSafety Shields should be used in additionto safety glasses when using causticliquids, dressing grinding wheels, orcreating large flying chips of rocks.2. Run grinding wheels no fasterthan the speed recommended by themanufacturer. If you are unsure, runthe wheel no faster than 2,500 sfpm(surface feet per minute). Polishing andbuffing wheels are operated at a speedof 3,000 to 7,000 sfpm with 4,000sfpm a good speed for most purposes.3. Do not let the wheel becomewaterlogged. Keep it running until allthe water has been thrown out, otherwiseit could have a heavy spot andbe out of balance. Out of balancewheels could disintegrate upon starting.The floor in front of a grinder orpolishing machine should be of roughcement or a non slip rubber mat toprevent falls on the wet surface.4. Keep grinding wheels true. Theywill wear longer and there will be lesschance of a wheel parting while in use.Grinding should be done near the centerplane of the wheel and moved backand forth across the face of the wheelto produce even wear. Do not force thework and take too heavy of a cut. Wearappropriate eye, hand, and body protectionwhen using dressing tools. Followthe manufacturer’s instructions forthe dressing tool being used. Only theperiphery or circumference of standardgrinding wheels are designed forgrinding-never grind on the sides of agrinding wheel. Insure the work restand peripheral guard are properly installedand only adjust them when theequipment is not running.5. Keep all belt pulleys and beltscovered by guards to protect fingersand keep clothing from getting caught.FROM BILL KLOSE, EFMLS SAFETY CHAIR6. Use dop sticks whenever possibleto protect the fingers. Smallpieces may also be placed in a simplejig or fixture.7. A dust mask or suction blowershould be used when dry sanding toavoid the inhalation of fine silica dustwhich could lead to silicosis, a seriouslung condition which can not be cured.It may well be prudent to wear a chemicalmask when wet grinding or sandingif the water is being recirculated andcould have dangerous compounds in itfrom the material being sanded or materialspreviously sanded.8. Be careful with alcohol lampsthat could cause a fire.9. Keep all containers properly labeled.Putting polishing powders inbaking powder cans, for instant withouta proper label, can be dangerous.Tin Oxide can cause illness if used inplace of baking powder.10. The proper use of Oxalic Acidgreatly facilitates the polishing of agates.Oxalic Acid is caustic to theskin, as well as a poison if ingested orinhaled. Oxalic acid can also burn thecornea of the eyes, resulting in impairedeyesight. Use the followingsafety precautions.A. Wear protective glasses withdrip proof or mist proof goggles overthem to protect the eyes.B. Apply the polish to the wheelwith a brush, a good policy for all polishingcompounds.C. Wear protective gloves and arubber apron to protect clothing andskin.D. Wash any contact with the skinimmediately with soap and water. Medicalattention may also be advisable.11. Sulfuric and Nitric Acid aresometimes mixed with polishing compoundswhen faceting sapphire andmay be used on lead laps. These acidsare severe caustics and will causesevere burns if they come in contactwith the skin or eyes. Any contaminatedareas must immediately bewashed with soap and water. If anygets in the eyes, thoroughly irrigatewith water, and seek medical attention.The application of a baking sodapack is advisable, or sponging with asolution of baking soda in water tothe burned area.12. The polishing compounds usedtoday are relatively non-toxic to mostindividuals. The use of detergentsadded to the polishing compounds maycause a dermatitis in some individualsand can be avoided by using masks,goggles, gloves and rubber aprons.13. Epoxy Resins are very irritatingto the skin and may cause severecases of dermatitis if contact is notavoided. Acetone will remove resinfrom the skin.14. Cutting oils are a primary skinirritant as well as a potential fire hazard.15. Do not overload electrical outlets.If in doubt, have the circuitschecked by an electrician. Anelectrician’s fee is a small price forone’s own safety!16. Keep switches and motors ina dry place, where the water fromgrinding and sanding will not splashon them. The shut off switch or plugshould be within reach of the operator.Stand to the side of a grindingmachine when starting up and allowat least one minute of warm up timebefore starting to sand or grind.17. Have all motors and outletsgrounded. In case of faulty wiring ora short circuit, the ground will absorbthe shock, not the operator.Standing on a rubber mat will providesome protection, but the mat will bewet and still transmit electrical cur-SEE “SAFETY” ON PAGE 54EFMLS NEWS – DECEMBER, 2003COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

SAFETYCONTINUED FROM PAGE 4CALLING ALL JUNIOR ROCKHOUNDSFROM KATHY HRECHKA, JUNIOR ACTIVITIES CHAIRrent, which could be fatal. CircuitBreakers and Ground Fault (GFI) circuitbreakers are highly recommendedover plug fuses. If a personsuffers electrical shock, it is importantto separate them from thesource with a stick or other non-conductiveitem before beginning resuscitation.Shutting off the powersource, if known, will also decreasethe hazard to all concerned.18. Use proper lifting techniqueswhile moving items in the shop.There seems to be a growing concern amongst mineral clubs of how toobtain more youth. Between homework and sports, their time is already occupied.Furthermore, many club meetings are often held too late at nightfor youngsters. The Northern Virginia Mineral Club may have found a balanceto include our youth.I agreed to volunteer each third Saturday morning at our Nature Center(where our club meets) to instruct juniors. My philosophy is, “it just takes oneperson tosay yes” to coordinate junior meetings. The other club members willhelp in other ways. By making the meeting time suitable for the youth is thefirst step. We don’t meet in the summer, or December. That requires onlyeight meetings each year. The EFMLS Slide/Video Library offers great visualtools to enhance your programs. I will provide a list of program ideasin theupcoming newsletters. If your club has any success stories,feel free to submitthem to me. I would like to share them with our membership.EDITOR’S CORNERFROM MARY BATEMANPackets for the 2004 BulletinEditor’s Contest are in the mail. Youmay already have received yours.Theupcoming contest are for materialsprinted by your club in their newsletterduring 2003.The deadline forsubmission is December 30.With a combined EFLMS andAFMS convention in 2004, we wantto make it a banner year for our BEACcontest. This past year no new editorsentered the contest. If you area new editor, we encourage you tosend in your bulletin. Or, if you havebeen an editor for more than one yearand did not enter your bulletin forthe 2003 contest, we hope you willdo so for the 2004 contest. And, forthose of you who entered in 2003,just keep those bulletins coming. Itis a rewarding feeling to have yourselfand your contributors receiveacknowledgement for a job well done.Poughkeepsie in October wasgreat and for those who attended theeditors’ breakfast, a fun time was hadby the 40 who attended. We startedwith introductions, thank yous andannouncements. Carolyn Weinberger(editor of both the EFMLS and AFMSnewsletters and the “Gem CuttersNews”) was our featured speaker.Carolyn spoke on how to produce abetter newsletter and get writtenmaterial virtually out of nothing. Sheencouraged the use of the spell checkfeature and warned about copyingmaterial from other publications andquotes in articles submitted for publication.She went to explain why ourcontest rules appear tough, when infact, they are assuring that your bulletinor submission will meet theAFMS judging standards—a sure wayto receive an AFMS award.Trophies and certificates (202)were given out after a brief break forbreakfast and some social time. Theentire breakfast meeting took abouttwo hours. (See the November EFLMSNews for a listing of the awards.)Our thanks to Jack Rowland theentire Mid-Hudson Valley Gem & MineralClub for their planning and hospitality—itwas wonderful. Ourthanks, also, goes to S.C.R.I.B.E. forthe donation of the door prizes.If you or a member of your clubwas not present at the editors’ breakfastto receive the awards, you shouldhave received them in the mail by now.Wouldn’t it have been nice to havereceived them in person or to haveyour contributors receive them inperson? You/they can, you know.The BEAC committee encouragesyou and your contributors to mark yourcalendars for Syracuse July 9-11 whenthe Syracuse club will have its showand EFMLS and AFMS will have a jointconvention. Both EFMLS and AFMSawards will be given out at the convention.This is a great opportunity forthose who have never attended anAFMS convention to attend one in ourown Federation. Watch EFMLS Newsfor more information.COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESSEFMLS NEWS – DECEMBER, 20035

PLANNED WILDACRES CLASSESHere are the classes beingplanned for the 2004 EFMLSWildacres Workshops. Use this listto make your selections for pre-registrationon the application form. Ifyou select a 4 day class you will notbe able to take another class duringthe session. Two day classes affordyou the opportunity of taking two differentdisciplines during the week.June Session:2 Day classes:Cabbing (Basic level)Cabbing (Inetermediate level)Chain making (Basic level)Chain making (Intermediate)Silversmithing (Basic)Silversmithing (Intermediate)Wirecraft Jewelry (Basic)Wirecraft Jewelry (Intermediate)BeadingMineral IDSoapstone Carving (Basic)Soapstone Carving (Intermediate)4 Day classes:FacetingCertified JudgingMicromountingE-MAIL CORRECTIONThe correct E-mail for ProgramLibrarian Richard Harrison is:.Please correct your Directory andCommittee Listings.FROM GINGER POSTHUMUS, DIRECTORFall session: (Dates to be announced)2 Day classes:Cabbing (Basic level)Cabbing (Intermediate level)Silversmithing (Basic)ForgingWirecraft Jewelry (BasicWirecraft Jewelry (Intermediate)Soapstone Carving (Basic)Soapstone Carving (Intermediate)4 Day classes:FacetingJudgingWax modeling and castingMicromountingApplications for either sessionwill be accepted by Registrar DebbieBard beginning January 1, 2004. Remember,sessions fill up early, sodon’t delay in sending your registrationin as soon as possible. Should allspaces be filled, you will be placed ona waiting list in the order that yourapplication is received.We’re lloking forward to seeingyou at Wildacres this summer or fall.MARK YOUR CALENDARJULY 9 - 11, 2004(AFMS MEETINGS JULY 7 & 8)GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY OFSYRACUSE ANNUAL SHOW PLUSEFMS AND AFMS ANNUALCONVENTIONSAFMS ROCKHOUND OF THEYEARFROM CATHY GABERThe Presidential Gem and MineralSociety in New Hampshirewishes to recognize JimHolmes as the AFMSClub Rockhound of theYear. Jim, a clubmember since 1993,has tirelessly servedthe club in the positions of president,secretary, librarian, education coordinatorand long time field trip coordinator.His knowledge of gems andminerals is freely shared in formalclub programs and on field trips! Theclub members thank Jim and wish torecognize him for his dedication.nominated by Lawrence UnderhillDo you know that every EFMLSmember club can “nominate” someoneas their Rockhound of the Year? Wehave 140+ clubs in the Federation andtherefore should have 140+“rockhounds” to tell you about in 2004.Select an individual or couplefrom your club that you would like totell everyone else about. Why is thisperson (or couple) important to yourclub? What contributions have theymade? Tell us about them in 50 wordsor less. The process is that simple.We’ll print your “Rockhound” inthe next EFMLS Newsletter as wellas the AFMS Newsletter so that everyonegets to know why your club isso lucky. Send your submissions to:Cathy Gaber5707 Northfield RdBethesda, MD 20817SYRACUSE, NEW YORK6EFMLS NEWS – DECEMBER, 2003COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

ALL AMERICAN ENTRY FORM, CONTINUEDWere show notices published in local papers? Yes _____ No _____Were meetings or shows announced on radio or TV? Yes _____ No _____Copies of any supporting material such as printed articles about club or members show announcements or fliers,meeting and show notices from newspapers should be submitted.Section 4 – Support for the Federations (Regional and American) and other clubs (20 Points Possible)Members served as Federation officers or on committees, Regional Yes _____ No _____National Yes _____ No _____Members attended: Regional Convention/Show Yes _____ No _____National Convention/Show Yes _____ No _____Club or members contributed to Scholarship fund or Endowments Fund Yes ______ No ______Members gave programs for other clubs Yes ______ No ______Members attended other club shows/swaps/workshops Yes ______ No ______Members displayed cases at other club show Yes ______ No ______Monthly bulletin exchanged with other clubs Yes ______ No ______Joint field trips with other clubs Yes ______ No ______Supporting material should include a list of all above persons, positions, and other activitiesand could include pictures, copies of certificates, etc.Section 5– Community Relations (15 Points Possible)Talks or demonstrations given at schools, youth groups, etc. Yes ____ No ____Displays at libraries or other public locations Yes ____ No ____Booth or other activity at local fairs or events Yes ____ No ____Support for other community activities Yes ____ No ____Donations of materials to schools, nursing home, groups, etc. Yes ____ No ____Supporting material should provide details for all above items and could include pictures, thank you cards,Certificates of appreciation, etc.Section 6– Government Agency and Legislative Relations (10 Points Possible)Members served on agency committees Yes _____ No ____Members provided comments on agency proposals and drafts Yes _____ No ____Members contacted congressmen concerning legislation affecting access or collection Yes _____ No ____Club or members supported access/collection-lobbying organization Yes _____ No ____Supporting material should provide details for all above items and could include copies of letters sent.Section 7 – Overall Format & Presentation of Submission (10 Points Possible)This will be judged on neatness, organization, grammar and spelling, and the overall presentation of the material.Scoring and AwardsGold All American Club - 90 – 100 pointsSilver All American Club - 80 – 89 pointsBronze All American Club - 70 – 79 pointsDeadline for receipt of materialsMarch 1, 2004Mail to:Hazel RemaleyR.D. # 3 , Box 316AGillett, PA 16925-964910EFMLS NEWS – DECEMBER, 2003COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

2004 EFMLS Wildacres RegistrationPLEASE, ONLY one person per form per session.CIRCLE ONE: Spring Session - Fall SessionPlease fill out a separate registration form for each person attending and return to DEBBIE BARD, Registrar at8085 Old 126; Warfordsburg, PA 17267. No registration will be accepted prior to January 1, 2004. (To make iteasier for the registrar and others, please do not change or revise this form. You may photocopy it as needed.)Name (as you wish it to appear on your name badge):__________________________________________________Street:__________________________________City:_____________________State:_________Zip:____________Telephone number with area code: _________________________e-mail:_______________________________Club/Society Affiliation:____________________________________________________________________Fee for each session is $280.00 per person. Deposit is $140 per person, payable with registration.Make checks payable to “EFMLS”. Balance of $140 is due 30 days prior to start of session.Cancellation policy: If unable to attend, fees paid will be refunded if notification is given prior to one month beforethe session begins. No refund will be made after that date.Circle appropriate responses:Have you been to Wildacres before? Yes No Is your Club sponsoring you? Yes NoDo you need a roommate? Yes No Are you: Male Female (No single rooms are available)Do you have any physical handicaps and / or special dietary needs? Yes NoIf YES, please explain on reverse side.Do you have material for exhibiting that you would be willing to display at Wildacres? Yes NoIf YES, please contact Esther Dunn at 334-774-2172. Lined display cases are available.Do you have a skill to demonstrate or a program to share (up to 40 minutes)? Yes NoIf YES, please contact Cathy Gaber at , or 301-654-7479.Class Pre-registration. See EFMLS Newsletter or Website for class offerings. Which of the classes being offered would you like to take? We will be preregistering you for classes youindicate. When a class is full NO others will be assigned to that class, and you will be assigned your next classchoice(s). You will have an opportunity to make changes once you arrive at Wildacres.1st____________________________________2nd___________________________________3rd____________________________________4th_____________________________________(No registrations accepted prior to January 1, 2004)Mail to: debbie Bard, Wildacres Registrar8085 Old 126Warfordsburg, PA 17267If you have any questions, please contact eitherDebbie Bard, Registrar at 717-294-3667 orGinger Posthumus, Director at or 828-926-3022.COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESSEFMLS NEWS – DECEMBER, 200311

EFMLS NEWSNEWSC. Weinberger, EditorPO Box 302Glyndon, MD 21071-0302DATED MATERIAL -— PLEASE DO NOT DELAYNon-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDPermit #17Glyndon, MD 21071VISIT A SHOWFROM WILLIAM LEMAIf you are an EFMLS member cluband would like to have your show orswap listed here, send information toWilliam Lema, EFMLS Show Coordinatorat 65 Sheldon St; Providence,RI or e-mail him at.November:21-23: The Carnegie Gem & MineralShow, Carnegie Museum of NaturalHistory, Pittsburgh, PA.22 - 23: 28th Annual Jewelry,Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show, sponsoredby the Worcester Mineral Club.National Guard Armory, 701 LincolnStreet, Worcester, MA.28-30: 24th Annual Roanoke ValleyMineral and Gem Show at the SalemCivic Center, Salem, VA sponsoredby the Roanoke Valley Mineral& Gem Society.February:21-22: 11th Annual James CampbellMemorial Gem & Fossil Show & Sale,co-sponsored by the New York StateAcademy of Mineralogy and the CapitalDistrict Mineral Club. Concourselevel, south end of the Empire StatePlaza, Madison Avenue, Albany, NY27-28: 45th Annual Gem, Mineral,Fossil, and Jewelry Show, sponsoredby the Mississippi Gem & MineralSociety. A & I Buildings, State Fairgrounds,Jackson, MS.March:6 – 7 :New York City Gem &Mineral Show Hosted by the NewYork Mineralogical Club Holiday InnMidtown Manhattan 440 W. 57th St.,New York City20-21: 40th Annual Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show sponsored by the Gem,Lapidary, & Mineral Society of MontgomeryCounty, MD, Inc.MontgomeryCounty Fairgrounds, 16 ChestnutStreet. Gaithersburg, MD27-28, 2004: 14th Annual Jewelry,Mineral & Fossil Show, sponsoredby the Southern Maryland Rockand Mineral Club. Harmony Hall RegionalCenter, Fort Washington, MDApril:2 – 4: 32 nd Annual AtlanticMicromounters Conference. Tyson’sWestpark Hotel, McLean, VA. Info andregistration: Steve Weinberger, POBox 302; Glyndon, MD 21071-03023 - 4: 36 th Annual Gem, Mineral &Fossil Show, sponsored by the BuffaloGeological Society. Erie CountyFairgrounds, Hamburg, NY.July:9-11: Combined EFMLS/AFMSConvention & Show sponsored by theGem & Mineral Society of Syracuse.NY State Fairgrounds, Syracuse. NY.(AFMS meetings July 7 & 8).September:25-26: 40 th Annual Atlantic CoastGem, Mineral & Jewelry Show sponsoredby the Gem Cutters Guild ofBaltimore, Inc. Howard County Fairgrounds,I-70 at MD 32, W.Freindship, MD.December:6 - 7: 31st Annual Gem and MineralShow, sponsored by the BristolGem & Mineral Club. Senior/CommunityCenter, 240 Stafford Ave.,Bristol, Connecticut.Happy HanukahMerry ChristmasSeasons Greetingsfrom Ye Olde Editor,Assistant Editor andChief Gofer12EFMLS NEWS – DECEMBER, 2003COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS