Author: Alan Molineux

The bulletin
Newsletter of victor valley
Gem and mineral club
November 2007

Upcoming victor valley gem and mineral show

Our annual Gem and Mineral Show is to be held at the San Bernardino County Fair Grounds on Saturday, November 17th and Sunday the 18th. Of course we are all eager to make this a success. However, there is much to do! Many in the club have volunteered already and things are going well. Look inside on page 3. Show coordinators, Nick and JoAnn Beall have e-mailed me with some last minute jobs they need help with.

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Your officers for 2007
2007 Executive Committee
President……………………..Tom Laszlo……………………...247-5369
1st V.P (Membership)..Jim Fosse………………………..245-8644
2nd V.P (Education)…….Mary Lou Flecher………...949-9347
Recording Secretary….Patti Deer………………....….553-6550
Treasurer…………………….Janet Flecher………………..949-9347
Board Members
Cyndy Mandell………………...244-7169
Chuck Forsyth…….1-503-851-9050
Joe Kosik………………………...241-0894
Virgil Melton……………………948-2849
Past President……………..Nick Beall…………………..……246-7117
CFMS Representative..Bob Harper……………………..947-6383
Standing Committee Chairmen
Wagon Master…………..Janet Flecher…………………..949-9347
Historian…………………….Elizabeth Clark…...…………..241-9786
Maintenance……………...Chuck Forsyth………1-503-851-9050
Librarian…………………….Ralph Powers…………………….951-2937
Newsletter…………...….Alan Molineux…….……………..951-7064
Sunshine Lady………….Carol Laszlo……………………….247-5369
Displays………….………….Kate Waterman………………..946-5881
Raffles……………………...Charles Toles…...……………...242-9240
Scholarships…………….Andrew Turner….……………..962-0095
Legislative Rep………..(Vacant)
Photography…………...Bob Harper………………………...947-6383
Hospitality………………(Vacant)
Parliamentarian……..Dennis Harbison………………….247-5559
Gem Show & Tailgate
Co-ordinator…………..JoAnn Beall………………………….246-7117
Instructors
Nick Beall, Joann Beall, Janet Flecher, Jim Fosse, Gil Gilbert, Dennis Harbison, Tom Laszlo, Virgil Melton, Oscar Delgado, Joe Kosik, Lloyd Guilliam and Kate Waterman
Club Website—fosse.schema-root.org/vvgmc/

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The victor valley gem and mineral Club
was organized in 1947 and has been the focal point of High Desert rock hounds for the past 60 years. The club takes active roles in various civic activities. Membership is open to all persons interested in the gem and mineral hobby and lapidary arts. Meetings are held at the clubhouse located at 15056-B, 7th Street (behind Kaman Bearing) in the center of Victorville.
Visitors are always welcome.
For further information, call (760) 243-2330.
Meeting dates
The October general meeting was held on Tuesday, 23rd at 7:30p.m. and the November meeting will be held on Tuesday the 27th.
Editor’s comment
Our annual gem and mineral show is just around the corner. I urge all of you to help out this year. Many of the jobs are being shouldered tirelessly by the same people. They are members just like you and me. They step up to the plate year after year and do whatever needs to be done. Help spread the load a little and mark your calendar for November the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th. I’m going to help all I can. Can we count on you too?

The Upcoming V.V.G & .M.C Show—An E-mail from JoAnn Beall
As you all know, our annual Gem & Mineral show is on November 17th and 18th.
The sign up sheets are on the wall. We need members to work in each booth. To be fair there should be more than one in each booth. We set these up at 2 hrs. at a time so you could work in each booth and still get to see the show. Pot luck night is for all members as well as all dealers and their helpers. Bring your food (double what you usually bring), so we can have it all set up for 6:30. The club will furnish ham, turkey, rolls, table service and drinks. This is a "Thank you for coming" meal for the venders, so the more members the better. Bring items to compliment the meat. There is a sign up sheet on the wall. All the members who are selling, still get to bring their share of the pot luck. Thursday, Nov. 15th is set up day starting at 9:30a.m. Tables have to be skirted, so we need and will appreciate any members who come to help. There will be members there to show new members how to do it. Also we will need help to unskirt the tables at the end of the show. Friday 16th, you fill the display cases and bring items for pot luck before 6:00 P.M. Sunday, after the show it is tear down time. I need not tell you what that means. THANKS, JO ANN McPURDY BEALL

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The art of making Intarsia

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By club instructor, bob menelly

These pictures were graciously lent to me by Mr. Bob Menelly. Remember, we only grow as artists, we only grow in skill when we attempt something new and seemingly difficult. Everything is hard at first but by trial and error we learn to master a procedure—then our art shines through. Then we are confident in the process and can allow our own talent to show. As Bob said, “You’re the artist. Use your imagination to create artistic jewelry.”
Editor’s note: Because I scanned and copied each of these frames, the writing may be hard to read—but if you view the website, then it is possible to magnify each of the frames.

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November 2007

Deadline for December Issue of the bulletin is Monday, November 19th. Ph. (760) 951-7064 or email amolineux@gmail.com

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
Native American / Heritage / Month.	Aviation / History / Month.			1 National / Author’s / Day / Workshop 1-9p.m.	2 / Daniel / Boone’s birthday / 1734.	3 / Panama / Independence Day / 1903.
4 / Workshop begins / at 12 noon.	5 / Instructor’s / Meeting—7p.m.	6 / Board / Meeting—7p.m.	7 / Workshop / 1-9pm.	8 Wagon / Master’s / Meeting—7pm.	9 Fall of the / Berlin Wall / 1989.	10
11 / Workshop begins / at 12 noon.	12	13 / Workshop / 6-9pm.	14 / Workshop / 1-9pm.	15 / Workshop 1-9p.m.	16 Lewis / and Clark reach the Pacific Ocean / 1805.	17 V.V.G & M.C / Gem & Mineral Show / San Bernardino County Fairgrounds.
18 V.V.G & M.C / Gem & Mineral Show / San Bernardino County Fairgrounds.	19	20 / Education / Night—7p.m.	21 / Workshop / 1-9pm.	22 / Workshop 1-9p.m.	23	24
25 / Workshop begins / at 12 noon.	26	27Pot Luck / Dinner—6:30pm. / Monthly General / Meeting 7:30pm	28 / Workshop / 1-9pm.	29 / Workshop 1-9p.m.	30 Mark / Twain’s birthday / 1835.

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Lavic siding camp out and field trip

By Cyndy Mandell
The club sponsored field trip held October 5, 6, and 7th was held as an overnighter at Lavic Siding. Despite this being a very well known site, highly published in rock hounding magazines, it is very productive. Plenty of material was available right at the level campsite including various colors of jasper and interesting chunks of chalcedony.
Several of us arrived on Friday to howling winds and chilly weather. The evening was spent inside a members RV to avoid the wind. The following morning was a little calmer but still chilly. An outing was made to several sites right around the campground as other club members arrived and joined in picking up plenty of colorful jasper. The late afternoon and evening were spent around a campfire, the first in a long while for many of us, after a filling potluck dinner.
We were joined in the evening by a non-club member circling our camp and checking us out. He must have been very hungry as he came very close to our noisy group and our bonfire. After several visits we decided to give him some leftovers from our potluck. He seemed to enjoy (see picture) the beef stew, cheese, crackers, and other munchies we left for him.
The kit fox got braver and braver as he smelled the aromas left over from our meal and even put up with our flashlights shining on him. We set up a chair and a light close to the food to get better pictures and he was so daring he didn’t have any qualms about eating by flashlight and allowing me to get within six feet of him for some spectacular night photos.
Sunday morning we awoke to a golden sunrise and very slight wind making for a perfect morning brunch and some more rock hounding before we had to reluctantly leave. I’m sure the kit fox will miss us.

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Making Gemstone Boxes (Condensed) By Anne Timmins Searchers Bulletin Many materials are suitable for boxes, such as lapis, labradorite, jade, rhodonite, agate, obsidian and chalcopyrite with intarsia inlays. Material that has an even all-over design doesn't need to have the corners mitered, but materials with a definite light/dark design, e.g "chicken rack," picture rock, jasper/agates with dramatic color changes and stones with attractive lines will be enhanced by mitering the corners and matching the patterns. Stones such as labradorite, for which orientation is necessary, will also benefit from mitered corners. Banded agate or onyx and 3-D intarsia patterns make beautiful boxes. Cut 3-5 slabs back-to-back from the same rough, making your slabs 3/16" thick. You could also "butterfly" 2 slabs and double the side of your lid. You will also need 2 slabs of same or different material for the box bottom and inside lid. Lay out your slabs. Select the slab that you intend to use for your top. This will determine the size of the box. It is important to select slabs of the same thickness for the sides and the ends of the box. An uneven thickness will cause gaps on the inside of the box at the mitered corners. Use the trim saw to cut slabs to size. If available, an overhead drop saw is preferable, especially for larger boxes, in order to rough out the pieces, cutting close to the lines. Identify the outside and inside of each piece. Match the pattern on the lid to the sides and ends, and mark the inside and outside of each piece with permanent marker. Lap the outsides of each piece so that they are flat and can be placed back-to-back perfectly. Using water-soluble wood glue, glue the outside faces of sides together. Lap the ends and sides to fit the size of the lid (if a little smaller, you can adjust the size of the lid, but watch your pattern), making sure they are square. Lay out the material for the bottom of the box and the inside of the lid. Lap one side of each and glue together. Lap to size, squaring carefully. The bottom needs to be squared with vertical sides, but the inside lid should be beveled to soften the edges. Lap through the grits, then polish all exposed faces (these will all be inside faces of the box). Be careful to rotate the pieces during lapping to prevent wedging. Separate the glued sides and ends; soak in hot water for 12 to 24 hours. You can use a covered Pyrex bowl in an oven set at 150Æ’F to 200Æ’ for half an hour or so if required. Slide the pieces off of each other, do not try to pry them apart. If necessary, raise the oven temperature again. (Leave the bottom and inside lid together at this time.) Mitering can be done by eye, first marking the miter angle with permanent marker using the 45Æ’ angle of the tri-square. Glue all 4 pieces, with polished surfaces facing in the same direction, lining up the miter lines. Lap to a 45Æ’ angle, check with a tri-square.

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(Making Gemstone Boxes (Condensed) By Anne Timmins continued.)
Adjust the sides and ends to fit the bottom and the inside lid, holding the sides and ends in place around the bottom and the inside of the lid. An angled block can be placed on the lap and used as a jig. Separate the inside lid and bottom. Use a suitably sized block to support the inside lid just below the rim of the box. Rough-up the bottom 3/16" of the sides and ends, using masking tape to protect the rest of the polished surface. Use 330 epoxy and smooth a small amount on all surfaces to be glued. Assemble into place. Wrap plastic wrap around the polished face of the inside lid and insert, supported by the block to prevent the sides from leaning in and to hold shape. Secure tightly with rubber bands and let sit for at least 24 hours for the epoxy to set. Polish the inside of the lid. Rough up the center surface, leaving approximately 1/4" polished surface around the edge. This creates a better bond. Glue the inside lid to the lid and place inside the box for position. Use the block for support and wrap with plastic wrap to prevent the epoxy from gluing the lid closed. Hold with rubber bands. When the epoxy is dry, remove excess with a single-edged razor blade. Holding the lid in place with water soluble glue, lap and polish all surfaces. (Article reproduced with thanks by Doug Arnold).

Sunshine Report
Updates : Marie Gramata is back home from having hip surgery. What a lovely lady to talk too. This was the 2nd time for this hip surgery. October 3rd might be her last day of prayer and all those who sent the nice cards. When you spread a little sunshine, whether it is a Prayer or a card, it comes back to you as a warm comforting invisible embrace. Our condolences go to Dorothy Oberg and son with the loss of Lenny Oberg husband and father. I spoke to Dorothy and she is doing OK. Her son is here for a couple of weeks to help her out with all the final details. While talking with Dorothy I got a strong sense of strength and they had a wonderful caring and loving life together. During this time of mourning the loss of her loved one, let us all acknowledge the great value of the person of Lenny Oberg. Sadness honors their memory and celebration of their life. I’m sure I speak for all in the VVGMC that we all send our heartfelt sympathies and love to you Dorothy and her son.
Kerry Molineux, member and wife of our Editor of the Bulletin may be going into the hospital within the next couple of weeks for some exploratory surgery. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Kerry several times. She always has such a beautiful smile and so friendly with all she meets. I ask all to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. To have no anxiety about this exploratory surgery, but to be thankful for another one of life’s tests that “ I KNOW I WILL BE ALRIGHT,” and that is her strength and with our thoughts and Prayers for her we know she will be just fine and pass this test with a rainbow of colors . Alan, please keep us posted. Kerry we are with you in thought and prayer. Well, your Sunshine Lady is exceedingly happy. For over a year I have been legally blind in my right eye. On September 26th I had cataract surgery on this eye, and now I can see clearer then I have in years. Thank you for the beautiful card I received. If anyone else has been sick or knows someone who has been ill, please give me a call at (760-247-5369) and I’ll be sure they receive a card to brighten their day. Carol Laszlo

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Wanted—Rocks, Lapidary,
Materials & Equipment.
Call Charles Toles.
Home (760) 242-9240 Cell (760) 220-6748.

Rocks, Rocks, Rocks,
Buy slabs, cabs & rough from Joe!
Brazilian, Moss Agate, Wood, Jasper,
and Obsidian.
There is a sale on Bolo cords.
Club members (any club) 20% off at my house or 10% off at gem shows. I sell crushed Agate, Wood & Jasper for tumbling at $1.00
per pound. Call Joe Kosik (760) 241-0894.

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Snail
Mail
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Another
bulletin
Expressly for

Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club
15056-B Seventh Street
Victorville, CA 92395-3811.
bulletin is the official monthly newsletter published by victor valley gem & mineral club and is distributed free of charge to both members and non
members.
Views expressed by authors in the articles which appear in the bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of victor valley gem & mineral club. Responsibility is taken by the editor alone.
Articles from this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in other lapidary news-letters if proper credit is given to the author and the bulletin.

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