Newsletter (Soft Blue design)
Author: Susan Brouwer

THE BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 2022

Inside this issue
Elections 1
Board Members 2
Committee Chairs……………………..2
Instructors………………………………..2
Wagon Master field trips…………..3
Classes 3
Sunshine…………………………………...4
Obituaries………………………………….4
Sunshine…………………………………...4
Thanksgiving lunch…………………….5
Meetings Schedules 6
Back page news 6
Meeting schedules…………………….7
TO OUR MEMBERS
If you have any questions, comments, or just want to help , do not hesitate to contact your Board Members or Committee Chairs for assistance.
We encourage you to use the “suggestion Box.” It is opened at every board meeting.
Join in and be a voice for positive- change for VVGMC’s 75TH year in operation!
Note that if you joined after August 19, 2022 you’re not eligible to vote.
If you have been with the club for 12 months, you are eligible for an office position.

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
THANKSGIVING DINNER FESTIVITIES

Dear Members,
Halloween has passed, and Thanksgiving is almost upon us. The weather is cooling down and soon I will be complaining about how cold it is. So far it’s not cold enough to light the stove, maybe running the electric heater in the morning. I have put the electric mattress pad on the bed, for some reason there’s not enough room for me when I go to bed. (Those darn cats!)
Little by little I have been getting our outdoor shop back in order. I still have to get the tables leveled. Put more shelves up. Sort out all the grits and polishing compounds. I’ve got my equipment all together in the same place. The main thing has to be done is getting the cover repaired so that it doesn’t leak and figure out what I want to put down for the floor. But I believe I have time to get everything set up for spring.
I’m very appreciative of Jake taking over the newsletter. By our emails, it sound like he’s taken “the bull by the horns” and is doing a fantastic job. I hope you keep him in mind when you are doing rock work or on a field trip or on a committee and keep him informed by submitting an article that he can put in the newsletter. We’d all love to hear and see (pictures) of what you are doing. I will be taking pictures of how my shop is progressing and will share them.
I’d like to send my appreciation to the club’s instructors, I think they are doing a fantastic job! All the members that come on shop days still seem excited and are concentrated on their work. At least on the days I show up. The classes are great. I see there is plenty of participation.
Shop cleanup is on the 5th from 9 to 11am, and also Corey’s class on wire wrapping at 12:30
Next general meeting is on November 19th noon to 1:30 ish. Don’t forget to let Lorie know what your contribution to the “Thanksgiving” lunch, as well as the “Christmas” lunch. She has been a great coordinator for our “potlucks” and our Sunshine coordinator. Thx Sara.
See you at the next general meeting or at the shop!
Sara

ELECTION OF BOARD & CHAIR OFFICERS

Everyone on the list for office is qualified for listed position. Who is the best to do the job for the benefit of the club? Think about these folks and how they can help the club reach new membership levels, serve our community and instruct our members, during our 75TH year of business.

PRESIDENT: DAVE DUNCAN OR SARA ARNOLD
1st VICE PRESIDENT: STEVER RUCKER
2nd VICE PRESIDENT / EDUCATION ANNIE NELSON
TREASURER: CORY BECK
SECRETARY: JANET FLETCHER
BOARD: ELECTING TWO FOR A TWO YEAR TERM; LORIE CUNNINGHAM, &
PAM TROZORO
BOARD: ELECTING ONE FOR A ONE YEAR TERM; MARK LANTZ, RON KAUFMAN

NOV. 19

VICTOR VALLEY GEM & MINERAL CLUB PAGE 1

VICTOR VALLEY GEM & MINERAL CLUB NOVEMBER 2022

BOARD MEMBERS…..
President. / Sara Arnold, PH: 760-231- 3734 / EMAIL : president@ vvgmc .org
Vice President / Membership. Dave Duncan, PH :831-406-0214 / EMAIL: vp@vvgmc. Org
Recording Secretary / Treasurer. Dwayna Barron , PH: 760-995-7190 / EMAIL: Treasurer@vvgmc / recording- secretary@vvgmc
COMMITTEE CHAIRS…..
CFMS / Doug Arnold, PH: 760-221-3734 / EMAIL: cfms-rep@vvgmc
Wagon Master / Janet Fletcher, PH: 760-985-5432
Historian: / Position open
Librarian / Lorie Cunningham, Dave Duncan
Newsletter / Jake Brouwer, / EMAIL: jakelsdg@verizon.net
Photography / Ross Quinn
Sunshine / Lorie Cunningham
Displays /
Webmaster / Tech / Jim Fosse, PH: 760-245-8644 / EMAIL: info@vvgmc.org
INSTRUCTORS…..
Janet Fletcher Mary Lou Fletcher Dwayna Barron Chris Koch
Mark Lantz
Dave Duncan Lia Hamilton Gayland Graves Blaine Witte
Steve Rucker
FLOATING INSTRUCTOR….. Blaine Witte
ASSOCIATE INSTRUCTOR….. Lorie Cunningham
MAINTENANCE….. Dave Duncan

THE BULLETIN PAGE 2

VICTOR VALLEY GEM & MINERAL CLUB NOVEMBER 2022

FIELD TRIP REPORT FROM OCTOBER
By Wagon Master, Janet Fletcher

The Kramer Junction trip in October was attended by 12 persons and the overly friendly Cloe the dog getting in a photo bomb to the right. It was a rather warm day. Janet reported finding some petrified palm and other minerals. If you are unaware of the large open cut mine in that area, next time we go, I will take about 3/4 hour to take you there and explain what went on there. 100 mil AU. j

Field trip news - november 12, 2022

Group on the flats at Kramer Junction, with Janet Fletcher

VIP! November 12, 2022, Janet will lead us on a triple site excursion out near Lavic Siding. Meeting place is just off US 40. Take the Hector Road exit, turn left under the overpass, once past, look for a large empty area on the left. Janet will lead us to the first two sites. The last site is 4x4, high clearance required. No children. Your skills, and vehicle will be checked, to be sure you can make it up a steep, rocky hillside. At the end of the second site, you may head home at that time, or go on ahead, with permission. Please check in and out, with Janet.

Janet Fletcher on left, Dave Duncan on right, Cloe watching their backs.

Instructor’s classes report

This past Saturday, October 29, Marylou Fletcher started a chainmaille class known as Snake chain or half Persian. If you have gotten some jump rings for this project, remember to bring them and your tools. I will provide a starter piece to make learning this pattern easier.
November 5, 2022, Cory Beck will hold class at 12:30 pm at the club house for an overview of how to do wire wrapping. You will learn basic skills and use of tools. We will also review several popular styles of wire wrapping. More info on this class and tools needed to follow on page 5
Silversmith class November: Classes are on Wednesdays. Led by Master Silver Smith instructor Janet Fletcher. This class is now closed. Be sure to sign-up early for this exciting class next time around. This class has been quite the success story with people coming from as far away as Norway to be involved and learn. At the last General Meeting Lori Cunningham was made an Associate Instructor. I’ve seen her work and dedication and I am impressed. My intent is to be there at the start of the next beginners class. For further information contact Janet Fletcher.

Mary Lou Fletcher’s class October 8th. Stina, doing wire weaving. Annie doing chainmail, and Judy doing wire knitting. Mr. Rucker photo bombed the table

Wagon master news

At the last General Meeting, Janet Fletcher, Wagon Master announced that she was stepping down due to time constraints of her classes and other work. Janet said she was working with Scott Grey, to take her place January 2023.
Thank you, Janet Fletcher, for all you do for the club!!

THE BULLETIN PAGE 3

#

SUNSHINE…

OBITUARY
JIM BANKER
--------------------------

The sunshine is trying to break through the clouds right now. We all need to take note of the losses of two fine men, this last week of October, each who lived their lives in the area, and gave back to the gem and mineral clubs here in the southern Mojave Desert. Please take a moment of silence to remember them.

An untimely death for our dear friend and VVGMC member Jim Banker. Those of us who knew Jim were shocked to learn that he passed away unexpectedly last Sunday (October 23rd, 2022). He passed suddenly while doing what he loved best, polishing rocks with his beloved Sandy in his newly upgraded lapidary shop. Several club members were with Jim the day before, shopping for even more rocks at Diamond Pacific in Barstow, Ca. You may have seen Jim in the saw room, as he was our ace saw mechanic. Once, after one of our monthly meetings, he gave us a demo on his method of polishing fire agates. Polishing fire agates remained a passion of his until the very end. He will always be remembered as a kind and enthusiastic rockhound, eager to share his knowledge with all who were lucky enough to know him. For now, we can visit with him by watching him on Lapidary Dave’s Video channel on YouTube. Rest in Peace dear Jim. You will be in our hearts for as long as we live.

If you get a chance to call or email some of our older members that haven’t been in for a while, please do so, let them know that we care about them, and wish them well.
If you or a member your know isn’t feeling well or is celebrating a special occasion, please contact me, Lorie Cunningham at 831- 325 - 1912.

A big welcome to NEW CLUB MEMBERS

Thank you for signing up in October! We hope to help you learn about the club, enjoy the shows, instructors, classes and all of VVGMC’s services, including field trips.
Kurt Kowalski, Mia Kowalski
Heather Hensey
Anne Baerory
Stina Smith

NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONES

OBITUARY
BILL DEPUY
-----------------------------------------

It is with great sadness to report that Bill Dupue, one of the owners of Diamond Pacific since 1973 passed away the last week of October, 2022. He and an earlier partner were the first to make diamond wheels on the periphery. Here’s Bill and the Genie.

Those with November birthdays have two beautiful birthstones to choose from: topaz and citrine. Topaz comes in a rainbow of colors; citrine is prized for its charming yellow and orange hues. Both November birthstones are known to have calming energies while bringing fortune and warmth to the wearer. Most topaz and citrine birthstones are affordably priced, as good-quality gems are not as rare as for many of their counterparts. This means that those born in November have many options to choose from. Your challenge will be deciding which one to pick.

THE BULLETIN PAGE 4

VICTOR VALLEY GEM & MINERAL CLUB NOVEMBER 2022

Thanks giving LUNCH, november 19TH 2022

At the last General Meeting, our “potluck” lunch was well received. Theme was breakfast. Now on the 19th of November we have our next general meeting and as a bonus our lunch will be themed for Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to it. Starts at 12:00 pm to around 1:30 on Saturday. Be sure to contact Lorie Cunningham, and let her know what your contribution will be, or ask for suggestions. I understand the VVGMC will be providing the meat, stuffing and gravy. So we will need side dishes, deserts, drinks and?

Wire wrapping introduction class notes:

Wire wrapping introduction class by Cory Beck. November 5th, 12:30 starting time. Please be on time to cover as much material as possible. This is an overview of how to do wire wrapping. You will learn basic skills and use of tools. We will also review several popular styles of wire wrapping. What you need for class follows below.
TOOLS: Wire cutters, round nose plyers, chain nose plyers, flat nose plyers, pin file set, measuring tape, permanent marker, painters tape, or masking tape will work. Note: If you do not have tools the club has some that you can use for this workshop.
NEXT LEVEL TOOLS: Flex shaft or rotary (Dremel) tool and attachments, ring mandrel, rawhide mallet, ball peen hammer or similar. Used for cold forge style. Anvil or similar for hard metal surface.
MATERIALS: Basic style; Wire; sterling silver, but always buy Dead Soft wire. 22-gauge square wire - about 30“ per project. 21-gauge square half round - about 36” per project. Prong Style; 16- gauge square wire, 21 gauge half round wire. Cold forged style; 14 or even 12 gauge round wire. Stones; Best to start with oval cabochons, about 1 - 1 1/2 inches tall. Free form cabs or even rough stones can be used.

VICTOR VALLEY GEM & MINERAL CLUB PAGE 5

VICTOR VALLEY GEM & MINERAL CLUB NOVEMBER 2022

THE BULLETIN NEWSLETTER NEWS

Hello everyone! My name is Jake Brouwer, and I have decided to help get our monthly newsletter out for the VVGMC. I spent a few years with the club pre-covid times, and really enjoyed the people and the prospect of learning and educating myself in the rock s and minerals of California and especially in the Mojave Desert.
We seem to have some of the best locations, formations, flora and fauna you can find within just an hour or two from our homes.
The club has some excellent instructors to guide us through the lapidary process's, and members that have immense knowledge of the gems and minerals we can find.
I sense some wonderful things for the future of this club, which with great leadership, communication and promotion, we can make this 2022—2023 75Th Anniversary and our club, one to recognize to other gem and mineral clubs and societies.

Thanks, Jake Brouwer

California federal mineral society

CLUB/SOCIETY SHOWS ARE LISTED HERE
022 November 6, 2022 – Mason, NV Mason Valley Gem & Mineral Club 55 Bridge St., Mason NV Hours: 1 PM till over This event will be held at the VFW Hall in Mason, NV. Do not turn on Bridge St., in Yerington Contact: srheid@usa.net November 6. 2022 –
Lake Elsinore Lake Elsinore Gem & Mineral Society 32097 Corydon Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA Hours: 10-4 Contact: berylman50@aol.com Find us on Facebook.
In the next issue of Victor Valley Gem and Mineral Club’s newsletter, THE BULLETIN, will be showing the regional and national shows that are taking place in 2023.

VICTOR VALLEY GEM & MINERAL CLUB PAGE 6

Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club was founded in 1947, as a 501/C4 non profit education club. Visitors are always welcome.
Our objective and purpose is to disseminate knowledge of minerology & earth sciences. To encourage study in those subjects though various programs. To arrange field trips for exploration, study, and collection of specimens. The preparations, publication, and distribution of articles pertaining to these fields. The encouragement of interest of young people & fostering of classes in mineralogy and lapidary arts

THE BULLETIN IS THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER...
published by the Victor Valley Gem & Mineral club and is distributed free of charge electronically to the members by email. Views expressed by authors in the articles appearing in THE BULLETIN do not necessarily reflect those of the VICTOR VALLEY GEM AND MINERAL CLU.B The editor publishes content as presented with minor changes for continuity.
Articles from this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in other lapidary newsletter if proper credit is given to the author and THE BULLETIN. Articles and pictures are due by the last day of the month for the following month's issue.
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SHOP DAYS, SATURDAYS—NOON—5 PM

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS AS FOLLOWS
INSTRUCTORS MEETING- 1st TUESDAY 2:30 pm
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING -1sT TUESDAY 4:00
GENERAL MEETING -3rd Saturday 12:00 - 2:00 pm, with Pot Luck, Education, Silent auction & Raffle. Shop work resumes 2:00 -5:00 pm.
CLUB CLEAN UP DAY - 4th Saturday 9:00 am

Please
place
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MAILING LABLE

75th
ANNIVERARY
YEAR
1947-1948
2022-2023

And Ruckus photo bombed!