Pick & Shovel

PICK&SHOVEL
LincolnGem&MineralClub,Inc.Lincoln,Nebraska www.lincolngemmineralclub.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Richard Peterson, 402-489-2996 padr20@yahoo.com 1 Vice-President Aulden Stewart, 402-483-1044 mmstewart@inebraska.com 2nd Vice-President Ed Dvorak, 402-946-3041 ed20649@windstream.net Treasurer Vera Lyman, 402-464-6089 Secretary Sharon Marburger, 402-792-2348 lgmcsecretary@yahoo.com Board Member Robert Cropp, 402-465-8432 jlleick@msn.com Board Member James Marburger, 402-792-2348, jm24122@windstream.net Board Member Edward Ridge, 402-477-8469 Board Member Charles Wooldridge, 402-416-3233 charles.wooldridge@nebraska.gov
Volume 53, Issue 7 March 2011
GENERAL MEETINGS / ACTIVITIES
Regular monthly meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. at the Bethany Park Shelter House on the third Thursday of the month: Sep., Oct., Nov., Feb., Mar., Apr., and May; the second Sunday in December; and the fourth Saturday in January. Youth activities begin at 6:30 p.m. on the same dates. Summer meetings and other activities will be announced as they are planned. 2011 Meeting Dates General Board Mar 30 (Apr) Apr 21 May 4 May 19 Jun Social: to be announced Jul 10: Annual Grinding Party Aug Social: to be announced Aug 31 (Sep) Sep 15 Oct 5 Oct 20 Nov 2 Nov 17 Nov 30 (Dec) Dec 4 Pfizer-Novartis/LPS Science Fair: March 29, 2011 General Meeting March 17, 2011 7:00 p.m. Program: River Rock Challenge Pebble Pups March 17, 2011 Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Lesson: Sapphires Monthly Rock Party March 20, 2011, 6:00 p.m. Hosted by Jayne Beer & Judith Bay @ The Jewelry Connection

BOARD MEETING

Gere Library, Meeting Room 1, 6:30 p.m. April Meeting: March 30, 2011
The purpose of this corporation shall be to study, promote an interest in, and disseminate knowledge of lapidary and various Earth Sciences including but not necessarily limited to Geology, Paleontology and Mineralogy. It shall be a particular purpose of the corporation to provide education in these fields to its members and the general public, especially to youth and student groups. Volume 53, Issue 7: March 2011

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

by Richard Peterson
The Rock Party at Woolys was, as usual, an enthusiastic gathering. Howell Pabian, Rogers brother, was a welcomed guest. Jim Null, LGMC member and President of the Nebraska Mineral & Gem Club in Omaha, was also in attendance. Some people brought their own equipment; others used Woolys to work on new or ongoing lapidary projects. Sharon worked on cataloging the club library while Susy and other worked on collecting gem dig material for future club activities. The party was the ideal setting for a meeting of those interested in putting together the Roger Pabian Memorial Party. Jayne Beer, as party chairman, led the discussion. Susy would like to borrow (she will return them) photos or images of Roger which will be used in a visual celebration of life presentation. Bring any and all images of Roger to the March 17 meeting. It was decided to have a potluck supper with fried chicken, soft drinks and table service provided. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish (side, salad, or dessert) to accompany the meal. The event will be held 7-10 p.m., Saturday, April 2 at the Bethany Park Shelter House. This will be after the close of the first day of the annual show. Dress, of course, will be casual. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this celebration of Rogers life. Wooly will be the master of ceremony. See you all in April at the 53rd Annual Gem and Mineral Show.

REFRESHMENTS SCHEDULE

Mar. 17: Bar Cookies Apr. 21: Cake May 19: Cookies Ed Dvorak Robert & Judy Cropp Stella Thiessen Jayne Beer Richard Peterson Sharon Marburger

SUNSHINE

If you have any news for our SUNSHINE corner, please let the editor know. Jim Marburger had open heart triple bypass surgery on March 5, 2011. He is doing well following this emergency surgery. Wooly reports that former LGMC member, Mike Smith, had a rather severe stroke. See Wooly for more information. Connie McCartney had a stroke during the first week of March. He is recovering well.
See Vera Lyman ASAP to pay for your Dealers Breakfast pass. All breakfasts must be paid for in advance! $12 per person

Volume 53, Issue 7: March 2011

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

February 17, 2011, Bethany Park Shelter The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Richard Peterson. Twenty-three adults, four juniors, and four visitors attended. Visitors included Howell Pabian, John Dougherty, Caleb Cassel, and Spencer Trowbridge. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: The February Rock Party will be hosted by Charles Wooldridge on February 19 at 6:00 p.m. In addition to the usual food and fun, there will be a Pabian Memorial Committee meeting at 7:00 p.m. The Midwest Federation Spring Meeting will be April 30 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Delegates are needed. Jayne Beer offered to host the March Rock Party at The Jewelry Connection at 5:00 p.m. [later changed to 6:00 p.m.] on March 19. OLD BUSINESS: The minutes of the January meeting were published in the Pick & Shovel. Charles Wooldridge moved to accept the minutes as printed, second by Robert Cropp. Carried. The Treasurers report was read by Vera Lyman. John Harrison moved to accept the report, second by Ed Dvorak. Carried. Geology Day was a great success once again. There were 176 adults and 98 youth in attendance. The Science Fair is scheduled for March 29. Exhibitors must be set up by 4:00 p.m. See Al Stewart for more information. The Girl Scout Annual Event will be August 1-4, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily. Al Stewart moved that we select the time slot of Monday, August 1 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.; second by Karen Messenger. Carried. At this point, 5 or 6 members committed to attend. NEW BUSINESS: Ed Dvorak will be the 2012 Show Chairman; Richard Peterson will be 2012 Mid-Winter Rock Swap Chairman, and Charles Wooldridge asked to be 2013 Show Chairman. Ed Dvorak will fill the vacant position on the Audit Committee. Jim Marburger suggested the club put in an official bid to host the 2013 Midwest Federation Show and Convention. Vera Lyman moved that we put in an official bid, Pat Dvorak seconded. Carried. Jim Marburger will put in the bid. Andrew Tiedje was appointed to head the Facebook Account Committee. The committee is to explore the best way to create and maintain a club Facebook Account. The Omaha club has extended an invitation for LGMC to join them on a field trip to Arkansas. Alan Jeanneret is heading the trip. More details to come. SHOW REPORT: We are down to taking care of the final details of the Show. Karen Messenger reported she has nine

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Silversmithing classes
The Jewelry Connection Ltd. Indian Village Shopping Ctr. 13th & Arapahoe, Lincoln Tuesdays May 3, 2011 thru June 21, 2011 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Tuition: $100 plus $25 supply deposit Contact: Jayne Beer 402-890-3307 Judith Bay 402-423-7058 or e-mail jbeer60070@aol.com

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

LGMC Board Meeting, February 2, 2011, Gere Library The February Board meeting was called to order by President Richard Peterson. Board members present were Richard Peterson (Pete), Al Stewart, Ed Dvorak, Vera Lyman, Sharon Marburger, Jim Marburger, Ed Ridge, and Charles Wooldridge (Wooly). Club member Pat Dvorak, and UNL Museum officials Mark Harris and Matt Joeckel attended as visitors. Messrs. Harris and Joeckel reported on the progress of the joint exhibit effort between the state museum and LGMC. They have gone through the museums geological collection, trying to determine which items would be the most appropriate to bring out for display. They are considering: 1) the whole spectrum of minerals, gemstones, fossils, agates, and meteorites; 2) a four-part exhibit containing large or spectacular specimens, big galenas and calcites, sizeable crystals, and a broad range of moderately sized specimens; and 3) a rainbow made up of specimens to show off the colors of nature. They would like to have interactive displays to draw in and teach those in attendance, making it a fun experience rather than a dry and boring lecture. They are also considering earth and space mineralogy, including meteorites. They are working to get permission to display some of Roger Pabians agates, perhaps have a fluorescent display, and an anthropological display. Mr. Harris is hoping to borrow some nice displays from LGMC, especially spectacular large crystals or cathedral geodes. All items will be insured. OLD BUSINESS: Minutes of the January meeting were distributed. Wooly moved to accept the minutes as corrected, second by Ed Dvorak. Motion carried. The Treasurers report was distributed. Ed Dvorak moved to accept the report, second by Ed Ridge. Motion carried. The show preparations are coming along. Ed Dvorak reported that Art Lipens has agreed to display his amber collection. The state museum will also have a booth and display. In addition to the meeting room at the front of the room, the back meeting room has been reserved. The NAOESCI meeting is scheduled at 1:00 Sunday afternoon in the front meeting room. A committee was created to handle the off site Pabian memorial supper on Saturday night of the Show. Charles Wooldridge, Jayne Beer, Susy McMahan, and Jim Null will handle the details. NEW BUSINESS: Reminder that Geology Day is February 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pioneers Park Nature Center, Chet Ager Building. Setup is at noon. The Board accepted three new members to the club on a motion by Charles Wooldridge, second by Al Stewart. Motion carried. The new members are Judith Bay, Wendy Braden, and Mark AwakuniSwetland. Jim Marburger moved that the Board take to the rank and file the proposition to enter a bid for the 2013 MWF Show and Convention. It will be the clubs 55th anniversary show. Ed Dvorak seconded the motion which subsequently carried. Wooly previously volunteered to be Show Chairman of the 2013 Show, and it was made official by a motion from Ed Dvorak and second by Jim Marburger. Motion carried. Wooly moved to name Ed Dvorak as Show Chairman of the 2012 Show, second by Jim Marburger. Motion carried. Vera Lyman moved, and Ed Dvorak seconded, that Pete be named the 2012 Mid-Winter Swap chairman. Motion carried. Ed Dvorak was appointed to fill the empty position on the Audit Committee. The next Rock Party will be held at Woolys house on February 19 at 6:00 p.m. He will provide shrimp stir-fry. President Pete said he would like to hold a special program at the March meeting. He has a number of items found while hunting the rivers, and would like to

GENERAL MEETING MINUTESCONT.

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BOARD MEETING MINUTESCONT.

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programs scheduled. The PowerPoint projector will be needed, but the presenters should have their own computers. See Ed Ridge to request your display case or to let him know how much space you will need for your display. The Show will be dedicated to the memory of Roger Pabian. Everyone is welcome to attend the Dealers Breakfast on Sunday morning; we will be sharing Roger stories. See Vera Lyman immediately to reserve your breakfast. The meeting adjourned to program at 7:59 on a motion by Jim Marburger, second by John Harrison. Carried. Due to equipment malfunction, we were unable to view the presentation. Respectfully submitted,
challenge a panel of select members to identify the specimens. All of the specimens were officially identified by Roger Pabian at the September meeting. Pete is planning to ask Wooly, Ed Ridge, Jim Marburger and Robert Cropp to participate on the panel. Sharon Marburger is trying to finalize the AFMS All American Club Award Application. She asked if she could dedicate each All American submission, from this point forward, to those current club members who have passed during that year. Informal approval was given. The 2010 All American submission will be dedicated to the memory of Mary McCartney and Roger Pabian. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. on a motion by Jim Marburger, second by Sharon Marburger. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Marburger

Next months program will be a panel of experts trying to identify several specimens provided by President Pete. It should be a fun and interesting endeavor.
Would you like to have some hobby fun? Consider hosting a monthly Rock Party. It doesnt matter where you hold it. All you have to do is set the date and time, provide place settings for the potluck, and have areas to work in and chairs or floor to sit on. April and May parties are available at this time. Let a Board Member know if you are interested in hosting.
J J & L Rocks & Minerals
P.O. Box 68 Hickman, NE 68372 John Harrison Lee Harrison 402.792.Locust Hickman, NE 68372 James Marburger Sharon Marburger 402.792.2348

JJ &L Proudly serving the hobby for 35 years
jimandjohn@jjlrocksandminerals.com www.jjlrocksandminerals.com jjlrocksmin - Ebay Username

PETES NOTES

By Richard Peterson
The year 1977 was pivotal for rock collectors. That is when Congress passed the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (commonly called the MINE Act). As a result, mandates were formulated that affected all mining and mineral processing operations, regardless of size, number of employees, commodity mined, or method of extraction. The origins of the U.S. Department of Labors Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA), which oversees all mining operations, however, go back to 1891 when Congress passed the first federal statute governing mine safety. Although all mine safety was included, coal mines were the primary focus. Standards were set for underground mine ventilation and for the prohibition of employing children under 12 years of age. Presumably it was still legal to hire 12 year olds. In 1910, Congress established the Bureau of Mines as a new agency of the Department of Interior. Other regulations came into effect in 1952 with the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act. This provided for annual inspections of certain mines and the assessment of civil penalties against the operators. It wasnt until 1966 that the first federal statute regulating non-coal mines appeared with the passage of the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act. Although standards were set, enforcement authority was minimal. The Coal Mine Safety and Health Act (COAL Act) was passed in 1969. This legislation increased federal enforcement powers. The above mentioned MINE Act (1977) provided the base for todays MSHA activities. The Act consolidated all federal health and safety regulations of the mining industry, coal as well as non-coal mining, under a single statutory scheme. The MINE Act transferred responsibility for the mandates to the Department of Labor, thus creating MSHA. In 2006, the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act) addressed mine rescue teams and sealing abandoned areas. The Act provides authority for enhanced penalties for noncompliance by mine owners and operators. The focus in the U.S. and in other countries has been an effort to reduce mine accidents and improve worker safety.
Although these regulations directly affect rockhounds, the trend since World War II has been increased efforts to oversee a wide range of human health and safety issues. Some of these have been clean air standards (industrial and automobile emission, etc.), transportation (seat belts, drunk driving, etc.), consumer protection (foods, drugs, tobacco, etc.), and other areas in the national interest. Nebraska has over 200 mines which extract sand and gravel, uranium, surface and underground limestone, clay and cement. The uranium mine is located in the northwest part of the state while the limestone, cement and clay operations are located in eastern Nebraska. Sand and gravel operations include dry and wet processing. All miners are required to have initial, as well as annual, training. Contractor personnel are required to have training if they are engaged in mining operations, including developing, drilling, blasting, extracting, milling, crushing, screening or sizing materials, or hauling material within the mine. Others needing training are maintenance personnel, service workers, and construction personnel working on mine equipment. For more information, contact the University of Nebraska at Kearney, www.unk.edu to learn more of the Nebraska Mine Safety Program. HELPFUL TIP: In January we talked about labeling specimens stored in enclosed compartmentalized boxes. But how about specimens you want to place in a display area, like a book shelf, end table, or mantle? For this type of display, I securely attach a number to the specimen. Choose a place on the specimen where the number will not show when displayed (i.e., on the bottom or back of the specimen), and in a place that will not wear when sitting on the display surface. I look for a depression to stick the label, which reduces wear on the label when the specimen is handled. In a notebook, the number should be entered followed by the name of the specimen, date, locality, collectors name, and any additional information about the specimen. To be continued. AND THE WORD IS.? What is REALGAR. The name of this months mineral is derived from a Greek word for antimony. It was used as a cosmetic preparation by the ancients. It is the most important ore of antimony.

PEBBLE PUPS

Hello Pups! This may be the last time I greet you this way. It was suggested that the club youth might be offended at being called Pebble Pups, so our group was given the opportunity to think up a new name for LGMCs youth section. Two suggestions were Rock Rulers and Mineral Monkeys. The group was urged to think about it until next meeting. I believe you will select your new youth group name at the next meeting. Make sure you attend if you want to have a say in your new name! Remember, Pups, this name will be yours for a long time, so let it be a good one! Mrs. Thiessen will have a lesson on sapphires at the March meeting. I have put together a puzzle of words associated with sapphires, and some locations where they are found. Happy hunting! ALUMINUM OXIDE AUSTRALIA CONCHOIDAL CORUNDUM CRYSTAL GEMSTONE MADAGASCAR MONTANA NINE NO CLEAVAGE RAINBOW COLORS RUBY SEMICONDUCTOR SEPTEMBER SIX RAY STAR Puzzle manually created by Sharon Marburger.
Rainbow colors of sapphires
SPLINTERY STAR THAILAND TRIGONAL
E D I X O M U N I M U L A N
W P M E U O D Y B U R H O O J
U N S C R N R C O D A O D C G
Y A E T M T A X R A T S P L T
R E M I U A I W P A S P R E P
E N I N D N N Y C R Y S T A L
T R C C N A B O V A A V R V R
N T O T U X O D R D R R V A E
I H N I R W W P O S X A M G B
L A D I O H C N O C I R C E M
P I U N C E O V T H S E X D E
S L C M A I L A R T S U A P T
R A T L E N O T S M E G Y R P
T N O J T T R I G O N A L V E
D D R R A C S A G A D A M R S
Pictures courtesy of allaboutgemstones.com

FEBRUARY ROCK PARTY

See report in this months Presidents Message.

ON THE HUNT

by Sharon Marburger
As work progresses on the Club Library, the list of missing magazine issues will be updated. For now, be on the lookout for the following issues of Lapidary Journal: 1960 - February 1968 - April 1969 - April 1978 - March 2002 - May, June 2006 - April
If you spot any of these issues, please purchase them and let Wooly, Vera Lyman, or Sharon Marburger know. Thanks to Ed Ridge for supplying three of the missing issues (now removed from list).

2011 ALL AMERICAN

Many, many thanks to Pat Dvorak for submitting an article and pictures for a presentation given to school children. She delivered the information on the same day she did the presentation!!
Photos courtesy of Sharon Marburger.

Susy McMahan asks that you bring to the meeting tumbling chips to use as salting material for the Pfizer-Novartis/LPS Science Fair which will be held on March 29. Your help is greatly appreciated!
As Pat can attest, it is much easier to supply to Sharon Marburger the information for the next All American Club Award Application as the events happen. If you do any presentations, programs, take pictures at club events, or anything else to benefit the club, please provide copies to Sharon to include in the application. Additionally, the application can be compiled as we go through the year, rather than waiting until the last minute. Not to mention you will receive Sharons undying appreciation!

LINCOLN CURIOS ROCK SHOP

6625 Burlington - Lincoln, NE 68507 [Park in alley] (402) 310-3307
SPECIALIZING IN ARIZONA PETRIFIED WOOD
Rough stones and fossils for the hobbyist Polished stone items for interior dcor Great selection of tumble-polished stones Natural petrified wood for landscaping Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
STANDING COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN
Audit John Harrison James Marburger Ed Dvorak Edward Ridge Charles Wooldridge Judy Cropp James Marburger Aulden Stewart Aulden Stewart Sharon Marburger Richard Peterson Edward Ridge Vera Lyman Richard Peterson James Marburger Mary Pittard Vera Lyman Ed Dvorak Richard Peterson Jim Atkins Stella Thiessen Vera Lyman Kay Jurgens
ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTION, AND MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Advertising by rock / hobby business or interest is permitted with the approval of the Board of Directors. Contact the Editor with your proposed ad. The rate is set at $20.00 per full page; $10.00 per 1/2 page; $5.00 per 1/4 page (minimum) per issue, paid in advance to the Club treasurer. Ads will be placed throughout the newsletter as space permits. Subscription to the Pick & Shovel is $15.00 per year for mailed copy. Membership dues for the Lincoln Gem & Mineral Club are as follows: Adults (age 16 and over) - $15 per year or $25 per couple (within the same household) Juniors - $2 per year (with a responsible adult) All new memberships must be accompanied by a written application. Prospective members must gain Board approval and attend one regular meeting before being approved for membership.

Christmas Party Education / Librarian Field Trips Geology Day Coordinator Grinding Party Historian Legislative Liaison Membership Record MWF Liaison Programs Property Refreshments / Door Prizes Scholarship Show2011 Swap2011 Website Youth Activities
LONG RANGE PLANNING & BY-LAWS COMMITTEE
E W U 1 year 2 years 3 years Edward Ridge Robert Cropp Charles Wooldridge Sharon Marburger Vera Lyman John Harrison D P I M X E O U M O U D N Y I B M U U R A O N O N S C N R C O D A D C
Answers to Pebble Pups puzzle Y R E E M T I I T C N T T U I L P I S R T D

A E N R N C

H A I I

L A N D

O N D U C T O R N M L I J R R O C A E T A
R M U D N T A N A A R T S I P N B C V X W Y O

X W H E D R R R

N T C I A

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

3 years 2 years 1 year Brad Nielsen Roger Pittard Robert Cropp Judy Cropp Vera Lyman Edward Ridge
O W C O L O R S P N V A T O O T R S X I S S S G G E N D

A A R A D S Y A P S V

C H T M O A
A R E U G A A G E D P B M E T R V R P E S

P R T R L R

V M C X A Y L M E

L E A V A

N J G T P Volume 53, Issue 7: March 2011
The PICK & SHOVEL is the official publication of the Lincoln Gem & Mineral Club, Inc., Lincoln, Nebraska. Articles and items appearing within may be reproduced in other club bulletins, provided proper credit is given to the PICK & SHOVEL and the author, and that a reprint of the article is sent to the editor of the PICK & SHOVEL. Your PICK & SHOVEL staff: Publisher: Lincoln Gem & Mineral Club, Inc., P.O. Box 5342, Lincoln, Nebraska 68505-0342 Editor: Sharon Marburger, P.O. Box 64, Hickman, Nebraska 68372, E-mail: lgmcsecretary@yahoo.com Circulation: Vera Lyman, 402-464-6089 Reporters: All members are encouraged to submit articles, poetry, or drawings.
A special thanks to this months contributors:
Jayne Beer, Ed Dvorak, Vera Lyman, Susy McMahan, Richard Peterson, and Charles Wooldridge.
Or e-mail newsletters to: lgmcsecretary@yahoo.com Lincoln Gem & Mineral Club, Inc. P.O. Box 5342 Lincoln, NE 68505-0342 Mail Exchange Newsletters to: