THE AMMONITE

Newsletter of the Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Society – July 2012

FROM THE PRESIDENT, by Ellen Tilley

It is not news to all of you that worked so hard to make our show a success, that the 2012 show was a better arrangement of venue. I thank you for your work. Last year we did make a little money. This year we did not.

There were some very rough spots in 2012 and I will not put in print what was said in a loud offensive, foul manner in the presence of several venders. We as members of WDG&MS are ambassadors of our club, and the hobby that we treasure. Many of us that have been here for a long time have done the best we could to represent our club in a way that is honorable, but some words and phrases are not honorable or necessary.

We will be looking at several options. We will not vote on any venue or other business in August, but there will be some decisions to be made.

See you on July 13th at 6:30.

Ellen D. Tilley

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Treasurer’s Report for June 2012

Hazel reported $9792 on hand with $977 deposited. $777 was paid in advertising with a balance of $10,189.88

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Secretaries Notes,

JUNE 8, MEETING MINUTES: ANNETTE RATHERT, SECRETARY

Meeting was called to order by President Ellen Tilley at 7:45. There were 23 members and 2 guests.

New members: Delbert and Shirley Stover.

Program: Reviewing the plans for the show next weekend.

Show: Thursday: at 1 PM, some members will report to set up tables, so we can progress faster on Friday.

Jan Goheen is in charge of the information desk. See her for signing up to work at the information desk.

Silent Auction: No one is in charge of the silent auction, so members need to step up and help as needed. Need some more to sign up for shifts. Contracts, seller list, cards are available. Deb R.

explained how the auction worked and what items were acceptable. “Not a flea market” Jim Osborn said.

Security: Sharon and Lud Bertsch will again serve as security overnight.

Vendors: Eleven or more, as some have inquired about being vendors.

Floor Arrangement: Paula showed a map of the Event Center with changes from last year, offering more light, which was a concern.

Cases: Jan Baumeister has a committee to help set up/assign cases. Case forms were available.

Mark Anderson’s family will be contacted so a case may commemorate him. Don Rathert’s case will be prepared by Annette Rathert.

Friday: Members are to report at 8 AM.

Field Trip: Monday , with $1.00 fee for non-members to cover insurance.

Kids: There will be 20-40 children Saturday from the Kyle School, Gene reported. Ellen reported on the Kid’s Corner where she will have the sand box, egg cartons, (needs more), a matching game for learning to recognize rocks. She will repeat this in Sept. at a camp for about 100.

Demonstrations: There are several scheduled.

School of Mines: Students will be available to identify rocks.

Publicity: Flyers have been distributed to towns and areas where the public will see them. Advertising will be on KIM Country radio. Cards are available offering two admissions for the price of one.

Cliff Nelson: Has a book on the baby fossil he found, has sold 18 in two weeks, and will have at the show.

Meetings: Ellen suggested leaving time/day as is for now until after the show. Jan Baumeister moved and Annette Rathert seconded this. Gene Williams objected, preferring that we made the decision now. A vote was taken and the above motion was withdrawn.

MOTION TO ADJOURN: Made by Rita Hanson, and second by Gene Williams.

Mills Wins Gem Show Grand Prize

The Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Club held its 32nd annual show June 16th and 17th. The grand prize, a deep-purple, 12” Amethyst specimen, was won by Jill Mills. Best of show was awarded to Dave Ross for his showcase of Fairburn Agates.

Courtesy of Jan Goheen

Regarding Receiving the Ammonite

If you didn't receive an Ammonite last month, it was probably due to one of two reasons: first, I do not have an up-to-date email address for you, or second, I have not received a list of those who get the Ammonite by mail. To rectify this, I've asked Ellen to pass around a sign-up sheet at the July meeting. If you are unable to attend this meeting, you may either email me at , or send your name and address to P.O. Box 1123 Rapid City, SD 57709. If any of you are aware of a member who isn't getting the Ammonite, please pass this information on to them. In the meantime, the Ammonite may be downloaded from the club's web site: www.wdgms.org. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Submissions for the Ammonite

Anyone wishing to submit articles, stories, poems, or other items to be published in the Ammonite, please send them to one of the above addresses. Deadline for submissions is the 25th of each month. I am extremely busy due to work and school, and I apologize, but I don't have time to search for material myself. Therefore, your help will be greatly appreciated by all. Just remember to provide your source, if it is someone other than yourself. Thank you!

Photos of 2012 Show courtesy Annette Rathert

FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST / ********** / *************** / Summer Picnic
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER / ************ / *************** / Holiday Dinner

Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Society 2009-2010 Officers and Chairpersons (area code 605)

President: Ellen T. 21653 Piedmont Meadow Road, Piedmont, SD 57769…….. 787-4659

Vice President: Mike J. 5884 Legacy Lane, Rapid City, SD 57703………..……….. 605- 685-4847

Secretary: Annette R., 2701 Mystic Mt. Rd., Rapid City, SD 57702...... 348-8948

Treasurer: Hazel W. 3205 Crane Drive., Rapid City, SD 57703……………. 431-5491

BRC SD Rep: Martin O., 245 E. St. Charles St, Rapid City, SD 57701……………… 721-7770

BHRMUC Rep: Ellen T., 21653 Piedmont Meadows Rd., Piedmont, SD 57769………. 787-4659

RMFS SD Dir.: Jan B. 3901 Hall Street Rapid City SD 57702……………..…………. 342-5517

Field Trip Chairs: Gene W 3205 Crane Drive Rapid City, SD 57703………………….. 431-5492

1 yr. Board Member: Dale J. 14974 Back Country Trail, Rapid City, SD 57703……………. 393-2011

2 yr. Board Member: Mickey S. 201 Patton St., Rapid City, SD 57701…………………….. 791-1953

3 yr. Board Member: Stan H. 533 Enchantment Road, Rapid City, SD 57701………………. 484-1591

Newsletter Editor: Steven E. P.O. Box 1123 Rapid City, SD 57709 …………...... 431-5491

Historian Annette R., 2701 Mystic Mt. Rd., Rapid City, SD 57702………………. 348-8948

Librarian: Calvin L. 714 Halley Ave. Apt. 2 Rapid City, SD 57709……… 430-1772

Webmaster: Steven E., P.O. Box 1123, Rapid City, SD 57709……………..………. 791-2473

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Remember we have a new club address. This is to be used for all correspondence.

Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Society

PO Box 3620, Rapid City, SD 57709-3620

Meetings: Second Friday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Canyon Lake Senior Citizens Center

2900 Canyon Lake Drive, Rapid City 57702

Dues: Family - $15, Single - $10, Payable by cash, check, or money order. Senior Citizens - free (does not include bulletin)

The purpose of our club is to promote interest and education in geology, mineralogy, paleontology, archaeology, and lapidary, to sponsor and provide means of coordination the work efforts of groups and individuals interested

in these science fields.

Let Steven know items you would like placed in the Ammonite. This is the best way for our club to work as a team and communicate clearly. Phone: 791-2473.

THE AMMONITE

Official Publication of the

Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Society

Editor: Steve Evans

P.O. Box 1123

Rapid City, SD 57709

Affiliated with AFMS and RMFMS

Club Mailing Address:

Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Society

PO Box 3620

Rapid City, SD 57709-3620

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Material in this newsletter may be used if proper credit is given.

Material for this newsletter must be given to the editor by the 25th of the month preceding that issue.

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