Friday, April 23, 2010

Visit Your Local Gem Show This Weekend!


23--WICHITA, KANSAS: Show; 57th annual show; Wichita Gem & Mineral Society; Cessna Activity Center, 2744 George Washington Blvd.; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children $1; annual Rocky Mountain Federation meeting; contact Gene Maggard, 8318 S.E. Hwy. 77, Leon, KS 67074-9026, (316)742-3746

23-25--DECATUR, ILLINOIS: 58th annual show; Central Illinois Gem & Mineral Club; Macon County Fair Grounds, 3700 N. Westlawn Ave.; Fri. 11-6, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-4; adults $5 (good all three days), seniors $2, kids under 15 free; dealers, demonstrators, displays, Illinois DNR Oil & Gas Trailer, gemstones, fossils, jewelry, beads, minerals, findings, door prizes, kids' corner, "Running Water Sluice"; contact Tony Kapta, (309) 830-6516; e-mail: cigmc@comcast.net

23-25--GRANTS PASS, OREGON: Show; Rogue Gem & Geology Club; Josephine County Fairgrounds, Redwood Hwy.; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; adults $1, children free; dealers, displays, demonstrations, door prizes, games, silent auction; contact Mary, P.O. Box 1224, Grants Pass, OR 97528, (541) 479-1045; e-mail: rockhoundclub@yahoo.com; Web site: www.roguegemandgeology.com

23-25--IRVINE, KENTUCKY: Show, "3rd annual Mountain Mushroom Festival Rock, Gem & Mineral Show"; City of Irvine, Mushroom Festival Committee, Blue Grass Gem & Mineral Club; Estill County School's Central Office, 253 Main St.; Fri. 9-3, Sat. 9-7, Sun. 10-5; free admission; Kentucky agate display, Kentucky agate, jewelry, fossil and mineral sales, Kentucky agate field trips Apr. 20-22, register online; contact Phil Daly, 10330 Forkland Rd., Parksville, KY 40464, (859) 854-0418; e-mail: phillipdaly@bellsouth.net; Web site: http://mountainmushroomfestival.org/

23-25--LINCOLNTON, GEORGIA: Graves Mountain Rock Swap and Dig; Junior Norman; Graves Mountain Mine; Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 8-6; admission by donation; collect from 8 am to 6 pm each day, sell and trade minerals; contact Junior Norman, (706) 401-3173; e-mail: rick@wncrocks.com; Web site: www.wncrocks.com/resources/Collecting%20sites.htm

23-25--SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Show, "Festival of Gems"; Wasatch Gem Society; Utah State Fair Park, 115 North 10th West, Zion Bldg.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, children free; displays, lapidary demonstrations, grab bags, Wheel of Fortune, silent auction, door prizes, gem and mineral dealers; contact Jeff Huefner, (801) 467-6850; e-mail: WGSShow@gmail.com; Web site: wasatchgemsociety.com

24-25--CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO: Show, "Gemboree"; Akron Mineral Society & Summit Lapidary Club; Emidio & Sons Expo Center, 48 E. Bath Rd.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-6; adults $5, students and seniors $4, children $1; lapidary demonstrations, art and educational displays, gem identification, geode cracking, gem mine, make-and-take projects for children, dealers, door prizes, silent auction; contact Evelyn Tryon, 2028 Tallmadge Rd., Kent, OH 44240, (330) 673-9664; e-mail: etjrtryon@juno.com; Web site: www.LapidaryClubofOhio.org

24-25--ELMA, WASHINGTON: Show, "Earth's Treasures"; Grays Harbor Gem & Geology Society; Gray's Harbor County Fairgrounds, 32 Elma-McCleary Rd.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; contact Gary Emberly, 624 Fairmont Place, Aberdeen, WA 98520, (360) 533-6196; e-mail: Melissa624@hotmail.com

24-25--FORT DODGE, IOWA: Annual show; River Valley Rockhounds; Webster County Fairgrounds, Old Hwy. 169; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-4; admission $1; displays, dealers, door prizes, free specimens for children; contact Robert Wolf, 3521 10th Ave. N, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, (515) 955-2818; e-mail: midnightwriter@frontiernet.net

24-25--FRANKLIN, NEW JERSEY: 38th annual show and swap; Franklin-Ogdensburg Earth Science Association, New Jersey Earth Science Association, Sterling Hill Mining Museum; Franklin School, 50 Washington Ave.; Sat. 9-5:30, Sun. 9-5; adults $5, children under 14 free with paying adult; contact Sterling Hill Mining Museum, (973) 209-7212

24-25--JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: Show and sale; Mobile Rock & Mineral Society, The Mississippi Gulf Coast Gem & Mineral Society, Nature's Society of Majestic Arts; Mississippi Fairgrounds, Trademark Bldg.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; gems, minerals, fossils, beads, crystals, rough and cut stones, finished jewelry, tools and lapidary supplies, fossils, minerals, stone vases and carvings, loose precious stones, mobile gem mining, gold mining, pearls, knapping, faceting, jewelry repairs; contact Sharon McClanahan or Stan Bennett, (601) 898-0407; e-mail: stan@tompkinsbarron.com

24-25--MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: 32nd Memphis Mineral, Fossil, Jewelry Show; Memphis Archaeological & Geological Society; Memphis International Agricenter, Expo Center, West Pavilion, A and B wings, 7777 Walnut Grove Rd.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children 12 and under $2, Scouts free; dealers, exhibits, kids' area, speakers; contact W.C. McDaniel, (901) 274-7706; e-mail: info@theearthwideopen.com; Web site: www.TheEarthWideOpen.com

24-25--NEWBURY PARK, CALIFORNIA: 36th annual show, "Pageant of a Thousand Gems"; Conejo Gem & Mineral Club; Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Rd., at Borchard Rd.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4:30; free admission; exhibits, sales, gems, jewelry, rocks, minerals, fossils, special youth activities, lapidary and jewelry making demonstrations, silent auction, door prizes; contact Robert Sankovich, (805) 494-7734; e-mail: rmsorca@adelphia.net; Web site: www.cgamc.org

24-25--ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA: Show; Anoka County Gem & Mineral Club; Har Mar Mall, 2100 Snelling Ave.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5; free admission; gems, minerals, jewelry, fossils, agates, collectibles; contact Martha Miss, 8445 Grange Blvd., Cottage Grove, MN 55016; e-mail: rockbiz@cs.com

24-25--SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA: Annual show; Santa Cruz Gem & Mineral Society; Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, corner of Church St. and Center St.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $6, children under 12 free; fluorescent room, treasure wheel, exhibits; contact Dean Welder, P.O. Box 343, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; e-mail: wdeanwelder@yahoo.com; Web site: www.scmgs.org

24-25--TROY, OHIO: Show, "Minerals, Meteorites and More"; Brukner Center Gem & Mineral Club; Miami County Fairgrounds, Activities Bldg.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $1, small children free; mineral identification, specimens, gems, jewelry, rough stone, demonstrations, displays, silent auction, dealers, raffles, free rock for children, children's activities; contact Tom Dilworth, (937) 602-1929

24-25--WACO, TEXAS: 50th annual show; Waco Gem & Mineral Club; TSTC Industrial Trade Center; Sat. 10-5:30, Sun. 10-5; adults $5 (both days), students $1; contact Kay Coleman, 118 County Rd. 540, Fairfield, TX 75840, (903) 389-8311

25--WATERLOO, IOWA: Show, "The Lapidary Arts: Nature's Beauty Revealed"; Black Hawk Gem & Mineral Society; Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial St.; Sun. 12-5; free admission; demonstrations, silversmithing, gem cutting, rock tumbling, sphere making, faceting, silent auction, special displays, dealers, crystals, agates, geodes, fossils, handcrafted jewelry, minerals, fossil plaster casting, Featured Person: Dr. Lee Potter; contact Dave Malm, (319) 266-6433; e-mail: glenr@forbin.net

Friday, April 16, 2010

2010 AFMS/CFMS Show and Convention

The North Orange County Gem and Mineral Society is looking forward to hosting the AFMS and CFMS visitors...
















Thursday, April 15, 2010

Visit Your Local Gem Show This Weekend!


16-18--ALPINE, TEXAS: Show, "Wonders from our desert and beyond"; Chihuahuan Desert Gem & Mineral Club; Kokernot Lodge, Rte. 223 bypass; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 11-5; free admission; Kids' Corner, door prize, dealer demonstrations, video "What's Hot in Tucson"; contact Mary Brogan, P.O. Box 1111, Alpine, TX 79831, (432) 837-3824; e-mail: marybrogan@rocketmail.com; Web site: www.agates123.com/cdgmc/

16-18--RICKREALL, OREGON: Show, "Rocks of Oregon"; Willamette Agate & Mineral Society of Salem; Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S. Pacific Hwy. W; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4:30; contact Kristi Edwards, 1236 SE Seaport Circle, Corvallis, OR 97333, (541) 738-6811; e-mail: edwardskk@gmail.com

16-18--ROSEVILLE, MICHIGAN: Annual show; Mount Clemens Macomb Gem & Lapidary Society; Roseville Recreation Center, 18185 Sycamore; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 11-4; adults $3, students $1, children under 12 free; contact Jacqueline Swain, 20719 Wendy Ln., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, (313) 469-7868; e-mail: jacswain018@aol.com

16-18--SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA: Show, "The Art of Stone"; Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society; 344 Tully Rd.; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $6, children under 12 free; dinosaur speaker, antique appraiser, kids' education program, demonstrators, flint knapping, fluorescent minerals, dealers, displays; contact Marc Mullaney, (408) 691-1584; e-mail: geologistm@aol.com; Web site: scvgms.org

17--NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: Annual swap; Central Arkansas Gem, Mineral & Geology Society; Burns Park, Elder Johnson Pavilion, I-49 Exit 150, Military Dr.; Sat. 8-5; free admission; bring your own table or tailgate; contact Pat Kissire, 4900 Sparks Rd., Little Rock, AR 72210, (501) 821-2346; e-mail: pkissire@sbcglobal.net; Web site: www.centralarrockhound.org

17-18--COLUMBUS, OHIO: Show, "Central Ohio Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show"; Columbus Rock & Mineral Society, Licking County Rock & Mineral Society; Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 11-5; adults $7, seniors $6, ages 6-16 $3, children under 6 and Scouts free; exhibits, speakers, demonstrators, ID booth, silent auctions, swap area, 27 dealers; contact Ken Harsh, 297 E. Selby Blvd., Worthington, OH 43085; e-mail: karmakenha@aol.com

17-18--DAVENPORT, IOWA: Spring show; Black Hawk Gem & Mineral Club; Putnam Museum and IMAX Theatre, 1717 W. 12th St.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; free admission; rocks, minerals, fossils, agates, geodes, tumbled stones, carved stone, beads, silver and beaded jewelry, spheres, arrowheads, demonstrations, bead making, faceting, flint knapping, arrowhead making; contact Craig or Kellie Moore, 718 Franklin Ave., Davenport, IA 52806, (563) 445-3034; e-mail: blackhawkgemandmineral@q.com; Web site: www.blackhawkgemandmineralclub.com

17-18--DOTHAN, ALABAMA: 3rd annual show; Dothan Gem & Mineral Club; Westgate Park James Grant Center, 501 Recreation Rd.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4; free admission; door prizes, silent auction, jewelry, minerals, cutting rough, slabs, gem trees, tumbled stones, mineral displays, equipment demonstrations; contact Arnie Lambert, 920 Yorktown Rd., Dothan, AL 36301, (334) 792-7116; e-mail: arlambert@comcast.net

17-18--EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN: 47th annual show; Chippewa Valley Gem & Mineral Society; Eau Claire County Expo Center, Lorch Ave. (Hwy 93 and I-94); Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4; silent auction, minerals, fossils, crystals, gems, rocks, artifacts, jewelry, demonstrations, hands-on booth; contact Mike Schoenfess, (715) 456-0664

17-18--HELENA, MONTANA: 62nd annual show; Helena Mineral Society; Helena Civic Center, corner of Neill Ave. and Park Ave.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $1, children 12 and under free with adult; more than 20 dealers, mineral specimens, equipment, jewelry, faceted gems, facet rough, fossils, beads, cabbing rough, fluorescent display, 20 display cases, children's garnet hunt, ball toss, grab bags, silent auction; contact Gary Parisi, P.O. Box 736, Helena, MT 59624, (406) 442-1226; e-mail: gjparisi72@yahoo.com; Web site: helenamineralsociety.org

17-18--IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO: 45th annual show; Idaho Falls Gem & Mineral Society; Idaho Falls Recreation Center, B St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, children under 12 free; contact Greg Hayes, (208) 521-8885

17-18--KENNEWICK, WASHINGTON: Annual show; Lakeside Gem & Mineral Club; Benton County Fairgrounds, 1500 S. Oak; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; contact Mickee Madden, (509) 582-8599; e-mail: Mickeemadden@charter.net

17-18--PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: Show; Monongahela Rockhounds; West Mifflin Volunteer Fire Co. #4 Skyview Hall, 640 Noble Dr.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; free admission; contact Bret Howard, (724) 327-8618; e-mail: show@monongahelarockhounds.org; Web site: www.monongahelarockhounds.org

17-18--YAKIMA, WASHINGTON: 49th annual show, "Parade of Gems"; Yakima Rock & Mineral Club; Central Washington State Fairgrounds, Modern Living Bldg., Fair Ave. and E. Nob Hill Blvd.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; dealers, demonstrations, gold panning, silent auction, junior activities, grab bags, door prizes, raffle, Spin A Wheel; contact Marti Sondgeroth, (509) 248-6401 or (509) 910-3484; e-mail: marthams@q.net

Photo courtesy of Different Seasons Jewelry http://differentseasonsjewelry.com/

Saturday, April 10, 2010

ALAA Event Just Added!!!


We are proud and excited to say that planning and staging is coming together for the AFMS and CFMS Convention and Show in Southern California:

June 18-20 2010

AFMS/CFMS Show & Convention

hosted by North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society

Convention host hotel:
Anaheim Park Hotel
222 W. Houston Ave.,
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 992-1700
Toll Free (877) 491-1011

Gem Show Site:
So. CA Univ. of Health Sciences
16200 E. Amber Valley Dr.
Whittier, CA 90604
Hours: 10-5 daily


If you, like me are concerned about the closure of collecting sites then this announcement is for you!

...an exciting addition to the Convention Schedule is the ALAA Roundtable - Guests are Welcome:

ALAA (American Lands Access Assn.) is an arm of the AFMS. It was formed as a 501-C-4 which enables us to lobby. This is done to keep our collecting sites open and the roads to them. California's collecting sites are under siege by many government entities as well as special interests. We are hoping to have all the clubs in California and beyond become members of ALAA and help us maintain our collecting sites.

Our meeting on Sunday, June 20, 11:30 at the host hotel will have as our featured speaker Del Albright, of the Blue Ribbon Coalition. This organization represents over 600,000 members/motorized clubs throughout the U.S. They have taken the government to court on a number of occasions when negotiations failed to keep roads open. We believe we have a common goal, they keep the roads open to our collecting sites. It's a win win situation.

Join us, we need you!

Shirley Leeson
ALAA Vice President

Friday, April 9, 2010

Find a Local Club Gem Show This Weekend!













9-11--ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA: Show; Ag-Rec Bldg., CFV Fairgrounds, 32470 Haida Dr.; Fri. 10-8, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-6; adults $6, students (6-17) $2, children under 6 free with adult; more than 35 dealers, beads, crystals, minerals, gifts, lapidary supplies, club displays, demonstrations, grab bags, children's creative workshop, gold panning, door prizes; contact Jennifer Moore, (604) 328-9766; e-mail: jenmac02@telus.net

9-11--ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO: 41st annual show, "Treasures of the Earth"; Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club; Creative Arts Center, New Mexico State Fairgrounds (Expo NM), San Pedro entrance, across the street from the Lujan Bldg.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $1 Fri., $3 Sat. and Sun., children under 13 free; more than 40 dealers, displays, door prizes, kids' booth, silent auctions, faceting demonstrations, gold panning, gem setting, free mineral/gem identification; contact Paul Hlava, (505) 255-5478; e-mail: hpf5@qwest.net

9-11--OGDEN, UTAH: 59th annual show, "2010 Gemstone Junction"; Golden Spike Gem & Mineral Society; Golden Spike Event Center, Weber County Fairgrounds, 1000 N 1200 W; adults $2, students $1.50, children under 12 free with adult; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; more than 25 dealers, more than 30 display cases, geodes, faceted stones, dinosaur bones, fossils, minerals, beads, jewelry, healing stones and crystals, petrified wood, lapidary tools and equipment, demonstrations, rock bags, Wheel of Fortune, door prizes, silent auction; contact Cindy Aeschlimann, P.O. Box 12835, Ogden, UT 84412-2835, (801) 648-5060; e-mail: club@goldenspikegem.org; Web site: www.goldenspikegem.org

10-11--ABILENE, TEXAS: Show; Central Texas Gem & Mineral Society; Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th St.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children $3; vendors, rock, fossils, tools, gems, sand art, wheel of fortune, raffles, club member demonstrations, geode cracking; contact Betty Scarborough, 422 CR 606, Tuscola, TX 79562, (325) 668-2374; e-mail: waltswife1029@yahoo.com; Web site: www.txol.net/rockclub

10-11--BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON: 49th show; Mt. Baker Rock & Gem Club; Bloedel-Donovan Park, 2214 Electric Ave.; free admission; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; rocks, fossils, gems, jewelry, dealers, door prizes, club sales, silent auction, raffle, demonstrations, exhibits, special kids' activities; contact Candi Gerard, (360) 384-3187

10-11--CANTON, ILLINOIS: 50th annual show; Fulton County Rockhounders; Wallace Park; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; free admission; contact Steven Holley, (309) 231-8861; e-mail: ilfossil@hotmail.com; or George Coursey, (309) 368-2947; e-mail: courseyfarms@hughes.net

10-11--DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS: 45th annual show; Des Plaines Valley Geological Society; Des Plaines Park District Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St. (just west of River Rd. off Touhy); Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $3, students $1 with school ID, seniors $2, children under 12 free with adult; educational exhibits, live demonstrations, kids' room, silent auction, dealers, raffles, door prizes; contact Lois Zima or Jeanine Mielecki; (847) 298-4653; e-mail: jaynine9@aol.com; Web site: www.desplainesgeologyclub.org

10-11--GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN: Show, "Green Bay is Rockin' on the Fox"; Green Bay Neville Public Museum Geology Club; Neville Public Museum, 210 Museum Pl., downtown; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $2, children under 14 free; 14 dealers, fossils, minerals, gemstones, jewelry, free polished stones for children, grab bags, working and special exhibits, wire wrapping demonstrations; contact Randy Westberg, 1815 E. Shore Dr., Green Bay, WI 54302, (920) 619-6060; e-mail: randy.westberg@rhccgb.com

10-11--GRESHAM, OREGON: Show; Mount Hood Rock Club; Mount Hood Community College Gym, 26000 SE Stark (south end of the campus); Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Keene Clay, (503) 558-8500; e-mail; ODROC@comcast.net

10-11--JOHNSON CITY, NEW YORK: 41st annual show; New York Southern Tier Geology Club; Johnson City Senior Citizen Center, 30 Brocton St.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-4; adults $3, kids under 12 free; dealers, silent auctions; contact Al Conklin, 187 Forest Hill Rd., Apalachin, NY 13732, (607) 625-4140; e-mail: allanconklin@aol.com

10-11--KINGMAN, ARIZONA: Show, "Gems of Arizona"; Mohave County Gemstoners; Kingman Academy of Learning High School, 3420 N. Burbank St.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; free admission; demonstrations (obsidian knapping, faceting, wire wrapping), mineral displays, silent auction, dealers, cash raffle, hourly door prizes, children's activities; contact Nan Russell, (928) 846-0927, or Donna Robinson, 3202 E. Leroy Ave., Kingman, AZ 86409, (928) 263-1480; e-mail: gemstoners@live.com; Web site: www.gemstoners.org

10-11--LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA: Show; Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Club; Lancaster High School, 44701 32nd St. W, between Lancaster Blvd. and Ave. J; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; free admission; demonstrations, vendors, tailgaters, silent auction table, raffle drawing, games; contact Jules Ficke, 4233 W. Ave. L-4, Lancaster, CA 93536, (661) 943-5157; e-mail: av_gem@yahoo.com; Web site: www.avgem.weebly.com

10-11--MARIPOSA, CALIFORNIA: 10th annual show; California State Mining and Mineral Museum, Mariposa Gem & Mineral Club, California State Mining and Mineral Museum Association; Mariposa County Fairgrounds, Hwy. 49; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; gems, minerals, crafts, speakers, mineral exhibits, educational activities, raffles, silent auctions; contact Dianne Vereschagin or Darci Moore, (209) 742-7625

10-11--PARADISE, CALIFORNIA: Show, "Paradise of Gems"; Paradise Gem & Mineral Club; Elks Lodge, 6309 Clark Rd.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $2; contact Manuel Garcia, 5659 Foster Rd., Paradise, CA 95969, (530) 877-7324; e-mail: mmpg@earthlink.net

10-11--PARIS, ONTARIO, CANADA: 38th annual show; Brantford Lapidary & Mineral Society; Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver St.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, children 12 and under free; dealers, gems, minerals, fossils, stones, lapidary equipment and supplies, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, demonstrations, exhibits, silent auction, "Mine for Gems" display; contact Robert Parry, P.O. Box 29, 138 Sugar Maple Rd., St. George, ON N0E 1N0, (519) 448-1236; e-mail: robert@roberthalloriginals.com; Web site: www.brantfordlapidarymineral.ca

10-11--POCATELLO, IDAHO: Show; SouthEast Idaho Gem & Mineral Club; Bannock County Fairgrounds, 10588 Fairgrounds Rd.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Martin Rakatansky, (208) 233-2538; e-mail: rak80@cableone.net

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

American Federation of Mineralogical Societies


Purpose of the AFMS:

To promote popular interest and education in the various Earth Sciences, and in particular the subjects of Geology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, Lapidary and other related subjects, and to sponsor and provide means of coordinating the work and efforts of all persons and groups interested therein; to sponsor and encourage the formation and international development of Societies and Regional Federations and by and through such means to strive toward greater international good will and fellowship.


The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) is composed of seven regional organizations of gem, mineral, and lapidary societies. The official boundaries of each Regional Federation is indicated by the states listed.

California Federation of Mineralogical Societies
(CA, HI, NV)

Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies
(CT, DC, DE, KY, MD, ME, MA ,NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV)

Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies
(IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI, [Eastern Portion of ND, NE, SD])

Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies
(AK, ID, MT, OR, WA)

Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies
(AZ, CO, KS, NM, OK, UT, WY, [Western Portion of ND, NE, SD])

South Central Federation of Mineral Societies
(AR, LA, TX)

Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies
(AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN)

For those to the north the Central Canadian Federation of Mineral societies can be found at
They also have a list of clubs with web pages across Canada at

Dino Bone Photo Courtesy of Different Seasons Jewelry http://differentseasonsjewelry.com/gems/

from a post by "Black Jack" on the Rock Collecting and Field Trips Yahoo Group.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Get Out To A Local Gem Show This Weekend!


26-27--COLVILLE, WASHINGTON: 10th annual show; Panorama Gem & Mineral Club; Fort Colville Grange Hall, 157 Hwy. 20 E.; Fri. 8:30-6, Sat. 9-5; contact Bill Allen, (509) 935-8779; e-mail: Sago@theofficenet.com

26-28--ADA, OKLAHOMA: Show, "The Rock 'n Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show 2010"; Ada Gem, Mineral & Fossil Club; Pontotoc County Agri-Plex, NE corner of state Hwy. 99 and Richardson Loop Bypass; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; free admission; demonstrators, fluorescent displays, dealers, kids' fossil dig, spinning wheels; contact Ed Vermillion, P.O. Box 782, Purcell, OK 73080, (405) 527-6431; e-mail: okieed42@windstream.net; Web site: http://www.freewebs.com/agmfc/index.htm

26-28--BRIDGETON (ST. LOUIS COUNTY), MISSOURI: 50th annual show; Rock Hobby Club; Machinist Hall Auditorium, 12325 St. Charles Rock Rd.; Fri. 4-9, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; adults $3.50, students $2, children under 5 free; exhibits, museum and university special exhibits, demonstrations, dealers, supplies; contact Vickie Corley, 1727 Parkway Acres, St. Louis, MO 63043, (314) 521-8896; e-mail: Missouri-gem@sbcglobal.net

26-28--FORT COLLINS, COLORADO: 49th annual show; Fort Collins Rockhounds; Lincoln Center, 419 W. Magnolia St.; Fri. 4-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, ($5 weekend pass), students under 18 $1, children 12 and under free with adult; Minerals of the American West with a special focus on quartz, exhibits and demonstrations by club members and invited guests, door prizes, silent auction, grab bags, seven gem and mineral dealers; contact Dave Halliburton, 2506 Pear Court, Fort Collins, CO 80521, (970) 493-6168; e-mail: fcrockhounds@yahoo.com; Web site: fortcollinsrockhounds.org

26-28--MACOMB, ILLINOIS: Fossil show; Mid-America Paleontology Society; Western Hall, Western Illinois University; Fri. 8-5, Sat. 8-5, Sun. 8-12; free admission; fossils only, buy, sell, swap, display, children's activities, silent auctions, keynote speaker Dr. Robert Frey, auction Sat.; contact Tom Williams, (815) 223-9638; e-mail: Paleotom234@dishmail.net; or Steve Holley, (309) 231-8861; e-mail: llfossil@hotmail.com; Web site: www.midamericapaleo.org

26-28--MORGANTON, NORTH CAROLINA: Show; Morganton Parks and Recreation; Collett Street Recreation Center, 300 Collett St.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5; adults $3, students $2; door prizes, interactive gem mining booth; contact Gary Leonhardt, 300 Collett St., P.O. Box 3448, Morganton, NC 28680, (828) 439-1866; e-mail: gleonhardt@ci.morganton.nc.us; Web site: www.ci.morganton.nc.us

26-28--ORLANDO, FLORIDA: 41st annual show; Central Florida Mineral & Gem Society; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Dr.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $4, students and seniors $2, children under 12 and Scouts in uniform free with paying adult; sluice mining, faceting demonstrations, silent auctions, gem identification, Kids' Korner, mineralogist on site, door prizes, grand prize; contact James Johnstone, 12745 Newfield Dr., Orlando, FL 32837, (407) 625-6336; e-mail: jj030@msn.com; Web site: www.thumblicker.com

27--WOODBURY, MINNESOTA: Annual show; St. Croix Rockhounds, Valley Creek Mall, 175 Weir Dr.; Sat. 9-3; free admission; educational show, no dealers, rock and mineral identification; contact Bill Cordua, 414 Lewis St., River Falls, WI 54022, (715) 425-3139; e-mail: william.s.cordua@uwrf.edu

27-28--ANGELS CAMP, CALIFORNIA: Annual show and sale; Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society; Calaveras County Fairgrounds, Hwy. 49 at Frogtown USA; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $4, kids 12 and under free with adult; rocks, minerals, jewelry, beads, supplies; contact Tak Iwata, (209) 928-5579; e-mail: Tak2me@msn.com

27-28--CHAMBERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA: 32nd annual show; The Franklin County Rock & Mineral Club; Shalom Christian Academy, 126 Social Island Rd.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $4, children under 12 free with adult; jewelry, gemstones, minerals, fossils, door prizes; contact Mike Mowen, (717) 264-9024; e-mail: mlmo@innernet.net

27-28--HAMBURG, NEW YORK: Show, "Trilobites: Under the Seas of Western New York"; The Buffalo Geological Society; Market & Grange Bldgs., The Fairgrounds in Hamburg, 5600 McKinley Pkwy.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children 12 and under free; demonstrations, beads, jewelry, private gem collections, unique gifts, children's mini-mine, "Grandpa's Corner"; contact Steve Birtz, 2230 Fix Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072,(716) 773-6386; e-mail: SBirtz@aol.com

27-28--HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK: 38th annual show; The Island Rock Hounds; Holy Family auditorium, Fordham Ave. and Rte. 106; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; admission $4.50, under 12 free with adult; dealers, gems, minerals, fossils, lapidary, beads, findings, children's games, door prizes, exhibits, grab bags; contact Nancy Colburn, IRH P.O. Box 521, Bellmore, NY 11710, (516) 334-4398

27-28--HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS: Show; Connecticut Valley Mineral Club; Holiday Inn at Ingleside, I-91 Exit 15; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $4, children 12 and under free with adult; minerals, gemstones, jewelry, crystals, beads, fossils, lapidary and mineral arts, demonstrations, exhibits; contact Lee Champigny, (413) 320-9741; e-mail: pullG4fun@verizon.net

27-28--LEMOORE, CALIFORNIA: 2nd annual show; Lemoore Gem & Mineral Club; Trinity Hall; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-6; contact Judy Pereira, 335 W. D St., Lemoore, CA 93245, (559) 924-4052

27-28--MONROE, WISCONSIN: 40th annual show, "Colors of the Earth"; Badger Lapidary & Geological Society; Monroe High School, 1600 26th St.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; admission by donation; 10 dealers, fine minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry, expert speakers, videos, educational exhibits, demonstrations, hourly door prizes, club sale table, kids' games; contact Dan Trocke, 4771 County Rd. II, Highland, WI 53543-9286, (608) 215-5307; e-mail: dtrocke@acscm.com

27-28--PLYMOUTH MEETING, PENNSYLVANIA: Show and sale, "Philadelphia Mineral Treasures and Fossil Fair"; Philadelphia Mineralogical Society; LuLu Temple, 5140 Buttler Pike; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $5, children $1; minerals, fossils, books, gems, jewelry, free kids' specimens and fossil dig, educational displays, personal collections, scouting merit badge information, professional speakers; contact Duglas Klieger, 26 Cabot Ct., Chesterbrook, PA 19087, (610) 644-2492; e-mail: dklieger@verizon.net; Web site: www.PMS.Moonfruit.com

27-28--ROSEVILLE, CALIFORNIA: 48th annual show; Roseville (Placer County) Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Blvd., off Washington; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $5, seniors (60+) $4, kids 12 and under free; more than 30 vendors, crystals, gold, geode cracking, beads, gemstones, fossils, polished stones, handcrafted jewelry, opal, world-class mineral specimens, tourmaline, sunstones, bugs in amber, mineral identification, "Kids' Junction", demonstrations, silent auctions, exhibits, raffles, lapidary shop open house, information and discount coupon on Web site; contact Gloria Marie, (916) 216-1114; e-mail: gloriarosevillerockrollers@gmail.com; Web site: www.rockrollers.com

27-28--SAYRE, PENNSYLVANIA: 41st annual show; Che-Hanna Rock & Mineral Club; Athens Twp. Volunteer Fire Hall, 211 Herrick Ave.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, students $1, children under 8 free; Carnegie Museum exhibits and silent auctions, Paleontological Research Institute fossil exhibit, kids' activities, club displays, retail dealers; contact Bob McGuire, 224 Church St., Lopez, PA 19628, (570) 928-9238; e-mail: uvbob@epix.net

27-28--SWEET HOME, OREGON: 62nd annual show; Sweet Home Rock & Mineral Society; 1641 Long St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; contact Joe Cota, (541) 451-2740