VOLUME 27, ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2017

Words from the President:

September marks the end of the summer season, which makes it the perfect time for both our club picnic & field trip fun!

• Annual Club BBQ & Demo Day - Saturday, September 16 from 9:00 to 2:00 @

Galen Moyer's home in Templeton. There will be demonstrations, good food - bring a side dish or dessert to share, our annual club fundraising auction, and a chance to purchase items from the Bob Baker collection. (The address & directions to this event were emailed out, contact me if you didn't get them).

• Greater Ardo Area Collecting Field Trip - Saturday, September 30. We will meet up at 8:00 sharp at the Camp Roberts northbound rest area stop off the 101 Freeway (8.5 miles north of San Miguel between mile markers 245 and 251) to go over site location logistics and sign the necessary property owner liability waivers. We will caravan up together. Carpools can be arranged at this location but you are encouraged to arrange these independently and meet up in Paso to avoid having to double back on the freeway.

On the flip side of things, the beginning of fall also means a little bit of

housekeeping is in order to gear up for the next year. Here's the punch list.

• Membership Renewals - The club's membership year now runs from September to August. You have until the November meeting to get your dues and renewal forms submitted to keep your membership active. This can be done at the club meetings (including the picnic) or mailed to our PO Box. As of September 1, 40% of our membership has renewed!

• Officer positions - We only need a President and Vice President of Membership, we have nominees lined up for all the other officer positions! Please contact me right away if you are interested. Our club cannot exist without a President. FYI - the current Board has done a lot this year to make these two positions much simpler and don't forget, co-officers are always a possibility . . .

• Coordinator positions - o Newsletter Editor/Publisher - Laurie has done a tremendous job with the

monthly newsletter for well over a year now, but she needs to step down. Items are submitted on the first, with the newsletter ideally sent out mid-month. You can use the current template or make it your own!

o Programs Coordinator - Our club programs are scheduled through February. There are eight programs left to fill for 2018. Your job is to work with many of our well-connected members to identify programs and recruit speakers of interest to the club.

2017 CLUB OFFICERS PRESIDENT Tina Clark

805-305-0246 theclarkfour@sbcglobal.net

VP EDUCATION John McCabe 805-464-0528

mccabewest@aol.com

VP COMMUNICATIONS Dianne Brook 805-927-4805

ltd@ladytiedi.com

SECRETARY Cathy McIntosh

805-610-4603 catmc4me@yahoo.com

TREASURER Will Persell

805-239-1568 willpersell@gmail.com

SR. DIRECTOR Doren Strane 805-423-5276

doren.strane@yahoo.com

JR. DIRECTOR Galen Moyer 805-434-2532

PAST PRESIDENT

Barbara Bilyeu 805-434-2708

bbilyeu2001@yahoo.com

Santa Lucia Rockhounds Rockonteur September 2017 Page 2

Did you by chance notice the Show Coordinator position did not appear on the needed to be filled list? That's because we have one now - details will be announced at the October meeting.

One final reminder, as I bid you a fall farewell: THERE WILL BE NO CLUB MEETING IN SEPTEMBER.

Rockin' on, Tina

Santa Lucia Rockhounds next public meetings:

General Meeting: 7pm Templeton Community Center October 16, 2017 601 Main Street, Templeton

Board Meeting: 7pm Rabobank Meeting Room

October 5, 2017 1025 Las Tablas Road, Templeton

Upcoming Program Speakers: September: No public meeting 16 OCT: Doren Strane, on Gold Sniping 20 NOV: Jim Mills on Petrified Wood December: No public meeting 15 JAN: Member-wide Show 'n Tell 19 FEB: John McCabe on Australian Opals

In the News: Tropical storm Lidia and Hurricane Harvey

Just the beginning of the dangerous fall storms.

Be aware of flash floods as we take to the deserts in search of treasures.

2017 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

CFMS Director

Wayne Mills 805-481-3495

wwmills50@hotmail.com

Programs Coordinator Open Position

SLRockhounds@gmail.com

Membership Open Position

SLRockhounds@gmail.com

Merchandise David Nelson 805-423-0188

nelsonda24@gmail.com

Library Barbara Bilyeu 805-434-2708

bbilyeu2001@yahoo.com

Hospitality Doren Strane 805-423-5276

doren.strane@yahoo.com

Historian Mike Doherty 805-466-4061

mdoherty@tcsn.net

Drawings Karen Clark/Sam Alvis

SLRockhounds@gmail.com

Silent Auction Pete Duckworth

805-467-3413 jasperjunkie@yahoo.com

Newsletter Editor / Publisher

Laurie Pudwill 805-712-6272

Santa Lucia Rockhounds Rockonteur September 2017 Page 3

Upcoming California Rock and Gem Shows: SEPTEMBER

September 23 - 24: LODI Stockton Lapidary Club www.stocktonlapidary.com September 23 - 24: MONTEREY Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society www.cvgms.org September 23 - 24: REDWOOD Sequoia Gem & Mineral Society www.sequoiagemandmineral.org

OCTOBER

October 7 - 8: BORON Mojave Mineralogical Society Facebook page October 7 - 8: GRASS VALLEY Nevada County Gem & Mineral Soc www.ncgms.org October 7 - 8: VISTA Vista Gem & Mineral Society www.vistarocks.org October 8: FALLBROOK Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society www.fgms.org October 14 - 15: TRONA Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub October 21: WEST HILLS Woodland Hills Rock Chipper www.rockchippers.org October 21 - 22: PLACERVILLE El Dorado Mineral & Gem Society www.eldoradorocks.org October 21 - 22: SANTA ROSA Santa Rosa Mineral & Gem Society www.srmgs.org October 28 - 29: LOS ALTOS Peninsula Gem & Geology Society www.pggs.org October 28 - 29: SACRAMENTO Sacramento Mineral Society http://sacramentomineralsociety.org

NOVEMBER November 3, 4 & 5: EUREKA Humboldt Gem & Mineral Society email: bluiis911@msn.com November 4 - 5: ANAHEIM American Opal Society Website: www.opalsociety.org November 4 - 5: CONCORD Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society Email: maryhicks@comcast.net November 4 - 5: RIDGECREST Indian Wells Gem & Mineral Society Email: jfrocks@dslextreme.com November 11 - 12: YUBA CITY Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Society Website: www.sutterbuttes.net November 18 - 19: OXNARD Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society Website: http://oxnardgem.com November 18 - 19: SANTA CRUZ Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society Website: www.scrockngem.org

Trona Gem-O-Rama

This is not an official club field trip, but is one that every rockhound should experience at

least once. It is especially fun for families with children who don't mind getting dirty! Every

October the Searles Lake Gem and Mineral Society holds its Gem-O-Rama in the desert at

Santa Lucia Rockhounds Rockonteur September 2017 Page 4

Searles Lake. Searles Lake is a "dry" lake bed east of Ridgecrest which is mined for its rich

deposits of borate minerals, and once a year the company permits collecting by the public.

There is a traditional show with dealers and other club activities, but the big draw is the

field trips, which are among the most unique you will ever experience. Where else can you

watch glittering crystals of hanksite, borax, sulphohalite and other minerals spew out of huge

pipes dynamited into the crust on the surface of the lake? Or wallow through piles of the ickiest

black mud you can imagine in search of large clusters of hanksite crystals? Or reach under salt

ledges in wine dark brine pools to feel for the edges of hopper crystals of prized pink halite?

If you find this intriguing, please go to the club's website for more detailed illustrations of

these amazing events, as well as other information you will find valuable. Simply do a Google

search for "Trona Gem-O-Rama" to access their flyer. Be sure to check out the photos on the

site for the field trips -- and don't forget to take your "sacrificial clothing"! The show this year is

on October 14-15. We have gone a couple times, and it's a real "trip"! (submitted by Barbara Bilyeu)

The Mysteries of the Cayucos Bluffs

A small but enthusiastic group of club

members joined John McCabe and Jane, a

biologist colleague of his, on Saturday,

August 26, at "The Windmill" turn-out north

of Cayucos for an introduction into the

mysteries of the amazing rock formations

on the bluff and beach. If you have ever

wandered along that stretch of coast, you

probably wondered at the array of varied

rocks and massive boulders that decorate

the landscape. It all has to do with the

theory of plate tectonics and the results of

the scraping of the seafloor as it was

pushed against the coast on its journey east. Most noticeable are the huge blocks of bedded chert which was

formed at depth by the transformation of countless tiny single-celled organisms, but that is only a small part of

Santa Lucia Rockhounds Rockonteur September 2017 Page 5

the story. John McCabe leads great geology tours and imparts an appreciation for the amazing and complex

reasons the California landscape exists the way it does. We live here and go about our daily tasks, quite unaware

of the ancient massive forces that have made this area the way it is today -- and continue to shape the landscape

of the future. Thanks to John for a wonderful and informative tour of another small part of our beautiful state!

(Note: if he agrees to lead another geology tour, don't miss it!) (submitted by Barbara Bilyeu)

BOARD MEETING MINUTES (pending Board approval) July 31, 2017 Board meeting commenced at 7:00 PM at the Rabobank Meeting Room in Templeton. Roll: Board Members Present - Tina Clark, President; John Hollenbeck, VP Programs; Cathy McIntosh, Secretary; Diane Brooke, VP Communications (late); John McCabe, VP Education; Doren Strane, Senior Director; Galen Moyer, Junior Director, Barbara Bilyeu, Past President; Absent – Will Persall, Treasurer; Committee Members Present - Barbara Bilyeu, Museum Exhibits & Library; Doren Strane, Hospitality Guests- Gene Bilyeu, Barbara Alvis, Lisa King, Jody Carlson Minutes: Doren Strane made a motion to approve the May Board meeting and General Meeting minutes, Barbara Bilyeu seconded. Motion passed. Galen Moyer made a motion to approve the June Board Meeting and General Meeting minutes. John McCabe seconded. Motion passed. Corresponded: The newsletter bill and monthly bank statement were the only correspondence received. Treasurer Report - (Presented by Tina Clark) - The June General Meeting took in $166 (Membership-$32, Drawing - $58, Auction - $76, Badge fees - $0). The only expenditure was the monthly newsletter bill. Tina announced she set up PayPal account to allow for online processing of memberships and merchandise purchasing once the club's website is finalized. President's Report - The buyers that was interested in the tables decided to pass as the tables are older are older and very heavy. The tables will be listed on craigslist, when the club does the shed clean out in November. The San Ardo field trip needs to be postponed to a later date. Various alternatives were discussed. John McCabe volunteered to lead a Geology Talk at the Estero Bluffs on Saturday August 26. VP Programs - Speakers are filled through the end of the year. Galen Moyer will be presenting on Thundereggs in August, Doren Strane on Gold Sniping in October, and Jim Mills on Petrified Wood in November. The Show 'n Tell Meeting in January, and John McCabe will present on Australian Opals in February. John Hollenbeck announced he is resigning from his position and cited personal reasons. VP Communications - Dianne needs to check with John Joyner to confirm when the website will be ready for review. Membership (presented by Tina Clark) - David Phillips joined the club at the last meeting. He had accidentally been left off his family's membership application at the June meeting. John McCabe reminded everyone he needs information off the membership applications for any new Junior Rockhounds joining the club. New Business –Barbara Bilyeu, Gene Bilyeu, and Galen Moyer have been sorting and inventorying the items from Bob Baker's collection donated to the club. They would appreciate some assistance on pricing and sale of the items they have set aside to be for the Club picnic. Galen agreed to contact Pete Duckworth and Cliff Brewen to see if they would help. The Club Picnic is scheduled for September 16 at Galen's house. John Hollenbeck and David Nelson agreed to handle the BBQ. Tina Clark will arrange for the delivery of a port-a-potty. Galen agreed to allow a small number of guests to attend from outside the club, but not more than fifteen. Cathy offered to see if she could get someone from the gold prospectors club to offer a panning demonstration, Bob Baker's cabbing machine may be available for use, and Frank Imhoff might be willing to do a rock tumbling demo. John McCabe said he will have his rock saw at the event and kids will have a chance to learn safety guidelines and how to cut a rock for the chance to earn a badge. The club needs to establish a nominating committee this month as there is no regular meeting in September. One member, a Board member is supposed to be on this committee and serve as chair, the general membership is supposed to elect someone, and the President appoints the final member. Dianne Brooke agreed to represent the Board, though she is unclear of the exact duties entailed.

Santa Lucia Rockhounds Rockonteur September 2017 Page 6

Ongoing Business –The final by laws amendments were reviewed and discussed with one proposed change. Tina Clark will present this at the next meeting for approval. The amendment will be published in the newsletter and Cathy McIntosh will read the amendments out loud at the meeting. Fall membership renewals will start this month. Cathy McIntosh and Lisa King volunteered to assist Dave Clark and Cindy Chambers at the membership table. Tina will email out the renewal form to the general membership, and renewal forms will also be made available at the meeting. Lisa King agreed to help coordinate the show, but does not want to commit to being a coordinator. Tina Clark agreed to take on the Coordinator position, but only with 1) Lisa's help and 2) if the club secures a committed President. The group agreed to propose Jasper as the Show Theme for the general membership to vote on. Dianne Brooke said she would help with the artwork on the show. Barbara Alvis had brought information on several grants that might be used to help offset the costs of the show, but none proved viable. The next Board meeting will be held Tuesday, September 5th at the Rabobank location. Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm. General Meeting Minutes (pending Board approval) August 21, 2017 Meeting commenced at 7:03 PM at the Community Services Building in Templeton. Frank Imhoff did the badge check. Karen Clark led sunshine. There were two birthdays, Amanda Clark and Pete Duckworth. There were two anniversaries, Gene & Barbara Bilyeu and Cliff & Eletha Brewen. One guest introduced themselves. Two new members, Richard Smithen's grandkids, joined the club. Members were reminded to renew their memberships by mail, as there is no club meeting in September. Dues are payable by September 30, 2017. Forms can be printed online and mailed with a check to the club, PO Box 1672, Paso Robles, CA 93447. The club membership voted to hold the San Ardo area collecting field trip on September 30th. There is a river in the area, so come prepared if you will be looking for river rocks. The meeting place to form carpools and caravan to the location will be announced once Don Huntington secures final permission from the property owner. The Estero Bluffs Geology Talk is this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. John McCabe will lead the group and talk about the local beach rock formations along the Cayucos shore. The meeting spot is at the approximately one mile North of Cayucos. The club's annual Founders Day Award was presented by last year's recipient, John McCabe, and was awarded to Don Huntington and Don Pierce. The Annual Club Picnic/Demo Day & BBQ is scheduled for September 16th (Saturday) at Galen Moyer's home in Templeton. Gene Bilyeu offered to help John Hollenbeck with the BBQ as David Nelson will no longer be available. Wayne Mills agreed to coordinate a metal detecting activity. The club will hold its annual fundraising auction, so members were asked to bring equipment and items they would like to donate. Items from Bob Baker' collection will also be available for sale. People need to bring their own chairs. The donation of Bob Baker's collection of the club was discussed. Barbara, Gene and Galen were thanked for the hours they have spent sorting and inventorying this generous gift. In addition to putting together the items for sale at the club picnic, items have been set aside for the display at the Pioneer Museum, to sell at the rock show and for our monthly club drawings. It was announced club member Margaret Doherty passed away August 10 in her home. Junior Rockhounds awards were presented to Abigail, Ruth and Lexi. The bylaws amendments to Article III, Membership Section 6; Article IV Officers Sections 1, 3, 8, & 10; Article VI Order of Business Section 2; Article VIII Section 2; and Article X Nominations were read out loud and discussed. Galen Moyer made a motion to approve, Wayne Mills seconded. Motion passed. An attempt was made to form a nominating committee as per the by-laws. The Board had already selected Dianne

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Brooke to chair this committee. The general membership is supposed to elect a member and the President appoint one. No one expressed interest in participating in this committee, so this item will be referred to the Board to handle. The Club President handed out nomination forms listing the available Board positions and asked people to submit nominations for the various positions and drop their completed forms off at the membership table. John Hollenbeck needed to resign from the VP of Programs position. The position is no longer a Board position and speakers have been booked through February. A volunteer to fill this position was solicited, with no response. Cindy Chambers needed to resign as Membership Chair. As this position is now a Board position, it will be filled through the club's annual officer elections. Lisa King has volunteered to handle the duties of the position for the rest of the year. Both John Hollenbeck and Cindy Chambers were thanked for their hard work throughout the year. The club also needs to fill the Show Coordinator and lead positions for the 2018 Rock & Gem Show. The next Board meeting will be Tuesday, September 5 at 7:00 at the Rabobank Community Room in Templeton. All members are invited to attend. Member Jack Ravine had requested if anyone would be interested on serving on a committee with him to explore the creation of a Lapidary Studio. Members Mary Beatty and Cathy McIntosh agreed to be on this committee. Galen Moyer presented the evening's program on Thundereggs, with Barbara Bilyeu assisting with the slides. Meeting was adjourned 9:00 pm.

Minutiae:

The Rockonteur is the official monthly newsletter of the Santa Lucia Rockhounds. It is an independent publication containing news and information consistent with the mission of SLR and of interest to its members. Circulation is approximately 100 copies per issue. Newsletter Editor/Publisher – Laurie Pudwill SLRockhounds@gmail.com Member submissions are encouraged and may be made by email or snail mail. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and advertising that, in our opinion, do not reflect the standards of this newsletter, or are inconsistent with the objectives and purpose of the Santa Lucia Rockhounds. Submissions may be edited for content, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and length without consent. Rockonteur is not a creative writing outlet. However, all submissions that may be of interest to its readers and reflect the standards of the newsletter, will be considered for publication at the discretion of the editor or publisher. Deadline: All submissions are due by midnight of the last day of the month but early submissions are highly appreciated and strongly encouraged. The publisher reserves the right to accept, reject or hold-over late submissions. Santa Lucia Rockhounds Website: www.slrockhounds.org Webmaster – Atascadero Web Designs webmaster@slrockhounds.org Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Inc. is a charitable group organized as a California non-profit public benefit corporation. The specific purpose of the group is to promote the study of mineralogy, including (but not limited to) the fields of lapidary, metal working, jewelry design & fabrication, geology and field trips for collecting and related history. We encourage learning and good citizenship in a congenial atmosphere. We respect both private and public property and we strive to protect natural resources. Annual Dues are $20 for the first adult and $8 each for every additional member in the same household. Dues are payable September 1 and will become delinquent after the November meeting. They are payable in person at the meetings or by mail. Members in good standing receive the Rockonteur by mail or email. We are a member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS) and affiliated with the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS). Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Inc. is also a member of the American Lands Access Association (ALAA).

Santa Lucia Rockhounds

P.O. Box 1672

Paso Robles, CA 93447