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Nova Scotia
Mineral and Gem Society Newsletter November 2000 |
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Nova Scotia
Mineral and Gem Society Newsletter November 2000 |
CONTENTS
Society Details
From the Editor
Minutes
Congratulations
Upcoming Programs
Notices
Links
SOCIETY DETAILS
Meeting Date, Time, and Location
DuesLast Saturday of each month from September to May. There is no meeting in December. 7:30 PM to about 10:00 PM Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer St., Halifax, NS, Auditorium (Lower Level) 2000 Executive$15 per year, due on January 1st each year. Society Mailing Address
President
Past President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Bark Editor
LibrarianKen McKenzie
Gilles Poulin
Still Open
Brenda Roscoe
Imelda O'Toole
Ronnie Van Dommelen
Andrew Brock422-0784
462-5512
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477-8098
422-2374
429-6661
462-7912mckenzie@accesscable.net
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iotoole@is.dal.ca
dommelen@is2.dal.ca
brocktech@ns.sympatico.caThe Nova Scotia Mineral and Gem SocietyNewletter Contributions
P.O. Box 29082
Halifax, NS
B3L 4T8
FROM THE EDITOR
This is a rather historic issue of the Bark. It is the first-ever electronic version of the newsletter from the Nova Scotia Mineral and Gem Society. As we enter into the 21st century, many of us find the web playing an increasing role in how we send and receive information. Now, as the Bark makes its way to the web, we will try a new way to communicate between club members. It is an exciting opportunity. On paper, we are somewhat limited in what can be included in the Bark. Now, color graphics, animations, and links to other websites can easily be incorporated. Only time will tell how this new medium shapes the Bark.
I also want to wish everyone a great holiday season. This is the time of year when we can all add another species to our collections - ice, a wonderful mineral that forms fantastic crystals. Remember that there is no meeting in December and don't forget to ask Santa for that perfect mineralogical gift.
Ronnie Van Dommelen
Editor
MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER MEETING
The October regular meeting of the Nova Scotia Mineral & Gem Society was held on Saturday, October 28, 2000 at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. The meeting was called to order at 7:55pm with President Ken McKenzie sitting as chair and 15 members present.
Terry Collett moved to approve the minutes of the September meeting as they appeared in the Rockhound’s Bark. The motion was seconded by Everette Hawkes and carried.
Business Arising from the Minutes:
Any members who were interested in a fossil collecting field trip to Blue Beach/Horton’s Bluff after Ronnie’s illustrated talk (following the business meeting) were asked to contact Brenda or Ronnie, and they would coordinate an appropriate time.
The facilities at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (B.I.O.) were discussed. Upon viewing the space available, the executive decided that the boardroom, although very nice, was a bit cramped for our monthly meetings. The auditorium is very well equipped audiovisually but it is about four times the size of the one at the museum and in that regard a bit oversized for our needs. There was also some concern raised about the ability of guests and potential new members being able to find their way to B.I.O as the route is somewhat convoluted. Everette Hawkes moved that we keep our meetings at the museum until a better alternative can be found. Andrew Brock seconded the motion and it passed. It should be noted that there is still a possibility that we may yet be able to arrange another night during the week for our meeting at the museum. Apparently some clubs meet more than once a month and with the museum now charging a fee for each use these societies may drop one of their nights to reduce expenses. The museum is aware of our desire to switch to another night. It should also be noted that should we require a larger venue for some special event or illustrated talk we can probability book B.I.O’s auditorium.
Increasing the dues to make up for the new expense of meeting facilities was discussed. Since our biggest expense is the publication and mailing of the Rockhound’s Bark every month, David Turner moved that all members who are able to receive E-mail should get their newsletter in this method. Terry Collett seconded the motion and it passed. Ronnie VanDommelen said he could also develop a small web page to put basic club info and the current newsletter on line.
The purchasing or acquiring specimens and equipment was discussed in detail. The resulting decision was that instead of laying out $200.00 to $300.00 of club funds to give to a member to purchase items for an auction at a large show, we should ask Doug, who already is in the business and has a wide selection to choose from, to bring in a number of items to auction off at a meeting. Any extra taken in would go to the Society’s treasury. Other ëmineral wealthy’ members who wish to participate in such a venture could do the same. Brenda Roscoe suggested that we could also use such an opportunity to have an open buy, sell, or trade night (or Saturday afternoon) advertised through the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, as a joint club - museum activity which would benefit the museum and possibly attract new members. Another such activity could be a mineral identification day where the public could have their specimens identified by members.
Imelda O’Toole moved that the meeting be adjourned. The movement was seconded by Ronnie VanDommelen. Meeting adjourned at 8:55pm.
Respectfully Submitted
Brenda Roscoe
Secretary
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to the Wilson family! Recently, Jackie gave birth to their new daughter, Victoria. There is little doubt that Victoria and her older brother Christopher will grow into fine mineral collectors.
TOOLS
As any field collector knows, we deal in hard rock. You need the right tools to get the job done, otherwise that nice pocket will end up as a pile of dust. To the right are some drawings of tools that you might find useful. Of course, the best way to determine which tool is the best for a specific job is through practice.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
November
The November meeting will be dedicated to mineral preparation, cleaning, and preservation. To brush-up before the meeting read this article by John Betts on chemicals and another article titled 'Managing a Collection' by Rockhounding Arkansas.
November's minerals will be green and red to celebrate the holiday season (as there is no December meeting).
Winter Months
Although there is no meeting for the month of December, the Executive is interested in any program topics you may have. If you want to know more about any aspect of our hobby, let us know!
NOTICES
Back to TopSome very attractive orange and red quartz from Boylston, Nova Scotia will be for sale at the November meeting. So save your back and gas money - you don't have to drive all the way to Boylston to get specimens, just bring a few dollars to the November meeting. Danny Bowers is interested in doing some field collecting at Blue Beach or other spots. If you have a car and want to go collecting, give Danny a call. It's that time of year again. Dues are soon due. Please pay Imelda at this months meeting, at the January meeting, or send a check to the club address sometime in between.
LINKS
This month features a selection of Canadian mineral websites:
Alkali Nuts - Mont St. Hilarire SiteBack to Top
Canadian Rockhound
Daniel Comtois Minerals
Element 51
Lambert Minerals
Mineral City
Northern Lights Minerals
Nova Scotia Natural Resources, Mines and Energies Branch
The Mineralogy of Nova Scotia
Tyson's Fine Minerals
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