May 2021 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society
Meeting date: May 10, 2021
Intro:
This was a virtual meeting held via Zoom conference. Because our Secretary Deborah Grimm was on vacation during our last Zoom meeting in May, we do not have proper minutes. This report provided by Michael Pabst, President of SVGMS.
Old Business:
There is a civil war going on in the Eastern Federation of Mineral and Lapidary Societies (EFMLS), which our club belongs to.
EFMLS organizes our insurance for field trips and shows. EFMLS also provides other services including the Zoom account that we have used for our virtual meetings during the pandemic.
As President of SVGMS, Michael Pabst is automatically a member of the Board of Directors of EFMLS. This Board, made up of the presidents of all the local clubs, is the governing body of EFMLS.
Historically, a smaller Executive Committee has run normal operations. The President of EFMLS, David Nock, organized a revision of the Bylaws to conform more closely with the laws of New York state where EFMLS is headquartered.
One outcome was to emphasize that the Board of Directors, not the Executive Committee, was in charge. Some members of the Executive Committee and others in the “old guard” did not like this modernization.
As President of SVGMS, Michael Pabst must vote by June 14 on two motions. If anyone has opinions on these matters, Michael would like to hear them. Although Michael has endured many Zoom meetings about EFMLS, his knowledge remains incomplete, but he will try to answer any questions.
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New Business:
1. Jack Glenn told everyone that our annual Mineral Show was on track for September. There is a very good response from prospective vendors.
2. Michael Pabst said that we were planning an in-person meeting at Coyner Park in Waynesboro for the June 14 meeting, in keeping with our tradition of a June picnic.
Program Report:
The main event was a talk about radioactivity and radioactive minerals by Scott Braley, who is a health physics professor in New Mexico.
Scott used to live in Virginia. He has collaborated with Michael Pabst on photography of micro minerals, particularly radioactive micro minerals.
In his talk, Scott explained that natural radioactive mineral specimens are not dangerous, but like all rocks, should not be eaten or snorted. This means washing hands after handling specimens, whether they are radioactive or contain toxic elements. After this scientific explanation, Scott went on to show pictures of many beautiful uranium mineral specimens.
Next meeting:
We are going to slowly and carefully resume club activities that include physical proximity.
First up, from the club secretary:
"Our monthly meeting will be next Monday, June 14th at 6:30 pm at the Pavilion at Coyner Springs Park in Waynesboro.
- At 7 pm Scott Gregory & Jack Glenn will give an update about the Sept 17-19 Show at EXPO
- The "Special Events Team" will then present some information about a private special event coming up in July that will be of keen interest to all members.
- We would like members to bring something for a "show & tell" before and after these presentations.
- We will also have information about re-opening the shop, with limitations.
We ask that if you have not been vaccinated, to please wear a mask. 😷 We will social distance as well."
The park is located at 2091 Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro VA: https://goo.gl/maps/sATEFJeo3WnxXYjc8
NOTE: In 2020 and going forward until further notice, we will be starting our indoor meetings at 7:00 pm so we can be finished by 8:30 by request of the library staff. (We will do our usual show and tell after any programs we may have.)
FYI - If Waynesboro City Schools are closed on a meeting day, our meeting will be canceled. The club secretary will try to send out an email ASAP that day, and an announcement will be posted on the club’s Facebook page and web site.
Thanks for your understanding; we want everyone to be safe!
Field Trips: NOTE: All previously announced field trips have been canceled due to the restrictions on travel and non-essential activities. Please do not go to the sites on your own that were sent out.
Doing so may prevent the club from visiting a particular area. Trips must be organized by the club.The club secretary will send information about scheduled/rescheduled trips once they are again feasible.
Looking ahead:
After pandemic restrictions are lifted, the lapidary shop will be open the Saturday following a regular meeting and on the second Saturday after that (See Events At A Glance for a calendar view). Leo, Charlie & Jack can assist you. Open from 9 am to noon.
There are several slab saws and trim saws. Keep in mind that safety is a priority, and wear closed toe shoes, safety glasses, with no loose hair or long sleeves. Children must be supervised and closely monitored to insure they are safely using the equipment. Check this page to see what you can learn to do!
If you’d like to present a program, please talk to an officer at a meeting.
Be sure to keep up with our website www.shenandoahvalleyrockclub.org and our Facebook page Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society for updates and information.
Deborah Grimm, Secretary
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Club Officers and Staff 2016-2021
President – Michael Pabst
Vice President – Leo Cloutier
Show Co-Chairs – Dean Hostetter/Scott Gregory
Educational Outreach -- Deborah Grimm
Secretary/Newsletter -- Deborah Grimm
Field Trip Coordinators - Scott Steele
Co-Treasurers – Scott Gregory/Deborah Grimm
Web Site Coordinator – Jack Glenn
Club web site: shenandoahvalleyrockclub.org
Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ShenandoahValleyGemMineralSociety
Club email: svgem-min-club@live.com