November/December 2013 Meeting Minutes


Minutes of the Meeting of Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society
November 11th & December 9th, 2013
The meeting was called to order by Club President, Dean Hostetter. Attendance: 32 members and guests.

*Voted to have the Christmas/Holiday dinner catered by Mama’s Caboose to be held at the Church.

December was our annual Club Christmas/Holiday dinner.

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Program Reports:

Program by Michael Pabst: “Uranium Minerals and Higgs Boson or Higgs Particle”.

Discovery of the Higgs Boson confirmed the existence of the Higgs field. Michael explained in very simple terms the facts behind the Higgs Field and what it means. Bottom line is that the discovery explains why some particles have mass.

Also discussed were the various types of uranium minerals and some interesting facts such as: the early Fiestaware was radioactive but not to worry too much. Everyone has some apprehension about handling uranium but it is legal to ship naturally occurring uranium in the mail.

Michael provided a slide show of beautiful uranium related crystals and insight into the world of uranium minerals

Thanks Michael for the November program.

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January meeting: Monday, January 13th at 7:30 PM
Waynesboro Church of the Brethren
364 Bridge Road
Lower parking lot—Side Door entrance!

Program: Based on interest expressed by Club members, we will have a “buy, sell, trade, give away night”. This is the time to go through your vast collection of rocks/minerals/etc. and bring something to the Club meeting.

Refreshments: TBA

Bob Helt, Secretary

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Club Officers and Staff 2014
President – Dean Hostetter
Vice President – Leo Cloutier
Show Co-Chairs – Dean Hostetter and all Club members
Educational Outreach -- Linda Corwin, Bob Helt
Secretary/Newsletter -- Bob Helt (heltsncrozet@comcast.net)
Field Trip Coordinator - Dean Hostetter (deanboy@ntelos.net)
Treasurer – Scott Gregory
Web Site Coordinator – Jack Glenn

Club web site: www.shenandoahvalleyrockclub.org
Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ShenandoahValleyGemMineralSociety
Club email: svgem-min-club@live.com