Borrego Rock and Gem Club
Minutes for meeting held on Saturday, January 26, 2008
Location of meeting: Nature Center
1. A rock collection which belonged to the original Borrego Springs Rockhound Club was donated to BRAG by Jenny Wright (owner of the Roadrunner Club). It includes materials which may be used for cutting. Thanks to Bob and Jim for cleaning it up!
2. $600 from club funds was used to purchase a grinding machine. It is installed in the BRAG area at the back of the Nature Center. Jim Havens showed the group how to use it for cutting cabochons. He is available to work with anyone who wants to use it – give him a call to find out when he is available. Some safety rules:
a. Remove all jewelry
b. Remove neckwear
c. Tie long hair back
d. Wear safety glasses/safety faceplate
e. Ask for help from Jim if you’re not sure about what you’re doing.
3. Purchase of the grinder depleted our club funds. CFMS insurance payment is due – any donations to the club will be gratefully accepted and can be sent to Cindy or left for Helen at the Nature Center (mark envelope “for BRAG”).
4. Many clubs earn extra money by holding some type of fundraiser. Please provide any suggestions you have for what activity might work for BRAG. It is also common for small fees to be collected for use of club equipment – something that we may want to consider, since there are costs associated with maintenance and use of consumable materials.
5. Bill Sullivan has offered to lead a field trip (in-park) in the San Ysidro Mountains to discuss the Peninsular Batholith. He is willing to do this on the same Saturday as one of our meetings. The group voted for this idea – Linda will contact Bill to see what can be set up.
6. Use of a liability waiver for field trips and equipment usage was discussed. Mary Anne agreed to obtain copies of the forms used by the El Cajon gem club. We will review these and agree about their use at our next meeting.
7. Remaining field trips for 2008:
a. February 9th: Blue Lady Mine
b. March 8th: Garnet Wash
c. April 12th: Pebble Terrace
d. October 11th: McCain Valley
e. November 8th: Yuha Desert – oyster beds
Notice of field trip start times and meeting locations will be distributed via email mid-week prior to each trip. Effective immediately, we will institute a requirement that members RSVP if they plan to attend. This will allow the trip leader to know how many attendees are expected.
8. Next meeting is Saturday, February 23rd at 10 a.m.at the Borrego Desert Nature Center.
Upcoming Gem Shows:
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show: February 2-16.