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acheck.gif (250 bytes)CHAPARRAL CHATTER NEWS

acheck.gif (250 bytes)NEW SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION LAPIDARY ARTS SCHOOL:
Howie Whiting reported that SCFMS is planning to open a lapidary arts school at a Junior College in north Texas. It should be comparable to the William Holland Institute of the Lapidary Arts at Young Harris, GA, which has been serving the Eastern/Southeastern Federation well for many years. Volunteer instructors will be needed. Howie will have more information later.

acheck.gif (250 bytes)STORY TIME:
Clem and Sally Hamilton , accompanied by their two grandchildren Brittany & Connor Hamilton , who are visiting from New Hampshire, gave a presentation on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at the Roswell Public Library. The topic was : Rockhounding the Southwest, USA as a Chaparral Rockhound.

Clem explained what the Chaparral Rockhound Club was about ... educational, social, & philanthropic. He explained what we do ... field trips ... hiking ... meetings ... gem shows & exhibits ... etc.

Sally explained all the safety tips and gear that is brought on every field trip. She showed all the things she carries in her field bag with water, tools, snacks, antiseptic, snake bite kit, gloves, etc. Sally then showed how a piece of rock goes through the process from rock to a specimen, slab, cab, piece of jewelry or polished and tumbled finished specimen.

There were many specimens, tools, tumbled rocks, cabs, jewelry, and books for everyone to see.

A Question & Answer period followed the presentation and everyone seemed to enjoy and learn about the Chaparral Rockhounds and what we do as a Club and for the Community. There were Approximately 120 children, parents, grandparents, and interested people present.

acheck.gif (250 bytes) A "spur of the moment" field trip was put together by Frank & Dee Whitney for fellow " rockhounds from the East Coast. Sally & Clem Hamilton led the trip on Sun., Aug 11, 2002. Those on the trip were : Carol Syska, Clem & Sally Hamilton, Bob & Joanne ( "diamond Jo" ) Brooks, Kathleen Wallia & Walt Kubilius from Aiken, SC, and Rodney & Valerie Battenfeld from Towson, Maryland.

It was a beautiful day in Artesia where we found lots of big " pecos valley diamonds ". Where we usually find only " clusters ", there were an abundance of large double terminated " diamonds ". Our guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were very happy with their " booty ". Everyone was invited to Clem & Sally's home to check out the back yard and have lemonade or soda when the field trip was ended.