THE BACKBENDER’S GAZETTE
Volume LV ----- Houston Gem & Mineral Society ----- September 2025
MIneral Photography of Stilbite
Table of Contents
Click a Table of Contents Entry to jump to that article.
Houston Gem & Mineral Society
Regional and National
American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)
South Central Federation of Mineral Societies (SCFMS)
Mineral Photography of Stilbite
by Steve Blyskal
Most of you know I am a dedicated collector of prehnite, with specimens from every continent. What you may not know is that I have the same collecting zeal for stilbite and its near relative stellerite, with 100s of specimens from almost every continent. As with prehnite, my initial interest started with the quarries of New Jersey, which were prolific in the number of crystals they produced over a 50-year period. Shortly after I moved to Houston in 1977 the zeolite deposits in India opened and many stilbite specimens of all sizes came on the market. This further expanded my stilbite collection. Then 20 years ago E-Rocks started a mineral auction site with many European dealers. I now had access to many localities I had never heard of before. So, in over 60 years of my collecting journey I have amassed lots of specimens.
20 years ago, Mindat.org started and allowed collectors to add our images to the database. This led to more mineral photography. While I have a setup for high quality specimen photography, I have wanted a photo studio that would allow me to take images quickly for documentation purposes with only a little drop in image quality. I have bought and used several of these inexpensive photo studios and earlier this year I used one combined with my new iPhone 16 pro to take photos of stilbite specimens. The images were okay in resolution and sharpness, but the color wasn’t as accurate as I would have liked.
Recently I saw an advertisement for a compact photo studio that promised to resolve many of the problems with previous photo studio setups. The Puluz Photo Soft Box has three sets of lights, all of which can have their lights filtered by cloth screens. A rheostat allows variation in the amount of light. Separate plugs for the top, left and right sets of LED lights allow flexibility. You can even photograph through a window at the top to get images from above. I purchased the soft box, and it came in a compact form that assembled easily using Velcro fasteners. Black, white, flesh colored, and green inserts allow flexibility in setting up for photography. Instead of using my iPhone I brought out my Nikon D7200 with a 60mm macro lens. The first thing I did was use my gray card to determine the color temperature of the lights. Once I knew that it was easy to set the Kelvin temperature on my camera. I use a very small aperture for maximum depth of field, so a slow corresponding shutter speed means using a tripod to hold the camera and a remote shutter release with a 2 second delay.
Now that I was all set up, I pulled out a drawer of stilbite specimens and started taking pictures, usually several of each specimen. This drawer had specimens from New Jersey, of course, but also from India, Iceland, Connecticut, Romania and Peru. That’s several continents right there! Afterwards I downloaded the images to my computer and imported them to Lightroom, an Adobe product designed for photographers. One of the neat new features in Lightroom is the ability to select the background and reduce the light on it, isolating the specimen against a black background
After the processing was completed, I exported the photos to a file folder of mineral photos. My next step was to import the photos to Mindat.org. The upload requires not only the photo, but an accurate locality and dimensions of the specimen. Of course, I put my catalog number in the upload so I could add the photos to my own personal catalogue in Mindat, where I have about 1700 individual specimens documented.
So, why collect stilbite? It is a relatively abundant mineral, part of the zeolite family and occurs in a wide variety of environments, from basalts that have undergone low grade metamorphism to ore deposits and pegmatite bodies. While distinct crystals are almost never seen, the crystal groups can form neat “Wheat sheaf” structures. Also, it is relatively inexpensive. The pale white and cream colors don’t appeal to as many people as the blue, green and pink minerals. If you are collecting on a budget, it offers the ability to collect multiple specimens. In my searches for unusual stilbite I have found orange, brown and green colored specimens. And so I present a selection of some photos taken this year.
Section News
Beading – Second Saturday, 12:00 PM
- The Saturday, September 13th meeting at the Clubhouse is cancelled.
- instead, many members will be at Camp Allen in Navasota where we are having our first weekend beading retreat.
- On Saturday, October 11th the Beading Section will be doing basic stringing of beads to create a necklace. Bring our favorite collection of beads, or an old and treasured strand (broken or whole) and we will restring it with a new fresh look in a professional manner using beading wire, crimp beads and crimp covers, and clasps. Wire, crimps and crimp covers, and jump rings will be provided. You bring the beads and the clasp. We can supplement from the beading cabinet to add interest to your design. We will discuss design at this meeting.
NOTICE: Do you have a bracelet or necklace that needs restringing? The Beading Section will carefully restring your piece at an hourly rate of $15.00 + materials. Contact Beading @HGMS.org to make arrangements. All funds will go to the Beading Section.
Always bring beading mat, scissors, wire, wire cutter, round nose and needle nose pliers, thread, and beading needles if you have them.
Find out more about the Beading Section!
Gemstones and Faceting – Third Thursday, 6:30 PM
Our next meeting will be September 18th at 6:30 pm.
- Please Note: Gemstones & Faceting Section are changing their monthly meetings to the 3rd Thursday of each month.
- The topic in September will be cutting topaz.
Learn more about the Gemstones and Faceting Section here.
Lapidary and Silversmithing – Third Monday, 7:00 PM
The next meeting will be on September 15th starting at 7:00 pm.
The section will have a workshop alternating on Silversmithing and Lapidary each month. These are Hands-On workshops you don’t have to register.Sometimes the instructors in the workshop will have a charge for the materials. When this occurs there will be a notice on the website news before that month’s meeting.
Email Lapidary@hgms.org if you have questions, and check out the Lapidary and Silversmithing Section page.
Day Light – First Wednesday, 12:00 PM
The Daylight Section meets the first Wednesday of the month from 12:00PM to 3 PM.
The next meeting of the Daylight Section is Wednesday, September 3rd at 12 PM. For this meeting,we will be using a jig to make links and a clasp for a souvenir penny copper bracelet. In the example below, I also added commemorative 2009 pennies as an optional upgrade. The fee is $3.00. Please register by Sept 1 at lindak.hgms@gmail.com.
Mineral – Third Wednesday, 7:30 PM
The next meeting is Wednesday, September 17th at 7:30 pm.
Mineral will continue with the theme of Common Minerals this month with Garnet.
Zoom link for the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86053771923?pwd=ek5lNlk5SGFYNjN6U29ONU4xVElyQT09
or
Meeting ID: 860 5377 1923
Passcode: 826994
Paleontology – Third Tuesday, 7:30 PM
The next meeting is Tuesday, September 16th at 7:30 pm. Topic to be announced.
Zoom link for the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86053771923?pwd=ek5lNlk5SGFYNjN6U29ONU4xVElyQT09
or
Meeting ID: 860 5377 1923
Passcode: 826994
If you’d like to join the Paleo Section email list, send an email to hgmspaleosection@gmail.com and ask to be added.
Youth, First and Third Saturdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Mostly we will be working on cabochons. Children must be accompanied by parents.
September meetings will be on Saturday September 6th and 20th
Sublette County Rockhounds Gem & MIneral Show
by Nancy Fischer
“Rockbird” Report 2025
Last year I wrote an article for the Houston Gem & Mineral Society’s Backbenders Gazette which was shared with the Wyoming Jade State News by the Sublette County Rockhounds about our annual show in Houston. I called myself a “rock bird” following rock shows from season to season as snowbirds head for warmer climes in the winter and spend the summers in the cooler northern mountains. I spend my summers in western Wyoming nestled between 3 mountain ranges. Winters find me in Houston, TX where I can always head to the beach. I belong to rock clubs in both places. My seasons are determined by the Houston Gem & Mineral Society’s Gem, Mineral, Jewelry & Fossil Show, the 2nd weekend of November and the Sublette County Rockhounds Gem & Mineral Show, Always Father’s Day weekend in June.
This year I’d like to highlight the Sublette County Rockhounds, Gem & Mineral Show which was held at the Sublette County Fairgrounds June 13-15, 2025. The Sublette County Rockhounds have been around for 9 years. It’s a very active club with well attended monthly meetings and lots of member-led field trips. After all, local members live in rockhounding heaven. There are 260 dues paying members, some live in other states.
All of us look forward to the show. As those of you whose clubs put on shows, the work begins months before the show. Signs are made, ads and posters are created and printed, social media sites are posted too, vendors are selected, contracts are signed. It takes a lot of effort. Jim Gray and Leane Gray are the founder of the club and owner of the J.L. Gray Rock Shop in Marbleton, WY coordinates the effort. His trusty lieutenants handle many of the details. There is a core group of members who have put on the show year after year, they know what needs to be done. Luckily there are always new members who add new ideas and muscle to making the show happen. (Note: when I talked to Jim about the article, he didn’t want to name names because he was afraid he’d forget to mention someone.)
This year there were 28 dealers and demonstrators. Set up started Tuesday before the show and was completed in record time. I got into town and showed up to help Thursday, but there was nothing left to do. Tear down also went smoothly. We order pizza for the tear down crew and this year had to wait over an hour for it to be delivered because we had everything done early. It’s a good thing we like each other and are happy to sit around and talk.
There is always so much going on at the show. There is a very active Children’s Corner with a lot of rock-centric games. One of the activities is a ‘topaz hunt’. The club takes a field trip to Topaz Mountain in Utah. After the members have had all the success they can handle, they shovel lot of sand from the dry creek beds into 5 gallon buckets, When the snow and wind keep people indoors during the winter, they put the sand into baggies making sure each bag has several nice topaz crystals. At the show, kids get a bag, tweezers and a tray and go through the contents under a very bright light. They get to keep what they find.
Former State Geologist, Wayne Sutherland author of “Forever Yellowstone” was an informative source for geology. Wire wrap, Faceter, Flint knapping, Faceting, and Sphere making were all demonstrated.
Another highlight of the show was Mr. Bones, a master puppeteer. He walked around ‘eating’ young and old alike. He also had a booth. When he’s not in dinosaur mode, he will show how his puppets work and discuss each critter.
The club sponsors several field trips during the week of the show led by members. This year, attendees were able to go fossil fishing in Kemmerer and check out the Blue Forest famous for petrified wood. Kemmerer is famous for Green River Formation fish and other aquatic animals and birds. Some new members from California hit the jackpot in the Blue Forest. They found a large full round piece of wood that took hours of digging to acquire.
The Sublette County Rockhounds are already planning for next year’s show. 2026 will be the 10th anniversary show as well as the host for the Wyoming State Mineral & Gem Society Show. June is a wonderful time to head to western Wyoming.
Shop and Building News
David Pawek says that eveything is up and running except the Genie, which keeps popping a breaker. Probably needs a new capacitor.
Signs are going up that say “Don’ work around the machines with long hair or loose clothing”. This is due to a recent accident. Hair ties are available!
Bench Tips
TESTING FOR SILVER
Often you need to identify some of those unknown “silvery” pieces of metal in the bottom of the toolbox or some piece of old jewelry that isn’t hallmarked.
Is it silver? – or is it something else?
Of course, if you need to know exactly what you have, it’s best to send your metals off for refining. But inexpensive silver testing solutions can be used to help distinguish higher silver content alloys from alloys that have the same appearance but with little to no silver content, like German Silver or Nickel.
I purchased a half-ounce bottle of JSP Silver Testing Solution #GT41. It’s not a rigorous analytic test, but it lets you know if you’re on the right track. And it’s inexpensive. Mine was only $3.
With a fresh solution you have an instant reaction after applying it to the metal being tested. The procedure is simple – apply a small drop and watch for a color change. Note that the acid will leave a slight mark, so choose a spot that is out of the way or will be easy to polish.
If you suspect the object is silver plated, you should file a little notch somewhere inconspicuous to expose what metal is below the surface. Otherwise, all you test will be the surface plating.
Here’s the reaction I got when testing various materials:
Fine silver Red/Orange
Sterling silver Brick Red
80% silver 20% copper Dark red changing to gray
Brass Yellow changing to blue
Nickel Gray-green
Copper Yellow changing to blue
Steel Black
Stainless Steel No color change
Caution – If you do any of this testing, know that you are handling a reasonably strong acid. The GT41 label says it includes nitric acid and potassium dichromate.
Wear safety glasses.
Do not get any testing solution on your skin.
Use a solution of baking soda and water to
neutralize acid.
Wash and clean up well when you’re done.
| REMOVING SOLDER FROM A BEZEL
Sometimes when you solder a bezel to a base plate you end up with excess solder that needs to be removed before setting the stone. My choice of a tool bit for this is an “Inverse Cone” bur used in a motor tool or flexshaft. The nice thing about this bur is that it cuts on the bottom and the side and is shaped so that there’s less chance of it cutting into the bezel wall than if you used the more common cylinder bur shape. I find the 2 mm size useful for almost any bezel. There’s hundreds of different tool tips for your Dremel or Foredom. Get Brad’s guide on choosing the best one for the job at amazon.com/dp/B074LG35ZV |
Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Show
It’s that time of year! Claim your favorite role at the show now by contacting your Volunteer Coordinator:
Nancy English, HGMS Secretary, Volunteer Committee Coordinator,
nancyjodi@aol.com or 832-722-5441.
High-Status Women Buried with Beads
by Who?
A megalithic tomb constructed around 3000 BC near Seville, Spain, was excavated by an archaeology team from the University of Seville, and many stunning artifacts were discovered along with the remains of 20 individuals covered with sun motifs and a layer of cinnabar paint. The finds include many ivory objects, flint daggers and blades, and thousands upon thousands of beads made of stone, bone, amber, and mussel and cockle shells that once decorated the clothing of the people in the tomb. An open-air gallery aligned with the winter solstice led to two underground chambers. The tomb may have been used for around 200 years.
An obviously important individual was unearthed at the site in 2008, and because the skeleton was surrounded by exotic items like the tusk of an elephant, an ostrich egg, an ivory comb, a crystal dagger and an inlaid flint dagger, it was named the “Ivory Man”. Subsequent testing proved that she was in fact the “Ivory Lady”. Additional testing proved that 17 of the occupants of the newer tomb were women, while the sex of 3 could not be confirmed. In addition to the heavy mercury contamination from the cinnabar, many of the women exhibited osteoarthritis, suggesting a lot of walking. Perhaps they were priestesses or sacred dancers. Imagine dancing with the weight of hundreds of beads on your costume!
A detail from a photograph of one of the burials – bones omitted! Reference articles contain the original photographs.
A study of all the artifacts found at the site revealed over 270,000 beads. Using tools which would have been available 5000 years ago, researchers were able to duplicate the beads and estimate that the simplest would have taken at least 11 minutes to make. A trove of beads of this size therefore represents an amazing amount of labor, to deck these women in shimmering shell bead outfits. The exotic items acquired in trade and the amount of labor devoted to bead making suggest a successful society with the leisure time to build public works and stage elaborate rituals.
References:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/29/science/ivory-lady-burial-shell-beads
Watch:
The Crystal Dagger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmqP1CaesVY
Photograph of Beads in Tomb:
Murillo-Barroso M, Peñalver E, Bueno P, Barroso R, de Balbín R, Martinón-Torres M
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
Photograph of Rock Crystal Dagger:
By Ángel M. Felicísimo from Mérida, España – Alabarda o daga, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54767155
SCFMS news
by Don Shurtz, President SCFMS
The SCFMS Convention is on October 18 in Austin, TX, in conjunction with the Austin Gem and Mineral Show. The show is taking place in downtown Austin at the Palmer Events Center from October 17 to 19. While the show is in downtown Austin, all Convention Activities will be at the AGMS Clubhouse, 6719 Burnet Lane, Austin, 78757, on October 18. Breakfast with the Editors and Webmasters will kick things off at 8:00 AM. The Annual Meeting will be held at the clubhouse (address above) starting at 2:00 PM. The Awards Banquet will take place at 7:00 PM at Nature’s Treasures, 11055 N IH- 35, Austin, TX 78753.
Although not a Convention Activity, the Rollin’ Rock Club official meeting will be at 8:00 AM, Sunday, October 19, at the Palmer Events Center, in the back corner of the Exhibit Hall. I would encourage everyone to attend. The Rollin’ Rock Club is a happy time. There will be jokes and stories, a drawing to be the owner of the 2024-25 Traveling Treasure Chest, a raffle for the 2025-26 Traveling Treasure Chest with the proceeds going to the AFMS Scholarship Fund (the winner will have their name in the hat for next year’s drawing of the Treasure Chest), a raffle of donated rocks, minerals, and other items to support a worthy cause such as the local club’s scholarship fund, the Rollin’ Rock Club, Treasury, the SCFMS Endowment Fund, the AFMS Scholarship Fund, etc. The item or items will be selected by a vote before the raffle. Many of the meeting attendees are vendors at the show, so the meeting will be brief – they need to get their booths ready for the final day of the show.
At the Annual Meeting, we will need to approve a budget for 2026, elect new officers for the 2026-2027 term, and address any new or outstanding business. I believe the meeting will be about 2 hours in length, but possibly shorter. I will do my best to keep it as brief as possible.
Officers and Committee Chairs and Members are hard to come by. If you have the time, please consider helping the SCFMS. Most positions require less than 20 hours of work each year. Our recently appointed Secretary and District V Vice President have resigned due to personal obligations. That opens up two more SCFMS positions that need to be filled.
HGMS Board of Directors Meeting
Meeting Minutes for August 5th, 2025
| Board Member | Section Board Member | ||
| President – LT [Logan] Wilcox [LT} | Beading – Maggie Manley [MM] | ||
| x | 1st Vice President – Jeanean Slamen [JS] | X | Day Light – Fred Brueckner [FB] |
| X | 2nd Vice President – Sarah Metsa [SM] | Gemstones & Faceting – Randy Carlson [RC] | |
| X | Treasurer – Sharon Halton [SH] |
X | Lapidary & Silversmithing – Richard Good [RG] |
| X | Secretary – Nancy English | X | Mineral – Ray Kizer [RK] |
| Web & Show – Scott Singleton [SS] | Paleontology – Mike Dawkins [MD] | ||
Nancy English convened the Zoom meeting at 7:40 p.m.
At that time, a quorum was not present. Rhett Cooper, Nancy English, Fred Brueckner, and Ray Kizer were present. Because there was not a quorum, we discussed the issues listed in the Agenda and more items.
Approval of Minutes – Secretary Nancy English apologized for not being up to date with the minutes. There were no minutes to approve.
Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Rhett Cooper sent the June 30 Treasurer’s Report to Board members on August 5, 2025. The meeting attendees had not had time to look at them.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Donations, Sales, Auction Committee (DSAC) – Ray Kizer
The next Auction will be on September 20, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse.
Safety/Policy Committee – Rhett Cooper is committed to investigating the upgrade of the ventilation and exhaust systems in the clubhouse. During August, he will contact companies to bid on making the improvements. He will ask for estimates to improve circulation and ventilation, and exhaust. Ray Kizer said the Air Abrasive room is too hot to work in. The Paleo Section may buy its interim cooling unit to use until the main system is improved. The expectations for improvements were refined and agreed on. The Board had already voted to pursue the project earlier this year.
Membership Committee – Sarah Metsa emailed membership numbers as of July 31, 2025.
Single Adult – 182
Couples – 62
Families – 17
Youths – 11
Lifetime members – 69
Volunteer Committee – Nancy English and Daniel Rodriguez. Nancy is hoping the Volunteer@hgms.org will be working soon.
Scholarship Committee – Mike Sommers and Daniel Rodriguez
Because of the generous donations for scholarships last year, Nancy English would like to propose a motion to award 2 more $2,500 scholarships this year. We did not have a quorum at the Board meeting on August 5, 2025, so I am emailing the motion to Board members. I am asking for a second to the motion and at least 6 approval votes for a majority. And at least 7 responses to show a quorum.
The students will need to send their money to their universities this month for the fall semester.
MOTION: Nancy English moved to approve $5,000 more for 2 more scholarships this month. We had at least that much donated to HGMS in 2024 for the 2025 scholarships. We have already chosen the winners of the standard 3 scholarships.
Show Committee – Scott Singleton: The next meeting is August 12.
SECTION REPORTS
Beading Section – Maggie Manley in person: second Saturday, noon to 3:00 p.m., August 9, September 13, October 11.
Day Light Section – Linda Krzywicki in person: first Wednesday, noon to 3:00 p.m., August 6, September 3. October 1.
Gemstones and Faceting Section – Randy Carlson Zoom Hybrid: third Thursday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., August 14, September 11, October 9.
Lapidary and Silversmithing Section – Tony Lucci in person: third Monday, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., August 18, September 22. October 20.
Mineral Section – Steve Blyskal Zoom program planned: third Wednesday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., August 20, September. 17. October 15.
Paleo Section – in person: third Tuesday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., August 19, September 16. October 21.
Youth Section– Beverly Mace in person: first and third Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to Noon, August 2 & 16, September 6 & 20. October 4 & 18.
OLD BUSINESS
Bylaws: The new bylaws were approved at the July 22, 2025, General Meeting.
Laptops: Treasurer Rhett Cooper announced that laptops were purchased for the Clubhouse to be used for Zoom meetings and in-house projects. Nancy English asked for some easy-to-use instructions on how to connect the laptop with the cameras and speakers for the Zoom meetings. Rhett suggested that LT write those for us.
Paleo Section Bank Accounts: Ray Kizer reported that the Paleo Bank accounts at Smart Credit Union have been closed. Treasurer Rhett Cooper agreed to accompany Ray Kizer, Jeanean Slamen, and Mike Dawkins to Chase Bank to open new Paleo accounts there.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business to discuss. The four original attendees prepared to leave the meeting at 8:09 p.m.
John Moffit signed on at that time. Secretary English updated him on the previous discussions.
Richard Good signed on. He is recovering from his liver transplant operation. He provided news about it.
Sarah Metsa signed on. Secretary English updated Sarah and Richard on the previous discussions.
The next Board of Directors Zoom meeting will be on the first Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
The next General Meeting will be on the fourth Tuesday, September 26, at 7:30 p.m. The program is undetermined at this time.
Adjourn: Early attendees left the meeting at 8:15 p.m., so there was no quorum to vote on adjournment. The meeting broke up at 8:40 p.m.
HGMS General Meeting Minutes
Minutes for August 26th, 2025
by Nancy English
1st Vice President John Moffitt called the meeting to order: time not recorded. He turned the meeting over to the 2nd Vice President, Sarah Metsa. She welcomed 18 attendees: 15 in person and 3 online. She asked new members to introduce themselves. Joe Otillar joined in August. He loves rocks, recently moved to Texas brought rocks with him.
A guest arrived later. John Moffitt gave Omar a tour of the shops during the break.
Approval of Minutes: John Moffitt moved to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2025, General Meeting as published in the August 2025, BBG. Steve Blyskal seconded the motion, and it passed.
COMMITTEE/SECTION REPORTS
2nd Vice President Sarah Metsa invited Section Chairs and Standing Committee Chairs to make announcements.
Mineral Section Chairman, Steve Blyskal, reported that the Mineral Section is building 25 Rock Cycle Sets for the Annual Show. Final assembly is scheduled for later.
Show Committee: Steve Blyskal, as Dealer Chairman, reported that the Paleo and Mineral Section Booths have been expanded for the Show. Maggie Manley’s Bead Demonstration Booth was moved to the Clear Lake space last year. Clear Lake was moved to the West end of the entry hall. A new group of Beading Section members purchased a booth in the Main Hall. Steve is looking for one more dealer.
Scholarship Committee: Chairman, Mike Sommers, reported the winner for the 2025 HGMS scholarships. A record number of students applied – 16. Mike attributes that to the online application system he installed. He thanked the Board for approving more money for the program, but it was too late for the fall semester. He will consider using it for the spring semester.
The $2,500 Scholarship winners are:
Award #1 – Safiye Namver, University of Texas at Austin.
Award #2 – Kyra Bennett, University of Houston.
Award #3 – Skylin Bromonsky, Sam Houston State University.
Membership Committee: Sarah Metsa, Membership Chairman, reported membership numbers as of August 26, 2025.
Single Adult – 190
Couples – 62
Families – 18
Youths – 12
Students – 4
Lifetime members – 68. The reduction reflects the passing of Terry Proctor. See more about Terry’s contribution to HGMS in the August BBG.
Donations, Sales, Auction Committee (DSAC): Ray Kizer
The next Auction will be on September 20, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse.
Safety/Policy Committee: Rhett Cooper is committed to investigating the upgrade of the ventilation and exhaust systems in the clubhouse. He should have a report on estimates for the Board next week.
Show Committee: Scott Singleton/Sigrid Stewart
The Show Committee met on August 12. Volunteers are already signing up from U of H Downtown. The next meeting is on September 9, 2025.
Website Committee: Scott Singleton/Sigrid Stewart reported that they need more volunteers with technology skills to be on the Website Committee. Sarah Metsa asked Sigrid to remind her to send Sigrid the member names who have tech skills.
OLD BUSINESS
2nd Vice President Sarah Metsa asked members to look for the progress of Old Business items in the Board of Directors’ Meeting Minutes in the latest BackBenders Gazette (BBG) on the HGMS Website https://hgms.org under Publications.
President Wilcox purchased two new laptops for the clubhouse. They are not loaded with the necessary programs yet. They are locked in the Office.
Sarah Metsa reminded members that they can author articles for the BBG. Some are submitted to the SCFMS and AFMS writing contests. You could win a plaque.
NEW BUSINESS
The next Board of Directors Zoom meeting will be on the first Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
The next General Meeting will be on the fourth Tuesday, September 26, at 7:30 p.m.
2nd Vice President Sarah Metsa asked for any further New Business.
It was asked if the HGMS.org email addresses are working. They are.
Drawing: Joe Otillar won the Yeti insulated cup with the HGMS logo etched into it.
Show-n-Tell: LT asked for presenters to limit items to 3.
Steve Blyskal purchased a puppet of a baby dinosaur hatching from an egg. He intends to use it to talk to kids about rocks and fossils. He said he would have it in the Swap Area and at the Mineral Booth at the Annual Show.
Steve is starting on a tumbling rocks journey. He brought a box of Kokernot agates that have only been tumbled with 60 and 90 lb. grit.
While in Colorado, Steve and Sigrid went to the outdoor Buena Vista Gem and Mineral Show. He bought an agate from Argentina, a Brazilian agate, felspar, and botryoidal fluorite, to show us.
2nd Vice President Sarah Metsa reminded everyone to thank the volunteers who made tonight’s meeting possible. Sarah thanked Steve for bringing his program.
Debbie Seid provided refreshments. Debbie is stepping down as Social Chairman in 2026. If you are interested in this position, please contact Volunteercoordinator@hgms.org.
During the break
Feed the Kitty! Your donations go to offset the cost of the snacks.
Thank you to the volunteers who made tonight possible.
Thank the volunteers who make all of what HGMS is available.
Adjourn: John Moffitt moved to adjourn. Sigrid Stewart seconded the motion, and it passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Vice President John Moffitt introduced the Program: A Quick Tour of the Silverton, Colorado Mining Museum by Steve Blyskal.
Upcoming Shows
- October 17-19, Gem and Mineral Society of Austin, Palmer Events Center, https://www.agms-tx.org/
- October 18, SCFMS Convention hosted by G&MS Austin, 6719 Burnet Ln, Austin, TX 78757
- November 1-2, Paleontological Society of Austin, Old Settler’s Heritage Association, https://www.austinpaleo.org/fest.html
- November 1-2, Midland Gem and Mineral Society, Bush Convention Center, https://www.midlandgemandmineral.org/
- November 7-9, Houston Gem and Mineral Society, Humble Convention Center, https://hgms.org/annual-show/
- November 15-16, Fort Worth G&M Club, May 24 – 25, Will Rogers Memorial Center, https://www.fortworthgemandmineralclub.org/show.html
- November 22-23, Dallas Gem and Mineral Society, Mesquite Convention Center, https://www.dallasgemandmineral.org/
- December 6-7, DeRidder Gem and Mineral Society, West LA Forestry Fair Grounds, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064473110778
Permission to use material originating in this newsletter is given freely providing that credit is given to the author and the source. Articles published in the BBG may be edited for grammar and content and should be submitted before the 15th day of the month. Email content and comments to editor@hgms.org.