Presidents Message:

Greetings everyone.  For some of you, this is the first Southeast Chapter newsletter that you have received.  For old members, it is the first in quite some time.  The Southeast Chapter is doing well and is expected to grow if current indications are correct.  I’d like to welcome new members and fill everyone in on what is happening in the Southeast Chapter.

The last few years have been challenging and stressful for our chapter.  It has been difficult to get folks to contribute and support appeared, for a time, to be disappearing.  A core of members kept the chapter alive.  We decided to hold a fall symposium last November.  It was an overwhelming success with 23 attendees, 3 great speakers, and new members volunteering to serve as officers and committee members.  In spite of a mediocre job of getting the symposium advertised, we still had a great turnout.  This year’s symposium should be even larger.

One dark part of our struggles is now over and should be explained one final time.  Until a month ago we did not have a viable treasury, meaning simply that the currently elected treasurer (Travis Paris) did not have access to our funds.  Happily, that episode is now history.  In the interim, Travis paid our share of National FM dues ($255) out of his own pocket to keep the chapter alive for another year.  What we did not get, however, was the slug of funds into our treasury for last year (a loss in revenue of $780).  Please consider paying your 2003 dues now if you have not done so.  Those who have not renewed for 2004 should also do so now.  (A membership form is included at the end of this newsletter.)  Since we did not have an active treasury for a few years, we also did not conduct the lucrative auctions nor charge for the fall symposium.  We were able to hold the fall symposium thanks to donated time and materials, but mostly because of the generosity of the Weinman Mineral Museum for helping to advertise and giving us a fantastic space in which to hold our gathering.  The Georgia Mineral Society also advertised our symposium.  I also traveled to Tucson to represent the Southeast Chapter at the national FM board meetings.  National level board members were sympathetic and were able provide ideas.  Past Chapter President, Dave Babulski, did a yeoman’s job as president, newsletter editor, firefighter, and cheerleader for the Chapter for two difficult years.  All of local and national level efforts listed above have kept us going.

Volume 7, Issue 1, Page 2

Along the way we have lost support from previously highly enthusiastic members.  One major valid reason for this is lack of communication.  We have launched a new web page, http://www.southeastfm.org and reinstated this newsletter (the website will be up soon and under construction for a time).  That will get the information flowing to you, the members of this chapter.  Please contact me with your ideas and constructive criticism.  Feel free to call or write and vent frustrations.  I will listen and use the remainder of my term to fix problems with the Chapter, as well as continuing to build for the future.

A second reason for lack of support is the great geographical size of our Chapter; we have members from Washington, D.C., to New Orleans!  The center of mass of the organization has shifted in recent years from Virginia to North Georgia, neither being perfect for a permanent meeting place.  This is the one issue that I have agonized over more than any other, only to conclude that it is not possible to please all members.  Input on this point would be most appreciated.  Also needed is input on timing of the meetings and whether a permanent meeting is preferable to moving each year.

There is a need for this Chapter.  Travis Paris is completing a mineral locality index for Tennessee for Rocks and Minerals magazine.  Other states locality indices need to be done or updated.  We have a rich mineral heritage and new mineral occurrences, although slow in coming, are still turning up.  Jason and Mandy Smith have expanded the list of minerals for the Foote Mine in North Carolina; John Whatley, Don Reems and Henry Barwood are poring over new phosphate minerals from Graves Mountain and Girard, Georgia.  At the same time that these discoveries are being made, increased tension between private and government landowners coupled with rapid growth of our cities are jeopardizing mineral collecting sites.  We have as our goal the preservation and dissemination of information on mineral occurrences.  This requires folks stepping up to the plate to help.  In future newsletters and meetings I will discuss specific needs and tasks that will accomplish our goals of preserving our mineral heritage.  Lastly, if you need further convincing of the need for Friends of Mineralogy, see Wendell Wilson’s editorial on page 3 of the January-February 2004 issue of The Mineralogical Record.  For now, let’s finish continue reorganizing and strengthening the Chapter, then get on with our business.

Cheers!

Julian C. Gray,
2003 and 2004 Se FM President.

Message from the Editor:

Welcome to the new Southeast Chapter of FM newsletter.  This is my first effort to produce a newsletter, but I’m excited about helping to bring the Southeast Chapter of the FM back to health.

One thing I know about successfully producing a newsletter, after listening to a lot of other editors; you can’t produce them without content.  In other words, your help is needed to make this a meaningful newsletter!  I need articles!  You pick the topic.  It doesn’t have to be polished.  I’m very happy to proof read, correct for grammar, etc.  It’s the content that’s hard.  Also, length doesn’t matter.  I can add pages if needed.  If you have pictures or other objects, drawings, diagrams etc., they can also be included.  Thanks in advance for your contributions.

Wayne Dodd,
Editor

Volume 7, Issue1, Page3

Chapter Meeting Minutes
Southeast Chapter Friends of Mineralogy
Board Meeting, June 12, 2004
Weinman Mineral Museum
Cartersville, Georgia

The meeting was called to order by President Julian Gray at 2:05 p.m.

Julian introduced our Treasurer, Travis Paris and announced that the position of Vice President was still open. Julian then introduced our host for this meeting, Jose Santamaria, Director of the Weinman Mineral Museum in Cartersville, GA.

Two to three years ago the Southeast Chapter of the Friends of Mineralogy was in “survival mode”, Julian said. Turnout at symposiums was weak, positions continued to be left vacant; there were problems with the treasury, etc. Now, the treasury is healthy and we’re back on track. The last symposium, held at the Weinman was very well attended and board positions began to be filled. A newsletter is in the works, as well as a web presence. The SEFM now has 20 paid members (with more just needing to renew).

In attendance at today’s meeting were: John Trimble, Jay Gorday, Bob Cook, Jim Flora, Cheryl Cornell, Dave Babulski, Wayne Dodd, Travis Paris, Julian Gray and Anita Westlake.

Treasurer’s Report by Travis Paris:

Checking account: $3,150.13

Savings account: $110.00

The $8.00 a month service charge may be waived in the future.

Newsletter Report by Wayne Dodd:

The newsletter is ready to be published at the end of the month. The minutes from this meeting will be sent to Wayne for the newsletter. There was some discussion about sending the newsletter as a PDF file and emailing it to members rather than incur the costs of paper copies and mailing. Julian said that he wanted to have paper copies, at least in the beginning. Julian asked that the newsletter include information about the upcoming symposium. Wayne asked that members consider sending articles to be published in the newsletter.

Webpage Report by Julian Gray:

In Adam Barwood’s absence, Julian announced that the webpage was also ready to go. We need to decide whether we want to spend $115.00 a year to register a “domain name” for the site.

Field Trip Report by Julian Gray:

In Henry Barwood’s absence, Julian announced that the field trip will be in conjunction with the Fall Symposium scheduled for November 13-14 at the Weinman.

President’s Report by Julian Gray:

Julian reported that the state of the chapter is good and that we have “turned a huge corner.” He said the National Friends of Mineralogy still supports us and our work. The Fall Symposium for 2003 enjoyed an excellent turnout. Speakers gave talks the whole first day, and the second day was devoted to field trips.

Bob Cook suggested that instead of a Fall Symposium, we try to hook-up with the Weinman’s “Rockfest” in the summer where there is already a captive audience. The Weinman Mineral Museum is an excellent location because it is central to many of our members, and because the Holiday Inn is right next door.  Julian suggested we form a planning committee for the Symposium in 2005 to decide on many issues, including the time of year to have it.

Volume 7, Issue 1, Page 4

Meeting Minutes, Cont’d.

Julian said this was his last year as President. His main goal is to make the Southeast Chapter a functioning organization by the time he leaves office, and increase the membership. We have lost some members over the years, and we haven’t gained many new ones. Regular events will be up and running again, and we need to get the word out about who we are and what we do. Julian asked if anyone would like to take over as President but there were no immediate volunteers among those in attendance.

The SEFM is currently affiliated with The Mineralogical Record, where an entire page is devoted to FM in every issue. In addition, we are affiliated with Rocks and Minerals and The American Geologic Institute where we can enjoy discounts on their publications. By having these professional affiliations, we can help promote and protect field collecting as well as share similar Mission Statements and ideas. Dave Babulski pointed out that the Russell Society in the United Kingdom has the same mission statement as we do.

By-Laws:

We were incorporated in the state of Virginia. We have our bank account in Tennessee. Do we need to incorporate in Tennessee? If so, the By-Laws need to be changed. Also, we should change the By-Laws so that we can conduct business over email. A By-Laws Committee needs to be formed and the findings reported at the Fall Symposium 2004.

Bob Cook and Travis Paris made a motion that we amend the By-Laws such that society business can be conducted by e-mail and paper voting.  Jose Santamaria seconded the motion. Travis Paris will send us all an email so that we can vote on this and any other motions that come up. Julian will change the chapter By-Laws so that they are consistent with the National Friends of Mineralogy By-Laws.

Other Business:

Bob Cook made a motion to approve Julian working with Adam to set-up the website. Jose Santamaria amended the motion to add that we go ahead and spend the money needed for the start-up costs of the website. Wayne Dodd seconded the motion.

Julian will check with Bill Dameron on field trip liability.

Budget:

We need to establish a budget. Members are asked to submit potential costs to Travis so that a complete budget can be put together. Future costs will include such line items as the website, symposium honorariums, newsletter printing and postage, etc. It was decided that Jason should be awarded $100.00 for his presentation at the last symposium since he had to come from out of state and Anita would be awarded $50.00 for her presentation (in-state). A motion was made and passed to pay both Jason and Anita for their presentations.

Fall Symposium 2004:

No abstracts have been received yet for the 2004 symposium. Dave Babulski said he has two coming.

We still need volunteers to give 15 minutes presentations throughout the day.

It is hoped that we can publish the symposium proceedings/abstracts. Bob Cook is pretty sure he can make this happen.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

Anita D. Westlake,
Secretary

Volume 7, Issue 1, Page 5

Coming Events:

Friends of Mineralogy Annual Southeast Chapter FM Symposium:   See announcement on next page.

Weinman Mineral Museum
I-75 Exit 293 at Hwy 411
(770) 386-0576
www.weinmanmuseum.org

Cookies and Coke Learning Series:  Thurs. June 24, 2004.  6:30pm Cookies and Coke, 7:00pm lecture.  Subject: Kartchner Caverns, Presented by Bob Jones.  Bob, Senior Consulting Editor for Rock and Gem Magazine, is a world renowned speaker and gem and mineral enthusiast.  Mr. Jones will present a lecture and slide presentation of Kartchner Caverns State Park, a cavern discovered only thirty years ago in southern Arizona.  (This event will be over by the time you get this…but I left it in to show the kinds of things that are going on in the Southeast Region of the FOM)

Volume 7, Issue 1, Page 6

Announcing the 2004 Friends of Mineralogy Southeast Chapter Fall Symposium

Saturday Symposium
Saturday - November 8, 2003 - 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM

At the Weinman Mineral Museum
51 Mineral Drive, White, Georgia
(770) 386-0576
http://www.weinmanmuseum.org

Featuring Invited Speakers and Contributed Papers on Mineralogy in the South , Annual Business Meeting, Auction to Benefit the SE Chapter, Saturday Banquet, Sunday Field Trip.

Sunday – November 9, 2003 – 8:00 AM till ??
Field trip details TBA

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS!!

We are trying something new this year – no theme mineral or subject.  The idea is to get more people involved in giving 15 minute presentations on a variety of topics.  Please consider sharing information on a favorite mine; mineral; cleaning, preparation, or identification technique; photography or cataloging tips; or anything that would be of interest to a mineral collector.  If you are planning to attend, have questions, or would like to give a presentation please contact Julian C. Gray.

IMPORTANT DATES:

October 1    Registration Materials Available

October 8    Abstract Submission Deadline

October 29  Early Registration Deadline

Volume 7, Issue 1, Page 7

Southeast Chapter Officers

President:
Julian C. Gray
524 Robin Lane
Marietta, Georgia 30067
(770) 973-3632
julian.gray@comcast.net

Secretary:
Anita Westlake
1253 Spencer Ave
East Point, GA 30344
(404) 761-7849
libawc@emory.edu

Treasurer:
Travis Paris
5604 Malmsbury Road
Knoxville, Tennessee 37921
(865) 691-8228
taparis@msn.com

Field Trip Chair:
Dr. Henry Barwood
515 Elm St., #1
Troy, AL 36081
(334) 566-0762
hbarwood@troyst.edu

Newsletter Editor:
Wayne M. Dodd
10495 Stonefield Landing
Duluth, GA 30097
(770) 497-9790
wmdodd@mindspring.com

Webmaster:
Adam Barwood
6365 Highway 78
Pell City, Alabama 35128
(205) 995-9472
abarwood@intergate.com