Rockhound ramblings

DECEMBER 1, 2 011 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PASADENA SOCIETY - PASADENA, CALIFORNIA INSIDE THIS ISSUE

President’s 2 Message

Club News & 2 Information

Ed’s Corner, 3 Workshop, More Club News

Feature Articles: 4 Pyrite and

Museums and 5 Member –To - Member Field Trips, 6 Federation News

December 2011 7 Dinner Meeting, Shows & Local Events

Calendar of 8 Monthly Events

PYRITE The very glimpse of it raises the specter of ! This beautiful and fascinating mineral with its yellow color and metallic luster has the nickname of "Fool's Gold" because it has a history of being mistaken for gold - as it can resemble the physical appearance of gold. The ancient Greek named the mineral from their word "pyr" meaning "of fire". This was because they found that sparks would fly from it if struck against another hard mineral, such as iron.

Archaeologists have found that burial mounds in South America often contain chunks of pyrite, perhaps so one would have fire in the next world. Aztec ceremonial masks have also been discovered where the eye sockets had been filled with pyrite along with large, flat, polished pieces of pyrite. Speculation is that these were used as early mirrors by early Aztecs and Incans.

Continued on page 4

Page 2 ROCKHOUND RAMBLINGS December 2011

President’s Message The club is in sound financial condition, Don‘t forget that your dues for next year has a solid meeting place, and has a new must be submitted by the December meet- Happy holidays to every- slate of incoming club officers that will do ing to avoid any penalties. I don‘t want you one. I hope that this mis- a fantastic job of guiding us forward. I to miss any of the fun and fellowship! sive finds you all in better want to take this opportunity to thank my circumstances than we fellow board members for all their support Over the next few months we will also be have experienced in the and hard work. I value their friendship and preparing for our 54th annual show. When last few years. We have tireless assistance. the chairpersons ask for your assistance lost many things, includ- with the set up, demonstrations, host table, ing numerous long term I look forward to seeing all our members kitchen, tear down, and other tasks please club members and at the club pot luck and ‗blind‘ gift ex- sign up for as much time as you can. Many friends, but we have many new mem- change on December 15th. It‘s at the Lake hands make light work. Thank you all for bers and friends to help us carry on the Avenue Congregational Church in Pasa- your assistance! traditions of rockhounding and lapidary dena. See the times and directions on work. page 7. … Chris Kyte, President

Meeting and General Club Information Officers November Board Meeting Planning for our 2012 show is under- way. Mark presented several draft election (see the voting results on by Cheryl Lopez, Secretary flyers for review. Members can sign up page 3 of this bulletin) the club Chris Kyte, President Officers present: Chris Kyte, Cheryl now for demonstrations and to help. enjoyed our Fall Silent Auction. (626) 794-0519 Despite the short notice there [email protected] Lopez, Mark Nelson. Marcia Goetz is show chair (626) 914- Chairs/Members present: Vern 5030. were lots of items to suit the Cheryl Lopez, Secretary Cliffe, Sylvia Cliffe, Drew Wilson, whimsy of rockhounds and other (626) 351-6283 Marlene Kyte, Marcia & Joe Goetz The update to our bylaws is almost collectors alike. [email protected] and Ed Imlay. complete. This will be followed by an December Meeting update to our Operating Regulations. Mark Nelson, Treasurer Vern Cliff reported on the impor- A position is available as a Reporter for The December meeting will be (909) 996-1784 tance of talking about our hobby and the bulletin. Interested people should our annual Installation Dinner and of meeting a man who will demon- contact the President. Holiday pot-luck. Please note FAIR USE NOTICE. This that this will be an early meet- strate how to grind a point back onto November Meeting publication may contain copyrighted a rock . This man, Al, is a ing. Directions and details can material the use of which has not tool and die maker and he will be Final nominations for our 2012-13 be found on pages 6 and 7 of the been specifically authorized by the officers were presented. Following the bulletin. copyright owner. invited to a workshop.

We are making such material available in our efforts to advance Membership Information and Meeting Locations the educational understanding of the amateur jewelry fabrication and rock Membership per calendar year General Meetings: 7:00 PM are mandatory for all participants. collecting hobbies. is $20, $15 for a second adult each month on the third Call a board member for the member in the same house. Jun- Wednesday at the Pasadena workshop address We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted ior members and third or more Central Library at 285 E. Walnut material as provided for in section members at the same house are Street. Guests are welcome! Workshops and field trips are for 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. $10. Initiation fee is $2.50 per adult members and children with person and membership badges Field Trips are scheduled each direct parental supervision. If you wish to use material from this publication for commercial or are $7.50. Renewals are due month. Refer to the bulletin for purposes of your own that go by the October General Meeting date, location and information. The Annual Club Show is held beyond 'fair use', you must obtain and delinquent after December the second weekend of March at permission from the copyright 31st. Mail membership checks to Workshops and instructions the Masonic Hall, 3130 Hunting- owner. P.O. Box 5025, Pasadena CA are offered in our well-equipped ton Drive, San Marino. 91117-0025. shop in Pasadena to all club Newsletter Articles, ads or members - normally on the 2nd Advertising - a business card corrections should be sent to the Board Meetings: 7:00pm on the Sunday of each month. Refer size ad is available for $99 per editor: Mark Nelson, 1475 Paseo first Wednesday of the month at to the bulletin for hours and the year or $10 per edition. Submit Maravilla, San Dimas, CA, 91773. (909) 996-1784 or by the One West Bank, 1 E. Foothill calendar for date changes. Eye text, logos, business card or other email to mnelsonair @aol.com in Arcadia. All PLS members are protection, closed-toe shoes copy to the editor at the address welcome to attend. and machinery safe practices or email listed on this page. THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PASADENA LAPIDARY SOCIETY December 2011 Page 3

Ed’s Corner EDUCATIONAL OUTEACH Welcome By Ed Imlay

Chair, Education Committee New Members !!

There will not be a display table at the Share the lapidary and jewelry hobby. In- December meeting, since it is our an- vite your friends and neighbors to become nual installation meeting and pot-luck members of the Pasadena Lapidary Society! dinner. Ed Imlay at a local school What you do makes a difference, This is a perfect time to schedule school visits and reminds mem- bers to bring items to the December meeting: members can display and what you have to decide is what any items of general interest or for identification, work- kind of difference you want to make. shop projects, material from locations of recent or up- coming field trips, and the birthstone of the month: Jane Goodall Blue . NEW CLUB LEADERS DON’T FORGET ! At the November meeting the club elected its officers for 2012-13. Dues Are Due! - - Our new officers will be: No Dues — No Rockhound President: Marcia Goetz Ramblings! Vice President: Carolyn Duncan Secretary/Treasurer: Linda Nelson Federation Director: Joe Goetz WORKSHOP The workshop is a great opportunity to select from our rock pile, to In the coming weeks Marcia will be looking for people willing to receive instruction on how to cut and polish rocks, and to discuss pro- have fun on our committees. See page 6 for a list and description of where you can help. jects for all skill levels. If you are new and have not attended the work- shop, call one of the officers listed on page 2 for the address. Sunshine: A snapshot of our new officers:

Sylvia Cliffe will teach Part 2 of her ―how to make a basic ‖ Marcia Goetz, President, is a library adminis- class. She will teach basic silver techniques. If you started trator and has been with the club for 18 years. your ring or want to catch up on the class, this is where you will learn She has served as its V.P. and Treasurer, and to finish and polish your piece. She will have all of the materials you was named as Rockhounder Of The Year. need and you can buy them from her. Bring a fine and a small torch if you have one. Carolyn Duncan, Vice President, is a teacher of clinical psychol- ogy technicians. She has been with the club 11 years and has Workshop hours are from 1:30 until 5PM. Parking is on the west side served as its Vice President. of street - please park compactly along the curb so that others will have room to park. Alternate parking is available next door to the Linda Nelson, Secretary/Treasurer, is a Certified Public Account- workshop in a paved lot behind the buildings on Foothill Boulevard. ant. She has been with the club 3 years and this is her first elected position.

Joe Goetz, Federation Director, is a designer of electrical systems instrumentation and controls. He has been with the club 21 years, served as its President and was named as Rockhounder Of The Year.

If you know anyone who is not feeling up to par, has been sick or lost a loved one? On the silver lining side of things, do you know who has achieved a goal, won a personal victory, or just something that deserves recognition? The Pasadena Lapidary Society has a Sunshine Committee to send cards and words of comfort and support and congratulations to those members who are in need or are deserving of it. Notify the Editor at (909) 592-1322 or at [email protected].

Page 4 ROCKHOUND RAMBLINGS December 2011

(Continued from page 1) AMMOLITE Now, jewelry designers are re-discovering this mineral and its The June 2011 edition of Rockhound Ramblings featured the uses for lapidary and jewelry design. In addition to its beauty, fossilized sea creature - the Ammonite. You will remember that it Pyrite is believed by some to capture both earth and fire resembles the present-day nautilus shell with its multiple chambers. energies, and many use it as a tool to enhance their focus, Named by the ancient Egyptians after one of their gods, Ammon, who practicality, logic, memory and for clearing fuzzy thinking. was often pictured wearing a ram‘s curled horns, they were plentiful in the seas and their fossils are abundant today. Recently a rare form Accordingly, it is said that Pyrite enhances intelligence, mental of this fossil was discovered. With the permission of Dale ―Cougar‖ stability, logic, analysis, memory and psychic development. Armstrong, we are able to bring you this article - Editor.

Ammonites are not considered rare, except for one type that is only found in one loca- tion on earth. In the Bear Paw geological formation of the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada, there is a fabulous am- monite that resembles ! This special material is called Ammolite, which has been said to be the most rare on our planet. Ammolite really isn‘t a type of opal or even a fossil; rather it is a natural, reconsti- These photos and the cover photo used courtesy of John Betts. tuted mineral or a mineralized shell. This Left: Specimen of Enargite and Pyrite from the Butte Mining District, classification comes from the fact that the Summit Valley, Silver Bow County, Montana . shell of an ammonite has not petrified or Right: Specimen of Pyrite in matrix from Victoria Mine, Navajún, La Dale ―Cougar‖ Armstrong shares jewelry and lapidary experience fossilized, but it has been transformed. Rioja, Spain at www.cougarscreations.com Relatively new to the gemstone world, ammolite was recog- nized by the Colored Stones Commission in 1981 as one of only three organic gem- stones; the other two being and . The calcium carbonate that com- posed an ammonites shell, is the same Pyrite by Pyrite material that forms the of a pearl. Beverly Brown During geological processes, this material transformed into a type of aragonite, resembling a mica-like substance, with many, many layers on the matrix, which is usually a dark brown or gray to black Pendant with Ammonite below A pyritized, split ammonite -like or slate material. As such, Ammolite! pendant, accented with Tennessee ammolite is very soft, registering only freshwater (above) and Pyrite Sphere (left) from Dale ―Cougar‖ about a 3.5 to 4 on Mohs scale, and to be used as a lapidary material Armstrong‘s personal collection. it needs to be stabilized. One type of stabilization is to force epoxy into the many layers, fusing them together. Another way is to make

Rocks & Runes Your Place For Crystals 1006 N. Lima St.— Burbank, CA 91505 Wire wrapped pyrite pendant (at right) by Cindy Albers (818) 846-0108 We carry from A to Z. Let us show you how to use gems and crystals for health as did the ancients. Cover photo and photo at the top of this page used by permission of Classes, Meditation, Cards of Destiny. John Betts. These specimens and others are available to view and Tue-Sat. 11am-7pm, Sun 12pm-5pm purchase at www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com. The photos of email: [email protected](Continued on page 5) pyrite jewelry are used with the permission of Dale “Cougar” web: www.rocksandrunes.com Armstrong and www.wire-sculpture.com - Editor Wendy Ansel A Pasadena Lapidary Society Member

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PASADENA LAPIDARY SOCIETY December 2011 Page 5

(Continued from page 4) the featured specimen into either a doublet or a triplet, and some- Member - To - Member times a whole ammolite fossil is protected by a simple layer of acrylic For club members that would like a good deal on tumbling grit, Philip Lahr is offer- coating to protect the specimen for display purposes. All ammolite on ing to coordinate a bulk purchase to take advantage of much lower prices on 50 pound lots. Estimated total costs including tax and transportation are $1.95 for the market for jewelry-making has been stabilized. 60/90 grit, $2.05 for 120/220, $2.70 for pre-polish, and $10.20 for alumina polish. Containers and assistance dividing the order may be needed. Delivery can be at The iridescent colors of ammolite workshops or other arrangements can be made. Please email Phil at [email protected] or call him at (818) 957-2322 if you are interested in partici- are truly spectacular! Vivid pating or for more information. Suggestions for improvement are welcome. Dis- shades of red, orange, violet, count purchases of other materials will be considered if the demand is sufficient. gold, green and blue completely cover huge masses of the shell. Jim Gersbach is looking for a used faceting machine. Contact him at (626) 577-6773 or at [email protected]. Unlike opal, the play of color that ammolite displays does not shift. Are you looking for some affordable lapidary equipment? Good News! Ruth Rather, the diversity of color de- Forrest donated some gently-used equipment to the Society in November. There is pends on how many layers thick a 14” Star gear-driven slab saw, a trim saw, tumbler, a multi-wheel grind- ing/polishing unit, acetylene torch and oxy-acetylene set with wheeled carrier (both the aragonite is. The most common colors are shades of red and with gauges and hoses) and compact work benches and lighting. This is your gold, while the more rare are blues and greens. Due to the way the chance to get your own equipment at bargain prices. As of this writing, the plan is aragonite formed, many pieces of ammolite resemble what one might to auction it to club members at the December Workshop. Purchases need to be think of when imagining the skin of a mythological dragon, making it a picked up the same day, so bring a vehicle and your cash or check! very artistic stone to be used in jewelry designs. Members are welcome to submit an ad for items wanted, for sale or free to other members. Submit a non-commercial ad of three lines to the editor by email at Although ammolite can occasionally be found in the states of Mon- [email protected] or to the address on page 8. tana and Wyoming, the best gem-quality only comes from Alberta, on land that belongs to the Blackfoot Native Americans. Those who mine Surfing the Web: Museums this intense stone, need to have special licenses and permission from the Blackfoot, making ammolite their main source of income. This Jim Brace-Thompson, Juniors Activities Chair for the California goes along with the history of ammolite and the Blackfoot. Their leg- Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS), encourages par- ends tell the tale of a special woman who found an ammolite in the ents and juniors to discover the resources that museums have to middle of a harsh winter, when the tribe was all but starving. A spirit offer. Jim says that: At this website: http:www.mnh.si.edu/earth, told her to bring it back to her camp, where people were in awe of the "The Dynamic Earth" gives an inside look at geology exhibits at stone and held a buffalo ceremony. The next day a huge herd of Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History as buffalo arrived, saving the tribe, which led to the Blackfoot calling this well as info on geological processes. You can see how caves stone ―Inskim‖ or ―buffalo stone.‖ form or how minerals precipitate and change under heat and pressure. More of Jim’s museum finds can be found in January’s Metaphysically, folks still look to ammolite for the special properties of newsletter! healing and good luck, as well as a good stone for meditation - as it is said to radiate positive Earth energies.

Left: A freeform green ammolite cabo- chon with a accent, made into a wire pendant by Dale Cougar Armstrong, titled: Dragon's Tear.

Right: "Dragon's Eye", an ammolite joined to a cat's eye , cre- ated in 14k solid gold wire by Dale Cougar Armstrong.

This article was written by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong and printed by Navarro’s Creations Wire-.com who granted permission to re-print it in the 18 N. Mentor, Pasadena Pasadena Lapidary Society’s Rockhound Ramblings. This and other (626) 577-2077 interesting articles can be viewed on-line at: www. Wire-Sculpture. com. You can also sign up at this website to receive weekly tips and Designer and Unique Jewelry information relating to the lapidary and jewelry hobby.— Editor. Let Emilly Navarro create something for you! Bring her a picture or sketch of your dream design for a free quote. Open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm

Page 6 ROCKHOUND RAMBLINGS December 2011

FIELD TRIPS FEDERATION NEWS By Joe Goetz CFMS - California Federation of Minera-

There will not be a field trip this month. Please plan on Jim Brace-Thompson will be stepping down as visiting the Quartzsite Shows during the month of January CFMS President. In his farewell address he and pick up some small wholesale rocks for the Show reminds us that ―No matter what accomplish- Treasure Wheel, Silent Auction or Sand Scoop. Put ments you achieve, somebody helps you‖, and January 21 & 22 on your calendar for the Club‘s trip to urges club members to get involved in their club Quartzsite during the annual PowWow Show!. and to consider getting involved with the Federation. To help groom that next person out there to ―climb the ladder,‖ he says ―I encourage people who have held a committee position for years (if not decades) to think of the future and of recruiting, training, and transitioning new people. Which members in your local clubs show special promise, talent, and commitment? Encourage them to consider committee posts. Do we have any younger jewels coming along within our individual societies and committees that we can nurture and encourage to safeguard against a vacuum?‖ Jim says that, in line with his Year of the Child theme, the single biggest lesson retained from his Boy Scout days was, ―Leave your campsite in better shape than when you arrived.‖ Read the entire article at: www.cfmsinc.org/newsletters

AFMS - American Federation of Mineralogical Societies December Meeting Directions The AFMS‘ Endowment Fund drawing will be done a little bit differently this year. The top four prizes will be from Hi-Tech  From the 210 Freeway, exit Lake Avenue north. Diamond Company: #1 CABKING-6V3 MACHINE is a direct  Maple Street is the freeway frontage street. Travel west on drive 6‖ diamond wheel grinding and polishing unit - value Maple Street (church is to your right, you are parallel to the $1,500; #2 SLANT CABBER MACHINE is an angled lap ma- 210 freeway). chine in a 8‖ diameter size - value $600; #3 ALL-U-NEED MA-  Turn right (north) onto Maple Way. Parking lot entrance will CHINE is a horizontal lap machine in a 6‖ diameter size - value be on your right. $490; #4 TRIM SAW MACHINE is a 6‖ machine with a diamond blade - value $440. On your ticket, put the number of the ma- If you miss Maple Street, continue north on Lake Avenue past the chine you want. If your ticket is drawn - you will win that item. church to Villa Street and turn left. Then turn left again on Maple Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Mail your check with your Way and enter the parking lot on the left. name, address, phone number and equipment in order of pref- erence to Colleen McGann, PO Box 224; Santa Clara, CA 95052. Email questions to her at Colleen.mcgann @hds.com.

Next year the AFMS Convention will be held in Minnetonka, MN the weekend of July 26-29. Read the latest AFMS newsletter at: http://www.amfed.org/news

FARRIN O’CONNOR DESIGN 146 W. Bellevue Drive, Pasadena

This is a true “hidden gem” for those interested in lapidary and jewelry work. A fully-stocked store with books, tools, beads and findings awaits you. Learn how to make jewelry from nothing-to-finished in their one-day classes. See upcoming classes and instructors at www.farrinoconnordesign.com/classes Or call them at (626) 796-5300. Free fenced parking. Page 7 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PASADENA LAPIDARY SOCIETY December 2011 December Meeting Information LOCAL ROCK AND GEM December 3-4: BARSTOW. Mojave Desert Gem & Look for the gems in The December Holiday Meeting and Pot Luck will be on Thursday, Mineral Society, Barstow Community Center 841 S. the calendar on the 15th, at the Lake Avenue Church - 393 N. Lake Avenue in Barstow Road, Hours: 10 – 5 daily. Gene Haines, page 8. Pasadena. It will be in Hutchins Hall Upstairs on the 4th floor. There (760) 256-0595. December 3-4: BARSTOW. Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society, Barstow Community are elevators and restrooms close by. Center 841 S. Barstow Road, Hours: 10 – 5 daily. Gene Haines, (760) 256-0595. Set-up and social hour from 5:30-6:30pm. Installation and dinner at 6:30pm. Bring your own plates, silverware, beverages and one 9-11—COSTA MESA. Wholesale and retail show; Gem Faire Inc.; OC Fair & item for the pot-luck buffet: salad, dessert, main course, or vegeta- Event Center, 88 Fair Dr.; Fri. 12-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $7 weekend bles. If you need a suggestion follow this guide: If your last name pass, children 11 and under free; jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, silver, rocks, starts with A, C, E, G, I, M, Q - please bring a main dish. If B, F, J, N, minerals. Web site & free passes: www.gemfaire.com R or V - please bring a starch. If K, O, S, W or X - please bring a Please plan to attend one of the shows listed on this page, and vegetable or salad, and if D, H, L, P, T, Y or Z please bring a des- wear your club badge when you do! - Editor sert. Farrin O‘Connor Design: Saturday, December 10, 10:00am - 5:30pm. Instructor There will be a “blind” gift exchange at the December meeting. Bon Paphatsarang presents his FRAMED WOVEN RING. Students are shown Please bring a gift to exchange - in the $10 range - wrapped and techniques in working with wire to create gorgeously detailed woven designs in marked for ―Male‖, ―Female‖, or ―Male/Female‖. The gifts go onto a wire. Bon takes the mystery out of how you can actually weave table, those members participating will take a folded number from a several strands of wire together to construct a graceful interlocking design that becomes a ring you will be proud to wear. Learn how to encase the intricately hat and the one with the lowest number will start by selecting a gift to entwined ring in a sturdy frame as you are guided through the steps of soldering open. The most prized gifts are usually those with a jewelry or lapi- the parts together. Intermediate $123. See ad on page 6. dary theme and one that you made. Please park do not park on the streets surrounding the church. Rocks & Runes - Wendy Ansel is now offering exciting Rune Street parking is reserved for residents, their guests and patrons of Readings! Please call for an appointment. See ad on page 4. the local businesses. We will be parking in the parking structure on the west side of the San Gabriel Company - Annual Big Bad Bead Sale. church complex. Enter from Maple StreetUOP (one way from Lake Ave- December 2nd- 9th. 25% off everything in stock. Attend a FREE nue). There is plenty of parking, including an area for those needing Mini Workshop Saturday, December 17 (626) 447-7753 closer physical access and those for firstLibrary time guests like us. View www.beadcompany.com. See ad on page 3. the parking lot at www.lakeave.org/parking-lot-map.html A&A Supply previews the Auracle gold tester to visitors at their Los Angeles store. The Auracle is unique due to its speed, accu- racy and simplicity. It uses battery power to indicate karat value (from 6K to 24K) of all types of gold and within a second by simply touching the test object with the probe. There are no messy solutions or acids that can stain your clothes or hands or worse, damage the object you’re testing. A&A is your complete store for jewelry supplies, including precious stones, hardware, tools, packaging and display boxes, egg trays, bags and boxes.

The single source supplier for jewelers and gemologists. 319 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 (213) 627-8004 Directions From the West Parking Lot (#1 on map): Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 9a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Walk up main stairs, walk along the right side of the Worship Center (large glass & metal structure) Supplies, displays, boxes, jewelry tools, , findings, fine  Enter the Family Life Center (#2 on map) 1st floor and take elevators to jewelry, stones, settings and wedding bands. A wide variety of lighting, the 2nd floor. photography boxes, inventory software and product labeling supplies.  Upon exiting the elevators turn right and after a few steps turn right Metalsmithing and lapidary supplies. Free catalog! www.aajewelry.com. again to walk north toward Family Life Center meeting rooms.  Turn right again at the end of corridor and walk through to Hutchins Hall We carry the best quality tools and equipment available in the industry, at Building corridor. the best prices in the United States! We can confidently say that no supplier has lower prices. Jewelry and Lapidary clubs are welcome !  Continue east through the Hutchins Hall corridor until you reach the meeting room. Look for PLS signs. The Pasadena Lapidary Society, inc. Page 8

The Pasadena Lapidary Society, Inc. First Class Mail December Bulletin Editor: 1475 Paseo Maravilla RETURN SERVICE 2011 San Dimas, CA 91773-3908 REQUESTED

Pasadena, California U.S.A.

Vice President - CFMS South The Pasadena Lapidary Society is affiliated with the California and American Federations of Mineralogical Societies. Our editor is a member of the Special Congress Representing Involved Bulletin Editors.

December 2011

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

New Years Eve Trivia: To many Americans, the ball dropping at Times Square in New York City signals the start of the new year in this country. 1 2 3 The ball was first dropped in 1908. Did you know that a raisin dropped in Suijin-Matsuri a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top? Rock & Gem Show Board 4 5 6 7 Meeting 8 9 10 Day of 7 Bodhi Day Ashura Rock & Gem Show Gem Show

11 Workshop 12 13 1414 Geminid Meteor 15 General Meeting 16 17 Shower

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

22 Ursid Meteor Hanukkah Begins Shower 25 26 28 29 30 31 New Year‘s Eve

Christmas