PRESIDENT'S COLUMN FOR 2008
APRIL
Does the term Whirlwind…
At the last meeting Ray Miller, our Webmaster, unveiled our web site. I have to tell you that I was proud to
be sitting on the board as he made his presentation. Merely saying that Ray created the website is actually
a disservice to Ray. Creating a web site from scratch isn’t like making cookies from scratch. It takes
knowledge, experience, creativity, a sense of good organizational skills, and perhaps most importantly,
an understanding of something I’d call electronic flexibility. In the world of the web, what’s new today
will likely be outdated and passé in just a few months. Having a dedicated Webmaster with Ray’s talents
will assure us that we’ll stay on the cutting edge.
If you’re reading this than it’s likely you’ve already been to the site. Although we’ll still be printing a
few copies of the Thumblicker, for the most part it will now be found on the web. Just think of the possibilities
this new tool brings to the club. We now have worldwide exposure. New members will find us, new affiliates
will join our efforts, and we will join in an electronic handshake with other rock hounds everywhere – and
I mean everywhere.
All this makes me realize that all of the good things that come to the club are due to dedicated members
like Ray. The next time you see the club’s Webmaster, please tell him thanks. We all owe him a great deal.
Of course the other big news is that the annual show has come and gone. It’s hard to believe that all the
anticipation, work and worry are now a part of the club’s history. As I write this I still haven’t asked
Jim Johnstone to provide me with the final numbers. The reason is because I want to wait along with everyone
else to find out what the bottom line is.
What I have taken away from being a small part of this effort is just how much work some of our members
put into the show, and therefore into the health and well being of the club. Bill Meginley, as the show
chairman deserves a level of gratitude that I simply cannot express in words. John Piziak is owed the same.
Of course their wives and families would come in a close second when the thanks are being handed out.
Driving home after the show I found myself wishing that all our members had the opportunity to experience
their efforts in the way that I was able to. You all would be proud of their work. I can say that in all
honesty, because walking around the show I was proud to wear the ribbon that read “President.” The truth
is that it’s not easy for me to put my name on something that isn’t all mine. However, I can tell you
without hesitation that I would sign my name to the last page of this effort, because it was as professionally
planned and as professionally run as anything of its type that I have seen.
I was surprised at the number of participants that came to me and said something like, “this is how all
shows should be run.” Regardless of the vendors financial success, I can promise all of you that each one
went home knowing that we spared nothing to make them feel welcome and appreciated. Speaking with most of
them I can also tell you that our hospitality and efforts did not go unnoticed. Why is that important?
It’s important because this is not a singular event; this is an annual event.
One important concept not lost on this team was the necessity of easing the task of the next show committee.
I can promise you that next year, when the contracts are sent out, everyone who was with us this year
will be with us next. Just as importantly, we now have a tremendous increase in our direct mailing list,
as all who wanted to get into the grand prize drawings had to provide us with their mailing information.
Of course mailing lists are vital to bringing in buyers, and buyers are the one thing that make all
vendors happy. Are you getting the picture of how smart and thorough this team was?
Speaking of Grand Prizes. It’s hard for me to brag publicly about Cathy (my wife) but she too deserves
some credit. Saturday’s grand prize was a red spinel that was a left over donation from last years silent
auction. When we came up with the idea of trying to get everyone to sign up for our mailing list it was
her idea to tie some valuable prizes to the effort. She took the red spinel and set it in a simple yet
beautiful sterling silver pendant and then put the pair on a delicate necklace. For Sunday’s grand prize
she donated one of her prized opals – as valuable to her as something akin to one of her children – set
it in a silver pendant with chain and donated her work and materials to the club. We took a couple of
pictures, framed them, and set them at the doorway to the show. According to Jim Johnstone he had little
trouble getting the attendees to sign up for the drawings. Of course that list will serve the club well,
and it just goes to show you that there are many ways to add to the club’s success. By the way, thanks Cathy.
There were also other benefits to this show that go beyond the immediate filling of our treasury. If you’ve
never had the opportunity to visit “Ancient Artifacts” then you’ll want to be at the next meeting. John McIntosh,
the owner of the Ancient Artifacts will be at our April meeting to give us a sampling of what treasures his
store carries. I can promise you that John’s store is the kind of place that you can spend hours in, as it
seems to be filled to the brim with absolutely wonderful objects. It always takes Cathy and I at least two
or three trips down the aisles to satisfy our curiosities. Sometimes I think we spend so much time ogling,
that if we stayed another minute we’d be liable for rent. It is a family run business and John’s Mother
Joan is the real personality behind the counter. When her schedule permits, Patti, John’s companion is also
there to add to the welcoming atmosphere. Add a three-pound Yorkie named Agamemnon to the mix, and it’s
the perfect place to spend a day shopping and learning. Head over to their website for more information,
you can find them at-http://www.mcintosh55.com/index.html.
While at the show I had the opportunity to speak to John and Patti at length, as Henrick Allenson had already
laid the groundwork for the subject of our conversations. Henrick had previously told them about our
Affiliate Program and John had expressed an interest in joining. For us it’s not difficult to realize
that John’s customers are the exact people that we want to communicate with. This is a perfect resource
for new membership, and this is how networking in the business world, along with our web site will help
us to grow that membership. If you can – please come to the next meeting and get to know John. He is an
unbelievable wealth of knowledge, not only with regard to rocks and minerals, and gems and jewelry, but
to artifacts of all kinds. This is someone you need to know, his name needs to be in pen in your contact/phone
book. The addition of Ancient Artifacts to our list of affiliates will put another feather in our cap, and
I am looking for ward to John’s presentation and to his long-term affiliation with us.
Something I always think worth expressing is the club’s appreciation to those who do so much for betterment of the
organization. But, there is a danger in doing that, and lately I’ve been wondering if some members think
they must move mountains to contribute. Let me say this – nothing, could be further from the truth.
First of all you don’t have to be the show chairman to help, you don’t have to donate valuable items, you
don’t have to give up your day job, all you have to do is give “a little.” I can promise you this, when you
give a little you’ll soon find that the work wasn’t so much work as it was fun. You’ll also be surprised at
how much your giving will provide in the way of a sense of personal satisfaction. Those who give to the club
do so because they enjoy what they are doing - what they are giving. What I would like for everyone who is
considering getting more involved is to know that all we ask is for you to – give in a way that will bring
a smile to your face. When you look at it that way hopefully volunteering won’t seem like such an intimidating
thing. Give it a try, I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed. And besides, where can you have
more fun spending your free time than with the likes of us?
Thanks to everyone, and I hope to see all of you at the next meeting. ‘Till then…
Warmest Regards,
Ski
MAY
First it was the months of planning for our annual show, then it was the excitement of the up coming
Central Florida Fair - now both are over. It's hard to believe how quickly the future becomes the past.
I guess there's a lesson in that reality, and to me that lesson is - don't put off too long all those "things"
you've been wanting to do.
When I think of how that lesson applies to my membership in the club I start wishing there were more hours
in the day. I also think that I shouldn't put off making that inlay lapis bracelet that I keep
talking about. I shouldn't put off faceting that special piece of rough so I can create that ring I've been
planning for nearly a year now. I realize that I have to spend more time learning mineral identification,
and enjoying the slabs I've been meaning to cut. Simply put it makes me realize that whatever time I have
left to spend, I want to spend as much of it as possible doing the things I really enjoy. The truth is,
those things embodied in our club are what I enjoy most.
We're all busy, it's a fact. There are so many options for us; we have many choices as to where we can spend
our free time. Although I have the same choices, I have to say that I have always enjoyed the time I've spent
at the club. I think one reason is because whenever I'm there I always learn something. Our members are a
wealth of knowledge and skills. What's so great about that fact is that they are willing to share their
knowledge and skills with other club members. I can't tell you how much I've learned from John Luedke about
jewelry repair, or how much I've learned about faceting and jewelry design from Emilio, or how much I've
learned about buying and selling and who's who in the jewelry industry from John Piziak, or how many times
Michele has identified a piece of rough for me. Just as much fun, is spending time with other members who
share my interests, or even better, being inspired by what they have created.
When you are trying to figure out where best to spend the free time you have, don't forget about the club -
our club. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better investment for that free time. For me the return has
been a real value, and with every visit that value seems to grow. Truth is, I can't wait for the next chance
to get together, and when we do, I hope all of you will be there.
Ancient Artifacts & Treasures
For those of you who couldn't make last month's meeting - John McIntosh came by. John is the owner of Ancient
Artifacts & Treasures located on Fairbanks Ave. If you've never had the chance to meet John or visit his shop -
well, you're missing a lot. John is a real Renaissance man, and his shop embodies many of his interests.
Having John come to our meeting and having the opportunity to get to know him away from his busy duties at his
shop was a real treat. He brought with him some samples of one of his interests, ancient Egypt. It was fun to
hear the enthusiasm in John's presentation begin to "infect" the members as they listened to him. Of course
having the opportunity to see objects from those times was icing on the cake. It was like the Discovery Channel
coming to life!
One additional benefit from John's visit was our solidifying his Affiliation with the club. Becoming a part of
the local business community is vital to our longevity. Think what it means to have Ancient Artifacts and
Treasures promoting us. Of course in return we will promote and patronize John's business. It's win - win for
both of us.
In that vein, if you haven't been to John's shop you are missing something special. It's like going into a
museum, except here the treasures are for sale. Members should also take a moment to look at John's web site.
You can find that link here in the "electronic" Thumblicker. Remember too that with club membership comes the
additional benefit of a 10% discount on most items. Think about that the next time you're wondering what gift
you might get for that special person in your life.
Something I would also like to remind members of is that "Ancient Artifacts & Treasures" is a name that only
scratches the surface of what you'll find at the shop. Faceters will find rough material, silversmiths will
find gold and silver, jewelers will find faceted stones and materials, cabbers will find rough and finished
cabs, fossil hunters will find fossils, mineral collectors will find specimens, coin collectors will find.you
get the picture. Take some time and head over to John's place, I promise you that you won't be disappointed.
Lastly, thank you John, we hope our affiliation will be long and prosperous for all.
The Central Florida Fair
As I've already mentioned, the fair has come and gone. I would like to thank Michele for once again chairing
the committee that handles our display at the fair. If you didn't get a chance to attend and see our display
I can report to you all that it was well done. I'm sure Michele will give us all a full report at the next
meeting, and I am looking forward to hearing it. When you see her, please offer your thanks for taking the
time to make our presence and participation in this community event a success. It isn't an easy job, but the
fair is an important venue for showcasing our club, and it's a great place to find new members.
In addition, our sincerest thanks go to John and Anne Piziak for their generous donation of a diamond tennis
bracelet as a grand prize for our drawing. By having a valuable prize at the fair we were able to add hundreds
of names to our mailing list. That list will be used to add to our attendance at our annual show. Clever isn't
it? We've already sent the notice to the winner of the drawing and we hope that we will have the chance to
meet her and make the presentation at an upcoming meeting.
We also owe a big thanks to all those who helped set up the displays, man the booth and return the equipment
to the workshop. Emilio, Ray, Henrik, Bob, and all the rest - Thanks from all of us.
Next Meeting
We will hopefully ratify the bylaws, and discuss the methods of improving our educational programs. Please come
to the meeting so you can provide us with your ideas and thoughts on the direction(s) you wish to see the club
moving. In addition I am hoping that you will consider bringing something to show and tell. Remember, it doesn't
have to be a finished product. It can be something as simple as a good idea, or a new source for products or
information. The concept of show and tell is to share what we know, what we have learned, and we can't do it
without you. See you there. `Till then.
Best Regards To All,
Ski
JUNE
Mid Year Snapshot
Seems that every time I come to the workshop there’s something new. The library has been given a substantial
boost with some new donations by Joe and Glenda Blake and the family of Gene Bainey. In fact, we’re just about
to the point of having to make a decision on a new bookcase to house the collection. Two new members, Pandora
Barthen and Lee Wooldridge brought us a casting machine, which will certainly help us expand our “smithing”
capabilities. Kathleen and Bob Chapman donated a large box of quality rough material for all the cabbers in
the club, especially new students who often times don’t have any material for their first attempt. Of course
John and Anne Piziak just donated six new adjustable lamps for the smithing table and the saw area.
Donations, especially from within the club are surely an indicator of its health. No one likes to give to an
organization that is stagnant or on the decline. We naturally like to hitch our wagons to a rising star, and
that to me, makes perfect sense.
Something else I find noteworthy is that our membership roster seems to gain a few new names every week.
Although membership numbers don’t always tell the story, the enthusiasm of our new members has been pretty inspiring.
As we are at the mid point of our fiscal year I think it’s important to take stock of our club. We always
have to be mindful of just where we stand today, so that we can better plan for the future. Considering our
club’s health and its growing numbers, we face some important decisions. Should we invest in additional equipment?
Should we re-do some of the layout of the workshop to better take advantage of the space we have? Should we
“formalize” our educational syllabus, and how best might we accomplish that? These are just some of the issues
that need to be considered, and guess what, the continued success of any organization can be measured by the
day-to-day involvement of its membership. That means we need you – all of you, to help and to participate.
We can’t ever forget that this organization needs constant attention. In order to stay relevant we can’t afford
to sit on our laurels with the attitude that success comes easy.
Each member brings with them something special, something unique. That unique ability adds to the mix and
therefore to the strength of club. This society cannot maintain, and it certainly cannot grow as a dynasty,
it must have a broad base to ensure its continued success and future growth. What I’m asking, (in my
long-winded way) is for better attendance at the meetings. If and when your schedule permits please consider
coming to the meetings. Your participation will broaden and strengthen our foundation, and that will provide
for our continued success.
Truth is, I can’t imagine my weekly routine without the club. I enjoy the meetings, the workshops, the fair
and shows, and all of our other activities. The reason that I enjoy them is not because of the places and
objects displayed, but because of the members and guests that I’ve met along the way. The value of this
organization is in the people that make it up. If you haven’t had the chance to spend some time with other
members, then I’m here to tell you that you are missing some real enjoyment. Meetings and workshops are fun –
pure and simple. If you haven’t been to either in some time, then please mark your calendar and do your best
to make it to the next one. I can guarantee that you won’t regret the time you spend with us. And – by doing
so you will be contributing to the health and continued success of the club – our club - your club. Without
you we will surely fail, and that’s a loss I’d hate to have to endure.
Club Picnic
The lazy days of summer are here, and it’s the perfect time to consider a club picnic. Just to show how important it is to have this event, how about if we call it the First Annual CFM&GS Picnic. At the last meeting we touched on a few ideas. At this meeting lets plan on solidifying the date, place, and tossing around some other ideas, like auctions, raffles, etc. (See this is exactly where we need your input and ideas!)
Buying Trips
We’ve had two trips to the William’s place that have afforded the members the opportunity to purchase rough material and finished jewelry at what can be considered wholesale prices. Before I left the last time, Duane and Jackie asked if we would consider a third outing. Seems that there are more “treasures” in the house. All they have to do is find the time to sort and categorize the new finds. I told them we’d be happy to come back, and we’ll announce that date to the membership as soon as it’s solidified. By the way, don’t think that all the “goodies” have been discovered. On the second trip everyone walked away with something worth their time and money. Having had the opportunity to get a glimpse of the next offering I can just about promise you this trip will be just as worthwhile as the first two.
Thanks To All
Hard to believe that six months has gone by since I’ve had the honor of taking over the presidents position.
In that time I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know many of you. I just wanted to
take a few moments to say thanks to all who have been so generous with their time and experience, and to
those who have been gracious and patient with me as I continue to…stumble through my term. I hope the next
six months will be productive and that we can set a course that future administrations will want to follow.
This is a never-ending process, but I have to admit, it sure is fun being a part of it. Thanks to all.
Warmest Regards,
Ski
JULY
A Special Thanks
Since Cathy and I have become members in the club there have been few Saturday workshops that we haven’t attended.
Whether we’re taking a class, helping with some chore, or just enjoying a visit with other members, it’s always been
fun.
When you get used to going to a place every week, some of details of each visit get lost in the big picture.
“Things” blend into the background simply because they’re always there, and after a time they don’t stand out anymore.
As president though, I can’t afford to let details blend into the background. It’s part of an elected officers
duty to notice everything we can, to never be complacent about the conditions of the club. In that vein I’d like
to bring someone to your attention that just might have blended into the background, simply because he’s nearly
a “fixture” at the club.
I first met Emilio Garcia at the club’s show back in 2007. He was behind his faceting
machine, optivisor on his head, cutting a stone as a demonstration for anyone who might be interested. When we
stopped to watch he smiled and invited me to have a look at his work. I was stunned, I had no idea that mere mortals
could cut such stones, and create such treasures. I thought one had to study a lifetime and be a member of some
secret organization to learn about such arts. In his unassuming manner Emilio told me that if I joined the club
he’d be glad to teach me how to facet a stone. When Cathy and I left his demonstration we walked to the club’s
table and signed up as members. What I didn’t know back then was where that meeting would lead me. Today, Cathy
and I love every minute we spend doing lapidary and jewelry, and I owe it all to that chance meeting. But –
that’s not the end of the story.
Each time we come to the workshop we can be assured of one thing. Emilio will
be there – always. Usually he’s come in early and turned on the air conditioner, plugged in all the machines
and gave them a once over, looking for any obvious problems, turned the water on in the bathroom, straightened
out the chairs and tables, and probably mopped the floor. By the time the rest of us arrive, everything’s
already done, and Emilio fades into the background, lost in the details of the workshop. Members come in and
say hello and he acts like he just got there a minute ago. No one seems to notice anymore that all the work
has been done; we just accept the fact that the club is always “ready to go.” Of course when there’s a problem
we all look around for someone like Emilio. Why? Because we know he’ll know how to fix it. Where will he be?
It’s likely that he’ll be teaching a faceting class, or helping someone with a project, or encouraging a member
to bigger and better things.
In all the hours I’ve spent with Emilio, he’s never mentioned or reminded me just
how much he does for us, and for all his efforts he’s never asked for anything in return. Quite honestly I
don’t know what we’d do without him, but I can promise you that the club would surely be less than what it is
today. Here, in this public forum I’d like to personally thank Emilio for all he has done for the club,
for his years of generous caring and work. For simple acts like mopping the floors, but more importantly
for the encouragement he gives, for the knowledge he readily shares, and for doing it all without asking for
anything in return. Most importantly for me, I’d like to say thanks for taking the time to invite me to look
at his handiwork all those months ago. Because in the end it was that smile and friendly invitation that made
us realize that we could hardly wait to become members. Of course walking through that door has led us into a
whole new world, and the truth is we wouldn’t change one minute of this new journey. So thank you Emilio – thank
you from all of us - for all you have done, and for all you will surely continue to do. Although we might not
always show it, we all know that the club would not be the same without you.
The Club Picnic
Get ready – mark your calendar – the big event of the year is a’comm’in! That’s right the first annual Central
Florida Mineral & Gem Society Picnic is just around the corner. As we used to say in the 60’s – be there or be square.
Okay, in spite of the over the top rhetoric I think the picnic is going to be fun. The date has been finalized,
as has the place. It will be held at the workshop on November 8th. At the last meeting the membership voted on
both and I think that in their wisdom they picked a good place and a good time of year.
We’re still working on details, but we’ll probably have burgers and hot dogs and we’ll likely ask that you bring
a dish of some sort. We’ll also have something like an auction or outright sale of objects that are donated by
the membership etc. The purpose of this little get together is so that we can spend some time socializing after
the Saturday workshop. Sometimes we get so busy doing a project that we don’t have the time to spend getting to
know one another. We have quite a few new members, and they are enthusiastic about the club. This is the perfect
time for new and old members to get to know one another, and to share their talents and interests. If you have
any ideas please share them with us at the next meeting.
Meetings
Speaking of meetings…it was nice to see so many members at the last one. Participation is on the rise and that’s good news. A club that enjoys regular membership input is healthy. Of course that input can’t come unless you’re there. This is kinda going around in a big circle, isn’t it? If you need a note to get out of such things as: work, a family outing, an IRS audit, or anything else that is non-essential, just let me know…I’ll have Cathy get you one. Anyway, please try and make it to the next meeting. We need you – all of you
Show & Tell
Last month’s meeting brought out some real treasures. If you missed the meeting you missed ‘em. As usual
Emilio’s abilities, both in craftsmanship and design were on display. Also, Cathy “unveiled” her opal
pendant in Argentium Silver. I have to say that it’s hard to believe that piece began its life as a
drawing on paper and silver casting grains. Jim Johnstone and Ray Miller brought faceted stones that made
me drool. They were the kind of treasures that you would want sitting in your collection or better yet in
some fancy piece of jewelry. New member Lee Wooldridge brought a portfolio of his photography that was
nothing less than spectacular. His wife and partner Pandora has created some jewelry that is of museum
quality, and Lee’s pictures capture not only their beauty, but their heart. What do I mean? Well…you’ll
just have to come to the next meeting and see it all for yourself.
Warmest Regards,
Ski