Current Info

President Charlie Fredregill announces that the outside door locks will be rekeyed, and that new keys will be issued to those who need them. John Emerson has various memories of Bechtel. Ed Clay, Chairman of the Lapidary Section, announces the Cabochon Cutting contest the Lapidary Section will be hosting in connection with our 2012 annual Show. Brad Smith provides more "Bench Tips." Steve Blyskal presented the 2011 Show's grand prize to the winner, and there's a photo of him with the winner. That and more are all in the February 2012 BBG. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required for PDF files.)

The HGMS Board of Directors recently voted to offer a $2500 scholarship in 2012. The due date for all entries is May 15, 2012. CLICK HERE to download the form if you wish to be considered for the 2012 HGMS scholarship. The form can be filled out online and then saved. All entries are due by May 15, 2012.

Useful Links: For a variety of very interesting Internet links, please click on the red button. If you would like to have your club Web site listed here, please let us know. If you would like your non-club Web site listed here because you think our club members would find your earth science-related Web site interesting and informative, please let us know that too. If you are an HGMS member and have some favorite sites that you think should be listed here, please let us know.

Are you on Facebook? Be sure to join the Houston Gem & Mineral Society (HGMS) group recently started by Theresa Peek.

HGMS Outreach Project: HGMS is sponsoring a new Outreach Project to provide Earth Science and Lapidary (jewelry making) information to greater Houston and Harris County. The area is divided into eight districts; each will have an HGMS group that coordinates with various organizations and groups in each district to provide information and hands-on training several times a year. Click here for more information.

Sarsh Metsa is the new HGMS Education Chair. She will be scheduling many classes. Let Sarah know what classes you would like to take. You can reach her by e-mail at classes@hgms.org.

HGMS Paleo Section is sponsoring a 2011 $1000 scholarship. Click on the button to access the application forms.

We are now featuring "How to" articles written by our membership. Click on the button to learn about Close-Up Photography written by Sam Norwood. Also new is a photo tour of the HGMS shop and a listing of where HGMS buys its shop supplies. Still available are Neal Immega's instructions on how to build your very own SuperGrinder and his article on "Extended Focus in Macro Photography."

HGMS-Related Forms and Documents: A number of helpful forms and documents are available. Most are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader (a free online download).