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The AFMS has set up a special way for each dub, once a year, to honor a rockhound the members of the dub or an individual in the club deems worthy of recognition because of what that rockhound has done, or is doing to promote the well being of their club. This is not a competition.
In the SCFMS, I have been given this honor to promote this worthy cause, to keep it organized and have decided to hand out certificates - one for the rockhound and one for the club - to honor those nominated.
1998, we got off to a roaring start, with Lester and Amy Bailey, Paul Bohmfalk, Ewing Evans, John W. Johnson, Bill and Lois Pattillo, and Sylvia Rainer.
Lester and Amy Bailey were nominated by the Clear Lake Gem and Mineral Society, Houston, TX. They have served as the Show committee chairperson since 1981, Club Secretary, Historian, Refreshments chair, and Nominating committee. They present lectures to schools, displays for the library, and demonstrated lapidary techniques to all who were interested.
The Pine Country Gem and Mineral Society, Jasper, TX, selected Paul Bohmfalk as their "Rockhound of the Year" for 1998. Still in his teens in the 1930's, Paul was a Science teacher in West Texas, hunting for rocks and fossils in his spare time and creating his own lapidary equipment at a time when it could not be purchased. He is an expert at faceting with the old "jam peg" method. At the age of 83 he still maintains his passion for rocks, exhibiting that passion as he gives talks to local school children and others. A member of the Beaumont club during its existence and the Jasper Pine Country Club from its beginning, he likes to tell of the times he spent with past editor of Lapidary Journal, Hugh Leiper, hunting topaz in Mason County. Paul was his club's vice president in 1997 and continues to serve as Publicity chairman, keeping the news media posted on the happenings of the rock club. He is a real asset to his club and we are proud to have him as a member.
Selected as the Each Club - Each Year - One Rockhound honoree from the Austin Gem and Mineral Society, Austin, TX, is Ewing Evans. Ewing is a leader, organizer, representative, award winning facetor, carpenter, plumber, electrician and much more - a superb president and outstanding member.
John W. Johnson, a member of the Arlington Gem and Mineral CITB, was chosen as their club's 1998 nominee. He is an active member - 25+ years - and has served as the Club President, Building Maintenance Supervisor, keeping the building in outstanding condition. He is always available for every project. Still rarely misses an activity or meeting.
Bill and Lois Pattillo, members of the Gulf Coast Gem and Mineral Society, Corpus Christi, TX, have represented their club many times and at many different shows. The Food Table is a project of the Club, Bill and Lois exhibit it at different shows, promoting the local Club.
From the East Texas Gem and Mineral Society, their 1998
Rockhound of the year award goes to Sylvia Rainer.
Sylvia is a faithful member, and has served as an officer and takes leading
roles in all club activities. She has helped our club grow.
If your club has not nominated someone, do it yourself
and lets show the AFMS that we really have some fabulous people here in
the SCFMS who should be recognized for what they do. These nominations
are passed on to the newsletter editors of the SCFMS and AFMS Newsletters
and will be published as time and space permits.
Information I need for Each Club - Each Year One Rockhound:
1) Name of your club.
2) Name of your affiliation ( SCFMS).
3) Name(s) of Nominee.
4) In 50 words or less, describe why this rockhound deserves
recognition for what he/she or both if a couple do to promote your club.
5) Mail to:
Dee Cable
3348 South 21st. Street
Abilene, Texas 79605
915-692-5633
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at gpenning@ghgcorp.com
Last update: Sept. 16, 2000