In addition to our regular meetings, workshops, and field trips, we also support several organizations and clubs in the way of providing educational demonstrations and presentations. We are always willing to talk about and share our love of rocks with the community. Some of our community service ventures are listed below:
Earth Day (April 2008) – In an effort to help raise awareness and appreciation for our planet, MDGMS participated in our local celebration of Earth Day. We provided an information booth telling people about our club and what we have to offer.
Educational Scholarship (Annually) – Our Society has a program to provide educational scholarships to residents of the Barstow Community. Through this program we sponsor two students each year to encourage interest in the earth sciences and lapidary arts. Funds for the Scholarship Program are obtained from a portion of the proceeds received from our annual Gem and Mineral Show.
Gem and Mineral Show (Annually in December) – Each year we sponsor an annual Gem and Mineral show for our local and neighboring communities. There are 10 dealers, live demonstrations, over 40 displays, grab bags, silent auction, and craft wheel. Providing refreshments are the local Jobs Daughters with lunch, drinks and snacks.
Optimist Club (September 2007) – We presented an educational presentation showing local rocks and minerals in rough and polished forms. Attendees were amazed at how the seemingly dull and dusty rocks transformed into beautiful works of art. We also displayed samples of our handy crafts that we make each year for our annual show.
Petrified Wood Seminar (October 2008) – This year our society sponsored a much anticipated petrified wood identification seminar at the Masonic Temple. This was a 2-day event from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm each day. Attendees were invited to bring personal specimens for identification by Mr. Walt Wright, Paleobotonist. There were over 300 specimens passed around during the 2-day event. The hands-on seminar preceded a 2-day field trip to Sperry Wash, CA.
Rotary Club (August 2008) – We presented an educational presentation showing local rocks and minerals in rough and polished forms. Attendees were amazed at how the seemingly dull and dusty rocks transformed into beautiful works of art. We also displayed samples of our handy crafts that we make each year for our annual show.
San Bernardino County Fair (June 2007) – Two of our junior members submitted lapidary works in the San Bernardino County Fair. Julia Begley won a first place ribbon for her Sodalite knife handle and a first place ribbon for her Jade cabochon. Allison Varty won a third place ribbon for her pink Rhodonite cabochon/necklace.
