SUN LAKES ROCK, GEM & SILVER CLUB
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ARTISTS WHO ASPIRE TO INSPIRE - FRED JONASZ

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I knew that I wanted to try something new
But just wasn’t sure what I wanted to do
So off to this meeting I went with a friend
Met this man Fred and that was the end
The end of my wondering cause he said sign here
So into his lap class I went with some fear
The man’s twice my size and ten times as smart
He could grindstone right into a heart
So gentle and kind and patient indeed
Taught us to saw so we wouldn’t bleed
Taught us to grind, taught us to bevel
Make sure the back is flat and is level
Make sure no dents are left in your dome
Polish that cab before you go home.
Time to pack up he says with a smile
Cause we’ve got some clean up to do for a while
Get it “Ship Shape” we need it real clean
Go “Swab the Deck” we want a bright sheen
Clean up the saws and sponge off a grinder
When you take leave sign out in the binder
Fred has taught lap class for many a year
All of his students think he is a dear.
                                                              BY Linda Shanahan
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The motivation to take up residence in Sun Lakes, like most, was avoiding winter weather and in Fred’s case the hospitality of the Oakwood Murphy’s, relatives whom they frequently visited in AZ. Fred and his wife Gelene have been Snowbirds for 14 years; their permanent residence is Arlington, VA. Fred grew up n Queens, NY where he avoided truancy by attending all required public schools and then onto New York University where he earned a BA degree in Economics.  Mandatory Military Service, better known as the “Draft” was in effect in 1953 and he qualified but preferring blue to khaki he volunteered, was sent to school and in 1954 was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy.  The sea stories are endless and could fill a book. He became a retired Navy Captain in 1984 having served aboard 8 ships (Carrier, 5 Destroyers and 2 Cruisers), cleaved the waters of oceans and seas as well as fulfilling assignments ashore mostly in Washington DC including the Pentagon.  The most significant event of Fred’s life occurred in 1965.  Ignoring the unwritten Navy axiom (if they wanted you to have a wife, they’d issue you one) the enchanting Gelene Mitchell of Grinnell, Iowa accepted his marriage proposal.  He shares that “our anniversary is a nationally familiar date, with flags flying everywhere.  We storied our three children (a daughter and two sons) that everyone is celebrating our anniversary.  Our six grandchildren give us the same skeptical looks regarding this fabrication as did their parents”.  Ten years ago, Fred purchased a home in Sun Lakes and he and Gelene joined the SLRGS Club.  His first class was Lapidary followed by Handles, Bears and Minerals (Geology).  He enjoyed Lapidary and as he developed more knowledge, experience and confidence became an instructor.   Fred has also become proficient in Lapidary equipment maintenance.  This summer because of the Pandemic Fred and Gelene remained in Sun Lakes.  Fred spent time relaxing, reading, and polishing golf clubs.  Hopefully, they will be able to return to Virginia in the late spring.  Both Fred and Gelene are long-term contributing members of the Sun Lakes Rock, Gem and Silver Club.  Check out our website at www.slrgs.com


ARTISTS WHO ASPIRE TO INSPIRE
                   DON HALL

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There is an artist his name is Don Hall
He is the member who just does it all
An artist who works in the shop on his own
He puts on his apron and pulls out a stone
A slab he does cut with the eighteen-inch saw
He does it so quickly I stand there in awe                
A design and then onto a saw that does trim               
The edges so neat, I wish I was him.
Some glue and a dopstick now ready to grind
He does let me watch, this man is so kind
He’s polished his cab and now to the setting
What will he do, a wire wrap I’m betting
This man can form silver or set it in wire
All of our club members he does inspire
Our equipment he cares for and makes it run well
If something is broken for Don we will yell
He’ll come by and fix it and do it with ease
And can you believe it we pay him no fees.
Thanks to you Don for a job so well done
You add to this club, you make it more fun.
 
Don Hall was born in California where he met and married his wife Pat. He is the father of three children. He previously resided eight years in Nevada and thirteen in Oregon.  Don has spent the last 28 years in Arizona.  He retired after thirty-eight years as an estimator/project manager in heavy construction. He and Pat enjoy music, photography and exploring historical sites. Over the years they have collected rocks at gem shows and rock shops; he now incorporates these findings into art and jewelry.  After joining the SLRGS club in 2014 he took lapidary 1 class where he learned to make cabochons. Later lapidary 2 taught him the art of making handles. He enjoys creating designer shaped cabochons, hearts and animal shapes out of onyx and exotic stone from all over the world. After becoming proficient in lapidary Don took silver 1, silver 2 and lost wax classes. He was self-taught in the art of wire wrapping which he does so well. He is currently instructing classes in silver 2 and lost wax.  Don also serves as our club equipment maintenance manager.  Without Don we would not be able to keep the saws and grinders running.  Our thanks to this marvelous mustached man who adds so much to our club.  If you are interested in taking classes from Don or in any other activities of the club please visit our website at www.slrgs.com.  Join the Sun Lakes Rock Gem and Silver Club to find your inner artist.


ARTIST WHO ASPIRES TO INSPIRE: HENRY HUSS
By Linda Shanahan​

​He’s Loved and he Inspires us
This fella’s name is Henry Huss
His pieces usually made with wire
Take a look you will admire
Some with silver some with gold
Some have stones within a fold
Check them out you won’t believe
How beautifully he forms a weave
It’s like a braid but with more strands
You’d think this man had extra hands
How does he do it people ask
Impossible does seem the task
He also does a wire wrap
Around the stone he makes a lap
Then two or four or maybe eight
When he is finished it looks great
To make it hang he forms a bale
You’ll buy it when is says for sale
Or better yet, his class just take
A piece like Henry’s you can make
He’ll teach you and you’ll come away
Saying “What an awesome day.
Talent...Didn’t know I had
Wow my piece is really rad.”
Henry’s patient and he’s kind
You know he won’t leave you behind.
So give a call and make that move
Put yourself within the groove
Of artist extraordinaire
A silver bracelet you can wear

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A Hobby or A Labor of Love? 
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Forty-five years ago, Henry joined an adult class in basic stained glass; nothing complicated, simply enjoying each other’s company.  He went on to take other classes taught by experts in their field.  One classes was wood framing where he developed the skill of making 18th century ship models from scratch. After finishing his 12th master level model (some taking him 12 months to complete) he moved on to other hobbies.  Henry William Huss was born in the fall of 1933 in Lakewood, a quaint winter resort in central New Jersey. He graduated from Lakewood High School where he, with his brother, played on the Varsity Basketball team.  He was also lead choir member in his grandfather’s church. For six summers he spent time working as a “handy boy” at a boarding house in the Pocono Mountains in Bushkill, PA. In the summer of 1951 he started working for Uncle Sam at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago.  Four years were spent in Naval Aviation working on aircraft carrier fighters. This stint got him a free ride to college in Trenton NJ to study business education immediately after which he was hired to teach at a high school in Mt. Holly, NJ. He spent 31 years in education climbing the ladder as Adult School Director to principal to assistant superintendent.  For fifteen years he and his wife, Henrietta, spent summers in Ocean City, MD. In 2000 they relocated to Ironwood in Sun Lakes as snowbirds “loving the links”. He also joined the Sun Lakes Rock Gem and Silver Club and began teaching Dichroic glass fusing. After taking a silver class he started teaching woven wire bracelets and wire wrapped glass. This summer he sold his home in NJ and is now a full time Sun Laker.  Make your own wire bracelets and more; take a class from Henry! For more information check our website at www.slrgs.com.

A.I.E.”
(Aspire  2  inspire  b4u  expire)
​September 22, 2020

Club News:

​DOUG WILLIAMS:  ARTIST WHO ASPIRES TO INSPIRE

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Doug the curmudgeon what can I say
He shows up at shop and brightens our day
The man’s into turquoise, it’s his favorite rock
If he gets the fake stuff you’ll hear Dougie squawk
He’ll go to a website and buy it online
It better be high grade, it better be fine
He likes lots of matrix, the host in the stone
If it has no pattern he’ll leave it alone
The size of his pieces we kid him about                                            
He makes them for giants, that’s without a doubt.
If you’ve got a problem just go and ask Doug
If you burn a bezel he’ll give you a hug
Your silver is tarnished he’ll teach you to shine
Once he has finished your piece will look fine
He’s best of the burnishers we all agree
He’ll flatten that bezel no space you will see
His work is amazing, a real southwest flair
He loves what he does and makes each piece with care
This master creator shares expert advise
And as a bonus Dougie’s real nice.
Want to meet Doug? We thought you might
Check us out now on our Club Website.
www.slrgs.com
 
Doug Williams identifies himself as, “an 80 year old curmudgeon who likes Turquoise and Silver.” Do not for one minute believe it!  This man has traveled the world escorting VIP tours in his 36 years as marketing manager for United Airlines. He has been a silversmith jeweler who specializes in Turquoise and Silver since 1965. Blessed to be creative, he fell in love with the look and feel of .925 STERLING SILVER, TURQUOISE and the ART of jewelry in a SOUTHWEST STYLE.  Doug took his first jewelry class as an ART major at Colorado State University and graduated with a BA in 1965.  He learned how to solder the BEZEL on top of a backing plate and then mount a Turquoise CABOCHON.  For fifty years he purchased Turquoise Cabochons already finished but after retiring and moving to Phoenix in 2013 he joined the Sun Lakes Rock, Gem & Silver Club and took a class in LAPIDARY.  That’s where he learned to cut his own ‘rough’ Turquoise into ‘slabs’ and then CABACHONS. Doug shares “ It was fun to buy other’s cabochons but as soon as I started LAPIDARY I found the excitement and overall satisfaction of knowing that not only did I buy the sterling silver and ‘construct’ the jewelry by hand but I CUT and POLISHED the Turquoise.. “ He puts love and affection into every piece of hand crafted jewelry made by “D G W”.  He stamps all of his original pieces with “925” “STERLING” and his initials which stand for Douglas Gail Williams.  “Please note that I am NOT NATIVE AMERICAN nor have I ever promoted my work as such. I do however, LOVE, ADMIRE and RESPECT the creativity and designs of the Southwest Native American tribes.  Point being, if you are looking for authentic Native American jewelry please understand that my work is NOT NATIVE AMERICAN”. Doug lives in Oakwood with his wife Jeanne. He has a daughter in Chandler and 2 sons, one in Ohio and one in London.

​Join the club: www.slrgs.com

Club News:​
 
1.          CHECK OUT our website www.SLRGS.com
2.          SIGN UP for a new membership card. 
3.         “OPEN SHOPS” are OPEN!
4.          BOARD of DIRECTORS will meet 10/5.
5.          SILVER PRICES are up 40% from JUNE!
6.          WATCH the SPLASH for our BIG SALE.
7.          Sadly, we note Lifetime member Larry    Portschi’s wife Sue passed away. Sue was active in Sun Lakes with the                     Sew & Sews, Agave Quilters, and Mahjong. Cards may be sent to Larry at 67 S. Higley Rd.  STE.  103-223,                         Gilbert, AZ  85296

8. BREAKING NEWS: 
  • MUSIC:  NOT cancelled
  • FAMILY:   NOT cancelled
  • READING:  NOT cancelled
  • SINGING:   NOT cancelled
  • LAUGHING:   NOT cancelled
  • HOPE:   NOT cancelled
  • GETTING OUTDOORS:   NOT cancelled
  • LET’S EMBRACE WHAT WE HAVE​​

​ASPIRE 2 INSPIRE B4U EXPIRE
​April 2020

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​This is not an April Fool’s Joke!  In fact, it is deadly serious.  First, I must apologize for an earlier Rock Club email newsletter where I minimized the outbreak of the Coronavirus in New York.  I was wrong.  I was merely trying to publicize the Rock Club’s monthly meeting and encourage your attendance.  I did not realize how serious the Covid-19 outbreak would soon become, nor how quickly the virus Pandemic would spread across the country.  On that day New York had only ONE Death - and today - sadly - their count is over 1,550 attributed to the virus.  I am ashamed that I trivialized the effect this disease would have on New York, the USA and the world.  I am asking for your acceptance of my apology as your newsletter editor.  As we are a community of ‘Senior Citizens’ we should all know by now that this virus can be devastating to the ‘elderly’ ie; those who are over 60 and especially for those who have other debilitating health factors such as emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes!      SO, BE CAREFUL - SUN LAKES!
 
Below are some ITEMS OF INTEREST:
 
Governor Doug Ducey’s Executive Order to “STAY HOME, STAY HEALTHY, STAY CONNECTED”:   Basically it’s a policy mandate to stay inside from March 30 to April 30, to promote physical distancing, to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect our citizens.  In short, you are to limit your time away from home EXCEPT for a.) essential activities, b.) employment or essential functions, or c.) to utilize services/products provided by essential businesses.
 
EVERY TUESDAY WALMART OPENS at 6am FOR ‘SENIORS’:  Yesterday morning I took the above Selfie pic as I was standing in line for Walmart’s early opening for those over age 60 to shop for their essential necessities.  There is a separate line right inside the door for the TP aisle.  (and they DO HAVE SOME - but it’s limited and only the first 30 or 40 will get one package . . . )  Of course, dry pinto beans are nowhere to be found along with hand wipes, rubbing alcohol, & pasta, and many other items you usually take for granted . . .
 
FRY’S, BASHAS, ALBERTSONS & SAFEWAY GROCERY STORES also now have early opening hours for Seniors:  Here too, you will find the stores have been restocked overnight.  This is a great community service which gives us old folks a chance to get some of the essential items others have been hoarding. Just call or check online to see their actual ‘day of week’ and specific ‘senior hours’.
 
Who knew JIG SAW PUZZLES would be sold out all over town and Amazon too?  Well, I for one have been humiliated by my ill-advised belief that everyone was making a ‘mountain out of a molehill’ - - NO, that is not so, COVID-19 has become a major health disaster for our country!  Our most revered experts are warning that anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 deaths may occur here in the U.S.A. 
 
PLEASE - FRIENDS - STAY INSIDE! 
 
So when this is all over, we can ALL go outside and say
“Gee it’s nice to be on this side of the xeriscape!"
 
Doug Williams


​ASPIRE 2 INSPIRE B4U EXPIRE

2020 VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON

​In keeping with JOHN HARILLS’s sage (wise) advice over the past 20 years: 

Be sure to ASPIRE (strive for) to INSPIRE (motivate) before you EXPIRE (Cease, finish, conclude, terminate) Aaaaah  yes, that means the END doesn’t it?

Well, well here are a few pics of the old gang at the very recent 2020 VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON:

Do you have a newsworthy item for the A.I.E.?  (that’s the new name for this NEWSLETTER)
Just send me (Doug Williams) a note at dgw987@gmail.com and we’ll run it up the flag pole and see if anyone salutes it for inclusion in a future issue. 

NITA, our new president, has specifically requested that JIM MARQUIS not be the butt of any jokes in the newsletter!

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ASPIRE 2 INSPIRE B4U EXPIRE   ​

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Well, we still don’t have a volunteer to lead the SUN LAKES ROCK GEM & SILVER CLUB’s FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR’s position!!!  But we DO have a new president, ANITA METZBOWER (“Nita”) takes the rein’s on March 1st from outgoing President CAROL CAPANO who has very ably completed her two-year assignment.  Thanks a ton to Carol for her loyal dedication and long term commitment to the club and special congratulations to NITA for taking on the most important leadership role of President.  Nita has a BS degree in Art and Science, Masters work from the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore, MD.  She taught Art ranging from small children to senior citizens over a 40 year period.  Currently she co-teaches LOST WAX with Jim Marquis and monitors the Silver and Lost Wax Open Shop in Iron Oaks.   
Other newly elected positions are Vice President Nancy Hibbard who takes on both the CREATIVE CRAFT CHAIR and the GLASS CHAIR positions, Vic Herman as LAPIDARY CHAIR,  Gail Wilder as SILVER CHAIR (in addition to her Officer role of Treasurer), Carol Capano as HOLIDAY PARTY COORDINATOR, as well as yours truly who will try to fill the Shoes of the Club’s Non-Voting Appointee COORDINATOR for PUBLICITY.

As you may know, JOHN HARRILL has elected to step down from his many long years of giving his time, heart and soul to our club.  John has been a member for over 19 years, he has held the positions of President, Silver Chair, Lapidary Chair, Silver Instructor, Lapidary Instructor, Lost Wax monitor, and he initiated the very popular ‘Volunteer Luncheon’ as well as authoring the NUGGET for the past many years. Be sure to thank JOHN as you see him around SUN LAKES
in the coming years . . .
 
If you know of some club member who is NOT receiving this email, please let me know at email <dgw987@gmail.com> .  We named this internal email “ASPIRE 2 INSPIRE B4U EXPIRE”  in honor of JOHN HARRILL’s 19 years of dedicated service to our club = indeed he inspired US ALL!
 
NOTE: ONE WEEK FROM TODAY:  Our next Monthly Meeting will take place at 10 am in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club on MONDAY FEB 17th.  Highlights will be recognizing the new officers and board members, CLASS SIGN UPS, as well as SHOW & SELL tables.  Nancy Hibbard is in charge of coordinating these tables so call Nancy at 802-0193 if you wish to SHOW & SELL your artwork created in the SUN LAKES ROCK GEM & SILVER Club.
 
IMPORTANT DATES:  Immediately following next Monday’s General Meeting will be the
VOLUNTEER’S APPRECIATION LUNCHEON in the Cactus Room at the Cottonwood Country Club.
 
Lastly, how can any self-respecting ROCK CLUB MEMBER not mention that later THIS WEEK = TUCSON, AZ = will feature over 50 ROCK & GEM SHOWS!  Including the big one, the original TUCSON GEM AND MINERAL SHOW, which is known as the largest, oldest and most prestigious gem and mineral show in the world!  (Tucson Convention Center)
 
So be sure to drive down to Tucson February 13 – 16 and enjoy ALL the SHOWS! 

Doug Williams

THE NUGGET
​SUN LAKES ROCK GEM & SILVER CLUB HAPPENINGS
January
14, 2020
​
ASPIRE TO INSPIRE, BEFORE YOU EXPIRE!

IronOaks has circulated a flyer offering a bus ride to and from Tucson on February 13 for people to attend the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil show.  Cost per person is $ 55+. Our Club is fortunate to have to have friendly members that carpool for much less cost.
 
Our Club meets at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 20, 2020 in the Navaho Room at the SLCC. This will be an important meeting because, among other things, candidates for two year Board positions will be presented by the Nominating Committee. Nominees can also be presented from the floor.
 
I am saddened to report that Joyce Durst, a longtime member, unexpectedly lost her son Kyle last Tuesday. It is always hard and sad to lose a child and I’m sure our sympathies and prayers go to Joyce and her family.
 
Joyce and her family are unable to have visitors during this time!  They are making arrangements for the funeral on Thursday, January 23rd at 11:00 AM. at Dignity Valley of the Sun that is on Chandler Heights Blvd. There will not be a visitation and the Obituary will be on Facebook and in the Jackson Citizen Patriot obituary newspaper in MI. His older brother Craig and his wife Mary will be conducting the service; they are professional musicians and are both ordained.  
 
Anyone that would like to attend is welcome. After the burial service, there will be a light luncheon served at the Valley of the Sun.  
 
To add to Joyce’s troubles, one of her neighbors reported to her neighborhood that she had died because she suffers from heart problems. Well, she is very much alive and will be at her son: Kyle’s memorial.
 
Members not receiving this newsletter, and would like to, please have them send me an email. Moreover, if you have news about our Club or one of our members, please contact me: John Harrill   SLRGSJohnHarrill@GMAIL.COM   Please note! This is a new email address.
2020 Sun Lakes Rock, Gem & Silver Club