10/09/08

See rocks, gems and more at annual Rocktoberfest

The gym at Totem Middle School will be rockin’ on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, when the Marysville Rock and Gem Club presents its 34th annual Rocktoberfest.

The two-day rock, gem, jewelry and mineral show is open to the public with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Highlights of the event will be displays featuring crystal and mineral specimens, faceted gemstones, handcrafted jewelry and demonstrations of lapidary skills by local artisans.

Demonstrators will explain lapidary techniques from shaping, grinding and polishing a stone to faceting techniques, wire wrapping and silversmithing. Maps of local collecting areas and digging sites will be available and special activities for children will be offered continuously during the weekend show.

Anna Calkins, the club’s publicity chair, said, “Rock collecting is a family-oriented hobby, and all age groups are encouraged to attend the show.” Membership and educational information will also be available.

“People enjoy our club and show because they can feel the excitement we bring to our hobby. Our members are passionate about diverse areas of the hobby, such as collecting, stone cutting, faceting, jewelry fabrication, pearls and beading,” said Carol Cimolino, one of the club’s officers.

Marysville Rock and Gem Club meets the second Tuesday each month at 7:15 p.m. at Jennings Memorial Park Barn in Marysville. The organization sponsors an annual scholarship in earth sciences and conducts classes for elementary students in rock identification and geology. For more information, contact Ken Metz at (425) 422-8575 or by e-mail at ken_metz@hotmail.com.

Caption: The knife handle, produced by Marysville Rock and Gem Club officer Carol Cimolino,showcases a type of work called intarsia, indicating the combination of a variety of materials.

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