Southeast Federation of
Mineralogical Societies, Inc.
The Southeast Federation sponsors five Gem, Jewelry, and Mineral workshops each year at Wildacres Retreat in Little Switzerland, NC and at the William Holland Retreat in Young Harris GA. Each session begins with dinner followed by Orientation on the opening day. The following five days, students have 27 hours (4-1/2 days) of instruction in their scheduled class. Departure is after breakfast on the last day.
Our Course Offerings—As has been the case for a number of years, the courses offered each year are based on feedback from students. We look carefully at the questionnaires included in all student packets that are returned at the end of workshop sessions. The responses for course choices for next year are tabulated and the schedule is made up using this information. The popularity of some courses is obvious and student responses help to determine how often a course will be offered. New course offerings may be initiated from a student request. Of course, we are always interested in suggestions from anyone.
What to Bring—The workshops are well equipped for most of the classes offered. Students in beginning classes do not have to purchase tools. If you have your own tools (such as OptiVISOR, jewelers pliers, etc.) that you wish to work with, by all means bring them with you, but do not go out and buy tools as you may find you have purchased the wrong ones. Some tools may be purchased at the William Holland School and some instructors bring tools to sell at Wildacres.
Advanced classes require that students bring their own hand tools. (Advanced classes are always identified with an asterisk in the course listings.) Also, bring any stones that you may want to use or learn to identify. A notebook and pen will be very necessary in many classes. You will find you need an OptiVISOR or some form of magnification in most of the classes, so don’t forget to bring one. Some classes such as Raku pottery are dirty so old clothes may be desirable. A shop apron will be useful in most classes. Don’t forget something to donate to the auction.
Who may attend? - Priority workshop attendance is given to any member of a club that is in good standing with the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. First-Timers have a priority on the first choice class. Members of other AFMS Lapidary Clubs are welcome and may register after March 15th, first-come, firstserved. The best opportunity for getting the class of your choice is in April and June.
Change in Workshop Fees—Both retreats have increased room and board charges so it is necessary to again raise registration fees. In 2006 theregistration fee will be $310 per person for SFMS sessions at both Wildacres and William Holland. An initial nonrefundable payment of $50 per person should accompany your registration form to initiate your registration process.
Change in Registration Procedure—Starting in 2006, registration for all sessions will be accepted on or after January 17th. The $50 non-refundable administrative fee will start the registration process and secure your priority in class selection. We have initiated a single date for all workshops to help with overall workshop planning. The initial deposit has been set at $50 so that students will not have significant money tied up for a long time for sessions late in the summer and fall.
The balance of the registration fee will be due one month prior to the respective workshop session although full payment will be accepted with the initial registration form. If the full payment is submitted with the registration form, the $50 administrative fee still applies should cancellation later become necessary. The postmark date is important so have your registration letter hand-stamped if you want to be sure of being accepted for your first class choice. The postmark date should be no earlier than January 17, 2006. As before, your priority in securing a particular class is based on the postmark date of your registration letter, plus other factors such as whether you are a first-time attendee at the SFMS workshops.
Fred Sias, Education Chairman