Guest Post by: Dr. Terry Wallace
United Way of Northern New Mexico donors visit TGMS!
Last fall during the United Way of Northern New Mexico campaign to raise funds for services and programs there was a silent auction of donated gift packages. One of these “gift packs” was the ultimate rock hound’s dream – a behind the scenes tour of the World’s Greatest Mineral experience, the 61st Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®. Three employees of Los Alamos National Laboratory banded together to bid on, and win, a chance to see the up close and personal the amazing exhibits from across the globe that included a 8 pound brilliant gold nugget, aka the “Thunderbolt”, priceless jewels from the Smithsonian Institution including an art deco bracelet that dazzles with 626 diamonds and hundreds of other colored gems, and fossils hinting about a time in the distant past when the Earth was ruled by giant dinosaurs.
Carolyn Zerkel, Allison Grieggs and Peggy Gonzales traveled to Tucson to experience the extraordinary festival of all things “Earth” and got the chance for a personal preview of the exhibits at the Tucson Convention Center with a former Tucson Gem and Mineral Society member – and past TGMS Show Chairman – Terry Wallace, who now lives in Los Alamos, NM. Although all the Tucson travelers knew of the world famous Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®, they had never attended one before. The overwhelming response was one of amazement: the exhibits, and student programs, the outstanding talks, and of course, the dealers! Carolyn Zerkel spoke for the group -- "best Untied Way auction item ever!"