Frequently Asked Questions
"Are you the one who hosts the big show in September in Holland?"
Yes, that’s us, the Tulip City Gem and Mineral Club! Our club was founded in 1967 as a charitable organization to promote an interest in minerals, rocks, gems, fossils, and the lapidary arts. We welcome visitors to attend the meetings, and you do not need to be a member to participate. Our general meetings take place at the Howard Miller Community Center located at 14 South Church Street, Zeeland MI. You can check out our 'Club Calendar' page for dates and times.
"Why should I join the club?"
Our club is the perfect place to delve deeper into the fascinating world of gems and minerals, whether you want to expand your collection, learn more about geology, or just find good company. You do NOT need to be a member to join our monthly meetings.
"I don’t know much about rocks. Will I fit in?"
Absolutely! We have a diverse range of members with varying interests and education levels. Our club welcomes everyone interested in minerals, rocks, gems, fossils, and the lapidary arts.
"Are the club meetings family-friendly/ enjoyable for all ages?"
Yes, indeed! We have members of all ages, and our juniors get the opportunity to learn in their age-appropriate class. Our juniors coordinator, Shari Luttikhuisen, is an educator with a passion for teaching youth geologists."
"What does a typical club meeting include? What's on the agenda most nights?"
Meetings usually follow the same outline each time but highlight different topics every month. When you arrive, you will be greeted and asked to put on a name tag and take a door prize ticket. We will then explain the agenda for the evening, show the specimens raffled off that night, and how to participate in any contests. After that, there will be about 15 minutes to mingle, get snacks, buy raffle tickets, and participate in the contest. Once that time is over, we will pick a door prize winner, announce the contest winner, and then dismiss the juniors to their class. Adults will then move into business, hearing reports from the board and making announcements about future business. This can take roughly 30 minutes. The juniors return at this time, and we move on to the final part of the evening, which is hearing from our speaker. Speakers include club members, professors, experts in the field, etc., and can cover a range of topics depending on the month. Most lectures are about 45 minutes long and include time for questions at the end. You are free to leave at any point, but we encourage you to stay for the entire evening."
"Are you a 501 (c) 3?"
We are a 501(c)3. We are a nonprofit organization.
"What is my membership fee going toward?"
The membership fee covers individuals under the Midwest Federation's insurance, which allows you to attend the club's field trips. These field trips potentially provide access to areas that are restricted to the general public, such as private tailing piles, mines, and private claims. This insurance covers both the individual and the property owner from any liability. This is the only way the club is allowed access to private areas. To go on club field trips, you must be a member.
"Does the club do field trips?"
Yes, we do! Our field trip coordinator, Jon Mull, has many trips planned for the year. We take trips locally as well as big trips like the one to New Mexico for Spring Break. In the winter, club members typically host basement field trips to show off personal collections. We also take trips to see museums and other large collections. When the weather gets better, the club takes weekend trips in Michigan and nearby states. These trips are usually family-friendly and open to all ages, though some sites may have age restrictions.
"I have a rock I can't identify; who can I ask about it?"
You can bring your specimen to any of the general meetings the club hosts. We set aside time during the meeting specifically for these kinds of questions to be answered. Most people can help identify your specimen or point you to someone who can. Typically, fossils can be identified by Kurt Brink or Jon Mull, while rocks/minerals can be identified by CJ Proos, Bob Sherwood, or Bob Sinke. They are all happy to help!
"I left rocks in my pocket and ran it through the wash. Do you know anyone who can fix a washing machine?"
For washing machine repairs, you may check the yellow pages or search online for an appliance repair service.
Yes, that’s us, the Tulip City Gem and Mineral Club! Our club was founded in 1967 as a charitable organization to promote an interest in minerals, rocks, gems, fossils, and the lapidary arts. We welcome visitors to attend the meetings, and you do not need to be a member to participate. Our general meetings take place at the Howard Miller Community Center located at 14 South Church Street, Zeeland MI. You can check out our 'Club Calendar' page for dates and times.
"Why should I join the club?"
Our club is the perfect place to delve deeper into the fascinating world of gems and minerals, whether you want to expand your collection, learn more about geology, or just find good company. You do NOT need to be a member to join our monthly meetings.
"I don’t know much about rocks. Will I fit in?"
Absolutely! We have a diverse range of members with varying interests and education levels. Our club welcomes everyone interested in minerals, rocks, gems, fossils, and the lapidary arts.
"Are the club meetings family-friendly/ enjoyable for all ages?"
Yes, indeed! We have members of all ages, and our juniors get the opportunity to learn in their age-appropriate class. Our juniors coordinator, Shari Luttikhuisen, is an educator with a passion for teaching youth geologists."
"What does a typical club meeting include? What's on the agenda most nights?"
Meetings usually follow the same outline each time but highlight different topics every month. When you arrive, you will be greeted and asked to put on a name tag and take a door prize ticket. We will then explain the agenda for the evening, show the specimens raffled off that night, and how to participate in any contests. After that, there will be about 15 minutes to mingle, get snacks, buy raffle tickets, and participate in the contest. Once that time is over, we will pick a door prize winner, announce the contest winner, and then dismiss the juniors to their class. Adults will then move into business, hearing reports from the board and making announcements about future business. This can take roughly 30 minutes. The juniors return at this time, and we move on to the final part of the evening, which is hearing from our speaker. Speakers include club members, professors, experts in the field, etc., and can cover a range of topics depending on the month. Most lectures are about 45 minutes long and include time for questions at the end. You are free to leave at any point, but we encourage you to stay for the entire evening."
"Are you a 501 (c) 3?"
We are a 501(c)3. We are a nonprofit organization.
"What is my membership fee going toward?"
The membership fee covers individuals under the Midwest Federation's insurance, which allows you to attend the club's field trips. These field trips potentially provide access to areas that are restricted to the general public, such as private tailing piles, mines, and private claims. This insurance covers both the individual and the property owner from any liability. This is the only way the club is allowed access to private areas. To go on club field trips, you must be a member.
"Does the club do field trips?"
Yes, we do! Our field trip coordinator, Jon Mull, has many trips planned for the year. We take trips locally as well as big trips like the one to New Mexico for Spring Break. In the winter, club members typically host basement field trips to show off personal collections. We also take trips to see museums and other large collections. When the weather gets better, the club takes weekend trips in Michigan and nearby states. These trips are usually family-friendly and open to all ages, though some sites may have age restrictions.
"I have a rock I can't identify; who can I ask about it?"
You can bring your specimen to any of the general meetings the club hosts. We set aside time during the meeting specifically for these kinds of questions to be answered. Most people can help identify your specimen or point you to someone who can. Typically, fossils can be identified by Kurt Brink or Jon Mull, while rocks/minerals can be identified by CJ Proos, Bob Sherwood, or Bob Sinke. They are all happy to help!
"I left rocks in my pocket and ran it through the wash. Do you know anyone who can fix a washing machine?"
For washing machine repairs, you may check the yellow pages or search online for an appliance repair service.