[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 24 (Monday, February 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION FOR 60TH ANNUAL TUCSON GEM AND MINERAL SHOW

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                            HON. RON BARBER

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2014

  Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th Annual 
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show--the largest gem and mineral exhibition in 
the United States and an event that has set the standard for such shows 
around the world.
  The show, which will be held this year from Feb. 13-16, has been 
hosted for the past six decades by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society 
Inc. The show began as a club show and today is dedicated to presenting 
extraordinary mineral, gem, fossil, lapidary and jewelry exhibits that 
provide a rare window into private and museum collections from around 
the world.
  The theme of this year's show is ``60 years of Diamonds, Gems, Silver 
and Gold'' and will feature a display of diamonds from the Smithsonian 
Institution.
  As a result of interest generated by this long-running show, dozens 
of satellite shows have proliferated throughout the Tucson area--
bringing with them gems, minerals, fossils, meteorites and other items 
from around the world. This weeks-long collection of events has become 
known as the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase and attracts 
thousands of participants, enthusiasts and buyers from across the 
globe.
  During the showcase, Tucsonans and visitors find everything from rare 
diamonds to boxes made of petrified wood. There are dinosaur skeletons, 
loose stones, jewelry, African art, beads, polished stones, minerals 
and gifts of every description.
  None of this would have happened without the vision and the hard work 
by members and volunteers of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society Inc., 
which remains dedicated to promoting the study of earth sciences. I am 
proud to recognize the organization and its members including President 
Diane Braswell and Vice President John Callahan. Its other officers are 
Marilyn Reynolds, Ellen Alexander, Alrene Hibben, Madison Barkley, Mark 
Marikos, Bob O'Donnell, Mark Ascher and Robert and Elaine Royer. The 
chairman of this year's show is Paul Harter.
  I am proud to recognize the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society Inc. on 
the occasion of its 60th Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

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