The Hot Springs Geology Club (HSGC), led by National Park College (NPC) Geology instructor
Dr. George Maxey, has recently earned first place in the 2024 American Federation
of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) Bulletin Editors Contest. This prestigious award
was given in the Large Bulletin category for the South-Central Federation of Mineralogical
Societies (SCFMS) for the year 2023, marking a significant achievement for the club.
The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, a collective of seven regional
federations, is dedicated to fostering public interest and education in Earth Sciences,
including geology, mineralogy, paleontology, and lapidary arts. The federation’s mission
is to coordinate efforts among enthusiasts and to promote international goodwill and
fellowship.
The SCFMS, one of the member federations, encompasses 37 clubs across Arkansas, Louisiana,
and Texas. The Hot Springs Geology Club, as the sole representative from Arkansas,
has distinguished itself with this latest accomplishment.
Raymond Lynch, the editor of the winning bulletin, along with Dr. George Maxey, the
president of the club, have led the Hot Springs Geology Club to this esteemed recognition.
Their dedication to the club’s publication has not only showcased their commitment
to the geology community but also highlighted the club’s role in advancing the educational
purposes of the societies.
Lynch said, “Achieving a first-place finish in the 2024 National American Federation
of Mineral Society editor’s competition for the Hot Springs Geology Club Newsletter,
The Hot Springs Bulletin, was a complete surprise and satisfying as I thought it was
too elusive with strong competition. I have been editor of the Hot Springs Bulletin
for 21 years and I have competed with the goal of producing a winning newsletter.
I started out plain and simple and used the yearly competition results as stepping
stones to improve upon future newsletters. I achieved several national honorable mentions
and a third-place national finish along the way. I also achieved third place, second
place and first place finishes in regional competitions leading to the national competitions.
My goal was to produce a quality newsletter to inform our members of our local club,
regional and national organization happenings and present informative geology. It
was also an important goal to bring attention to our club regionally and nationally.
I have had others to contribute along the way and I am indebted to them in this success.”
Maxey said, “First, I wish to thank Raymond Lynch for his dedicated work producing
the bulletin every month for the last 20 years. In addition, Ray has served as treasurer
and two years as past President.” He added that it is a great honor to work with Lynch
and be involved in the success. “Considering that there are 37 other clubs in the
seven-member, American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, it is a prestigious
honor.”
Maxey added, “Hot Springs Geology Club was founded 50 years ago in May of 1974. The
Club is dedicated to all phases of geology, the rock, mineral, gem, and fossil collecting
hobbies and associated arts. We live in an area of incredible geologic exposure and
that geology needs to be understood and shared with everyone. I am proud to be a part
of this wonderful organization and be involved in celebrating Arkansas’s geologic
heritage.”
