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You can find more information about the Club on the Internet at the following link:

Types of information you will find include newsletters, events, class descriptions, Club by-laws, Club location with directions, and current board members and instructors along with their contact information.

You can also get more information by attending one of the monthly meetings and talking to other members.

Types of memberships and the prices can be found online on the Membership Application and Renewal Form and also on the last page of the newsletter.

You can print out a PDF copy of the OPLC membership form or visit the Club and pick up a form there.

Any shop monitor can provide you with one.

After you have become a member you will receive the monthly newsletter at the email address that you provide on the membership form.

If you did not provide an email address, you will receive your newsletter via US Mail.

Newsletters are sent out the week before each general meeting.

You can also access the current and past newsletters online.

The best way to get started is to come to the monthly meetings. The general meeting is held the second Saturday of every month.

The Club's main fundraiser, the Annual OPLC Silent Auction, is held the first Saturday of each November, one week before the regular November meeting.

When you walk into the clubhouse for the first time, you will see two long tables in the meeting room, not the kitchen. Sign in on the "Meeting Sign-in" sheet and then put your name in the "boot" for the monthly door prize.

Your nametag, membership card, and complimentary shop pass will be waiting for you on the cabinet with the printer on it in the kitchen. These are all yours to keep, so take them home with you.

There is a "Raffle" table at the front of the meeting room with various prizes. You can purchase one raffle ticket for $1 or three tickets for $2.

Ticket numbers will be called at the end of the meeting. If your number is called, you get to choose whatever prize you want that is still on the table. Raffle proceeds are used to offset Club expenses.

It's hard when you are new, but rockhounds are friendly folks. Just ask anybody for help! Ask them to point out a board member or one of the membership greeters.

They can show you where to get a cup of coffee and where to look for the class and field trip sign-up sheets.

There are sign-up sheets for all classes and field trips that are offered at the Club.

Class sign-up sheets are on the south wall in the main room of the clubhouse.

Field trip sign-up sheets are on the island in the kitchen.

Beginner classes are offered in silversmithing, casting, faceting, and lapidary.

If you don't have any rough to cut for the lapidary class, feel free to pick something from the rock pile outside the shop.

Class descriptions are available online. If you would like further information, please contact the instructor.

The Club does not currently have an organized library of photos, but there are examples of faceted stones and cabochons on display in the clubhouse.

Shop passes are available from the treasurer at all monthly meetings and from any shop monitor.

Lab fees are $2 an hour.

Cash or checks only — no credit cards.

Hours vary based on the time of the year.

The current schedule is available online and is also posted in each newsletter toward the back.

You can look at the latest newsletter online.

It's also best to call before you arrive so the monitor knows you are planning to be there, and you know for sure the monitor will be there.

Your instructor or shop monitor can provide you with a list of materials and/or tools you need.

Each shop does have all the tools and equipment you need if you are not ready to purchase them.

Many local supply houses have ads in the newsletter with discounts for Club members.

There are no formal written instructions. Shop monitors will walk you through how to use the equipment.

When you take a class, the instructors will illustrate the correct ways to use the particular equipment used in the class.

You may be told about a good book to buy or check out from the Club library.

The library is located at the front of the clubhouse if you would like to check anything out. Checkout time is for one month.

The schedule is posted in the newsletter under the "Weekly Workshop Schedule" and on the Club website.

It is best to call before coming to the Club.

Members can leave their rough with the saw room monitor along with instructions on how they want their rock cut.

The saw room monitor will let you know when your slabs are ready to pick up.

The best way to find out about field trips is to come to the general meetings where they are announced or to contact the field trip committee chairman.

You can find contact information online or in the Committees Section of the newsletter.

The Club is "run" by volunteers. It cannot function without dedicated, interested members who volunteer on projects, hospitality, committees, the board and more.

Please contribute as a volunteer to keep OPLC running!

Contact any board member to find out where help is needed. Names and phone numbers of all Board members are on the front of each newsletter.