Jeri Jones geologistRenfrew Rocks! Geology Program—“Meet Some Rock Stars!” on tap for Thursday, April 14

WAYNESBORO—Geologist Jeri Jones presents a quick-paced and informative program on the local underground world during a program on Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m. in the visitors center at Renfrew Park. Admission is free.

Sponsored by Renfrew Institute in partnership with the Franklin County Rock and Mineral Club, the program, “Meet Some Rock Stars!,” combines fun with education and continues the popular “Renfrew Rocks!” annual geology series.

“Drive any direction for two hours from Waynesboro,” Jones said, “and you are guaranteed to find some ‘rock stars’—not musical ones, but rocks that make the area very special for scientists.”

Jones’ PowerPoint program will address these special “rock stars” and explain their importance, origin and meaning. The program also explores the geologic history of the area, and questions are invited.

Those who attend may email questions to Jones before the program. “People can email geologic questions to me at jonesgeo@comcast.net, and I’ll feature those questions in the program,” he said. Audience questions are welcome, too, and door prizes will be awarded.

Members of the Franklin County Rock and Mineral Club will have a display and some rock specimen giveaways during the program.

A geologist for more than 35 years, Jones has conducted extensive research on Pennsylvania mining practices, authored several publications, and narrated a 3-part video series on regional geology known as “TimeWalk.” Jones is currently working with a co-author on a children’s book about the geology of Pennsylvania.

In the past Jones has been on the faculty at York College of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg Area Community College and Messiah College. Jones received the Digman Award for Excellence in Geologic Education by the Eastern Chapter of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.

Parking is available behind the visitors center. For more information, email the institute at info@renfrewinstitute.org or call 717-762-0373.

Jones will also lead a geology field trip on Sat., May 7, continuing his “Digging in the Dirt” series. This year’s trip will travel to Schuylkill County to visit a coal mine, learn about the coal mine fire at Centralia, and collect fossils. Details will be available on the institute’s website: www.renfrewinstitute.org.