We seem to have finally settled into a rhythm. Every other week, on Wednesdays, we convene for a program at 5:30pm EDT. During the preceding week we hold technical run throughs to make sure that everything is in order. The programs themselves seem to be going along smoothly. But, more importantly we appear to be achieving our goals with these programs.
 
We took the view that with the pandemic and the requirement to stay at home, or at least not to venture out much, that people are missing their usual stamp connections. Every World Series of Philately show has been canceled since when? And people are missing both stamp content and personal connections. We intentionally made these programs open to the entire philatelic public, not just our members. We have posted video for the programs, in the openfor all to view, for two weeks following the broadcast date. We wanted to reach people. Judging my by our attendance data and the feedback we have received, it does appear as though we have become a feature in people’s philatelic lives. And this delights us. We have also been delighted to see that many have chosen to join us. With no explicit effort on our parts to “sell” the club, we have seen a significant volume of new member applications. To both those new members, as well as for those who have been here for some time, it might be worthwhile to review the benefits of membership.
We have what must be the finest and most extensive library of philatelic programs in the world, given by some of the finest philatelists. Have you reviewed this content lately? Please do this and I am sure you’ll return and return.
 
Our journal has been fully digitized and is available to facilitate both your research efforts and reading pleasure. And, while we are on the topic of this journal, have you thought of writing for the CCP? For those of you who exhibit, have you considered that an article in this journal will be placed in front of the greatest number of judges? Might be worth it just to get an extra couple of points.
Our library’s lending capability is being upgraded and soon you’ll be able to both borrow books and obtain brief extracts form books and journals via scans.
On July 22, we began our program with a presentation to two young people who had just graduated our young people’s program. The video is on the website . Please have a look. Isn’t this effort worth supporting? As well as our efforts with beginning adults?
 
Lastly, there is that term whose meaning I never quite understood, fellowship. Being a part of a group who hold to a common set of interests in which we are united with a love of this hobby and what it can do to unite us all. With so much dividing people in this world, it is really wonderful to come together with a love of stamps, of postal history, of a hobby that never fails to lift our spirits and challenge our intellects.
 
Now that my commercial has come to a close, I’d like to cover some new territory.
At our most recent Board of Governors meeting, we agreed to extend our virtual programming efforts into and throughout the 2021/2022 season. For the time being we will plan on continuing to offer two virtual programs a month, on alternative Wednesdays. Also, provided the health situation is acceptable, we hope to offer one program a month in the Club House at 22 East 35th Street. And, we intend to live stream the in-person events onto the web. As you would expect, these plans are being constantly evaluated and reevaluated in light of not only everyone’s health concerns but the appetite for these programs, both the virtual and in-person ones.
 
For those of you in the New York metropolitan area, you know that the contagion rate has diminished, while it has grown elsewhere in the US. We dearly hope everyone is bearing up and remaining well. Life has to some degree slowly showing signs of returning to a pre- normal outside of Manhattan. But, Manhattan still seems to be very quiet. Our staff has returned to work in the Club House, but we are not yet prepared to re-open the building to members or the public. We are monitoring everything, as you would expect, but I think we will probably be followers rather than leaders in the road towards a pre- normalpre-normal in the City. It will probably be a while.
But our goal remains unchanged. To celebrate our hobby and to use all the virtual/digital tools of our age to bridge the gaps that have appeared as a consequence of everything. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

 

–Lawrence Haber

This is the third president’s message I have written for this journal. I wish I could report on an eventful period but, as I believe we all know, it has been uneventful in a very eventful way. Personally, I feel somewhat like how I imagine Colonel Nicholson must have felt before Sessue Hayakawa let him out of the punishment hut.
 
It should come as no surprise but we had to completely reconfigure our program schedule once we closed the Club house in mid-March. Rather than getting down on ourselves and throwing up our hands in frustration, we’ve done the right thing. We have striven to bring philatelic programming to the entire philatelic community. It has not always been easy and there has been some stress along the way, but we believe we have been getting there. This has involved the dedicated commitment of a number of key individuals. We would be remiss if we did not recognize the contributions of Vice President Joan Harmer, and Programming Chairman Steve Reinhard. Obviously, we have been very fortunate with our speakers. They have adjusted admirably and with good humor as new demands were placed upon them. If you have not been able to join us on the day, please be sure to watch the videos, at your leisure, on our website.
 
We are also extremely appreciative of the efforts by the American Philatelic Society, the US Philatelic Classics Society and the US Stamp Society for helping us get the word out. We also asked a number of the major philatelic auction houses for help in publicizing these programs and they all, without exception, responded and sent emails or posted notices on their websites. These have included Kelleher, Schuyler Rumsey, Robert Siegel, HR Harmer and Harmer International. Every time an enterprise sends an email out there is a risk that some of the recipients will unsubscribe and we appreciate these commercial colleagues taking the risk and helping out.
 
Looking forward, we have been trying to anticipate both the health situation as well as the expected willingness of members and friends to join us on location at 22 East 35th. As of this day, all programs through early November have been transitioned to the internet.
 
This brings us to our annual Single Frame Exhibit Competition, scheduled for November 4th. The Board of Governors has decided that it would be wise to move to a virtual competition conducted on the internet and ultimately incorporated within a Zoom program on the original date. Further information will be forthcoming, but this writer believes that in addition to breaking new ground, it will be an unparalleled competition. It will be a huge joy to get all those (virtual) frames mounted.
 
Originally, we scheduled the Lichtenstein Award Dinner for May 20th. At an early stage in the pandemic, the dinner was then moved to October 21st. Regretfully, we have determined it would be prudent to defer this dinner to next year, May 2021. On that date, we will gather to honor two Lichtenstein award winners: John Barwis and our new winner, yet to be selected. We will be sending out information for the nomination process and we would like to remind you that any member of the Club can submit a Lichtenstein Award nomination. I urge you to participate and nominate a worthy recipient.
 
At this stage we do not know when we will be able to reopen the Club house. This depends not only on the situation in Manhattan and governmental mandates but on our intent to safeguard the safety of our employees, members and visitors. They are foremost in our thoughts. There will be no compromises in this regard. Again, rather than throwing our hands up in frustration, we intend to make some lemonade out of all these lemons. We will be announcing new policies and capabilities that will allow us to better serve our members. Shortly, members in the US will be able to efficiently borrow books from our Library and for members, worldwide, to obtain scans of excerpts from philatelic books and journals. Our goal is to liberate the Library from the confines of our building, bringing it to your mailbox: USPS or online.
 
One of the things that many of us miss most in the midst of this pandemic, is the lack of social contact with our philatelic friends. You should know that at the end of each of our Zoom programs, we open the floor up so that we can all be in the same virtual space. I encourage you to join us, turn your video on and unmute yourself. Let’s not forget what brings us together as a community: the friendship and camaraderie of those who share a common passion.
 
Lastly, I would like to thank the membership of this Club for showing so much support for us during this difficult period and for remaining positive in the face of so much disheartening news. You are all a wonderful group of people.
 

–Lawrence Haber

Doubtless some of our readers will note a new author for this regular column and will correctly infer that a new president was elected at the January 8th annual meeting of the Club. My first task, after a mere 3 weeks on the job, is this: to write a 600-word piece for the CCP.
 
But prior to discussing the background, life story and aspirations of this writer, a word on my predecessors and our Board of Governors.
 
The Club was indeed fortunate to have had the services of Mark Banchik as its president for the past few years. There is no question he left the Club in better condition than as found. These improvements are self-evident of those of you who have either visited the Club in its Murray Hill location or virtually via our website. The building has a fresher look about it. We are delighted to have the Philatelic Foundation sharing our space with us. This has not only strengthened our financial position but has added to the centrality of this location as a focus of excellence for the philatelic world.
 
Our programming is exceptionally strong and at a consistently high level. The regular meetings of the Club are available on video and are viewed by members from across the globe. Our presence at stamp shows meetings has been invigorated. We have run programs at these shows to consistently high numbers of attendees. Our journal is amongst the strongest of its type and we are indeed fortunate to have Wayne Youngblood as our editor.
 
When we survey these accomplishments both retrospectively and prospectively, we recognize that these cannot and ought not be the work of a single individual. But rather as a team effort of the officers, Board and membership. As a volunteer-led organization, none of this could have been possible without the committed efforts of a strong and cohesive Board of Governors.
 
In moving forward, I am very fortunately in having the support of a Board largely unchanged from that which worked so productively with Mark. As one enters the Club and walks up the staircase to the 2nd floor, one passes by a photo gallery of past presidents. It is not possible but to be intimated by some the greatest names in philately. But I am comforted by the support of a Board comprised of a peerless group of philatelists.
 
My goal is very simple: to serve the membership of this Club and to help members identify areas where they can help out. We are volunteer-led and we depend on you. Wherever possible we ask your support for this great and historic organization. No matter your talents, we have no doubt you can make a major impact. We are certain that the satisfaction you’ll earn will more than recompense you for the effort. Elsewhere in this journal you will note a request for Library volunteers to assist our efforts. That could be a perfect opportunity to lend a hand.
 
Before I close this message, I would like to urge you to join us at the Cornell Club on May 20th when we hold our annual awards dinner. We will be recognizing all our award winners as well as bestowing the Lichtenstein Award on John Barwis. We will be honoring John who has honored all of us with his efforts in support of our hobby. The evening will doubtless be one of the highlights of the philatelic year. We would love to see you there.
 
Lastly, I appreciate the confidence being shown in me and I will endeavor to not only to do my best, but to listen to you and ensure we build upon the Club’s success.
 

–Lawrence Haber

‘Looking back, looking forward‘

 

A new slate of officers will be elected by the Board of Governors at the Collectors Club Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 8th, 2020. This marks the culmination of my three-year stint as Club President. For this last President’s Letter please allow me to reminisce for a bit before signing off.

One is never fully prepared to take over a key leadership role. No matter how well you think you know the organization, people, and objectives, the reality is often quite different. My immediate predecessor spent considerable time and effort in the leadup and events surrounding the New York 2016 International Stamp Show. But, on my taking office, the Club’s priorities immediately shifted. We were facing critical building structural problems, cash flow issues created by changing global market forces, decreasing availability of key volunteers/leadership, and fundraising/development challenges in the aftermath of a major New York international exhibition.

Thankfully, the Board rose to the challenge! In the space of three short years we overcame many, but not all, of the Clubhouse building issues (no more regular calls about water damage after every rainstorm), recruited our current Collectors Club Philatelist editor, negotiated a sharing agreement with the Philatelic Foundation that allows greater use of our landmark Clubhouse and library while providing continuing financial support and attracting increased commercial interest.

Board members have stepped up in reinvigorating the fundraising/development process to further support our programs and mission. Outreach at select stamp events continues, with greater member representation both nationally and internationally. Youth and beginning adult collectors groups are active, and membership has stabilized.

We continue to upgrade our legacy systems and web site on an ongoing basis. Meeting videos and the CCP are now available online, and work progresses in blending social media into our operations. Many have complimented us on our updated logo and image, which more closely reflect who we are. As we are able to dedicate additional resources to it, our library continues to be more user friendly.

A truly major accomplishment has been the recruitment of future leadership and talent onto the Board. We now have a depth of talent which will be a continuing resource for the future.

None of this would have been possible without the unceasing support of volunteers, members, various auction houses, advertisers, and our dedicated staff. Without them we would be a shadow of what we are. In addition, I cannot thank my fellow Board members enough; they individually and collectively supported me in making our Club a better place. Though I have had the privilege of being President, they are the force that enabled my efforts.

With all our progress, there remain several areas for the incoming team to excel in: a continued integration of social media and internet tools to enhance our functions and outreach; ongoing building enhancements to allow greater accessibility, within the scope of our landmark status; an integration of speakers’ visits with additional philatelic and nonphilatelic activities; and a reimagining of some of our outreach activities.

Every leadership team has its strengths, priorities, and vision. I am very excited for the Club going forward! I will remain on the Collectors Club Board and look forward to assisting the incoming team going forward.

–Mark Banchik

‘The Sum Is Greater Than the Parts‘

 

It takes a lot to keep our Club up and running. Aside from the usual outlays for operating and maintaining a designated landmark building, it takes people. Key Club functions are dependent on employees and/or contractors in varying roles. Without them our Club experience would be vastly diminished.

That said, the vast majority of our services are provided on a volunteer basis. Working in coordination with the Board, Officers, and staff, we rely on volunteers’ help for the “secret sauce” that makes the Collectors Club stand out in U.S. philately.

Contributing can take many forms: leadership, resources, specific projects, unique expertise, strategic vision, and outreach are all examples how you can enhance the Club. Note how all Board members assist in moving the Club forward! Some functions may overlap, and we are stronger for that.

Specific areas where you can make a difference are: our Library (volunteering, contributions, special projects, book reviews) with Robert Gray as Library Committee Chair; Program (recruiting speakers, hospitality, presentation write-ups, meeting assistance) with Stephen Reinhard as Chair; Collectors Club Philatelist (recruiting authors and advertisers, writing and reviewing copy, assisting the editor, Wayne Youngblood), with Robert Gray as Advertising Manager; House Committee (input ranges from specialized, i.e., architectural, legal, regulatory, to building function oversight) with Lawrence Hunt, Chair.

Opportunities are also available to assist with Development, with Lawrence Haber, Chair; Outreach, Wade Saadi, Chair; Technology, Joan Harmer, Chair; Website, with Roger Brody and Joan Harmer; Youth/Beginning Collectors, with Debby Friedman; and Image/Branding, with Matthew Healey, Chair. Louis Pataki oversees our annual One-Frame Competition, Roger Brody chairs the Finance and Budget Committees. Bob Rose provides legal insight into our operations, with Dan Ryterband, Ozan Gurel, and Vincent Cosenza contributing managerial oversight and vision to our processes.

Contact the Chair or leader of the area you are interested in to explore how best to proceed. Contact information is on the CCP masthead, or via Irene Bromberg, Executive Secretary. I appreciate your ideas, input, and vision of what we can do going forward. Please share your thoughts and expectations, and how we can achieve them, with me. Our goal is to develop future leadership while maintaining a broad-based talent pool to ensure that we can meet, and even exceed, member expectations.

“It takes a village” may be an overused cliché, but it is true. We are a village whose sum is greater than the parts.

–Mark Banchik