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