This is The Collectors Club Philatelist’s sixth and final issue of the calendar year. That being the case, providing a brief overview of the Club’s year that will soon be complete might be worthwhile.

During 2023, we provided 23 Zoom programs. A total of 32 individuals presented these programs. Our topics ranged from the classic to the modern, from traditional philately to postal history to topicals. Our presenters came from both inside the US and overseas. We mostly had single-presenter programs and special programs from several specialist groups. We also heard several group discussions and presentations from the National Post Museum and the forthcoming Boston 2026 International. We are committed to growing this hobby and expanding our reach.

As we look at this journal that you are reading right now. We believe that if you line up this issue with the November/December issues from 2022 and before, you will note a decided improvement in all aspects. We hope this journal truly speaks to you. We are proud of our editor’s efforts and the Publication Committee supporting him. We want this journal to be something you read and look forward to appearing in your mailbox.

Our success is dependent on your support. Your articles make the journal what it is, and we look forward to your contributions. But, also, sometimes, the little things can make a difference. The thought occurred the other day that we send our program presenters a very nice certificate and an engraved medal. Very nice. But for our contributors to this journal, historically, we have only provided a hardy handshake, aside for the best article of the year. This individual receives the Robert P. Odenweller Award. But for the rest? Nada, as we say in New York. Well, that is changing. From henceforth, everyone who contributes a full-length article to this journal gets a certificate and a commemorative pen. We have very few illusions about people lusting for another cert and a pen, but sometimes the little things make a difference. This is meant to communicate our appreciation in a visible and tangible way.

I am writing this virtually on the eve of our single-frame exhibit competition, which was held at the National Postal Museum. We are tremendously appreciative of the efforts of the Museum and wish to thank them for their support. But, our presence at the NPM is just one of many venues at which we have been present to meet members and connect with members and those not yet members. We are striving to be present at more shows and other venues where collectors gather.

As we have previously updated you, we have made significant progress in our move. The end is within sight. Demolition was completed in early November at 58 West 40th Street, and the fit-out has begun. The target for completion is early Spring 2024. But, one of the most tangible milestones has passed. We actually had the chance to go furniture shopping. We reviewed several choices for the chairs, sofas, and tables that will be purchased for our new Clubhouse. It is one thing to view a floor plan or a rendering of our new home, but to actually touch the actual furniture is special.

Speaking of the Clubhouse, we have started planning activities in our new home. But, even though we are currently in temporary quarters, we have been holding in-person events. Surely, you have seen the emails on our Show and Tell programs. By year-end, there will have been 9 of these. Slowly, we are all learning to re-engage with other collectors in real space, all at the same time. We hope to put in an exciting program of in-person and hybrid events as we cross into 2024.

We are very excited about the year that is about to close and obviously even more excited by what lies ahead.

Just prior to the publication date of this issue, we learned of the passing of Debbie Friedman. She was a force of nature. Over 50 years of membership in The Collectors Club. A first-rate philatelist and collector. But she will doubtless be most remembered for her efforts to support beginning adult collectors and new young collectors. She approached this task with passion and thorough commitment. Elsewhere, there will be a full-length obituary, but it must be said that we are all enriched from having known her and are all at a loss with her passing.

 

–Lawrence Haber