United States Stamp Society
General Membership Meeting Minutes, November 22, 2003
CHICAGOPEX - Arlington Heights, IL

President Jay Stotts called the meeting to order at 1 PM.  He welcomed those present and then asked attendees to give a brief introduction: name and collecting interests.

Eliot Landau moved to waive the reading of the minutes of the October 12, 2002 meeting in King of Prussia, PA and to accept the minutes as published in the November, 2002 issue of The U.S. Specialist.  Second, Jeff Shapiro.  Passed.

Jay announced that several members had earned recognition in 2002:  At the Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Clyde Jennings was given the Hopkinson Memorial Exhibiting Trophy for the best exhibit of 20th century material.  At the same dinner Peter DuPuy received the Southgate Trophy for his exhibit of 19th century material.  (U.S. Specialist, December, 2002).  Recently Wallace Cleland was awarded the Hopkinson Memorial Literature Award for his series of journal articles during 2002 (U.S. Specialist, November, 2003).  Jay added that Hugh Southgate had been inducted in the Writers Unit 30 Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Jay then asked David Bize to read the text of the Century of Service Award that the Board voted to give to Barbara R. Mueller in appreciation of her many years of service to the Society as Editor, chair of several committees, and for her many contributions in the journal.  Attendees added to the acknowledgment with a round of applause.  (Barbara was unable to attend the meeting/show.)

Executive Secretary Larry Ballantyne reported that ballots and dues notices had been sent out; he urged members to respond with dues payment before the end of the year to lessen the need for follow-ups.  He added that membership was down between two and three per cent.  In emphasizing the need to increase membership he cited efforts of Recruiting Chairman Rod Juell and Webmaster Mike Lampson as well as the efforts by members who serve at the table when the Society has a presence at major shows, such as the Mega Shows and the APS Stampshow.

David Sugar, our Treasurer, stated that the Society broke even in 2002, is on track to break even in 2003, and is expected to follow that pattern in 2004.

Len Piszkiewicz, Editor of The United States Specialist, stated that he hopes members keep in mind that it is their magazine; he welcomes articles about specialized and general material.

Webmaster Mike Lampson said that the website has not changed much.  The new Glossary is available there.  Mike encouraged members to submit color images of material they would like to share on the site.  He stated that there are a little over 1,000 hits a month to the website.

Jay said that the Glossary of Terms for the Collector of United States Stamps that Rod Juell edited is available on the website and that members can also purchase a copy for two dollars.  He added that Volume I of the Littlefield book about flat plate booklets may be published by the next meeting at NOJEX.  Sam Frank is coordinating those publication efforts.

Steven Rod had been commissioned to write a series of articles for the journal which would later be published in book form as The Encyclopedia of United States Stamp Collecting.  It was anticipated that this would be a 500-page book with 50 or more chapters.  However, due to personal reasons, Steven is unable to continue in the capacity planned. Therefore the Board readdressed this issue and decided to proceed differently with the project.  Rod Juell was appointed Project Coordinator at the Board meeting and he explained that to continue the project many writers will be needed.  He stated that the original goal was to have a publication that would help with recruitment and retention of members.  Members who volunteer to write one or more of the segments will be given a template to follow.  This will be the same format that Steven used for the first three sections, which have been published in The Specialist.  Each article will start with a narrative of about 1,500 words giving an introduction to the topic, followed by an almanac (chronology), other information written about the subject, notes, examples of postal use, and references.  Submitted articles will be edited and/or tweaked by others so that all material will follow the basic format and have similar tenor.  It was emphasized that it is most important to get the raw data, basic information.  The articles will be published in The Specialist and then compiled into book form. Those present were encouraged to sign up for one or more topics; others who might be willing to help may volunteer at a later date.  The plan is to have a book ready to release at the Washington 2006 show.  Jay added that, ideally, the articles would be submitted in a timely fashion so Len could publish one or two a month.

Kim Johnson, Editor of the Durland Catalog, said that the next edition may be out in 2005.  Delays have been due to his health problems and the publisher's latest font and illustration requirements.  Kim welcomed communication about possible additions or adjustments.  He added that John Larson is submitting reports of new data, and Wallace Cleland is compiling first reports of older issues.  Due to the expanding size of the catalog, it may be necessary to use a larger format.

There was discussion about the possible formation of a study group that would focus on Registered Mail.  Such a group might coordinate efforts with a similar group within the United States Philatelic Classics Society.  Jay suggested that an article be written about the subject for inclusion in the journal.

Jay reported that the First Bureau Committee and the Dummy Booklet Study Group do not have chairpersons at this time.  In response to a question about "dues" for a committee or study group, he added that expenses incurred by committees or study groups may be submitted to the Treasurer for possible reimbursement.

Gary Hendron interjected that there is a new auxiliary marking group coming on the postal history scene.  Interested persons should watch for press releases.

Nick Lombardi stated that the next Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the NOJEX show, May 29-31, 2004.  This show is always held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Memorial Day weekend.  Nick emphasized that the show committee is eager to help with the needs of the Society for that show.  Jay announced that the 2005 Annual Meeting will either be in Indianapolis or St. Louis.  The 2006 meeting will be in conjunction with Washington 2006.

David Sugar commended Jay Stotts for his many years of service as President of the Society.  Jay's present term will be up at the end of 2003 and he is not running for another term.

Larry Weiss moved to adjourn the meeting.  Second, Nick Lombardi. Passed.

These minutes will be presented for approval at the General Membership Meeting at NOJEX.

Board Meeting Committee Reports