July 22, 2017 Meeting Minutes

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Meeting called to order at “exactly” 8pm at 8 to 8 Cigar in Villa Park, IL. Our newest member, Mr. Dan Woods was introduced to the members. “Welcome aboard, Dan.” Chuck Martin gave a Show report indicating that while not all tables are sold out as yet, reservations continue to come in and all looks good for next year. Show Director Emeritus Frank Burla was absent due to family commitments while Show Director Craig Cobine was absent due to continuing health concerns. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Craig for a final and lasting resolution to his health issues over the past two years. “All the best to you, Craig, from all of your fellow enthusiasts in the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club.” Discussions ensued about inserting a place on the Club website for comments and recommendations from members and friends regarding Club and Show activities. This will be taken up at the next board meeting along with other recommendations and issues recently voiced by several members.

Our good friend and fellow member, Dino Argyropoulos’ church, St. Demetrious Church located in the Lincoln Square area of Chicago at 2727 W. Winona St. is having it’s annual “Lincoln Square Greek Fest” with Greek food, music and plenty of ouzo to go around, according to Dino who tends bar there for the event. All are welcome to come and enjoy on August 18, 19 and 20th. Opaa!

Meeting dates:

August 26th

September 23rd

October 21st

November 18th

December 16th

Respectfully submitted,

Paul Bender

Secretary

Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club

March 18, 2017 Meeting Minutes

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Meeting was called to order at 8:02 pm on 3/18/17 at 8 to 8 Cigar in Villa Park, IL. Various possible developments regarding pending FDA regulations of premium cigars and pipe tobacco were discussed. Posters for the upcoming Chicago Show were given along with flyers for the Show to those members who are able to distribute these items to various tobacco shops in the general Chicago area. The question came up as to other hotels in the St. Charles area that would have available rooms for Show attendees as Pheasant Run is apparently fully booked for the Show. It was suggested that those interested in finding alternate lodgings should go to the St. Charles website for information on hotels in the area. Craig Cobine indicated that a coupon book would be presented to all Show attendees paying full admission that would allow them to receive tobacco samples and other tobacco items at the Show as part of the entry fee. It was announced that the pipe making seminar is now all sold out. It was also announced that a new event, a meerschaum pipe making seminar will also be held with spaces currently available. The membership was informed that the Saturday night dinner event at the Show will be undergoing a significant change this year. In the past, a single entry was served, consisting of a filet Mignon with appropriate side dishes for a set price which included a “goodie bag” replete with pipe tobacco, cigars and other tobacco related items that was distributed to every diner. This year, an alternate menu is being provided inclusive of a beef dish but also providing alternative chicken, fish and vegetable dishes, all at lower prices than the previous steak dinner. No goodie bags will be provided, but several boxes of cigars will be provided as door prizes. Also, the tobacco blending seminar will be held this year. There was some question about that due to the confusion surrounding the pending FDA hindrances. Full information on all of these topics can be found on our Club website. Chuck Martin distributed sign up sheets to members requesting as many members as possible volunteer and hour or two, or more during the duration of the Show to help out with various duties to make the Show run smoothly. We are asking our members to please volunteer a couple of hours when possible to help out.

As nothing worthwhile is ever easy, it was noted by Craig Cobine that a newly appointed St. Charles fire marshal has indicated new restrictions to our exhibitor table arrangements in the Expo Center. No tables are to be allowed to be placed in front of fire extinguishers and electrical outlets. Unfortunately, the fire marshal has refused to indicate on the floor plan provided by the Club, how many or which tables are to be removed leaving the Show committee with no idea of how many tables will be available for exhibitors. Repeated requests for a specific table count have gone unanswered. Let us pray.

Upcoming meeting dates:

April 22nd

May 20th

June 24th

July 22nd

Respectfully submitted,

Paul Bender

Acting President – Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club

February 18, 2017 Meeting Minutes

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This meeting of the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club was called to order at 8 to 8 Cigars in Villa Park, IL at precisely 8pm on February 18th, 2017. Birthday cigars were distributed to members who’s birthdays occurred in January and February of this year. Chuck Martin gave a Show report indicating that there were issues with the new municipal fire marshal in St. Charles, IL. regarding the table layout for the upcoming 2017 Chicago Show. Over a dozen tables are currently being required for removal due to proximity to fire extinguishers in the exhibit hall of the Pheasant Run resort. This may balance out, if not remitted, due to cancellations received from table holders. Chuck also passed out copies of “volunteer lists” for this year’s Show. This lists gives and hourly breakdown of each day prior to the Show from Tuesday through the end of the Show on Sunday. Members are asked to fill in their name for whatever hours on whatever days they are available to cover necessary duties during the Show from setting up equipment for various seminars at the Show to helping out at the registration desk, silent auction area and other necessary activities. Everyone who can spare some time is asked to indicate what hours on what days they can work and return the information to Chuck either by handing back the form or by emailing him at cemartin@mc.net. There will be a meerschaum carving seminar this year with an entry fee of $250 which covers the meerschaum block and all necessary instruction and equipment need to complete the pipe. The pipe smoking contest at the Show, which takes place on Sunday afternoon in the smoking tent was discussed. Anyone wanting to register for the contest can do so prior to the Show by going on the United Pipe Clubs of America website at www.unitedpipeclubs.org. The site has a page where you can register for the contest at our Show plus photos and a description of this year’s contest pipe. The entry fee is $50.00 for those belonging to a pipe club affiliated with the UPCA. If you are not a member of a club affiliated withe the UPCA, the cost is $55.00. The contest pipe, which you get to keep, is worth the money plus you may very well qualify for a prize based on your time. The next meeting dates for the club at 8 to 8 in Villa Park are March 18th and April 22nd.

Respectfully submitted,

Paul B. Bender

Acting President-Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club