October 21, 2017 Meeting Minutes

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Meeting called to order at 8:04pm (unruly crowd) at 8 to 8 Cigar in Villa Park, IL. Mr. James M. Watts of Westchester, IL. was welcomed to the Club as a new member. The current issue of Pipes and Tobacco magazine has an article featuring Frank Burla as is recommended reading for all members. The upcoming West Coast Pipe Show in Las Vegas is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 4th and 5th this year. Chuck Martin gave a brief Show report to the effect that registrations for tables continue to come in at a reasonable pace and that the Show should be “full up” by early next year………………if not sooner. No other business was discussed as everyone was busy eating pizza.

Respectfully submitted,

Paul Bender

Secretary: Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club.

Meeting dates:

Nov. 18

Dec. 16

2018 dates:

Jan. 20

Feb. 17

Mar. 24

September 23, 2017 Meeting Minutes

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The September, 2017 meeting of the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club was called to order promptly at 8pm on the 23rd at 8 to 8 Cigar in Villa Park, IL. Gift cards were handed out to those volunteers at this year’s Chicago Show who had not yet received them. We want to thank all those members who gave of their time and energy helping out at the 2017 Show this past May. There is so much more to do than just what the Show officers can handle that it is vital that Club members chip in and help out when they can. If you haven’t worked a couple of hours or more at the Show, please consider doing so next year. It will be appreciated.

Sad news was given on the death of Steven Books, a noted tobacco blender from the House of Calabash in Oregon. It is our understanding that the shop was closed for the past several months due to Steve’s failing health and that only online orders were being taken and filled. Steve Books was an acknowledged master tobacco blender and will be missed in the hobby.  It was reported that members Judd Pearlson and Rex Poggenpohl represented the Club at the recent Columbus and Kansas City pipe shows. Thanks, guys. Show Director Craig Cobine reported 215 tables currently sold for next year’s Show at Pheasant Run in St. Charles, IL. Mike Khalil gave information on recent issues with the FDA’s attempts to control premium cigars and pipe tobacco. The issuance of final rules has been postponed until August of 2021. There is currently pending legislation before the Senate to exempt premium cigars from federal regulation. A bill has been passed by the House of Representatives and is now before the Senate. More information can be found on the Cigar Rights of America website and, I suspect, on other sites as well. Let’s hope that this bill also includes relief for pipe tobacco producers as well.

The next meeting will be at 8 to 8 Cigar on October 21st. It’s pizza night! Oh, also, if you are planning on bringing your wife or lady friend to the Christmas party ( I could make some bad jokes here, but I won’t) at our December meeting on the 16th, please let me know so that proper numbers can be given to the caterer to provide ample food.

Future meeting dates for 2017 are:

October 21st

November 18th

December 16th

2018 dates:

January 20th

February 17th

March 24th

Respectfully submitted,

Paul Bender

Secretary/Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club

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